With a hoard of more than 700 family farms and businesses committed to local food, Western North Carolina is a veritable gold mine of fresh eats. Whether you’re seeking tailgate markets, U-pick farms, roadside stands, or a quaint farm stay, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is the go-to resource. For more than a decade, the organization has spearheaded the local food movement, connecting farmers with food service buyers, chefs, and consumers. And ASAP’s Growing Minds Farm to School program is making great strides helping kids connect with their food sources through farm field trips, cooking classes, and putting local produce in school cafeterias. Find ASAP’s resources online at www.asapconnections.org, or pick up their Local Food Guide, which can be found at many locations around Asheville.