the Issue 56 Regional Events & Destinations
Final Weekend Of The Renaissance Festival
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Sip Away In The Yadkin Valley With Winter Wine Passports Defiant Whisky Launches Destination Dining Series Sheepdog Trials And Dog Festival Rural Hill Oyster Roast
We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com
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Regional Events & Destinations
Yadkin Valley Winter Wine Passports
Adagio Vineyards | Brushy Mountain | Carolina Heritage Elkin Creek | Grassy Creek | Herrera | Round Peak Scull Camp | Slightly Askew | Stony Knoll
Nov. 27, 2015 - APRIL 3, 2016 Tastings at 10 Participating Wineries 3 Food & Wine Pairing Experiences Discounts at Merchants, Restaurants & Lodging
$50 Individual | $85 Couple (before Nov 27) $55 Individual | $95 Couple (after Nov 27)
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November 2015 Issue 56
the
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e Te l l y o u w h e r e t o g o ! Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find regional events and destinations in the Destination Magazine™ that will have you saying “I never knew that was there.” The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we don’t write about spectacular events you’ve missed. If you desire new destinations to explore on your own, or ideas for things to do with friends and family you will find someplace new to experience each month in your destination magazine.
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CONTENTS DayTrip Destinations
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Sip Away In The Yadkin Valley With Winter Wine Passports
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We know we are on to something!
Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials And Dog Festival
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Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers
Defiant Whisky Launches Destination Dining Series
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Tour The Ghost Village On Portsmouth Island
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Final Weekend Of The Renaissance Festival
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Rural Hill Oyster Roast
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Published by: Photodude.net Marketing Manager: Lisa Jay Sales: Jin Williams Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Jim Stallard, Project 543, Visit NC, Craig Distl, Michelle Yelton Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, PhotodudeART.com, Paul Newton, RomanticAsheville.com The list of events in this publication is compiled from various sources dates & times are tentative & subject to change. the Destination Magazine™ is published by Photodude.net LLC 369 Dovefield Drive Summerfield, NC 27358 (704) 706-2365 www.theDestinationMag. com ©2015 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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DayTrip Destinations Renaissance Festival Sat & Sun through November 22nd 10am – 5:30pm 16445 Poplar Tent Road, H u n t e r s v i l l e , N C 2 8 0 7 8 . Fi r s t introduced in 1994 with six acres of exhibits, attractions and entertainment, the event has grown into a 20-acre theme park. The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century Europeanstyle art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, marketplace, jousting tournament, and a feast fit for royalty. www.royalfaires.com
demonstrations in the 1760’s cabin, pumpkin chunkin’, corn launchin’, kid’s activities, and much more! www.ruralhill.net
Turkey Shoot 4pm – 10pm Sat November 7th Primal Brewer y – 16432 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Come take your shot a one of the nicest turkeys you will ever meet. David, one of the owners of Primal Brewery will be your target dressed in a turkey suit as you shoot for prizes. Food, music and mayhem as always at one of Primal Sheepdog Trials And Dog Festival Sat Brewerey’s events. Do not bring your November 7th – Sun Nov 8th Rural own gun, one will be provided for Hill Nature Preser ve, 4431 Neck you. www.primalbrewery.com Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Don’t miss a thing! National Border Collie CiderFest NC Sat Nov. 7th 1pm – 5pm Sheepherding Championships will Brevard Rd at WNC Farmers Market, be held over the two day event, as Asheville, NC 28810. Twenty plus well as Carolina Dock Dogs and Dog Cider makers will be serving up their Sports demonstrations featuring the tasty varieties of hard cider along with Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog a new addition of two local mead Club and others! Also on hand will makers Bee & Bramble & Fox Hill be North Carolina beer and wine, Meadery! To compliment your cider heritage breed livestock, hay rides, we have added a new Chef’s Station historic craft and cooking demos, where apples and hard cider will be the food vendors, shopping, open featured ingredients for small plates. trails, antique tractors, living history And back again by popular demand Continued On Page 7
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Mountain Music Heaps O’ Food Regional Events & Destinations
Destinations is the WNC Cheese Trail offering event complete with food trucks samples from local creameries. and a fun-filled atmosphere. Join www.ciderfest.wncgbc.org in the celebration with your own kite, or enjoy a relaxing weekend Cape Fear Kite Festival Sat November on the beaches of Fort Fisher as you 7th – Sun 8th Fort Fisher State marvel at the high-flying twirling, Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead spinning and swooping spectacle Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449. Enjoy created by a sky full of colorful kites. one of the most colorful weekends www.visitkurebeachnc.com on the North Carolina Coast as flying enthusiasts come together to paint S t a t e s v i l l e P u m p k i n F e s t S a t the skies above the Fort Fisher State N o v e m b e r 7 t h S t a t e s v i l l e , N . Recreation Area with all shapes, Highlights of the 2015 Festival sizes, styles and colors of kites! The include: Festival Kid Zone ~ Games, Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival was Rides and Activities such as Pumpkin created to be a “no contests, no B o w l i n g ~ P u m p k i n Pa i n t i n g competitions” fun fly venue where and even Pumpkin Smashing ~ dozens of kite flyers with the same Over 60 Art and Craft Exhibitors passion get together to share their ~ A Variety of Tantalizing Food love of kiting. Since its beginning, the ~ Three Entertainment Stages ~ festival has grown to a weekend-long Cornhole Tournament ~ Classic Continued On Page 8
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Destinations Continued From Page 7
Car Cruise-In on Court Street ~ Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest ~ Taste of North Carolina Craft Beer Garden www.statesvillepumpkinfest.com Cheoah River High Flow Weekends Sat November 7th 8am – 6pm US129, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking east of the Mississippi is located in Western NC. The Cheoah isn’t for the faint of heart. The river has many Class IV/IV+ rapids and lots of residual vegetation that require a high skill level to negotiate. With the exception of two or three half-mile or so sections, the Cheoah is unusually continuous with a gradient that is consistently steep for a river its size. The 9+ mile run can be broken into three sections and represents a whitewater experience not often found in the Southeast! Recommended for experienced paddlers only. River pass bracelets can be purchased at O’Henry’s, Outland Expeditions www.grahamcountytravel.com Folk Life Festival Sat November 7th – Sun November 8th Historic L atta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Local
vendors specializing in handcrafts including pottery, jewelry, preserves, paintings, and wood crafts will be available for browsing. Living history demonstrations including book binding, woodworking, cooking and an open house tour will be ongoing throughout each day. Children will also enjoy games and farm animal displays. Food vendors and the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will be serving. Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors/Students, Children 5 & Under are Free. www.lattaplantation.org NC Food Truck Rodeo Sun November 8th 12pm – 4pm 7360 Brooks Bridge Rd, Gibsonville, NC 27249. The NC Food Rodeo features seated dining areas, free admission, free parking, entertainers, kids activities, locally grown Grove wines and locally made beer. www.grovewinery.com Rural Hill Oyster Roast 2pm – 6pm Sun November 15th Historic Rural Hill - 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Enjoy a basket or two of perfectly roasted and seasoned oysters cooked by nationally recognized chef and award winning author Dan “the pig man” Huntley. Huntley specializes in bringing
High School athletes hoping to play in college – start early and have a Plan B. www.succeedwhereitcounts.com 704-819-6267
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Regional Events & Destinations
Destinations Southern food traditions such as pig pickings, oyster roasts, catfish fries, and Lowcountry shrimp boils to crowds around the region. See the stor y in this issue for more information. www.ruralhill.net 21st Annual Cucalorus Film Festival Wed November 11th – Sun 15th Wilmington, NC. Join the fun with the 21st Annual Cucalorus Film Festival! The Cucalorus Film Festival is a non-competitive festival which showcases more than 200 films and attracts an accumulated audience of 14,800 cultural travelers who come from all over the world to celebrate the art-form and connect with peers. The festival’s spirited celebration has been recognized as a breeding ground for young artists
and was named “One of the coolest film festivals in the world” by Movie Maker Magazine in 2013 and 2014. Festival programs focus on dance, music videos, emerging artists, social justice, works-in-progress, and international cinema. Cucalorus creates an opportunity for intimate engagement between audience and artist through the festival’s retreat-like atmosphere, resulting in friendships that extend far beyond the festival’s five-day celebration, so make sure to join the fun! www.cucalorus.org Mooresville Veterans Day Celebration Wed November 11th 11am – 2pm 165 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115. Support our vets – our hometown heroes! Welcome Home Continued On Page 10
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Visit our taproom! 19507 W Catawba Ave Cornelius NC | Baynebrew.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365
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Destinations
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Veterans Living Militar y Museum and the Town of Mooresville present the inaugural Mooresville Veterans Day Parade & Celebration to honor veterans of all types and from all conflicts. This year’s event will span four days and include an expo, job assistance, films, music, and more! The parade will begin at Richards following a brief ceremony and travel to Mooresville Town Hall lawn where celebrations will include free food and live music. Valdese Christmas In November Sat November 14th 9am – Thu 19th 4pm 100 Main St E, Valdese, NC 28690. Enjoy a day in Valdese and get your Christmas shopping done early. With over 30 handmade crafters, attendees will have a wide selection to choose from to purchase the perfect Christmas gift. Enjoy the sounds of a living Christmas tree and enter a raffle to win a beautiful piece of local made fur niture. www.townofvaldese.com Ft. Dobbs “Military Timeline” Sat November 14th 10am – 4pm 438 Fort Dobbs Rd, Statesville, NC 28625. North Carolina has survived numerous invading military forces
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and sent tens of thousands of her sons and daughters off to war over the centuries. At Fort Dobbs visit with Cherokee warriors, Johnny Reb and Billy Yank, WWII G.I.’s and grunts from Vietnam (among others), to learn how their uniforms, equipment and experience have changed over the past 300 years. We a p o n s d e m o n s t r a t i o n s w i l l feature cannon and small arms at this state historic site, part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. www.fortdobbs.org Shuck & Peel Party Sat November 14th 1pm – 6pm 222 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Steamed & fried oysters/shrimp, clam chowder, hot dogs & hamburgers, Craft Beers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and water available. Or bring your own picnic as you listen to The Extraordinaires! www.downtownhickory.com Christmas Tree Farm Choose & Cut Season Sun November 15th – Thu Dec 24th 58 S Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. A trip up the Blue Ridge Mountains to Sparta and Alleghany County is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. This is an activity
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Regional Events & Destinations
Destinations the entire family will enjoy and the pastoral countryside and the quaint town of Sparta will only add to your holiday spirit. Plus you get the fresh-cut advantage with your tree. Our local choose and cut tree farms provide a wonderful experience for your whole family! Go for a hay ride, let your children visit with farm animals, or have a cup of steaming hot chocolate while enjoying a relaxing day with one of our local tree growers. There are many options to choose from! Drop by the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center for a list of farms or check our website. www.sparta-nc.com
28374. The 19th Annual Festival of Trees is sure to delight the young and the young-at-heart. Join us at The Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst as we turn The Carolina Hall into a sparkling winter wonderland! You won’t believe your eyes as you stroll down the aisles featuring over 200 trees of various sizes all decked out in their holiday finery. The Festival of Trees also has decorated wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gift baskets. All will be awaiting your bid at our on-line auction site. Plus, this year’s Festival Marketplace promises to be bigger and better than ever. Be sure to check out the schedule of events, so you don’t miss a minute 19th Annual Festival of Trees Wed of the fun. Admission is by any November 18th – Sun 22nd 80 monetar y donation at the door Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC and all proceeds benefit children Continued On Page 12
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Destinations
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with disabilities in the Sandhills. – one of wonder, awe and delight. www.festivaloftrees.org As a means to preserve the overall guest experience, The Omni Grove 23rd Annual National Gingerbread Park Inn invites guests not staying House Competition Wed November at the resort to view the display 18th – Sun Jan 3rd 2016 The Omni Sunday through Thursday, excluding Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave, holidays. www.groveparkinn.com Asheville, NC 28804. Smells of gingerbread are in the air! The 8th Annual Celebration of Seagrove time has finally arrived for the 22nd Potters Fri November 20th – Sun Annual National Gingerbread House 22nd 798 Potters Way Rd, Seagrove, Competition! After the judging and NC 27341. The Celebration of the awards ceremony are done, the Seagrove Potters kicks off this display will be set up throughout weekend with a catered reception, the hotel and will be open for view- live music, and collaborative auction, ing. The gingerbread display has followed by two days of potters grown in more than just entries; it market, demonstrations, children’s has become a true family holiday hand-on activities, and historical tradition. From the very young to the and educational presentations. very young at heart, the reaction to celebrationofseagrovepotters.com this magical experience is the same
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Regional Events & Destinations
Destinations Wilmington’s Riverfest Fri November 20th – Sun November 22nd. N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Currently drawing nearly a quarter-million people, this free, family-oriented celebration is a three-day event and has grown to be a widely anticipated annual celebration. Riverfest was created in Februar y 1979, by a group of Wilmingtonians interested in showcasing the Cape Fear River that has since resulted in a cultural street festival that entices locals and tourists alike to our amazing Historic Downtown. Riverfest boasts craft vendors, concessions booths, a children’s play area, entertainment on various stages, Saturday night fireworks, a rowing regatta, and more. This year, we will also be debuting the First Annual Miss Riverfest.
One well-deserving young lady will be crowned and perform hostess duties throughout the festival. www.wilmingtonriverfest.com Twas the Night Before Bed Race Fri November 20th 6pm – 10pm N Main St, Mocksville, NC 27028. The 2015 Hometown Holiday Celebration kicks off on Friday evening before the parade with bed races in downtown Mocksville. Each team will consist of four enthusiastic competitors pushing a bed (on wheels) with a fearless passenger riding on top in a mad dash down Main Street. There will also be music on the square, the newly released Christmas ornament will be available for purchase and food available at Restaurant 101 on the square. Continued On Page 30
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Sip Away In The Yadkin Valley With Winter Wine Passports
S
pend the chilly months sipping wine in cozy Yadkin Valley tasting rooms via the Winter Wine Passport program. Winter Wine Passports are a great way to experience North Carolina wine countr y. Each is good for a tasting at 10 participating wineries. Passport owners also receive a commemorative trivet to fill with corks from each stop, plus discounts at 18 area businesses, including restaurants, shops and lodging. This year ’s program begins Friday, Nov. 27, and runs through Sunday, April 3 (2016). Food-andwine weekends take place once a month in Januar y, Februar y and March. Select wineries prepare a dish that either incorporates their wine as an ingredient or pairs well with a certain wine. Guests receive recipes for the featured dishes. All participating wineries are within a 90-minute drive from Lake Norman. They include: Adagio, Brushy Mountain, Carolina Heritage, Elkin Creek, Grassy Creek, Herrera, Round Peak, Skull Camp, Slightly Askew and Stony Knoll. “ Pe o p l e c o m e t o t h i s a r e a because of the wine region, and as a winery owner, that’s exciting,” says Pat Colwell of Carolina Heritage
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Vineyard and Winery in Elkin. “The variety found in the Yadkin Valley is impressive. You name a grape, and I’ll point you to a winery that makes wine from it.” Pa s s p o r t s a r e o n s a l e n o w through the end of the program. Anyone who purchases a passport before Nov. 27 receives the early-bird rate of $50 for an individual or $85
Regional Events & Destinations
for a couple. The standard price is $55 for an individual or $95 for a couple. Passports are available at participating wineries and online at www.SurryWineries.com. “We encourage people to buy them early, so they have as much flexibility as possible to enjoy every winer y on their own schedule,� Colwell says. For more info, call (336) 366-3301 or visit: www.SurryWineries.com.
Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166
www.duckworths.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365
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Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials And Dog Festival
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ow in its 19th year – no other dog festival in the area can offer more fun or variety! The Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials And Dog Festival will be held November 7 & 8 at Historic Rural Hill. The fun filled event features the United States Border Collie Handlers’ Association, Carolina Dock Dogs, the Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club, and more! Pets are welcome at the event and need to remain leashed and under their owner’s control. Gates open at 10am each day. Admission is $11 per person ages 13+, $7.50 for children ages 5-12, and children 4 and under are free. What better way to wrap up the fall season than with your canine pal and several hundred of their new best friends? Bring your family, friends, and dog (or dogs) to the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival. National Border Collie Sheepherding Championships will be held over the two day event, as will as Carolina Dock Dogs and Dog Sports demonstrations featuring the
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Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club and others! Also on hand will be North Carolina beer and wine, heritage breed livestock, hay rides, historic craft and cooking demos, food vendors, shopping, open trails, antique tractors, living history demonstrations in the 1760’s cabin, pumpkin chunkin’, corn launchin’, kid’s activities, and much more! Sheepdog Trials Sanctioned by the United States Border Collies Handlers Association, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials are open to any herding breeds, but the majority of entries are Border Collies. The Trials are based on tasks that a working dog is asked to do on the farm. The ultimate goal of a trial is for the handler to use his dog to herd the sheep through a series of gates and into a pen, using only voice and whistle commands to communicate. Points are awarded based on how well the dog and their handler complete several separate phases of competition.
Regional Events & Destinations
Carolina Dock Dogs Dock Dogs is open to dogs of all sizes, breeds, and the only age requirement is dogs must be 6 months old. The sport is comprised of three disciplines; Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. There is also the Iron Dog division that competes in all three disciplines. Advance ticket purchasing and complete event infor mation is available at www.ruralhill.net.
Celebrating more than 250 years in history‌Rural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of historic Rural Hill. www.ruralhill.net
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548 PRESBYTERIAN ROAD ~ MOORESVILLE, NC 28115 704 237 4836 WWW.MANMADELEGENDS.COM theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365
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Defiant Whisky Launches Destination Dining Series
T
he farm-to-table movement has certainly swept the nation, having now become a familiar concept instead of an exciting experience. It’s time to change that, the Defiant way! Award-winning Defiant Whisky has already started a revolution in the whisky world through its innovative spirit, and now they are ushering in a new wave of dining. Beginning Friday, Oct. 23, the makers of Defiant Whisky will begin hosting “Destination Dining,” a series of exquisite and festive evenings overlooking North Carolina’s beautiful South Mountains.
reserve your seats for any of the available dinner dates visit Defiant Destination Dining. For questions, call 828-245-2041.
Defiant Whisky is a product of Blue Ridge Distilling Company. For more information about Defiant Located in the Golden Valley Whisky or to schedule a tour of the region of Bostic, Camp Golden distillery, please call 828-245-2041 or Valley is an old Girl Scout camp, email info@blueridgedistilling.com. restored to former glory as western North Carolina’s premier event space. Defiant Whisky invites you ABOUT DEFIANT WHISKY to bring friends and loved ones to Defiant is a new way of distilling. enjoy four-course gourmet meals We’re not bound by barrels or featuring some of the region’s top recipes or tradition. Our guides catering chefs every Friday evening are the best ingredients, Mother Nature and our own intuition. through Nov. 20. The dinners include We only use four ingredients, passed hors d’oeuvres, a starter nothing more: premium course, main entrée and dessert, American white oak, toasted to perfection; specially cultured as well as complimentary Defiant yeast, selected by owner Tim Whisky tastings. Space is limited and Ferris; two-row premium brewer’s reservations are on a first come first malt; pure water from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Start with serve basis to those 21-years old and quality; end with quality. We’re starting a revolution in the older. Groups are welcome. Doors will open at 6pm, and dining will occur from 7pm – 10pm Reser vations are required. To
whisky world and we are doing it the Defiant way. Learn more at www.DefiantWhisky.com.
164 Girl Scout Camp Road Bostic, NC 28018
theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365
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Tour The Ghost Village On Portsmouth Island
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he Village of Portsmouth was once one of the most thriving communities on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast but it was destroyed by a hurricane that didn’t land anywhere near the island. Portsmouth’s buildings, sandy streets and docks appear to remain ready to welcome ships passing through Ocracoke Inlet today, but all of its residents deserted long ago. The town was victim to the natural forces that shape North Carolina’s barrier islands, known as banks. Portsmouth was a “lightering” town, providing warehouses and transfers for goods that deep-draft ships could not carry through the shallow inlet, which was the best ocean passageway to the interior of North Carolina. Portsmouth was doomed by a hurricane, but not by damage from the storm itself. The hurricane of 1846 opened up a better passage through the Outer Banks near Hatteras Island and shipping transferred to the new channel. The growth of railroads, the Civil War and additional hurricanes dealt the final blows until the last remaining residents left in 1971.
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Portsmouth Island is now part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The 250-acre historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and preser ved to allow visitors to step back in time to experience the bones of a typical Outer Banks village of the last century. Several of the town’s buildings contain exhibits, and guided walking tours are available seasonally. Ferry service is offered from neighboring Ocracoke Island to tour the structures, and visitors can also bring their own boats to enjoy the island’s desolate beach as part of a vacation to the North Carolina coast. A Portsmouth Homecoming takes place every other year in the even-numbered years.
Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.
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Celebrating a one-of-a-kind dessert found in Surry County, North Carolina
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Final Weekend Of The Renaissance Festival
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on’t miss your last chance to chomp a turkey leg before Turkey Day! The 22nd annual Carolina Renaissance Festival season ends at dusk November 22nd. The wildly popular event has been visited by over 165,000 time travelers so far this season and with the grace of good weather in the forecast, Festival organizers expect the final weekend to end with a big dose of cheer. The Festival will be hosting a royal food drive with attendees receiving free child admission for ages 12 and under with each can food donation at the Festival entrance. Thousands of can food items will be collected in the annual tradition that benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The final weekend also presents an opportunity to save big on unique holiday gifts at the Festival’s artisan marketplace with many of the craft shops offering discount pricing on a diverse selection of handmade gift items. The marketplace features potter y, jewelr y, perfume, glass blown ornaments, smoking ceramic dragons, bath & body products, medieval costumes, hand dipped and carved candles, unique musical instruments, children’s toys, a full spectrum of clothing, and much more. Don’t miss your last chance of the year to enjoy your best day out in history. Huzzah!
The 22nd annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. North of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville. The Festival is located on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road (between I-77 and I-85). Eight consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, from October 3rd through November 22nd. The Festival runs from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM, rain or shine. Children under 5 are always free. Parking is free courtesy of Harris Teeter. Visit us online at carolina.renfestinfo.com, or call (704) 896-5544, toll free (877) 896-5544.
theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365
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Rural Hill Oyster Roast
C
ome out to the farm on Sunday, November 15th to say goodbye to Fall and hello to Winter at the Rural Hill Oyster Roast! It is a well known fact by now that Rural Hill was hit hard by this summer’s drought, which delayed the opening of our corn maze by 4 weeks and eliminated night mazes entirely. Due to this Rural Hill’s operating budget has taken a substantially painful hit. As a nonprofit historic site, the corn maze has been our largest fundraiser for over 10 years and helps us raise money to provide quality low-cost educational programs to students throughout the year. The Rural Hill Oyster Roast is an attempt to make up for some of those losses.
shrimp boils to crowds around the region. Each $10.00 ticket you purchase is good for one basket of 8-10 steamed oysters, with lemon, cocktail sauce and crackers.
Also available: 4 oysters on the half shell, fire roasted and topped E n j o y a b a s k e t o r t w o o f with garlic, pancetta, parmesan perfectly roasted and seasoned reggiano and butter for an $8.00 o y s t e r s c o o k e d b y n a t i o n a l l y ticket. recognized chef and award winning author Dan “the pig man” What’s a basket of oysters Huntley. Huntley specializes in without great beer and wine? Rural bringing Southern food traditions Hill will be pouring several beers and such as pig pickings, oyster roasts, wines throughout the day by North catfish fries, and L owcountr y Continued On Page 27
El Toro Mexican Grill & Bar
Real authentic Mexican food. Located at Shops On The Green 20930 Torrence Chapel Rd Cornelius, NC 28031•704-997-2534
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Oyster Roast Continued From Page 25
Carolina brewers and wineries. Food, drink, live music, bonfires, hayrides and more make for a great way to wrap up the 2015 festival season at Historic Rural Hill. Thank you for your support, we’ll see you here! A very limited supply will be available during the event for purchase on-site. To ensure you get what you want, you MUST purchase a ticket. If you think you’ll be eating 3 baskets, you must purchase 3 tickets. Substitutions or exchanges will not be allowed. Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net
A place where neighbors can EAT, MEET & DRINK Full Menu to 2am Fri • Sat • Sun
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W E D N E S D A Y
T H U R S D A Y
$3 Well Drinks • $3.50 NC Drafts Half Price Wings Every Wednesday 5pm – 10pm!
$3.50 Drafts
F R I D A Y
$6 Vodka Redbulls & Jack Daniels
S A T U R D A Y
SATURDAY MAY 16TH
$6 Crown Royal
S U N D A Y
$3 Bloody Mary Bar $2 Mimosas • $4 Double Mimosas
704•892•4433
8301-1 Magnolia Estates Drive Cornelius, NC 28031
Fri-Sun 11:00am-2:00am Mon-Thurs11:00am-12:00am
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CatawbaValleyWines.com Morganton, NC 828-433-6793 5 Wineries 30 Mile Stretch of I-40 40 Minutes from Asheville 50 Minutes from Charlotte Countless Reasons you’ll love it here!
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Regional Events & Destinations
The 2015 Wheels Through Time Vintage Motorcycle Raffle
T
his 1939 Harley-Davidson “EL” Knucklehead Bobber is a real American beauty… and it could be yours on November 14, 2015 WTT is proud to introduce the 13th Annual Wheels Through Time Raffle Bike. It doesn’t get much better than this! Wheels Through Time is giving away this 1939 HarleyDavidson Knucklehead Bobber this coming November 2015! Each year, the Wheels Through Time holds a Motorcycle Raffle Giveaway as the museum’s annual fundraiser. In 2014, WTT gave away a pair of Harley-Davidson flathead bobbers, but this year, the museum has really upped the ante. The 2015 Raffle Grand Prize — a hot-rod Harley-Davidson “EL” Knucklehead Bobber — is ready to roll, and will be taken home by one lucky winner in November of 2015. Countless hours of both passion and enjoyment went into the restoration of this timeless American classic, and the craf tsmanship and attention to detail is evident throughout. Rebuilt from the ground up with original components, the ’39 Knucklehead Bobber is equipped with Harley-Davidson’s legendary 61 cubic-inch Knucklead powerplant and four-speed transmission, carefully rebuilt by famed bike builder Wendell Turner. Wendell is owner and operator of Turner Classic Cycle in South, Lyon, Michigan, and has been restoring old iron for over
40 years! Finished with era-correct black and red scalloped paint scheme and custom gold striping, the EL overflows with attitude and personality. This is a “Real School” motorcycle, built with real and authentic parts, and it could be yours this November 2015!!! Ticket specials are 1 ticket for $10 and 3 tickets for $20, and our best package gets you 7 tickets for $50, with a Free Short-sleeve WTT T-shirt and DVD, 14 tickets for $100, with 2 Free WTT T-shirts & DVDs or 21 tickets for $150, which includes 3 Free Short-sleeve WTT T-shirts. You may also substitute a Time Machine Video Subscription in place of shortsleeve tee. 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 www.wheelsthroughtime.com The Museum That Runs! Wheels Through Time is a 501c3 Not-For-Profit institution
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Destinations Continued From Page 13
Enchanted Airlie Sat November 28th Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403. A Wilmington tradition started in 2005, Enchanted Airlie is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole family together to share in the joy of the season. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy the beautiful holiday flowers, over 300,000 festive lights and musical entertainment. Voted one of the Southeast Tourism Society ’s Top 20 Events for 2012, this event continues to please audiences year after year. This season enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus himself, a few local food and beverage vendors ser ving coffee, G i v e C h e e s e A C h a n c e 1 p m – hot chocolate, cookies and more. 4pm Sun November 22nd Fonta www.airliegardens.org Flora Brewer y 317 N Green S t , M o r g a n t o n , N C 2 8 6 5 5 . A Americarna Live 2015 10am – 4pm grilled cheese competition to Sat November 28th Ingersollbenefit the Women & Children’s Rand Rd, Davidson, NC 28036. Shelter. 100% of ticket price goes R a y E v e r n h a m ’ s t h i r d a n n u a l directly to the shelter. Want to A m e r i C a r n a L I V E c a r s h o w c o m p e t e ? ? We w o u l d l o v e t o p r e s e n t e d b y I n g e r s o l l R a n d have you! email: malamujer647@ and MSC Industrial Supply Co. gmail.com $10 ticket buys: 10 www.americarnatv.com tasting and 3 judging tickets, cup o’ homemade tomato soup. Santa on the Chimney 11am – 2pm www.fontaflora.com Sat Dec 5th 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. Witness Santa’s Christmas in the Park and Lighting daring stunt as he practices on one of the Town Fri November 27th – of the world’s largest chimneys Sat 28th Main St, Blowing Rock, with multiple 200-foot rappels! N C 2 8 6 0 5 . Fr e e ! Fr i d a y : L i v e Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy music, caroling, hot chocolate, live holiday music, hot cocoa, c i d e r, h a y r i d e s & v i s i t s w i t h cookies and kids’ activities, plus S a n t a f r o m 2 - 8 p m . P l u s , t h e meet live critters. This rappelling lighting of the Town Tree and Santa was recently ranked as one M e m o r i a l P a r k a t 5 : 3 0 p m ! of the “8 Most Extreme Santa’s Saturday: The Christmas Parade i n t h e Wo r l d ” b y B u z z f e e d . s t a r t s a t 2 p m o n M a i n S t r e e t . www.chimneyrockpark.com www.blowingrock.com 20th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration Sat November 21st 11am – 4pm 5 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601 Musicians, dancers, artists, stor ytellers and authors from North Carolina’s eight staterecognized tribes will gather for this popular family event. With something for all ages, the celebration is a firsthand opportunity to learn about the state’s Indian culture, past and present. Activities will include craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, games, food and much more. www.ncmuseumofhistor y.org
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Regional Events & Destinations
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Plan Your Holiday Party With Us! Huntersville Newly Remodeled
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