Our “Find your Adventure! 2016 Agritourism Guide” is now available! Printed guides are free and can be found at locations across Haywood County including:

Haywood County Visitor Center & Tourism Office
Serving Maggie Valley, Waynesville,
Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde
1110 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley 28751
(800) 334-9036 / www.VisitNCSmokies.com

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
28 Walnut Street, Waynesville 28786
828.456.3021 / www.HaywoodChamber.com

Bosu’s Wine Shop, Waynesville

Buffalo Creek Vacations

Cataloochee Guest Ranch, Maggie Valley

Coffee Cup Cafe, Clyde

Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon, Waynesville

Downtown Waynesville Visitor Kiosks

Frances Grist Mill, Waynesville

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria, Maggie Valley

Frog Level Brewing Company, Waynesville

Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon, Swag Bags

The Giving Garden, Canton Library

Haywood County Cooperative Extension

Haywood County Garden Tour, Swag Bags

Kanini’s, Waynesville

Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce

Red Barn Garden Center, Waynesville

Seed Library of Waynesville, Waynesville Library

Sunburst Market, Waynesville

Tupelos Furniture, between Waynesville & Maggie Valley

Agritourism as an enterprise is being hailed as a primary force in our modern economy drawing millions of visitors to North Carolina who spend upwards of $13 billion dollars each year.  The 2016 Agritourism Guide has been designed to appeal to a vibrant and diverse traveler, from empty-nesters to modern families. This unique and popular publication crisscrosses Haywood offering year round opportunities to enjoy a variety of experiences celebrating our rich farming and agricultural heritage.

The 2016 Guide includes: farmer and tailgate markets, roadside stands, on farm markets, U Pick farms, specialty retail shops, rustic hospitality venues, historic preservation and local gardens, Christmas tree farms, plant nurseries, a 2016 Calendar of heritage related events, a listing of farm-to-table restaurant and other local flavor entertainment spots.

The guide also features a spectacular hand drawn map of Haywood County by local naturalist, Ken Czarnomski, breathtaking photos by Ed Kelley and a delicious Summer Fruit Salsa recipe from Chef Jackie Blevins of Perfectly Seasoned.

A digital version of the 2016 guide is also available for download.

Featured photo by Rachael McIntosh, Chef Jessica DeMarco of Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon visiting the U Pick farm at Ten Acre Garden

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This project would not be possible without community support

Buy Haywood is a project of the Haywood Advancement Foundation. Our agritourism efforts receive vital funding support from community partners such as the Haywood Advancement Foundation,  Bethel Rural Community Organization, and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. 

Other supporting partners include Smoky Mountain Living,
WNC Magazine, Rapid River and Plough to Pantry.

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) serves
as a valuable resource—working to support local food, strong farms
and healthy communities across the region. asapconnections.org

Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge the spectacular vision and talent of Blue Ridge Naturalist, Ken Czarnomski, for contributing the hand illustrated Haywood County map.  Ken responded to our request almost immediately with a yes and then proceeded to exceed all of our expectations.  You can find other examples of Ken’s extraordinary work at area Visitor Centers – including his Purchase Knob guide.

Our gratitude goes out to Ed Kelley,  the one & only Ridge Runner, who we consider to be an extraordinary photographer, creative inspiration, generous friend and avid supporter of preservation.   His various contributions add tremendous visual impact to our guide.

Thanks to Chef Jackie Blevins of Perfectly Seasoned for donating the signature recipe for Summer Fruit Salsa featuring some of Haywood’s most delicious farm fresh ingredients.

Above all, we want to acknowledge the farmers, growers, producers, dedicated preservationists, small business owners, chefs & restaurateurs – without whose hard work, love of the land, determination and dedication to our community there would be no agritourism to speak of.  The Buy Haywood team is deeply honored to work for you and look forward to many more fruitful seasons!

There is nothing like the flavor of a juicy local strawberry, fresh off the vine, to confirm that SPRING is here to stay!

While the season for berries is relatively short,  local farmers grow a number of different varieties allowing consumers to enjoy the sweet pleasure of farm fresh berries for weeks to come.

Local strawberries are available at farmers markets, U-pick farms, tailgates, road-side stands & on-farm markets throughout the month of May and into early June under the right conditions.  Visit our ONLINE DIRECTORY for locations!  Danny Barrett and our friends at Ten Acre Garden in the historic Bethel community offers a U PICK berry patch throughout the growing season when fruit is ripe.  Call Ten Acre Garden to check the seasonal availability of the U PICK options @ 828.235.9667

Strawberries are high in antioxidants, dietary fiber, anti-inflammatory properties and essential phytonutrients that support the body’s natural defenses against many diseases.  For example, one cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C—an effective antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure and support a healthy immune system.  Strawberries are also a good source of iodine necessary for healthy thyroid function.

Strawberries, best consumed raw, are low in fat and calories making them a healthy snack option for any time of day.  Enjoy them on their own or throw them into yogurt, cereal or a smoothie for an “on the go” treat.

Enjoy this uniquely local recipe that incorporates strawberries with mixed spring greens and other in-season ingredients for an unexpected punch of flavor & nutrition!

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 Mixed Spring Greens with Strawberries &
Balsamic-Green Onion Vinaigrette

Visit our Online directory for locations to purchase local ingredients

Ingredients

Mixed spring salad greens or arugula
Fresh strawberries, washed and cut in half
Local goat cheese & toasted pecans—as a garnish (optional)

Vinaigrette

1 green onion, roughly chopped (about 3 inch piece, with white and green parts)
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/2-3/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Combine vinaigrette ingredients.  Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor. Taste for acidity and adjust to your liking.

Steps of Preparation

Wash salad greens, pat dry and toss in a large bowl. Add strawberries to top. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss to coat. Salt and Pepper to taste. Garnish the top with (optional) goat cheese and toasted pecans.

Chef’s Note:  Substitute other local in-season ingredients for the strawberries—such as blueberries, blackberries, red raspberries, apples, or roasted beets—to make this healthy and nutritious dish throughout the growing season!

Recipe courtesy of Tina Masciarelli,
Buy Haywood Project Coordinator