North Carolina is celebrating its 25th annual Peach Festival in Candor, with festivities lasting an entire week. There will be plenty of fine food, drinks, activities, live entertainment, produce-filled markets, and more throughout The Sandhills! One of the most notable events people look forward to at the Peach Festival is the Peach Week Restaurant Competition.
The Candor NC Peach Festival Peach Week Restaurant Competition
The Peach Week Restaurant Competition will cover over a dozen restaurants, cafes, breweries, and wine shops spread around the Moore and Montgomery counties in North Carolina. Each eatery will use fresh, locally sourced peaches to create peach-inspired recipes, including entrees, desserts, snacks, and refreshing drinks – all aimed at celebrating the thriving peach industry in North Carolina.
Visitors are welcome to try out the various restaurants and see what delights they have come up with. Once you have had a taste, be sure to vote on your favorites!
The Restaurants
Ashten’s
Ashten’s Restaurant and Bar is a farm-to-table restaurant in the Southern Pines, serving you an assortment of fine foods in a cozy, elegant setting. All meals are served alongside their specialty wine menu featuring a selection of wines from all around the globe.
Ashten’s late spring and summer menus tend to feature fresh, locally sourced peaches. One of the popular featured delights includes a sweet and savory Peach Gazpacho soup!
The Bell Tree
The Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern in Southern Pines, North Carolina, is a local favorite, best known for its amazing sandwiches. The restaurant is known for great food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment. Who knows what they will be serving at this year’s peach festival? Maybe they will bring back their specialty homemade peach cobbler, served with a scoop of ice cream!
Chef Warren’s
Chef Warren’s at the Southern Pines is styled after a classic French bistro. Visitors are welcomed to the restaurant’s open kitchen style that will give your clear views of the chefs at work. Try their delightful entrees, mains, and desserts, all part of a seasonally changing menu. With the incoming Peach Festival 2023, expect to see plenty of peach-inspired creations!
Elliots On Linden
Elliots On Linden is a farm-to-table contemporary restaurant in Pinehurst, North Carolina, known for its tasty food, great bar, and extensive wine selection. For the peach fest every year, they introduce an assortment of peach-themed meals alongside the most succulent cocktails and drinks of the season!
Ironwood Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Pinehurst in North Carolina lies the Ironwood Cafe, serving signature Southern delights using fresh seasonal local and international ingredients. Like most seasonal ingredients, the peach is a celebrated element at their venue. Pop in and try their grilled peach salads paired with the café’s creative cocktails, beer, and wine.
Mason’s Restaurant and Grocery
Mason’s Restaurant and Grocery is the perfect place to hang out for brunch, lunch, dinner, or simple drinks. The seasonally inspired menu links to their southern roots, served in a modern, energetic atmosphere. We can’t help but hope to see more of their Peach Mimosas and Peaches and Cream Biscuit French Toast this year!
Scott’s Table
Scott’s Table is a farm-to-table restaurant in Southern Pines, NC. The restaurant is all about using quality fresh ingredients to craft its delicious meals. Head to the venue, where you will be served an assortment of salads, burgers, sliders, meat-filled mains, and a variety of desserts and drinks.
Wolcott’s Restaurant
Wolcott’s Restaurant is a renowned eatery at the Southern Pines known for its neo-continental style cuisine. The establishment features an eclectic interior design where you are served the most delectable foods made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you are only here for a drink, head to their bar to indulge in fine wines from around the world.
Breweries and Wine Shops
Apart from the many eateries and cafes, several prominent breweries and wine shops are partaking in the North Carolina Peach Festival. Some of the names include the Southern Pines Brewing Company, Hatchet Brewery, James Creek Cider House, Railhouse Brewery, Pinehurst Brewing Company, Southern Pines Growler Company, and Watering Can Wines. Head to these establishments and try the twist on peach-inspired wines, beers, and cocktails.
Other Exciting Events at the Candor NC Peach Festival
The Peach Week Restaurant Competition is not the only event you will have to look forward to. The festivities include all types of games, fun, and activities for individuals of all ages to enjoy.
Power Cars and Peaches
Head to the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities on the 16th of July and view their mesmerizing collection of vintage and classic cars.
“Life Is A Peach” Night With The Sandhills Bogeys
On July 16th, watch your favorite local baseball team, the Sandhill Bogeys, in action as they play against the High Point Hushpuppies. The first 100 fans get a free scoop of peach ice cream at entry!
Pitch N’ Peach At Longleaf Golf And Family Club
On July 18th, head to the Bottlebrush short course at the Longleaf Golf And Family Club to enjoy an exciting game at the premier golfing clubs in the Sandhills territory. Adults will be served complimentary peach beer while kids get free scoops of peach ice cream.
Movie Night – Sunrise Theater
On July 19th, Sunrise Theater is opening its doors to the public for a free screening of “James and the Giant Peach,” a childhood favorite for many. Seating is limited, so be sure to make it at 6 sharp!
Peach Wine Tasting
Watering Cans Wine Bar is offering free tastings of North Carolina Peach Wine at its venue in downtown Carthage on July 19th.
Peach Week 5K Fun Run
Give your body a workout by participating in the Peach Week 5K Fun Run hosted by the FirstHealth Pinehurst Fitness Center on July 20th. Participants will be gifted free snacks, peach ice cream, water bottles, event stickers, and other exciting giveaways.
Peach Preservation Workshop
Learn all you need to know about peach preservation and pickling at the three-hour Peach Preservation workshop being hosted at the Moore County Agricultural Building on July 20th.
Sandhills Trolley Company – Peach Week Foodie Tour
To indulge in different peach-themed meals, desserts, and drinks, head to the Peach Week Trolley Foodie Tour, an exciting mobile food tour being held on July 22nd.
James Creek Cider House – Peach A’ Palooza
To understand how peaches are harvested, tour the peach orchards at the James Creek Cider House on July 22. Learn about the 24 varieties of North Carolina peaches they harvest every year as you are served fresh peach cider slushies.
Area Farmers Markets
Make a stop at Moore County’s Farmers Market to support your local farmers and small businesses. Get your hands on fresh peaches and a variety of peach products on sale!
Ready for Candor NC Peach Festival Peach Festival 2023?
Peach Week is just around the corner, and plenty of exciting events are in store for you. Kickstart the celebration by heading to any of the cafes, eateries, cideries, and wine bars participating in The Peach Week Restaurant Competition to enjoy creative and innovative peach-inspired food and drink. Be sure to vote for your favorite peach creations after you have had a taste!
