Winter chill is thawing out around Boone and the mountain landscapes are starting to transform into soft green panoramas. March marks the time of year that the High Country of North Carolina prepares to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and springtime. From quaint mountain towns, like Boone, to lively celebrations, go on a journey and dive into the charming communities of the High Country. Explore some unique ways to honor this festive season with locally inspired recipes and ideas. Go green!

St. Patrick’s Day: the Feast of Saint Patrick, a religious and cultural holiday held on March 17th annually

Festive Ways to Celebrate & Be Festive for St. Patrick’s Day | DIY your St. Patrick’s Day Party:

Go Green:

Embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by donning your finest green attire. Whether it’s a cozy sweater or a flashy accessory, let your Irish spirit shine green. It’s the perfect time of year to try out a green hue on your nails for a fashionable look this season – Try “Green with Frenzy” by Ellla + Mila for $10.50

Irish-Inspired Cuisine:

Whip up a feast of traditional Irish dishes with a High Country twist. From hearty shepherd’s pie with NC-cheddar cheese served alongside Mountain Style Irish Soda Bread (see recipe below) to savory NC-beer soaked corned beef and cabbage with NC-grown ramps on the side, indulge in a culinary journey that honors Irish heritage while incorporating local NC ingredients.

Outdoor Adventures & Treasure Shopping:

Take advantage of the springtime weather and explore the scenic beauty of the High Country. The snowy cold weather is turning mild this time of year. Embark on a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, picnic off the trails, or enjoy a shopping stroll through quaint downtown Boone. Buy a green glazed NC-crafted piece of pottery as a keepsake!

Live Music, Brews and Entertainment:

Seek out local pubs, breweries, and venues offering live music performances featuring traditional Irish tunes in Boone. Raise a pint of locally brewed craft beer or a glass of Irish whiskey. The High Country is the home to many small breweries: Booneshine Brewing Company, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Blowing Rock Brewing Co., Lost Province Brewing Co.

NC Style St. Patrick’s Day Recipe:

Irish Soda Bread with a Mountain Twist – make this St. Patrick’s Day recipe on your own – The local NC-made Apple Butter sweetens up this traditional bread!

Ingredients you’ll need:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
1/3 cup of NC-made apple butter
½ cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Gradually add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Fold in the apple butter and golden raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Use a sharp knife to score a deep cross on the top of the loaf, allowing the bread to expand while baking. Brush the surface of the loaf with melted butter.
Bake the Irish soda bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with a generous spread of butter and a cup of Irish coffee.

Book a stay for March 2024 at White Fence Farm:

Two Vacation Rentals located in Boone, NC and One Farm Vacation Rental located in Trade, TN.

Book your stay easily online – check availability HERE!

Three vacation properties to choose from – make one of them your home away from home this Irish holiday season!

The Farmhouse in Trade TN

Appalachian House in Downtown Boone NC

Downtown Boone House in Boone NC

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, let the High Country of North Carolina be your destination for springtime, breathtaking scenery, and add a taste of Irish to your stay, just because. From lively breweries and bars to outdoor mountain adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to feel lucky amidst the the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit Boone, Trade, and other neighboring High Country towns!

Sláinte!

Written by Andrea Morton, Creative Blogging + Marketing Strategies

St. Patrick’s Day 2024

Boone NC

Trade TN

#StPATS #March2024 #WhiteFenceFarm

Shamrocks and Mountain Tops: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the High Country of NC