6 Ways “Farm-To-Table” Defines Great Dining in Waynesville, NC

 

In Waynesville, NC, “farm-to-table” isn’t a buzzy term restaurants use to attract diners. It’s a way of life.

 

A recent boom in demand for organic produce, meat, and farm-to-table restaurants has made Waynesville a hotbed for independent, natural food products. Between handcrafted beer using local ingredients, fresh meat from grass-fed cattle, and fine wines, fruits, and vegetables, the possibilities are as endless as they are available.

 

Here are some ways that “farm-to-table” defines great dining in Waynesville, NC.

 

When you hear the term “farm-to-table”, you may think first of white tablecloths and impeccably dressed servers. If that’s the case, you may be surprised by the range of farm-to-table options in Waynesville, NC. Dining options from carry-out markets to diners, food trucks, and yes, fine dining restaurants make use of local ingredients in their menus. The best restaurants in Waynesville use fresh, local ingredients to build their seasonal menus and wow local diners. Here, it’s easy to eat local, even when enjoying a quick meal on the go.

 

In recent years, innovative local farms and food producers have been partnering to create creative and tasty drinkable products that support local communities and reduce their carbon footprint. This has been called the “farm-to-cup” movement, an extension of farm-to-table. For instance, Waynesville Soda Jerks puts a fun spin on your favorite drink with their handcrafted artisan sodas. Their sweet sips are all-natural and feature local produce sourced from small Southern Appalachian farms in the surrounding area. So, you can feel good about what you’re drinking!

 

Another extension of the “farm-to-cup” movement is “farm-to-keg” brewing. Breweries now source many of their grains from Carolina farms, as well as added ingredients like fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. Nearby Asheville is even home to the only yeast production facility on the East Coast. Several farms near Waynesville are also trying their hand at growing hops, an ingredient previously dominated by West Coast growers. Craft your perfect beer day in Waynesville and take note of the many ingredients that were grown locally.

 

We’re certainly proud of our local farmers! But the bounty of the Blue Ridge Mountains isn’t limited to cultivated plots of land. Mushroom foraging is a popular local pastime for the well-trained. Perhaps the most popular addition to the local table is fish caught among the hundreds of miles of heritage trout waters. The Waynesville area offers some of the nation’s best fishing, with abundant species and trophy game fish. It’s common to find bluegill, brim, crappie, and perch throughout our local rivers and streams. Cool fall mornings are also an ideal time for catching rainbow or brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass.

 

Don’t forget to source ingredients for your home meals directly from local farms! Life in Waynesville is steeped in agricultural traditions. Travel to the outskirts of town and you’ll find picturesque, rural areas that are home to many small farms. Knowing exactly where local produce, meat, eggs, and cheese come from is a luxury we try not to take for granted. And visiting local U-pick farms or farm stands is a fun way to gain an appreciation for how lucky we are to live here. Grab your picnic basket, and fill it up on the way to a nearby scenic destination.

 

Lastly, we recommend you steer away from big-box grocery stores surrounded by lakes of asphalt. Instead, support local business owners and their farm suppliers in turn. Waynesville is home to several locally owned and operated specialty grocery stores. Sunburst Market is the retail branch of Sunburst Trout Farm. At their market, you can find all the farm’s products, as well as a select offering of other local items including meat, cheese, produce, beer, and wine. When available, Zoolies Natural Food Market carries bison meat and fresh eggs among their selection of grocery items, health foods, and supplements.

 

In Western North Carolina, it’s easy to spend every day enjoying a brand new natural wonder in your back yard! High peaks surround the town of Waynesville, once billed as the Gateway to the Smokies and now the seat of Haywood County. Plus, Waynesville’s proximity to Asheville offers residents the best amenities of a larger city while still holding on to its small-town atmosphere. From outdoor adventures to cozy spots downtown, Waynesville welcomes people from many different backgrounds to visit and stay for life.