Savor Farm-Fresh Produce on Your NC Smokies Vacation: Vacationer Supported Agriculture Launches in Haywood County
Planning meals during your vacation can be challenging, especially when seeking healthy, varied options. For travelers to Haywood County in the NC Smokies, a innovative solution now supports both your taste buds and local farmers: Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA).
NC State Extension recently expanded its VSA program from eastern North Carolina counties—where it was successfully piloted—to Haywood County. This initiative coordinates weekly produce bags for vacationers during the peak fall foliage season, as shown in the animation above. 
Project Director Laura Lauffer expressed enthusiasm: "Coastal vacationers have enjoyed fresh produce for years, and we're excited to connect Haywood County farmers with visitors. We're partnering with Magnolia Concierge, Smoky Mountain Rentals, and Maggie Mountain Vacations to launch ordering this week. Pickup points include Elevated Mountain Distillery and Bosu's Wine Shop, introducing more local gems!"
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Director Lynn Collins echoed the excitement: "We're thrilled to promote VSA with vacation rental partners. It's a perfect opportunity for local farmers to showcase their produce to visitors."
Collaborating with EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, and the county's co-op extension, the program offers pickups at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley or Bosu's Wine Shop in Waynesville every Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. 
Local real estate agencies like Maggie Mountain Vacations, Smoky Mountain Retreat, and Magnolia Concierge direct clients to order links. Farms supplying the fresh bags include Mighty Gnome Market Garden, Bertolli Agricola, and Outlaw Acres.
- Eat & Drink, Food & Drink, Seasonal Fun
- October 4, 2021
