I try to support local farmers, bakers and small businesses whenever I can. So, when I hear about a new local vendor, I make every effort to check them out. Here are some of those that I've visited at events, purchased at markets and more.

The Leavitt Farm - moonshine jellies, BBQ sauce, salsas Trail Top Popcorn - gourmet popcorn Tobin's Treats - freeze-dried treats Snapdragon - baked goods Lettie Jane's - Dubai chocolates Ilar Homestead & Bakery - sourdough, treats Kit's Kitchen - gluten-free baked goods (including pepperoni rolls!) Grandma's Jam House jams & Stanholtz Orchard apple butter Ellison Mountain Heritage Nursery - unique trees Char-Sisters + KO Cupcakes - chex mix and cupcakes Mama Rose's - pumpkin roll Zucchini Patch & Sugar Sisters - part of a market show Sweet Sister Shenanigans - cotton candy Jerky Hut - loved the teriyaki flavors Sweet as Hale - freeze-dried treats Snack Crush / MAC's Treats - s'more hot chocolate Mountain Mama Mercantile - pepperoni rolls DeFeo Family Vineyard & Winery - olive oils & balsamics Sweet Stitches - bars of all sorts Olden Days Farm and Cottage - breads & pepperoni rolls SuperLove Cottage Sweets - s'mores bar Sweet Bliss Bakery - breads & brownies Swim Sweets & Treats - bagels & pepperoni rolls Stone Kitchen Bakery - butter pecan cake Cakes by Meagan - Valentine's treats

My J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile subscription box was a little delayed, but here's what I received for Winter 2025-2026. J.Q. DICKINSON SALT-WORKS
Smoky Mountain Rub
This spice blend, with our salt, assorted chilies, coriander, cumin and oregano is delicious rubbed into red meat, tofu, pork or duck before cooking. Use it on grilled foods or a slow braise.

WILD MOUNTAIN SOAP
Loofa Soap
This soap has a slice of loofa inside. It scrubs and exfoliates as you wash your self. A handy time saver and body care product!

CLARK & HOPKINS
Appalachian Hot Sauce
This Virginia company makes amazing hot sauces. This blend is made from local ingredients. Use on anything to enhance flavor.

FRUITION CHOCOLATE WORKS
Chocolate Bar
Ethically sourced, and sustainably made in the mountains of New York, this chocolate is just plain delicious.

HARVEST TRAILS
Freeze Dried Apples
This WV based company uses local fruits for their products. These are a great snack item, and very healthy!

BROWNWOOD FARMS
Cherry Berry Mustard
Made in OH, this mustard is perfect for the holidays. It has a sweet and spicy kick to it. Delicious on ham, turkey and charcuterie.

My final day in Hawaii was spent on the big island of Hawaii.



The first stop was at Wailuku River State Park to see Rainbow Falls.



Then, we went to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center.



It’s the official visitor center and retail store for Mauna Loa macadamia nuts, located on a working macadamia orchard and near the processing facility in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi.



There is a large shop celebrating Hawaiʻi’s famous macadamia nuts along with local products and souvenirs.



My favorites were the garlic onion.



Next, it was the Volcano Winery, America's southernmost winery.



Volcano Winery blends traditional grape wines with tropical fruits and honey to make unique wines such as Symphony Mele, Hawaiian Guava-Grape, Macadamia Nut Honey Wine, and others that reflect the island’s agricultural bounty.



The volcanic soils and high elevation give a distinct character to the grapes and tea crops grown on site.



We had a simple lunchmeat sandwich and chips for lunch to go with our tasting.



Founded in 1986 by retired Oʻahu veterinarian Lynn “Doc” McKinney as a passion project growing Symphony grapes in Volcano’s volcanic soil and cool high-elevation climate.



McKinney soon began experimenting by blending local tropical fruits (like jaboticaba, guava, lilikoi/passion fruit) and honey wines, creating distinctive Hawaiian-style wines that were so different the U.S. government had to classify them in a special category.



The winery opened to the public in 1993 and was sold in 1999 to Del Bothof, whose family continues to operate it.



Then, we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.



We finished the day at Big Island Candies.



Big Island Candies is a beloved Hawaiian sweets company and gift shop based in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, founded in 1977 by Allan and Irma Ikawa with the goal of making the finest macadamia-nut-based confections using top-quality local ingredients



Its iconic Macadamia Nut Shortbread cookies, diagonally dipped in rich chocolate, remain the signature item and a classic Hawaiʻi treat.



The company also makes decadent chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, truffles, brownies, biscotti, and other artisan chocolates crafted with Big Island macadamia nuts, Kona and Kaʻū coffee, island eggs, and high-grade chocolate.



Many products are beautifully packaged and sold as “omiyage” gifts — souvenirs travelers bring home for friends and family.



The Hilo flagship store features a gift shop filled with confections and seasonal assortments, and large windows let visitors view production of some treats on weekdays.



Free samples of cookies and Kona coffee are often available inside, and there’s also a snack counter with ice cream, smoothies, and other refreshments.



Big Island Candies combines premium island-grown ingredients, handcrafted techniques, and distinctive Hawaii-inspired products, making it a must-stop for sweet lovers and a classic Hawaiian gift choice.

I recently enjoyed some delicious food from Rowan's Catering. Check it out: Soft pretzel bites with maple mustard and queso blanco Scotch duck eggs Seared sweet potato gnocchi with sage Buckwheat blini with smoked trout, creme fraiche, and pickled red onions Buckwheat blini with mushroom caviar, roasted red pepper, and fresh tarragon Crudite, cheese, pickle tray with homemade hummus and homemade ranch Freeze-dried strawberry sandwich cookies with maple syrup cream filling Tiramisu

Valentine’s Day is more than romantic love -- it's community love. This year, it wwas about shared meals, conversation and the joy of gathering around good food. Capitol Market hosted a refined, community-centered dinner designed for friends, neighbors, solo diners, and anyone who prefers connection over clichés with Rooted in Love. Hosted in partnership with Coco’s Kitchen, this intimate dinner was led by Chef Chasity Thomas, whose thoughtful cooking has made Coco’s a beloved part of Charleston’s food scene. Known for creating dishes that feel both elevated and welcoming, Chasity brings a collaborative approach to the table, one that values shared meals and meaningful connection. Herb Crusted Parker House Rolls served with Whipped Salted Agave Butter Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple Bisque Mixed Greens with Pomegranates, Celery, Dried Cherries, Grilled Pears, Candied Pecans, Stilton Cheese served with a Strawberry Champagne Vinaigrette Char-Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a Raspberry Chipotle Coulis, Roasted Bay Leaf Hassle Back Potatoes, Rainbow Carrots, and Bell Pepper Creamed Spinach Gratin Chocolate Pot de Crème, Marinated Berries, Vanilla Chantilly with Biscotti and Lace Cookies for Dipping Guests enjoyed a family-style dining experience in the greenhouse that celebrated love its broadest sense: care for one another, love of place, and the relationships that strengthen a community. Did you experience this unique event?