While traveling down the winding and wooded N.C. Route 194 in Valle Crucis, I discovered this off-the-beaten-path attraction in North Carolina. And it's a good thing my stomach was a rumblin' because this quaint home built in 1861 - the same year the Civil War started - is now a restaurant called Over Yonder. Can you imagine the hardship of building towns back then? Located in the former homestead of the Taylor Family, you won't believe how delicious the food is here. Let's take a look at this adorable, small-town diner in North Carolina.
The Taylors were one of the founding families of Valle Crucis.
If you are fortunate enough to be one of the 137 people to live in this unincorporated community, your street address is Sugar Grove.
From Over Yonder's porch you can see the original Mast General Store which Henry Taylor built and opened as The Taylor General Store in 1883.
This man was ambitious!
As soon as you walk into the vibrant hallway, it's clear the owners are in love with art and all things exquisite.
With this much care placed in the aesthetic pleasure, I could only imagine what the food would taste like.
I was shown some of the indoor spaces, including the back room which is dimly lit and powerfully evocative of some time ago.
A bar and other indoor seating offer equally interesting spaces with glass, brick, and wooden details in which to enjoy the cuisine.
While I couldn't decide, I opted for a table outside recommended by the host to capture the soft breeze.
It was the perfect spot for viewing the surrounding countryside and for anticipating what was to come.
I normally order a Diet Coke, but was compelled to try one of the homemade brews.
The Ginger Mint Iced Tea was slightly sweetened and served with a thick layer of fresh mint from the owner's garden wrapped inside the bottom of my glass.
Maggie was my informed and welcoming server who recommended the Farmhouse Pimento Cheese.
It came with fragile edible yellow flowers on the side, and it tastes as pretty as it looks. I savored every bite spread on the fresh fry bread.
Along with it I ordered the gluten-free and vegan Fungi Bowl - not because it is a nutritional requirement - but the combination of fresh goodness sounded delightful.
This bowl of love is served warm with
quinoa, chickpeas, kale, edamame,
roasted local shrooms, tomatoes, pickled onions, carrots, kale, and pesto. The pile of power food was enough to get me over the wicked hills of Valle Crucis on a bicycle if the need existed. In other words, I felt full and energized after eating my lunch.
Someone else ordered the Dipped Chicken which is dipped in hot sauce and cane
syrup and served with house pickles and napa almond slaw.
By the way - much of the food is sourced from the owner's garden.
And if you're in the South, you have to try the Shrimp & Grits at least once.
These wild, USA shrimp sit in a New Orleans-style scampi
sauce with bread for dippin’ and an okra garnish.
Before you leave, buy some art from the Art-O-Mat.
This converted cigarette machine has been put to a very cool use!
Discover more about this off-the-beaten-path attraction in North Carolina on the Over Yonder website. While you're in the area, explore the interesting town of Boone. And stay a while at a cozy Vrbo in the area.
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