Dashboards Saddlebags The Destination Magazine and
April 2011
FREE
PHOTOS FROM ALONG THE WAY
DESTINATIONS CALENDAR
APRIL FEATURES
Lancaster’s BBQ Flint Hill Vineyards Century Kitchen Eric Herrmann Studios Discover Surry County Lake Norman Cottage Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse
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PhotodudeART.com Canvas Portraits up to 4’x8’ Studio or Location Event Photography Gallery Prints Summerfield North Carolina 336-510-2744 2
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
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Dashboards # Saddlebags The Destination Magazine and
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We think we are on to something!
he response to this idea is outstanding. A simple guide that focuses on what is coming up and destinations that can be enjoyed all year. Dashboards and Saddlebags is a monthly magazine published for “MotoTourists” who are looking for someplace new to go and something new to do. Dashboards and Saddlebags is your Destination Magazine. We call it a destination magazine because it’s not just all about the ride, without the destination we’d all drive around in circles... right? Whether it’s a motoring event, an art show, a wine trail or a scenic destination it’s nice to stop, stretch your legs, grab some food and check out the local flavor. The destination is every bit as important as the “ride”. If it’s in your backyard or down the road it’s our goal to let you know about these new destinations. Why publish a printed magazine? It is quick to access, way faster than 4G! Easy to read, foldable screen that you can stick in your pocket. It’s easy to find, it’s a FREE Publication distributed all over the Charlotte Metro Area.
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We have the most comprehensive calendar of auto, motorcycle and family friendly events. We know that people will keep Dashboards and Saddlebags as their “Destination Magazine” each and every month. The format of our web page is easily viewable on most mobile devices. It will feature an interactive map to plan the most scenic or the most direct route to your destination. You can then load that map to your GPS or mobile device. We will feature photo galleries online of the people and the destinations that did not make it to print. Social media sites will let you know from day to day where you might meet us and maybe get that photo taken that makes it in the magazine. A calendar online and available to be transferred to your computer or mobile device. Full searchable versions of the magazine will be online. You can reference stories, destinations and advertisers from previous issues. Above all we want to present new places in a way that entices you to make them your next destination. Andy Jay
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
Features in April 2011
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine Produced by: Photodude.net LLC Contributing Writer: Craig Distl Contributing Photographers: H obart Jones, Lisa Hedrick Printed in North Carolina
Photo By: Hobart Jones
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From Farm to Fork
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Wine Shop Within A Shop
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Eric Herrmann Studios
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More Racing-More BBQ-More Fun in Mooresville
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A Lesson in Family Gets Out Of Hand
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Upscale Dining Along the Detour
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Discover the Very Surry Experience
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The list of events in this publication is compiled from various sources dates & times are tentative & subject to change. Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine is published by Photodude.net LLC 369 Dovefield Drive Summerfield, NC 27358 (704) 706-2365 www.DashboardsandSaddlebags.com Published by Andy Jay. Š2011 All rights reserved. Photodude.net LLC Publisher, Agents & Advertisers do not necessarily condone any activities or advertisement listed in this magazine. The Publisher and its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and sponsors are not responsible for any loss or damage which might be associated with patronage of any party named in this publication, and is not responsible for any Act of God such as inclement weather, fire, flood, natural or man-made disaster, etc., that are out of the control of the Publisher, which affect the publishing of this magazine.
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E v e n t s Publications C ata l o g s P r i n t i n g P h o t o g r a ph y WebDesign M erchandising G raphic D esign
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et ing
704-609-2014
Need Help firing up your business for the season? Flyers Brochures Banners Posters Social Networking Events Photography Menus
Lisa Hedrick
PO 1501 • Davidson, NC 28036 Lisa@PhotoDude.net
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For the start up or established business that needs a Helping Hand
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
Destinations April 2 - 3 •Vineyards of Swan Creek Herb Festival 12pm-5pm. Visit each of the five Vineyards of Swan Creek and sample a unique food made with each vineyard’s signature herb and paired with one of our wines, then take home a potted herb from each vineyard to cultivate at home! Cost is $25 per person. Purchase tickets by calling 336.835.9463. For more information email info@raffaldini.com April 5 •Mooresville Cruise-In First Saturday of each month March-October 3-7pm Classic car show, food, DJ Music, contests, shopping and much more! Open to all vehicles 1979 and earlier. Downtown Mooresville. No registration or charge to attend. Invite your family and neighbors! 600+ Rat Rods, Trucks, Classics, American Muscles and more every month. www.mooresvillenccruisein.com April 6 •Bike Night Lancaster’s BBQ Mooresville - Season Begins April 6 •Bike Night Suck Bang Blow Concord - Season Begins April 6 •Bike Night Quaker Steak & Lube Concord - Season Begins April 7 - 9 •The North Wilkesboro 300 Pro All Stars Series. 300 lap super late model race at Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The winner of this unprecedented showdown for asphalt short trackers is guaranteed a minimum of $75,000.00. www.historicnws.com
April 7 - 10 •Spring Auto Fair @ Lowes Motor Speedway 11,000 Vendor Spaces chock full of Restoration Parts & Cars For Sale in the Blue-OrangeGreen Fields! Plus more than 1,600 Vehicles For Sale in the Car Corral on the Track Oval and additional vehicles in the Green Car Corral - All this happens Thursday to Sunday. In addition, more than 50 other Car Clubs display their vehicles on Saturday & Sunday. www.charlotte-autofair.com April 8 •Gallery Crawl Davidson 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Like last year, our Gallery Crawl is better than ever, so it has its own weekend! The Crawl will go from the new businesses at Exit 30 to Main Street in Davidson. Galleries, businesses and Town Hall will host visiting artists, including some that will be featured at Art on the Green. Park in Davidson and have a great time riding a Trolley to all the stops! Enjoy the art as well as refreshments and music. www.ci.davidson.nc.us April 9 •Spring Four Seasons Wine Tasting Dinner Raffaldini Vineyards 6pm-9pm. $75 plus tax per person. This is an opportunity to share your food and wine passion with like-minded friends. The atmosphere will be relaxed and casual with a focus on meeting new friends and enjoying la dolce vita. Cost is all-inclusive. Call 336-835-9463 for tickets or for more information. www.raffaldini.com
April 9 - October 29 •Ashe County April 9 •Roll out the Barrel West- Farmers Market West Jefferson, NC bend Vineyard’s Roll Out the Barrel “Homegrown and handmade!” Take your Taste wines straight from the barrel! pick of locally grown fresh produce, flowers, 1-3pm $25 per person Enjoy snacks plants, grass-fed meats and cheese. Locally and refreshments. 336-945-5032 or handmade arts and crafts, and much more. info@westbendvineyards.com www.ashefarmersmarket.com
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Destinations April 9 - April 10 •7th Annual Herb also features a “Meet and Greet” with Festival Old Fort, NC – Come savor food critics, authors and wineries. the smell and taste of fresh-grown Festival shows include Chuckleball, herbs! Craftsmen, vendors & musi- a musical sports revue at the Hayes cians will entertain both days. Painters Performing Arts Center and a Vintage is approximately 5 miles south of Murder Mystery presented by EnsemI-40 at exit 73. For more informa- ble Stage. There’s also a gallery stroll, tion, call 828-668-7225 or visit art competition, Bartender’s Brawl and www.paintersgreenhouse.com. “Dig Into Local,” sponsored by the NC Department of Agriculture. The Grand April 9 - 10 •Very Surry Wineries Wine Tasting takes place on Saturday Bargain Bash Weekend Join the fun under the main tent and showcases of the Very Surry Wineries! Discounts a wide variety of wines from North offered for specific wine will be offered Carolina and from around the world. for sale. Brushy Mountain Winery • www.blueridgewinefestival.com Carolina Heritage Vineyards • Grassy Creek Vineyards • Hutton Vineyards April 15 - 17 •18th Annual Rural Hill • McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks • Scottish Festival & Loch Norman Olde Mill Vineyards • Round Peak Highland Games Rural Hill Farm Vineyards • Slightly Askew Winery • Huntersville, NC Children’s activiStony Knoll Vineyards • Elkin Creek ties, Geneology search, Celtic Music Vineyard. www.verysurry.com during the day and a Saturday night Celtic Jam and Concert, National April 2 - May 15 •Festival of Flow- sanctioned competition in Highland ers Biltmore Inn Asheville Welcome Dancing, Athletics, and Piping and spring with thousands of tulips and Drumming. 90+ Scottish Clans, acres of azaleas at Biltmore. Join us Historical Encampment, Climbing for an estate-wide event celebrating Wall, Battle Axe throwing, retail the beauty of George Vanderbilt’s vendors, Food vendors and more. 8,000-acre estate, including gardens www.ruralhill.net and landscapes designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American April 15 - 17 •British Car Gatherlandscape architecture. 800-411-3812 ing at Shelton Vineyards Bring your www.biltmore.com lawn chairs or blankets, a picnic basket if you like, sip some wine and April 13 - 17 •Blue Ridge Wine and enjoy viewing these beautiful cars! Food Festival at Blowing Rock Blow- The Harvest Grill restaurant will be ing Rock, NC. Join us in the Blue Ridge open for lunch and dinner as well Mountains for five days of celebrating as the winery for tours and tastings. everything wine. Featured events in- www.triumphclub.org clude “Uncork” the Festival, the Grand Wine Tasting, Fire on the Rock Chef’s April 15 - Octobert 21 •Arts on Main Challenge, Wine Seminars, Cook- 6:00 PM Main Street Yadkinville in ing Classes and Winemaker Dinners front of the Cultural Center. Every throughout the village at Blowing third Friday of the month the DownRock’s best restaurants. The festival town Business Association hosts “Arts
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
Destinations on Main.” Sample wines from the Shallowford Wine Trail, food items, enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a farmer’s market and visit the shops on Main Street. Admission is free. Fee for wine tasting. Yadkin Arts Council 226 E. Main Street 336-679-2941 www.yadkinarts.org April 16 •Hickory Hops Hickory, NC 30 local microbreweries in the Southeast featuring a variety of beers for a hand crafted beer tasting. www.downtownhickory.com April 16 •Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend @ the NASCAR Hall of Fame An ambulatory food and wine tasting at The NASCAR Hall of Fame to include rides in the simulator cars. Silent and live auctions to benefit Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend charity - our mission: To nurture children in body, mind and spirit by focusing on such issues as education, child abuse and neglect, homelessness and hunger. www.charlottewineandfood.org A p r i l 1 6 • C r u i s i n s D ow n t ow n Yadkinville Yadkin Valley Cruisers “Cruise-In”! Come out and see the old classic cars gathered around the courthouse square. The cruise-in starts at 4:00p.m, 60 - 70 classic cars, hear great music, door prizes and lots of fun! www.yadkinvalleycruisers.com April 17 •British Autocross Sunday, 8 am–Noon the Gathering Autocross returns. Put your British iron through its paces as we compete for “Fastest Time of Day!” Whether you are a novice or an autocross regular, you will have a great time! The autocross will take place at the Surry County Community College’s Emergency Ser-
vices Training Center driving course. The campus is located at 630 South Main Street, Dobson NC 27017 www.triumphclub.org April 21 •Bike Night Mac’s Speed Shop Lake Norman - Season Begins April 22 - 23 •BBQ Capital CookOff in Historic Uptown Lexington Join us in uptown Lexington for the Inaugural BBQ Capital Cook-off! In a city renowned for its heritage of slow cooking pork shoulders over hickory wood that is known world wide as Lexington-style barbecue, it seems logical that a barbecue cookoff would take place on our streets! Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, this event is poised to become the spring compliment the October Lexington Barbecue Festival. The Festival just celebrated their 27th anniversary and brought over 100,000 people to Lexington! Great Food, Music, Kids Activities and much more! www.uptownlexington.com April 23 •White Wine Release Party Childress Vineyards Join us 7:00 pm10:00pm as we celebrate the release of our new white varietals. Executive Chef David Thomas is preparing a menu of gourmet food samples to complement our 2009 white wines. 1000 Childress Vineyards Road , Lexington NC April 23 •Cruis’n Asheboro D ow n t ow n A s h e b o r o w i l l h o s t classic car collectors and enthusiasts in this 2nd Annual Cruis’n. www.chamber.asheboro.com
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Destinations April 27 - May 1 •9th Annual MINIs on the Dragon Fontana Dam, NC Ride the dragon. Welcome Dinner, Dragon Bingo, Brewswap, Dragon Draggins (pine car racing), Car Show, Wine Tasting, Farewell Dinner. www.minisonthedragon.com April 28 - May 1 •MerleFest MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, deceased son of Artist Doc Watson. The festival is a fund raiser for Wilkes Community College and is a celebration of “traditional plus” music. MerleFest features over 90 artists appearing on 14 different stages on the campus of Wilkes Community College, 1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. merlefest@wilkescc.edu www.merlefest.org April 29 - May 1 •Smoky Mountain BIKEFEST Amongst the beautiful green blanketed mountains you’ll be hearing the roar of the engines as the bikes pull into East Tennessee. 1st annual 3 day Smoky Mountain Bikefest in the tourist capital of East TN and that is in Gatlinburg!! Once again we will be rockin’ Newport, TN and now Gatlinburg, TN. If you have ever been to Newport & Gatlinburg you know about the amazing riding the area provides to motorcycle enthusiasts. Now, there is another reason to point your forks to our two little towns nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. THREE days of events in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg. www.smokymountainbikefest.com April 30 •2 nd Annual Bud Break Wine Festival Held in Downtown Mount Airy. 15 North Carolina Wineries, Food Vendors, Local Artists, and Great Music. FMI visit: www.budbreakfestival.com
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April 30 - May 1 •Art on the Green! This enormously popular event brings thousands of people to Davidson to enjoy art, live music, and food. This juried art festival features booths filled with top quality art works from artists throughout the region. Artists from the Community Art Project and the juried show will be on hand demonstrating their talents. The weekend will include musical performances by a variety of local talents. Food choices range from hotdogs sold by Woodlawn School to gourmet boxed lunches from area restaurants. Join us for an exciting weekend filled with visual, musical, and culinary arts! www.ci.davidson.nc.us April 30 - May 1 •Spring Wine Release Vineyards of Swan Creek 12-5pm. Free Admission. Join the Vineyards of Swan Creek for the release of our 2011 Spring wines. Tastings of selected wines will be provided paired with a sampling of paired foods. Live entertainment will be at each vineyard throughout the weekend. For more information visit www.swancreekvineyards.com. May - August •Concerts on the Green Davidson A summer family favorite, Concerts on the Green are the first and third Sunday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Village Green in front of the Public Library at the intersection of Main Street and Concord Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family, comfy chairs, a blanket or a picnic and to come early to find seats. You can also make it a date night in Davidson by visiting some of our local restaurants and retail establishments, then strolling on over to the Village Green and enjoying some great music under the stars.
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
Destinations Concerts on the Green is a free annual concert series. www.ci.davidson.nc.us May 6 - 8 •MayFest Each Spring on Mother’s Day weekend Pilot Mountain in Mt. Airy hosts the annual Mayfest. The celebration begins on Friday and draws to a close on Sunday afternoon. Main Street is blocked off to motor traffic to accommodate an array of arts, crafts, and food vendors in addition to live entertainment. arts@surryarts.org (336) 786-7998 www.surryarts.org May 8 •4 th Annual Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Event Symphony Park South Park, Charlotte Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day. This event is not designed for children. They are welcome but you will find very little of interest to them. www.beerandbourbon.com/north-carolina/ show-info May 28 - 29 •7TH Annual Vettes In The Valley Celebrate a great American Classic. Over 400 Corvettes attend for Judged, Peoples Choice Car Show, Road Rally, Vendors, Entertainment, Silent Auction, and Door Prizes; NCCC Non-points Sanctioned event; Car Auction Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. Contact Marion D. Hamel at 828-734-9126 or by fax 866-5918565 www.smokyevents.com
May 7 •7 th Annual Shine to Wine Festival 12:00 - 6:00pm in Downtown North Wilkesboro. Live entertainment, art, merchandise, wine, and food. Along with showcasing North Wilkesboro, Wilkes County and the burgeoning wine industry in our area, this year’s event will feature the 4th Annual Culinary Chef Challenge, where regional chefs representing surrounding restaurants will compete for the title of Best Chef, Most Creative and People’s Choice. These chefs will display their cooking and presentation talents for a jury of judges and critics. General admission is FREE, and wine tastings are only $20! ($15 in advance). www.north-wilkesboro.com/shinetowine May 7 - 8th •Swan Creek Vineyards Spring Wine Release Party Visit the Swan Creek Vineyards and enjoy their Spring Wine Release this weekend! A two day celebration of new release wines at each vineyard which includes Laurel Gray, Buck Shoals, Shadow Springs, Dobbins Creek and Raffaldini Vineyards. There will be live entertainment and light refreshment at each vineyard. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Music will be from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Contact any of the participating vineyards for more information. May 14 •The Race City Festival “A Celebration of Mooresville Arts & Culture” Downtown Mooresville, NC. The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event, formerly known as the Lake Norman Festival. In addition to our local merchants, the 2011 festival will feature the arts & culture of our community, music & other entertainment, wineries & an International Food Court,
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Destinations plus a children’s area. The Race City Festival is a true celebration of Mooresville’s diversified community. 9-3pm www.mooresvillenc.org. May 26 - 28 •Food Lion Speed Street Uptown Charlotte Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on three stages, appearances by top Nextel Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators. www.600festival.com
July 2 - 4 •Old Salem Independence Day Celebrations 9:30am 4:30pm 900 Old Salem Road Winston-Salem. Join us as we celebrate Independence Day in Old Salem. We’ll build up to the festivities on July 4, with two days of musket firings, games, and hearth cooking on July 2 and 3. Old Salem Museums & Gardens will celebrate July 4 just like Moravians did in the 18th century. Hands-on activities and demonstrations of 18th and 19th century life will entertain the whole family. www.oldsalem.org/july4.
July 9 - 10 •Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Festival Talented artisans from around the Southeast present a varied collection of arts, crafts & unique merchandise. This is the first of two “juried arts and crafts shows” June 3 •Hog Happenin’ Kansas of the year. All vendors must have City BarBQ cook-off, as well as “handcrafted” items. A few food venmotorcyclists from all over in at- dors will be on hand to service the tendance. Great food, vendors, bike public. Contact: Jena 800-624-4431 show, bike games and poker run! www.maggievalley.org www.hoghappenin.org July 30 •Bootleg Shine MotorJune 4 •9 th Annual Piedmont Pot- cycle Rally Visit the Historic North tery Festival Eden, NC – The finest in Wilkesboro Speedway for live music hand-crafted pottery from the Triad by Fair Warning, old school drag racing and southern Virginia. Over 100 pot- and ride around the track. Bike show, ters. Demonstrations and door prizes. bike games and Miss Bootleg Shine www.edenspecialevents.com Contest. Vendors, camping and beautiful roads to ride surrounding the track. June 4 - 5 •14th Annual Black Moun- www.bootlegshinerally.com tain Arts and Crafts Show Black Mountain, NC – The Show is over 65 October 1 •Mountain Thunder Car Juried Crafters/Artists. The purpose for Show Commerce Street, Old Fort, NC. the show is to promote the highest Sponsored by the Route 70 Cruisers, quality crafts. Held in the middle all makes and models of cars, trucks of Historic Black Mountain. Come and motorcycles are invited to join enjoy food and cold drinks at the the fun, no entrance or admission west end of town at The Old Depot fees! There will be food, crafts and a www.olddepot.org “swap meet” area for treasure hunters. route70cruisers@yahoo.com
May 28 •Corvette Auto Show Display your beautiful Corvette on the grounds of Shelton Vineyards! 10am - 6 pm Free Admission
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
From Farm to Fork I
n the heart of Davidson lies a community restaurant that explodes with metropolitan culinary experience. When walking into Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse you notice the open layout. In the exposed kitchen, you will see chefs skillfully preparing your food as they take pride in both preparation and presentation. Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is shamelessly and skillfully devoted to sourcing the finest quality proteins and produce available on our fair earth. At the helm of the local movement is Davidson’s Farmer’s Market. Flatiron is proud to be a marquis
sponsor of the market for 2011. F l a t i r o n f e a t u r e s “ Wo o d Smoked Mains” preparing the meats over a hardwood grill. Wagyu is the feature beef (American Kobe) and Kurobuta pork (Kobe beef of pork) is used for it’s flavor and tenderness. When selecting a beverage pairing for your meal you are not limited to wine. The Beer Tower has 24 crafted beers to choose from. Specialty beers from around the world that can be as light as a hummingbird or as thick as oatmeal. If you prefer wine, you will find over fifty wines from which to choose. The focus is bringing in extraordinary wine and beer to pair with your exceptional meal. An unmatched dining experience! Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse 215 S. Main Street Davidson, NC 704-237-3359 www.flatirononmain.com
Open SundayS fOr lunch and dinner!
flatiron kitchen and taphouse
Monday-Thursday 11:00am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11pm Sunday 11:00am-9pm 215 S. Main Street Davidson, North Carolina www.flatirononmain.com
704/237-3359 DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365
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Wine Shop Within A Shop “A Serious Waterside Wine Bar with a Different Attitude”
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ucked away along the North Harbor in Davidson, is a little cottage that is a unique blend of gift shop, bakery, wine bar/store and gourmet food. Lake Norman Cottage has quickly become a favorite spot on Lake Norman for people who desire something different. As the name implies, it is a cottage. Tables and chairs on the patio facing the lake, inside wooden tables to congregate and chat with fellow wine enthusiasts, and a secluded living room with plush sofas and chairs to make you feel like you are the only guests in the Cottage. Spontaneous concerts have broken out; even wedding proposals have been made in the wine room at Trudis’; it’s almost impossible to leave the Cottage without making new friends. Every time you stop in it’s a little different than last time. Local art and quirky one of kind treasures
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keep the selection of gifts constantly changing. It seems almost weekly Trudi is redecorating the Cottage to celebrate the holiday… any holiday. If you need a last minute gift for anyone, you will find it at Lake Norman Cottage whether they are a wine lover or just appreciate unique treasures. If you arrive hungry you are in
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
luck! Make sure you try the Baked Brie or one of their extensive fruit and cheese trays drizzled with honey. Friday and Saturday nights offer a formal tasting paired with food. If you walk in during one of these events you would think they were serving a seven course meal. All this popularity has left Lake Norman Cottage bursting at the seams. After April 1st stop by and see the expanded Cottage. Lake Norman Cottage excels at serving comfort and relaxation. Providing the perfect surroundings to enjoy that new bottle vino you’ve discovered. Whether you are sitting in the wine room, on the porch or under the trees along the shore. Lake Norman Cottage is the perfect destination to bring old friends or meet new ones. Lake Norman Cottage (next door to North Harbor Club Restaurant off exit 30 on I-77) 200-A North Harbor Place, Davidson, NC 28036 (704) 237-3629 www.lakenormancottage.com
Have You Been to Lake Norman Cottage Lately? You Should...
We are BIGGER and EVEN...
BETTER
How is that possible?
Arrive by: Boat, Auto, Walk JUST GET HERE
RESERVE YOUR PRI V ATE EVENT Corporate-Family-Friends TWO PATIOS
Murder Mystery Dinner First Thursday of Every Month
Book your Private Murder Mystery Dinner Or
Waterfront Wine Bar General Store • Bakery Gift Shop 200-A North Harbor Place Lake norman cottage
Davidson, NC 28036 www.LakeNormanCottage.com Next to North Harbor Club on the water off of exit 30 I-77
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VISIT
BIKE NIGHTS WED NIGHTS
APRIL - SEPTEMBER
Eric Herrmann Studios
Roadster
After winning the coveted “Street Machine of the Year” award, GM Design award, and Trendsetters award, Barry Blomquist’s C1-RS Corvette was destined to go down in automotive history. The Gerber brothers of The Roadster Shop fame amassed countless hours and the finest craftsmen in the world to create this stunning 1962 Corvette. Talking with Eric at his art display during The BarrettJackson Auto Auction, Barry decided to take his “Roadster” to an even higher level and commissioned Eric Herrmann to create a fine art painting to immortalize this famous vehicle. Back in his Arizona studio, armed with hundreds of photos, Eric began the two month long
painting project. With only his brushes, acrylic paint, and canvas, Eric has created another worldclass work of art, simply titled “Roadster”. I’m very fortunate to have risen to this level in my art career where the finest vehicles in the world are offered to me as subjects, states Eric. Barry’s new painting “Roadster” measuring 30”x46” hangs proudly in his home where he can view it daily when he’s not out tearing up the countryside. Want one to inspire your C1 proj e c t? For addit iona l information contact Eric at 480/575-7559 or visit his website at www.EricHerrmannStudios.com
8301-1 Magnolia Estates Drive • Cornelius, NC 28031
704•892•4433
• Daily drink features • Daily lunch specials Corner •Jacks Full take out andTap giftJack’s cards available • Catering for all occasions • Large selection of beer on tap and bottles
Hours of Business: Sunday – Wednesday 11:00am – 12:00am Thursday – Saturday 11:00am – 2:00am
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
More Racing-More BBQMore Fun in Mooresville If you guessed Lancaster’s BBQ & Wings is in the heart of “Race City U.S.A.” you hit it right on the snout! At Lancaster’s, it is all about BBQ pork, chicken and beef. In fact, Lancaster’s has been voted the best BBQ in Mooresville for the past 24 years straight! The food is definitely on the pole here. Jeff Lancaster offers so many special sauces and home made specialties it will take laps back to the dining room to find your favorite. After you’ve tried all the beef, pork and chicken plates check out the southern catfish and shrimp. With over 10,000 square feet of racing memorabilia. If you have ever been a NASCAR fan, you will find something representing your driver on the wall or ceiling. Three levels of dining, four if you include sitting inside the bus that is in the middle of the main room. For kids and adults their is plenty to enjoy from the racing history on the walls to the heaping portions of home made southern food on your plate. Everything at Lancaster’s is not static, a large game room off the
main floor will keep kids and parents distracted. If you have that spirit of competition why not take on a few of your buddies or family members head to head in one of the Race Simulators while you wait. Better be quick around the track because the service here is very fast. A new addition to Lancaster’s is the Hawg Trawgh Saloon. Jeff built a Motorcycle themed oasis just off the “back door” of Lancaster’s BBQ. It includes a full bar decorated Hog Wild style with a motorcycle hanging on the wall from Tilleys Harley-Davidson of Statesville. Once you grab a beverage at the bar you can head out to the covered porch or to the parking lot to check out up close the bikes and cars that show up daily at the best little cruise-in you’ll find! Bike nights are Wednesday. Lancaster’s BBQ is more than a destination, it’s an adventure to remember. Lancaster’s BBQ & Wings 515 Rinehardt Rd Mooresville, NC 28115 704-663-5807 www.lancastersbbq.com
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A Lesson in Family Gets Out Of Hand Tim and Brenda wanted their children to experience the same family living they did
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im and Brenda Doub grew up on a farm knowing that working a farm is hard work. The lessons learned were priceless. After the birth of their first child, they decided to plant a vineyard so  their children could enjoy the same experience. Five varieties of grapes were planted in 2002 on the century old farm. In 2005, Flint Hill Vineyards opened. The wines produced soon began winning awards. In addition to the wine, people were enjoying the 135 year old tasting room and of course , the wonderful host and hostess of the old farm house. Flint Hill produces eight different wines from the semi-sweet Crushed Velvet to the top rated Cabernet Sauvignon in North Carolina. To showcase the wines, Tim and Brenda started hosting wine dinners in the family home. The rooms were decorated to reflect the warmth of the 1870s farmhouse. On the walls are actual family photos from generations
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of Doubs who lived on the farm. The dinners were a huge success from the start. Immediately more people wanted to attend than could be served from the old kitchen (just off the tasting room). Tim is an avid cyclist. One day, on the road, he met a fellow rider who just happened to be a Chef. Sean Wehr has an extensive resumĂŠ from Greenbrier in West Virginia to Windsor Court in New Orleans, one of the Top restaurants in all of Louisiana. Century Kitchen at Flint Hill was born. Chef Wehr serves a seasonally inspired menu combining the freshest ingredients paired
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine
336-699-4455 with the award winning wines of Flint Hill. One of the Kitchen’s signature entrées is the Iron Seared Filet Mignon with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Marchand de Vin a wine reduction made with the award, winning 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Even a dessert or two is infused with my summertime favorite Crushed Velvet. When you visit Flint Hill Vineyards you cannot help but relax and take a deep breath. Whether it’s enjoying a bottle of wine on the patio under the ageless oak tree or a intimate dinner at one of the cozy tables throughout the house. This little yellow farmhouse will become one of your favorite destinations. Flint Hill Vineyards 2133 Flint Hill Road East Bend, NC (336)-699-4455 www.flinthillvineyards.com
OUR ESTATE GROWN WINES INCLUDE: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chambourcin, Viognier, Chardonnay, Synergy (Dry Blend) Crushed Velvet (Semi Sweet Red) And Olde Yattken (Semi Sweet White) Join Us At Our
Annual Yadkin River Wine Trail Festivals
The First Sunday Every Month June Thru October From 12 To 4PM For Music, Wine And Good Food. Details Can Be Found On Our Website www.flinthillvineyards.com.
Flint Hill Vineyards Tasting Room is open every Friday thru Sunday from 12 to 5 pm or by appointment.
Century Kitchen, our resident restaurant, is open for dinner every Thursday thru Saturday from 5 to 9 pm and is open for lunch every Friday thru Sunday from 12 to 3pm. Menus can be found online at www.flinthillcenturykitchen.com. Please call 336-699-4455 for reservations.
Experience the tastes of Yadkin Valley
Century Kitchen at Flint Hill 2133 Flint Hill Road East Bend, NC (336)-699-4455 www.flinthillcenturykitchen.com
wwwFlintHillVineyards.com www.FlintHillCenturyKitchen.com
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Upscale Dining Along the Detour I f your mototouring this summer takes you along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll be guided past a little lodge between mile post 248 and Laurel Springs on Hwy 18. Freeborne’s is an unexpected treat as you get ready to trek around the hour or so detour (due to parkway construction). The first thing that separates this destination from the rest is that this kitchen has a chef, not just a cook. Jeffery Anderson has been recognized for his creativity in the kitchen as he takes the menu from just being another roadside diner to being an upscale eatery. Freeborne’s features a bar for casual dining, a cozy country style dining room with linens and local art for a bit more formal dining including a large grassy area out back with seating (if you’d like to enjoy the mountain air while you dine). We stopped in recently where they were still featuring their limited winter menu but we were certainly not disappointed. From the Ultimate Prime Burger cooked
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on an ancient seasoned grill (you can try to cook the same burger anywhere else and it won’t be as good) to the Fried Bologna Sandwich with thick deli cut bologna on a kaiser roll. This is the only restaurant I’ve been to that you can order a Grilled Cheese and be stuffed when you leave the table. In April, Jeffery will bring out the full menu for season that will include his famous Appalachian Chicken, Baby Back Ribs in Freeborne’s own sauce, eight different pastas, seafood, hand made pizzas, soups, salads and “The Carpet Bagger” 14oz. Ribeye topped with shrimp, spinach and mushrooms drizzled with a cabernet demi-glace finished with jumbo lump crab meat. Saturday nights feature slow (13 hour) cooked Prime Rib with a house “secret rub”. Freeborne’s Eatery & Lodge Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 248 14300 NC Hwy 18 South Laurel Springs, NC 336-359-8008 www.freebornes.com
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Feature Bike
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affle tickets are available now for a $10.00 donation for one ticket, or purchase 7 tickets for $50.00 and receive a free Wheels Through Time Museum T-Shirt and DVD OR a free 1 year American Iron Magazine Subscription. All proceeds from the raffle will be used to create new exhibits, enhance museum displays, and help keep us... “The Museum That Runs.” To purchase raffle ticket(s), mail your name, address, and good phone # to the below address, with appropriate payment amount and shirt size if applicable:
Win a 1936 Harley-Davidson EL - 61c.i. Knucklehead This is a great offer for a worthwhile cause! The 9th Annual Raffle will be held November 12, 2011 You can win this 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Or $25,000 Each Purchase helps keep us “The Museum That Runs”
Wheels Through Time Museum Annual Raffle P.O. Box 790 Maggie Valley, NC 28751 Or you can charge tickets online!
www.WheelsThroughTime.com DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365
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THUNDER ART
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Discover the Very Surry Experience From Mountains to Merlot to Mayberry, Surry County Has it All!
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or Charlotte-area MotoTourists, it’s hard to beat Surry County. This scenic county is less than two hours up Interstate 77 and provides wonderful topography for riding. To its north and northwest, the county is mountainous, reaching upwards of 2,500 feet in elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Cumberland Knob Recreation Area, as well as along the Virginia state line. But as the county flows southeastward from Cumberland Knob, the terrain transitions into the Blue Ridge foothills, with elevations around 1,500 feet. By the time it reaches the Yadkin River in the county’s southeastern corner, the topography has mellowed to rolling hills at just under 1,000 feet in elevation. So, the terrain is perfectly suited for two wheels or four. But it’s not just the ride, it’s the destination. And Surry County offers popular stop-off points. Some of the county’s highlights include multiple wineries, old-time music, the Mayberry experience in Mount Airy, a vintage 1950’s drive-in and Pilot Mountain State Park. So pack the saddlebags or wipe down the dashboards because its time to hit the road for Surry County. Departing the Queen City,
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jump on Interstate 77 and head northward. After 75 miles, exit on the left side onto U.S. Highway 21. This becomes an open, four-lane byway that skirts the edge of Elkin (which has a neat downtown) and heads northwest to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A great stop, just 2-3 miles up Hwy. 21, is Grassy Creek Winery. The winery is a converted dairy farm – the barn serves as the tasting room and wines come in replicas of old dairy bottles. There are also cabins and a main bunkhouse for rent on property. Another 8-10 miles up U.S. 21 is McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks, a comfy, down-home winery with a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly dog. McRitchie makes a variety of award-winning wines, and well as hard ciders. It was featured last year in Southern Living. Just north of McRitchie, the ascension begins and the road turns curvy and fun. A scenic overlook on the left at 2,400 feet provides a sweeping panorama of the piedmont in one direction and North Carolina’s Stone Mountain in another. Continuing up Hwy. 21, you cross into Alleghany County for a spell and intersect the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the Parkway –
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America’s most visited national park – north to Cumberland Knob and re-enter Surry County by turning right on N.C. 18. After a short stretch on N.C. 18, head south on N.C. 89 and prepare for a long hairpin turn that feels as though you’re much further west in the mountains of North Carolina. After the hairpin, the road drops into flatter topography and provides a nice, flowing route through farmland and Carolina forests. You will cross under I-77 and then have a short ride into Mount Airy, a.k.a. Mayberry. Mount Airy is awful proud of its native son, Andy Griffith, and the town embraces its role as inspiration for Mayberry in his classic sitcom. Make sure to drop by the new Andy Griffith Museum, just off downtown on Rockford Street. The museum houses an amazing collection of Griffith memorabilia. Boyhood pal Emmett Forest spent 25 years collecting everything Andy – from a photo of a pre-famous Andy Griffith performing with a pre-famous
Elvis, to the actual signs on the courthouse doors in the show that say “Sheriff ” and “Justice of the Peace”. The museum even has Goober’s bronzed beanie and the suit worn by Otis Campbell, the town drunk. Best of all, admission is $3 and is a two-for-one deal. Go downstairs and take in a separate museum – the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall – which honors Mount Airy’s role as the center of the Old-Time Music genre. For the complete “Mayberry experience,” park your wheels at 625 South Main Street and slide into the backseat of a vintage Ford Galaxie 500 sedan at Wally’s Service Station. A local entrepreneur maintains a fleet of replica squad cars from The Andy Griffith Show and tours folks through Mayberry for $30 a car load. The tour includes Andy’s boyhood home, Floyd’s Barber Shop, the Snappy Lunch and a detour to the largest open-faced granite quarry in the world. Upon climbing out the vintage squad car, head over to the Dairy
Photo By: Hobart Jones
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Center Drive-In on Lebanon Street, a place straight out of the 1950s. It is famous for tasty hot dogs, ground steak sandwiches and ice cream. Classic cars frequent this place, too, including a candy apple red 1956 Chrysler belonging to local resident Reg Banner, and a white 1953 Buick convertible owned by Zack Blackmon, Jr. Another local, Betty Lynn, the actress who played Barney Fife’s girlfriend “Thelma Lou,” has been known to stop by the Dairy Center for a bite to eat. You can finally put Andy Griffith in your rearview mirror by heading south on U.S. Highway 52. At the intersection of U.S. 601, turn right on U.S. 601 and head south into the heart of Yadkin Valley wine country. The Yadkin Valley has been officially designed an American Viticultural Area and boasts more than 30 wineries, many of them in Surry County. Just before you reach the town of Dobson, turn left onto Rockford Road and watch the bucolic countryside unfold. This is a great route with subtle ups and downs and nice, long curves. Two wineries – Stoney Knoll and Hutton Vineyards – are along Rockford Road, as is the Rockford Inn Bed and Breakfast. The bed-and-breakfast occupies an 1848 Antebellum Home that has been in the family of innkeepers Doug and Hannah Holyfield for generations. The Rockford Community is the last stop in Surry County before crossing the Yadkin River into Yadkin County. Rockford was once the county seat and a bustling town with a hotel, courthouse, general store and several businesses. Today, the general store is still in operation and the
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Photo By: Hobart Jones
remaining structures are being preserved by the Rockford Historical Society. In the early 1800s, a young lawyer and future U.S. President by the name of Andrew Jackson lived in Rockford while studying across the Yadkin River at the Richmond Hill Law School. According to legend, Jackson left town before settling his account at the local tavern. The owner was none too happy and posted the outstanding bill on the tavern wall for all to see. But later, upon learning of Gen. Jackson’s heroic efforts to defeat the British at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, the tavern owner forgave the debt for his “service to United States.” Craig Distl Here are a couple noteworthy upcoming events in Surry County: April 16 – British Car Gathering at Shelton Vineyards. Come see more than 200 cars on display, including Austin Healeys, Jaguars, MGs, Triumphs and Bentleys. For info, call (704) 553-0135. June 4 – Hot Nights, Hot Cars Cruise-In. Takes place in downtown Pilot Mountain and includes live beach music and plenty of classic cars. For info, call (336) 4010443.
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Male 49% Female 51% Ages 18-34 12.5% Ages 35-54 43.4% Age 55+ 44.1% Household income of $100K+ 44.2% Home Value $200K-$499K 43.8% Home Value $500K+ 16.8%
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Celebrate at both the Salisbury and Statesville Dealerships
April 23rd
EGG-STRAVAGANZA Make a Purchase, Pick An Egg for a Suprise!! (excludes bikes, tires & oil & other discounted items)
TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Tilley Harley-Davidson of Statesville Tilley Harley-Davidson of Salisbury 1226 Morland Dr. Statesville, NC 653 Bendix Dr. Salisbury, NC 704-872-3883 704-638-6044
WWW.TILLEYHD.COM
April 2011 Open Thursday-Monday Hours: 9a.m. - 5p.m.
Maggie Valley, NC
Wheels Through Time Museum
62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751
(828) 926-6266
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*EPA estimate with manual transmission. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation. **Contact Hendrick MINI for more information. © 2011 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
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