Food Vendors @ Trail Days | Damascus, VA

You'd think from all the pictures of food I post that Cody and I have the worst diets on the planet. Sad to say, but to some extent, we do. I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise that we indulge a lot more often than we probably should with foods that are greasy, fattening, and generally unhealthy, but I can't help it. They're soooooooo good! (If you stay until the end of this post, I will tell you how this is going to change.)

In a recent post, I shared with you how we spent our day in Damascus, Virginia for the annual Trail Days event that brings hikers of the AT together from all over the country for a reunion. During this 25th anniversary celebration, this small town is bombarded with backpackers taking a break from (or just finishing) the trail.

Even though we weren't hikers coming off the trail, we arrived super hungry and ready to grub. The smells wafting through the tents made our hunger had to ignore, so we headed straight for the food. We walked around to see what was cooking and after scanning over a dozen or so vendors, we ended up going to the place with the longest line. You know the place with the longest line has the best food, right?!

This food vendor was one we've had the pleasure of trying before, so we know it's good stuff. Outback Kate's had one of the largest menus of any other vendor. They had everything from burritos to veggie plates to alligator bites on hand. Cody and I ended up getting the chicken-on-a-stick ($6) after waiting in line a good 10 minutes. The chicken-on-a-stick was no where near as flavorful as the sauce coating it was, the inside was a little bland. While waiting in yet another line to get a sweet tea, we ended up scarfing the whole thing before it was our turn at the window, so it wasn't too bad!

Still in a munchie mood after the chicken-on-a-stick, I wanted to get something else to go along with that. I mean, we did share it! We contemplated a bloomin' onion ($7), but because Cody was not feeling as hungry as I was, we ended up just going with a little basket of chili cheese fries ($3) instead—it was much cheaper, too. 

For dessert (as if we needed it), a bourbon bacon brownie I got while waiting in line at Outback Kate's was beckoning for us to give it a taste. The brownie was rich and chocolately with bourbon soaked walnuts the size of a knuckle and slivers of bacon sprinkled throughout. I could hardly taste the bourbon flavoring because it was too subtle and the bites of bacon were thicker (and longer) than I expected. I'm wondering if the bacon would have blended better if they chopped it up a little finer, so that you didn't have bites with such large pieces. Either way, it was an interesting combination that I couldn't resist trying. 

Cody couldn't believe that I still wanted to eat after sharing chicken-on-a-stick, chili cheese fries, and ½ of a bourbon bacon brownie, but I used some restraint, and we decided to venture to the outdoor gear vendors to see what they had to share and/or sell. One table that we stopped at was the PRIMAL tent where they were issuing samples of their strips. (Yay! More food!)

Think of something similar to beef jerky without the beef and other fillers they manage to mix in. The Primal strips have no preservatives, no artificial colors, they are safe for vegans, are gluten-free, and all natural to name a few selling points. I've tried them before, and they are available in a local grocery store here in Boone called Earthfare, but that still didn't stop me from sampling them again. The strips have an interesting texture, not too hard and chewy, and the flavors they have like Thai Peanut, Teriyaki, and Hot & Spicy are delicious. I'd like to pick some up the next time we go backpacking or camping for a hardy snack. Give them a try, they might be available in a grocery store near you!

If you'd like to see/read more about Appalachian Trail Days, check out the overview I posted of the event, here.

Now that I have removed all doubt about our seemingly unhealthy diets, I would like to reveal that we will soon be altering our eating habits in a really dramatic way. At the beginning of June our weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares will begin, which means tons of fresh veggies from our favorite farmers. The Farmer's Market has started back up, too, which will also inspire us to eat healthier by providing a plethora of fruits and veggies. With our new diets, we will cut out sugar and processed foods. This isn't going to be easy, especially for us, but we are making a commitment to improve our diets once and for all!

How does your household maintain healthy eating habits?

 Please share in the comments!

Related Links:

• Trail Days (2011)
• Trail Days (2009)
• My Favorite Food Vendors @ Shakori Hills
• Connect with Wayfaring Wanderer on Facebook (see images not featured here)

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Trail Days 2011 | Damascus, VA

 

It's been three years since Cody and I started going to the annual Appalachian Trail Days in the small town of Damascus, Virginia. (This year they were celebrating 25 years!) It has become one of those events that automatically gets put on our calendar every year because we have such a great time, and it's only a short one-hour drive from Boone.

It's not everyday that you get to bump elbows with hundreds of backpackers who are taking time off the trail to attend this special event. Not all of them are in the middle of a distance hike, however, the majority of them are. You can tell the difference between who is and isn't a long-term hiker by how strongly they smell. That is, unless they've taken advantage of the free showers being offered by the local church.

You don't necessarily need to be someone who has hiked the Appalachian Trail in order to attend this exciting event. Heaven knows I haven't hiked the 2,181 mile long trek from Georgia to Maine, and I probably never will. It takes a special kind of person to do something like that. Hiking the AT in it's entirety is no small feat. I'm just not that kind of hiker and/or camper, but I appreciate and respect those who are.

On a normal week, Damascus' population is around a 1,000 residents but that number quickly multiplies during the days leading up to Appalachian Trail Days. Come mid-spring, the town of Damascus becomes a melting pot that blends anyone and everyone who has an appreciation for the outdoors. Although it's mostly those who have an affinity for or a connection to the Appalachian Trail specifically.

During Trail Days they have outdoor gear vendors showcasing their products, a hiker's parade that may be the largest water fight in the world, an amusing talent show, dozens of tempting food vendors, and lots of other family-friendly fun to keep you entertained!



This year, we missed the hiker's parade because we were too busy schmoozing with the vendors who had neat gear and FREE stickers!



There are some really awesome products sprouting up that are extremely innovative. Cody and I actually went home with a new lightweight tent (1lb. 11oz.) that we're excited to tell you all about. I'm trying to talk him into doing a guest post!

The weather on Saturday was back and forth all day. It was overcast and cloudy with a slight drizzle that turned into a brief stint of sunshine that developed into a downpour that drenched a lot of people. The ones who needed a bath I hope :D Thankfully, I had an umbrella and Cody had his raincoat, but we still sought shelter under one of the large tents with others who were looking to escape the relentless rain. Even though the weather didn't completely cooperate, we still enjoyed the day we spent in Damascus.

Appalachian Trail Days is a unique event that brings some really wonderful folks together for a reunion that is, mainly, geared toward backpackers from all over the country who have hiked the AT. However, people from all walks of life can also enjoy this event, especially if you love and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors!

Have you ever heard of the Appalachian Trail? Or have you been to Trail Days before? 

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

You might also like:

• Food Vendors @ Trail Days (2011)
• Trail Days (2009)
• Shakori Hills Grassroots Music Festival (the last festival we went to)
• Connect with Wayfaring Wanderer on Facebook (see images not featured here)

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Appalachian Trail Days in Damascus, VA

Once a year the town of Damascus, VA. becomes a mecca for those who have an affinity for the Appalachian Trail. For the few whom have never heard of the AT, it is a trail that runs from Georgia, all the way to Maine. Damascus is roughly the halfway point of the 2,175 mile journey. The town is especially popular amongst hikers because it is the only part of the AT that actually passes thru a town. Since the sidewalk is part of the trail, on any given day, you can find a few weary backpackers walking along the roadside loaded down with gear. On these days, however, you are more than likely to find hundreds of them!



Open to any and all who may have thru-hiked, section-hiked, helped to maintain, preserve or anyone who just enjoys being outdoors is welcome to the annual Appalachian Trail Days extravaganza! The point is, whether you have hiked it or not--which I haven't--this special event gives everyone a chance to celebrate the Appalachian Trail as well as its people.



I found this snippet of the talent contest that showcases a really awesome beat box named, Abraham. He was very popular among the crowd, and for very good reason. I bet he wins every year!



Along with the talent show, they had all sorts of activities including a HUGE water-fight parade (that we missed), as well as various food (my favorite!) and merchandise vendors.



We ate an enormous turkey leg, a gigantic ice cream sunday, and
fried green tomatoes! I couldn't resist the FGT.



After a clear and beautiful day at the festival we retreated to our campsite tucked deep within Mount Rogers.



During the festivities they did offer a special camping area within town. Just imagine, tents and people as far as the eye can see...NOPE...not for me! I like my privacy :)

See?!?! It is named "Tent City" for a very good reason.


That night, we got to our tent in the nick of time. As soon as we zipped up the 'door' it proceeded to rain, and did so ALL NIGHT LONG! It was still raining in the morning when we packed up. Thank goodness Cody reminded me to bring my rain coat!

I'm curious, who here has heard of the Appalachian Trail?

Here is a link to the 2011 Trail Days 25th Celebration: [LINK]