Hotel Domestique (http://hoteldomestique.com/) is offering an all-inclusive Culinary Farm Experience from August 4 – 8, 2019. They’re located at 10 Rd of Vines • Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Rates: $2300 Single occupancy | $1700 double occupancy
The Culinary Farm Experience price includes 4 night accommodations, all meals, farm excursions, custom Domestique takeaways, transportation to and from farms, personalized lessons from inside the kitchen of Restaurant 17 with Executive Chef Haydn Shaak and more. Taxes and gratuities Included.
Exclusive access to the following farms:
Broken Oak Organics -Tour and picnic lunch
Blue Ridge Creamery – Tour and Artisan cheese tasting
Victoria Valley Vineyards – Tour, wine tasting and lunch
Where to meet a friend for lunch (or any meal) in Waynesville? How ’bout a spot that’s as much restaurant as it is brewery, sporting a killer deck out back? That would be Boojum Brewing Company Taproom (https://www.boojumbrewing.com/). And if you’re looking for entertainment, don’t miss The Gem, the downstairs bar the folks at Boojum describe as “an affable downtown bar featuring 16 beers on tap, a full bar, TVs, a pool table & a limited but appetizing menu! Over age 21 only.” The Gem also hosts lots of live music. You can see what’s happening at The Gem on their Facebook Page.
Before getting talking about the brews and bites, I thought I’d look in to the “Boojum” name and what it might mean. Looks like I need to bone up on NC lore! You can read more about the Boojum on the beer menu.
“One might say the Boojum is similar to the Abominable Snowman of the Himalayans or the Wampas Cat in the swamps of Eastern North Carolina. But Boojum is a unique creature of his own and Haywood County is his home.” ~ visitncsmokies.com
Boojum’s main floor is semi-divided: bar to one side, dining room to the other. I was headed to the dining room, but took a minute to watch the bar lighting cycle through multiple colors. Fun, but would it drive me crazy sitting at the bar? Not sure. I’ll have to give it a try some time.
On first taste, I knew there was something special going on here. Every single dish we ordered was surprisingly good. Not just good for a brewery, but good for a restaurant.
Love tomatoes? You must try the Tomato Bisque Soup (Cup $4, Bowl $6) made with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, Boojum beer, and garlic fried croutons. Robust in texture, but not too thick, each bite is full of rich tomato flavor.
Salmon on a bed of seasoned chopped kale, drizzled with balsamic (don’t remember the price) was absolutely fantastic! My friend ordered this and gave me a taste. You can bet I’ll get it (if available) the next time I’m at Boojum. The salmon was cooked to perfection with a deliciously seasoned sear. Not a kale fan? Try it anyway. You may just be surprised at the burst of flavor and friendly texture with each bite.
Wait. What about the beer? This is a brewery after all. Just for fun, I tried a half pint of one of their “specialty” brews, a strawberry small batch release. It was light, fresh, and tasty with just enough hint of strawberry to make it interesting. When you go, ask to hear about their current small batch brews.
Take a good look at The Cataloochee ($12) burger below. This mess ‘o deliciousness comes with fries (not pictured). Substitutions are available at an additional cost.
Take a Brioche Bun, put some apple-fennel slaw on it, add a cooked-to-order burger, top that with house-made farmer’s cheese (scrumptious) and tomato jam (also scrumptious). After announcing I’d be taking half home with me, I ate the entire thing! Comfort food that should satisfy the hungriest of appetites, along with a Boojum brew of course.
Here’s a shot of the back deck and service bar. This was early on a quiet day, so it wasn’t set up yet.
The Gem downstairs bar and live music venue:
Image: Bojum Brewing Company Facebook Page
Epicurean Notes:
Boojum’s easy to find, right on Waynesville’s Main Street.
Service was good. Table and surrounds were clean.
As always, check days and hours of operation before going (I usually call).
Remember that online menus are not always up to date, but can be used as a reference for types of dishes and pricing.
Boojum Brewing Company Taproom
50 N Main St
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone: (828) 246-0350
Charlotte-based hotspot Good Food on Montford (https://www.goodfoodonmontford.com) is rolling out exciting changes in anticipation of its upcoming 10-year anniversary. The second restaurant from award-winning Chef Bruce Moffett puts a fresh spin on global small plates with one goal in mind – taste without borders. The menu changes seasonally with inspiration pulled from the produce they source locally or with their current culinary obsessions. To continue in pursuit of their worldly mission, Good Food on Montford tapped new Executive Chef Kieran Gonzales to take the lead. This transition comes as previous Executive Chef Larry Schreiber takes the helm of the restaurant group’s newest venture, Bao + Broth. The forthcoming restaurant, located at Optimist Hall, opens later this summer.
Executive Chef Kieran Gonzales
Chef Kieran Gonzalez was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia and found his passion for the culinary world through his Filipino heritage. His background provided an exotic and unique approach to food that was not available in his hometown at the time. He took his culinary acumen to Johnson & Wales to further his skills and work his way through the ranks of the restaurant world. Drawn to the chef-owned and family-based culture that surrounds the small-plates eatery, Good Food on Montford gives him the opportunity to pursue more creative expressions and his talent has proven to be a perfect fit for the restaurant.
“This city’s restaurant scene is nothing short of special. There is no shortage of restaurants with innovative menus and I’m proud to join the quintessential example of that in Charlotte,” says Chef Kieran Gonzales. “Good Food on Montford has long been known for its inventive, constantly evolving dishes – the food speaks for itself here and I’m looking forward to elevating the menu even further.”
The changes at Good Food on Montford don’t stop there. For the first time ever, the notoriously popular restaurant has begun utilizing Wisely. This option allows guests to add their party to an electronic waitlist in an effort to decrease wait times. As temperatures continue to rise in Charlotte, the ability to sign up for the waitlist online will be a welcome change for those who previously had to wait in long lines outside of the restaurant.
About Moffett Restaurant Group: Owned by Chef Bruce Moffett, Moffett Restaurant Group is a collection of restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina. The restaurants include upscale, American cuisine at Barrington’s, tapas-style food at Good Food on Montford, authentic Italian at Stagioni, and a blend of Northern shore food with a Southern twist at N.C. Red. MRG understands that dining out is as much about the experience as it is about the food. While all four MRG restaurants have their own style, décor and cuisine, they share one quality: a comfortable setting paired with innovative, seasonally-driven dishes. In spring of 2019, MRG will be adding another restaurant to the group; Bao + Broth. To learn more about Bruce Moffett and Moffett Restaurant Group, visit our website here or follow along on Instagram at @ChefBruceMoffett, @stagioniclt, @goodfoodclt, @barringtonsclt, and @ncredclt.
Known for its small plates and big views, AC Hotel Asheville Downtown’s ninth-floor restaurant, Capella on 9, has recently launched a new food and cocktail menu that’s full of spring delights.
Available now though the end of summer, the menu items boast refreshing flavor perfect for a warm-evening overlooking the city. With locally-sourced ingredients and an impeccable eye for visual presentation, the team at Capella on 9, led by Executive Chef Rakim Gaines, brings excellence to the table. The inspiration behind the season’s menu? Gaines was inspired by bright colors and was motivated to create “spring on a plate.” Look forward to dishes featuring edible flowers, fresh herbs and citrus-centric flavors.
Highlights on the new menu include Scallop Ceviche ($16), which features cilantro, heirloom tomato, edamame puree, corn and spinach tortilla chips; and, the Drop the Beet! cocktail ($12) made with mint-beet shrub, Absolut vodka, lemon juice, soda water and a mint garnish. Don’t forget about the little ones—an impressive Kids Gourmet Menu featuring delicious child-friendly-items such as the Capella Grilled Cheese ($9) and the Salmon Quesadilla ($12) are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Ravioli
Capella on 9 stands apart from the rest of the city’s impressive roster of restaurants thanks to its seamless combination of locally-curated dishes, handcrafted cocktails and stunning mountain views from nine stories above Asheville. Located in the heart of downtown, Capella on 9 sits as one of the most picturesque spots in Asheville to watch the sunset, dine and sip. Reservations are available by phone at (828) 258-2522.
About AC Hotels by Marriott®
AC Hotels by Marriott®, a lifestyle brand that celebrates a new way to hotel complemented by a European soul and Spanish roots, boasts more than 125 design-led hotels in 15 countries and territories. Design-driven AC Hotels by Marriott® edit away the unnecessary to remove friction, providing thoughtfully designed moments of beauty, allowing guests to focus on what’s important to them. The properties modern design for modern business include buzzing AC Lounges, the perfect place for locals or visitors to get work done in style or to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and tapas. High-design guest rooms and public spaces with sleek furnishings and intuitive technology features such as the Media Salons and AC Libraries inspire and connect. For more information, visit ac-hotels.com. For more information, visit http://achotels.marriott.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Looking for a new reason to visit Asheville, N.C.? The eye-popping $24+ million Asheville Art Museum project will (https://www.ashevilleart.org/) focus on American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries and work from Western North Carolina and the Southeast.
Three reasons to consider the Asheville Art Museum for summer, fall and holiday travel:
1. Appalachia Now! An Interdisciplinary Survey of Contemporary Art in Southern Appalachia
will be the inaugural special exhibition on view through 2019. New York-based interdisciplinary scholar and curator Jason Andrew considered more than 700 artists from the Southern Appalachian states of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. After 55 studio visits and an open call, which garnered more than 400 applicants, Andrew selected 50 diverse working artists. Mediums span photography, ceramics, glass, performance, painting, new media, music, sculpture and more.
2. Glass facade, rooftop café, and more…
The Museum’s expansion includes a stunning glass facade and art-filled atrium, an oculus window, sculpture terrace and rooftop café worthy of Asheville’s foodtopian values. Henry Richardson’s glass sculpture, Reflections on Unity, has been chosen for the first public art installation on the plaza in front of the Museum.
Visitor taking a hard-hat tour enjoys the view from the oculus in the Collection Hall. Photo by Asheville Art Museum.
Friends enjoy wine on the new rooftop terrace. Photo by David Huff CreativeFriends enjoy wine on the new rooftop terrace. Photo by David Huff Creative. | A visitor taking a hard-hat tour enjoys the view from the oculus in the Collection Hall. Photo by Asheville Art Museum.
3. Intersections in American Art Offers a Fresh, Diverse Look at the Collection
The Museum jumpstarts a conversation between the viewer, the region and American art with this exhibition. A grant from the Henry Luce Foundation allowed a diverse group, including an N.C. poet laureate, to help reinterpret the Collection with ideas derived from Black Mountain College.
Asheville Art Museum Atrium Interior Photo by David Huff
Note: Part of the project includes historic preservation of the 1926 Pack Library as the new Education Center
What: The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association announced the eight chefs competing in the second of five preliminary rounds leading up to the fourth annual NCRLA Chef Showdown, presented by Got to be NC Agriculture.
The Showdown’s booming success inspired this year’s expanded format, introducing five preliminary rounds — the third to be held Monday, June 24, at Heirloom in Charlotte, N.C. — before the three regional rounds leading up to the final NCRLA Chef Showdown event.
Preliminary chef competitors will prepare and serve dishes to be judged by three culinary experts scoring on presentation, taste and use of local ingredients from North Carolina. This round’s four top scoring chefs will move on to the regional competition in Charlotte on Monday, Aug. 19 at Central Piedmont Community College, ultimately progressing to the finals on Monday, Sept. 30, at Angus Barn’s Bay 7 in Durham, N.C., where the coveted titles of “NCRLA Chef of the Year” and “NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year” will be crowned. The preliminary and regional events are closed to the public. However, NCRLA is granting access to local media.
The savory chefs are:
· Paul Cressend Jr., Asheville, N.C.
· Steven Goff, AUX Bar, Asheville, N.C.
· Richard Gras, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C.
· Cory Haigler, The Westin Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.
The pastry chefs are:
· Brooke Crider, The Dugout Taphouse & Grill, Hendersonville, N.C.
· Ryan Stipp, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C.
· Gerald Hawkins, Gaston Country Club, Gastonia, N.C.
· Samantha Jo Smith, Sugar Island, Surf City, N.C.
The judges are:
· Chef Miranda Brown, 2018 Pastry Chef of the Year; The Asbury at the Dunhill Hotel, Charlotte, N.C.
· Chef Lucia Bobby, Pastry Chef, co-owner, Bobby Boy Bake Shop (slated to open in 2019), Winston-Salem, N.C.
· Chef John Bobby, co-owner, Bobby Boy Bake Shop (slated to open in 2019), Winston-Salem, N.C.
When: Monday, June 3 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where:
Princess Anne Hotel
301 East Chestnut St.
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Visuals: High-end plated food featuring local ingredients, local chefs and pastry chefs in-action, and expert judges.
About: Established in 1947, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) works to advance and protect North Carolina’s $23.5 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. The association provides access to the resources and support restaurant and lodging professionals need to lead thriving businesses, while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit www.ncrla.org.
With great honor, the Alice S. Marriott “Spirit to Serve” Award is presented to McKibbon Hospitality’s Aloft Asheville Downtown. The award, which received hundreds of nominations per year, was initially created to honor the late Marriott Co-Founder Alice S. Marriott—mother of Executive Chairman/Chairman of the Board, Bill Marriott. Those who have been presented with this award exemplify Alice’s philosophy, “By generously giving our time, energy and resources, we enrich the lives of others.”
The activities that earned Aloft Asheville this prestigious award include providing shelter to the homeless through Homeward Bound; working to end hunger with MANNA FoodBank; teaching students career and life skills through Eliada Homes; providing care and love to special needs and disadvantaged children; raising awareness for breast cancer; improving the arts and education in the Asheville community; and rehoming hundreds of rescue dogs through their successful foster dog program, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.
In acceptance of the award is former Aloft General Manager David McCartney—recently promoted to general manager of new downtown Asheville hotel concept, Hotel Arras, which will open its doors this summer—who received the news via congratulatory letters from Bill Marriott and Marriott’s President/CEO Arne Sorenson. “An authentic dedication to the community is of high importance at all McKibbon hotels, so this recognition is truly a special accomplishment for Aloft Asheville,” said John McKibbon, Chairman of McKibbon Hospitality.
‘We are beyond honored to receive this award, but more importantly proud of the efforts we’ve made in our Asheville community,” said McCartney. “The entire staff at Aloft Asheville embraces the golden rule and it’s so humbling to know that we all come to work realizing that our impact reaches far beyond the four walls of the hotel, and that our guests are always willing to give a helping hand, as well.”
Image: Aloft Asheville Downtown
McCartney and Aloft Asheville Downtown’s Operations Manager, Dexter Hazel, traveled to the home of Marriott Corporate Headquarters, Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 14, to attend the Marriott Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. Adding to the incredible honor, Aloft Asheville Downtown is the first from the Aloft brand to ever accept this award.
Other awards being presented include the J.W. Marriott, Jr. Diversity Excellence Award, the Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence and the Stephan Garff Marriott Award of Excellence for Culture. Additionally, 10 Marriott associates who have showcased exceptional achievements, character, dedication effort and perseverance, will receive the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence, which was named after the company’s founder.
To learn more about Aloft Asheville Downtown, visit www.aloftashevilledowntown.com. For more information about McKibbon Hospitality, visit www.mckibbon.com.
About Aloft Hotels
With over 150 hotels now open in over 20 countries and territories around the world, Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., delivers a fresh approach to the traditional staid hotel landscape. For the ‘always on’ next generation of traveler, the Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style that is different by design. For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,700 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
About McKibbon Hospitality
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, McKibbon Hospitality creates memorable hospitality experiences that inspire brand and property loyalty. It’s how we’ve grown into one of the largest (and most awarded) hotel development and management companies in the country. We build and operate hotels across the country for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and other iconic hospitality brands. We guide every facet of hospitality development and management, from site selection, design and construction management to hotel openings, operations and renovations. Beyond building and managing hotels, we create experiences that reflect and define the local culture.
Our legacy is built on a foundation of integrity, anchored in how we value our guests, treat our associates and partners, and give back to our communities. Visit McKibbon.com to learn more.
On May 31 at 7 p.m., The Palm Restaurant (https://thepalm.com/) will host a vodka-pairing dinner to raise money for The Isabella Santos Foundation, a charity that funds research and treatment for childhood cancer. In partnership with Tito’s Vodka, $5 from every ticket purchased will be donated to the foundation. The four-course menu includes a choice of Filet Mignon or Chilean Sea Bass Puttanesca, and each dish will be expertly paired with a handcrafted Tito’s cocktail.
Additionally, The Palm will donate $5 for every Tito’s drink sold in May to The Isabella Santos Foundation.
“When we heard about Isabella and her story, we knew we wanted to do something to honor her and the astounding work her mother’s done for so many children suffering from these conditions,” said The Palm Charlotte General Manager Joey Profeta.
Driven by the phrase, “Cancer messed with the wrong mom,” Erin Santos founded the Isabella Joanne Santos Foundation (https://isabellasantosfoundation.org/about/) after losing her 7-year-old daughter to neuroblastoma. In the charity’s 10 years, they have raised more than $3.5 million for childhood cancer research and treatment. The Palm is one of several organizations fundraising this May in honor of all the moms fighting childhood cancer for their kids.
Tickets for the dinner sell for $95. Please contact Tonia Heidal at theidal@thepalm.com or 704-552-7450 to RSVP.
About The Palm:
Known for their signature dishes including Prime Aged Steak and Whole Nova Scotia Lobsters, the menu also includes The Palm’s renowned Italian fare including Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Martini, Baked Clams Casino and an award-winning wine list. The Palm’s philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations. Owned and operated by members of the Bozzi and Ganzi families since the company’s founding in 1926, The Palm serves as a second home for countless patrons across the United States and abroad. Now celebrating its 93rd year, The Palm continues its legacy as a favorite gathering place and dining destination for families, friends and business colleagues alike. For a virtual experience and to find a Palm Restaurant near you, visit thepalm.com.
Dollywood again solidified its place among the nation’s premier family destinations as Dolly Parton officially opened Wildwood Grove, the largest expansion in park history. Parton opened the fascinating new land to visitors ready to enjoy its 11 thrilling new experiences. During a media event that I attended, Parton shared the inspiration and dreams that led to the creation of Wildwood Grove, calling the area the new standard for Dollywood.
At $37 million, Wildwood Grove is Dollywood theme park’s largest capital investment ever and is the first new area added to Dollywood since Wilderness Pass in 2008. The biggest adventure in Dollywood’s history provides guests of all sizes unique experiences to enjoy together as a family.
“When I was a little girl growing up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains, I’d often let my imagination just run away—something I still do now—dreaming these big dreams about what it’d be like to venture off with a family of bears in to the woods or how fun it would be to hitch a ride with the butterflies and dragonflies,” Parton said. “All us kids would splash and play in the creeks and ponds around home and have these daydreams about the world around us, and that’s what’s so special about Wildwood Grove. We’ve been able to create a new area to allow families to experience some of those exact dreams we all had when we were little.
“Wildwood Grove is so special to me because so many of the same daydreams and imaginations from my childhood have now found a perfect place at my Dollywood. I hope families will enjoy laughing, playing and exploring together in this great new place that truly does feel like home for me.”
The Dollywood Company President Craig Ross explained the significance of the newest addition to the storied theme park.
“Without doubt, this is one of the most exciting days in the history of our company,” Ross explained. “It is rare in our industry that a park adds a completely new land in its entirety, and as we continue to grow and set attendance records, we needed to add more area to give guests more room to spread out and explore. Additionally, we were able to take many of Dolly’s childhood dreams and create experiences that are uniquely Smoky Mountain-themed and really help tell the story of this beautiful area.
“I know our guests will be thrilled with the great diversity of attractions they will be able to enjoy when they visit Wildwood Grove. We’re extremely proud of the fact that there are experiences here that every member of the family will love and enjoy.”
After stepping into Wildwood Grove, imagination takes flight, delivering explorers on a journey of discovery in this breathtaking area. Remarkable sights await visitors throughout the land. In the distance, the breathtaking Wildwood Tree catches the eye as lively butterflies shimmer in the daylight. Families laugh and play, taking rides inside giant acorns at Treetop Tower and aboard a thrilling “leaf boat” on the Great Tree Swing.
The Treetop Tower gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar in the air, seated inside giant acorns. One of the newest attractions in Wildwood Grove, Treetop Tower is the first ride guests see when they visit the largest expansion in Dollywood’s history. Image: DollywoodGuests aboard the Great Tree Swing rock back and forth just like a leaf falling from a giant sycamore tree. The Great Tree Swing is one of the new attractions in Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove. Image: Dollywood
Even the bears are friendly in Wildwood Grove, as they let guests meander with them through their own natural habitat at the Black Bear Trail.
Dolly Parton and Jenna Bush Hagar try to figure out the controls, so they can send a Black Bear rider and her mom on their way.Guest Kari Willis enjoys Black Bear Trail, one of the newest attractions at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove. Image: Dollywood
If smaller guests (or their adults, like me) need a quick break, Hidden Hollow contains a 4,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled area with climbing structures, slides and games where kids and their parents can enjoy play time full of exploration.
Nearby, families scream with delight as they take a ride with Tennessee’s state symbol—the mockingbird—in an experience they control themselves at The Mad Mockingbird. Others dip and dart through geysers while suspended from dragonflies on the area’s signature ride attraction, Dragonflier.
One of the feature ride attractions in Wildwood Grove, Dragonflier is a suspended roller coaster that allows guests to soar like a dragonfly, dipping and darting along the gushing geysers and lush landscape. Image: Dollywood
At the heart of it all is The Wildwood Tree. This focal point is a beacon for all, drawing families to watch the butterflies play in its leafy canopy, while encouraging others to splash and play in the winding creek that flows at its base. As the daylight fades, families can bask in a colorful kaleidoscope of summer fun as the area glows to life.
Wildwood Grove also features new merchandise and dining options for park guests. Till & Harvest, which is expected to open around Memorial Day, provides the perfect blend of Smoky Mountain flavors and fresh Mexican cuisine. The menu features a variety of build-your-own style entrees such as burritos, bowls, salads and nachos all filled with wood-fired meats, fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. Along with the Smoky Mountain Mexican flavors, Till & Harvest also provides a spacious open-air patio for families to enjoy the sights and sounds of Wildwood Grove while they enjoy their meal.
Mountain Grove Merchants is the one-stop-shop for guests looking for the perfect gift or souvenir to celebrate their adventure in Wildwood Grove.
Nearly $1 million has been invested in Wildwood Grove’s landscaping, with more than 400 trees and 2,300 shrubs creating a beautiful, yet decidedly natural atmosphere to enjoy. As the landscaping continues to mature, the visual appeal of the area will only increase.
I can vouch for that beautiful landscaping! A stream has been created that runs through part of Wildwood Grove, including a fun, shallow splash pad area.
This is what it looks like when bloggers and their families attend a media event, or any time they are planning a post. The kids were having a blast, but every now and then, Dad or someone else with a camera would ask them to do something again or move to a different spot. Looked like the kids were fine with that as long as they got to play. 🙂
Each day of exploration in Wildwood Grove is an experience families don’t want to miss. These merry memory making moments are certain to become a treasured part of every family’s visit.
WILDWOOD GROVE FACTS
The Wildwood Tree comes to life each evening during a unique nighttime experience which begins June 15. Each season of the year features a spectacular new experience for guests. The Wildwood Tree features nearly 650 lighted butterflies (orange, blue, yellow, pink and multi-colored) and almost 9000 leaves.
Dragonflier— This thrilling suspended roller coaster lets guests soar with a dragonfly as it dips and darts along the gushing geysers and lush landscape of Wildwood Grove. (Vekoma 453m suspended coaster) (1486 ft. in length)
Black Bear Trail— Riders hop on the back of these friendly bears for a spirited trek through their natural habitat. (Metallbau Emmeln Pony Trek)\Great Tree Swing— Guests aboard this thrilling “leaf boat” swing back and forth just like a leaf falling from a giant sycamore tree. (Zamperla Galleon)
Treetop Tower— This family tower gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar nearly 40 feet in the air. Riders, seated inside giant acorns, spin around the top of a tall oak tree before gently drifting back to the grove floor. (Zamperla Samba Tower)
The Mad Mockingbird— Tennessee’s state bird—the mockingbird—gives visitors a lift as it flies in a high speed circle around a tall tree. Riders control their ride experience by moving a sail as the birds rush above the ground. (Larson Flying Scooter)
Frogs & Fireflies— Adventurous guests can hop aboard one of these friendly frogs as they chase each other in a spirited race around the lily pad. (Zamperla Jump Around)
Hidden Hollow- This 4,000 sq. ft., climate-controlled area allows families to explore and play in an indoor environment.
Wildwood Creek features pop jets, splashing pools and more wet play activities, while the dry play area at Wildwood Creek features “music instruments” for guests to enjoy.
Three new costume characters call Wildwood Grove home. Flit and Flutter serve as Wildwood Grove’s ambassadors and Benjamin Bear loves to make new friends. Characters will have scheduled opportunities to meet guests each day.
Wildwood Grove’s design is perfection when it comes to a mix of rides that cater for a variety of ages. It’s not huge, but you’ll be doing some walking. I opted for Jenna’s footwear choice as opposed to Dolly’s. You do what you need to do.
For more information about Wildwood Grove or Dollywood’s 2019 season, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of more than 35 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 26 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the world). The park is located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and has been named a top three US theme park by USA Today on multiple occasions. Dollywood is open nine months a year (mid-March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows, and crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel and TripAdvisor as one of the country’s most beautiful water parks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates from mid-May to Labor Day. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which received the 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call 1-800-Dollywood or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
Normally I have a good idea what to expect before checking out a new (to me) spot, but not this time. Liberty House Coffee & Cafe (https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/) was close to a blank slate in my mind before heading over for lunch last week with my pal Barrie.
There was one article, probably old news written shortly after Liberty House opened three years ago, that talked about a lack of enough seating at the popular eatery. That was the main reason I nixed Liberty House for a last minute lunch with my two sisters, figuring none of us wanted to eat lunch sitting on stairs, the curb, or in our car.
We pulled up to the side entrance and patio, parking on Liberty Street. First impression: someone did a fantastic job transforming this cottage just outside downtown Asheville in to an adorable coffee shop/cafe!
Those red umbrellas really pop, adding so much to the overall exterior look.
As soon as we headed in the side door from the patio/terrace (not noticing the front entrance) we were impressed with the quality and creativity of decor and finishes. Even functional pieces like the water dispenser (bottom right in the image below) was special enough to be noticed, while not crossing the line in to kitschy territory.
Check out the ceiling boards, fixed transom window, dentil trim molding above, and casing around the door. Sit in the room where you order and you’ll be pulling yourself up to a live-edge counter on a wooden bar stool held together with with bright red metal fittings.
And here’s the extent of the kitchen, tucked in behind the counter where you place your order. The first person who told me about Liberty House was a chef. When I said I hadn’t been, he was insistent that I go, saying “they’re doing things with food that they shouldn’t be able to do in that space. You’ve got to give ’em a try!”
See the espresso machine on the counter? A full suite of espresso/coffee drinks are available. I was happy to see they were selling beans from Hendersonville roaster Independent Bean Roasters. Didn’t do my normal latte test this time. Too full. See their coffee menu and prices here.
Barrie and I both ordered a B.L.A.T. ($9). In between the toast you’ll find an heirloom tomato, avocado, heritage farms bacon, organic gem lettuces, dijonnaise, and a little pepper, served with a side salad or chips. I don’t remember being asked what kind of bread I’d like, so you may not have a choice? It was good, though.
We both thought this sandwich was great. Not that it was some amazing new creation, but that the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The only issue was it got a little slippery with those pieces of avocado trying to escape from all sides. The side salad was also very fresh.
Y’all know my M.O. If there’s a non-mass-produced, delicious looking scone in my line of sight, I’m going to give it a try. This apricot ginger scone did not disappoint! I was going to take it home with me, but it didn’t last that long.
See their menu HERE. See their Blog and/or Facebook Page for specials and menu updates.
So, here’s the kinda’ funny part. Remember “Luscious Urban Oasis” in the title of this post? Coming in to Liberty House from the terrace, I had the impression (and had been told) that it was a small spot without a lot of space or seating.
Well, we walked out the front door and what did we see but an extensive organic garden, including fruit trees. And as far as not enough seating. Well, no problem there. Picnic tables run along the back side length of the garden along with a few other seats.
And again, attention to special touches like what looks like copper pipe railing all along a ramp up to a side entrance and logo metal cutout.
It’s tiny in the picture below, but see the small box between two posts in front of the brick building? That’s an active bee hive.
Their garden and local farms supply as much of the menu as possible.
Along the street side of the garden are more cut metal panels between brick pillars, each a different engaging design.
Cute mural on the side of what looks like some time of support/backup building, too.
Here’s the story, morning glory. Read owner Dylan’s story about growing up on Liberty Street at his parents bed and breakfast and converting the house his dad lived in for a few years into the now coffee shop & cafe.
Epicurean Notes:
Monday – Friday: 7am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 9am – 2pm (It’s a good idea to call any eatery and verify hours if it’s important that they are open when you get there)
Wi-Fi is available
Take some time looking around inside and out at Liberty House, noticing all the attention to detail, big and small.
Rates: $2300 Single occupancy | $1700 double occupancy
