By Debbie Klein, loyal Evergreen Trail enthusiast
Shhh! It’s been a well-kept secret among some Triad residents for years—America’s favorite Christmas tree farms are located nearby in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. With holiday trees from this region gracing America’s finest residences, including the White House, word is beginning to spread about this wonderful family tradition right in our backyards.
From the first moment I visited Evergreen Trail Christmas Farms, I was hooked, and vowed to come every year with my family. There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about driving to the mountains and walking the trails to find your family’s perfect Christmas tree. With the hustle and bustle of todays’ world, it’s nice to share a tradition with my boys that reminds me of a simpler time and recaptures the true spirit of Christmas.
In the spirit of sharing this wonderful family tradition, one Triad Moms of Main reader will win a free choose and cut Christmas tree from a participating farm redeemable this holiday season. Click here to get all the details on this giveaway!
Just an hour and a half by car from the Triad, Alleghany County’s Sparta region is home to more than a dozen of the finest choose and cut Christmas tree farms in the U.S. Starting as early as November 14 and as late as December 24, 2011, participating Evergreen Trail farms welcome visitors from throughout the South. But, be sure to check weather conditions on the mountain and individual farm locations and hours before you head out.
“The Evergreen Trail is known across the country for our exceptionally cultivated greenery and Evergreen Trail Trees, Fraser Firs well-regarded for their symmetry, resilience and fragrance,” comments Lizabeth Roupe, Owner of Reeves Ridge Christmas Trees. “All participating farmers are like me—they operate small to medium sized farms, which support the agricultural and economic revitalization of Western North Carolina, a place of pristine natural beauty.”
The Evergreen Trail farms are really like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life. As Amy Lucas, Owner of Pardue Tree Farm says, “Here, families are transported to simpler times of a bygone era. With hot cocoa or cider in hand, families discover a new holiday tradition, a beautiful backdrop for family photos and memories that will last a lifetime.”
While families are welcome to visit any time during the holiday season, there are some great nearby weekend activities perfect for families, too. As part of Evergreen Trail’s Gift for the Soul Food Drive, during the weekend of December 3 and 4, 2011, participating farms will give visitors $5 off their Christmas trees in return for a donation of 3 can food items to benefit hungry families served by the Solid Rock Food Closet of Sparta.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Alleghany County Chamber and Visitor’s Center hosts its big Christmas Parade down Sparta’s quaint Main Street at 2 p.m., and during the first Saturday in December, the Christmas Craft Fair is held at the County Fairgrounds.
For more information about Evergreen Trail Christmas Farms, including directions and maps, visit www.evergreentrailchristmasfarms.com and to learn more about area events, visit www.sparta-nc.com. And don’t forget to “like” Evergreen Trail Christmas Farms on Facebook too!
Sponsored by Evergreen Trail Christmas Farms
