
6 minute read
months: 742,383 (September: 756,881
from 2022-11-SYEMC
Finest Festival

“Everything about it is amazing!”

Finest Holiday Lights Finest Weekend Getaway
Christmas in July Festival
West Jefferson | christmasinjuly.info What better place for a Christmas in July Festival than Christmas tree country. West Jefferson in Ashe County, one of the nation’s top Christmas tree producers, has been hosting its annual summer festival for 34 years. It’s the perfect time to head to the cooler temperatures of this quaint mountainous town — served by Blue Ridge Energy — and enjoy mountain music, traditional folk dances like clogging and flat footing, and other entertainment. Shop with local artisans and craftspeople and peruse the town’s shops. People watch or get caught up in activities of street performers, a tree baling competition, and lots of attractions for children, including a visit with Santa. Food vendors and fun are plentiful. Mark your calendar for June 30 and July 1, 2023.
“There is always a good group of vendors and friendly people, held in the fun town of West Jefferson with usually excellent weather. I always attend and enjoy it!”
Nancy Kiplinger, Greensboro A member of Blue Ridge Energy
Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights
218 Old House Road, Hampstead lakelindaschristmaslights.com | 910-279-3892 Facebook @lakelindaschristmaslights “Let your light shine” seems to be Mike and Tonia Register’s mantra. What started as this couple’s desire to brighten the holidays with a few Christmas lights 11 years ago has turned into a holiday extravaganza. Lake Linda’s Christmas Lights is so big that many people think it’s put on by the local municipality. The holiday lights display is synchronized to music and brightens not only the holidays for the Surf City area, it has captured national attention. Two years ago, ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” showcased the popular and fun Christmas wonderland. The Registers, along with their friends and family, plan all year. Santa often visits to add to the merriment, and thousands visit from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, from dusk to 10 p.m. on weeknights, and to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. The light display is free, but donations are accepted. You can drive through or, for the optimal experience, walk through.
“Everything about it is amazing! The lights are spectacular, and every year there is a little something different or new. They do it for the people and the community.”
Finest NC State Park
Patty Foley, RockyPoint A member of Four County EMC
Morrow Mountain State Park Emerald Isle
Carteret County emeraldisle-nc.org | 252-354-3424 Dip your toes in the sand, splash in the water, play a round of golf, enjoy a bite to eat in a local restaurant, or browse a quaint shop. North Carolinians have lots of favored weekend getaway spots, and Emerald Isle, served by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, tops our readers’ favorites. Fortunately, a visit to the beach is within driving distance from just about anywhere in the state and this beach town offers plenty. From its 12 miles of pristine sandy beaches to its small-town atmosphere with quaint shops and restaurants— not to mention all kinds of outdoor adventures — Emerald Isle has something for everyone. Located along the Crystal Coast and at the western end of the Bogue Banks, get away to this coastal destination and chances are you will return again and again.
“Emerald Isle has a small-beach feel with a beautiful beach and many trails nearby. Off-season is my favorite, and I love driving over the bridge — my favorite scene.”
Patricia Joyner, Emerald Isle A member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
We’ll be relying on you again next year to share your opinions on Carolina’s Finest. Look for voting to open in our April 2023 issue.
49104 Morrow Mountain Road, Albemarle | bit.ly/mm_state_park | 704-982-4402 “Old and Adventure abounds across our state, thanks to the 41 places that are part of the North Carolina State Parks wonderful System. There are awesome places to visit from the mountains to the coast, and Morrow Mountain State Park sits atop the list when it comes to our readers’ favorite this year. Located near Albemarle, Morrow park.” Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Uwharrie Mountains. Hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, and swimming are among the many activities. Rent a canoe or rowboat at the boathouse on Lake Tillery, or purchase bait for fishing. Visit for the day or enjoy a campground that has sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Or enjoy rustic cabins and hike to a remote camping spot.

“Old and wonderful park for swimming, boating, camping, hiking and picnics.”
Note: Call 877-722-6272 to find or book a camping spot or cabin. Major construction and renovations are planned for several facilities in 2023, although the main park will remain open.
Nutrify Your Autumn Table

Plus tips to add nutrient-rich foods into your daily meals
By Rue Reynold
Fall harvest is abundant, and the taste of autumn is at your fingertips. Many plants grown in the fall season hold nutrients that can lead to a healthier body. Here are five fall plants that will make great additions to your autumn table.
Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are flavorful root vegetables that are known to improve eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a common eye disorder often found in people over 50. Sweet potatoes also strengthen the immune system and help fight off chronic diseases and infections. An easy way to incorporate sweet potatoes into meals is to substitute them for dishes that utilize traditional potatoes, such as fries or mashed potatoes. You can also cook or purée sweet potatoes to make a variety of meals or side dishes. Remember, sweet potato pie is a classic for a reason.
Cranberries These vibrant berries have the reputation of being a superfood because they are rich in antioxidants and contain many vitamins that improve eyesight, protect against liver disease and lessen the risks and effects of a urinary tract infection. Cranberries can be eaten raw or cooked, and added to savory or sweet dishes. Use them as a rich sauce on proteins or add sugar to create a sweetly tart snack. Also consider drinking cranberry juice or adding it to smoothies.
Green beans Green beans improve eyesight, the immune system, help fight infections, and promote cell and muscle health. They are unique because they can stand alone as a side vegetable or be incorporated into main dishes with ease. Add them into soups, stews, pies, salads and tomato sauces, or enjoy them boiled, grilled, baked or roasted. Carrots This sweet vegetable is commonly added to sides and soups for a reason. Carrots are full of vitamins that help improve eyesight and the immune system to fight off infection and disease. They also strengthen bones and are full of fiber to promote good digestion. Carrots are one of the most versatile foods that can be added to most dishes for a sweet touch. Eat them raw or cooked, add to salads, soups, stews or vegetable curry, or blend them into a soothing smoothie. Don’t forget the timeless carrot cake.
Pumpkins A popular fall plant rich in vitamins, pumpkins help improve eyesight, strengthen the immune system and improve heart and skin health. They’re also a versatile food that can be utilized in many ways. Eat them raw or cooked. Use the leaves or flowers to add a unique flavor to your soups and stews. The pumpkin flesh can also be a great addition to soups, curries, pies and pastry filling. Have fun with a hollowed out pumpkin by using it as a bowl for rice or other dishes that involve scooping.
Whether you’re preparing a daily snack or planning a festive feast, these nutrient-rich autumn delights will make the perfect addition to your table.
Visit bit.ly/healthy-produce to learn more about these healthy fall foods.