NCN Field Trips in ENC

Blue Jay Bistro in Downtown Littleton NC offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience. The menu is an ode to the bounty of NC and is updated frequently based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. 

Each dish is created by Executive Chef Ashleigh Fleming and influenced both by her Texas roots and commitment to tradition and gracious Southern hospitality. Guests can expect a variety of small plates and entrées that highlight locally sourced meats, seafood, and vegetables from local suppliers and nearby farmers. 

Blue Jay Bistro also offers an extensive wine list of both Old and New World varietals, a wide selection of craft cocktails, locally brewed NC beers and an impressive offering of non-alcoholic options.

  Locally sourced, southern inspired, the Hen and the Hog is quintessentially farm to table. 

The restaurant is the creation of Halifax native Glenn Patterson Wilson. Patterson, as she is known in her hometown, moved back to help revitalize Halifax after a 30-year career designing hotels around the world. 

Patterson, who had lived in England for several years, felt the area needed a community gathering place much like the pubs in every community in England. This was the beginning of the farm to table restaurant known as The Hen & The Hog.

On Thursday evenings, they offer a more Casual Dining service that features the Lunch Menu combined with some of their favorite Dinner Appetizers and Entrees. These nights, diners can enjoy a delicious Burger and Fries, Chicken Wrap with a side of Mac-n-Cheese or our 8-ounce Certified Angus Beef Filet. 

On Friday and Saturday nights, while the atmosphere is still stylishly casual, they serve a more upscale menu that includes limited hand-crafted entrees. 

  A classic Italian Restaurant with an amazing atmosphere right in the heart of Bailey, North Carolina. The Leaning Tree serves up authentic and elevated Italian cuisine with routine specials and featured dishes. 

Favorites include the “Tortellini alla Panna e Cotto” (featured), the “Ravioli di Patate e Agnello al sugo d’Arrosto” and the “Goulash di Manzo alla Sud Tirolese con patate puree allo Speck”, among many others. 

The Leaning Tree is also a full-service event venue set on a classic Southern estate featuring beautiful rolling gardens.  

  Located in Historic Downtown Tarboro, one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, On the Square's low-key charms haven't faded since its opening, but rather have increased with every weekly menu change. 

Seasonal, sustainable ingredients are celebrated accordingly throughout the ever-changing menu that ranges from subtle to blunt and is teamed nightly with recommendations from a value-driven eclectic yet classic wine offering. 

  A true farm-to-table restaurant in Bunn, North Carolina, Rustic Roots uses seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. 

Rustic Roots is farmer-owned and operated, and prides itself on supporting local growers. Favorites include the 12-oz Black Angus Ribeye (featured), the "Hot Honey Chicken", the "Beat and Strawberry Salad" and "Nancy's Tacos". The menu is constantly changing and always features new and creative seasonal dishes. 

Rustic Roots also features a full service bar with craft cocktails with locally sourced liquors and ingredients.