When it comes to southern food, the staples are simple: fried, butter, homestyle. But there are actually several variations. One of those new variations that’s always been present in the western region of the state but is gaining nationwide presence is the rise of ‘Appalachia.’ If you’re from this region of the state, you’ve more than likely grown up with your grandma making these recipes and passing them down through generations. Like any traditional southern dish, it derives from making the most of what you have, what comes from the land and what can persist through harsh winters and onto spring. The most traditional ‘Appalachia’ dish is cornbread and soup beans.
Located in the charming mountain town of Valle Crucis, this one restaurant also has a namesake that’s familiar to most of us – Over Yonder. With a name like that, you know it’s going to be amazing.
Yelp / Over Yonder Over Yonder is situated in the historic Hard Taylor house, originally owned by the Taylor Family, one of the founding families of the town.
Over Yonder opened in 2014, and the The Mast Farm Inn and Chef Andrew Long have helped transform and bring new life into the home while still reflecting southern roots. Their main mission is to serve traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Yelp / Over Yonder
Yelp / Cameron T From dining by the fire to taking in the beautiful original exterior which has been thoroughly preserved, Over Yonder is home-cooking meets dining out.
Yelp / Mark M Even the bar retains the comfortable vibe with exposed brick and ambient lighting.
Yelp / Barrie P There’s a variety of dishes to choose from. On their website Over Yonder states, “Our mission is to interpret classic Appalachian food in a modern yet casual way, and we do this by sourcing the best product we can and then doing our best not to screw it up. Everything is scratch-prepared, or as we like to call it, “done the hard and stupid way,” and we believe if you give it a try you will taste the difference.” Pictured above is the tomato cobbler made with stewed tomatoes, onions, and layered with cheddar, parmesan, and a biscuit crust. You can’t beat having it served with creamy mac and cheese.
Yelp / Venus M You can also get comfortable with some southern staples like shrimp and grits in Chardonnay sauce.
Yelp / Laura H Let’s not forget fried chicken, though. At over Yonder it’s called Chicken-Fried Chicken with whipped potatoes, cheesy grits, and sawmill gravy.
Yelp / Susan P One of my favorite aspects is the traditional use of ‘skillet cooking.’ In this section of the state you can also be sure you’ll find trout on the menu. From a filling entree to the ’trout spread’ starter, this popular NC fish gets a little more delicious when it comes to North Carolina cooking.
Yelp / Ernie and Dora H
Yelp / Lauren T If you’re looking for a western twist on classic southern food, Over Yonder is a great place to get your first bite of traditional Appalachian cuisine. If you’ve grown up in the area or not, you’re sure to appreciate the modern take on recipes that have persisted for more than a century.
I’m officially starving! Everything here is so delicious but I’m definitely eyeing that fried chicken and mac and cheese! Have you ever been here? What are some traditional Appalachian dishes you know?
Yelp / Over Yonder
Over Yonder is situated in the historic Hard Taylor house, originally owned by the Taylor Family, one of the founding families of the town.
Over Yonder opened in 2014, and the The Mast Farm Inn and Chef Andrew Long have helped transform and bring new life into the home while still reflecting southern roots. Their main mission is to serve traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Yelp / Cameron T
From dining by the fire to taking in the beautiful original exterior which has been thoroughly preserved, Over Yonder is home-cooking meets dining out.
Yelp / Mark M
Even the bar retains the comfortable vibe with exposed brick and ambient lighting.
Yelp / Barrie P
There’s a variety of dishes to choose from. On their website Over Yonder states, “Our mission is to interpret classic Appalachian food in a modern yet casual way, and we do this by sourcing the best product we can and then doing our best not to screw it up. Everything is scratch-prepared, or as we like to call it, “done the hard and stupid way,” and we believe if you give it a try you will taste the difference.” Pictured above is the tomato cobbler made with stewed tomatoes, onions, and layered with cheddar, parmesan, and a biscuit crust. You can’t beat having it served with creamy mac and cheese.
Yelp / Venus M
You can also get comfortable with some southern staples like shrimp and grits in Chardonnay sauce.
Yelp / Laura H
Let’s not forget fried chicken, though. At over Yonder it’s called Chicken-Fried Chicken with whipped potatoes, cheesy grits, and sawmill gravy.
Yelp / Susan P
One of my favorite aspects is the traditional use of ‘skillet cooking.’ In this section of the state you can also be sure you’ll find trout on the menu. From a filling entree to the ’trout spread’ starter, this popular NC fish gets a little more delicious when it comes to North Carolina cooking.
Yelp / Ernie and Dora H
Yelp / Lauren T
If you’re looking for a western twist on classic southern food, Over Yonder is a great place to get your first bite of traditional Appalachian cuisine. If you’ve grown up in the area or not, you’re sure to appreciate the modern take on recipes that have persisted for more than a century.
For another unique dining experience, how about this amazing restaurant tucked into a forest?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
