Savannah Shaver

Catawba College, Alumni Relations, Advancement Development Office

Native of Rowan County

Industry: Higher Education

Savannah Shaver sees Rowan County as “the best mixture of country living and farm growing … to dress-up dinners, nice roof-top receptions, and busy downtown lights.” 

Her home county is “a place for every person,” she says. “We’re in the heart of North Carolina, roughly 4 hours from the beach and 2 hours from the mountains.” 

She grew up riding horses in the Mt. Ulla area, majored in musical theater at Catawba College, and now works at the college in Alumni Relations in the Advancement Development Office. In college, she came to appreciate her hometown more and realized that she did not want to leave. “This will always be home,” she says.

She loves all things outdoors and the many public parks in the county, especially Sloan Park. As an adult, she finds the western Rowan park a peaceful, quiet area for exploring nature’s beauty, especially the disc golf trail and the nature trails. In addition, tons of children come there to play, just as she did as a child. 

For newcomers, she recommends “taking in the tranquil and beautiful — the land, the native trees, the farms, the historical places. Whether evening, middle of the day, or the peak of morning, it’s cool to be in that moment,” she says.

She also enjoys the beauty of High Rock Lake, where she spends time boating in summer and winter with her boyfriend and dog, Skipper Dog, who takes to the water, no matter the weather.

Her favorite restaurant is Go Burrito with its lively atmosphere, roof-top seating, rum bar and indoor and outdoor areas, she says. “You’re likely to run into someone you know or someone with information about another fun event,” she says. However, an all-time favorite food is the ice cream at Patterson Farm Market & Tours. “Cotton Candy Ice Cream with Candy Corn is incredible,” she says. Another original!

The Cheerwine Festival is a favorite event, with the opportunity to celebrate a company and product that originated here and is so successful. “There is nothing more rewarding than taking part in celebrating a locally grown, and much loved product from my hometown,” she says. The original cherry flavored cola fits right in with the county slogan, Be an Original,™ which to Savannah means “showcasing yourself, and all that you’re passionate about. Put YOU on display. You never know what your confidence and passion will spark in others,” she says.

“I enjoy going out to sporting events (especially Tailgate America), visiting friends and family out on the town, seeing productions all over the county, and just taking advantage of open invitations,” she says. “There is so much rich history in the towns that make up Rowan County. We are surrounded by entrepreneurs, local businesses, supportive and passionate citizens, and numerous faith-based communities.”

She would also tell newcomers to the area to expect quality food in the local restaurants. “No matter if it’s a barbecue joint to fine cuisine, the food is as great as the people here,” she says.