By Linda Catoe
Changing leaves and milder temperatures must be autumn, and with the winds of change, comes the call of the North Carolina mountains. For hikers, this means a variety of choices for day trips and longer hike-throughs. When planning your hiking and vista viewing jaunts, Linda Catoe recommends stopping in at some or all of these eateries for good food and good times.
Located near West Jefferson, just North of E.B. Jeffress Park, the Park Vista Inn and Restaurant at Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 268 has re-opened. New owner, P.J. Calhoun and staff welcomes hikers, leafers, bikers and all visitors to the rustic charm of its newly renovated rooms and brand new restaurant. The inn and restaurant, originally built and run by Bill Watson, includes his landmark Country Store, handed down by the former owner’s father, Smith Watson, who built it in 1902.
The Park Vista Restaurant offers a casual menu featuring Chef Mark Lewandowski’s smoked specialties, like the house-cured bacon that’s guaranteed to spoil you, barbeque with a signature sauce, as well as mac and cheese and other down-home side dishes. Open from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m, Wednesday- Monday, Lewandowski says, “We’re packed. People have been very supportive, and they keep coming back. We’re fortunate to be one of the only restaurants right beside the Parkway and the Mountain to Sea Trail.” For more information: parkvistainn.com
Moving west, the Appalachian Trail runs right through the town of Hot Springs. Among many of the attractions, including the healing waters, are a number of restaurants. The Mountain Magnolia Inn offers casual fine dining, using local ingredients, often grown on the premises, and the Chef’s Table, created by Executive Chef Zeb McDermott. “Along with the stunning view, we really enjoyed our Chef’s Table experience,” said Becky Hutchens, of Greensboro. “I can’t wait to go again.” Their website is www.mountainmagnoliainn.com.
One of the most visually exciting parts of North Carolina’s Appalachian Trail is the Fontana Dam. This fall at nearby Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, Innkeeper Robert Rankin says, “We offer a variety of optional activities and events to our guests. This fall we’re offering two of our very popular wine dinner weekends along with wildflower walks, hiking workshops, fly-fishing with USA Fly Fishing Team members, and a special meal to celebrate Thanksgiving.” Visit their website snowbirdlodge.com for details.
In Highlands, Chef Johannes Klapdohr presides over a number of food venues at The Old Edwards Inn. From fine dining to lounging in the bar, the fare at The Old Edwards Inn comes from local farms or right out of its own organic garden. Located at 16 Church Street in Highlands, the inn offers a variety of dining options. From Madison’s to Art’s to The Spa Café, visitors relax and dine in a casual elegant European atmosphere. Visit their website www.oldedwardsinn.com for information.
No mention of eating in the mountains would be complete without including that landmark of casual dining, The Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy. Known by many for its associations with the Andy Griffith show, no amount of Hollywood publicity can do justice to this popular and enduring establishment than its signature Pork Chop Sandwich. “I used to call on Snappy Lunch when I worked as a meat sales rep for Swift Foods,” said Eric Huffman, Greensboro chef and food sales rep. “That pork chop sandwich sure does hit the spot, every time.” Located at 125 North Main Street, The Snappy Lunch is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Go to www.thesnappylunch.com for more information.