I recently had an experience that I can’t help but share. Our friend, Ilaeka Villa of Grandview Mountain Cottages in Grandview, TN, invited us over for a delightful experience. Ilaeka and her dad (Papa Phil) delight in growing their own fresh produce and have a beautiful organic flower and vegetable garden on their property. It was time for blueberry picking! Terry, Grant, Blake and I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon picking the delicious and beautiful fruit. Family time is vital and it is important to share these experiences with our children. They learn so much about where their food comes from and the importance of choosing quality fruits and vegetables. You can’t beat fresh produce that is truly fresh. When you pick it yourself, you know exactly where it came from and when it was picked. You don’t loose quality due to premature picking and shipping for miles (or at least if you have miles to drive – you are in charge and can care for it more tenderly). Don’t wait until fall to get out and visit the region to enjoy the fall produce. Take the time now to find a local farm stand or other such source of the freshest produce you can find on the Cumberland Plateau. Sweet corn is ready and other produce is in abundance as well – homegrown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, green beans, squash, cucumbers, and more!
Guests at the cottages are often fortunate to be able to share in the bounty with the bed and breakfast option or through their farmhouse catering service. Ilaeka and Papa Phil also delight in preserving their produce and even offer some of it for sale to guests through their “Porch Store”. Why not give them a call today and make plans to spend the night? You might just get a chance to visit the garden as well. 423-365-4412 or visit them on the web at www.grandviewmountaincottages.com. Tell them that “Annie” sent you!
