Flat Rock Merchants Association Blog

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - December 10, 2011

2011-12-04T09:14:00.002-05:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market
To Hold Annual Christmas Market

The Flat Rock’s Tailgate Market is offering a very Special Annual Christmas Market to be held on Saturday, December 10th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the area in front of Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and behind Hand in Hand Gallery along Little Rainbow Row in downtown Flat Rock (on Highway 225,Greenville Highway). This seasonal event will be free and open to the public.

Come warm your hands by the fire and enjoy some seasonal music while shopping at this festive event featuring many of the usual vendors of the Flat Rock Tailgate Market with a few new surprise additions. Just some of the items you will find to help with your Christmas shopping and enjoyment are hand spun wool scarves, jams and jellies; locally grown Christmas trees, wreaths, greens and cypress garlands; goat and cow cheese; all cuts of pasture raised Angus beef; organic chicken and eggs; lamb; pork; granola; winter squash and greens; fresh and pickled peppers; fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms; wild mushroom soup starter; mushroom logs for gift giving
and "Shiitake Happens" tee shirts; dried Henderson County Pink Lady apples; holiday hard candy; handmade furniture; herb baskets; baked goods including cookies, Christmas breads, pies and tarts; and special holiday Greek food offerings.

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market is sponsored by the Flat Rock Merchants Association. For more information about the Christmas Market, please call 828-697-7719.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - October 20, 2011

2011-10-19T10:03:00.004-04:00

Fall has definitely arrived and with it brings our next to last market. Come out this week and next week so you don't miss out on local fresh produce. Also find out how you can continue to eat local produce all winter long by using a local CSA.

Deep Woods Mushrooms:
I will have a limited amount of fresh shiitakes, lots of dried shiitakes, so stock up for winter. I'll also (hopefully) have wild mushrooms (if I have time to get out in the woods).

Holly Spring Farm & Nursery:
Despite the cooler weather, we still have lots of tomatoes. We'll also have beets, carrots, eggplant, peppers, lettuce, Swiss chard and winter squashes.

Good Things Grow Here:
This week I will have lots of potatoes, seasonal greens, lettuce, eggplant, and eggs.

Deerwood Nursery & Farms:
A sudden drop in the temperatures this week reminds us it is fall rather than summer. I was glad I roasted two chickens. Granddad's chicken salad with grapes will make one meal and Mexican chicken soup will make another one. Wasn't that easy? (Stop by if you need recipes for these easy meals.) If you have football games in your schedule, you may want to pick up some ribs or Italian sausage for easy grilling. We have fresh and frozen chickens as well as ten different pork cuts. There is definitely something for everyone's table. While the tailgate market has been wonderful, keep in mind you can continue to get Deerwood chicken and pork even after the market ends. Stop by our booth to pick up contact information. We look forward to seeing you Thursday!! Rick and Karen JordanDeerwood Nursery and Farms

Marvelous Pies:
This week we will have an assortment of our holiday favorites. Pumpkin pies, apple pies, sweet potato pies and bar cookies. Email us if you need a whole cake for $25, triple chocolate, flourless, gluten free chocolate and red velvet are available to pick up on Thursday IF pre-ordered.

Carolina Herb Farm:
I will have cut lettuce by the bag, lettuce baskets, and some herbs.

Shepherds' Flock Farm:
Howdy, everyone from Shepherds' Flock Farm. This thursday I have two new jellies for you to try; Poor Man's Honey, and Strawberry, Pineapple Jalapeno. I have also added Mango recently, and Fire n Ice. I will also be bringing apples. I am taking pre-paid orders for our last week festival on apples. I hope you will come and see us. The weather will be great. Still running my jelly special buy 5 and get one free. See ya Thursday!!!!!!! And, as usual, there'll beLOTS more!

Winter Sun CSA:
Coming to the market this week with information and an opportunity to sign up for local food all winter long. Winter Sun Farms is a CSA program of Blue Ridge Food Ventures that takes fresh produce from local, sustainable farms and then preps, packages, and freezes it until winter. CSA members receive 7-8 packages of these frozen fruits and veggies each month from December through March. WSF butternut squash puree becomes a quick soup or dip; edamame from Jake's Farm just need to be heated and salted; frozen diced tomatoes, green beans and bell peppers make a quick minestrone, etc. At each pick-up other local products are also offered such as eggs, pasture-raised meats, wild caught salmon, fish cakes, tempeh from local soybeans and other great BRFV products.

Don't Forget These Upcoming Events:

Thursday, October 27 (last market day)
Harvest Festival - Halloween festivities and lots of free samples!!

Saturday, December 10 from 2 - 5pm
Christmas Market...in front of Hubba Hubba...watch for posters and flyers!

Fall Arts at Sunburst Hollow Studios - October 29, 2011

2011-10-04T10:47:00.001-04:00

Fall Arts at Sunburst Hollow Studios, a one day arts event will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 10AM to 4PM at the home and studios of David and Molly Sharp Voorhees in Zirconia, NC. Several invited friends will participate with artwork, native plants and prepared food. A wide range of artwork will be on exhibit and offered for sale including pottery, jewelry, stained glass and watercolor, pastel and oil paintings, handmade books and textile arts. Gourmet lunch will be available at Sunburst Hollow Café.

This is a free outdoor, garden style event and is open to the public with a rain date of Sunday, October 30th.

Sunburst Hollow is the home and studios of potter David Voorhees and jeweler Molly Sharp Voorhees, owners of Hand in Hand Gallery. David will have a broad assortment of his pottery available including the results of a wood firing completed just days before the event. He will also have raku fired vessels and under-glaze painted porcelain. Molly will be showing new creations in silver and found objects, with a focus on natural beach pebbles from around the world. David and Molly’s studios will be open for tours. Other invited artists include Jane Voorhees with original watercolors and pastels, prints, cards and handmade books; Susan Voorhees with original pastel and oil paintings and cards; Cheryl Stippich
with one-of-a-kind stained glass and precious metal clay and glass bead jewelry; Chad Alice Hagen with handmade books, and hand felted brooches and scarves; and Kathy Skomsky with hand dyed clothing.

Wes Burlingame’s Laurel Springs Nursery will be offering native shrubs and trees for fall planting.

Sunburst Hollow Café will feature lunch offerings of Japanese curry and sushi by Shoko Steslicke and desserts.

Sunburst Hollow Studios are located at 2212 Green River Rd., Zirconia, NC, two miles from US 25, Exit 3, driveway is on right, marked with signs. Parking will be facilitated by attendants. This is a limited handicap accessible site. Light refreshments. For more info and map call or visit Hand in Hand Gallery, 2720 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, NC 28731, 828 697-7719, www.handinhandgallery.com . Or, you may contact David or Molly at 698-8775 or via email: david@handinhandgallery.com.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - July 21, 2011

2011-07-20T08:11:00.003-04:00

THE FLAT ROCK TAILGATE MARKET

Thursday, July 21st

3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Bounty Is In!!

And welcome to two new vendors:

Mike Christensen with local honey and Amy Johnson with gourmet tea blends, toffee and salts.

Good Things Grow Here - Richard will have kale, red white and blue Yukon gold and Swedish peanut potatoes, green leaf lettuce, onions, garlic, green beans, eggs and possibly more.

Hill's Plant Farm - Sweet Corn, Kohlrabi, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Cut Flowers.

Marvelous Pies - Thank you to all of our wonerful customers! With the purchases of Blueberry Pies, we are supporting our sponsored blueberry farm, Arrowhead Acres, for this year! We have already purchased close to 50 gallons of berries. From the kitchens of MARVELOUS PIES this week we will bring more freshly baked AND frozen blueberry, peach & blueberry/peach mixed pies. Think ahead for gatherings, birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. All the frozen pies will stay fresh frozen through the end of this year.
Ma Belle France - I will have my usual Quiches (5 kinds) and Soups, as well as Ratatouille. As for pastries I will have my usual Reine de Saba (chocolate/almond cake) … out of this world! And some Fruit Tarts. And I will have my delicious Triple Berry Sorbet, perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

Cane Creek Valley Farm - We have USDA Certified Organic green beans coming in right now on the farm and we would like to make them available for those of you that like to put some up for the winter by canning or freezing them...3/4 bushels wooden crates for $28...just send us an e-mail indicating how many you want and we will bring them to the Flat Rock Tailgate Market for you this Thursday! E-mail: info@canecreekorganics.com

Holly Spring Farm and Nursery Paul and Simone report that this week they'll have a large selection of tomatoes, including gourmet salad tomatoes, red-ripe tasty Early Girls, and their wonderful heirlooms. They'll also have beans, cucumbers, squash and, new this week, eggplants.

Ann and Hoyt Jones with their fabulous local PEACHES!

Old Rose Treasures Farm - Frank will have antique roses, beets, hardneck garlic and free range eggs.

Three Arrows Cattle Farm - Wells will have ground beef, patties, chuck shoulder, rump and sirloin tip roasts, cube steak, stew beef, short ribs, soup bones and liver.

Deep Woods Mushrooms - I will have shiitakes and chanterelles and milky caps, shiitake mushroom logs with growing instructions as well as AMC cookbooks and "Shiitake Happens" T shirts.

Shepherds’ Flock Farm - We will have more good peaches, along with squash, lemon cucumbers and zucchini. I will also have my whole wheat biscuits and all my jellies and jams. Honey will also be coming in about two to three weeks. My e-mail is laughterg@att.net. Hope you will come and see us. We really appreciate everyone who comes and buys our goodies, and a big thank you to our volunteers.

Laurel Springs Nursery - This week we will have perennials and groundcovers for your summer garden. Garden phloxes, black eyed susans, native sunflowers, green and gold and more. Plus summer blooming shrubs like limelight hydrangeas, big leaf hydrangeas, and St. Johns wort, and edible plants like blueberries, figs and grapes.

Let's not forget:
Cheeses, seafood, all those baked goods and prepared Greek foods.

Eat fresh. Eat Local.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - June 23, 2011

2011-06-23T07:10:00.003-04:00

THE FLAT ROCK TAILGATE MARKET

Thursday, June 23

3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Trickle Creek Farm with BLACKBERRIES! Don't miss lucsious beauties as they have a very short season!

Deep Woods Mushrooms - Greg has fresh shiitakes and wild mushrooms...chickens (that's a mushroom) and CHANTERELLES!!

Shepherds' Flock Farm - At Shepherds' Flock Farm we will once again have peaches, and lots of jams. Strawberry Margaritta, Peach, Peach w/rum, peach w/ almond, and so many more flavors. Hope you will come and see us Thursday at the market. A special thank you to all the volunteers from our family

Kay Farm: New potatoes, both red and white, LOADS OF RASPBERRIES, two varieties of zucchini, onions, red leaf lettuce, cabbage.

Three Arrows Farm & Cattle Company - This week we will have ribeye steak, ground beef, hamburger patties, stew beef, cube steak, chuck, rump, round and shoulder roast, short ribs, soup bones and liver.

Good Things Grow Here - Lots of Kennebec and Red Pontiac potatoes, Summer Squash. Snap beans, Italian wide beans and eggs.

Mollie LeBude: We'll also have shiitake mushrooms! Pictured are our volunteers Shoko, Phyllis, and Mike inoculating logs last year. We'll have collards and kale, and more beautiful cut flower arrangements.

Ma Belle France - Soups: Chilled cucumber-mint soup, chilled carrot-pineapple soup, asparagus soup, mushroom soup, ratatouille, and (maybe) gazpacho

Quiches: mushroom quiche, tomato-goat cheese quiche, spinach-feta quiche, quiche Lorraine

Pastries: Reine de Saba (chocolate-almond cake … just the best in the world!), Peach-almond tart, Kiwi tart

Pissaladiere (specialty from Nice, France – onion-anchovy-olive-herbs deliciously baked on a puff pastry).

Laurel Spring Nursery: This week laurel springs will have plants for the edible landscape including strawberries, ripening blueberries, grapes, persimmon, and paw paws. We will also have beautiful summer flowering perennials for our pollinators, echinacea, liatris, crocosmia, phloxes, and more.

Holly Spring Farm & Nursery - Paul and Simone. We'll have lettuce, new potatoes, Asian greens, Swiss chard, collards, curly Kale, and new this week, sweet and tender red beets, as well as our early blueberries. See you at market.

Marvelous Pies: We will have peach pies, strawberry pies, chess pies & truffles. Chocolate cake & chocolate dipped rice krispie treats. See you Thursday!

Jennifer Perkins of Looking Glass Creamry: If people want to visit the farm since we are usually not open to the public they can do so on the ASAP family farm tour this weekend which runs 1-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. There are 41 farms on the tour this year and they do have to buy a pass for a carload of people to visit the farms on the tour.

Cane Creek Organics: Cane Creek Organics 2nd Annual Farm Day!!
It's Farm Day Time - next Saturday, June 25th - Buy Your Tickets Now!! (Only 4 days left!)

Live Music by Garry and Catfish Joe, Farm Fresh BBQ and sides dinner, Hayride Farm Tour, Inflatable 401 slides, FacePainting, Games, Petting Zoo and MORE! All incuded with each ticket: $15 adults, $5 kids (must purchase byJune 23 - have to be ready to cook it all!). Saturday, June 25 from 4 - 9pm. We need you to come and bring some friends! Great relaxing evening for the entire family on the farm overlooking Cane Creek Valley! Buy Tickets - At the Flat Rock Tailgate Market or Just Click on this Link : http://www.canecreekorganics.com/Events_June_11.html.

Sundance Power Systems: Kelley will be representing this amazing and worthwhile company this week at the market. She says: "Have you wondered how solar energy works or how it could benefit you? Would you like to learn about current financial incentives? Sundance has been a trusted solar partner since 1995 by designing and installing high performing solar hot water and solar electric systems for both residential and commercial applications. We invite you to see how you too can save with solar!"

Other Market Favorites: Papous Greek prepared foods, grass fed Lamb, chicken, bagels, flowers, goat and cow cheeses, shrimp and fish, herbs, artisan breads & baked Goods.< /span>

Eat Fresh! Eat Local!
See you at the Market!

"Opening Day" Morning Coffee at Portraits, Inc. - June 5 & 6

2011-06-01T12:19:00.001-04:00

An Invitation to
Western North Carolina Campers’ Moms and Dads

“ O P E N I N G DAY ” M O R N I N G C O F F E E

Sunday, June 5th
& Monday, June 6th

Drop by the newest Portraits, Inc. gallery for coffee
and pastries after camp drop-off.

~ The Red Cottage ~

Little Rainbow Row
Flat Rock, North Carolina

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - June 2, 2011

2011-06-01T12:08:00.003-04:00

THE FLAT ROCK TAILGATE MARKET

Thursday, June 2 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Forest Creek Farm & Nursery - We'll have lots and lots of collards and kale! We'll also have head lettuce, some cut flowers, and hopefully some mushrooms to boot! Mollie

Deep Woods Mushroom - Hopefully I will have some wild mushrooms but I will have plenty of fresh shiitake. I will also have a limited quantity of my "Mushroom - Jerky-Cracker-Thingy's." Come try a sample and help me name these delicious things! Greg

Good Things Grow Here - I will harvest spinach, salad turnips, butter crunch and red leaf lettuce, radishes, exquisite colored eggs. The summer heat is coming on strong, so get your tender greens while you can! Richard

Laurel Springs Nursery - We will have delicious fruiting plants for the landscape including figs, serviceberry, blueberries, strawberries and pawpaws! Beautiful summer flowering trees and shrubs and plants for streambanks. Courtney Leigh

The Sweet Monkey - This week we will have the blue cheese stuffed bagels topped with caramelized onions and 4 blend Italian cheeses. They make a great burger bun for Highlander Farms ground lamb burgers with Papou's Greek dressing!! We tried it and it was incredible! Also Parmesan and rosemary stuffed bagels topped with olive oil and sea salt.
We will also bring a cold beverage of an herbal variety but I'm just not sure what yet. Hollie

Three Arrows Farm and Cattle Company - This week we will have NY strip steak, sirloin steak, stew beef, cube steak, rump round chuck shoulder and sirloin tip roast, brisket, soup bones, short ribs, ground beef and patties. Wells

Holly Spring Farm and Nursery - We'll have a new crop of lettuce this week, including green and red varieties of butter crunch, oak leaf, and summer crisp lettuces. Plus, carrots, Swiss chard, sugar snap and English peas, green onions, collards and kale. We'll also have some heirloom tomato plants. Paul and Simone

Kay Farm - Plenty of huge romaine and red leaf lettuces, raspberries.
Heat threatens fava beans. Bill

Papou's Greek - We'll have pans of Pastichio and Roasted potato and summer corn soup. Back by request our Tomato and Bean with Fresh Herb soup. We will also have Spanikopita, Tiropita and our Greek salad dressing/marinade. Lori

Old Rose Treasures Farm - I'll have roses, baby beets, bak choi and arugula. Frank

And what else? - Freshly baked breads and cookies, scads of herbs and plants, spring lamb and chickens, fresh farm eggs, decedent desserts, yummy goat and cow cheese for those salad greens, fresh-from-the-ocean shrimp and seafood, and fragrant cut flowers.

Bring a basket. Bring a friend

Eat fresh. Eat local

See you at the Market!

Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale at The Wrinkled Egg

2011-05-27T11:59:00.007-04:00

Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale at The Wrinkled Egg

Brace yourself for The Wrinkled Egg's biggest sidewalk sale yet in their 21 year history. You'll find gifts, accessories, art & furniture.

Memorial Weekend - May 27 - 30, 2011
Friday & Saturday 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Sunday 12:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Monday 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - May 26, 2011

2011-05-26T11:56:00.002-04:00

THE FLAT ROCK TAILGATE MARKET Thursday, May 26th 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. This week enjoy Live Music by David Potter

Holly Spring Farm and Nursery - "We were blessed with 3/4 inch of rain Sunday night and the tomato plants grew at least 3 inches taller overnight. This week will be the last of the Asparagus, as we make our last cutting before laying the crop by to rejuvenate for next season. But, we still have plenty of greens, including, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale and Kohlrabi. Also this week, besides Sugar Snap Peas, we'll have English Peas & Baby Carrots."

Deep Woods Mushroom - I'll have lot's of shiitakes and more I hope!

Welcome Back: Cane Creek Nursery - We will have broccoli rhabb, maybe broccoli, kolrhabi, lettuces, kales, chards & mustard greens. Also all natural, free range eggs & pork sausage.

Forest Creek Farm & Nursery - We'll be bringing some shiitake mushrooms, greens and cut flowers.

Papou's Greek - We will have our usual Spanikopita, Tiropita & dressing. Specials this week are Roasted Red Pepper & Mushroom Soup and a Veggie & Kalamata Olive pasta sauce.

Shepherds' Flock Farm - Hello, this week I will have Strawberries. I will have my Jam cookies everyone has been wanting me to make again and tomato pies. Let's not forget the lettuce, greens & arugla. I have added a new flavor to my jellies; watermelon preserves. Lavender tea & Lemonade will also be available. Hope you will come and see us Thursday.

Kay Farm - Strawberries, huge romaine and red leaf lettuce, herbs & fava beans.

Three Arrows Farm & Cattle Company - We will have all cuts of our beef.

Marvelous Pies - This week I will have more of the very popular Kentucky Derby Tarts! Generous slices of Triple Chocolate Cake with chocolate ganache. Strawberry Pies, fresh from Beechwood Farms, in SC. Red Velvet Cupcakes with fresh cream cheese vanilla frosting. Frozen Custard Cups with mulberries from a local farm here in SC.

Other Market Favorites - Native trees, shrubs, annual, prennial & herb plants. Artisan baked goods, free range chicken & eggs. Handcrafted goat & cow's milk cheeses. Fresh fish & seafood. Pizza kits to make at home.

Bring a basket. Bring a friend Eat fresh. Eat local See you at the Market!!

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - May 19, 2011

2011-05-18T12:00:00.002-04:00

THE FLAT ROCK TAILGATE MARKET

Thursday, May 19th - 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

What you'll find this week - Gorgeous greens, plants in abundance, strawberries and a special book-signing

Bill Hunt of Kay Farm - Even larger heads of romaine and red leaf lettuce, luscious strawberries, herbs and onions

Wells Shealy of Three Arrows Farm and Cattle Company - This week we will have sirloin tip steak, cube steak, stew beef, sirloin tip roast, chuck roast, rump roast, brisket, ground beef, hamburger patties, and soup bones

Susan and Nick Nichols of Highlander Farm just announced they will have the first of their spring chickens at the market today, Thursday, May 19! Get your fresh, farm raised whole chickens for $3.50 per pound today!

Greg Carter of Deep Woods Mushrooms - I am planning on being there with fresh Shiitakes and anything I can find in the woods worth eating

Lisa Marvel of Marvelous Pies - This week I will bring fresh picked gallons of strawberries...last week I brought 10 and sold out quick, so I will try 15 or so this week. I will bring fresh strawberry pies, chess pies, mini bundt cakes and mini kentucky derby pies.

Frank Dezzutto of Old Rose Treasures Farm - Antique roses, free range eggs, baby beet greens, baby bac choi, arugula

Richard Kouyoumjian of Good Things Grow Here - Butter crunch and red leaf heading lettuce, young broccoli rabe, radish, baby bok choy, green garlic, exquisite colored eggs.

Lisa Laughter of Shepherds' Flock Farm - I'll have strawberries(weather permitting). I will also have salad bow lettuce and mixed greens. I will be featuring two new samples of my jellies, tropical pear jam and a tropical fruit jam with mangos and pears. There will also be tomatoe pies, and homemade biscuits, and lets not forget the lavender tea and those chicken eggs. I cant wait to see everyone Thursday.

Ghislaine Mahler of Ma Belle France - Asparagus Soup, Mushroom Soup, Ratatouille, Chilled Carrot-Pineapple Soup, Chilled Cucumber-Mint soup, delicious Quiches (4 kinds), Pissaladiere (a savory specialty from southern France). For dessert: my scrumptious Reine de Saba cake (chocolate-almond) and fresh fruit tarts.

Paul and Simone Shoemaker of Holly Spring Farm and Nursery - We will have two new Spring offerings this week: sweet and crisp Kohlrabi, and, sweet and tender new baby Carrots, as well as, Asparagus, Lettuce, Sugar Snap Peas, and a healthful selection of various greens, including: Collards, Kale, Swiss Chard, and Tatsoi.

What else?... baked goods, goat and cow cheeses, shrimp and seafood, fresh farm eggs, lamb, flowers, prepared Greek food.

Special Event - Book Signing

Farm Fresh North Carolina - by Diane Daniel

The Go-To Guide to Great Farmers' Markets, Farm Stands, Farms, Apple Orchards, U-Picks, Kids' Activities, Lodging, Dining, Choose-and-Cut Christmas Trees, Vineyards and Wineries, and More

Diane also is participating in the Blue Ridge Bookfest this weekend at Blue Ridge Community College. Admission is free, and she'll be giving a "Farm Fresh NC" narrated photo presentation at 2:15 p.m. Saturday (May 21) in the Killian Building Library. Bookfest info at www.blueridgebookfest.org.

Come say hello to Diane and pick up your own signed copy of this hot-off-the-press wonderful guide to our local growers and much more.

Bring a basket. Bring a friend

Eat fresh. Eat local

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - May 5, 2011

2011-05-04T10:55:00.002-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market Opens for the Season May 5th from 3 - 6 p.m.

Welcome Back to Our Regulars:

(Other regular produce vendors will join us when more crops are in)

Flat Rock Village Bakery - Will have all the usuals....cookies, organic breads and pastries, savory and sweet tarts, scones and CUPCAKES!

Good Things Grow Here - Exquisite colored eggs, first of the season radishes, lettuce, spring onions, baby bok choy and possibly more.

Old Rose Treasures Farm - Antique roses, free range eggs, heirloom tomato plants and perhaps some delicious leafy greens.

Shepherds' Flock Farm - Lots of new and different flavored jams: Strawberry Margarita, and Orange Liq. Hot Pepper, new jam cookies and cheese sticks that go great with the spicy jams. Also South Carolina berries, (grown by Shepherds' Flock Farm) and gallons of berries (orders only please to ensure freshenss). To order just call 674-4230. The famous tomatoe pies will be back! Call if you would like a larger pie.

Looking Glass Creamery - Chocolate Lab, Early Bird, and Feta, as well as the usual chevre
varieties. Come by for a free sample of each and every one!

Deep Woods Mushrooms - Shiitake, Morels and Ramps.

Holly Spring Farm and Nursery - We welcome everyone to the start of the fresh and local food season, with: Asparagus, food of the Pharaohs, (check it out, or ask us at market), plus, Luscious Lettuce, sweet and crisp; Spring Onions and Radishes; Sugar Snap Peas so sweet and tender that you don't have to cook them, and, delectable Swiss Chard and tender Spring Collards. In addition, we'll have a variety of Tomato Plants for transplanting.

Carolina Herb Farm - Tomato and peppers plants, cut leaf lettuce by the bag and all the usual herb plants.

Hill's Farm Plants, Inc. - Plant starts and planters, flowers, herbs, produce

Forest Creek Farm & Nursery - Cut flowers, the first few greens for salads, and if the weather holds out, shiitake mushrooms!

Pyrwood Dairy - Goat cheese, particularly chevre

Highlander Farm -Eggs and lamb

Lowcountry Seafood - Shrimp and seafood

O & S Nursery - Native plants and earthworm castings

Three Arrows Farm - Individual cuts of beef - chemical free and grass fed

Welcome To Our New Vendors:

Laurel Springs Nursery - Blooming native azaleas including flame, disease resistant dogwoods, blueberry bushes, fruiting native plants for people and wild life, specialty trees and shrubs for a more natural landscape.

Ma Belle France - 4 kinds of quiches both individual and family size (quiche Lorraine, spinach-feta, mushroom, and tomato-goat cheese); 3 kinds of soups (asparagus soup, mushroom soup, both light and delicious, as well as a carrot-pineapple soup to be eaten cold); ratatouille, a very flavorful vegetable stew from Proven; 2 kinds of pastries (pear-almond tarts and Reine de Saba … a scrumptious chocolate cake).

Kay Farm - Strawberries, romaine and red leaf lettuce, herbs (rosemary and oregano), eggs, arugula.

Papous Greek - Greek salad dressing, spanikopita, tiropita and prepared Greek meals...YUM!

The Sweet Monkey Bakery - Bagels, quick breads, croissants, panca

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - 05/05/11

2011-04-25T13:42:00.003-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market opens for the season this Thursday, May 5th from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Details to follow. Find more info on the tailgate market here.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Special Holiday Market Dec. 4th!

2010-12-01T14:25:00.002-05:00

Please Join Us for a Special Flat Rock Christmas Market

Saturday, December 4th from 2 - 5 pm
In the courtyard in front of Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and behind Hand in Hand Gallery

Ring in the HOLIDAY SEASON at this annual event featuring the Flat Rock Tailgate Market

Enjoy a cup of cheer and warm yourself by the fire while browsing the large array of fresh holiday greens,wreaths, garlands and live Christmas trees.

Treat yourself, friends and family to some delicious Christmas breads, cookies,
pies, tarts and candies.

Plan your holiday meals around locally raised beef, chicken, and eggs; specialty goat and cow cheeses; organic pizza kits, wild mushroom soup starters, jam and jellies, dried pink lady apples, fresh and dried mushrooms, winter squash and greens.

Give the perfect, unique gifts of handmade woolen scarves, therapeutic oils, handmade Christmas ornaments, aprons, shiitake logs, "Shiitake Happens" t-shirts and stocking stuffers.

Enjoy the Holiday Spirit while supporting your local farmers!

See you on December 4th with bells on!

Flat Rock Merchants Association News - Buy a Cookbook, Support the Community

2010-11-17T10:16:00.003-05:00

Looking for an easy way to support the Flat Rock Community? Buy a cookbook! The Flat Rock Merchants Association compiled recipes from member businesses to create a fun cookbook. Proceeds are used to fund association projects. Here's a great article with more details.
BlueRidgeNow.com article 11/17/2010

Summer Music in Flat Rock October 2nd concert

2010-10-02T07:57:00.000-04:00

“Peace Out” will perform at a free evening music event in Flat Rock on Saturday, October 2nd, beginning at 5p.m. This free outdoor concert is presented by the Flat Rock Merchants Association with sponsorship help from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and Flat Rock Village Bakery. The concert will be held in Flat Rock on Little Rainbow Row’s back deck (behind the colorful shops, corner of Greenville Highway and West Blue Ridge Road) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Note that this time is an hour earlier than our previous concerts because of early darkness. Concerts have been held on the first Saturday of the month, May through October.

Peace Out will perform an eclectic blend of folk, country, African, Celtic, gospel and children’s songs. This local group brings together four friends: singer-songwriter Jenny Arch, Tania Battista, Duke Domingue and Sharon Stokes, who enjoy making a joyful noise together. Their performance is sure to take you back & possibly move you forward into a little jig or sing-a-long...

This is a casual, family oriented, bring-your-lawn-chair, outdoor event, weather permitting. Great food and beverages will be available from Flat Rock Village Bakery (pizzas) and Hubba Hubba Smokehouse (BBQ). Off-street parking will be designated with limited handicap accessibility. For further information, call Hand in Hand Gallery at 697-7719 or visit www.flatrockonline.com or our Summer Music in Flat Rock Facebook page.

Sky Top Orchard News - NOW PICKING - Asian Pears, Gala, McIntosh, Red and Golden Delicious, Cortland, Jonagold and Mutsu (9/13/10)

2010-09-13T11:15:00.001-04:00

Sky Top Orchard Now Picking - Asian Pears, Gala, McIntosh, Red and Golden Delicious, Cortland, Jonagold and Mutsu as of 9/13/2010 - Sky Top Orchard Picking Schedule

Wine Tasting

2010-09-01T12:17:00.001-04:00

The Back Room will be hosting a wine tasting on September 10th from 5-7pm.
Carrie Arrowood and surprise guests will perform during the tasting. We are still deciding which wines to serve.

Sky Top Orchard News - Now Picking Grapes, Asian Pears, Honeycrisps, Gala & McIntosh (8/17/10)

2010-08-17T11:34:00.013-04:00

Sky Top Orchard is Open for Fall 2010!

It's August 17th as we post this and we are now picking on Grapes, Asian Pears, Honeycrisps, Gala & McIntosh. Visit us soon for these early fall favorites, visit SkyTopOrchard.com or follow our blog at skytoporchard.blogspot.com

"Flat Rock Favorites" Cookbook Debuts

2010-06-29T17:16:00.004-04:00

Members of the Flat Rock Merchants Association have contributed and compiled recipes for the 2010 "Flat Rock Favorites" cookbook. The cookbook was created in order to raise money for the various community projects and charitable organizations that the merchants association promotes. 100% of the profits from the sale of the cookbook will go towards these endeavors. Cookbooks are being distributed to our area merchants for sale to the public so be sure to look for it the next time you visit your favorite merchant. Each cookbook sells for $12.95 with payment by cash or check.

Every year it has been the mission of the Flat Rock Merchants Association to give back to the community that supports us. We began by donating money to the Flat Rock area schools Principal's Fund, as well as helping needy families during Christmas. Upon the death in 2008 of Flat Rock Playhouse executive director, Robin Farquar, the merchants started a scholarship in his name so that talented local children with limited means could participate in the Flat Rock Playhouse's YouTheatre. Association members are also responsible for supporting local farmers by organizing the Flat Rock Tailgate Market as well as showcasing great talent at the Summer Concert Music Series, held on the first Saturday of each month from June - October.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - June 17, 2010

2010-06-17T07:46:00.003-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, June 17th, 3 - 6 pm

This Week at the Market

It's berry time and you'll find Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries at the market.

NEW THIS WEEK: Mama Christina's Pizzells. Pizzells are traditional Italian cookies that are made from local, organic ingredients. Can't wait to try them!

Magdi Kassab: Semolina cookie (mamoul) filled with dates, YUM! Rhaibi, a little gem of a cookie that defies description and Baklava. He'll also have olive spread w/pecans & fresh dill, houmus & babaghanough to spread on a pita or pick up a few of his famous spinach pies.

Holly Spring Farm & Nursery: The first of their blueberries, new potatoes, plus sugar snap peas, beets & Swiss chard.

Frank Dezzuto:  Antique roses, baby beets, turnips, onions & lettuce.

Lisa Marvel: Chess pies, decadent organic carrot cake,
chocolate dipped brownie bites & edible flower pots.

Shepherd's Flock Farm: Fresh raspberries & lettuce grown without any fertilizers or chemicals. Featured jelly this week is raspberry and raspberry with jalapeno. Stop by an sample some.

Market Favorites: Fresh Atlantic shrimp, get them while you can!! Plus whole fish, grouper fillets, scallops & more. Fresh shiitake and wild mushrooms, free-range eggs, pork, beef & chicken. Fresh goat cheese, hearth baked breads, tarts & cookies. There's been lots of greens, lettuces, cabbages and cauliflower too.

Betty Bessette:   Five varieties of mustard, four varieties of jams, three varieties of scones, and three varieties of corn bread bites. For your furry friends there will be three varieties of dog bones.

Molly Le Bude: Zucchini and summer squash, a few first bunches of fresh garlic! More salad mix, bunched cilantro & basil, cut flowers and hopefully some shiitakes.

You can still find a good variety of native, annual, perennial and herb plants that are ready to plant now.

Remember, Fresh is Best
Support Your Local Farmer

SEE YOU AT THE MARKET

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - June 3, 2010

2010-06-02T01:28:00.003-04:00

Hubba Hubba Smokehouse will be holding a private event Thursday evening and will need the space occupied by the market so we'll be closing at 5:00 p.m. this day instead of our normal 6:00 close. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hubba Hubba will be closing early as well. They will close at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 3rd.

Carl Sandburg Home NHS News - Baby Goats are Here!

2010-05-10T19:24:00.005-04:00

Spring is a great time to visit the Carl Sandburg Home NHS but this week things are even better. On Saturday May 8th, "Bramble", a Toggenburg, gave birth to two healthy kids - a still unnamed boy and girl. Today, Monday, May 10th, "Bella", another Toggenburg, also gave birth to a boy and a girl. Both mothers and all babies are doing great. Come out and see them in the barn.
Here is some amateur video shot with the only recording device available - a cell phone. It's blurry but you can see how attentive the mother is and you can see those cute little baby tails wagging.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - May 6, 2010

2010-05-06T00:33:00.001-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, May 6
3 - 6 pm

Mother's Day is this Sunday and the Flat Rock Tailgate Market is the perfect place to buy FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE for that very special dinner for your mom. This week we'll have cherry and beefsteak tomatoes, lettuces of all kinds including Asian greens salad mix, spinach, radishes, baby red pac choi, cucumbers, collards and spring onions. Also, the first of the rhubarb is in!

Fresh from the oven those yummy middle eastern pastries, strawberry pies and tarts, chess pies, triple chocolate decadent bunt cakes, scones and all those breads, cookies and more from the Flat Rock Village Bakery.

Support our meat and fish vendors by stopping by to purchase local Angus beef, free-range chickens and eggs, and hormone-free lamb and pork. Jamie will be there with his shrimp, scallops and an assortment of fresh and frozen fish. (Let's just hope the oil disaster doesn't effect him. So support him NOW).

Cheese and more cheese. A great selection this week including Chevre, Feta, Chocolate Lab, and Ellington (new this week).

Five, yes that's 5 varieties of mustard!

Native Plants, annuals & perennials ready for spring planting. Curly willow & pussy willows for indoor decorating.

Also for planting, Paul is coming in with his heirloom tomato plants and Max and Melinda with their very beautiful, very healthy herbs and vegetable plants.

Mushrooms! Greg promises an abundance of shiitake mushrooms and hoping for lots of wild mushrooms too.

As a special treat this week, Fields of Gold and Max have teamed up to offer you a delicious Thai salad. Come and try and buy!

Support Your Local Farmer
Remember, Fresh is Best
AND Don't forget the FLOWERS for
Mother's Day.

SEE YOU AT THE MARKET!

Summer Music in Flat Rock Opening Concert - May 1, 2010 - Hot Duck Soup

2010-05-01T14:35:00.000-04:00

May 1, 2010 -Hot Duck Soup, novelty jazz band

Hot Duck Soup, a novelty jazz band follows in the footsteps of Ragtime and Dixieland bands of long ago with an admiring nod to the Hoosier Hotshots, Spike Jones' City Slickers and Weird Al Yankovik. The band is comprised of five members: John Richards (banjo and vocals), Claudia Dunaway (ukulele, cornet), Rob Levin (guitar and vocals), Tim Clark (washtub bass and musical saw), and Joy Boothe (cacophonium and vocals). Hot Duck Soup plays old tunes like you’ve never heard them played; you’ll laugh, sing along and probably want to dance! Hot Duck Soup CD’s and T shirts will be available at the concert. For more info or to listen to them, visit their website at www.hotducksoup.net

sponsored by Flat Rock Village Bakery and Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
* Bed Bug Blues
* Button Up Your Overcoat
* It's a Sin to Tell a Lie

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T14:16:00.001-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, April 29th
3 - 6 pm

Tomatoes in April?!? Yes!! Get your local, organic, vine ripened tomatoes along with cucumbers, arugula, asparagus, the first harvest of spring lettuce, spinach, wheat berries and if the rains were good to us. . .morel mushrooms.

Baked Goods: Brick oven breads, savory tartlets, organic cookies & scones. Fresh local strawberry pies and middle eastern pastries too.

Meats & Seafood: Angus beef, thick cut pork shops (& every other cut available too) pasture raised heritage chicken, free-range eggs, lamb, shrimp, scallops, whole fish & fillets.

Market Favorites: Gourmet mustard, pickled peppers, jams & jellies, handmade cheeses & dried mushrooms.

Plants: Antique roses, native plants, annuals & perennials ready for spring planting. Curly willow & pussy willows for indoor decorating.

Gayann is back and will delight you with her prepared entrees like, Chicken Gruyere Gratin, Spaghetti sauce with sausage & meatballs, Red Pepper Parmesan Soup just to name a few!

Lasagna with Asparagus, Leeks, and Morels

2 Tbs Butter (1/4 stick) divided
2 Med Leeks (white/pale green only) thinly sliced
1 Lb Asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1” pieces
4 Oz Fresh Morel Mushrooms and/or Shiitakes coarsely chopped
2 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped 1 Bay Leaf
3 ½ C Stock 1 ½ C Heavy Cream
2 Tbs All Purpose Flour ¾ tsp Grated Nutmeg
1 - 9 oz package No-Cook Lasagna Noodles
1 ¼ C Grated Parmesan Cheese

Melt 1 Tbs Butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks: cook until wilted, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in same skillet. Add asparagus, mushrooms and thyme. Sprinkle with salt & pepper; sauté until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add to bowl with leeks & toss. Add broth, cream, and bay leaf to same skillet and boil over high heat until slightly thickened, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle flour over and whisk to blend. Boil until sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg; discard bay leaf. Season to taste with salt & pepper. (Vegetables & sauce can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat 5 quart casserole with vegetable oil spray. Spoon 1 cup sauce into casserole. Place 4 noodles atop sauce (allow space for expansion). Scatter ½ vegetable mixture over, spreading in even layer, drizzle 1/3 of remaining sauce over. Sprinkle 1/3 grated cheese. Repeat layering (reserving the last 1/3 of the grated cheese for later) and finish with remaining sauce over lasagna.

Cover tightly with foil. Bake until noodles are tender, about 40 minutes. Uncover and top with reserved cheese. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese begins to brown, about 15 – 20 minutes. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredient tip: If fresh morel mushrooms are unavailable, pour 2 cups boiling water over 1 oz dried morel mushrooms and let stand until the mushrooms are soft, about 30 minutes. Drain mushrooms reserving liquid and squeeze dry before chopping. Use reserved liquid as part of the stock, it has a lot of flavor.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 1st for Three Arrows Farm & Cattle Company's grand opening of their farm store. Festivities start at 9 a.m. with blue grass music from 11-2, free samples, produce vendors & more. Follow the signs on Little River Road. For more information, stop by their booth at the market.

Support Your Local Farmer
Remember, Fresh is Best
SEE YOU AT THE MARKET

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - April 22, 2010 - Opening Day!

2010-04-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

Opening Day of The Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, April 22
Happy Earth Day!
3 - 6 pm

Don't miss the opening day of the Flat Rock Tailgate Market, celebrating it's 4th year! We'll open with a bang with many returning vendors and a few new ones. Yes, there are even a few surprises in store for you! Don't forget your shopping bags and baskets and be prepared to shop for plants, maple trees, fish from Jamie, fresh eggs, jams and jellies, mushrooms, lamb, chicken, beef, pies, salad greens, asparagus, herbs, baked goods and more.

As the season progresses, more and more fresh, local fruits and vegetables will be added to the list. Be sure to check this newsletter each week to find out what will be available. Tell you friends, put it on Facebook and Twitter, come one, come all! We want this year to be the biggest and best Market ever! Why go to the supermarket when you have the Flat Rock Tailgate Market!?

Come see your old friends and make new ones!

Support Your Local Farmer
Remember, Fresh is Best

Hubba Hubba Smokehouse Open for 2010 Season

2010-02-16T11:36:00.002-05:00

Hubba Hubba Smokehouse is officially open for the 2010 starting today, February 16, 2010! Join Hubba Hubba for all your favorites - pulled pork, home-made sides and scrumptious cornbread.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Special Holiday Market Dec. 5th

2009-11-22T14:40:00.005-05:00

Celebrate the Season at the Flat Rock Tailgate Special Holiday Market

The Village of Flat Rock’s Tailgate Market will be offering a Special Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Market is held in conjunction with the shops of Little Rainbow Row’s Holiday Stroll and is located in the courtyard behind Hand in Hand Gallery on the Greenville Hwy./225S. just south of the Flat Rock Playhouse.

The Market will offer a wide variety of baked goods, jams, jellies, herbal vinegars, pickles, herb teas, fresh or dried mushrooms, goat cheeses, chicken, eggs, lamb & beef. In addition, many vendors will have specialty items like festive holiday cheese items, confectionaries, lettuce and herb baskets, bath salts and handmade crafts for those special people on your holiday list. Pick up a fresh wreath or seasonal greenery for decorating your home and don’t forget to order your holiday pies and baked goods. All this and a whole lot more!

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Oct. 29, 2009

2009-10-29T10:36:00.001-04:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, October 29th, 3 to 6 p.m.

Come get your pumpkin! Select from freshly carved or paint your own pumpkin. Or choose a not yet carved pumpkin ready for your own touch or simply bake them to use in soups, pies or other scrumptious deserts!!

Market Favorites: Jams, jellies, relishes, pickled okra, herbal teas or vinegars. Fresh beef, lamb and free range chicken & eggs. Fresh fish & seafood. Goat cheeses. Hummus & baba ganoush.

Fresh Baked Goods: Take home banana or pumpkin breads made with Amish flour, hearth baked breads, mamoul (semolina short bread) with strawberry & pecans, plain or herbed pita bread, baklawa, fruit tarts, awesome pecan bars or chocolate/caramel brownies.

Order Pies for the Holidays! Marvelous Pies are now taking orders for apple ($15), pumpkin, chess or sweet potato ($9) pies for the holidays. Stop and see Lisa or call her at (864) 908-2134.

Vendor of the Month: Melinda Hill
Melinda's been busy collecting pinecones, vines & curly willow branches in the woods for fall decorations in your home. Check out her herb vinegars and HOT peppers.

This Weeks Vegetables: Collards & mustard greens, lettuce & salad mixes, onions, white salad turnips, blue potatoes, Kennebec potatoes (a Main standard), delicious Yukon Gold & Red Pontiac potatoes (an ole' time favorite). New this week: leeks that can be can be fused into a scrumptious potato/leek soup, just right for these cooler, fall temperatures. Many traditional & Japanese winter squashes & pumpkins to purchase or bring your orders to Mollie for 1/2 bushels of squash - $20 for butternut, acorn or a mix.

Happy Halloween!!

Eat Fresh - Buy Local

See you at the Market!
Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m

MountainXpress Best of WNC 2009 Awards

2009-10-26T13:41:00.005-04:00

Several Flat Rock area businesses received honors in the MountainXpress Best of WNC 2009 Awards.

Carl Sandburg Home Best Little-Known Attraction

Best Art gallery:

#1 Hand in Hand Gallery 2720 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 697-7719 Where better to begin a gallery than as an artist studio? Jeweler Molly Sharp and potter David Voorhees did just that nearly 13 years ago. Their own studios have long since been relocated to make way for a variety of Southeastern artists, many of whom are members of the storied Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Festival

#2 Flat Rock Music Festival www.flatrockmusicfestival.com

Little-known attraction

#1 Carl Sandburg Home 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, 693-4178 In 1945, the writer, poet and historian moved to 264 acres of Flat Rock countryside he named "Connemara" and spent the last 22 years of his life there. Today, the house and grounds are open for touring, and many of his books and papers are still on display.

#3. Flat Rock Playhouse 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 693-0731

Music venue

#1 Back Room at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe 2702 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 697-6828 With a capacity of only 100, the Back Room is what they call "intimate." But that's what owner David Brannock thinks brings an impressive list of local and touring acts back again and again. "True musicians want to play to people who want to listen," he says. The venue turned 4 years old last month.

#2 Flat Rock Playhouse 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 693-0731

To view the complete list of winners in all categories visit MountainXpress - Best of WNC Regional Sections

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - October 15, 2009

2009-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, October 15th, 3 to 6 p.m.

This Weeks Fruits & Vegetables: There will be local organic apples, potatoes, several varieties of winter squashes, eggplant, hot peppers - fresh or dried, sweet red peppers, fall lettuce & salad mixes, heirloom & slicing tomatoes, Lima beans, shiitake & what ever wild mushrooms pop up after all this wet weather!

Market Favorites: Fresh cut flowers, herb plants & hanging baskets. Angus beef, lamb, rabbit, chicken and free-range eggs. Fresh whole fish, shrimp, scallops and oysters. Goat cheeses. Jams, jellies, relishes, hummus & baba ganoush.

Fresh Baked Goods: Herb crackers & cookies from Jane, plain & herbed pita bread, baklawa & Mamoul with figs from his own tree at Majdi's booth, hearth baked breads, cookies, fruit tarts, Sweet Girl pecan bars, mint frosted brownies, peanut butter crunch bars and maybe a few more surprises.

Get some organic apples or pumpkins to
make your own special deserts!

Vendor of the Month: Melinda Hill

Stop by the "Flower Lady", and select from the brightly colored bouquets for your home. While there check out her spicy pickled vegetable mixes or her hand strung dried hot peppers.

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

SEE YOU THERE!!
Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - October 8, 2009

2009-10-07T22:41:00.000-04:00

This Weeks Fruits & Vegetables: Japanese eggplant, okra, fresh & dried hot peppers, heirloom and salad tomatoes, winter & summer squash, pumpkins, salad mix, green & red bell peppers. Pears & many types of apples.

Market Favorites: Fresh fish & seafood. Lamb, beef, chicken and free-range eggs. Goat cheeses. Jams, jellies, relishes, honey, hummus & baba ganoush.

Fresh Baked Goods: Three different fruit tarts, chocolate/mint cheesecake bites, cranberry coconut chocolate crunch bars, pecan bars and maybe a few more surprises from Kristen's booth this week. Hearth baked breads, cookies, plain & herbed pita bread, baklawa, apple, chess & pumpkin pies or try a waffle cone with apple filling to munch on while shopping.

More Market Favorites: Fresh cut flowers, herb plants, hanging baskets, herb teas & bath sachets.

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

See you there!

Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Vendor of the Month for October

2009-10-01T15:07:00.002-04:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market to Feature Melinda Hill as Vendor of the Month of October

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market will feature Melinda Hill of Hill’s Farm Plants, Inc. in Dana, as “Vendor of the Month” of October. Melinda grows greens, herbs, beans, onions, gourds, lots of peppers (hot and sweet) and a large variety of flowers (her favorites) including sunflowers, zinnias and dahlias. She sells at the Flat Rock Tailgate Market held every Thursday afternoon from 3-6.

Melinda grew up in Hooper’s Creek, NC and is the youngest of three girls. While growing up, her family grew most of their own food and preserved vegetables and fruit by pickling, canning and freezing. She and her husband now own their own farm which has been chemical free for the past seven years. When not gardening or marketing, Melinda enjoys reading the history of women from our mountain region to learn their survival techniques. “I still don’t understand how they were able to do all the work they did!”
vendor of the month

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - October 1, 2009

2009-10-01T15:03:00.001-04:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, October 1st, 3 to 6 p.m.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins & More Pumpkins!!

Vendor of the Month: Melinda Hill
Melinda & her husband, of Hill's Farm Plants, Inc. in Dana, grows greens, herbs, beans, onions, gourds, lots of peppers and a large variety of flowers (her favorite) including sunflowers, zinnias & dahlias. Visit Melinda & try a sample of her pickled "Dilly Beans" or her vinegars infused with herbs.

Market Favorites: Jams, jellies, relishes, pickled okra, pickled peppers, tomato chutney, herbal teas, rosemary & blueberry vinegars. Angus beef, lamb and free range chicken & eggs. Fresh fish & seafood. Goat cheeses. Hummus & baba ganoush.

Fresh Baked Goods: New vendor, Marvelous Pies, will have apple, chess & pumpkin pies. Take home hearth baked breads, plain or herbed pita bread, baklawa, fruit tarts & tartlets, awesome pecan bars, mint frosted brownies, giant peanut butter Rice Krispie treats and herbed cookies & crackers.

This Weeks Fruits & Vegetables: There will be apples & pears, beets, salad greens mixes, eggplant, okra, potatoes, beans, fresh & dried hot peppers, sweet peppers, acorn, butternut & Japanese squash, heirloom tomatoes, salad & slicing tomatoes with half bushels of Roma tomatoes for canning, freezing or drying.

More Market Favorites: Fresh cut flowers, rose bushes, herb plants, hanging baskets, and Japanese Maples.

News From Deep Woods Mushrooms: Stop by to see Greg & sign up for a mushroom hunt this Saturday from 3 - 5 p.m. in Etowah. Also hot off the press "Shiitake Happens" t-shirts. Due to the significant rains in September, there will be a limited supply of fresh shiitake this week.

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

See you at the Market!
Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Sept. 10, 2009

2009-09-09T22:03:00.002-04:00

Flat Rock Tailgate Market
Thursday, September 10, 3 to 6 p.m.

Enjoy End of Summer/Beginning of Fall Crops

Visit Mollie LeBude - September's Vendor of the Month
with free roasted vegetables and pie samples, recipes and storing and cooking of winter squash, pumpkins, butternut, acorn squash, bell peppers, Italian basil, lemon basil ad corn shocks for decorating.

Other Produce:
Full flavored tomatoes, romas for roasting and quantities for sauces and canning, asparagus, lettuce, melons, lima beans, stringless hericot vert, yellow wax beans, and Italian flat beans. Blue potatoes, red okra, eggplant and still some summer squash, shiitake and wild mushrooms, and hot ceyenne peppers.

Prepared Food:
Dessert First with amazing desserts. tomato sauce with meatballs and sausage, chicken wrapped in bacon with rice and white wine gravy, roasted red pepper soup, tomato basil soup, butternut squash bisque, herb bread ($3.50 from $4.00), bakery bread, cookies and tarts, mustard, jams and jellies, bbq sauce, ketchup, spiced pineapple, dried tomatoes, dog bones, chocolate covered pretzels and NEW this week is chocolate and peanut butter candy (Buckeyes).

Welcome New Vendor
Wells Shealy of Three Arrows Farm in Flat Rock is our new vendor offering all natural Angus beef. Enjoy ground beef, select cuts, roasts, ribs, cute steaks and more!

And More:
Maple trees, fresh cut flowers, herb plants, honey, eggs, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish, scallops, goat cheese.

ORGANIC APPLES WILL BE HERE NEXT WEEK!

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

After 4 p.m. there's still an abundance of 1st grade products to choose from and a lot more parking spaces!! See you there.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Vendor of the Month: September

2009-09-01T22:41:00.004-04:00

Mollie LeBude
September 2009

Mollie LeBude of Forest Creek Farm and Nursery in Saluda is “Vendor of the Month” of September. Mollie grows “most anything you can put in a salad” along with potatoes, fresh and dried herbs, sweet corn, blueberries, flowers, fruits, and transplants which she sells at the Flat Rock Tailgate Market

Mollie has a BS in Environmental Science with a business minor, and an MS in Forestry (genetics of breeding for disease resistance). After she married her husband, Anthony, and while she was looking for a full-time job, she started growing veggies and taking the “extras” to market. She then found a full-time job, but was still working two days a week on her farm. Then her farm business took off and now she works full-time on the farm and part-time as a tutor and in Raymond’s Garden Center. Mollie has been a two-time champion at the National Bowed Psaltery Competition at the Down-Home Psaltery Festival in Alabama.

To learn more about Mollie or sign up for her newsletter, go to
www.fcfn.blogspot.com

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Aug. 26, 2009

2009-08-26T23:58:00.001-04:00

Eat Fresh Produce from Our Local Farmers!

From Paul Shoemaker:

The recent weather is fabulous for ripening tomatoes! This week Paul will have lima beans (butter beans), Asian beans, green beans, yellow wax beans, and a real treat of late summer asparagus! Fruits will include blueberries, sugar nut melons and red and yellow watermelons.

From Norman Nichols:
Japanese maples, Astile Diamant, Elodie Lilium, butterfly bushes and horse tails for your pond.

From Greg Carter (The Fungi!):
Mushrooms will include shiitake, lobster, chanterells, oysters and more.

From Richard of Chanteloupe Farm:

Green bell peppers, burgundy and green okra, colorful zucchini, varieties of acorn squash, French fillet yellow beans, yellow wax and Italian pole beans, blue and Swedish peanut fingerling potatoes, onion variety, garlic and eggs.

If you're looking for a prepared meal, Gayann will have: Corn cheddar chowder topped with chives and hickory smoked bacon, tomato basil bisque, gazpacho, meatloaf with tomato relish served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a baked chicken and white wine dish served with jasmine rice, bread & butter pickles and basil green goddess dressing.

And Last But Not Least:
Peaches galore, fresh cut flowers, herb plants, hanging baskets, chicken, lamb, seafood, desserts, cookies and other baked goods, honey, goat cheese, natural peppermint, lavender soap made with a goat milk base and always more, more, more!

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Parking Note: We now have parking attendants to help you find parking & keep the traffic flowing (sorry no valet parking!). If you are picking up your CSA basket please do not park in front of the vendor's booth it really backs the traffic up. Just a hint: After 4 p.m. there's still an abundance of 1st grade products to choose from and a lot more parking spaces!! See you there.

Summer Music in Flat Rock News - Angela Easterling Performs Sept. 5th

2009-08-25T13:32:00.006-04:00

Angela Easterling was raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Much of her childhood was spent on the farm that has been in her family since 1791, seven generations. A performer all her life, Angela began playing guitar and writing songs while studying at Emerson College in Boston. More and more her music returned to the place her heart called home.

Easterling’s songs run the range of emotions of a woman fully assessing her family’s past and present with a new life perspective, juxtaposing the personal with outside forces. “As much as I love writing, a song doesn’t seem real until you have shared it with others. Then it takes on a life of its own and doesn’t belong to me anymore, it belongs to everyone. I feel so blessed and fortunate to be able to make my way through the world by sharing my music and my stories.” Angela embraced her heritage in a big way as a writer and an artist on her debut album, "Earning Her Wings", chosen as "Americana Pick of the Year" by Smart Choice Music. Her newly released CD "Black Top Road" produced by Will Kimbrough is receiving wide recognition on the country/folk/alternative music horizon. Her CDs will be available at the concert. For more info on Angela see: www.myspace.com/easterling

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - August 20, 2009

2009-08-21T00:30:00.001-04:00

This week at the market:

Market Favorites:
Lamb, chicken, eggs. Fresh fish & seafood. Free range eggs. Goat cheeses. Local honey. Jams, jellies, relishes, gourmet mustards, BBQ Sauce, salad dressings, hummous & babaganous.

This Weeks Vegetables:
We continue to have a plethera of wonderful vine ripened tomatoes, summer squash, acorn and butternut squash, russet potatoes, white eggplant, giant purple eggplant, burgundy & green okra, red & green peppers, shiitake & wild mushrooms, sweet corn, cucumbers, carrots, onions, garlic, leeks and more.

Fresh Fruits:
We have delectable melons, blueberries, cherries, peaches & strawberries. Apples are comming soon.

Fresh Baked Goods:

Hearth baked breads, cookies, fig & raspberry frangipane tarts, awsome pecan bars, orange chocolate cheese cake bites, lemon tartlets, herbed pita bread, baklawa and even dog cookies for your best friend.

More Market Favorites:
Fresh cut flowers, herb plants, hanging baskets, eucoliptis trees, Japanese Maples & Amarillis plants.

Vendor of the Month, Paul Shoemaker of Holly Spring Farm and Nursery in Mills River says, "With the recent sunshine, lots of tomatoes are reaching their full rich tomato flavor, from the mini-salad to extra large slicers and jumbo Heirlooms. We'll also have Asian beans, eggplants, peppers and sweetcorn. Our Canary Island melons, 'Sugar Nut', have finally ripened, as well as the red watermelons, 'Starlight'. We'll also have "just picked" blueberries.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - August 13, 2009

2009-08-12T20:21:00.003-04:00

Come Out This Week to Enjoy the Bounty of Summer

Our "Vendor of the Month", Paul Shoemaker of Holly Spring Farm and Nursery in Mills River, will be offering free samples of his amazing heirloom tomatoes and homemade bruschetta. Along with his tomatoes, Paul will have luscious melons, blueberries, eggplant, Asian beans and Swiss chard. Come say "hi" to Paul and his wife, Simone, and enjoy a free sample or two!

And More Vegetables

Summer squash, acorn and butternut squash, russet potatoes, Swedish peanut potatoes, blue potatoes, burgundy/green okra, red & green peppers, garlic, beets, shiitake and wild mushrooms, sweet corn, cucumbers, carrots, onions and more.

And What Else?

Blueberries, cherries, peaches and apples. Rose water, lavender bath salts, eggs, maple trees, fresh flowers, jams, jellies, rose bushes, goat cheese, fresh shrimp, fish, chicken, Dessert First, Lebanese baked good including herbed flat bread (which is wonderful stuffed with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, basil and feta), bread and cookies, honey, herb plants and lemonade.

Parking Note:
We now have parking attendants to help you find parking & keep the traffic flowing (sorry no valet parking!). If you are picking up your CSA basket please do not park in front of the vendor's booth it really backs the traffic up. Just a hint: After 4p.m. there's still an abundance of products to choose from and a lot more parking spaces!! See you there.

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

Remember, no sales before 3:00 p.m!

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - August 6, 2009

2009-08-06T06:07:00.002-04:00

Fresh Veggies This Week:
Tomatoes, heirloom & hybrid types, okra, eggplant, green peppers, cucumbers, Swiss chard, sweet corn, russet baking potatoes, onions, leeks, garlic, several types of beans, cabbage, summer squashes, acorn & butternut squashes, shitaki & wild mushrooms.

Fresh Fruit:
Melons, blueberries, strawberries, rhubarb & blackberries. Sorry no peaches this week.

Baked Goods:
Chocolate dipped pretzels, spiced pineapple, hearth baked breads, cookies, cupcakes, fresh fruit pastries, pecan bars, peanut butter cheesecake bites & homemade dog biscuits.

Other Goodies:
Fresh Fish & Seafood, Chicken, Goat Cheese & Eggs
Gourmet Mustard, BBQ Sauce, Jams, Jellies & Relishes
Fresh Cut Flowers, Herb & Perennial Plants

Parking Note:
We now have parking attendants to help you find parking & keep the traffic flowing (sorry no valet parking!). If you are picking up your CSA basket please do not park in front of the vendor's booth it really backs the traffic up. Just a hint: after 4 p.m. there's still an abundance of products to choose from a lot more parking spaces!! See you there.

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - Vendor of the Month - August

2009-08-03T13:13:00.002-04:00

The Flat Rock Tailgate Market will feature Paul and Simone Shoemaker of Holly Spring Farm & Nursery in Mills River as “Vendor of the Month” for August. The Shoemakers specialize in heirloom tomatoes and a variety of farm fresh vegetables, melons, and blueberries which they sell at the Flat Rock Tailgate Market held every Thursday afternoon from 3-6 in the parking area behind the Cherry Cottage and next to Hubba Hubba Smokehouse along Little Rainbow Row in Flat Rock. The market will continue through November 5 and is free and open to the public.

Paul comes from a family of tomato farmers, raised on a truck farm in New Jersey. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Research and an M.S. in Plant Pathology from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University. He and his wife came to WNC as a professor with NC State University doing research and extension work on tomato and other crop diseases to benefit NC mountain farmers. He also worked at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River.

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - July 30, 2009

2009-07-30T13:38:00.001-04:00

What's At the Market This Week?

YOU READY? HERE GOES!:
Corn, tomatoes (including Heirloom), cucumbers, potatoes (red, blue and Swedish fingerling), onions, carrots, Asian long beans, pole beans, hericot vert, yellow wax beans, Italian flat beans, okra, arugala, lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, garlic, patty pan squash, zucchini, shitaki and wild mushrooms...and that's just the veggies!

We'll also have blueberries, strawberries, rhubarb, peaches, apples, blackberries...and that's just the fruit!

Fresh Seafood, Chicken and Goat Cheese

Flowers and Plants and Herbs

Beautiful maple trees, roses, sunflowers and an array of gorgeous cut flowers to decorate your home or business!

Baked Goods
As always, the Flat Rock Village Bakery will be offering their wonderful breads and cookies, Majdi will have his delightful Lebanese baked goods and Kristin of Dessert First will offer SC peach crumb bars, Flat Rock blackberry tarts, frangi pane tarts, her yummy (my favorite) pecan bars and NC blueberry cheese tarts.

What Else?
Local honey, home made dog biscuits, gourmet mustard, bbq sauce, jams and jellies including, new this week, peach/rhubarb jam and strawberry freezer jam, and two flavors of chocolate dipped pretzels!

New Vendor
Stop by and welcome Susan to the market. She will have a wide range of medicinal herb products made from herbs she either finds or grows. She may even have fresh blueberry pies and home made grape juice!

Speaking of juice, a couple of vendors will be selling ice cold lemonade for your market shopping pleasure! AND, don't forget that Hubba-Hubba Smoke House is open until 7pm. You might want to plan your market visit later in the day so you can enjoy a scrumptious bbq dinner.

And believe it or not, there's even more. So come, bring your shopping bags and enjoy the Flat Rock Tailgate Marekt. RAIN OR SHINE!

Eat Fresh - Eat Local
Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.
Come After 4:00 p.m. for Convenient Parking
Visit our webpage - The Flat Rock Tailgate Market

Flat Rock Tailgate Market News - July 23, 2009

2009-07-23T14:50:00.002-04:00

More tomatoes are coming in!

Early tomatoes, heirlooms & "tasty little salad tomatoes" will be available this week at the Flat Rock Tailgate Market. According to our resident tomato expert, Paul Shoemaker, the cool nights & warm dry days in July have been the ideal growing climate for tomatoes here in Western North Carolina. So expect a good crop this year.

Plenty of zucchini, summer squashes, cucumbers, green & yellow beans, sweet corn, beets, cabbage, radishes, garlic, onions, shiitake & wild mushrooms along with a selection of different types of lettuce will be available.

Get some organic strawberries, blueberries & blackberries to top your ice cream or baked into pies, crisps or crumbles. Lisa will have her jams & jellies and some cool ice tea or lemonade.

Fresh Seafood, Chicken & Lamb
Lot's of choices here: shrimp, scallops, a variety of whole fish & fillets. You can find farm raised lamb, chicken & fresh eggs too. Don't forget the locally made chevre' & feta goat cheese.

Baked Goods
Bring home some Lebanese snowballs, manoushi (herb bread w/feta, tomatoes & onion), pita bread, spinach & herb pies, hearth baked breads or cookies. Locally grown fruit tarts, crumb bars & cakes with a "pick your own" sampler box by Kristin. Jane will be here this week with her herbed cookies & crackers.

There's a beautiful selection of fresh cut flowers & hanging baskets not to mention herb, perennial plants, day lilies & Japanese maples ready for planting.

Food, Inc. (the movie)

This movie probes the question: "How much do we know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets & serve to our families?" It takes a look a big aggro. business and it's effects on what we eat. Just another reason to buy locally grown & raised foods. Highly recommended viewing by Molly Sharp & David Voorhees. Now showing for a limited time at the Carolina Cinemas (formerly known as the Hollywood Theaters) in Asheville. Official Food, Inc. Movie Site

Eat Fresh - Eat Local

Sorry, no sales before 3:00 p.m.

Come After 4:00 p.m. for Convenient Parking

Visit our Webpage - The Flat Rock Tailgate Market