Local Dining

All the amazing scenery, creeks full of trout, golf courses, dozens of lakes and unique architecture are definitely some of the reasons for the tourists to choose Western North Carolina. Enriched by the romance of history, this has always been a place where very special moments transpire. But there is one more thing that attracts the thousands of travelers to come back to the mountains and this is the fascinating, full of southern flavor cuisine, made from the best fresh foods.

The most notable influences come from British, Scottish, Irish, French, Native American, and to lesser extend Spanish cuisines. This is why it is not unusual in the same restaurant to find on the menu French pork chops, Mexican chicken tortilla salad, Italian style pizza, Irish Lamb and traditional  cornbread, sweet potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pecan pies and cobblers. Local farms and farmers markets provide the best meat and fish and fresh produce delivered daily, almost every restaurant have organic choices and vegetarian meals. Here you can find Family owned Bed and Breakfasts with idyllic mountain settings, Motels, Country Inns to 4 diamond resorts with a whole army of chefs ready to pamper you and provide the most unforgettable dining experience you ever had. Whatever your definition of “Ideal” you will find an Inn to fit your needs. Once you’ve made the decision of where to spend the night, you will have the pleasant dilemma of how to spend your days. Consistent with the country theme, we recommend that you start your day with a country breakfast. The aromas of freshly baked muffins and steaming coffee fill the early morning air, begging you to linger a moment over pancakes drizzled with golden maple syrup and fresh strawberries. Make sure to take a moment to chat with the locals, who can provide lots of suggestions regarding nearby points of interest. For lunch you can visit one of the restaurants overlooking the beautiful mountains and try some of the local specialties and BBQ dishes or grab something “to go” and enjoy romantic picnic on the lake. Then you will be ready to begin building some Carolina memories hiking, biking, horseback riding, antiquing, or shopping. It doesn’t matter where you go you will discover warmth and friendliness far too rare in our world today.

After this busy and full of emotions day treat yourself with a glass of wine, candlelight, mountain air and herb crusted Carolina trout dish or Gently grilled bacon wrapped filet Mignon. And now if you can excuse me it is time to prepare my signature Sesame Seared Tuna, Seafood pasta and Goat cheese stuffed chicken Monterchet.

Bon Appétit

By Chris McDonald - For NC Mountain Guide