Sip and Savor…

Woof there! I, Mr. Pickles, have returned with a story of gourmet cheese scraps, freshly grilled sausage, long walks through mountain towns, and of course, the finest wines in all of Appalachia. Naturally, I speak of the Highlands Food & Wine Festival, a staple fall festivity in Highlands, North Carolina.

If you’re a fellow four-legged friend or the lucky human who gets to share life with one, you’re in for a treat. Highlands isn’t just a beautiful town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s also one of the most dog-friendly places I’ve ever wagged my tail in. And during the Food & Wine Festival? Let’s just say I’m always sniffing my way through pure paradise. Over 60 acclaimed chefs and more than 100 beverage partners serve up delicacies that drive my tastebuds dog-gone crazy!

The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is paws-down one of the most heralded events of the year. Held every November, it brings together chefs, winemakers, brewers, sommeliers and musicians from all over the region. Find out how you can attend on the Highlands Food & Wine website. Consider purchasing tickets for single events or go all in on the VIP experience for the entire festival. While us pups aren’t allowed inside every venue, there’s still a lot we can enjoy from the sidelines as the energy is electric.

Here’s my fur-tastic highlights:

🐾Open with the Grand Tasting

This staple of the Highlands Food & Wine Festival almost always takes place in The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts. Keep in mind, my kind aren’t allowed in The Bascom, but worry not, all humans have a chance to live it up! Consider walking to the venue from a public lot or even carpooling: The Bascom has no guest parking and space fills up fast.

Once you’re inside, it’s well worth the experience. Delightful smells waft through the rooms and small plates are available for tasting from some of the region’s greatest culinary talents. Enjoy sipping red, white and sparkling wines, along with craft beer and cocktails as well. There’s always a musical group at the Grand Tasting, so every human can hear sweet serenades. Were I permitted to roam the halls of The Bascom, I’m sure me savoring wines would be the talk of the town. Alas, I can’t complain, I’ve secured the best accommodations at The Bark on…(maybe I did slip some wine)…The PARK on Main.

🐾Introducing the Highlands Food & Wine Festival Main Event

Much like my favorite brand of dog treats, what you came for is in the event’s name. Access some of the finest sample dishes from renowned chefs and established restauranters. Likewise, even the most discerning palates will feel their tastebuds challenged as wines, craft beer, mocktails, specialty cocktails, spirits, coffees, ciders and toddies abound. Typically held on Main Street in Highlands, come with an appetite, leave with a full stomach.

Most years, the oyster roast is a staple of the Main Event, as is the musical headliner; more on that below. If you somehow finish the rounds early, there’ll be plenty of restaurants open in and around Highlands. Here’s a comprehensive list where everyone in your group can surely find something special. If you foodies are enjoying this event from the Highlands Food & Wine Festival, share your delectable Instagram photos with me @theparkonmain.

🐾Let’s Raise the Woof!

Festival-goers often reminisce about the unforgettable tastes and serendipitous sights, but my ears are always perked at the melodies cascading through the mountains during the Highlands Food & Wine Festival. Every day features a unique musical act; in the past, even Grammy award-winning talent has performed at this event. Typically, a solo artist or group act will open at The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts and a different musician will close out the festival at the same venue a few days later.

In between, the first and final days, there are a wealth of singers, songwriters and instrumental extraordinaires at many outdoor and indoor locations. Most often, I’ve caught performances down on Main Street, as well as Kelsey Hutchinson Park, where musical acts usually pair with a tasting or other recreational event. As the event has grown, more venues have been added for festival performances. Since coming to this eclectic festival, I no longer bark at the moon, I’m howlin’ to the tune!

🐾Final Highlands Food & Wine Festival Thoughts

The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is more than just fancy drinks and fine dining. It’s a celebration of flavor, music, community and mountain charm. For a dog like me, it’s heaven on earth: delicious smells, kind strangers, soft grass to roll in, plus plenty of belly rubs.

Keep in mind, this event is open only to those aged 21 and over. What is that in dog years again? I don’t know, that’s barking up the wrong tree.

If you’re a pup reading this over your human’s shoulder, I say, give them the “let’s go” eyes and pack up the car. And if you’re a human planning a mountain getaway, don’t hesitate to bring your furry friend along. Should you walk away from the event with a bottle of wine or two, speak with the front desk at The Park on Main about purchasing our branded wine glasses. I can speak to their high quality, though I usually sip water and leave fermented beverages to my two-legged companions.

After all, I don’t need the wine. I just need to walk.

Until next time, happy tails and tasty trails.

See you on the bark side,
Mr. Pickles🐾