The Orchard Inn, Newman’s Restaurant earns TripAdvisor accolade

Saluda’s Orchard Inn and Newman’s Restaurant has earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The achievement celebrates hospitality venues that have received great reviews on TripAdvisor in the last year and the commendation includes accomodations, eateries and attractions all over the world. The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quantity and quality of recent reviews submitted by TripAdvisor users based on a 12-month timeframe. The minimum requirements are four out of five stars, a minimum number of reviews and at least 12 months on the website. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site that includes seamless links to booking tools and hotel websites, and enables users to plan and map out their vacations using advice from millions of fellow travelers.

Saluda farm receives agritourism grant from N.C. Department of Agriculture

Bradley Farms in Saluda has received an agritourism grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The department announced that 29 agritourism farms will receive funding for marketing projects, and the Agritourism Marketing Cost Share program administered the grant in conjunction with funding from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Farms across North Carolina received a total of $50,000 in cost-sharing funding. Individual grants amounted to $360 to $6,000, and each grant will be allocated for projects ranging from directional signage to brochures and website development.

Thermal Belt Outreach to host Chamber After Hours

The next Chamber Business After Hours will be in Columbus, hosted at Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. The date is June 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and all Chamber members are invited to attend, as well as prospective members. Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry is instrumental in providing food, clothing and financial assistance to community members in need in the Polk County area. Outreach will also be celebrating their 25^th anniversary on this date and will have an Open House showcasing the historical information of the ministry and tours of the facility. Outreach is located at 134 White Drive in Columbus. RSVPs required by calling 828-859-6236 or emailing janet@carolinafoothillschamber.com.
Saluda ranked as sunny, small town

Saluda has been identified as one of the 50 most affordable small, sunny towns in the United States in Light Therapy’s recent ranking. The ranking considered the top sunniest towns in the country and was narrowed to include the most affordable of these towns. Saluda was ranked #24. The editor noted Saluda’s peaceful downtown and unique shops, highlighting its expansive history. The article can be found at light-therapy.net/50-most-affordable-sunny-small-towns/. Light Therapy’s mission is to be a trusted resource about light therapy including red light therapy, blue light therapy, sunlight therapy, and light therapy product reviews.