By Bailey Faulkner
High Country lovers of music, native cuisine and local craft beer, wine and cocktails should mark their calendars for next Saturday, May 13 when the Old Hampton Store in Linville will kick off Ramp Festival 2017. The festival, which celebrates the wild leek commonly known as the “mountain ramp,” will feature live music from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and local dishes and drinks, many of which are inspired by the famous plant of Appalachian folklore.
Allium tricoccum (commonly referred to by Appalachian locals and the non-scientific community as the ramp, spring onion, wild leek or wild garlic) is widespread across eastern portions of the US, especially in the Appalachians, and parts of Canada and is used in a wide range of dishes due to its many similarities with onions and garlic.
During springtime in the Appalachians, the ramp, which can grow only in elevations exceeding around 3,000 feet, is commonly celebrated for its pungency and perceived medicinal qualities. While it does contain certain vitamins and minerals that traditionally have benefitted those without access to greens in the winter, the ramp has become increasingly popular in the mountains as a growing number of festivals celebrating the coming of spring have begun featuring the plant.
Ramp Fest 2017 will mark Old Hampton Store’s first annual celebration of the iconic plant. The festival will feature various ramp dishes, and the Old Hampton Tavern will offer craft cocktails inspired by the plant.
In addition to ramp-inspired dishes, Ramp Fest will bring out some of the finest music the High Country has to offer. Check out the music lineup for the festival below.
Brooks Forsyth 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Handlebar Betty 1 – 4 p.m.
Daniel Foster Johnston 4 – 6 p.m.
Andy Ferrell 6 – 9 p.m.
With “old-fashioned fun and games for the young and young at heart,” Ramp Fest 2017 will have something to offer for the whole family. If you would like to learn more about Ramp Fest on Saturday, May 13, click here. You can also visit the Old Hampton Store website here.
The Old Hampton Store is located at 77 Ruffin Street off US-221 in Linville. Don’t miss out on your chance to celebrate warmer weather and an icon of the Appalachians!
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