It’s not everyday that you learn to make raspberry jam alongside the retired captain of a nuclear submarine, listening to Captain Nemo-like stories of the dark and briny deep—but I did.  My chance came a couple of years ago, while on assignment for Delta Air Lines’ Sky Magazine.  My editor wanted a story that combined travel and education, and I found my subject in a catalog for the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C.

The catalog was packed with classes on every kind of art and craft, from basketry to blacksmithing, metalwork to music, painting, woodcarving, quilting, and more.  Two courses that caught my eye were gardening and cooking.

I drove to Brasstown and spent a fantastic week living at this Danish-style folk school in a beautiful mountain setting.  The submarine captain was just one of many friendly people who also came for a relaxing yet educational vacation. 

We learned to preserve, or “put up,” mouth-watering, organically grown foods from the school’s garden.  We picked raspberries for fresh, thick jam and gathered tiny, sugary-sweet ”Matt’s Heirloom” tomatoes, along with green beans, cucumbers, squash, and peppers.  Our group worked together in a huge, well-stocked kitchen to preserve Meyer lemons; can Dilly beans; process spicy salsa; cook up chow-chow, and more–and we took our goodies home with us at the end of the week.

The not-for-profit folk school is a wonderful place to learn about both gardening and cooking, and if you’re looking for a gift for the person who has everything, a certificate for one of its courses is bound to be a winner.  You can find out more about the school at www.folkschool.org

But what if you or your friend-who-has-everything can’t spare a week or even a long weekend?  Problem solved.  Come to the 2009 Southeastern Flower Show for a day, or for several days, when it opens next Jan. 28.

You may not sit beside someone who regales you with tales of the deep, but you’ll hear from floral designers from across the country; great chefs and popular authors; brilliant designers and experienced landscapers.  And when you’re sitting in the audience for a lecture or demo, take a look around, and consider chatting up your seat-mate.  Who knows who you might meet?

cheers,

Lynn

www.LynnCoulter.com