The Blue Ridge Mountains have earned a reputation for being a foodie destination, and for good reason. The secret can be found at the hundreds of farms that speckle our mountain landscapes. They provide local restaurants, farmers markets and makers with the freshest ingredients. Within McDowell County you can find a variety of locally grown produce, hand-raised and wild honey, herbs, craft beers, wine, or locally distilled gin and moonshine. Here’s your guide to our favorite farm-to-table goods, and where to find them in McDowell County!
Three Sisters Cheese
Three Sisters is named for the three daughters of a family that's been in the food industry for nearly 20 years. As a nod to local cheese history, their name also ties in local family cheese makers, Susan and Terry English (who also have three daughters). Susan was happy to have "pass the torch" of cheesemaking a local family tradition. The local favorite, Buttercup, is a semi firm cheese that pairs well with snacks, burgers, and recipes that call for a firm melting cheese.
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The GOAT Collaborative's Resilience Ranch
Stop by the GOAT Collaborative's Resilience Ranch on Friday nights for their open vendor market. This market contains a variety of local goods, from fresh produce and meats grown here in McDowell, to homemade jams, ciders, and gifts. Friday nights and weekends also include live music and events, so be sure to check their Facebook page for updates. On their multi-acre farm the GOAT Collaborative hosts a working greenhouse, orchard, and small-scale plot farming run by community members.
Modern Alchemist
Located in downtown Old Fort, Modern Alchemist takes a unique approach to distilling their own agave spirits and gin products. From small-batch spirits and THC-infused mocktails Modern Alchemist crafts unforgettable experiences – online and at their distillery. Enjoy freshly prepared meals including Appalachian Mountain Brewery pub fare favorites and Mexican food truck fusion dishes.
Crow Fly Farm
Of utmost importance to Crow Fly Farms in Marion is implementing regenerative farming practices through a holistic approach to farming. They raise 100% grass-fed and finished cattle and sheep as well as forest-raised organic-fed hogs. They are establishing silvopasture systems across the farm, which includes planting trees, prescribed burns, selective harvesting from their forest, and the introduction of native warm season grasses. You’re invited to take a guided tour of the farm and see how they are using their animals to regenerate their land. Private tours are by appointment only. While visiting the farm you can purchase meat directly from them or order online and pick up at the farm. Starting in July 2023, overnight RV parking will be available as well.
Note: Because visitors must traverse a ridgeline through uneven terrain in a cemetery, the route may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Sweet Betsy Farm
Sweet Betsy Farm is quite literally the sweetest, most charming farm in Marion and the surrounding towns. It’s a small family apiary producing local honey, produce, and flowers. The good folks here are dedicated to offering a closeup look into hive life and discussing the importance of planting landscaping that provides pollinator habitats. We highly recommend you stick around for any delicious cooking demonstrations being offered at the time of your visit.
Be sure to take a selfie feeding the eager chickens and then buy a fresh dozen for an out-of-this-world breakfast or dinner omelet. Sample all of the honeys and purchase a jar to take home. Perhaps pick up some fresh flowers for your table or as a thank you to your hosts for a fantastic stay.
The farm is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
Lee’s One Fortune Farm
Chue and Tou Lee have built a family-owned farm dedicated to selling high-quality produce and rice to restaurants and local farmers’ markets. You can visit their rice fields to see how they produce some of the most-popular and lesser-known rice varieties, such as purple rice and the sweet-sticky rice popular in many Asian dishes. They take pride in practicing the traditional way of growing food. If you time your visit perfectly, you may even catch demonstrations of harvesting and cooking the rice.
But the Lees don’t only specialize in rice. They also grow peaches, pears, melons, and persimmons. The difference in fruits you find in grocery stores pale in comparison to their fruits right off the tree.
The Orchard at Altapass
Another notable farm is The Orchard at Altapass in Little Switzerland, a non-profit, U-pick orchard offering 20 varieties of heirloom apples, ecosystem exhibits, walking trails, and a general store. Try their fresh apple pie or the Granny Smith Lemonade. Early fall is the best time to swing by and shop their selection of apples or enjoy live music on the beautiful porch overlooking acres of apple trees.
Whaley Farm Brewery
Reminiscent of English pub ales and continental lager styles, Whaley’s Appalachian farm beers are brewed with locally sourced fruits, spices, flowers, and herbs. Their brews utilize well-researched and regenerative techniques that showcase local ingredients, making the resulting beers truly unique.
Connoisseurs will want to know that their English pub beers are brewed in 7-barrel, 2-vessel systems poured through 2 Angram beer engines, while their continental lagers are poured through Lukr side-pull faucets. All we need to know is that the beer produced at Old Fort’s Whaley Farm Brewery is basically a health food.
In addition to growing their own food, Whaley has a produce stand right there in the brewery.
Also of note, Perry’s Berries Vineyard and Winery in nearby Morganton offers berry-picking along with a relaxing space with covered outdoor seating to enjoy your wine slushie, cider, or delicious homemade ice cream. They are a family-owned business specializing in everything blueberry.
Euda Wine
Euda Wine is a small, community-focused winery in Old Fort, North Carolina. Euda Wine makes small-batch wines from North Carolina grapes and offers a relaxed tasting-room experience that’s more wine bar than formal tasting. All of their fruit is sourced from small, regional vineyards in NC. They believe local matters, especially in the Southeast, where there is still so much potential to explore. Working closely with growers allows Euda Wine to support sustainable farming practices and make wines that reflect our region in an honest way.
BSide Bakery & Books
This downtown Old Fort bakery serves up artisanal breads, sourdough, cakes, and sandwiches using vegetables grown right here in Old Fort. Shop their cold shelves for take-home pizzas, local cheese from 3 Sisters Cheese, and vegetables from McDowell County farms.
Local's tip: Try the fresh veggie focaccia with homegrown tomatoes, mozzarella and pair it with their in-house hot tea. Sit down in their open bookstore area and watch the town roll by.
Where to shop for farm-fresh produce
Historic Marion Tailgate Market
You have an opportunity to shop for fresh produce and farm-made goods twice a week at 67 W. Henderson Street in downtown Marion. Pick from one of two days:
- Each Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., from May through October
Purple Buffalo Farms
At Purple Buffalo Farms, they grow vibrant microgreens and vegetables in living soil — so you can taste the difference that fresh, local, nutrient-dense food makes.
On Thursdays you can meet Farmer Sprout herself, working at her charming farm stand in the agricultural heart of Marion, Montford Cove. Everything sold at Purple Buffalo Farms is produced right here in McDowell County. From 3 Sisters Cheeses to seasonal Treadway Farms Fire Cider. During the summer, expect fresh hand-squeezed lemonade from the Purple Buffalo Farm family, sold at events and the Marion Tailgate Market.
Foothills Food Hub Fresh Market Store
Foothills Food Hub, the community hub for local farmers, tailgate market, and food processors, has opened its first-ever retail store. At the new store, people can find all kinds of food products. In the freezer are meat products from McDowell and surrounding counties. Producers include Clark Farms in McDowell County and J4 Cattle Company in Morganton. The store carries chicken from Joyce Farms in Winston-Salem. The Foothills Food Hub prides itself on selling only NC foods: "Everything you'll find here is made in North Carolina," says their director, Grace Fitzgerald. They also carry prepared foods including frozen burritos, frozen chicken pies and frozen pizza. The store carries ice cream from Riverbend Creamery and Lee’s One Fortune Farm.
