Greetings from Carrboro,

It’s a cliché. But – you have to admit – pretty on the nose. Being home for the holidays is kinda ideal. Just the thought of creeping along I-85 with the multitudes, car jam packed with all the holiday paraphernalia and good ol’ Mariah Carey merrily belting out how, once again, “all she wants for Christmas is you” tend to evoke in me profound feelings of being buried alive. In tinsel. Then there’s paying the neighbor’s kid to feed your dog, her “holiday rate” somewhere between that of an orthodontist and a divorce lawyer. And, of course, one of life’s great joys, knowing that each of the next four days will be kicked off with tepid gingerbread-flavored coffee and non-dairy creamer.

But, let me be clear, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t fantastic times to get the hell out of Dodge. Wanderlust is real. And, if you’re lucky, it will take you places you’ve never imagined and places you will never, ever forget. That’s why we started The Olive Road three years ago. To explore and taste something unforgettable that’s off the well-worn path of bucket list travel – whether sitting on a stone patio of an ancient vineyard in southern France or staring out at the Adriatic, fishing boats bobbing in the gentle surf or in the glorious whitewashed towns of Valencia – in Spain – that stumble down a rugged hillside to the Mediterranean Sea.

This is small group travel at its very best. We eat great food and taste fantastic wines and through our relationships meet the artisans that make these places so magical. And intimate accommodations that capture the locale each and every night. But the best part is all that you have to do is show up. We do the rest; it’s that simple. For 2026, The Olive Road has five trips planned and a possible sixth (although three of those trips are sold out). It’s December. 2026 is knocking at the door. So dream big. Sugarplums can wait.

 

First up is Puglia in Southern Italy – May 17th to May 24th. For this trip, there are three slots left. That can be couples or individuals. The maximum number for this trip is 12.

Second is the Mediterranean coast of Spain, from Valencia to the Costa Brava. September 2026. Again, with a maximum of 12.

Finally, we’re teaming up with the inimitable Marcus Ginyard for an unforgettable trip exploring Champagne and Alsace, September 28th – October 5th. For this trip, we can accommodate at most 16 guests.

And if you are lucky enough to be home for the holidays, I’m guessing you just might need some added deliciousness as your December holiday staycation ramps up. If so, Acme is here for you. Because ‘tis the season for all sorts of things that make you go yum.

#1 On Thursday, December 18th, Acme will have our annual Prime Rib Night. We’ll spend the day cooking (and torturously smelling) two glorious Black Angus standing rib roasts to serve that night in the classic holiday fashion – mashed potatoes, winter greens, and horseradish cream. Because, honestly, why mess with such an iconic winter feast. But those two roasts will only go so far. Translation: we will most likely sell out. For those not so inclined, we will also have our traditional menu that night.

#2 The Acme Christmas Eve Dinner so Santa doesn’t have to cook. It’s 4pm-9pm on the 24th. Reservations highly recommended. Oysters on the half-shell. Our classic eggnog. And lots of good cheer. It’s always one of the great nights of the year at the restaurant.

#3 The Acme Takeout Christmas Feast speaks for itself. Pickup is on Wednesday, the 24th. The menu is below and will serve two people. The cost is $95. It’s very possible that your favorite gift of the year is the one that you give yourself.

#4 Atlas is hosting a holiday drinks class to help stir your Christmas spirit. Get it? Stir? As in cocktail? It’s this Sunday, the 14th, starting at 2pm. The class will be a deep-dive into all the great nogs, glogs, wassails, and punches that have helped to animate this festive time of year for centuries. Acme will provide the necessary snacks. Tickets are $40. “Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green” will get new meaning. Though singing will not be required. You’re welcome.

Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.

Cheers,
The Staff at Acme