Lucy in the Rye photograph by Tim Robison
In the leather booths of this Jackson County diner, guests dig into American classics like buttermilk-fried chicken on Belgian waffles. And even little guests are celebrated at the homey establishment: Instead of children’s menus, kids are given pieces of paper and crayons to draw masterpieces that will be taped on the wall of the restaurant after their meal, leaving colorful pieces of art for future patrons to admire.
612 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4601
lucyintherye.com
Happs Place Barn and Grill photograph by Tim Robison
On a typical day at this family-friendly restaurant in Glenville, the sun shines on diners as they sip cocktails and eat Neapolitan-style pizzas, while kids play cornhole by an old red barn. This spot — once known as the Brown Skillet — has been a Jackson County staple for decades, and was recently restored by Rex Farrior, who grew up enjoying meals at the restaurant.
5914 NC Highway 107 North
Glenville, NC 28736
(828) 743-5700
happsplace.com
photograph by Lynne Harty
This old-school restaurant is known for its hospitality, loyal regulars, and timeless diner fare. A nod to the owners’ heritage, Five Points also specializes in classic Greek dishes like chicken and roasted potatoes, spanakopita, and pastitsio.
258 Broadway Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252-8030
5pointsasheville.com
Sand Hill Kitchen’s fried chicken sandwich was named “The Fried Chicken Champion of Asheville,” and the Bowl of Goodness makes for the perfect breakfast. photographs by Tim Robison
From famous crispy chicken sandwiches to banana pudding like grandma used to make, this Asheville restaurant — housed in a corner gas station — has become a classic.
491 Sardis Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 633-6868
sandhillkitchen.com
Pair The Bluffs’ famous fried chicken with sides like collard greens, cathead biscuits, mashed potatoes, and something sweet, like blackberry peach cobbler. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Editor’s note: Be sure to check The Bluffs’ website or Facebook page before making your trip, to ensure they are open for the season.
As the first restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this spot was a staple for hungry hikers, motorists, and families for more than 60 years before it closed. Now, it’s serving up delicious dishes once again. After working up an appetite on your fall drive, be sure to order some fried chicken, sweet tea, and cathead biscuits.
45338 Blue Ridge Parkway
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
(336) 372-7875
bluffsrestaurant.org
The Gamekeeper pairs mountain flavors — like Leicester-raised Carolina bison, grilled over hickory and served with a chicken-of-the-woods mushroom ragout — with views of the High Country. photograph by Charles Harris
This High Country restaurant has made a name for itself by tapping into the wild side of fine dining — with options ranging from boar entrees to pimento cheese sausage. But don’t set your heart on just one dish: menu options vary by the day at this restaurant that has an elevated approach to serving farm-raised (as required by law) game species.
3005 Shulls Mill Road
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 963-7400
gamekeeper-nc.com
Guests mingle on the patio behind the restaurant, where seared tuna with local radishes and peppers makes a summer appearance. photograph by Tim Robison
Editor’s note: Canyon Kitchen is temporarily closed for the season but will reopen on May 14.
In Sapphire, a majestic box canyon — the largest one east of the Mississippi — provides a feast for the eyes, and the first taste of Canyon Kitchen’s seasonal, sensory experience. The restaurant emphasizes relationships with local farmers — “we can’t raise everything we need, so we cultivate relationships with those who can,” Executive Chef Ken Naron says. “Cooking requires relationships.”
150 Lonesome Valley Road
Sapphire, NC 28774
(828) 743-7967
lonesomevalley.com
Seasonal entrées at Library Kitchen + Bar include (clockwise from left) coriander sautéed trout, Burgundy-braised Black Angus short ribs, and sautéed foie gras. photograph by Tim Robison
Sapphire Valley’s oldest structure now houses one of the area’s finest dining spots: Library Kitchen + Bar. The restaurant emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients (crispy sauteed mountain trout, anyone?) and head chef Johannes Klapdohr’s goal is to put the area on the map — “We wanted to elevate this area to a status that can compete with New York and Chicago. And it’s working.”
184 Cherokee Trail
Sapphire, NC 28774
(828) 743-5512
librarykitchenandbar.com
The influence of a mother’s love — and sometimes her recipes — can be found in restaurant kitchens and on plates in dining rooms across North Carolina.
The oldest hotel in North Carolina was saved from the wrecking ball and has returned to its former glory on the square in downtown Burnsville.
For one family, summiting Stone Mountain is a tradition that strengthens the bond between parent and child.
When a young chef met an aspiring farmer, the two formed a friendship as strong as their love of the land and all it provides.
