Happy Hunting Near Huntsville: Shallowford Popcorn Farm

A popcorn factory that makes tasty chocolate popcorn, a quaint restaurant serving homemade delicacies like chicken and dumplings and roast beef, and a cabin selling handmade silver jewelry -- all within 10 miles of each other? It's waiting for you at historic Huntsville, a genuine gem of a town tucked away 12 miles west of Yadkinville.

A tour of Shallowford Farms, lunch at Battle Branch Café and an afternoon of shopping at The Potter's Cabin will charm visitors and could become a special Saturday destination. The drive to Shallowford Farms winds past cornfields, historic churches and old farmhouses. The popcorn factory on Popcorn Drive sells everything from butter rum popcorn to Junior Johnson brand chips named for the local race car driver Junior Johnson. The gift shop features different sizes of homegrown popcorn kernels and everything a popcorn lover needs to have old-fashioned popcorn, such as popcorn salt and a hand-cranked popcorn popper.

Flavored varieties of popcorn in grape, cherry, green apple, banana, chocolate, blue raspberry and butter rum are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Shallowford Farms' popcorn on the cob is so popular, it attracts phone orders from people as far away as Florida. The gift shop also features John Deere tractor sets and popcorn bins with your favorite race car driver or sports team.

In addition, Shallowford Farms hosts tours of its own popcorn plant which comes with a bag of fresh popcorn. Tours are conducted mid-March through November from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and can be arranged by calling (336) 463-5938. Cost is $3 per person.

If you don't fill up on popcorn, plan on taking a lunch break at Battle Branch Café just miles down the road. The American flag waving in the air outside should indicate the theme of Battle Branch Café: a salute to the rich history of Huntsville which dates back to the Revolutionary War.

The cozy cabin's centerpiece is a fireplace with light wooden floors and walls and historic readings on the walls so visitors can educate themselves on the rich history of Huntsville. The menu includes country ham and grits for breakfast, catfish, chicken pie, country-style steak and homemade peach cobbler for lunch and dinner. The cabin's porch provides a perfect place for friends to gather and chat during the warmer months. For more information, call (336) 463-2122.

A short stroll next door to The Potter's Cabin leads to local crafts, collectibles and gifts. Custom baskets by local artist Aileen Steelman can be unique gifts for birthdays and holidays. Store owner Elaine York makes handmade sterling silver beaded bracelets and necklaces and floral arrangements.

Local tin artist Michael Felk features his candleholders, pitchers and home-decorations in the two-story cabin. Honey from local beekeepers and pottery from Seagrove are also featured in the cabin. Unique picture frames can spice up a room back home. Colorful warm quilts are displayed upstairs in the cabin and could start a family heirloom cherished by future generations. For more information, call Elaine York at (336) 463-3313.

by Caset Childers