The late-afternoon sunshine is pleasantly warm as people migrate to one end of the big grassy field. There’s a palpable excitement in the air. A shout is heard from the crowd, “It’s a go!” There are more cheers from the crowd and then suddenly, as if on cue, a kaleidoscope of patterns and colors appear right before your eyes.
The local experience of the chefs may influence the comfort level the kitchen has with working with local pork and duck, Carolina coastal shrimp and oysters, South Carolina peaches and figs, and a variety of squashes, peas, beans, and greens.
The most direct route from the coast of North Carolina to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park system in western Carolina is Interstate 40, past Maggie Valley, where any self-respecting biker — or classic automobile enthusiast, for that matter — must take time to stop and explore Dale Walksler’s Wheels Through Time Museum, a shrine to rare American vintage motorcycles.
