Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden treasure that transports you through time? Nestled in the heart of western North Carolina, the Old Hampton Store in Linville offers just such an experience. This charming establishment, with its rich history and mouthwatering barbecue, invites visitors to step back in time and savor the flavors, sounds, and stories of the Southern Appalachians.
Key Takeaways
– The Old Hampton Store in Linville, North Carolina, is a historic site dating back to 1882, originally serving as a general store along the Tweetsie Railroad.
– Visitors can enjoy Southern cuisine, with specialties like hickory smoked barbecue and hand-pulled pork on homemade sourdough rolls.
– The store offers a cozy dining experience with vintage decor and both indoor and outdoor seating options.
– A tavern on-site provides farm-to-bar cocktails and a selection of local and craft beers.
– Live music is featured daily, enhancing the dining experience, with special Thursday Night Concert Series during summer.
– Special events throughout the year celebrate local culture, including Ramp Fest and Cornbread Cook-off.
– The store supports local artisans through a gallery and offers unique handmade items and local produce.
– An on-site blacksmithing operation showcases traditional metalworking skills, preserving regional crafts.
A Journey Through Time
Step back in time as you approach the Old Hampton Store, its weathered wooden exterior a silent witness to over a century of history. Originally established in 1882 as the Hampton and Perkins General Store, this charming building once served as a vital stop along the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, affectionately known as the Tweetsie Railroad. As trains chugged through the picturesque landscape, the store provided essential goods and a gathering place for the community.
Over the decades, the Old Hampton Store has evolved from a simple general store into a vibrant cultural hub and restaurant. Despite its transformation, the current owners, Abigail and Steve Sheets, have carefully preserved the building’s original structure and historical atmosphere. Walking through the doors today, visitors are immediately taken to a bygone era, surrounded by vintage decor that tells the story of Linville’s rich past.
The Heart of Southern Cuisine
At the core of the Old Hampton Store’s appeal is its mouthwatering Southern cuisine, with hickory smoked barbecue taking center stage. The smell of slow-cooked meats fills the air, attracting visitors from far and wide. Hand-pulled pork, served on homemade sourdough rolls, is a crowd favorite that perfectly captures the essence of Southern barbecue traditions.
But the tasty delights don’t stop there. The menu boasts a variety of Southern dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From hickory smoked chicken and turkey to tender beef, each dish is made with care and attention to detail. Alongside these smoky masterpieces are classic Southern sides like baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens, rounding out a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetite.
A Feast for the Senses
Dining at the Old Hampton Store is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that engages all your senses. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm glow of wagon-wheel light fixtures and the sight of vintage soda bottles and cast-iron ladles decorating the walls. The rustic atmosphere takes you to a simpler time, creating a cozy and welcoming feeling that complements the hearty food.
When it comes to seating, visitors have many choices. On a sunny day, grab a spot on the front porch, adorned with charming birdhouses and colorful flowers, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. For those who prefer eating outdoors, picnic tables scattered under shade trees offer a perfect setting for a relaxed meal. Indoor seating is also available, allowing guests to soak in the historical charm of the building’s interior. For visitors looking to extend their stay in the area, the nearby Spacious Skies Bear Den in Spruce Pine offers a range of camping and cabin options set amidst the stunning Pisgah National Forest.
Sipping and Savoring
To go with your meal, the Old Hampton Store boasts a tavern that takes the farm-to-table idea to new heights with its farm-to-bar cocktails. Using fresh, organic ingredients from local farms, the bartenders create innovative drinks that celebrate the flavors of the region. Special drinks like the jalapeño watermelon cocktail offer a refreshing twist on classic drinks, perfectly balancing sweet and spicy notes.
For beer lovers, the tavern also features a selection of local and craft beers. These carefully chosen brews showcase the best of North Carolina’s growing craft beer scene, providing the perfect companion to the smoky flavors of the barbecue. Whether you’re a cocktail fan or a beer enthusiast, the tavern’s offerings add another layer of enjoyment to your Old Hampton Store experience.
Melodies in the Mountains
As you enjoy your meal and sip your drink, the air fills with the sweet sounds of live music. The Old Hampton Store has become a haven for music lovers, featuring daily performances that add a lively soundtrack to your dining experience. During the busy season, visitors can enjoy live tunes at noon and 6 PM, creating a festive atmosphere that brings the community together.
For those seeking a more immersive musical experience, the Thursday Night Concert Series is not to be missed. These free outdoor concerts take place during the summer months, showcasing a diverse range of genres from classic rock and folk to Americana. More than just entertainment, these concerts also support community initiatives like Feeding Avery Families, showing the Old Hampton Store’s commitment to giving back to the local community.
More Than Just a Meal
While the food and music are undoubtedly star attractions, the Old Hampton Store offers so much more to its visitors. Throughout the year, the establishment hosts special events that celebrate local culture and traditions. The annual Ramp Fest is a highlight of the spring calendar, featuring an array of dishes showcasing the strong-smelling wild leek that grows abundantly in the region. This event not only pleases taste buds but also teaches visitors about the cultural importance of this Appalachian staple.
For those with a competitive streak, the Cornbread Cook-off invites both professional chefs and home cooks to showcase their best cornbread recipes. This event not only celebrates a Southern culinary staple but also brings the community together in a spirit of friendly competition. And let’s not forget the apple butter-making event, where visitors can watch and take part in the time-honored tradition of making this sweet, spiced spread.
A Community Cornerstone
Beyond its role as a dining and entertainment venue, the Old Hampton Store serves as a vital cornerstone of the Linville community. By supporting local artisans and farmers, the store helps preserve traditional crafts and farming practices. Visitors can browse a gallery featuring works by local artists, buy handmade pottery and crafts, or sample locally produced cheeses and pickles.
The store’s commitment to preserving local heritage extends to its on-site blacksmithing operation. Here, skilled craftsmen show the age-old art of metalworking, offering a glimpse into the region’s industrial past. This dedication to maintaining traditional skills and crafts ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from the rich cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians.
As you depart the Old Hampton Store, you’ll carry with you more than just memories of delicious food and toe-tapping tunes. You’ll have experienced a slice of Southern history, a taste of Appalachian culture, and the warmth of a community that cherishes its roots. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious local, the Old Hampton Store offers a journey through time that will leave you yearning to return. So why not make your next adventure a step back in time at this hidden gem in Linville? And for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, consider extending your stay at Spacious Skies Bear Den, where you can enjoy comfortable accommodations and breathtaking natural surroundings. Your taste buds, your ears, and your soul will thank you.
FFAQ: Fun Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Old Hampton Store?
A: The Old Hampton Store is a historic place in Linville, North Carolina, where you can enjoy Southern barbecue, live music, and learn about local history.
Q: What kind of food can you eat at the Old Hampton Store?
A: You can eat delicious Southern dishes like hickory smoked barbecue, hand-pulled pork, and sides like baked beans and macaroni and cheese.
Q: What makes the drinks at the Old Hampton Store special?
A: The drinks at the Old Hampton Store are special because they use fresh, organic ingredients from local farms to make unique cocktails and feature local craft beers.
Q: Can you listen to music at the Old Hampton Store?
A: Yes, you can listen to live music every day, with special concerts during summer Thursdays, adding a fun touch to your visit.
Q: Are there any special events at the Old Hampton Store?
A: Yes, the store hosts events like Ramp Fest, a Cornbread Cook-off, and apple butter-making, celebrating local culture and traditions.
Q: How does the Old Hampton Store support the local community?
A: The Old Hampton Store supports the local community by hosting concerts for good causes, featuring local artisans’ crafts, and preserving traditional skills like blacksmithing.
Q: What can you see at the Old Hampton Store besides food and music?
A: Besides food and music, you can see local art, handmade crafts, and a blacksmith at work, experiencing the cultural heritage of the area.