Chet Richards

As some readers may not know, my favorite hot sauce, Fire from the Mountain Chipotle, is made just outside Boone, NC. The Chipotle is medium hot — about like Tabasco® — with a wonderful smoked pepper flavor.

So it wasn’t a great coincidence when I stopped by their booth at the Wautaga County Farmers’ Market this morning to sample their latest fares. My verdict: It’s all good - you can’t go wrong. Here I am with the owners, Pete and Dorene Jankowski, who make all their sauces themselves (click pics for larger views).

Later, a serene bike ride along the South Fork of the New River about a half hour out of Boone (along the Railroad Grade Road between Todd and Fleetwood, NC). If you’re in this area, rent bikes at Boone Bike and grab an end of ride snack at the General Store (c. 1914) in Todd or along the way at the Riverside General Store (National Register).