Ashe County Cheese is located in West Jefferson, NC. It was established back in 1930 by Kraft…read moreCorporation, making it the oldest cheese plant in the state. It is the only commercial plant left in the state. Ashe County Cheese produces 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of cheese a week. The Blue Ridge Mountains were chosen for the facility by Kraft as there was a surplus of milk in the region from all the dairy farming. The lush high-altitude pastures were great for dairy cattle. Kraft bought up many smaller dairy farms and made a more modern, centralized facility so the cheese could be distributed and sold outside of the mountains. West Jefferson was the chosen location to collect the milk within a 50-mile radius. Ashe County Cheese Factory has a viewing room where you can watch cheese being made. This was the highlight of my visit as I got to watch most of the cheese curd process from separating the whey and curds to draining the whey to mixing and agitating to testing the batch to adding the salt. I left at that point to allow others to view, as the viewing room was on the small side. The retail shop is across the street, and you can buy all types of cheese, including the curds. I bought some butter cheese and white cheddar trims besides the curds. They have insulated bags to buy with ice packs so you can keep it cool and refreeze the ice packs. It stayed cold for the three days I needed it to, with time in a hot car and some time in a refrigerator. Besides cheese, they sold fudge, jams, crackers, candies and wine. I found great postcards too. If West Jefferson is too far to travel to buy some squeaky cheese curds, you can order online from their website.

Very neat experience going here! On one side of the street where they make the cheese, they allow…read morevisitors to view the process. We happened to make it just after they had finished, but it was still cool to see! Across the street is their store. They carry so many kinds of cheeses they make, along with an assortment of candies, fudge, snacks, and even wine. The shop gives a quaint, general store type of nostalgia that makes for a wonderful, quiet shop. The staff were friendly and very helpful in helping us find what would suit our tastes best.

Friendly and helpful staff! We enjoyed finding unique candy…read moreand snacks. We parked in a garage and walked to the store. There is a large variety of candy for both savory and sweet treats.

Such a cool shop! A must for those who like new and old types of candy. Had all sorts of treats and…read moredrinks. Cute little toys for kids as well. Lots to see here! Service was also good.

Cute little candy shop next to Old Towne Soap Co. They…read morehave handmade candies as well as packaged candies and an ice cream counter. We purchased some Cheerwine Fudge and chocolate dipped Oreos. The employee was very chatty and friendly.

We stopped in while walking around the area. The place is really cute and has a retro vibe. The…read morecandy and fudge counters were pretty limited. They had worked hard to stretch the hard wrapped candy throughout the store to make it look fuller. The prices are average for a candy store. I got a Jack Daniels truffle. It was $2, very rich, and good. They also offered beverages. It was cool to walk through quickly.

My hubby and I stopped in for ice cream after seeing a show at the Paramount . although they did…read morenot have my favorite (Rocky Road ) or my husbands ( strawberry ) the choices we made were both great !! He had Memphis Mud Hole I had Chocolate with crunch .

When in Bristol VA/ TN, The Southern Churn is the "must go" if you are looking for fudge (of all…read moreflavors), and many incredible chocolate treats. Also, ice cream and many types of candies for all tastes. The friendly staff is always helpful and available with suggestions.

Amazing food, great prices, amazing staff this place rocks! Check them out for catering any of yrou…read moreparty's, really the best food in mercer county