Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Perched high atop Salt Pond Mountain, where misty trails meet ancient forests, the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge is set to debut a new culinary tradition. From June 13 to 15, 2025, the award-winning resort will host SAVOR: Chefs, Farmers & Friends—a three-day celebration of Southwest Virginia’s vibrant food culture, deep-rooted Appalachian techniques, and sustainable spirit.
Far more than a food festival, SAVOR invites guests into the heart of the Blue Ridge, where local chefs, growers, brewers, and artisans will converge for a weekend of unforgettable flavor, storytelling, and community. Think wood-fired dinners under the stars, hands-on workshops, and spirited conversations between those who shape the region’s food identity.
The event is a collaboration with Root to Table, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving local foodways, and supported by Virginia Tourism. Together, they’re crafting an immersive experience that elevates not only taste but purpose—highlighting sustainability, traceability, and connection to the land.
Set within 2,600 acres of preserved wilderness and a pristine bird sanctuary, Mountain Lake Lodge becomes more than a backdrop—it becomes a character in the story. It’s here that “farm to table” returns to its roots, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and soul of Southwest Virginia.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a locavore at heart, or simply craving connection, SAVOR offers a rare invitation to slow down, dig in, and celebrate where food and friendship truly begin.
“Whether you’re a food enthusiast, advocate for sustainable dining, or looking for a great weekend getaway, SAVOR is a unique opportunity to explore Southwest Virginia’s rich Appalachian culinary heritage and meet the artisans behind the flavors,” said Heidi Stone, president and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge. “Mountain Lake Lodge is surrounded by a peaceful, magical setting and the perfect place to hold this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.”
This summer, an extraordinary weekend awaits at Mountain Lake Lodge, where food, fire, and folklore meet atop Salt Pond Mountain. From June 13 to 15, 2025, the celebrated lodge will unveil SAVOR: Chefs, Farmers & Friends, a mountain-inspired culinary journey designed to feed the senses and stir the soul.
Guiding this immersive experience is Executive Chef Wells Selbe, a passionate steward of regional ingredients whose cooking has long been shaped by the seasons, soil, and stories of Southwest Virginia. Known for his commitment to sustainability and deep respect for Appalachian food traditions, Chef Selbe brings his vision to life through a weekend of connection—between farmers and chefs, guests and makers, roots and innovation.
The event, in partnership with Root to Table and Virginia Tourism, invites guests to experience more than just meals—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, conversation, and culture.
What Awaits at SAVOR:
The Farmers & Flavor Marketplace
Step into a vibrant open-air marketplace alive with artisans, foragers, distillers, and culinary creatives. Discover small-batch goods, handmade treasures, and meet the hands behind the harvest.
Culinary Workshops & Live Demonstrations
From open-flame cooking to inventive Appalachian techniques, chefs will lead interactive sessions, inviting guests to taste, create, and explore the stories behind each dish.
Mountain Chill Evening by the Fire
As the sun dips behind the Blue Ridge, the mountains come alive with music, firelight, craft cocktails, and spoken word—an homage to the rich storytelling culture of the region.
Roots & Relax Signature Dinner
An elegant multi-course dining experience, this candlelit affair brings together the finest local chefs for an unforgettable feast, complete with thoughtful wine pairings and seasonal artistry.
The Artisan’s Breakfast Table
Start the day surrounded by nature at a lively open-air breakfast, where chefs cook in real-time at rustic stations, offering a sunrise spread that’s as fresh as the mountain air.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary, SAVOR isn’t just another culinary event—it’s a soulful celebration of what it means to eat with intention, gather with purpose, and taste the land one story at a time.
