Cherokee rings in spring with two local favorites – rainbow trout and ramps – by celebrating them with the annual Rainbow and Ramps Festival each March.
To prepare, Cherokee families will gather the ramps – wild onions also known as mountain leeks that taste like a cross between onions and garlic – from their secret family patches. Rainbow trout are more accessible, and the festival officially kicks off fishing season. At the event, slated for March 25, visitors can taste the flavors for themselves with a plate topped with both foods plus other tasty veggies for $10. The festival honors the elders in Cherokee with free entertainment, a horseshoe tournament, family-friendly games and, of course, lots of food. Learn more about the Rainbow and Ramps Festival, including a schedule of events, at visitcherokeenc.com.
