Q: An Evening to Support a Season's Hero

From Season’s at Highland Lake “If you’ve dined with us before, you likely know Chris. He’s been a dedicated member of the Season’s team for over 23 years and his enthusiasm, humor and positive spirit can’t be missed. He always puts others ahead of himself and has even saved a number of guests who needed emergency attention over the years. Earlier this year, Chris was diagnosed with ALS. In the face of this sobering reality, Chris and his family have been a model of strength, resilience, and grace. To honor them and raise financial support for the challenges ahead, Season’s will host a special evening to honor Chris and his family. On Sunday, November 7 from 5-8PM, we will host a special dinner featuring a Prix Fix Menu inspired by Chris’ favorite items. The cost is $75 per person and all proceeds will go directly to Chris and his family. Tom, our esteemed wine sommelier, will be auctioning bottles of wine to support the cause while our regular musicians will be providing live entertainment. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the service, smiles and support that Chris is known for. Reservations must be made by calling 828-696-9094 and will not be available online. If you are unable to attend this event but would like to support Chris and his family, please consider donating to the GoFundMe Page that was created on his behalf.”

Q: Secrets to Getting the Most Out of the 75th NC Apple Festival Labor Day Weekend

Insider tips from 1898 Waverly Inn: Western North Carolina’s largest festival hits a big year this Labor Day weekend with our 75th NC Apple Festival. It’s Hendersonville’s busiest weekend of the year which in the past has had close to 250k people walking Main Street from Friday morning through Monday’s King Apple parade finale. You’ll find the biggest crowds at the festival on Friday from 3pm-8pm, all day Saturday and Sunday until 6pm. You’ll also find the highest room rates of the year on Friday and Saturday night as well. To get the best value, book Thursday night before the festival starts and hit Main Street at 10am. At this time, you’ll avoid the elbow to elbow crowds and will also reach merchants and apple farmers before most other festival goers. If you want to see one of the best small town parades in the Southeast, then book Sunday night at the Waverly at the end of the festival. That will give you the last moments of the street fair on Sunday night and will also allow you to stick around on Monday to watch the King Apple Parade from the front porch of the inn at 2:30. You’ll also be able to enjoy great food and live music which we will provide up until the parade starts. The Waverly Inn still has many great rooms for the Apple Festival. Call 828.693.9193 and book today.

Question 1

Restaurant Community Action for Ukraine

Accepted Answer

Katie Button Restaurants has activated Benevolent Spirits, their independent restaurant community action effort, to support World Central Kitchen. World Central Kitchen is quickly organizing and establishing teams in and around Ukraine to feed the hungry.
&#8220;Sharing a plate of food can bring dignity and humanity in the darkest moments.&#8221;
The donation program at participating restaurants, bars, breweries, and coffee shops in Asheville will run next week, March 9-15.
Below is the ask. To participate, please do the following, now:

Sign Benevolent Spirit&#8217;s Google Form by March 7.
Choose a cocktail or beverage of which all proceeds (profits after costs covered) will be donated directly to World Central Kitchen.
KBR will be creating posters to communicate the program to your guests, along with donation envelopes for tables, urging guests to leave additional funds. They will coordinate a pick-up time for table envelopes and posters later for participanting restaurants, and can likely drop off if needed. Checks left in envelopes should be mailed directly to WCK, and cash should be tallied and included in the donation with the proceeds from the drink selected.
At the end of the program, restaurants will total the proceeds and make a donation through a link that we&#8217;ll send out.

Thank you for your care and your attention. If you do have questions about the program, please reach out to Mary Byers at KBR: mbyers@kbr.email
Read more about the effort in this Citizen Times article.
SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE HERE

Question 2

WNC Cheese Trail - Cheese Fest Update and More!

Accepted Answer

The WNC Cheese Trail will be rescheduling the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest to September 25th 2022 at Oak and Grist Distilling Company in Black Mountain, NC.

After listening to our cheesemakers and other key partners, we made the decision to postpone the Cheese Fest until September 25, 2022. We want everyone to fully and safely participate in all that the Cheese Fest offers — like tastings and pairing — and the majority of cheesemakers felt unable to do so at this time due to staffing and supply chain issues.
We also need to have the volunteer infrastructure to support our cheesemakers, chefs, and activities. A fall Fest will allow us to put on the type of event you all love — giving you everything Cheesy in one place!
Finally, we are moving the event from Highland Brewery to Oak and Grist Distilling Company. We’re excited to build this new relationship. As we move forward with planning the event, be assured that we’ll have all the activities you loved from the previous Fests as well as new fun opportunities for the whole family.
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for hand crafted cheese and small family farms. Hope to see you at the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest Fall of 2022!
All ticket holders for Cheese Fest 2020 have been sent an email about how to move forward with their ticket purchase. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer for CMCF 2022 please email wncctcmcf@gmail.com
In Other News

The WNC Cheese Trail now has an app hosted by Loyal Brew! We partnered with Loyal Brew to build this app to create more ways for the public to interact with the Cheese Trail and our many wonderful Members. Our app is separated into two passports, one for our Cheese Makers and the second for our Pairing Partners ( Associate Members). Followers of the WNC Cheese Trail can easily sign up and log when they visit Trail Member locations or purchase Trail Member products. After gathering enough passport &#8220;stamps&#8221; users will have a chance to win prizes from the WNC Cheese Trail! This app is 100% free to our users and no download is necessary!
To view the WNC Cheese Trail app please visit:
https://www.loyalbrew.com/wnc-cheese-trail

Question 3

Completion of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails Announced

Accepted Answer

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) Executive Director Angie Chandler announced the completion of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails on March 3rd. The news highlights the curation of 310 destinations, including artist studios, galleries and arts organizations.
The completed, drivable craft trails now cover 25 Western North Carolina counties, all in the Blue Ridge mountains and foothills and the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Chandler says the footprint of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails is equivalent to the land covered by the state of Maryland.
Visitors can plan their trip at BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com. Itineraries, extensive listings and video with artisans offers a slice of small town creativity.
Chandler says, &#8220;Western North Carolina is one of the most distinctive cultures in the United States. We have amazing craft artists and galleries with such variety and creativity. They are ready to welcome locals and visitors alike.&#8221;
Joe Waldroup Wood Turning and Sculpting
Why this matters now: Trails Tap Into a National Trend
The Blue Ridge Craft Trails offer a new reason to visit the mountains and foothills, get outside and explore hidden gems. Destination Analysts new American travel research shows travelers will focus on fun in 2022, going to less crowded places and enjoying the outdoors.
The Blue Ridge Craft Trails answer the need, including well-known destinations such as Asheville and stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It also invites visitors to small towns and communities such as West Jefferson, Murphy, Sparta and Waynesville to meet artists and makers. Regional itineraries on the website home page combine craft stops with local food, culture and outdoor exploration.
In addition to attracting visitors to small towns, Chandler says the project also connects makers with buyers, bringing economic development to the region.
&#8220;Our heritage area was established to preserve traditional and contemporary craft as a living tradition in Western North Carolina,&#8221; explains Chandler. &#8220;I have long family history in this region. When you think about it, art is an inspired response to the mountains, foothills, forests and fauna around us. Craft is in our cultural DNA.&#8221;
Fingerweaving &#8211; Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee, NC
You&#8217;re Invited!
Wit Tuttell, Vice President of Tourism and Marketing for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Executive Director of Visit North Carolina, invites travelers to plan a North Carolina road trip.
&#8220;We’re asking visitors who love the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most visited National Park Sites in America, to also take a road less traveled,&#8221; Tuttell says. &#8220;The completion of the trails comes at a great time. Its culmination also brings much-needed economic support to craft artists and small businesses in rural areas who have been hurt by the pandemic.&#8221;
Image below: The 25 counties included in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the Blue Ridge Craft Trails.

About The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) serves as the steward of the cultural and outdoor heritage of Western North Carolina’s mountains and foothills. The area was federally designated as a National Heritage Area in 2003 because of its unique culture, character and natural beauty. BRNHA is one of 55 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) in the United States. Others include Yuma Crossing (NHA) in Arizona; Rivers of Steel (NHA) in Pennsylvania; Ohio and Erie Canal Way (NHA) in Ohio; Augusta Canal (NHA) in Georgia; and Niagara Falls (NHA) in New York.

Question 4

Itto Ramen Bar and Japanese Tapas opens in Arden

Accepted Answer

Tony Lin, owner of Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas, has opened his third location at 335 Airport Road in Arden.
&#8220;Brand&#8221; content as it relates to food and drink program is creative and completely delicious, if a little confusing. Is it Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas or Itto Ramen Bar & Japanese Tapas? Is the website ashevillejapanesefood.com (Arden location only) or ittoramen.com (all three locations)? Scaling a business up isn&#8217;t always easy.
The Arden location website doesn&#8217;t have a menu posted, but lists their Specialties as Tapas, Sushi, Ramen, and Dim Sum. See the Arden menu here. I&#8217;ll be going back, but if they launch a solid Dim Sum program, you can bet &#8211; well, alot of things &#8211; that my family will be regulars.
Epicurean Notes:

See image captions for names of dishes.
Love the wall mural! Especially The Great Wave by Hokusai Katsushika. Such a classic.
They got the most seating possible into this space. It&#8217;s done well, but you&#8217;ll probably end up talking to people, definitely checking out plates, at tables near you.
Not easy to see in the image below, but there&#8217;s Sushi Bar seating rear left.
Every dish we had, including the Ramen to go we left with, was excellent!

When you go, keep in mind they&#8217;ve just recently opened and there may be a kink or two to work out. And it&#8217;s always good to call to be sure they&#8217;re open before heading out to a restaurant these days.
Itto Ramen Bar & Japanese Tapas
335 Airport Rd
Arden, NC 28704
828-676-0558

Question 5

Season's at Highland Lake Announces 2022 Wine Dinner Lineup

Accepted Answer

&#8220;This all-inclusive experience at Season&#8217;s at Highland Lake includes several delicious wines carefully paired with a five-course meal. Our chef and sommelier will guide you through the evening and provide insights and facts along the way. It&#8217;s always a great time but seating is limited so be sure to make reservations ahead of time! The dates of all future events are posted below.&#8221; &#8211; Season&#8217;s at Highland Lake

Welcome to our Italian Wine Dinner January 20, 2022
Creamy Florentine Soup
spinach | artichoke | “cacio e pepe” arancini | calabrian chili oil
2018 La Segreta Planeta Grillo DOC, Sicily
Salmone Picatta
white wine butter | fried capers | preserved lemon | zucchini “linguine”
2019 Cantina Zaccagnini “Il Vino dal Tralcetto” Montepulciano/Sangiovese Rosé, Abruzzo
Intermezzo
limoncello sorbetto | luxardo cherry | lambrusco
Crispy Duck Leg
calabrian chilies | balsamic reduction | prosciutto wrapped & goat cheese stuffed figs | basil
2019 Camigliano “Rosso di Montalcino” Sangiovese, Tuscany
Short Rib Bolognese
pork belly | chianti | portobello | salsa di pomodoro | bucatini
2014 Stefano Accordini, Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso Blend, Veneto
Cannoli
pistacchio | espresso salsa al cioccolato
$95 per person
Please call (828) 696-9094 for reservations
Upcoming Wine Dinner Dates:
Italian Wine Dinner | $95
January 20, 2022
Spanish Wine Dinner | $95
February 24, 2022
French Wine Dinner | $95
March 24, 2022
Salute to Spring Wine Dinner | $95
April 21, 2022
Passion for Pinot Wine Dinner | $95
May 19, 2022
Sommelier Smack Down | $105
June 16, 2022
Summer Bounty Wine Dinner | $95
July 21, 2022
Around the World Wine Dinner | $95
August 18, 2022
First of Fall Wine Dinner | $95
September 15, 2022
New World Wine Dinner | $95
October 20, 2022
Chef’s Wine Dinner | $95
November 17, 2022
Holiday Wine Dinner | $105
December 15, 2022
Please call (828) 696-9094 for reservations, a credit card is required to secure a reservation.
Season&#8217;s at Highland Lake
86 Lily Pad Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731

Question 6

Forestry Camp: Unique Dining in Asheville

Accepted Answer

So much to unpack here! I was going to write about our dinner for two in mid-December, 2021 at Burial Beer Co.&#8217;s Forestry Camp in Asheville, but major changes are taking place, so it might be a completely different experience for you when they reopen in February.
&#8220;We will be taking a well-needed rest and reflection for the month of January so that we can open anew on February 4th and welcome you into the new Burial Beer realm. Focusing on a taproom lounge experience, new spaces and venues, and immersive tours. Naturally, we had to have killer new grub from the team of Chefs, the latest VISUALS wine and cider, a list of some of the most incredible wines from friends of Burial, and one hell of an upgraded cocktail list.&#8221;
&#8211; burialbeer.com/location/forestry-camp
So, for now I&#8217;ll share images of the magical evening my friend and I spent over dinner and drinks at Forestry Camp. Can&#8217;t wait to see what they come up with next at such a unique location!
About Forestry Camp:
Built by the CCC, the multi-building facilty housed men who worked building the Blue Ridge Parkway. The structures remain much as they were when originally built, making it a very unique property, especially as a tap room, lounge, and restaurant.
Keep up with the latest from the amazing team at Burial:

Burial Beer Co Website
Burial Beer Co Facebook Page
VISUALS Instagram Page: A natural winery from the folks at Burial Beer Co
Forestry Camp Web Page
Burial Beer Forestry Camp Instagram Feed

Forestry Camp
10 Shady Oak Dr.
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 505-4452

Question 7

Oskar Blues Brewery Celebrates 9 Nine Years in Brevard

Accepted Answer

Music from Mike Guggino and Mike Ashworth of Steep Canyon Rangers
Oskar Blues Brewery announces Brevardiversary, a celebration of nine whole years of brewing in Brevard, North Carolina. Folks are invited to the brewery for a stellar live music lineup and specialty beers on December 12.
Since Oskar Blues arrived in Brevard nine years ago, the brewery has grown and evolved, and become a firmly rooted part of the vibrant community that surrounds it. The first North Carolina brew of Dale’s Pale Ale on 12/12/12 was just the beginning.
“We couldn&#8217;t have done it without the great people in Brevard welcoming us and enjoying the beer being made right here in town,” said Bryan Townsend, Marketing and Events Manager at Oskar Blues. “Sharing fresh beers with neighbors has always been our favorite thing to do. We’re so proud to call Brevard home.”
From 4-6 p.m., get down with live music with local boys Mike Guggino and Mike Ashworth from GRAMMY award-winning band, The Steep Canyon Rangers, featuring very special guest Steve &#8220;Big Daddy&#8221; McMurry from Acoustic Syndicate!
While you boogie, enjoy great food from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagon and sip on our special Brevardiversary Brew, Cosmic Punch IPA. Cosmic Punch is a 6% ABV brew with tropical and white grape aromas. It’s made with a new yeast by Omega Yeast, which is modified to enhance enzyme production to utilize and express compounds in the hops that otherwise lie dormant.
Cheers to you, Brevard! Now, let’s party! Come out and celebrate NINE amazing years of Brevard-brewed craft beer in a can with us. Admission is free. Reach out to Aaron Baker with questions at aaron@oskarblues.com
About Oskar Blues Brewery
Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 in Lyons, Colorado, Oskar Blues Brewery launched the craft-beer-in-a-can apocalypse with their hand-canned flagship brew, Dale’s Pale Ale. Today, Oskar Blues operates breweries in Colorado, North Carolina and Texas featuring Dale’s Pale Ale as the nation’s #3 top-selling craft can six-pack at U.S. supermarkets. Oskar Blues is available nationwide in the US and in over 20 countries. Oskar Blues Brewery is a proud member of CANarchy, a disruptive collective of like-minded craft brewers dedicated to bringing high-quality, innovative flavors to drinkers in the name of independent craft beer.

Question 8

Are 2,000 Cookies Enough? Cookie Walk, Mills River Presbyterian Church

Accepted Answer

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Mills River Presbyterian Church will host its Third Annual Cookie Walk in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 9am to 1pm. The event is open to the public.
 
For $8 people can purchase an empty bakery box and then peruse thousands of homemade cookies. From snicker doodles to peanut butter to old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, people can indicate exactly which type of cookies they wish to add to their box. The Cookie Walk will stretch from one end of the Fellowship Hall to the other, with a wide variety of different cookies available. Each box fits about two dozen cookies.
In addition to the delicious cookies, several food gift items will also be for sale in sealed, decorative containers. These include homemade Chex Mix for $4, Candy in a Jar for $4, and Soup Mixes in a Jar for $8.
Masks are required for anyone attending the Cookie Walk, and COVID safety precautions will be followed. For people wishing to “grab and go,” variety boxes of cookies will be available for purchase at the Fellowship Hall entrance for $8 per box. All purchases must be made with cash or check only (no credit or debit cards) and no pre-orders are accepted.
“Whether you’re purchasing for yourself or to give as gifts, we’ll have an extensive array of holiday treats to choose from,” says Jackie Auten of Mills River Presbyterian Church. “This is a great way to get in the holiday mood. Come out and purchase cookies and goodies for your family, friends and office.”
Mills River Presbyterian Church is located at 10 Presbyterian Church Road in Mills River, accessible from School House Road or Highway 280. For more information, call 828-891-7101 or visit www.millsriverpresbyterian.org.

Question 9

La Rumba, a Different Type of Latino Restaurant, Now Open in Asheville

Accepted Answer

La Rumba (https://www.larumbaasheville.com/) opened three weeks in the location Bonefish Grill previously occupied at 105 River Hills Rd, Suite C, Asheville. If you haven&#8217;t been inside, it&#8217;s spacious with plenty of seating in two connected dining rooms.
Folks in Hendersonville have been asking, &#8220;Where&#8217;s Rey?&#8221; Previously the Manager at Arabelle, he&#8217;s brought his knowledge, energy, and charm to La Rumba as part owner! He welcomed patrons by name, which left me a little embarassed the first couple times because I hadn&#8217;t remembered his. It took him a split second to recognize our good friends, Joe and Paula, me, and my husband, since we were in a totally different environment. His eyes smiled (mask) big time as soon as he realized who we were. And this is where I give Joe and Paula credit for finding Ray and asking us along for a meal. So fun!
As soon as you step inside, you&#8217;ll get why I say it&#8217;s a different type of Latino restaurant. Decor is &#8220;classic restaurant&#8221;, simple, clean lines, not a lot of clutter. It&#8217;s about the food, drinks, and service.
You&#8217;ll notice in the gallery below there aren&#8217;t a lot of customers. Think 11am and brand new restaurant without much media exposure. Avoid future waits and go now.
Below the gallery is a description of dishes and drinks we sampled. Some aren&#8217;t pictured because I was having too much fun and suffered missed the opportunities. All were authentic and good. See the FULL MENU HERE, including &#8220;Brunch all Day&#8221;.
FIRST: A note about their rice. It&#8217;s made using Ray&#8217;s grandmother&#8217;s recipe. Absolutely flavorful and delicious!
ELOTES: Mexican street corn with mayo, chili powder, queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime. My take: excellent! The corn was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. One of us, who will remain nameless, scooped up extra sauce in a spoon and ate it by itself. If they hadn&#8217;t done that, I might have.
EMPANADAS: Three handmade, masa friend stuffed turnovers with chicken, chopped tomato, onions, cilantro, and queso fresco, served with cilantro crema sauce. My take: very good. A lot of food for an appetizer, so folks with &#8220;smaller&#8221; appetites, go ahead and order for your entree.
BREAKFAST BURRITO: Grilled burrito stuffed with your choice of meat, potatoes, onion, bell pepper, guacamole, queso Oaxaca, bacon, scrambled eggs*, and sour crema. Served with toast. My take: very good!
OCEAN VIEW COCKTAIL: Sugar Island Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Coconut Milk. Our take: needs a little recipe tweaking and body for our palates.
AVOCADO TOAST: Grilled sourdough bread, topped with house-made guacamole, radish, queso fresco, and two eggs* your way. My take: the menu says topped with house-made quacamole. It might have been due to some kind of unusual circumstance, but mine was topped with avocado slices in addition to all the other things mentioned. The grilled sourdough is tasty, but very hard to cut through &#8211; even with a steak knife. Don&#8217;t let this stop you from ordering it!
BREAKFAST PLATE: Traditional breakfast served with two eggs* your way, choice of bacon, sausage, or chorizo, smashed fried potatoes, and toast.
PLATANOS FRITOS: With queso fresco and sour crema. My take: delicious! So delicious, I ate most of them on the plate meant for sharing.
HORCHATA: My take: all the cinnamon goodness of classic Horchata. We left with a refill to go!
LOVE POTION COCKTAIL: Tito’s Vodka, Chambord, Ginger Beer, Muddled Raspberries. My take: If you know me, you probably guessed this was my cocktail, since it has Ginger Beer in it. It&#8217;s light and refreshing. It would be good any time, but I&#8217;d definitely get this  during warmer weather.
La Rumba
105 River Hills Rd, Suite C
Asheville, N.C. 28805
828-505-2128

Question 10

An Evening to Support a Season's Hero

Accepted Answer

From Season&#8217;s at Highland Lake
&#8220;If you&#8217;ve dined with us before, you likely know Chris. He&#8217;s been a dedicated member of the Season&#8217;s team for over 23 years and his enthusiasm, humor and positive spirit can&#8217;t be missed. He always puts others ahead of himself and has even saved a number of guests who needed emergency attention over the years.
Earlier this year, Chris was diagnosed with ALS. In the face of this sobering reality, Chris and his family have been a model of strength, resilience, and grace. To honor them and raise financial support for the challenges ahead, Season&#8217;s will host a special evening to honor Chris and his family.
On Sunday, November 7 from 5-8PM, we will host a special dinner featuring a Prix Fix Menu inspired by Chris&#8217; favorite items. The cost is $75 per person and all proceeds will go directly to Chris and his family. Tom, our esteemed wine sommelier, will be auctioning bottles of wine to support the cause while our regular musicians will be providing live entertainment. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the service, smiles and support that Chris is known for.
Reservations must be made by calling 828-696-9094 and will not be available online.
If you are unable to attend this event but would like to support Chris and his family, please consider donating to the GoFundMe Page that was created on his behalf.&#8221;

Question 11

Wrap Yourself in the Beauty that is Overmountain Vineyards

Accepted Answer

Family owned and run, Overmountain Vineyards (https://overmountainvineyards.com/) is located in the foothill countryside outside the town of Tryon, NC. Grapes are grown and all their wines are made on site &#8211; the family&#8217;s 70 acre farm. Sometimes a novel concept these days.

&#8220;Winemakers Frank Lilly and his daughter Sofia use innovative techniques to develop handcrafted and distinctive French-style wines. The Tasting Room at Overmountain Vineyards, opened in 2010, welcomes guests year-round. The front porch offers stellar views of the foothills — or you can reserve a more intimate seating area.&#8221;
~ Overmountain Vineyards

Walking into the tasting room and front porch/patio felt more like walking into a fabulous garden bursting with color than a winery. No idea when the owners find the time to maintain all the plants and planter arrangements, but it&#8217;s sure appreciated that they do!
There are a few seating areas, covered and not. One of the first we saw had a long table with 13 place settings and full glasses of wine in honor of the 13 service members lost recently in Afghanistan.
Tastings
We each decided to do a tasting of six wines: Chardonnay, Epic Petit Manseng, Rosé 2020, Decade Red Blend, Patriot Red, and their Red Sangria, substituted for their Dry Muscadine. As family member Mark brought each bottle to our table, he thoroughly described the wine and bits of vineyard history.
The pace of the tasting was relaxed, but we never felt neglected. My two favorites were the Chardonnay and the Decade Red Blend.
I bought two types of cheese and a box of crackers to go with my tasting, and we both took advantage of the food truck on site this day &#8211; Seoul Republik. Mmm. Mmm. Those Mini Pork Dumplings!
Wrap yourself in Overmountain&#8217;s beautiful, intimate setting as you sip multiple wines in a tasting or enjoy a glass (or two).
Epicurean Notes:

Everyone, no matter what size your party, is requested to make a reservation prior to visiting.
There are two Luxury Villas available for rent on property. Both are listed as &#8220;Superhost&#8221; properties on AirB&B&#8217;s website.

Overmountain Vineyards
2012 Sandy Plains Rd.
Tryon NC 28782
828-863-0523

Question 12

Secrets to Getting the Most Out of the 75th NC Apple Festival Labor Day Weekend

Accepted Answer

Insider tips from 1898 Waverly Inn:

Western North Carolina&#8217;s largest festival hits a big year this Labor Day weekend with our 75th NC Apple Festival. It&#8217;s Hendersonville&#8217;s busiest weekend of the year which in the past has had close to 250k people walking Main Street from Friday morning through Monday&#8217;s King Apple parade finale.
You&#8217;ll find the biggest crowds at the festival on Friday from 3pm-8pm, all day Saturday and Sunday until 6pm. You&#8217;ll also find the highest room rates of the year on Friday and Saturday night as well. To get the best value, book Thursday night before the festival starts and hit Main Street at 10am. At this time, you&#8217;ll avoid the elbow to elbow crowds and will also reach merchants and apple farmers before most other festival goers.
If you want to see one of the best small town parades in the Southeast, then book Sunday night at the Waverly at the end of the festival. That will give you the last moments of the street fair on Sunday night and will also allow you to stick around on Monday to watch the King Apple Parade from the front porch of the inn at 2:30. You&#8217;ll also be able to enjoy great food and live music which we will provide up until the parade starts.
The Waverly Inn still has many great rooms for the Apple Festival. Call 828.693.9193 and book today.

Question 13

Green Man Brewery Releases Grateful Dead Tribute Beer

Accepted Answer

Green Man Brewery (https://www.greenmanbrewery.com/) has released the 11th edition of their Hazy Homage series- The Grateful Haze. This Grateful Dead inspired tangerine and grapefruit forward hazy IPA comes from a specialty line of hazy IPAs launched quarterly, each dedicated to a particular band or artist. Previous features include Nine Inch Nails-inspired Pretty Haze Machine, David Bowie-inspired Hazy Cosmic Jive, and the original Van Helen-inspired Van Hazy IPA.
The Grateful Haze features layers of citrus, creamy coconut from the Sabro hops, mango, dried apricot and candied pineapple. It is lactose-free, 6.8% alc./vol. and comes in a four-pack of 16 oz. cans. Its packaging stands out because of its four unique can designs per pack, a first for Green Man and a rarity in the beer business.
Green Man also just debuted their new slim cans for their Green Man Cider made in partnership with Urban Orchard, an Asheville-based cider company just down the street from Green Man. The cider itself will remain the same- all natural, gluten-free, sugar-free, 5.5% alc./vol. and will come in a four-pack.
Beer + cider lovers can enjoy both offerings on tap at either of Green Man&#8217;s taprooms- the Green Mansion (27 Buxton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801) + Dirty Jack&#8217;s (23 Buxton Ave. Asheville, NC 28801), or purchase four-packs at the Green Mansion. Both are also available for purchase through Green Man&#8217;s online beer store GetGreenMan.com, which ships to 13 states.

Question 14

It's about Wine and Views at Linville Falls Winery

Accepted Answer

Nestled between lush, picture-perfect rolling hills planted with grape vines sits Linville Falls Winery (https://www.linvillefallswinery.com/). Views from their expansive patio and indoor space take in those hills, as well as their Red Barn (Lawn Bar) and healthy, full of life pond.
The Red Barn is opened for overflow when the winery is especially busy, but with the expansive lawn, cozy seating groupings, and pond, I might just walk down to the lawn seating with my wine when they&#8217;re not that busy and the Lawn Bar isn&#8217;t open.
Their Website is informative and easy to navigate. You&#8217;ll find succinct information on just about whatever you want to know. Take flights, for instance.
Wine Flight: $12 for your choice of 4 wines, 2oz. of each & souvenir glass. Can be ordered at a table with a Wine Steward, or in the Red Barn on busy weekends
Can you bring your own food? The answer is yes, but if you want to get something there, they &#8220;source various locally made snack items.&#8221; It&#8217;s reasonable that they say &#8220;locally made snacks&#8221; rather than giving details because they might have to change them up as things are available or not. If you&#8217;re curious about what they might have on hand, I&#8217;ve included a picture of their &#8220;snack&#8221; cooler in the gallery. The day we were there we saw pre-made charcuterie boards, local goat & dairy cheese, homemade pimento cheese, packaged cured meats, water & other non-alcoholic drinks.
Looking like a something right out of Tuscany, the entire operation is family owned and operated. All staff we interacted with were welcoming and friendly.
What about the wine? Between us, we tasted:

Cabernet Sauvignon, WA &#8211; Columbia Valley
Red | Dry | Heavy Body | French Oak
Notes: Pepper, Cherry, VanillaAlcohol 13.50%
Brandy Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, WA &#8211; Columbia Valley
Red | Dry | Heavy Body | French Oak 2 years
Aged 6 Additional Months in American Brandy Barrels
Notes: Tobacco, Oak, VanillaAlcohol 13.50%
Merlot, WA &#8211; Columbia Valley
Red | Dry | Medium Body | American Oak
Notes: Plum, Fig, BlackberryAlcohol 13.50%
Red Barn Blend, WA &#8211; Columbia Valley
&#8220;Big Red&#8221; | Dry | American Oak
Notes: Rustic, Tart Cherry, SpiceAlcohol 13.00%
Petit Verdot, NC &#8211; Yadkin Valley
Red | Dry | Light Body | American Oak
Notes: Pepper, Black CherryAlcohol 13.00%
Rosé, NC &#8211; Appalachian High Country
Blend | Semi-Dry
Notes: Strawberry, RaspberryAlcohol 12.00%
Mountain White, NC &#8211; Appalachian High Country
White Blend | Sweet
Notes: Pear, StonefruitAlcohol 12.00%

Everyone&#8217;s palate is different, but between the two Cabs, we both preferred the Brandy Barrel Aged Cabernet. Other than the Cabs, he preferred the Red Barn Blend to the Petit Verdot. I didn&#8217;t care for the Rosé, thought the Merlot was okay, but took a bottle of the Mountain White home for porch sitting in warm weather. Our overall favorite was the Brandy Barrel Aged Cabernet.
Linville Falls Winery is slightly over an hour drive, much of it scenic, northeast of Asheville. When you go, tell them Carolina Epicurean sent you.
Linville Falls Winery
9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC 28647
Blue Ridge Parkway Mile 317
(828) 765-1400
This gallery is not published.

Question 15

ASAP’s Farm Tour Returns Sept. 18–19

Accepted Answer

ASAP’s highly anticipated annual Farm Tour is back for 2021, following cancelation in 2020 due to COVID-19. On Sept. 18–19, from noon to 5 p.m., approximately 20 Appalachian Grown family farms will welcome visitors for guided tours, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. This fun and educational weekend offers the public a chance to experience firsthand how food is grown and raised in the mountains, sample farm-fresh products, and meet local farmers. The tour is a great outing for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The 2021 Farm Tour will feature farms in Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood counties, all located within an hour drive of Asheville. Every year, ASAP introduces new farms on the tour and brings back old favorites, including u-pick farms, vineyards, flower farms, fiber producers, and more. A full list of participating farms will be announced later this summer. Farm Tour guides, including a map, driving directions, tour tips, and farm descriptions, will be available at community centers and area businesses in mid-August.
“The ASAP Farm Tour gives us a chance to share our dreams and passion with others committed to a sustainable future,” said farmer Sara Martin, whose Two Trees Farm in Haywood County has been a past tour favorite and will return for 2021. “Showing people the joys of working the land and eating fresh food creates a community. We are truly happiest when we have our feet in the soil, sharing skills to make agriculture more accessible to others. Come share our dream!”
The Farm Tour is an outdoor event and will follow current state guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hand-washing facilities or hand sanitizer will be available at all farms. Visitors who are not vaccinated should wear a mask and maintain social distancing while on the tour.
Farm Tour passes are on sale now for $35 at asapconnections.org/farmtour. One pass admits a carload of visitors to all farms both days. Pending availability, passes purchased the weekend of the tour will be $45. More information, including details on volunteering and attending the tour for free, can be found at asapconnections.org or by calling 828-236-1282.
ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)
ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more, visit asapconnections.org.

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