When Berta Scott started gifting a special holiday treat at year’s end, friends and clients would rave about the nutty fruitcakes, filled with English walnuts, fresh pecans, golden raisins, dates, pineapple, and candied cherries. The warm reception they received was encouraging, winning over even the most skeptical fruitcake critics, and in 1985, the Scott family officially founded the business now known as Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More.
Four decades later, the woman-led business has grown from the Scott family’s garage into a thriving factory and showroom in Bear Creek, North Carolina, offering year-round tastings and tours to visitors from across the Southeast, as well as gourmet goodies shipped globally. Much has been written about the Scott family’s legacy, and in December 2023, their signature nutty fruitcake graced the cover of Our State Magazine.
The name says it all: fruitcake and more. New products are introduced each year, with some quickly becoming favorites. Fruitcake Cookies, Cheese Florets (a flower-shaped variation of the classic cheese staw), Hot and Sweet Mustard, Holiday Cranberry Relish, and Lemon Tea Biscuits are just a few of the treats worth gifting (or savoring for yourself). Any sweet shop worth the trip will offer chocolates, and there are plenty to discover here: a wide variety of chocolate bark, chocolate-covered nuts, sugar-free items, and a tasty “Bear Creek Critter”—a delightful smattering of chocolate, caramel, and roasted pecans.
Nods to the spirit of Southern hospitality are evident throughout the experience. You’ll likely enjoy a tour led by a member of the Scott family, and even the chance to meet one of the founders! Flavors range from classic praline pecans to crunchy Cheese Florets that pack a punch of sharp cheddar and just a hint of spice.
Though they’re open throughout the year, we love it when a hint of holiday shopping begins in the fall, with an annual Open House during the first week of October, giving guests a long weekend to shop and savor. Take the Devil’s Tramping Ground Road N.C. Scenic Byway for leaf-peeping adventures and a dramatic array of fall color, filled with warm and dark hues ranging from bursts of yellow to vibrant oranges and reds.
Once you arrive, the Southern Supreme experience begins with a guided tour (optional), during which family members share the story of the business and offer a glimpse behind the scenes into the baking stations. Following your tour, the sample bar awaits, complete with sweet treats like their maple crispy peanuts, a variety of jellies and relishes, savory crackers, and of course, some generous bite-sized nutty fruitcake to taste. The tasting experience culminates with a cup of hot cider or coffee, accompanied by good conversation. As team members offer special insights about the items you’re tasting, they’re also happy to provide suggestions, whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one.
After you’ve tempered (or possibly whet) your appetite, step into the showroom, beautifully decorated for the holidays. There’s a new theme to explore each year, making this a tradition worth an annual trip. Shop their pre-made gift boxes, create your own, or add Southern Supreme’s items to a local Chatham County gift basket or charcuterie board. Bring your group (please notify Southern Supreme so they can arrange accommodations for a leisurely tour), visit at any time of the year, and consider attending the Holiday Open House. Even if you can’t make it to that event, the last quarter of the year is an ideal time for the most festive experience.
The Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help guide your Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More itinerary. Contact us for assistance with planning your trip.
