In Western North Carolina, just a few miles south of the Virginia border is a little slice of mountain life that is good for the soul (and the stomach).  Shatley Springs is a ramshackle collection of metal-roofed buildings and cabins, some dating as far back as 1923. Décor leans to early-barn, with colorful flowers planted in re-purposed kitchen pots and old equipment.

Built over springs reported to have medicinal powers, a typical Sunday finds a huge after-church crowd and (without being rude) lots of folks who appear to have very healthy appetites.  If you don’t have a reservation you may have to wait, but just sit back in the porch rockers and enjoy the live music or wander around the grounds, check out the spring, buy some Ashe County fruit and bread, browse the shops, or chat-up some new friends. NASCAR is a popular topic I overheard being discussed during this most recent visit.  The shops have an eclectic variety of items including jewelry, candy, and locally handcrafted goods.

Lunch and dinner are available after 11:30 and feature fried chicken and sugar-cured country ham. This was our first time trying the breakfast menu and we had a delicious meal.  I like that you can forgo the trademark large family-style meals and order exactly what you want, including eggs made to order.  The biscuits are amazing, and as long as I can get good country sausage gravy I am happy (a treat my Yankee husband just does not understand).

When you can’t eat another bite, your waitress will add “God Bless You” to your check and wish you a blessed day – and she will mean it.

Of Note:

If you drive over from Boone the Railroad Grade Road between Todd and Fleetwood is a beautiful drive along the New River.

Once at Shatley Springs, you will need to check in at the office; they will call your name to be seated.  You return to the same area at the end of the meal to settle your bill.  Keeping up with the times, they now take credit cards. Open daily 7 AM til 9 PM.  Call for reservations. 

407 Shatley Springs Road, Crumpler, NC   336.982.2236

For more details check out: www.shatleysprings.com

Just because there is a Xmas tablecloth doesn’t mean it’s not time for summer peaches, homemade fried pies, and sourdough bread.