News & Events

Who doesn’t love the fall foliage season? The time of the year when pumpkins arrive and everything smells of sweet apples and cinnamon. Perfect Lenoir North Carolina weather, when the air becomes crisp and refreshing.

At The Coves, fall foliage season becomes ‘prime time’ as the mountain ranges change into a kaleidoscope of color visible through floor to ceiling glass or on the wrap around veranda at our Pisgah Mountain Lodge. It’s a wonderful time to explore hiking trails in Western NC, community gardens at The Coves and NC mountain land. Meet friendly neighbors while you’re here during one of the many monthly social events at the lodge. Here’s what’s coming up in September and October:

Lenoir Downtown Farmer’s Market Visits The Coves

Hosted by Jeff Crane and Linda Holland West

Wednesday, September 14th 6:30-8:30pm

Attendees will be treated with Lenoir-style chicken wings, frog legs, twice baked sweet potatoes, jalapeno peanut butter poppers and apple crumble. The Lenoir Downtown Farmers Market motto is Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Buy Quality. Many of our farmers are Appalachian Grown certified through ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project).

Annual Coves Chowda Cook-off Competition

Sponsored by Blossman Gas

Saturday October 15th 1:00-4:00pm

Homeowners and guests will cook up their special chowder recipes and be judged by three local friends of the community. Property owner, Patti Brandenburg, is graciously providing the winning prizes (colorful aprons or towels). Blossman Gas is sponsoring food for the event and is the largest family-owned propane business in America. They have been providing propane gas and appliance services to The Coves and owners of NC mountain land for years.

Are you a golfer? Don’t miss playing in The Coves 6th Annual Golf Tournament happening that weekend. Friendly competitions during the day will include closest to the pin, longest drive, and longest putt near some of the finest hiking trails in Western NC.

Chef Corey Hooks Cooking School

Guest Lecture Series

Wednesday October 26th 6:30-8:30pm

Chef Hooks will demonstrate preparing southern comfort foods with an Asian twist. His menu this month includes meatloaf, potatoes and asparagus. Guests will be treated to a “sweet’ surprise while enjoying the mild Lenoir North Carolina weather.

Last month, we had a wonderful audience when Chef Corey Hooks demonstrated cooking seared salmon and citrus fennel salad. About a dozen Coves’ residents attended for the first time. Chef Hooks started the evening with plating the dishes, an art of entertaining. Attendees enjoyed seared salmon with savory white beach puree, arugula, shaved fennel, orange supreme, and a citrus vinaigrette. It was delicious!

Hooks explained the importance of letting the pan heat up before adding your oil/fat. He continued by skillfully searing the salmon and sharing with everyone the best local shop in Morganton where he purchases his fish. He then revealed each of the tasty herbs in his vinaigrette. Chef Hooks is a great teacher and attendees asked a lot of questions.

The Annual Side Dish Cook-off on August 20 was a smashing success with almost 60 attendees! Competitors brought their most delicious dish from their collection of secret family recipes to battle against the other dishes in this high stakes competition. No wagering is allowed, but everyone is encouraged to attend with a hearty appetite to taste all the scrumptious side dishes.

Attendees were treated to BBQ by Hannah’s BBQ in Lenoir serving up the best barbecue in the foothills NC since 1982. Acoustic guitarist and pianist, Holden Bare, serenaded attendees with soft rock and music from the 60’s & 70’s. The first place side dish prize went to Paul Brandenburg, 2nd to Lori Gibeau and 3rd to Barbara Russell.

Other events at The Coves include Social Sunday NFL football, Monday Morning Yoga, Thursday Ladies Golf and Friday Movie Night. 

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, be sure ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides information about living in the foothills and life at The Coves. You’re always welcome at any of our social club events.