College sweethearts Barry and Jill Miller left the cold wind in Chicago for the warm breeze at The Cliffs Mountain Park. What drew them in was the beauty of mountains without the constant heavy snow. In November 2017, they permanently moved to their newly built and designed home. To escape from accomplished careers, they often traveled to the Caribbean and discovered a family favorite beach spot in Cabo San Lucas. It inspired them to buy a property on the Baja, which they visit annually. Both have taken up golf, sought new experiences and restaurants in local mountain towns. Over the years, they’ve supported each other, dreamt big and reached the peak.

As Cincinnati, OH, natives, it was natural for them to attend the University of Cincinnati to achieve a bachelor’s degree. It also happened to be the place they met and have been happily married since 1976. Jill’s degree was a Bachelor of Science in design. She pursued a position as a fashion buyer and worked in several department stores. Jill became a manager of the retail store Marshall Fields and climbed a career mountain. She started as an assistant store manager, became a store manager and then a regional director. Finally, she reached the top as regional vice president of all Chicago stores. Influenced by his peers, Barry became a go-getter and received three degrees in math, history and education. "I always wanted to be a history professor. I was going to be one of those guys who smoked a pipe and wore tweed,” he says. He taught junior and high school for four years. A career shift led them to Minneapolis after he decided to become a veterinarian and continued his education there. Once Barry received his doctorate, he got hired at a clinic in Chicago. Eventually, he bought his own practice and worked hard at providing great medicine. He also built a great team and grew the practice. The Millers have three grown kids including Katie, Matthew and Laura. Matthew is married to Ashley and Laura to Charlie. They visit all three kids and their four grandchildren as often as they can. Furry family members they adore are two Golden Retrievers, Lucy and Charlie. "They don’t miss the Chicago winters, either," Barry says. 

One exciting thing about retirement has been enjoying all the activities the neighborhood provides. Time has been spent learning to play golf and re-discovering hobbies. About twice a week, they try a new restaurant in the area. They venture to Hendersonville, Asheville and Greenville for a taste of appetizing plates. Their favorites are Curatae, Limone and Bouchon in Asheville. Postero’s in Hendersonville has also earned stars on their list. All the eateries in Traveler’s Rest are excellent and frequented, along with others in Greenville. Vacationing with family has always been important to them. "When the kids were young we went to the British and American Virgin Islands," Barry says. They also spent time in the mountainous island of St. Lucia. Another notable family trip was to a Tuscan villa in Italy! The Millers appreciate getaways at sand and sea, but the Blue Ridge scenes feel more like home. Jill shares her favorite part of living in The Cliffs: "The mountains are just so calming. I really love the area and the great people we’ve met."

Between a full-time career and raising children, Jill didn’t have time for leisure except she did enjoy hunting for antiques. Retirement has been a stage of discovering new activities. While building a home in The Cliffs, Jill utilized her creativity while building their house. She designed the interior of the house and found the right places for her antique pieces. Once they moved in, she delved into backyard beautification with gardening. It’s been a joyful experience to find new outlets. “I’ve enjoyed volunteering for anything youth related. Tutoring students and helping with reading programs in Chicago,” she says. Continued education has intrigued her as well. One of the reasons they moved was so they could take classes at the Olli educational program at Furman. When they aren’t trying a different restaurant, Jill loves to cook. Otherwise, she can be found with her nose in a book. She’s a member of the book club in Mountain Park. The book on her nightstand is Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In The End by Atul Gawande. Historical stories are a go-to including stories about World War II, but she’s trying to branch out from that. She explains, “We read fiction and non-fiction. I like a story that there is true meaning to it. A good tale to be told and makes you reflect on your own personal life.” Jill shares that the most influential people in her life were family. "My parents were early influences and good people. My dad had a strong work ethic and they both instilled if we work hard, we would be successful." 

Barry has rediscovered hobbies he put aside while working full-time. Previously, he was a tennis player and bike rider and recently reintroduced those activities back into his life. Hiking trails and other outdoor outlets allow him to take in the scenic views. Grandparents raised Barry and were big influences in his life. They gave him the freedom to gravitate to anything he was comfortable with. Friends also impacted his drive. “All my friends were overachievers and it made me want to be one also,” he shares. His wife has been the most inspirational to him with incredible support. “My wife let me see what we could be. The words ‘can’t' and ‘no' weren’t a part of our vocabulary,” he explains. One achievement he’s proud of is forming a rotary club that met at the Sheridan Yacht Club in Chicago! He was the fundraising chairman for 20 years. Sights have been set on ways he can get involved locally. Jill and Barry joined The Cliffs Residence Outreach program (CRO) to help with fundraising for the Greenville County School District, which gives to kids in need.

The Millers can be found dining at the cabin in Mountain Park. Drop in to say hi and stay awhile. Conversations will take neighbors to interesting places. Different perspectives and majestic views keep the Millers enjoying life at a higher altitude.