This summer has been a much needed respite from the road. Occasionally that yearning to be somewhere tugs at me or I feel a little restless and that’s when we make a short trip through the mountains to the next town over and do some exploring. But, for the most part it has been nice to immerse ourselves in just being here in the beauty of Appalachia.
Black Raspberries aka Black Caps
The rambling vines of black raspberries reaching for the sun in my yard have been anticipated for weeks now and we finally got to pick their sweet tartness for the past few days. There are more than enough even in our small patch for both us and the birds. The mountains are full of wild flowers and other delicacies that grow wild in the summer like honeysuckle and Muscadine grapes left from someone who let them take over. One of my favorite memories as a kid was eating wild warm Muscadines, so now I pass that legacy onto Doodle whenever I can.
There has also been a little more time to get to know some of the local producers of fine products that steadily flow into the local farmer’s market in Ashe county. These people passionately love their craftsmanship and the pleasure it brings you as a customer and neighbor. It is part of the reason I knew I was home the minute we moved into our house.
Here are just a few you might want to know about:
Rose Mountain Farm and Butcher Shoppe - Pasture raised Berkshire pork, beef, and rabbit are all found in this quaint little butcher shop along with a wide variety of local products. Seriously, the best sausage I have ever tasted comes from Ann Rose who farms and runs the local butcher shop to West Jefferson.
Here are just a few you might want to know about:
Rose Mountain Farm and Butcher Shoppe - Pasture raised Berkshire pork, beef, and rabbit are all found in this quaint little butcher shop along with a wide variety of local products. Seriously, the best sausage I have ever tasted comes from Ann Rose who farms and runs the local butcher shop to West Jefferson.
The Garnet Rose Soap Company - Hand-made soaps that are made from essential oils, Shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil. Nothing but the best ingredients including local goat's milk in some of their options.
Heritage Homestead - Goats milk Chevre Cheese products that are as yummy as they are healthy. Be it spreadable Chevre or wedges of cheese, you will love their flavors and how much they care about their goats.
High Country Farm Tour - You can find all of the above businesses as well as a whole bunch more of these amazing farmers who may just need your business to continue making quality products. Please check out the Farm tour page and plan a visit if in North Carolina.
We have also been working on getting all organic hair products that are also allergen free into the hair salon I work in part-time, Bee Natural Organic Salon. The exciting news is we are planning on selling some of these Appalachian local organic products at each of the upcoming Gluten and Allergen Free Wellness Events too! (The next one is in Raleigh on August 15) I can’t wait to share some of the products from people I have gotten to know this year. So stop into our booth and get some genuine quality items to try at home.
Until next time...Keep truckin' on and making positive changes to your allergy-free life.
Until next time...Keep truckin' on and making positive changes to your allergy-free life.
