Josephine Schmitz (left) and Caleb Finch use their prosbosci (straws) to drink nectar (juice) in a nectar relay Thursday at Know Your Farms summer camp in Davidson. Two hives of "bees" were competing to see who could collect nectar fastest. The camp was one of several this summer teaching kids about local food. (Christy Shi photo)

Read below for info on how to submit your photo of the day. And see previous photos of the day, CLICK HERE>

Read the full story

On our Food & Dining page this week, a though-provoking report on “What will it take to support local food networks?” including an interview with local food entrepreneur Christy Shi, of Know Your Farms LLC.

Meanwhile, Davidson Chocolate Co. is expanding despite the still shaky economy. The company Wednesday announced plans for a second location.

Also, in our Dining News column, we learn about Restaurant X’s new menu – which was prompted in part by patrons. Also, other local food news, including Davidson Farmer’s Market’s upcoming salsa competition.

How does your garden grow? Just ask Nora Barger.

The lettuce and green beans are past but the tomatoes and corn are at their peak.  Bliss on a summer evening is fresh Silver Queen corn directly from the garden, cooked and dripping with salt and butter, joined by a thinly sliced Better Boy tomato on your dinner plate.  Or perhaps a lunchtime BLT when the rich juices of the tomato provide a creative new design on the front of your shirt.  Yum!

Today Around Davidson stops by to visit with gardeners Ruby and Jimmy Alexander.  We also take time today to introduce our readers to Peter Gross and his family.  (Peter was mentioned in Tuesday’s Around Davidson in connection with the Davidson-in-Ghana program.)  There is also a tidbit about Rebekkah Withers McCurry. Read the full story

A cherry-picking visit to a neighborhood sour cherry tree prompts fond memories for Davidson’s Shelley Rigger. Read her memories and her recipe for the best cherry pie you’ll ever eat. , in FOOD & DINING

Enjoying the wine at Thursday's Toast the Earth fund-raiser were (from left) Bill Latham, Lacy Dick, Roy Alexander, and Mike Van Hecke. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

Several dozen supporters of Davidson Lands Conservancy and Davidson Farmers Market gathered under the tents behind Summit Coffee in Davidson Thursday night for a “Toast the Earth” fund-raiser and celebration. Read the full story

… or Why we love our town …

Saturday, April 17, was a beautiful spring day in Davidson, and that brought lots of people downtown for all kinds of activities, from fund-raisers to shopping at the Davidson Farmers Market. DavidsonNews.net took the camera out and captured the scenes.

Charles Semail, known to Davidson Farmers Market customers simply as Chef Charles, opened a gourmet takeout and catering shop on Davidson’s West Side Wednesday. Details on our Food & Dining page, http://www.davidsonnews.net/foodanddining/

Volunteers from Davidson United Methodist Church fanned out across the area Saturday for the church’s  annual Great Day of Service. About 70 project teams helped with sorting, cleaning, landscaping, painting and other projects at local schools and nonprofit organizations. Read the full story