Tryon – Even if you’re not a “horse person”, get yourself over to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) for lunch, dinner, shopping, cocktails, and family friendly fun!

Four of us gal-pals decided to head over to TIEC, get some lunch, and check the place out. Two had already been and two of us were “newbies”.

It’s summer. It’s hot. Especially in the sun. Good thing there’s plenty of shade throughout the property. And watch from the shade is what we did before lunch. Each horse and rider entered the arena from the tunnel before tackling the course for points. It was fascinating watching the horses go around the circuit and over the jumps.

After we’d watched the action for a while, we headed over to Blue Ginger Sushi & Noodles. If Sushi isn’t your thing, or your just not in the mood, there are multiple eateries on site.

A few of the rolls are actually set on fire at your table. Nancy got the Pyro Roll. We all thought it was fun to hear the roll sizzling as it cooked, but the flames would be more dramatic in the evening when it’s a dark. The roll is wrapped in foil and placed in a shallow pool of “151” alcohol. The fire goes out when there’s no more alcohol to burn.

If a drink is what you’re looking for, definitely check out Legends Grille. The bar area had a good vibe. Of course, they serve great food, too.

As we walked around the property, we came across this very cool Silo Bar! Check out the hammock chairs under the arbor. LOVE it! I can just picture hanging out in those chairs or around the fire pit with friends on a summer evening, cocktail in hand.

Besides dining, there are a ton of other things to see and do at TIEC! Watch “Gladiator Polo” (June 24th) and the “Hobby Horse Series” (yes, it’s a thing), and for family fun, check out Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix. At past Saturday Night Lights, there have been fire twirlers, acrobats, magicians, free pony rides, mechanical bull riding, sand-castle building, shag dancing competitions, vintage car shows and craft beer festivals. See what fun they’re planning on their Facebook page.

Need more to keep you busy? There’s a market/small grocery store and coffee shop, and they’ve ingeniously brought in modular log cabins and set them up as a variety of, albeit high-end, retail shops.

I was even thinking that TIEC might be a fun place for a weekend get away. There’s quite a selection of lodging on site (1 – 7 bedroom homes and log cabins), RV pads, and more options coming quickly: a 5-star hotel/spa, a 4-star hotel, and more. Go to the “Lodging” link in their website’s main menu for details and prices.

One of my favorite spots is a large riverside gazebo with seating and grills right next to a cluster of log homes. There’s even a sandy area next to the water.

Gosh! I think I’ve covered everything . . . TIEC is just incredible. They are working furiously on infrastructure and more additions to the complex because they won the World Equestrian Games 2018 (think winning as the city that will host the Olympics). Over 600,000 visitors and participants are expected!

Regional tourism boards, lodging associations, and other groups in NC and Upstate SC have been working together to plan and be prepared for this event.

This is a WORLD CLASS destination in our region that has a few minor kinks to work out regarding speed of service at the restaurants, but I only see it getting better. And in my opinion, the food was worth waiting for.

Epicurean Notes:

• It’s usually FREE ADMISSION at TIEC. During certain (WEG) events that happen infrequently, there may be an entry fee.
• There are nice spaces you can book for private events
• Dining tables overlooking the main arena are available to rent
• TIEC is a year round venue, but horse shows do not typically run in the winter.
• Check for special winter events like the Christmas Craft Markets/Shows and the New Year’s Eve party

Arden – Sweet Tooth and I decided to check out Baked Pie Company a few days ago. They’ve been open about two months and getting rave reviews.

Check out the corrugated tin ceiling. And believe it or not, the floor is tile. I admit to touching it to be sure. As she served up our flights, owner Kirsten Fuchs’ sister-in-law gave Kirsten all credit for the cozy decor.

In addition to being the only dedicated pie shop in the Asheville area, they are unique in that they are offering flights. That’s right. Three “slivers” of pie.

I’m hear to tell you that they are not “slivers”. They are slices. Not huge, granted, but certainly not slivers. Flights, including a scoop of ice cream, are $12.99. The ice cream is optional and will save you $2 if you do without.

All three of my choices were good, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d go with the Honey Pecan.

Sweet Tooth’s favorite was the Peanut Butter Brownie.

Both Sweet Tooth and I thought the Lemon Meringue was good, but could be a bit “brighter”. Meaning a little more “lemony”. The filling texture was a somewhat different from what you might expect. Maybe more home made?

We mentioned all of this when asked how we liked the pies. They were very receptive, so it may be different when you go. Definitely order it if you like Lemon Meringue.

We both liked that the Apple pie wasn’t over-spiced, with just the right amount of cinnamon.

A daily list of pies is posted on a chalk board behind the counter and on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bakedpiecompany/

When you cannot eat another bite, there’s a bus station for your dishes down the hall by the restrooms.

Oh! Almost forgot to tell you about the cookies they make! I especially flipped over the sheep cookie.

Baked Pie Company is most definitely Epicurean recommended!

Epicurean Notes:

• All merchandise in the shop is for sale.
• Baked Pie is open late-ish until 8pm most of the week and 9pm Friday and Saturday.
• If you go later in the day, call to be sure they’re not sold out.
• This is a great spot for a date night, girls night out, or after an early movie.

Baked Pie Company
4 Long Shoals Rd
Arden, NC 28704
Phone: (828) 333-4366

Asheville — The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County has released a contribution analysis of the brewery industry in the four-county Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties). Sponsored by McGuire, Wood, & Bissette Law Firm, the study showed breweries and a small cluster of related industries created or supported over 2,500 jobs in the Asheville region in 2016.

Contribution analysis can be used to help show what an existing industry contributes to the local economy. The study was produced to add quantifiable economic insight on the industry as employment growth has been considerable: 754% from 2011 to 2016 and still adding jobs. “This was the fastest growth among manufacturing industries in the MSA in the time period,” noted Heidi Reiber, Director of Research for the EDC who conducted the analysis adding, “the study showed approximately 2,571 workers were created or supported in the Asheville MSA. These workers were paid approximately $111M in labor income as part of companies’ $365 million contribution to Gross Regional Product in 2016.” Total overall output in the study was estimated at $934 million. A future study of winery and distillery employment, as well as related impacts of the craft beverage industry on the region’s tourism and hospitality industry could measure far greater impact still.

“We are aware there are more than 35 businesses engaged in brewing in the Asheville region,” stated Rebecca Crandall, Attorney, with McGuire, Wood, & Bissette Law Firm. “The study highlights the considerable talent that has grown the national reputation of the region, and quantifies the important catalytic impact on related professional services and supply chain growth.”

Exemplary of this growth, San-Diego headquartered White Labs celebrated the grand opening of new facilities in Asheville earlier this year. At full buildout, the world leader in yeast production and fermentation sciences for the brewing and winemaking industries will employ over 65 professionals in Asheville’s growing life sciences sector. The company also provides analytical services and product related training for industry professionals with plans to open a tasting room and expanded educational facilities in fall of 2017.

“We are pleased to add this data to support what we know about the outstanding brewers in our region,” said Janice Brumit, Board Chair of the EDC. “Craft Brewing remains an engine for economic growth and regional innovation. These jobs represent opportunity and significant new career paths for residents of the Asheville region and Buncombe County.”

Infographic summary of the contribution estimates:

The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and over 80 private investors through AVL 5×5. The EDC holds the prestigious distinction of being one of only 50 Accredited Economic Development Organizations in the world by the International Economic Development Council. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development. Learn more about AVL 5×5 at www.asheville5x5.com.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center that welcomes over 208,000 visitors per year.To be active in the Chamber, visit www.ashevillechamber.org.

Asheville – Asheville Farm to Table Tours will resume tours June 2, 2017. We are excited to announce a new 3 hour mini tour. This new tour will still provide an in depth, behind the scenes farm tour but will visit fewer locations than the premium 6 hour tour. At Asheville Farm to Table Tours, we lovingly create authentic, enriching and educational experiences through creativity, careful planning, and relationships with local sustainable farms.

The concept for Asheville Farm to Table Tours was developed through a love of good food, the desire to share the experience of Farm Fresh products with others and the ability to do so because of the incredible local family farms and farmers of Western North Carolina! “I realized that although the farm to table movement is vibrant in our area, there was little opportunity to experience this movement from farmer, to seed, to meal,” says Founder Ann D. Stauss.

As one of our customers said: “As far as I am concerned, this tour should be at the very top of the list of activities in and around Asheville. From the outset, Ann was a delight to meet and the perfect guide for our visit, her van is extremely comfortable and well appointed, and our personal comfort was of utmost importance to Ann. We had an incredibly unique and memorable day interacting with the farmers as they enthusiastically guided us through their beautiful properties and explained their farming methods in an unhurried and informative manner. This tour far exceeded our expectations, and I would highly recommend it to others.”

ABOUT FARM TO TABLE TOURS
Our tours visit sustainable family farms in beautiful Western North Carolina, where the farmers share their passion and knowledge. Specializing in produce, cheese, chicken, beef or lamb, each farm adds their own unique approach to sustainable farming. At the culmination of our day, the Chef prepares a special lunch with ingredients from the farms visited. For more information on booking a tour, please visit http://www.ashevillefarmtotabletours.com/ or call 828-606-9553.

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Fairview, Columbus (Polk County) – Exciting news from one of my favorite North Carolina creameries!

Looking Glass Creamery, owned by Jennifer & Andy Perkins, is expanding production and building a new facility with underground cheese aging caves in the agricultural heart of Polk County, NC. Their existing facility located in Fairview, NC will also be renovated to offer more retail and food service options and improved parking. The new cheesemaking operation will add to the burgeoning agricultural economy in Polk County and fit well alongside the numerous vineyards, five wineries, diversified vegetable operations, and livestock farms already thriving in the area. The new facility will be located on the historic Harmon Dairy, a second generation cow dairy run by brothers, Doug and Alan Harmon.

Dawn Jordan, Director of the Polk County Office of Agricultural Economic Development, believes that the new cheesemaking facility is a perfect complement to the growing number of agritourism offerings in Polk. “The expansion of Looking Glass Creamery and the preservation of Harmon Dairy is exactly the type of agricultural operation we are looking to support in Polk County. Preserving our verdant farmland through value added processes, while supporting small family operations, represents the character and place making set forth by Polk County in its 20/20 Vision Plan adopted in 2010.”

Harmon Dairy is a 226 acre farm originally purchased in three parcels by Doug & Alan’s father in 1947. In 2013, the brothers placed the farm, as a whole, under an agricultural conservation easement to keep it intact so that it could never be subdivided and would be protected from development in perpetuity. The Harmon brothers were committed to seeing the farm continue as a working farm after their retirement and felt that adding on-farm processing of the milk into cheese was a viable way to accomplish that goal. Looking Glass Creamery has been looking at expansion options for two years trying to find the right location for their vision and growth. After 8 months of negotiations, an agreement has been reached that will fulfill the needs of everyone involved.

Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIF) is providing the funds for the construction of the new cheesemaking facility which is scheduled to start as soon as permitting allows and is projected to take 6-9 months to complete. NCIF is a business loan fund that provides debt financing to small and emerging businesses. They have a focus on entrepreneurs and enterprises that are good stewards of natural resources. “I am so grateful to have played a role in helping Jen and Andy bring their expansion dream to life, one that has such positive impact for the larger community. This is entrepreneurial conservation at its best!”, stated Erika McGilley, Western North Carolina Regional Lender.

During the construction phase the Harmons have agreed to mentor the Perkins on the farm, training them on the daily operations of the milking parlor and in pasture and herd management. The Harmons will continue to own and operate the dairy until the creamery is operational. Once the construction of the creamery is completed and cheesemaking has commenced at the new facility, Looking Glass Creamery will take over all operations of the dairy. “We feel so fortunate that the Harmons have the vision, patience and commitment to the land and their broader community to protect this farm and find a way for it to grow with respect for the past but with an eye to the future.” says co-owner Andy Perkins. It is a rare situation where two unrelated families can cooperate in pursuit of shared goals that address preservation of agricultural traditions, sharing knowledge, growing a business, farmland preservation and transferring land ownership.

The move will enable Looking Glass Creamery to expand production, improve their affinage and allow them to tell the whole story of the farm and their cheeses from the cow to the customer. The company will host culinary events and dinners that are centered around the farm, the dairy and the cheese made on the property. Visitors to the farm will be able to see the production floor through a picture window to watch the cheese making process and peek into an aging cave. Looking Glass will be adding ice cream and several varieties of blue cheese to their regular product line. A farm store will be added later to the Polk County facility where visitors can purchase cheese and other products made on the farm. Once the production is re-located to Polk County, the company’s original location in Fairview, NC will be renovated and the hours of operation will be expanded. The renovations will include an enlarged retail area, additional seating, light food service, and a small classroom space. Their original location is already a popular, off-the-beaten-path destination for locals and visitors to the area.

“We have been blessed with this opportunity but with that blessing comes a lot of uncertainty and new responsibilities. It is our customers, independent restaurants and retailers that have made us successful over the past 9 years. As we grow new roots in Polk County, we look forward to sharing the farm and the cheesemaking process with our long-time supporters and develop new ones in Polk County, Greenville, and Charlotte too, “ says co-owner Jennifer Perkins.

Many people, businesses and entities contributed to the evolution of this endeavor. Looking Glass Creamery would like to say a special thanks to our families and friends, our employees, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Austin CPA, Bryan C. Young, the Branan Law Firm, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Growing Rural Opportunities, Natural Capital Investment Fund, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Polk County Soil & Water District, Polk County Economic Development and Agricultural Economic Development Offices, our dear friend Ken, and the vision of Doug & Alan Harmon.

Looking Glass Creamery is a small, family run cheesemaking operation which was started in 2009 by husband and wife team, Jennifer & Andy Perkins. The company makes fresh to aged cheeses and caramel sauce from cow’s milk. Looking Glass Creamery has garnered regional and national recognition for their product line including awards by the American Cheese Society and the Good Food Awards. They operate a cheese shop at their original location in Fairview, NC which is open Thursdays 1pm-5pm, Friday & Saturdays 11am to 5pm. Their product line is available at the best restaurants and retailers in Western North Carolina. Distribution in NC and regionally is available through Cornucopia Cheese & Specialty Foods and Cheney Brothers.

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