Why Stop at The Downstay? Delight in a Max Patch Picnic Like No Other
If you consider heading up to Max Patch without stopping at The Downstay first, you may want to rethink your plans. Would you hike without boots or camp without a fire? Sure, you could sit at the top, soak in the 360-degree views, and dig into that slightly squished granola bar and raisins you packed. Or—hear us out—maybe instead you could first swing by The Downstay, just down the road, and grab gourmet restaurant-quality, handcrafted picnic food that’s portable, delicious, and guaranteed to make every other hiker up there wonder why they didn’t think of it first.
Quite frankly, we think the idea’s brilliant—so brilliant, in fact, that we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a line stretching all the way to downtown Hot Springs before too long.
Here’s why: The Downstay is located just five miles below Max Patch, and it’s just so convenient on your route to the top. Because it’s so close, it’ll be perfectly timed to ensure your food stays warm and ready to enjoy when you find your spot to soak in the views.
Plus, it’s not just hikers who benefit from this little slice of heaven. Bikers tackling the winding curves of The Rattler (209) often find their way to The Downstay. A scenic detour to Max Patch should already be mandatory, and the convenience of having fresh, restaurant-quality food on hand is a game-changer. Located so close to 209, it’s the perfect spot to grab something tasty, whether you’re on two wheels or two feet.
Your Adventure Starts Here: The Downstay’s Pack Your Picnic
View from Their Porch
Your adventure begins with a fun, interactive selection process. Picture this: a cozy porch perched high on their private mountaintop with breathtaking views. Guests are greeted not only by the friendly faces of Dov, Avi, their Dad and Elaine, Dov’s “partner for life,” but also by their playful dogs—Gertie, Ziza, Daisy, and Pisgah—who may just stop by to say hello.
On the porch, a feast of color and tantalizing aromas await. Think artisanal charcuterie, an assortment of both crisp and noodle salads, pierogis, knishes, soups, and yes, of course desserts—all beautifully arranged. Every dish is prepared using only locally sourced ingredients. And you’re invited to take your sweet time, spending up to an hour soaking in the mountain views and taking in the atmosphere. You’ll be crafting your perfect picnic and sometimes these things take time.
“Having a really solid, seasonal, and local meal to offer people who don’t necessarily want a restaurant vibe but want to have something special,” Elaine shares. “It’s a place where you can stop on the way to Max Patch or during your time in Hot Springs to create your own picnic with some of the most delicious, high-class, restaurant-quality food.”
Dov adds, “We came up with the idea because of Max Patch—the feeling of awe you get there. It’s a one-of-a-kind place off the Appalachian Trail where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of nature and the people you’re with. We wanted to bring food into that. We pack what you want in it, you take it up there, and have a way better experience than you would if you had just gone up there without our food.”
From DC to Max Patch: A Transformation from Couch to Culinary
The story of The Downstay is deeply rooted in both family and their shared love of cooking food. “My brother Avi actually started everything,” Dov shares. “Avi went to culinary school in Maryland and has been a chef for 15 to 20 years now. He’s world-class as well as being a family therapist… and a firefighter. Cooking was a shared bond they had. “I started cooking just so Avi and I could do something together. We both love it,” Dov says.
“I’m originally from DC and also had a family therapy practice there,” he said. “But I left and moved to Portland, Oregon, where I wanted to open a community space for people – it’s just what I wanted to do. And I was so fortunate because I was trained by amazing chefs out there on the West Coast—Portland has such a great farm-to-table scene. They were always looking for venues to do meals, and I had one that fit fifty people. He also became a farmer, immersing himself in the food cycle. “I wanted my hands in the dirt, so I learned how to harvest vegetables and brought them to the chefs I worked with.”
The GORGEOUS Mountain Light Sanctuary
In 2024, Dov returned to North Carolina, following his family’s move to the mountains. “My dad and I wanted to run a bed and breakfast together,” Dov shares. Soon after, Avi joined him in Barnardsville. They began renting the Mountain Light Sanctuary, transforming it into a hub of creativity and connection. “We were hosting all kinds of retreats—up to 20 people at a time,” Dov says. “We had three Airbnb rentals on the property, were doing ‘Airbnb Experiences,’ and were finally gaining traction. We were getting 1,000 page views a day and pulling in guests from across the region, even those not staying with us.”
The Mountain Light Sanctuary
But Hurricane Helene changed their trajectory, one might say. “The storm wiped out everything we’d built,” Dov says. “We were devastated. It was so sad because we were just about to go into our busy season.” Fortunately, they were only renting the property and didn’t lose it entirely. Still, the loss was a pretty heavy blow.
The Mountain Light Sanctuary
But, like many other success stories, this was a mere speed bump because the family didn’t shrink, they pivoted. With Max Patch so close, the idea for the Downstay sprang to life.
Why Wait? The Downstay Awaits!
Why settle for bland trail snacks when The Downstay is just down the road, ready to raise your Max Patch outing to a completely new level? If you’re scaling the bald or cruising The Rattler, or just exploring the area and want to find your own spot to enjoy the food, The Downstay is what we call a no brainer. So pack a basket, hit the trail, and let this added culinary experience be the highlight.
Remember, nobody writes songs about cliff bars.
Ready to take your Max Patch adventure to the next level? Book your gourmet picnic with The Downstay and be the hiker everyone envies on the bald. Want to linger longer? Stay just across the street in luxury at Windows Over Waterfalls, where you’ll enjoy private waterfalls, hiking trails, hot tubs, and ultimate serenity. Book your stay today!
Got your picnic and Max Patch views?
Add waterfalls to the mix—stay just across the road from The Downstay!
