A Perfect Fall Day in Flat Rock
Is fall not the most perfect time of year? After feeling as though we missed October 2024 in the wake of Hurricane Helene, this year’s crisp air, colorful leaves, and brilliant blue skies feel nothing short of magical. Perhaps it’s the contrast that makes it sweeter, but we’re all especially grateful for this beautiful season.
One of my most favorite ways to celebrate autumn is with food — give me all the cozy recipes with pear, apple, chai, and pumpkin! With a new recipe in mind (which I’ll share below!), I headed out to Flat Rock to make it happen.
My first stop was Holt Orchards, where I planned to grab apple cider and a basket of Cosmic Crisps for our guests. Of course, as these things go, I came home with far more: three books from Tracy Cavagnaro’s curated collection, a handful of dried sunflowers, and a few (most) of their irresistible cider donuts. While checking out, I spotted one of Tracy’s beautiful gift boxes — six perfect apples paired with her homemade apple crisp mix. It’s one of my favorite “shop my own gift shop” items when I need something effortless and delicious at the inn. Just add butter and fruit, bake, and enjoy.
(Want to buy some? We carry the mix in our gift shop, and Tracy sells the set with apples here, but it is great with all kinds of fruit!)
Outside, Holt Orchard’s flower fields were in full glory. Tall sunflowers stood proudly by the roadside, while rows of zinnias, astilbe, and cosmos filled the space behind them in a painter’s palette of color. It’s a beautiful photogenic spot in Flat Rock — one of my favorite photos of Lauren was taken here last year next to the pond.
Since I was nearby, I made a spontaneous detour to Marked Tree Vineyards to pick up a bottle of their renowned Cab Franc. I only wish I hadn’t been running errands solo, because it was the kind of afternoon that begged for a glass of wine and an Adirondack chair overlooking the vineyard. I wandered the property for a bit before heading home, promising myself I’d be back soon with Craig to truly enjoy the view (edited to say, all three of us went back to enjoy a cheese and charcuterie plate as well as a smoked trout plate, both of which were delicious. We did a red tasting and a seasonal tasting as well, and Lauren enjoyed a Waynesville Soda Jerks drink).
In town, I stopped by a few favorites: the turkey avocado sandwich at Flat Rock Bakery never disappoints, and the charming Dogwood store always tempts me! I first discovered Dogwood while Lauren was at a Flat Rock Playhouse camp — it’s whimsical and elegant all at once, full of thoughtful gifts and artful touches for your home.
Speaking of the Flat Rock Playhouse, I’m thrilled that Henderson County is continuing the Stay and Play program! Guests who stay two nights at Tiffany Hill can receive two free tickets to a show at North Carolina’s State Theater. We’re so fortunate to have such world-class performances just a short drive away — call us if you’d like to take advantage of this wonderful offer!
When I finally made it home with my fall treasures, it was time to test that new recipe. Credit goes to Kelly Welk of Ciderpress Lane (@ciderpresslane), the creative force behind Freedom Dinners. Kelly and her husband Aaron helped us launch our very first Dinner on Tiffany Hill last year, and we’re so proud to partner with them and Atlas Free in the fight against human trafficking (more on that soon!).
And the recipe? The simplest and most delightful Apple Cider Float — a no-bake dessert that captures fall in a glass. Just add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to a wide coupe or glass, pour over the best apple cider you can find, and top with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce (I fortunately used some I had leftover from profiteroles, yum). It’s pure magic — and next time, I might add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a spot of bourbon for a grown-up twist!
Driving through Flat Rock’s rolling orchards and quaint downtown never fails to lift my spirits. There’s something so special about this time of year here — the warmth, the beauty, the sense of community. We hope you’ll experience it for yourself soon… or better yet, plan ahead and book your stay for next fall.