We had a fabulous 2011 and were honored to provide wedding cakes for so many amazing clients and vendors that have now become friends.  We are excited about the New Year and look forward to meeting many more amazing couples and their families.

We are now booking for 2012, and the calendar is starting to show a lot of color! 

If you would like to schedule a complimentary wedding cake tasting and consultation with us, please fill out the form below.  We will gladly send you some cake flavor ideas to excite and inspire.

We are booking tastings and consultations after 11:00am on Tuedays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  We are also very happy to make special arrangements for our destination brides.  Just give us a shout!

Some of the most amazing cakes we will design in 2012 just might be for your wedding or special event.  We can't wait.

Bride's Name

Groom's Name

Phone

Date and Time of your Wedding and Reception

Wedding Reception Location

Wedding Ceremony Location

Number of guests you are expecting to serve

Email

Comments

Please let us know your favorite flavors, and cake ideas. We look forward to speaking with you.

secret_word

Sorry!

Let us not forget that it will sometimes snow… and that brings hot chocolate with little tiny marshmallows.  It means Christmas is coming around the corner and with it brings the yearly event of decorating cookies, mainly in red and green.  It is the time of year that everyone thinks about baking, and “homemade” brings special joy to the season.

The photo is courtesy of Smoky Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Waynesville, NC

 We are excited to offer sculpted cakes and are looking forward to the new designs we will be sending out from our bakery.

We had so much fun with this lobster cake which was ordered for a surprise birthday party. A totally edible – lobster cake.

Here is what our customer had to say…

"Debi and Rick,

What an incredible lobster cake you created and delivered on Friday! You must have heard the “oohs and awes” all the way to your kitchen! Not only was it creative and authentic, but it also tasted – well – “just simply delicious!” And we loved the face and the feelers that you did. So many thanks and Good Luck with your new venture – Yippee!

And thanks,

Judy”

As the 2011 wedding season is winding down, it gives me time to reflect on the amazing people that have touched my life this year.

As a wedding cake designer, I feel really blessed to be doing something that I love, and so honored to be a part of one of the most special days in so many couples’ lives.   A wedding cake to me is more than a cake.

I would like to share a few of my thoughts with all future brides…

Cutting your cake represents the first task you and your spouse will do together as a married couple.  And you perform this task in a room full of people you love the most.  And the best part of all… not only to you share the event, but you share a piece of the very cake.   Sharing your wedding cake with them is an invitation to them to share the rest of your lives.

One piece of advice I can give to all couples who will be married next year is… while at the reception, take a moment, stand against a wall and just look around.

And when you do, realize that everyone in that room is someone you love.  Your friends, his friends, your family,  his family, now your extended family,  all together.  This is one of the few times in your life where this will happen.  The event may only take a few hours, but you will have the memory of that moment forever.  And so will everyone in the room.

Take the moment…  freeze that picture in time.

That will become as they say… “Priceless”.

It’s been my honor to be a part of that day with so many couples this year.  I look forward to next year’s weddings, birthdays, and special events.  Planning and tastings are already taking place.

I love my job.

We are in Waynesville, NC,  but we serve Western North Carolina.  If you would like more information please visit us on The Mountaineer or our website:  http://www.justsimplydelicious.com

Located in the building our dear friends Textures once occupied. 

My favorite food memory is pumpkin pie.  Not so much for the taste, but for my grandmother making them with the vine ripened pumpkins I pulled from her “pumpkin patch” when I was a kid.  Other ingredients that come to mind are cranberries, figs and nutmeg. But fall to me… is all about candy apples.  
 
A tradition I’ve adopted since moving to western North Carolina is to participate in “the making of the molasses”.  The Burnette family grows their own sugar cane and every fall, they make homemade molasses.  It started with around 25 friends gathering around a big vat skimming the solids, keeping their grandfather’s tradition alive.  The vat is mounted over a wood fired furnace which harkens back to the 1940s. Even though it takes some 12 hours or so for the sugar cane to reach caramalization, time goes by fast since everyone that comes is entertained with the telling of mountain stories.  

It is now a mountain event that attracts hundreds of people, expanding on those stories, playing bluegrass music and taking turns skimming the molasses until it is done. There is always someone making what they call “cowboy coffee”, which is nothing more than the old percolator coffee pots doing their job.  And laughter abounds from the older men who puzzle the children to figure out the difference between a cow and an ox.  And if you come, come hungry.  Tables of home cooked foods including smoked farm raised chicken, skillet fried potatoes and the best blueberry tarts will surround you. 

It's time for molasses….

When the hotter weather hits, the foods that we seek most are the cold ones such as ice creams and thirst quenchers such as fruit smoothies.  Our soups are gazpacho or cucumber-dill.  We also enjoy foods that get us outside more…  the oven inside my kitchen gets a little dusty as the grill comes out from storage and is fired up, ready to supply us with hamburgers or grilled asparagus.  And of course, we never pass up watermelon and cantaloupe.  

Mostly the foods we eat are indeed fresh…  loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with very little concern for  portion control.   It’s the time of year when we all eat a little healthier because we are ready for it.  We’ve hibernated through the winter with whatever foods we could forage.  Now is the time to eat.
 

The Venue was beautifully decorated and I was honored to design the wedding cake for them.   This chocolate cake was iced in Italian meringue buttercream and garnished with purple rock candy. 

The wedding and reception location was The Venue in Asheville, NC.

Christa's hair was done by Amanda McKenzie at Adorn Salon in Asheville, NC

The photography was provided by Medford Photography in Canton, NC.  Thank you so much for being gracious for the courtesy photographs and letting us share the experience! 

I have my own definition for spring and it’s just “fresh”.  Spring is the season where brown starts budding green.  Color bursts up from nowhere and splashes hillsides, and my own house’s yard is filled with daffodils and snap dragons juxtaposed on a velvet green carpet.  For once… it has its own “Kodak Moment”.  

Spring is the time where new year’s resolutions take form in the idea of planting a garden.  The feel of dirt between your fingers and the smell of freshly turned earth which gives life to your vegetables and fruits is hard to surpass. The first to appear are the herbs, and there’s nothing more rewarding than crushing them with your fingers to savor their bouquet.

The garden soon springs forth asparagus, squash, rhubarb, and other spring vegetables.  Strawberries are followed by peaches, and the peaches are followed by berries.  And all of the them, bring pies, shortbreads and ice creams to mind.  

Shay Brown Events and Get Married designed a fabulous event last night for the Get Married Soiree.  Amazing networking, music, great food and décor. I had an absolutely wonderful time. The party covered two great venues, Packs Tavern's Century Room and the ballroom at the Grand Bohemian.  Guests were treated to great food at both locations, live music, DJ's, amazing decor and more.  Asheville trollys provided transportation between the two venues. 

This is just a sneak peak of …just simply delicious Cakes, Desserts and Confections participation. 

Visitors to the original store in Valle Crucis are greeted at the doorway by "essence of emporium," an aroma only achieved by mixing specific amounts of fresh-brewed coffee, garden-fresh produce, fragrant hickory smoke from the stove, oil used to treat the more-than-a-century-old floors, and good conversation among friends. Once over the threshold, each wall, shelf, and about every inch of floor is merchandised with anything from Bag Balm to gourmet salad dressing and from cast iron skillets to steel-toed work boots.

Do you remember the crank-driven cherry pitter your grandmother used to make your favorite pie? You'll find those in the Original Store's middle room. How about the most comfortable rocker you'll ever sit in? Try out an Amish rocker straight from Pennsylvania. Or maybe you just want to pass some time – have a seat on the back porch swing and enjoy a bottled Coke (how long has it been since you saw one of those?

The Original Store, built in 1883, both embodies and embraces a way of doing business that for the most part has become a victim of our fast-paced world. But for those willing to deviate from the every-day offerings and take a short drive into the country, the Mast Store will greet them as a neighbor.

Not to worry if you can't make it to Valle Crucis for a shopping experience of years past, the Mast Store has brought back the ambiance of an early 20th century department store in the historic downtowns of Boone, Waynesville, Hendersonville and Asheville. Harken back to the days when the only "malls" were those stores lining both sides of your town's main street. If you thought pleasant, unique shopping experiences were nearly extinct – try any of these locations where old-fashioned service makes the difference.

Of course there were numerous answers to these often-asked questions; so, store owners had to carry a little bit of a lot of items – cloth, coffee, sugar, flour, boots, Sunday-go-to-meeting shoes, cookware, ready-made cradles, elixirs, and for that final need, caskets. In return for these items, the store keeper might take a chicken or other produce that he could sell in the city or herbs and roots gathered from the woods that he could market to drug companies to make their cure-alls. He would even take a promise that a local customer would pay him for the goods when his crops came in.

As for convenience, general stores were located between five and 10 miles apart, often housed the community's post office (like the Mast Store does now), and may even have provided other needed services. For instance, the Mast Store once provided an office for Dr. Perry, who also started Watauga County's first hospital, and during the tragedy that has become known as the '40 Flood, the store served as a make-shift funeral parlor.

Service was always provided with a smile and local news and gossip were shared around the pot-bellied stove.

To be continued…

Photos courtesy of  Corey McNabb Photography 

Enjoy Repertory Theatre at it’s finest!  Experience the award-winning Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre, showcasing the talents of regional actors, musicians, and artists performing classic Broadway and off-Broadway productions. 

Located in the heart of Waynesville, HART began in 1985 as a small theatre company of amateur performers.  The historic Strand Theatre on Main Street served as main stage until 1993.  The current location, opened in 1997 as the Performing Arts Center at Shelton House, is uniquely constructed in the style of the traditional Summer Stock Playhouses of the 1920’s providing visitors the opportunity to connect with the performers.

HART is a volunteer-based community theatre, with a year-round schedule on both the Main Stage and in the StudioTheatre.  Main Stage performances, often featuring nationally-known actors, operates from April – November.  The Studio Theatre showcases more experimental productions throughout the Winter months.

No matter the time of year, visitors to the County will want to include a night at the Theatre in their schedule.  For a complete schedule of performances, visit http://www.harttheatre.com/.

The HART theatre has also served as a co-sponsor and venue for many creative and musical events in the community.

The Smoky Mountain Brass Band, made up of 30 musicians, performs quality music and the presentation of a unique concert experience. The brass band is committed to the advancement of music education in western North Carolina.  Inquiries about open chairs in the Band, call  828 253-6083, visit the website at www.smbrass.com

Razzle Dazzle Children’s Arts Festival, sponsored by the Haywood County Arts Council,  is held annually in the spring, on the HART grounds, with a full day of arts activities and entertainment for children of all ages. 

Voices in the Laurel, a not-for-profit community organization, provides an opportunity for young singers to develop as musicians through the study, rehearsal and performance of choral literature.  Voices in the Laurel is a regional choral music program with more than 120 singers ranging from third to 12th grade.  Performance groups have traveled throughout the region and nationally, sharing their musical talents. For further information about becoming a member and for audition schedules, call 828 335-2849, or email voiceslaurel@aol.comThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .  You may also visit the website at www.voicesinthelaurel.org.

The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival comes to the Performing Arts Center in June and July each year.   For further information and to view other concert sites, visit www.warren-wilson.edu/~chamber/index.html.  You may write for tickets at The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, P.O. Box 9000, CPO 6062, Asheville, NC 28815 

The Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House
250 Pigeon St.
Waynesville, NC 28786
Box Office: 828-456-6322

If you are driving, be aware, there are no gas stations actually on the parkway.  Also, don’t plan on getting anywhere fast. 30 miles on the parkway can easily take an hour to drive.  The speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less in some places. Finally, you will surely want to slow down anyway to take in some of these spectacular views. 

As a side note:  many of you are familiar with the Biltmore House built by George Vanderbilt.  While building the house, he purchased around 125,000 acres including Mount Pisgah for a private hunting retreat for family and friends.  Most of this land was later sold to the federal government to become Pisgah National Forest.

Here's a quick north to south overview:

• Milepost (MP) 418.8: Created by fire and wind, Graveyard Fields, a popular hiking spot at a 5,600’ elevation, is visible to the north of the parkway.
• At MP 420.2, a spur road to Shining Rock Wilderness descends from here to more than 13,000 acres of land marked by a striking white quartz outcropping, visible from MP 431.
• Silvermine Bald, MP 421, is named for an old silver shaft mine that operated here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Between Bear Pen Gap, MP 427.6, and Bear Trail Ridge, MP 430.4, there are 10 recorded spots named after the bears that used to be hunted here in great numbers.
• Heading on to Lone Bald at MP 432.7, you’ll reach the highest point on the parkway’s 469 miles (at Richland Balsam Knob).
• At MP 439.7, Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel’s 750 feet reach an end just before Saunook, with a view of Waynesville below from a height of 6,000 feet (MP 440.9 also overlooks the town).
• In 1776, the first white settlers crossed the Balsams at Rabb Knob, MP 441.9, beginning a period of conflict with the Cherokee who lived in this area already. In 1883 Southern Railway laid the highest standard-gauge crossing in eastern America across this gap, at an elevation of 3,335 feet
• At night, lights illuminate a 60-foot-high cross placed here, MP 445.2, in 1962. The cross and Mt. Lynn Lowry are both dedicated to the memory of a girl who died of leukemia at the age of 15. The cross was dedicated by evangelist Billy Graham in 1965.
• Waterrock Knob, MP 451.2, rises to an elevation of 6,292 feet, second only to Richland Balsam as the highest peak in the Balsam mountains. At the top is a 360-degree view and a memorial to H. Getty Browning, who secured the parkway route through N.C.

Although… there have been a few changes.

The grocery store is now a specialty gift and cloth shop, called Vertigo.  When you visit, take time to look at the architecture, especially the original upper windows.  The owners still remember where the produce was kept and where you could find the milk.

The old Hazelwood Elementary school is now the home of Folkmoot USA.

And, among the new cluster of shops still lining the “main” street, is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, gift and antique stores, and a new coffee roaster.

Thank you friend!  Now I can add squirrels to my worry list. 

Encounter split rail fences, cabins and barns from a time long gone, and valleys filled with Dogwoods, Rhododendron, and wild flowers.  Hike to Watterock Knob where near 6200 feet you can experience a panoramic view where the sun rises and sets on the Smoky Mountains.

The Parkway is a paradise for photographers and artists.  Walks in the springtime are filled with wildflowers, Dogwoods and Rhododendron; fall with brilliant color from hundreds of species of trees and shrubs.    Winter can be just as magical as spring. Amazing ice crystal formations can be seen from water dripping down rock walls that line much of the parkway.  Cool summer rains leave fog drifting around the mountains.   And the natural blue haze, which gives the mountain range its name, is almost always there for you to witness.

There are many recreational areas, visitor centers, and other facilities available to help you plan picnicking, fishing, and hiking. More information to help you plan your trip can be found here.
The parkway runs for 469 miles along the crests of the Southern Appalachians and runs between two eastern national parks: Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.  The parkway, originally called the “Appalachian Scenic Highway” was planned during the administration of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Work began on September 11, 1935 near Cumberland Knob in North Carolina.  On June 30, 1936, Congress placed the project under the National Park Service and named it the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

The construction took over fifty-two years, with the section near Grandfather Mountain being the last to be completed.   The parkway crosses streams, railways, ravines and cross roads by 168 bridges, six viaducts, and goes through 27 tunnels.
to be continued….

When the weather is cold and the mountains are snow-covered there is plenty to do outside. 

Haywood County, North Carolina offers visitors outdoor adventures such as skiing, snow boarding, tubing and hiking, or the opportunity to relax and enjoy the season from the warmth of a mountain-top cabin or lodge.

Wintertime in the mountains offers visitors unique opportunities that can’t be duplicated.  Whether they want to relax in a cabin overlooking the snowcapped Smokies or get in some skiing, there is something for everyone, and it’s all within a short drive from home.

Cataloochee Ski Area

For 50 years Cataloochee Ski Area has been providing great skiing with 16 slopes.    Plan your winter vacation with us and experience challenging terrain,  beautiful mountain views and more.

Tube World

 If you enjoy sledding but crave the speed of skiing, snow tubing is something that might be for you.  Tubing is an activity that everyone from children to senior citizens can enjoy together.  Tube World offers five different runs, serviced by a moving carpet lift to the top.  Riders must be 42 inches high, but for those that don’t make the cut, Tube World recently added a Wee Bowl Snowplay Area.  For more information, visit Tube World in Maggie Valley.

Hiking

Although the temperature may be dropping, hikes in the mountains are still a popular outdoor activity. With more than 800 miles of maintained trails covering over 520,000 acres, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.  Also surrounding Haywood County is the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina’s largest national forest.

There are a variety of trails between two to six miles that include steep upgrades and strenuous hikes, to very easy, moderate hiking.  There are plenty of opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the outdoors—even in cold weather.  From short walks to longer hikes or even a scenic drive, the mountains are spectacular this time of year.  Many hikers enjoy breathing the cool, fresh mountain air and taking in the views of the snowcapped mountains.  The scenery is much different during the winter months than one would experience in the summertime—it’s a nice change of pace for people.
 For more information about hiking in Haywood County visit The National Park Service or the Haywood County Chamber.

I extend a special thanks to Aria Floral for providing the floral for the event and the wedding cake.  This beautiful wedding was planned by  Shay Brown Events.

The photographs are provided courtesy of Blend Photography. 

Several years ago and the elk would not have been here. Elk, who thrived in the Appalachian Mountains for countless years, were hunted out of existence in North Carolina in the late 1700s.  In Tennessee, the last elk was killed in the mid-1800s.  By 1900, the population of elk in North America dripped to the point that many were afraid the species was headed for extinction. 

he best times to see the elk are early morning and late evening.  Most of the elk are located in the Cataloochee area in the southeastern section of the park. 

Take a drive through the park into Cataloochee Valley, and you'll see them, grazing quietly along the roads and in the meadows. A male may sit in tall grasses, the spread of his antlers visible above the green, surrounded by cows and calves, with an occasional visit from a wild turkey.  Around March the males shed their antlers, but they immediately begin growing new ones.  By August the antlers are full grown and have shed their “velvet.”   In early June, you may see calves, but their spots are usually gone by summer’s end.

To get to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cataloochee Valley take I-40 to exit 20 (HWY 276). Turn right onto Cove Creek Road, which will be the first road on the right. This road will lead you into the park and Cataloochee Valley. The road will turn from pavement to gravel and then back to pavement. Once on Cove Creek Road, it will take approximately 25 minutes to reach the park

Note:  According to the National Park Service, it is illegal to remove the antlers from the park.

Thank you to all that participated!  We really appreciate the effort and look forward to next year.

Twin Maples Farmhouse & Stable has three outdoor areas and two indoor areas available. 
Perfect for fall weddings in the mountains.
Http://www.twinmaplesfarmhouse.com

Here are a few photos from the fabulous PVP Studio.

The annual Apple Harvest Festival returns to historic downtown Waynesville October 16, 2010. Enjoy true Appalachian hospitality as this friendly mountain community opens its arms to embrace the harvest tradition and share the excitement with its neighbors. Main Street is dedicated solely to local food vendors and crafters demonstrating and selling their handmade crafts which is a special highlight of this event.

Traditionally held on the lawn and in front of the county courthouse, the festival has expanded from the Courthouse on downtown’s Main Street to Church Street. Haywood County Apple Growers, food vendors, artists and crafters gather for a glorious day of color to celebrate the fall harvest. There is entertainment all day long that includes local mountain music and dance.

Twin Maples Farmhouse & Stable is having a Grand Opening!

Where: Twin Maples Farmhouse and Stable
            63 North Hill Street Waynesville, NC

When: October 14, 4:30 – 7:30 pm

Phone: 828-226-1657

Please join us for a fall extravaganza showcasing Waynesville’s newest event venue space. Visit Twin Maples and meet Shay Brown our Wedding & Event Designer and our Pastry Chef Debi Hall, for an evening of light H’ordeuvres, pastries, beer and wine.

As you tour the property you will be treated to fabulous displays provided by area vendors in floral, dress design, cakes, tablescape design and décor.

We will be providing transportation to the property. Just park on Wall Street (behind Whitman’s) and catch the shuttle to Twin Maples. Or Twin Maples is within walking distance, only five minutes if you choose. The shuttle will run throughout the event.

Please R.S.V.P. with your number of
attendees via email to: fun@twinmaplesfarmhouse.com

Pass the invitation along to all your friends and collegues.

Thanks! Wanda Brooks

Thank you Kimberly and Christopher for letting …just simply delicious be a part of your special day.  It was my honor to provide this wedding cake for you.

Stay tuned… follow-up photos of their wedding will be coming.

Castle Photographs from their website.

This groom's cake reflects how they met., over a game of beer pong at Virginia Tech.

The cake is half Italian cream and half chocolate. Hand-crafted gum paste cups filled with sugar beer!

I had a wonderful time designing this cake, thanks! 

Sarah learned the art from the State Fair when she was ten and hand crafts each design.  She recently “hatched a plan” as she calls it, and with an open heart Sarah is on a mission.  “Eggs for Eggs” using her talents to glorify God.  She donates all proceeds from her Ukrainian Egg sales to World Vision where $25 will buy two chickens for a family in need.  And… Sarah is donating 100% of her proceeds. 

For more information about Sarah and her spectacular eggs, visit her blog, or her display at Dalton’s Christian Bookstore in Waynesville, NC .

I am so looking forward to my egg, and what a feeling to know that you are also helping someone else in the process.  Thank you so much, Sarah.  I look foward to your future designs.

http://eggsforeggs.blogspot.com

Update:  It is my understand that sadly…  Eaglenest Entertainment has closed and is now offered for sale.

Eaglenest Entertainment is, according to some, the finest entertainment venue in Western North Carolina.  They are a privately owned, multipurpose entertainment and convention complex – with an emphasis on providing quality, family-appropriate entertainment in a tobacco and alcohol free environment.  Maggie Valley in Haywood County, North Carolina.

The theater features an elegant 800-seat auditorium, designed to provide unparalleled sights and sounds.    Each seat is very comfortable and arranged so there are no obstructed views.  The outdoor amphitheater features a covered stage with a terraced lawn that provides abundant hillside seating – climate controlled by Mother Nature.  
 
Eaglenest is proud to have presented talent such as Darryl Worley, Don Williams, Josh Turner, Gene Watson, Earl Thomas Conley, Karen Peck & New River, the Bellamy Brothers, IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent, and many others.  Their most recent performers include Pam Tillis, Confederate Railroad, and Dan & Jim Seals.

Other events at Eaglenest Entertainment have included a performance by Voices in the Laurel, a youth choir made of up over 100 voices as well as Folkmoot’s Gala Premier, which showcases musicians, singers, and dancers from around the world.

Eaglenest Entertainment is the chosen location for many other events – including the Oasis Shriner’s ceremonial event.  After the formalities were completed indoors, onlookers were entertained by the precision “trike” peddling team’s performance in the front lot.  The Goldwing Road Rider’s Association, Region N Annual Rally attendees enjoyed the comfort of the auditorium for their opening and closing ceremonies, seminars, presentations, and entertainment.  They also enjoyed the beautifully landscaped outdoor areas for their competitions, games, vendor sites, and picnics.  It is also rumored that many of the attendees enjoyed the coffee and donuts served each morning by the friendly staff at Eaglenest Entertainment.

It’s clear to see how Eaglenest Entertainment earned its positive and professional reputation.  Every detail has been carefully planned to create a first-class experience for their guests. . .

Eaglenest is located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina in Haywood County.  Your place for outdoor or indoor entertainment.

2701 Soco Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751

For a complete schedule and event information please visit their website.

The arboretum was laid out by Asheville landscape architect Doan Ogden for industrialist A. L. Freedlander, who donated the college's initial funding provided that the site's oak forest be preserved.

An early inventory recorded 880 trees including 22 native species, many averaging 100 years old. Since then the arboretum staff has added a further 87 species of trees, shrubs, and ground covers.

Arboretum features include a rhododendron garden (1 acre) containing 75 varieties of rhododendron, conifers, dahlia garden featuring over 250 varieties, fruit tree orchard, greenhouse, herb garden, rose garden, nature trail, and perennials.

185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, North Carolina.

It is open daily without charge.

A special thank you goes out to Limeade Studio for their fabulous photos.

Thursday September 2nd is the kick-off for a weekend of great fun.  The Canton Recreation Park will host Rides, Food and Craft Vendors, and Entertainment through Monday Sept. 6th.

Adding to that on Saturday there will be a Car Show 10:00am – 2:00pm.  And Heritage Crafts at the armory from 10:00am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday will be filled with Gospel, as four groups will available from 2:00pm until 9:00pm.

Monday September 6th is the Labor Day Parade. The parade starts at 10:00am on Main Street in Canton.  This is the oldest Labor Day celebration parade in the South.

In the photo are dancers from Angie's Dance Academy,  special appearances by "Firedog" and our wonderful farmers and their tractors!

For a complete schedule please visit The Town of Canton.

Women cutting up mountains of watermelon, folding chairs all over the lawn, ducks waddling here and there begging for food, the air is charged with the anticipation of shared music and heritage. The Smokey Mountain Folk Festival is about to begin.

For two days the fiddle tunes and gospel songs mix, mingle, and float over Lake Junaluska like they belong there.

They do.   Story by Emilie Trantham Fleenor

For Part I of this story please read here…

For Part II of this story please read here…

In 1928, Bascom Lamar Lunsford, known as the “minstrel of the Appalachia’s”, began a festival in Buncombe County called the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. The stage was soon full of musicians, mostly from Haywood and Madison County. Lunsford highly encouraged clog dancers to perform as well, aiding in the evolution of dance teams, groups with honed skills and rehearsed routines.

Inspired by the Asheville festival, and desiring to revive the old time music from the area, in 1971, the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival was founded. It began in the gym of the Waynesville Junior High. Eventually, it moved to the Stuart Auditorium and became a staple of the Haywood County tourism calendar.

Today the festival houses a cross section of music from throughout this area’s history. It is a beautiful expression and realization that folk music is always changing. We may not always like the changes, but they are a part of the music that, in turn, defines the area.

As I walk from the tents to the backstage area to get ready for my own performance, I hear Whitewater Bluegrass open the night as the high energy house band and I can’t help but clap along with the audience. I walk through the back door and Larry Watson’s melodic guitar playing tickles my ears. I make my way to the back porch of the building to the sound of Rob and Anne Lough’s dulcimer and sweet harmonies. I meet up with my dad and we go over our rendition of Polly Pretty Polly, a murder ballad my grandfather learned from his aunt in Canton. Yes, folk music is always changing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Emily Trantham Fleenor

The 40th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Music Festival begins September 3rd and lasts through September 4th, 2010 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.  For more information please visit www.lakejunaluska.com

"The main shows begin at 6:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, on the grand stage of Stuart Auditorium overlooking beautiful Lake Junaluska. Both nights will include a rich variety of the region's finest fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and square dance teams as well as the marvelous sounds of dulcimer, harmonica, jew's harp, bagpipes, spoons, saws, and folk ensembles."

Groom’s cakes have made their way into weddings as a way for the groom to express himself and to have his own special part of the rehearsal dinner or reception.  Normally ordered by the bride as a surprise, grooms are now taking on that responsibility as it can be a fun part of the wedding planning for them.  

Most groom’s cakes are chocolate, but more traditional flavors and even cupcakes are becoming popular.   The cakes were traditionally served at the rehearsal dinner, but again, you see them quite often as a second dessert choice at the wedding reception.  

This groom’s cake was indeed all chocolate with vanilla fondant for design and color.  It will provide 60-80 servings, depending on the serving size.   And as you can probably guess, this groom was a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee and loved football.

Women cutting up mountains of watermelon, folding chairs all over the lawn, ducks waddling here and there begging for food, the air is charged with the anticipation of shared music and heritage. The Smokey Mountain Folk Festival is about to begin.

For two days the fiddle tunes and gospel songs mix, mingle, and float over Lake Junaluska like they belong there.

They do.   Story by Emilie Trantham Fleenor
For Part I of this story please read here….

Church music was often unaccompanied as well.   Shape note music, a way of notating music using shapes to indicate notes on a Solfege system, became an easy way for churches to participate in musical worship together without the help of a piano or organ. Mountain churches used shape note books like Christian Harmony and others to weave hymns with intricate and unusual harmonies into their worship until instruments like the pump organ and pianos became more readily available.

As time marched on, instruments became more readily available in cities and old time music began to take off. It wasn’t until the arrival of mail order catalogues around the turn of the century that instruments became widespread in rural areas like Haywood County. Companies like Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward sold banjos, guitars, and fiddles at extremely low prices. Old time music was born.

The arrival of electricity in this area and with it the radio, brought changes to the musical scene that were inevitable. Country music shows being produced out of Tennessee introduced the people of Haywood County to different styles (and speeds) of playing than what they were used to. Some people loved it and took off with it, adapting the new styles, even traveling across the Tennessee line to make a living at it. Others continued to do it the way they always had.

In 1907, the Champion Paper Mill was established in Canton. Industrialization usually has a negative effect on an area’s unique culture. However, the owner of Champion recognized the value of the local culture and sought to encourage it. A band was organized at the paper mill. The mill also sponsored a YMCA that organized Dance teams for children and adults. Mill workers who had once been subsistence farmers now found themselves with free time. All of this helped maintain the desire for music in this county.

To be continued…

The 40th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Music Festival begins September 3rd and lasts through September 4th, 2010 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.  For more information please visit www.lakejunaluska.com

"The main shows begin at 6:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, on the grand stage of Stuart Auditorium overlooking beautiful Lake Junaluska. Both nights will include a rich variety of the region's finest fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and square dance teams as well as the marvelous sounds of dulcimer, harmonica, jew's harp, bagpipes, spoons, saws, and folk ensembles."

Women cutting up mountains of watermelon, folding chairs all over the lawn, ducks waddling here and there begging for food, the air is charged with the anticipation of shared music and heritage. The Smokey Mountain Folk Festival is about to begin.

For two days the fiddle tunes and gospel songs mix, mingle, and float over Lake Junaluska like they belong there.

They do.   Story by Emilie Trantham Fleenor

The Children’s Tent entertains passers-by and early birds with light play party songs and audience participation. A tent closer to the water provides shelter for musicians to sit around and swap tunes. Eventually the show begins. The windows to the auditorium are left wide open if the weather is nice. Many people simply stand at the windows to listen to first class musicians like Mac Snodderly, Trevor and Travis Stuart, Michael Youngwood, and Larry Watson and to watch a whole host of dance teams tear up the floor with their routines. Visitors to the area say things like “It’s so neat that this tradition is continued.” They are right. The Festival is one of the most vibrant modern expressions of a rich musical history in Haywood County.

Much of the music that came with the early settlers into this area was much simpler then the stuff you’d see on the stage at the Lake. These Scotch, Irish, English, and German people entered these hills with little more than what they could carry on their backs. Few instruments were available besides a fiddle or two here and there. Ballads were the order of the day. Passed down orally from one generation to the next, these songs were remembered from European countries and rarely existed in any written form. They told stories, often of torrid love affairs, sometimes ending in the death of one sort or another. The presentation of these ballads was simple, straight forward, and even stoic. Even though they were brought from native countries, it wasn’t long before these songs picked up the vernacular and even the geography of the local setting.

To be continued….

The 40th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Music Festival begins September 3rd and lasts through September 4th, 2010 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.  For more information please visit www.lakejunaluska.com

"The main shows begin at 6:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, on the grand stage of Stuart Auditorium overlooking beautiful Lake Junaluska. Both nights will include a rich variety of the region's finest fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and square dance teams as well as the marvelous sounds of dulcimer, harmonica, jew's harp, bagpipes, spoons, saws, and folk ensembles."

The Lily Patch is a Daylily and Hosta Garden that is open to the public and also serves as a nursery to those collecting these wonderful plants.

One can just drive up there, sit-a-spell on the garden house porch and enjoy the cool mountain breezes while gazing on a field of color dotted with thousands of blooms.

Cameras and Photographers are always welcome, and the first part of July is prime season for the best opportunities to capture that rainbow of color.  There is no charge.

As a nursery, you are welcome to choose any flower you see for purchase, they will dig them up and prepare them to travel with you, or you may choose to have them shipped at anytime.  

A daylily from this garden will be a long-lasting and wonderful memory of your trip to Haywood County and will remind you of your vacation for years to come.  If you are a bride, not only can you keep a portion of your wedding cake for your anniversary, but consider keeping flowers to remind you of your wedding as well. 

112 Clay Hollow Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 926-3076
 

I ran across this post from Lucky n Love Wedding Blog and wanted to forward this tip along to all brides.  “SoleMates is a mechanically engineered grass-proof design that fits on most heels and grips without damaging your shoe. SoleMates come in clear and black so they are also quite discreet. Plus, they are also reusable.”

Western North Carolina is a wonderland of beautiful views where outdoor weddings are the norm.  Most weddings in Waynesville involve walking in grass at some point.  This seems to be such an excellent solution, I wanted to pass it along.  Here is their website for more information and how to order.

Photo

I would make my cake truffles in spice and pumpkin flavors, add to that ginger cookies in leaf shapes.  Mini pumpkin cheesecakes that were such a hit last year, and perhaps scratch-made candy corn.  I just cannot wait to start developing recipes!

It's time to start planning those family get-togethers.  Orders have already started to come in, so the ideas are flowing.  If you are in the Waynesville, NC area and are interested in dessert bars, cakes and other holiday treats, contact us at …just simply delicious Cakes, Desserts and Confections.

Jonathan Creek is sometimes referred to as J-Creek and it is a community in Waynesville, NC.  This area hosts the Appalachian Amusement Center Vertical Wind Tunnel, The Lily Patch, The Swag and more.  This area was at one time referred to as the community of Dellwood.  Some of the local folks refer to this area as the gateway into Maggie Valley, NC.

If you are traveling from Maggie Valley or Waynesville to visit Cataloochee Valley, this is your route. Take 276 North and follow that road to Cove Creek Road on the left (about five miles.) Take Cove Creek Road and follow the signs to Cataloochee Valley.

Jonathan Creek Community in Haywood County, NC Photo: CGI Group

This five-day week is packed with entertainment, culture, the arts, great foods, and just all around fun. Opening day usually starts with carnival rides, live music and dancing. As the week progresses daily visits are a must. The giant barn is home to an ever changing array of blue ribbon winning cows, pigs and hogs, sheep and goats, chickens, horses, and all sorts of petting zoo animals.

The entertainment changes as well as many music groups will play and clogging teams will entertain. You just might see our State Senator, Joe Sam Queen either as emcee or calling the square dances. In the arena you are most likely to see horse shows, cow, sheep and goat competitions and exhibitions.

For crafters and home chefs, the main house is filled with ribbon wining produce, jams, jellies, and foods. And you will usually find project art pieces from some of the county’s elementary schools.

"Haywood County Fairgrounds seeks to promote and encourage agricultural, manufacturing, educational, recreational, cultural, and art activities and events for the enrichment of Haywood County.

Haywood County Fairgrounds is comprised of 2 large exhibit halls, a covered regulation size arena, a livestock barn, and beautiful grounds with Smoky Mountain views. These versatile facilities satisfy a range of client needs. An affordable and accommodating event space, choose Haywood County Fairgrounds for your next event."

http://www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org

Aug 25 – Aug 30, 2010 Haywood County Fair

Waynesville, North Carolina -

758 Crabtree Road Estimated attendees – 18000

828-734-5500

Please visit their website for more information.

Back in the day, the Francis Grist Mill was the place to come for community gossip and news on the area.  Today, in Bethel, the place to be is the Bethel Grocery.  It is here that you might find L.D. Griffin signing a copy of his book “Cold Mountain Hunter”.  Or buy some of the greatest home grown corn you’ll find anywhere.

Corn Field in Haywood County

Bethel is a farming community, and most of the local folk want to keep it that way.  It is here that you will find fields of tomatoes, peppers, and other crops.  The Blue Ridge Parkway lines its southern border, and from almost any direction you can see Cold Mountain, the peak made famous by Charles Frazier’s novel and subsequent movie.

The Pigeon River winds its way through the community providing some of the best fishing in the county for tourists and residents.  Others prefer to hike in the many wilderness areas within the Pisgah National Forest.

The Bethel area is growing with the addition of a new elementary school, and is home to one of three Middle Schools in Haywood County.

Every year the Bethel Rural Community Organization celebrates and preserves the enormously rich heritage of the Bethel Community by conducting the Cold Mountain Tour.  This area is the real home of “Pinkney” Inman of Cold Mountain fame.  His gravesite is a stop on the tour.

A special thanks to Rick Hall of CGI Group for these wonderful photos.

Bethel is a Farming Community

The Haywood County Tomato in Fields in the Bethel Community

Green Peppers on the vine in Bethel - a community in Haywood County

with a little help from a few of the folks at Palettes of Perfection.  The fabulous Flora Events made my cake come to life,  Kelly Giezentanner (Photographer) captured it all for eternity and Shay Brown Events planned a flawless event.

It was an honor for …just simply delicious to be a part of your day, and I wish you all the best.

...just simply delicious Wedding Cake

]]> http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/08/laguardia-wedding-in-kingsport-tennessee/feed/ 0 http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/08/blueberries-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/ http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/08/blueberries-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:00:52 +0000 Debi http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/?p=488 When I realized that it was time to go “a-berrying” again, I started looking for places to go on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where blueberries are “a-plenty”.

I ran across this wonderful blog:  Milkweed Diaries.    “Last week my sister Mary and I took our farm interns blueberry picking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the five of us picked about 11 pounds of wild blueberries in a couple of hours.”  They took their interns with them!  How wonderful they are keeping the tradition alive.

This prolific fruit can be found abundantly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at elevations over 4,000 feet.

According to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Graveyard Fields, the Craggies, the Blacks Balsam Range, and the Grandfather Mountain corridor remain the popular destinations for finding this delicious fruit.

For more information about the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, visit  or contact the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at (336) 721-0260.

I can’t wait to make my own blueberry pies…

Toy Celebration Cake at Fun Things Etc. on Main Street in Waynesville

It is a special occasion cake that is actually pretty cool!

The cake comes apart for serving and there are many ways to decorate it.

Of course since it’s made out of wood, I don’t know how it will actually taste…

Cora’s cake was …just simply delicious.

Birthday Cake | Canton NC

Appalachian Trail and Max Patch in Harmon Den NC

The Appalachian Trail extends between Springer Mountain Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is a 2,174-mile hike for those who dare to complete it. If you do, you will be known as a “2000 Miler”. If you complete the hike in a single season, you are a “thru-hiker”.  If you take the hike in stretches you are known as a “section-hiker”.

North Carolina has 88 miles of the Trail, plus around 200 miles that wind between the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Haywood County is home to part of the Trail, found in the Harmon Den wilderness area.

Those that want to see the trail, but not necessarily work for the title, can drive to Harmon Den and follow the signs to Max Patch. There is a short, but steep hike to the top.  It is definitely worth it. Max Patch has one of the most spectacular views of the mountains. If you are there when the hikers come through, be prepared to take photos for them. Most have cameras and are sure to want to be photographed against this scenic backdrop.

The trail through Harmon Den will take you along the ridge for a few easy and beautiful walks. Wild turkey and pheasant, as well as deer and an occasional black bear can often be spotted, making Harmon Den very popular during the hunting season!

Shook House in Clyde, North Carolina

History and old stories tell us, that sometime around 1795, Jacob Shook built a three-story cabin known as the Shook-Smathers House in Clyde, North Carolina.   Some say is the oldest standing frame built house in Western North Carolina.   Shook was part of a Revolutionary War expedition against the Cherokee allegedly to stop them from siding with the British.  After the war, many men on the expedition came back and settled the formerly Cherokee territory.

According to Shook family history, Shook may not have had to purchase the land. Haywood County at that time was in a contested territory that, according to a British treaty, belonged to the Cherokee. However, since the British had lost the Revolutionary War, that treaty was basically unrecognized by the new North Carolina government, which was severely in debt after the war. In order to pay its war veterans, the state either gave away or sold land at cheap prices. Shook and other war veterans, no doubt, took advantage of the deal. He found land along the Pigeon River to build a house. The land, an estimated 300 acres according to oral history, covered most of what is now present-day Clyde.

It was said that the Shook House hosted regular worship services and singing and music lessons in the third-floor attic before a church was built nearby. The cabin hosted the traveling Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury, a major influence on the region and spreader of Methodism. Shook donated land adjacent to his home to be the site of revival camp meetings and also set aside land for the Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church and Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Clyde.

Jacob Shook died Sept. 1, 1839 and was buried along with his wife, Isabella, in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, a short drive from the Shook-Smathers House.

Inside the Shook House in Clyde North Carolina

The Shook-Smathers House is located in Clyde about five minutes from downtown Canton. Head west on U.S. 19 from downtown. You’ll see it on the right after passing through the small commercial district of town.

All tours are given by Docents. Other times can be arranged by appointment.

Either call 877-620-2300 or email info@shookmuseum.org

Tours are best given for groups of 10-18.
Visit the Shook House Museum Website For more on the Shook Family History and Johanne Jacob Shook visit their website.

178 Morgan Street
Clyde, NC 28721
(877) 620-2300

One of Many Painted Murals in Canton NC

Canton, once in Cherokee Indian Territory, is home to its own kind of revival – a downtown revitalization and an ongoing effort to preserve its history. Hand painted murals throughout the town depict the history of the county.

The Canton Historical Museum tells the story of political, environmental and war history in a small but fascinating exhibit space, and just across the street is the newly restored Colonial Theatre, hosting concerts, readings and plays on a grand vintage stage.

Canton NC Museum

Canton was founded in 1889 as Buford. The name was changed to Pigeon Ford in 1891. In 1893 the name was changed again to Canton. If you listen to the stories told, a meeting was taking place to discuss a new name for the town and it was getting a little bit lively. So a break was called and one of the attendees was outside smoking, and while standing by the bridge, saw the name Canton printed on one of the bridges steel supports. So, he went back in, settled the debate by stating the new name will be Canton. And so it is, the town was named for Canton, Ohio, the source of the steel for the bridge over the Pigeon River. The bridge has long been replaced, but the piece of steel mentioned in the story can be found at the Canton Museum.

Canton is a small town cradled in the mountains in western North Carolina and is most commonly referred to as Paper Town. A name derived from Evergreen Packaging, Incorporated, (Formally Champion Paper). Champion Paper contributed largely to the local economy, and was the largest employer in Canton. Upon Champion’s decision to close the plant in 1997, the employees of Champion purchased the plant and formed Blue Ridge Paper Company. Under an ESOP plan, the employees own a 45% stake in the new company. The company was later purchased by Evergreen Packaging.

Recreation Center in Canton NC

Canton has a recreation program as part of its services to its citizens and guests. The Recreation Park has a large, modern swimming pool, playground, picnic tables, lighted tennis courts, and ball fields adjacent to the park. Activities include “Pickin’ in the Park” during the summer months, a scenic walking trail surrounding the park area; an annual Labor Day celebration, a festival of lights during the Christmas holiday season, and the annual lighted night Christmas parade. Every year, Canton opens its doors to the public during the ‘Mater Festival.

Car Show from 'Mater Festival in Canton NC

If you missed it, be sure and look for the festival next year, it will be bigger than ever.

The Mater Festival in Canton NC

Photography CGI Group

Waynesville is a unique town that includes an eclectic and spirited downtown lined with unique shops, art galleries, working studios and reinvented historic spaces, as well as rich local tradition and history. Waynesville is at the heart of an arts culture that’s thriving in Haywood County, a community that has been a part of Waynesville’s history since the 19th century.

A walk along Main Street encompasses it all, from traditional to contemporary. Gourmet coffee shops, bakeries and light, airy galleries.  Here, you’ll see brick sidewalks adorned with flowers and benches, cozy restaurants and an abundance of meandering window-shoppers.  Most of the shops date back to the early 1900s, offering a rare opportunity to imagine what it was like when the town was young.  Many still have original floors that now pop and creak from the many years of traffic.

Waynesville is also home to Mast General Store, a traditional mercantile shop housed in a 1930s clothing store. Here what is old is new again -  a café and gift shops, complete with chandeliers and high ceilings are located in a three-story renovated bank.

Haywood County was formed from Buncombe County in 1808.  Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier suggested the county seat be built on land he owned. He laid out the town and named it Waynesville, in honor of his commander in the war, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. He donated land for the courthouse, jail and public square.  The Town of Waynesville was incorporated in 1871.

While you’re enjoying the heritage, visit Historic Shelton House, Francis Grist Mill and Frog Level, the revitalized railroad district, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Photography CGI Group

Waynesville hosts many festivals and events during the summer months, including the Waynesville Street Dances (Square Dancing), or the Round Dance as it was called back in the day.  Folkmoot, an international folk festival, always starts with a parade down Main Street and the countries invited give everyone a glimpse of what is to come in a festive dance in front of the Historic Courthouse.  There are many festivals and events throughout the year that keep Waynesville full of life and laughter.  Festivals of Arts and Crafts, Fine Art and Artisans, Food, and Music are always just days apart.  Main Street is even closed down from time to time for some good ole fashioned block parties.

Waynesville offers many modern conveniences as well.  Many of the coffee shops are ‘hot spots’ with free wireless internet access.  Banks with ATMs are available on Main Street.  The Historic County Courthouse and the New Justice Center is at one end of Main Street and the Town Hall at the other.

Photography CGI Group

Fall Pumpkin Patch
The Pumpkin Patch at the First Methodist Church Every Fall

Indulge yourself in many fine restaurants and cozy places to stay.  Visitors can be pampered in luxury at many charming Bed and Breakfasts.  Condos perched high above Waynesville’s brick sidewalks offer outstanding scenic views of the town.  Or choose from many convenient hotels.  Many of these amenities are within walking distance of the Historic Main Street.

I’m old enough to remember the hurdy gurdy song.  Now I finally know what a hurdy gurdy is!

The Hurdy Gurdy

International Festival Day in Waynesville was fabulous.  A little rain, but what’s a little water among friends.   The dance troupe from France was backed by a wonderful group of hurdy gurdyists.   And they entertained the crowd gathered on Main Street.  The hurdy gurdy is generally thought to have originated from fiddles in either Western Europe or the Middle East some time prior to the eleventh century A.D.  The most common name for this instrument is the wheel fiddle.

The lady we spoke to from France said basically, you crank the wheel, and push down on these keys…  the wheel always plays (vibrates) some strings, but cranking vibrates other strings and you have different sounds.  Pushing down on the keys acts much like a piano in that it shortens the strings, changing the pitch of the sound.

An Open Hurdy Gurdy

The Dance Group from France played these instruments at the reception after the Gala Preview.  We were fortunate to catch some of their performance and posted it previously here.  They are playing the Hurdy Gurdy.

Hurdy Gurdy from Wikipedia

If you are really interested check Wikipedia.

According to Wikipedia, “this mechanism consists of a loose bridge under a drone string. The tail of this buzzing bridge is inserted into a narrow vertical slot (or held by a peg in Hungarian instruments) that holds the buzzing bridge in place (and also serves as a bridge for additional drone strings on some instruments). The free end of the dog (called the hammer) rests on the soundboard of the hurdy gurdy and is more or less free to vibrate. When the wheel is turned slowly the pressure on the string (called the trompette on French instruments) holds the bridge in place, sounding a drone. When the crank is accelerated, the hammer lifts up and vibrates against the soundboard, producing a characteristic rhythmic buzz that is used as an articulation or to provide percussive effect, especially in dance pieces.

On French-style instruments, the sensitivity of the buzzing bridge can be altered by turning a peg called a tirant in the tailpiece of the instrument that is connected by a wire or thread to the trompette. The tirant adjusts the lateral pressure on the trompette and thereby sets the sensitivity of the buzzing bridge to changes in wheel velocity. There are various stylistic techniques that are used as the player turns the crank, speeding up the wheel at various points in its revolution. Each sped-up “hit” produces a distinct buzzing sound. These hits are under the control of the player, and are not automatic, having to be put in with each complete turn of the wheel.”

Groom's Cake ...just simply delicious

A groom’s cake in a wedding usually reflects the man himself, his ambitions, dreams, or hobbies.  In this groom’s cake we went trout fishing in Haywood County’s cool mountain streams.   The cake itself was made from spelt flour, covered in scratch-made chocolate fondant and decorated with gum paste floral and trout.   The cake design is  finished with fondant candy rocks and bubble sugar for water.  Everything was edible and just simply delicious.

If you want to go fishing, Haywood County is the place to be, especially if you love to fly fish for trout.  Here, all the water in Haywood County originates within our boundaries.  Waynesville’s watershed is located southwest of the town  in an area called Allens Creek and covers 8,400 acres.  Tributary streams within the watershed flow into the Waynesville Reservoir, a 50 acre man-made lake created by a dam on Allens Creek.

Crisp and clear mountain trout waters, with views of waterfalls and the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains as your background… what could be better?  Can you think of a better mancation?

James Hills at mantripping.com thinks Haywood County is the exact place to explore fishing.  “So in addition to a great excuse to spend time outdoors, there is a good chance you’ll actually catch something.”  Doesn’t that sound like a mancation?  Can you tell this blog is written by a women?

Brook, brown and rainbow trout are the dominant species of freshwater trout in North Carolina. These trout require cold, clean water and are therefore generally restricted to mountain streams and lakes. Those mountain waters that support trout and are open to public fishing are designated as “Public Mountain Trout Waters” by the Wildlife Resources Commission and are managed for public trout fishing.

There are approximately 1,100 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters in North Carolina. In hatchery supported waters there is no size limit or bait restriction, and the creel limit is seven trout per day. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are marked with green-and white signs that are posted conspicuously along the watercourses.

We have it, you want it, and here’s where to go to see how you can get it.
For licensing information please visit http://www.ncwildlife.org

Photos from the Haywood County Arts Council

Saturday is the 25^th Annual International Festival Day Celebration!

Once again, Main Street Waynesville, NC,  is transformed into a world bazaar featuring arts and crafts from around the world, international and local cuisine, and performances by the Folkmoot USA dancers.

The Haywood County Arts Council is also entertaining the kids with a stop in their “Passport to the Arts” children’s area. There, they will have a chance to create unique crafts from around the world to take home as souvenirs and have their “passport” stamped.

There is something for the entire family and it is free.

The event starts at 10:00am and ends at 5:00.

Recently Hindsightbride covered a real rustic DIY Mountain Wedding held here. The bride, groom and their family all came together in true mountain fashion to make this wedding spectacular.

Photographs are provided by Torrence Photography.

Cataloochee is more than a fabulous view and event venue,
they offer horseback riding, hiking trails and more.

For more information about Cataloochee Ranch please contact:

119 Ranch Drive
Maggie Valley, NC 28751
(828) 926-1401
(800) 868-1401

Clyde was once an important holding area and loading point for shipping livestock to more populous areas of the country. The small, friendly town later evolved into a “bedroom” community for people who work outside the area.

How will you know when you’re in middle of Clyde? Just look for the “big gun”.

Haywood County’s only institution of higher education is Haywood Community College, a two-year college located in Clyde.  Be sure and visit the Haywood Community College Arboretum when you can.  The arboretum features include a rhododendron garden (1 acre) containing 75 varieties of rhododendron, conifers, dahlia garden featuring over 250 varieties, fruit tree orchard, greenhouse, herb garden, rose garden, nature trail, and perennials.

Clyde is also the home of the Shook Museum.  Haywood County’s oldest house.  It’s 200-plus years of history will live on to tell generations of the Shook-Smathers past.

The Gun in Clyde North Carolina

Fun Things Etc.

What better place to have a child’s birthday party than at the premiere specialty toy store in Haywood County. And the best part is that it is free!

Fun Things Etc. has converted over 700 square feet of the first floor of their store to a room perfect for your child’s birthday parties and other special events. The event space will accommodate up to 35 guests, and is handicapped accessible.

If you need assistence in planning, they have many packages available, and supply many of the decorating and catering services you may need.  Please contact them to help you plan your child’s next party.

The event space itself is free. It’s just one way Fun Things etc. gives back to the community.

196 North Main Street
Waynesville, North Carolina 28786
Phone: 828-456-7672 Or Toll Free: 866-498-4FUN ]]> http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/what-a-wonderful-magical-place-to-hold-a-childs-birthday-party/feed/ 0 http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/trivia-back-in-the-1800s-what-did-the-locals-call-a-flood-prone-area/ http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/trivia-back-in-the-1800s-what-did-the-locals-call-a-flood-prone-area/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:45:27 +0000 Debi http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/?p=205

Trivia:  back in the 1800's what did the locals call a flood prone area?

It was called "frog level" land.

The area of Waynesville located along Richland Creek, northwest and downhill from Main Street in Waynesville, NC, was essentially a swampland.  In 1884, the first railroad tracks were laid, right alongside Richland Creek.  Until this time, the area was home to a few scattered buildings but essentially no major development. Once the tracks were finished and the depot built, the train arrived and the area soon came to be known as Frog Level.

The first depot burned in 1900, but it was soon replaced with another that remained standing until 1987. Back in the day, Frog Level was the town, folks walked up the hill to what was then called Pleasant Hill. The commercial focus changed to Waynesville when automobiles became popular and the train was no longer the main source of transportation. The last passenger train arrived in Waynesville in 1949, however, freight trains pass through Frog Level twice daily, with most trains continuing on to Sylva.

Frog Level still serves as a commercial part of the town. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Districts and has everything from art galleries, a soup kitchen, professional offices, and a creek side coffee shop.

Update:  Try this link for more information about Frog Level and the Historic Frog Level Merchants.

These glorious summer evenings are filled with socializing and laughter preserving what is unique and sacred about our mountain heritage and the essence of our Scots-Irish ancesters.

Join us and learn to Round Dance!

“My belief is that if we can keep our sense of self and place, we will thrive. Appalachia is a bastion of individualism and of community. The people who settled here liked this place – they liked the isolation of it, they liked the peace of it, they liked the magnificence of it. I feel that it’s very important for a community to have a sense of place. And for a person to have a sense of place – to belong to somewhere, and to come from somewhere. What you learn from that is so critical to being a world citizen – that you come from someplace and that everybody else does too. That gives you a sense of tolerance, of openness, and of hospitality. I don’t come from the best of everything. I come from where I come from. You can start from anywhere and go anywhere.”

“There are not a lot of places left that have such a strong sense of place, but Appalachia’s one of them that does.” ]]> http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/how-easy-it-is-to-do-the-appalachian-big-round/feed/ 0 http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/colonial-theatre-in-canton-nc/ http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/colonial-theatre-in-canton-nc/#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:04:36 +0000 Debi http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/?p=219 They built it, they  revitalized it, and rebuilt it again after the floods.   We are talking about one of the most beautiful buildings in Haywood County.

The Colonial Theatre in Canton was the first structure built specifically to house a modern motion picture facility. It opened on June 6, 1932 and it became the focus in Canton’s social life through the 1960’s.

The Colonial Theatre was purchased by the Town of Canton in 1998 and fully restored to its earlier grandeur with its gable roofline and Colonial Revival Style. Many of the building’s original interior and exterior features have been preserved, such as the original swirled stucco walls, ceiling medallion and antique light fixtures.

Today, the theatre’s grand vintage stage hosts many conferences, concerts, stage and theatrical productions, weddings, receptions, and corporate meetings. Backstage are restrooms, dressing rooms and more. The center is now fully furnished with state of the art equipment that includes 35mm movie and electronic projection equipment and screens for feature films, digital surround sound, CD, VCR and DVD players.

The auditorium has 347 seats, including a balcony. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 2000 as building #00000226.

Canton’s best-kept secret is out now, as companies line up to hold events at this beautiful historic setting. The annex, Veterans Corner, boasts a large room that can accommodate 80 people and includes a full service commercial kitchen with generous sinks, refrigerator, ice machine and other amenities.

Parking is adjacent to the Colonial Theatre and across the street in the municipal lot. Additional information, including costs and scheduling, may be obtained by contacting DeAna Flynn at (828) 648-2363.

Architects are listed as Benton & Benton.
Style is Colonial Revival

55-57 Park Street
Canton, North Carolina 28716
(828) 648-2363

Join us for a day of shopping in unique shops strolling on our  bricklined sidewalks.   Spend an evening being entertained and filled with foods, wine and desserts as the art galleries open until 9:00pm for Art After Dark.

Photo CGI Group

And work off all the sweets by joining us for a front row seat to the last of Waynesville’s street dances of the season.

Art After Dark is a gallery crawl in Waynesville, NC. On the first Friday of the month from May until October, Main Street becomes magical. It is a special time where all the participating galleries and stores open their doors after hours and invite all of us to join them.

The event starts at 6:00pm and usually starts to wind down at 9:00pm. Most restaurants are open, so plan on an evening out.

…just simply delicious Cakes, Desserts and Confections will have a petit four buffet table available to all Texture’s guests. Textures is an extraordinary gallery featuring fine art and custom wood crafted items for your home. Join them for a fabulous evening listening to live music and snacking on our wonderful treats. For a complete schedule of upcoming Art After Dark dates please visit the Waynesville Gallery Association or Textures.

Thursday night Folkmoot Sponsors were treated to a private performance Gala Preview at Eaglenest Entertainment, Maggie Valley, NC. Afterward, donors and sponsors attended a reception. Here is a glimpse of the fun we all had at the reception, and a quick look at what’s to come these next two weeks

At 1:00, Friday afternoon, the Parade of Nations will take place from Main Street to the Historic Court House and having a camera is a must. If this puts you in the mood to dance, join others for Folkmoot at First Friday Street Dance in Waynesville, it starts at 6:30pm.

The schedule for the week also includes Festival Dance Workshops, preformances, exhibitions and more.For a complete schedule visit http://www.folkmootusa.org.

The event concludes with a Candelight Closing at Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska with all the groups. ]]> http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/folkmoot-starts-friday-the-22nd-mark-your-calendars/feed/ 0 http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/street-dances-in-waynesville/ http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/2010/07/street-dances-in-waynesville/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:22:22 +0000 Debi http://blog.justsimplydelicious.com/?p=186

Downtown Waynesville Association

August 6th, there will be a buzz on the streets of Waynesville, North Carolina. The section of main street in front of the courthouse is closed off, bleachers are placed, and stages are erected. Bands get ready, the dancers warm-up, and Joe Sam Queen tests his microphone. When the street is covered in cornmeal… it’s time for some good old-fashioned square dancing and clogging. Deep in the roots of Southern Appalachian culture and the traditions of our Scots-Irish ancestors is the Round Dance.

Understanding the caller’s instructions is part of the fun and can be challenging to new dancers. Just as his father did in the 1930’s, Joe Sam Queen becomes the street caller and shouts “Circle Up!” and the dancers circle around… then you could hear “swing your partner”, which doesn’t mean the partner you started with, but the person standing beside you.  Or you could hear, “swing your corner”. The lady on a man’s left is his corner, and likewise the man on a lady’s right is her corner. So when you hear, “Bow to your partner, Bow to your corner.”, well you get the idea.

Come to the last Friday Night Street Dance of the season, it’s from 6:30 until 9:00pm. You can sit and soak and take it all in, or better yet, join in!  Right in front of the Historic Court House in Waynesville, NC

An event that still celebrates traditional mountain music with bluegrass or old-time bands is ‘Pickin in the Park’ .  The event is held every Friday night from June until Labor Day at 7:00 p.m. and is FREE to the public.  Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music!

Other spots in the park will light up the night with additional musicians playing in their own jam sessions.

The location is the Canton Recreation Park on Penland Street, Canton, NC‎ – (828) 646-3411‎

The summer schedule is:

The mill then passed on to his daughter, Hester Ann Francis Boone.  Boone wanted to restore the mill into its original condition, but it is Tanna Timbes, Boone’s daughter, who inherited the mill in 2003, that is seeing it through.

Tanna Timbes along with friends and family, formed the non-profit organization, The Francis Mill Preservation Society, and is dedicated to bring this Haywood County icon to life and preserve the Francis legacy.

With the help of the Heritage Conservation Network and the Society for Preservation of Old Mills, workshops for the mill restoration are held each summer. All the restoration work performed on the mill during the last two years consists of donated wood and volunteer labor.

As with most wheel-driven mills, a large gear-wheel was mounted on the same axle as the water wheel. This wheel drove a smaller gear-wheel on a main driveshaft running vertically from the bottom to the top of the building.

It was this power that controlled two stones; which were laid one on top of the other. The bottom stone, is fixed to the floor, while the top stone, is mounted on a separate spindle, driven by the main shaft. The grain would enter the top stone and through a process of furrows, it would be ground while making its way out from between the stones.

The mill is operational and I purchased a bag of cornmeal.   Stay tuned as I use that meal in one of their favorite recipes.

To Be Continued…

For more information on the mill, its ongoing restoration, and how you can help, please visit www.francismill.org.

The mill is approximately 2.4 miles from Main Street, Waynesville on Highway 276 SOUTH. GPS coordinates are 35 degrees 28-48N, 82 degrees 57-45 W. The elevation is about 2739 ft.

Francis Grist Mill was a stop on the Cold Mountain Tour in 2006.
The tour is scheduled every summer in Haywood County, North Carolina.

Note: If any corrections need to be made, please contact us.

According to Top Events USA, Folkmoot USA, The State International Festival of North Carolina, is one of the top festivals to be held in North Carolina each year. Folkmoot is a two-week celebration of the world’s cultural heritage through folk music and dance. The festival starts July 23rd with the Parade of Nations in Waynesville, NC.

This free event starts at North Main Street and ends in front of the Historic Court House on South Main. Later that evening, Waynesville will host the Folkmoot at First Friday Street Dance also on Main Street. This event is also free.

The balance of the two weeks will be filled with performances and workshops by up to 350 performers from the following countries: Russia, Latvia, UK (Irish step dancers), France, Switzerland, Peru, Jordan, Portugal and Poland.  The Folkmoot Festival features public performances at venues throughout Western North Carolina in the towns of Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, Highlands, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Asheville, Columbus, Burnsville, Marion, Mars Hill, Flat Rock, Stecoah and Franklin.

For a complete schedule and for more information contact Folkmoot USA.

Photo from www.kaninis.com

The dancers and the support staff are all guests of the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.  The building was once an elementary school, and for three weeks during each summer, it is the home to  guests from around the world.

The question I had was how do you feed all of these people?  Well, the school’s original cafeteria is still in place.  In fact during the rest of the year it is leased by an an absolutely wonderful catering company, KANINI’S. All-Natural Meals To Go.

But for now, the cafeteria comes to life with actual school “lunch ladies” serving and preparing the meals.  After all, who could do a better job?   Kanini’s is graciously working as planned through the kitchens of Blue Ridge Food Ventures during this time.

The Folkmoot Organization is looking for volunteers in various capacities.  If you are interested, please contact them.

The Rose Walk at Lake Junaluska

My husband Rick and I walk around the lake at least twice a week.  It doesn’t seem so much like exercise when you’re in a place as appealing as this.

Arguably, the Rose Walk is the most beautiful stroll you and your family can take in Haywood County.  This section of the Frances Asbury Trail centers you between thousands of breathtaking roses and a beautiful view of the Lake Junaluska.

The Frances Asbury Trail is a 2.5-mile paved walking path, circling Lake Junaluska.  There are benches, bridges, a dam, a meditation labyrinth and a rose garden.

Following the trail will take you past the roses through their spectacular butterfly garden and waterfall, and around the bend where you are down at the water’s edge and can feed the wildlife.

You will then wind around the wooded section around the lake popping out just in time to walk across the dam that forms the lake.

The path continues along the other side of the lake allowing you to a spectacular view of the lodges, homes and museums that bring thousands of visitors to Lake Junaluska every year.

About half way around the lake is a foot bridge crossing the lake that will take you to the activities and aquatic center.

Lake Junaluska Conference
and Retreat Center
689 N. Lakeshore Drive
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

This conversation started while eating a decadent chocolate cake I designed for a friend’s birthday party.  What type of flour did I use?  Flour is a vast topic in its own right.  And I shall be delving into flours in future posts.  But for now,   there’s a bit of Haywood County history that I would like to share with you.  We have our own Grist Mill in Waynesville and it is running.

History

I visited the Francis Grist Mill in 2006 as part of the Cold Mountain Tour and to research information for a county website.  I am sharing the information I was told then.  However, our conversation from the other night peaked my interest,  so I am revisiting the mill from a new perspective and will soon have an update.

The question is… if you lived in Haywood County in 1887, where would you go for news, gossip, and the discussion of political and community issues?

Answer:  The Francis Grist Mill.

What could a grist mill and community gossip have in common?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, grist is a grain or a batch of grain for grinding, and a gristmill is a building where grain is ground.  And in 1887, all the farmers had grain.

The story of the Francis Grist Mill (as I was told) begins with a young man named William Francis, who moved from Tennessee to Haywood County to seek his fortune. When he arrived, he met, dated and later married a young lady named Polly Almon.  Polly just happened to be the daughter of Gideon Almon, who, at the time, is said to have been the richest man in Haywood County.

The story continues with Mr. Almon being so fond of William Francis that he gave the couple one square mile of land as a wedding present. You can get a feeling of how much land that is every time you leave Waynesville via Pigeon Street and take a drive on the land that still bears his name, Francis Cove Road.

William Francis built the grist mill in the middle of this land. It was not only the place for the farmers to have their corn processed, but it was arguably the social hall of the county. As the rotating stones ground the corn into meal, everyone would catch up on news and swap stories.

To be continued…

For more information on the mill, its ongoing restoration, and how you can help, please visit www.francismill.org.

The mill is approximately 2.4 miles from Main Street, Waynesville on Highway 276 SOUTH. GPS coordinates are 35 degrees 28-48N, 82 degrees 57-45 W. The elevation is about 2739 ft.

Francis Grist Mill was a stop on the Cold Mountain Tour in 2006.
The tour is scheduled every summer in Haywood County, North Carolina.

Note:  If any corrections need to be made, please contact us.

Bear Creek Cabin

What will it take to make us happy?  It’s hot…  too hot.

Remember last winter?  It seems like such a long time ago.  I didn’t think the snow would ever end, and to make matters worse, I was traveling from Clyde to Asheville during extremely early morning hours on snow and ice covered roads.   I complained, and when I complained, I knew my words would come back to haunt me.

Now…  all of this hot, humid air, has me stuck inside looking outside, longing for cooler times.   We went from one extreme to the other.    But for now, I give pause and think of snow.

My friend Robbie Hunt is opening a Christmas Tree Farm this winter.  So I asked for some photos… think cool.  The farm looks beautiful, wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a drive out to Hot Springs and throw a few snowballs?

At the very least, we can take note and visit when the season is upon us.  At least we know where to go.  The farm isn’t far from his vacation rentals at Bear Creek Cabin Rentals in Hot Springs, NC.  Oh, by the way, if you haven’t visited Bear Creek Cabins…  you’re missing something wonderful.  Robbie has two handcrafted multi-story cabins which are made from wood off the land, and they are nestled within nine private acres.

If you are interested in the cabins or the Christmas Tree Farm, you can contact Robbie Hunt by calling:  828-400-2933.

In the case of Bethel Eden Farm, people are coming. We visited a simply divine produce stand today. It is owned by Dawn Cox of Canton, NC. As in “it’s a small world”, Dawn and I worked together on a website design project for her past employer a few years ago. Since then, she has branched out with Bethel Eden Farm and Pigeon Valley Farms. And it is our shared love for freshly baked goods that brought us together today.

Her new produce stand has been open for about four weeks and is located at 2279 Pisgah Drive in Canton. Her offerings include the most luscious blackberries I’ve seen… and you can tell, I love blackberries. Also found at the stand is Heirloom tomatoes, peppers, beans, corn and a selection from Sunburst Trout Farms, another amazing farm. Her refrigerated melons will definitely hit the spot on these hot summer days.

Dawn’s plan is to offer freshly baked breads and pies in the future, and with those blackberries… I will be the first in line, and I’m a bakery!

To visit:

Bethel Eden Farms is located at:

2279 Pisgah Drive, Canton, NC 28716
Phone: 828-550-4001

Photos: Twin Maples Farmhouse

Introducing Waynesville’s Newest Event Venue, Twin Maples Farmhouse

I really enjoyed meeting Charlie and touring the property.  The grounds are beautiful, private and very convenient to Waynesville, NC.

Their beautiful 1908 Farmhouse is the perfect backdrop for your special day. The house is nestled on three acres of lush country land, yet located just two blocks off historic downtown Waynesville, NC.

Their Victorian Backdrop is perfect for your wedding day. The arched bridge spanning over the winding stream is ideal for that perfect photo. This is every girls dream location, so just give Twin Maples Farmhouse a call.

The property is available for all your gatherings, specializing in Outdoor Events. Weddings, Receptions, Baby Showers, Office Parties, Reunions, Holiday Parties and much more!

63 North Hill Street • Waynesville , NC 28786
Call Charlie: (office) 828-456-6160 or (cell) 828-226-1657

Or visit their website

…just simply delicious is now serving freshly picked wild blackberries directly from the hills on our farm in many of our dessert offerings.

The blackberry is nutritious.  One serving of blackberries (one cup or 140 gm) provides 50 percent of the vitamin C, 10 percent of the folate, and 22 percent of the fiber required daily. Blackberries are also a good source of potassium, calcium, and iron. In addition, the compound ellagic acid, identified as an anticarcinogen, is found in blackberries. *

*more nutritional  information

The attendees were thrilled with the decor… hanging ropes  lined with baby clothes.   The event was a success and the guests loved the event venue.

…just simply delicious was very pleased  to provide the cake.

Art After Dark

Most of the galleries will offer food and wine, and some will have live music provided by our very talented local bands.   Mostly,  Art After Dark offers opportunity to meet and speak with various artists.  As many of the galleries are working studios,  several will be giving demonstrations.

The event starts at 6:00pm and usually starts to wind down at 9:00pm.  Most restaurants are open, so plan on an evening out.

…just simply delicious Cakes, Desserts and Confections will have a petit four buffet table available to all Texture’s guests.   Textures is an extraordinary gallery featuring fine art and custom wood crafted items for your home.  Join them for a fabulous evening listening to live music and snacking on our wonderful treats.   For a complete schedule of upcoming Art After Dark dates please visit the Waynesville Gallery Association or Textures.

Photo: Melissa Markis

One of the most beautiful natural settings for any outdoor event is Apple Hill Farms.  The property offers a unique alternative with a tranquil, natural springs setting, surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

This awe-inspiring renovation of the Plott Family Farm boasts multiple event locations. History tells us the Plott family members were apple growers and the current guest house – soon to be a honeymoon cottage was once the apple processing barn. North Carolina’s state dog, the Plott Hound was bred on this land, donning the family name.

This reinvented location is perfect for weddings, family reunions, baby and wedding showers, business meetings, private dinners and more. Dining and dancing will soon be common in a converted corn crib, now referred to as the Summer House Pavilion. This building will accommodate up to 80 seated guests or more if your event is cocktail style. The original farm house included an outside kitchen. Now fitted with a glass chandelier this Dining Room offers a private, intimate dining experience for eight. For larger groups, picturesque garden areas can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Contact Owner Tandi Temple Haas for more information or visit their website

Apple Hill Farms is located at 88 Plott Valley Road, Waynesville, North Carolina, 28786.
Tandi Temple Haas can be reached at the farm: 828-452-1860 or by mobile: 404-432-1296.