Page 2 – The Local Palate

Scouting Alabama’s Top 10 BBQ Joints

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by TLP's Partners

Where rich histories meet supreme flavors, the Alabama BBQ scene has the best ‘que in the business. Here are Alabama’s Top 10 BBQ joints where unique tales and delectable rubs have lasted over 100 years and get better with age.

The Original Golden Rule Bar-B-Q – Irondale

The Original Golden Rule Bar-B-Q is the oldest barbecue joint in the US, in operation for 132 years. Starting in Irondale in 1891, the barbecue joint offers an expansive menu with items like fully loaded spud with your choice of meat, cheese, butter chives, and bacon or the golden pleasure plate that comes with a combination of pork, three baby back ribs, and barbecue chicken.

Sam Henderson of Sam's Smokehouse cooks some savory meats.

Sam’s Smokehouse – Fayette

After a stint as the Fayette County commissioner, Sam Henderson bought a used smoker and started cooking on the weekends for his family. After trial and error, he finally created the perfect barbecue and opened his own joint, known for the tender and moist hickory-flavored ribs, rib sandwich, and smoked wings smothered in house sauce.

Dreamland Bar-B-Q – Tuscaloosa

Since 1958, Dreamland Bar-B-Que of Tuscaloosa has served world-famous hickory-fired ribs, bread, and sauce. John “Big Daddy” Bishop is the founder of Dreamland Bar-B-Que, which has been serving up world famous ’que since 1958. Try the full or half slab, with a side of mac and cheese for the full Dreamland experience. Try the banana pudding, the best in town, and you’ll be saying “Ain’t nothing like ’em nowhere” too.

Archibald’s – Northport

What started as a mom-and-pop barbecue joint in 1962 by George and Betty Archibald, the namesake restaurant has been acclaimed by The New York Times, Good Morning America, and Southern Living. Legend says even Bear Bryant and his houndstooth hat frequented the joint. Half a century and three generations have passed down the iconic recipes that make the ribs, hot wings, and fish something you can only dream of.

A beautiful sunset in front of Big Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama.

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q – Decatur

On the weekdays in 1925, Big Bob Gibson was an L&N railroad worker, but on the weekends, he turned gourmet chef by testing his skills in his hand-dug barbecue pit. Over the next century, five generations, and 10 World Barbecue Championship wins, Gibson’s skills live on in Decatur, home to Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q. From sandwiches to platters to world championship barbecue plates that are hickory smoked and seasoned by the best pitmasters, you can’t go wrong at this historic joint.

Wilson’s BBQ – Albertville

For on-the-go types, stop by Wilson’s BBQ which offers stellar barbecue straight out of a drive-thru window. Owners Fred and Mickey Henly cook the barbecue overnight so customers can grab it and go as they please. If you want to sit and stay a while, head over to the shaded picnic tables to indulge in the smoky richness of Wilson’s BBQ pork.

A delicious barbeque sandwich from Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot is a staple in Selma, Alabama.

Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot – Selma

In 1942, Lannie Moore Travis started the restaurant, making the sauce on the stove, and her husband smoking the hogs on site. In 1963, the current owner and Lannie’s daughter, Lula Hatcher, would deliver barbecue sandwiches to Civil Rights activists in the neighborhood, and the love of Lannie’s spread. Now, it stands as an iconic joint in Selma that serves quick meals that feed the soul.

Rusty’s Bar-B-Q – Leeds

Rusty’s Bar-B-Q is a mom-and-pop shop with world-renowned pit-smoked barbecue and desserts. Featured inFood & Wine, this joint has thrived for 15 years and sees no end in sight. With meat by the pound, plates, sandwiches, baskets, sides, and daily fresh-made pies, the expansive menu will leave no one hungry.

Brooks Bar-B-Que – Muscle Shoals

Established in 1965 by Lucille and Sammie Brooks Sr., Brooks Bar-B-Que’s reputation precedes it as some of the best food in the Shoals area. You can find original hickory-smoked pit barbecue, ribs, chicken and waffles, and the famous hot dogs. Homemade eats also reign here, like the slaw, potato salad, baked beans, sauces, and pies.

Top Hat Barbeque – Hayden

Established in 1952 and family-owned and operated since 1967, Top Hat Barbecue is a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame. This rustic barbecue joint serves up pit-smoked meat, country-fried steak, and some of the best catfish in the area with over 12 sides like onion rings, slaw, or fried green tomatoes.

Plan your BBQ road trip today at Alabama.travel.

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Jammin’ with Resh and Jess | Listen

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by Jennifer Stewart Kornegay

A Columbia, South Carolina jam business is fueled on friendship

Jam may be Reshma Mahadkar’s and Jessica Henry’s business, but friendship is the duo’s real jam—and an integral ingredient in the artisanal jams, jellies, and marmalades their company, Sakhar Jams, produces in Columbia, South Carolina. It all began in 2020 when Mahadkar invited Henry to join her for a therapeutic jam session. “Several not-so-great things led us to start Sakhar. I’d opened and closed a bakery. Jess had moved away, then gotten separated and moved back. I was working in education. Then Covid hit,” Mahadkar says. “We were both depressed, and I’d been making jam as a distraction.”

The process proved healing for Mahadkar, and she wanted to share that with her friend. And, while it started as a hobby, Mahadkar envisioned the business it could be, something she also wanted to share with Henry. “At that point, I was giving the jam away, but people were losing their minds over it, so I knew there was demand,” Mahadkar says. “And then, there was the explosion.”

Mahadkar laughs long and loud, recalling the kitchen fail that helped define who would do what once Sakhar was officially founded. “I made some pickles and a jar exploded. I really didn’t know how to can, but Jess, who grew up ‘putting up’ with her mom and grandmother, did,” she says.

Once they added the “business partner” title to their relationship, they harnessed their personalities to benefit their new company. Bold and boisterous, Mahadkar is head flavor creator and the face of the company, handling most marketing and sales. Quieter and thoughtful, Henry stays a bit behind the scenes, overseeing jam making and running operations.

They complement each other in the same way fresh South Carolina produce plays well with Mahadkar’s Indian heritage, as evidenced in Sakhar’s selection of South-meets-Southeast-Asia spreads. “I lived in Mumbai until I was 13, so those flavors remain close to my heart,” she says, “and they’re delicious, like our peach masala chia.” Tea leaves suspended in the jam infuse it with heady floral notes. The jams with nods to Mahadkar’s childhood aren’t the only way she honors her birthplace. Sakhar means sugar in her native tongue, Marathi. A commitment to sourcing local is the final piece of the puzzle and a promise that’s been easy to keep. “We have access to amazing South Carolina fruits year-round,” Henry says.

The first jam Mahadkar made, strawberry prosecco, remains the number-one seller. Stirring a bit of booze into jam was a whim. “I thought, ‘I’ll just dump some prosecco in and see what happens,’” she says. It worked. This playful attitude still drives Sakhar, as do Mahadkar’s personal preferences. “What I love, what I want to try, the tastes that pull me back to my family’s kitchen—these things often go into our jam,” she says.

To date, they’ve experimented with more than 100 recipes, and not all are winners. “I love the Indian influences, but every now and then, Resh overdoes it,” Henry says.

“What? Are you talking about the cardamom!” Mahadkar quips back through a guffaw.

Henry affirms, also laughing, “Yes. It was too much!”

From the beginning, Sakhar’s distinctive blends and a rustic, chunky texture (courtesy of hand smashing the fruit) have propelled almost every new batch to sell-out status in hours, and jams continue to fly off Sakhar’s shelves (aka Henry’s dining room). But the small-batch operation is truly small, using its 15 or so hours a week in a commercial kitchen to make about 250 jars. Future plans include its own manufacturing facility and a bigger team. “I don’t ever want a machine making our jams, though,” Henry says. “I just want a slew of women working with us.”

As they chat about where Sakhar has been and where it’s heading, laughter bubbles up again, evidence of the fun and friendship anchoring their efforts. “I mean, the original name was Jammin’ with Resh and Jess, how cheesy is that?” Mahadkar says over Henry’s giggles. “To be real, though, quick growth brought hurdles. We think and communicate differently, so we’re always working to see those differences and work with them.”

But every time they sample a still-warm, just-made new jam, challenges fade away, and priorities come into focus. “We love this, and Sakhar is important, but our friendship is the real flame we want to protect and grow,” Mahadkar says.

Get Sakhar Jams

Taste bud-tantalizing flavor combos like peach/brown sugar/bourbon, raspberry jalapeño, Meyer lemon cardamon marmalade, Rangpur lime marmalade (Mahadkar’s favorite), and strawberry rhubarb (Henry’s go-to) are Sakhar’s calling card. You can find these sometimes spiced, sometimes spirited, but always sweet jams in multiple Columbia stores, including Mast General Store and Rosewood Market; at Swamp Rabbit Café in Greenville; and at Lowcountry Street Grocery in Charleston. Charleston’s Off Track Ice Cream also swirls Sakhar jams into its treats. A few popular flavors, like strawberry prosecco, stay in the rotation, while other seasonal, limited-time offerings can only be ordered through Sakhar’s website.

Our Favorite Holiday Recipes

Posted on December 6, 2024December 6, 2024 by TLP Editors

Since day one at The Local Palate, we’ve done the holidays right, with recipes from chefs who know their stuff as well as our own test kitchen favorites. These are 10 of our top recipes for party snacks (and a drink) that will wow your guests, no matter the occasion.

Holiday Recipes for Merry & Light Festivities

Corrida Punch

Fried Oysters with Cucumber and Pickled Mayonnaise

Green Bean and Country Ham Bundles with Porcini Butter

Halloumi with Pumpkin and Dates

Lobster Cocktail Parfaits

Pimento Cheese Straws

Date, Pecan, and Bacon Cheese Ball With Curried Peach Preserves

Gingerbread Rice Krispies

Orange Pomegranate Salad

Doughnuts with Vanilla Glaze

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Get to Know Cary, North Carolina | Listen

Posted on December 6, 2024December 20, 2024 by Emily Havener

Exceptional offerings focus on truly local sources in this charming town

Once known as an upscale commuter’s neighborhood with easy access to Raleigh, Cary is now its own worthwhile dining, shopping, and vacationing destination. Academy and Chatham streets run perpendicular as prime thoroughfares for drinking, dining, and nightlife, but nothing is truly off the beaten path in this easily walkable town.

In addition to recently making waves with SAAP, which brought Laotian flavors to the area, Cary is home to longstanding quality at businesses like Lionel Vatinet’s storied La Farm Bakery. Weekends are lively during the dinner hours (and just a few past), with multiple breweries, a cidery, and craft cocktail bars, but everything wraps up early enough not to disrupt the close-by neighborhood. On second Wednesdays of the month, the Downtown Cary Wine Walk involves up to eight local businesses with complimentary s’mores as a reward at the final stop, Home for Entertaining.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Best Bar: RBF Champagne Bar
Be sure to stop in RBF Champagne Bar for a champagne flight (Resilient and Ragey, Bold and B*tchy, or Fierce and Feisty) and to take a picture of your own resting b*tch face. It’s tucked below A&BÉ Bridal Shop on Chatham Street, with the entrance from the parking lot, so don’t give up looking—you’ll be rewarded with specialty bubbles, still wines, and nonalcoholic options. Best of all, employees are paid based on a living wage model, so tips are optional and staff receives 100 percent of them.

Best Family-Run Restaurant: SAAP
At the edge of Downtown Cary Park is SAAP, a casual fine-dining Laotian restaurant open for lunch and dinner and run by chef Lon Bounsanga and his wife and co-owner, Annmarie, who also hosts and expedites; their three daughters work as the general manager and as servers. Prominent on the menu is Laotian sausage seasoned with lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, garlic, shallots, and herbs; other standouts are the pork belly, coconut, and egg drop soup, and the NC whole fish, also available on the lettuce wrap plate.

Best Bakery: La Farm Bakery & Cafe
Every local will tell you to order the white chocolate mini baguette at Lionel Vatinet’s French bakery and café founded in 1999 (and now with three locations just in Cary itself)—and they’re correct, but don’t stop there. In addition to dozens of breads, pastries, and baked goods, there are quiches, salads, sandwiches, and excellent coffee, along with a market filled with gifts, such as La Farm signature mixes for scones, crepes, and more.

Best Deli: Sassool
About a 10-minute drive south of downtown, Sassool Mediterranean deli offers hot and cold Levantine delights in their display case, such as fattoush salad, cilantro jalapeño hummus, and Mediterranean chicken salad, along with pizzettes, shawarma, veggie lasagna, and desserts like baklava, plus a market with a fine selection of wines.

Best Pizza & Beer Combo: Di Fara Pizza Tavern and Bond Brothers Beer Company
In the Cary location of the original New York City pizzeria established in 1965, Di Fara Pizza Tavern makes authentic Brooklyn-style pizza, down to a special water filtration system designed to mimic the water they use to make their dough in the Big Apple. Even better, you can sit down at Bond Brothers Beer Company down the road on Chatham, order a Di Fara pie for delivery, and sip on a Chatham Street Copper Lager while you wait.

Best Southern Food: Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen offers lunch and dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends. Locals recommend both the fried catfish and the fried chicken, along with grits and mac and cheese, for a carb-heavy comfort-food feast. Its parent company, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, has been 100-percent employee owned since 2016.

Claim to Fame

Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park opened in November 2023 to provide 7 acres of greenspace including a boardwalk over a charming water feature, playground equipment, a pavilion for concerts and events, and dog-friendly Bark Bar with “barkyard” play areas. Perhaps most exciting, however, is the space for a variety of markets. At the Cary Night Market, held monthly on the third Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., grab a local beer on draft and shop outdoors to live music, with dozens of vendors from the Research Triangle area selling locally made goods. There are also food trucks like Sheila’s Australian meat pies and sausage rolls, Poblanos Tacos and More, and True North Poutine’s Canadian comfort food with Southern flare. On Saturday mornings the Cary Farmers Market offers access to local meats, eggs, and produce, plus specialty foods like caramels from the Cary Caramel Company and tamales from Raleigh Tamales, as well as artisans such as the award-winning Young Leem Pottery.

Where to Shop

City Garden Design
At City Garden Design, owned and run by husband-and-wife team John and Paula Higdon, you’ll find indoor and outdoor gardening needs and gifts, plus services ranging from interior plantscaping and moss walls to corporate projects—and the owner-curated music is noticeably on point.

The Cary Vintage Market
The Cary Vintage Market occurs monthly with a range of clothing, jewelry, and accessories—but also records, cassettes, and housewares, along with food trucks, specialty baked goods, and beverage options for shoppers. Claire Nobles says she founded the market based on a classic vintage style vibe with a range of decades. The result is a range of customers of all ages who are drawn to the market’s multiple facets. @caryvintagemarket

Gather Goods Co.
For homewares, gifts, jewelry and accessories, art, paper products, and more, Gather Goods Co. offers a wide range of products and prices; best of all, most of their inventory is handmade or manufactured in small quantities by microartisans and emerging business owners. Check out their “made in North Carolina” section, which includes Ogre barbecue sauce, Spicewalla seasonings, handmade porcelain, soap, greeting cards, and art prints.

Where to Stay

The Mayton
With a charming colonial front facing Academy Street, The Mayton has undergone a recent renovation; the result is a combination of historic appeal, modern amenities, and luxuries like triple-sheeted beds. The 44 rooms and suites with city or park views (you can’t go wrong with either) provide walking access to all of downtown Cary, including Cotton House Craft Brewery next door and Downtown Cary Park just up the block. The hotel offers modern American dining on-site at Peck & Plume, with a variety eating and drinking spaces ranging from the study to the terrace. You can’t be better situated for experiencing all that Cary has to offer.

Igniting Family Fun in Jackson Mississippi

Posted on December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 by TLP's Partners

Rain or shine, Jackson, Mississippi has something for families of all ages to see, explore and experience.

LeFleur Museum District

Embark on discovery, exploration, and imagination at the LeFleur Museum District, home to four distinct museums: MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. The LMD includes two museums on Lakeland Drive and two museums on Museum Boulevard, which intersect one block east of Interstate 55 on Lakeland Drive. Discounted day passes to visit all four museums are available for purchase.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Mississippi Museum of Natural Science provides an immersive experience to connect with Mississippi’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. With a 73,000-square-foot facility set against a 300-acre natural area, it features lifelike exhibits and live species, showcasing everything from white-tailed deer to 200 native species of fish and aquatic life. You can also explore over two and a half miles of outdoor trails that take you through various habitats, offering a firsthand look at the state’s ecological diversity, from the bluff to the swamp and the Pearl River.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum

The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum’s 40-acre complex celebrated 40 years in 2023, bringing to life Mississippi’s rich agricultural and forestry heritage. The Heritage Center, spanning 40,000 square feet, showcases lifelike exhibits and artifacts. The Fitzgerald Collection exhibit houses a museum-quality assortment of antiques, while the Fortenberry-Parkman Farm restoration and Bisland Cotton Gin, both dating back to 1860, provide insight into early farm life. Explore “Small Town, Mississippi” circa 1920, and step into the lives of those who lived and worked in the period’s buildings, including a General Store offering a range of old-fashioned treats, toys, jarred goods, and casseroles.

Mississippi Children’s Museum

The Mississippi Children’s Museumis an award-winning, interactive wonderland designed for children aged 1 and up. Families can enjoy a day of play and learning, with activities ranging from the state-of-the-art maker space in Wonderbox to outdoor adventures in the Pollinator’s Playground. Inside the 50,000-square-foot facility, kids can express themselves through art and music, explore various careers, and even journey through the digestive system. The museum also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for kids and adults alike.

LeFleur’s Bluff Education & Tourism Complex

A super fun slide at LaFleur's Bluff playground.

The LeFleur’s Bluff Complex is an innovative shared campus between theMississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. The first phase of its construction unveiled the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, a state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot playground that has welcomed over 60,000 guests. The master plan encompasses Otter Creek Parkand numerous outdoor amenities, aiming to establish one of the country’s premier urban parks, uniting four award-winning museums and a vast array of outdoor experiences for all ages. The playground, designed for children aged 6 months to 12 years, promotes physical activities and inclusivity, with accessibility needs, unique play and shade structures, Spotter’s Adventure Trail, and The Den, an open-air amphitheater. The playground is open seven days a week to the public and closed on select holidays. Admission to the park is free and open to the public. MCM and MMNS welcome you to visit both museums during your visit to the park (admission fees apply).

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, open since 1996, has an award-winning collection of memorabilia covering a wide range of sports. The museum honors over 300 athletes, coaches, and influential sports figures with connections to Mississippi in various sports. It also hosts annual awards and events, including the C-Spire Conerly Trophy and the Kent Hull Trophy. Visitors can explore Mississippi’s sports history through archival footage, interviews, and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging experience for children aged five and up, with opportunities to play sports and even try their hand at sportscasting.

Fabulous Family Dining

Pretty fountains outside of Sal & Mookies.

Family-friendly dining options can be found across Jackson, with something for every tastebud. In the Historic Fondren District, step back in time at Brent’s Drugs & Soda Fountain, which has served up breakfast, burgers, and milkshakes in Jackson since 1946 and has made cameos in the award-winning movie, “The Help,” and Vogue and Southern Living magazines. Down the street, eat, bowl, and catch a movie at the connected Highball Lanes and restored Capri Movie Theatre, and grab a woodfired slice at The Station pizzeria next door. At The District at Eastover, Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint is a great spot for grabbing something savory or sweet while the kids enjoy the green space and fountain features. For handmade, small-batch candy, confections, chocolate, and more, check out Nandy’s Candy, located near Highland Village Shopping Center at Maywood Shopping Mart.

Come experience everything Jackson, the City With Soul, has to offer for the whole family. Learn more at LetitShineJXN.com

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A First Look at Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery | Listen

Posted on December 4, 2024December 5, 2024 by Amber Chase

In February of 2024, patrons of Harold’s Cabin were devastated to hear of its pending closure, prompting one Westside resident to take matters into her own hands. Heather Greene sent a letter to the former owners of the Harold’s Cabin space expressing her intent to revive, refresh, and renew the space into a communal hub she would later call Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Harold’s Cabin, now Lillian’s, could easily be titled “the little market that could.”

Heather Greene and her family have been long-time residents of Cannonborough-Elliotborough businesses in Charleston, and were eager to become regulars at Harold’s Cabin moving into a house across from the Congress Street mainstay. Yet, to their dismay, the closing on their house coincided with the announcement of Harold’s Cabin’s closure to the public. Greene has had ties to agriculture and the food industry her whole life, from childhood memories on her grandparent’s farm in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to becoming a restaurant and hospitality consultant for much of her career. Simply put, she has a deep-seated draw to spaces where goods are made, shared, and savored. “I can’t believe how honest I was in that letter,” says Greene. Upon receiving her letter, the former owners of Harold’s Cabin felt assured her vision for the space would not only honor its history but usher it into a new age.

Dating back to the 1920s, Harold’s Cabin has seen many transformations. The concept began as a family-owned specialty food store and Jewish deli. Charleston patrons could shop for gourmet foods then head upstairs for a warm meal. Over time, the venture changed hands and locations until the latest iteration today. Once her proposal was accepted, Greene struggled to determine the best name for the market’s next chapter, and ultimately landed on Lillian’s. Lillian Jacobs was married to Harold Jacobs, the namesake of the original market, and as Greene listened to archived tapes of the family’s history, she found herself drawn to Lillian. At the time of recording, Harold Jacobs would often stop mid-sentence. Lillian was always in the background, prompting him with the next lines of their shared history. These small acts of kindness resonated with Greene as she too sought to preserve the market and write its next chapter.

Greene wants to home in on the original grocery aspect while creating an all-day space that meets patrons where they are. Harkening back to the original shop that doubled as an eatery, Lillian’s will offer a coffee and pastry program, all-day lunch, a refined dinner, a rooftop terrace and bar, and a bountiful market of curated goods. Market patrons will find everything from bottles of wine to freshly-farmed produce for the week. Emphasizing farm partners and purveyors, Greene plans to have ample information available on all market goods, educating shoppers on the pathways their food took to arrive at Lillian’s.

“I deeply want Lillian’s to be about accessibility and a warm welcome,” says Greene. Whether patrons are wanting a cocktail or mocktail for a night out, or are sharing a pastry with their child on the way to school, Lillian’s will accommodate. Menus will focus on approachable, elevated Southern staples like a rice bowl with shrimp, field peas, Charleston Gold Rice Grits, and a saffron broth, or octopus with fingerling potatoes. Lillian’s will also offer a robust bar program with craft cocktails, N/A options, and mini martinis and negronis.

In true corner store fashion, Lillian’s began softly opening to the neighborhood the week of Thanksgiving to provide hosting staples. Sunday, December 1, marked their official opening to the larger public and they will continue to unroll their hours and offerings the remainder of this week. Lillian’s embraces its historic hospitality and serves as a communal entryway into the Westside neighborhood, a place to hang your coat, share a meal, stay awhile, and embrace a new homecoming.

The Opening Menu at Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery

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Holiday Wine and Dining Made Easy with NC Wine

Posted on December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 by TLP's Partners

Cider in a Glass from James Creek Cidery.

North Carolina wine belongs on your holiday table, and it makes for a thoughtful gift. This time of year, everyone strives to be better at buying local; the holidays are a great time to show North Carolina growers, winemakers, and small business owners you care. 

There’s nothing better during the holidays than sharing your local love with the people you love. Giving North Carolina wine, cider, and mead is easy, and with these perfect pairings you’ll wow your guests at the table.

North Carolina wine is closer than you think. 

While Hurricane Helene was devastating for many of our mountain makers, we’re happy to tell the world that we’re back! Our mountain producers border Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina and they’d love to meet a new friendly face. Check out which tasting rooms are open for holiday tastings at ncwine.org!

If you’d prefer to stay cozy at home, North Carolina ships to states near and far. Check out ncwine.org to find your style of wine and get it delivered directly to your doorstep. Buying your pairings for holiday parties and dinners doesn’t have to be a hassle.

What makes a great wine gift?

When gifting anything that might have preferences – jewelry, art, WINE – just ask! A quick, “What kind of wine, cider, or mead are you into?” is all you need. Make a note of who likes what and your list is made. Explore the North Carolina wine decoder and make your list, check it twice, and find something special for everyone on your list!

Effortless pairing gets easy with the North Carolina Wine app.

Use the NC Wine app to find new producers to visit or to order from your favorites. The app has everything you need at your fingertips – maps, events, information, and more. Scroll through our gift-giving guide and pairing how-to!

In the meantime, here are seven NC-approved holiday pairings to try with NC wine, cider, or mead:

A raw stuffed roast beef in a serving pan about to be cooked and served with a bottle of Yellow Valley Merlot.

1.      Oysters (raw, baked, steamed, fried) – North Carolina sparkling white wine (look for words “Brut” or “Traditional Method” on the label)

2.      Smoked Fish Dip – North Carolina Carlos (white muscadine)

3.      Sweet Potatoes (mashed, baked, or in a casserole) – North Carolina Petit Manseng (white)

4.      Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing – North Carolina Chambourcin (red hybrid)

5.      Roast Beef – North Carolina Tannat (red)

6.      Roast Turkey and Gravy – North Carolina Hard Cider (apple)

7.      Gingerbread Cookies – North Carolina Spiced Mead (honey)

Whether on your holiday table or wrapped with a bow, it’s Got to Be NC Wine. Learn more at NCWine.org

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Experience the Magic of Winter in Charlottesville

Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by TLP's Partners

For those of us who look forward to winter—bundling up, enjoying crisp days, and cozying up by a crackling fireplace with warm beverages—Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, are calling. The Charlottesville area embraces this colder and quieter season, transforming into a winter wonderland of cozy wineries, cafés, and quaint shops. Known for its rich history, Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County offer seasonal experiences from December through February with plenty for visitors to enjoy.

Eat and Sip

A spread of food on a table at the Oakhurst Cafe in Charlottesville, Virginia.

No trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County is complete without discovering the award-winning wine scene. At more than 40 wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail, enjoy cool winter temps kept at bay by roaring fires (indoors and out) and a bounty of culinary delights. With so much to discover and affordable winter rates, especially during weeknight stays, visitors will want to tuck in for the night and do it all again the next day. You’ll quickly discover why Wine Enthusiast named this area its 2023 Wine Region of the Year.

Far from the busy and bustling autumn months, this is the time to take advantage of smaller crowds in town by easily snagging a reservation at one of Charlottesville’s locally owned top spots. Find big flavor in this smaller city whether dropping in for a pick-me-up pastry or seeking a multi-coursed meal at a farm-to-table eatery downtown or beyond.

Enjoy the tantalizing treats of flaky pastries and baked goods at Cou Cou Rachou or MarieBette Café & Bakery. Both are guaranteed to start your day off on the right foot, with a healthy dose of carbs, sugar, and coffee. Then, gather around the hearth for a taste of the 18th century at the authentically preserved Michie Tavern to continue learning about Charlottesville’s past and present. The General Store on the grounds has boutique home goods and gifts like Virginia-made soaps and pantry items. Make a reservation in the dining room, The Ordinary, for a buffet of Southern delicacies like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas to be enjoyed fireside. When dinner comes calling, a stop by the Dairy Market is a must. Located in a renovated historic dairy building between downtown and the University of Virginia, this food hall is Central Virginia’s first and boasts a wide variety of culinary flavors from around the world.

Activities to Explore

A couple enjoying the lights at the Boars Head Winter Wander in Charlottesville.

After a day of tasting and sipping, there’s plenty to do in town by way of shopping and seeing. Whether you prefer live music performances, orchestras, reruns of classic holiday films, or ballet, there is truly something perfect for everyone available at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theater, Paramount Theater, and Southern Café and Music Hall. Charlottesville is known for its picturesque historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. Come winter, the traffic-free stretch is ornamented with holiday lights and a large holiday tree in the heart of the city. Dip in and out of any of the dozens of boutique shops before or after stopping at one of the many singular restaurants along the way.

Afterward, head to the Boar’s Head Resort for an enchanting experience at the Winter Wander Trail of Lights, which runs from November to early January. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by an incredible display of lights, accessible by a delightful lakeside stroll and perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. On select nights, visitors will enjoy fireworks, a live drone light show, and even performances by winged dancers, making for an enchanting winter experience.

Where to Stay

A bedroom at the Oakhurst Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to a range of accommodations, including quaint bed-and-breakfasts, luxurious resorts, and getaway stays at a working winery. Visitors can experience all that the Charlottesville area has to offer during a winter stay, while enjoying fewer crowds and more affordable rates on lodging.

After exploring the light displays at the Boar’s Head Resort, enjoy a suite, round of golf, and the spa, or dine at one of their top-notch restaurants like the seasonal, chef-driven Mill Room. Enjoy the sleek and modern Doyle Hotel downtown for a boutique experience. Visitors will especially enjoy the heated rooftop bar that gives a perfect view of the city below. Another unique boutique stay is the Oakhurst Inn. Guests can enjoy this quiet oasis tucked away near the historic University of Virginia and still have proximity to downtown. With a café on-site, long, slow mornings by the fireplace are likely.

Whether wandering into town for the day or an extended stay, enjoy Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County in true Virginia fashion.

Start planning your winter stay today at VisitCharlottesville.org

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