Savoring the Soul of Appalachia

Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2017/01 - Winter

Appalachia. 

First of all, let’s get the pronunciation correct, shall we? According to legendary Appalachian storyteller, author, and musician Sheila Kay Adams, the proper pronunciation is “app uh latch uh.” 

Don’t forget, because on February 24-26 Old Edwards Inn and Spa is celebrating Root Bound, an Appalachian immersion experience through music, food, and education. 

Visiting farmers and chefs will gather at Old Edwards to prepare their very own versions of what Appalachia means to them. Chefs and foodies alike are getting back to their roots and spotlighting Appalachian cuisine, to wide acclaim. Featured chefs of Southern Appalachia attending the weekend include Travis Milton, Adam Hayes, Denny Trantham, Shelly Cooper, Sheri Castle, Louis Osteen, and Old Edwards Executive Chef Chris Huerta.

Friday at 6:00 P.M. you’ll enjoy a family-style authentic Appalachian dinner in the rustic surroundings of the Springhouse at Old Edwards where wine and bourbon will flow freely and author Sheri Castle will introduce the night.

Afterwards, award-winning musician Darrell Scott will be performing live at the Highlands Playhouse. Scott has collaborated with such legends as Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, and Faith Hill, and has established himself as one of Nashville’s premier session instrumentalists. His unique music has attracted a growing fanbase, and he tours regularly with his own band.

On Saturday you can attend cooking classes and edutainment events with Travis Milton, Nancy Payne Bruns, Louis Osteen, and Sheri Castle.  Sip hard cider while “Victuals” author Ronni Lundy and Garden and Gun editor Jed Portman pair up for an entertaining Appalachian Chat session, followed by a lunch created by Chefs Travis Milton and Chris Huerta inspired by traditional miner’s
lunchboxes of Appalachia. 

That evening you’ll attend a wine dinner at The Farm at Old Edwards with Chefs Travis Milton, Adam Hayes, and Chef Huerta while being entertained by Highlands’ own bluegrass sensation, Nitrograss.

Sunday, Chef Denny Trantham will serve a bluegrass gospel brunch while you listen to the authentic music of Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Band. Throughout the weekend you’ll have the opportunity to shop at the retail Farmer’s Market of local and regional providers for goodies to take home and cook up your own Appalachian victuals. 

Make reservations now for Root Bound, A Savoring of Appalachian Food and Music, February 24 through 26. It’s the perfect time of year to cocoon yourself in warmth at the award-winning Old Edwards Inn and Spa in downtown Highlands.

For more information visit OldEdwardsInn.com/rootbound or call (888) 690-4760.