Issue 058 January the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 58 Regional Events & Destinations

Bridges Of Madison County Page 16

This Rock... Rocks!

Plan A “Snow-Cation” To The Beech

Lexington BBQ Tour Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled

Road To Nowhere And Waterfalls In The Great Smoky Mountains

Yadkin Valley Event Venue Features Rustic Ambience Five Years Of Showcasing Charlotte Beers

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January 2016 Issue 58

the

W

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we don’t write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 are seeking 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 the Destination Magazine™.

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers Published by: Photodude.net Marketing Manager: Lisa Jay Sales: Jin Williams, Kandy McVicker Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Project 543, Visit NC, Craig Distl Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, PhotodudeART.com, Paul Newton

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 ©2016 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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CONTENTS Day Trip Destinations

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This Rock... Rocks!

15

Bridges Of Madison County

16

Plan A “Snow-Cation” To The Beech

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Lexington BBQ Tour Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled 20 Learn About Daniel Boone’s North Carolina Roots

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Road To Nowhere And Waterfalls In The Great Smoky Mountains 24 Five Years Of Showcasing Charlotte Beers

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Yadkin Valley Event Venue Features Rustic Ambience

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Looking For A Way Out?

29

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Appalachian Ski Mountain’s New Year’s Celebration Thu Dec 31st Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mountain Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Torchlight skiing and fireworks! Breakfast selections ser ved in the restaurant, moonlight ice skating, and family fun! www.appskimtn.com New Year’s Eve Celebration at Harvest Grill Shelton Vineyards Thu Dec 31st 286 Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC 27017. Dress to impress and celebrate New Year’s in style at Shelton Vineyards.

Enjoy the special menu Chef Paul has prepared for the evening and then head over to Hampton Inn to dance the night away. Toast in the New Year with a glass of our Blanc de Blanc at midnight. After a night of celebration, breakfast will be provided by Hampton Inn and Suites; so make plans to attend all the festivites of the evening. www.sheltonvineyards.com

Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

T h e N e w Ye a r ’ s C e l e b r a t i o n will be held along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Don’t miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. In an Island of Lights tradition, there will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the Island of Lights 2015 official Christmas card and or nament. Bring the family to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at 9 pm to join the festivities! www.pleasureislandoflights.com

1 7 t h A n n u a l M t . O l i v e ’s N e w Year Pickle Drop T h u D e c 3 1 s t 5:30pm–7:30pm Corner of Cucumber & Vine, Mt Olive, NC 28365. The New Year ’s Eve Pickle descends the flagpole at Island of Lights New Year’s Eve the stroke of 7pm “midnight” Celebration Thu Dec 31st Carolina – t h a t ’ s 7 o ’ c l o c k E S T, w h i c h Beach Boardwalk, 100 Cape Fear a l s o h a p p e n s t o b e m i d n i g h t

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Destinations Greenwich Mean Time. (That way, we are official, we shout Happy New Year!–and we don’t have to stay up until midnight!)

Great family fun with live music and free refreshments, including Mt. Olive pickles! www.mtolivepickles.com Lake Lure New Year’s Day Polar Plunge Fri Jan 1st 10:30am–1pm Lake Lure Beach, 2930 Memorial H w y, L a k e L u r e , N C 2 8 7 4 6 .

Reenergize for the New Year at the L ake Lure New Year ’s Day Polar Plunge held on Januar y 1 at noon each year. This year, we are back at the beach to make an even bigger splash. There will be a costume contest, cash prizes, hot chocolate, games, and plenty of cold water. The cost of the Plunge

is $20 and includes your Plunge Per mit, the ver y popular Polar Plunge Beanie to keep you warm and plenty of fun. The after-party will have activities, toasty fire pits to keep you warm, hot chocolate and prizes will be awarded. Each year, a portion of the proceeds benefits our L ake Lure Fire & Rescue along with other first responders. They do so much for our community, we felt it was important to recognize their work and give back. Our dashing MC, Ken Potter, will be in charge of making sure ever yone has a good time. Plan on having so much fun that you won’t care how cold it is! www.hickor ynutchamber.org Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Christmas Wonderland of Lights Nov 25th – Jan 2nd. Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Rd, Troutman, NC 28166. The Christmas Wonderland of Lights features over 3.5 Million Lights over a 2 mile drive-through and ends with a light show set to music in our Western Town. We also have Santa Claus joining us ever y evening, pony rides, petting zoos, concessions, roasting pits for marshmallows, and much more. www.zootasticpark.com Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort Nov 27th – Jan 31st 2016. 500 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

A holiday tradition in Blowing Rock, Chetola’s Festival of Lights features a dazzling display of illuminations attracting thousands o f v i s i t o r s e a c h y e a r. A d r i v e around Chetola Lake lets visitors see glittering ice skaters, a nativity scene, Rudolph catching a “big fish” in Chetola Lake, and much more. As visitors enter the resort they are given a guide that details displays and activities taking place throughout the holiday season. www.chetola.com

Winter Wine Passport! Nov 27th – Apr 3rd. Surr y Wineries Yadkin Valley NC. By popular demand, the 6th Annual Winter Wine Passport Event in the Surr y County area began November 27th and goes thru April 3, 2016. Along with a Winter Wine Passport entitling the holder to a free wine/beer tasting at 10 Surr y wineries/ Brewer y and a unique 2016 keepsake, there are also special discounts and offers available during the passport period from local lodgings, restaurants and retail shops. Passports are available while supplies last at www.surr ywineries.com and at participating wineries.

First Footin’ At Rural Hill Fri Jan 1st 10am–2pm Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Enjoy the holiday’s pleasures a little too much? Stuffed to the gills from all those parties? Determined that this is the year to make a change for the better? Why not come out to Rural Hill and start 2016 off right with First Footin’ our annual walk and celebration of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Years? www.ruralhill.net

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Destinations The 151st Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher Sat Jan 16th–Sun 17th Fort Fisher State Historic Site, 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449. Commemorate the 151st weekend of the 2nd B a t t l e o f Fo r t F i s h e r w i t h a weekend of special events, including a re-creation of the January 1865 Union attack on Fort Fisher with hundreds of Civil War living histor y actors representing Union and Confederate soldiers, sailors and Marines. Infantr y units will be on hand to talk with visitors about camp life, conduct drills and marching and perform live demonstrations of the Historic Site’s Rifled and Banded 32 pound and bronze

12 pound Napoleon cannons.

At various times during the day, Confederate and Union Troops will conduct the soldier ’s Manual of Ar ms for the audience and living histor y actors will display items and the lifestyle of Civil War soldiers. Pur chase tickets for the “Above the Scenes” Tour to hear the stor y of the fort while walking to the top of the traverse.

There will also be hands-on activities for adults and children. www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/ Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Thu Jan 21st–Sun 24th Various Locations, 20 Commerce St, Asheville, NC 28801. This tr ue Asheville oddity has been Continued On Page 10

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

happening for 14 years, offering local and imported performing artists the opportunity to create and showcase new, unique work.

T h e A s h e v i l l e Fr i n g e p r o v i d e s artists with opportunities to explore the artistic edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring new, innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences. Ever y y e a r, t h e f e s t i v a l f e a t u r e s a variety of artists, including actors, dancers, installation artists and theatre companies, Butoh dance, p u p p e t r y, a l t e r n a t i v e t h e a t r e , modern dance, and performance art. www.ashevillefringe.org 6th Annual Jolly Skull Beer and Wine Festival Sat Jan 23rd 1pm–6pm Greenville Convention Center, 303 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC 27834. Greenville, NC will be hosting their sixth annual beer festival at the Greenville Convention Center on Januar y 23, 2016. This 41,000 square foot venue is a first class, state of the art building located downtown in Greenville, North Carolina at 303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834. The festival will focus on

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50+ American craft and regional micro breweries with over 150 beers being offered. The VIP and GA ticket includes unlimited sampling of all beers offered. The Designated Driver ticket (available online only) which is $10 and will give you admission from 1 – 6 PM. There will only be 500 VIP and 3000 total tickets sold. All proceeds go to benefit the Beer Ar my Foundation and you can find more information by visiting www.BeerArmy.org 9th Annual Winter Warmer Beer Festival 2 0 1 6 S a t J a n 2 3 r d 3pm–7pm US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801. We are “movin’ on up” for 2016’s event–the festival will be held on the main arena level o f t h e C i v i c C e n t e r, a l l o w i n g for a handful more breweries and more elbow room, but the same unique intimate feel, providing quality food, music and tastings that the “repeat offenders” have come to expect!

Admission: $45+ per person www.ashevillebeerfest.com

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Destinations Blowing Rock Winterfest Thu Jan 28th–Sun 31st Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. WinterFest in Blowing Rock brings together the elements of fire and ice, set in the winter beauty of one of Travel & Leisure magazine’s “prettiest winter towns.” Bonfires, toasted marshmallows, warm hospitality and the Chilly Chili Cook-off provide the fire, while the Polar Plunge, ice car ving, winter temperatures and skiing/ snowboarding provide the cold contrast. Musical accompaniment provided by several live concerts. www.blowingrockwinterfest.com

The Quilting and Needle Art Extravaganza Fr i J a n 2 9 t h – S a t 3 0 t h S t a t e s v i l l e C i v i c C e n t e r, 300 S Center St, Statesville, NC 28677. Spend the day shopping for a new project or a new sewing machine. Fabrics, books, yar ns, sewing machines, long arm machines, buttons, gifts, and more are available. All attendees have a chance to win hourly door prizes, a sewing machine and a grand prize basket. www.quiltersgaller y.net Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival Fri Jan 29th–Sun 31st 503 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Friday Night: Grand Tasting–Pick your pleasure as participating Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for sampling and sale! Indulge yourself in the delicious abundance of hors d’oevres and relax to live music per for med by The Schoolboys while shopping artisan exhibits.

The Grand Tasting will preview the Marketplace (held on Saturday & Sunday) and guests will experience a few special surprises that will ensure a light and effer vescent evening. Enjoy entertainment, food demonstrations, raffles and of course more chocolate all overlooking the gorgeous Cape Fear Riverfront! www.wilmingtonwineandchocolatefestival.com Boomerang Beer & Brats Fun Run Sat Jan 30th 1pm–4pm Crown C o m p l e x , 1 9 6 0 C o l i s e u m D r, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Runners and hops lovers alike are sure to enjoy this unique opportunity to take part in a fun run and throw back a beer. The fun run consists of a 5K, as well as a 1-mile run. The registration fee includes beer, a brat and a shirt. specialoperatorschallenge.com

North Carolina Jazz Festival Thu Feb 4th–Sat 6th Hilton Riverside Hotel, 3 0 1 N Wa t e r S t , W i l m i n g t o n , NC 28401. Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our 36th annual N o r t h C a r o l i n a J a z z Fe s t i v a l !

This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionar y and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. www.ncjazzfestival.com Carolina Chocolate Festival 2016 Sat Feb 6th–Sun 7th 3505 Arendell S t , M o r e h e a d C i t y, N C 2 8 5 5 7 .

Chocolate lovers indulge! The annual Carolina Chocolate Festival takes place at the Cr ystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City and is packed with activities from tastings, demonstrations and bake-offs to golfing and relaxing at the spa. Check their website for details about each activity and to purchase tickets for any one of the ten main events. All the proceeds from the Carolina Chocolate Festival benefit local

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Destinations charities. This festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Carteret County charities. www.carolinachocolatefestival. com 12th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge Sat Feb 6th 8am–10am North Carolina State University Belltower, 2011 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. What started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from

North Carolina State University (NCSU). All proceeds from the Krispy Kreme Challenge are donated to the N.C. Children’s Hospital so that its staff can continue to provide the best care and facilities for their patients.

Participants begin the Challenge at the Memorial Belltower on the NCSU campus. Runners then travel 2.5 miles through historic downtown Raleigh to the Krispy Kreme located at the intersection of Peace and Person St., where they attempt to consume one dozen original glazed doughnuts.

The hardest part of the Challenge awaits them as they run 2.5 miles back to the Memorial Bellower. www.krispykremechallenge.com Continued On Page 14

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Destinations Continued From Page 13

Queen City Brewers Festival Sat Fe b 6 t h 1 p m – 9 p m F i l l m o r e Charlotte, 1000 North Carolina Music Factor y Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206, QCBF will feature Charlotte-area breweries and brewpubs, craft beer-focused food & beverage exhibitors, sponsors and local artists. Works by local artists and live music will be on hand during each of the two tasting sessions: session times. www.qcbrewfest.com Hickory Furniture Mart Anniversary Sale Fri Feb 12th–Mon 15th 2220 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602.

2015 marks the 31st anniversar y of this popular event. Dates have been extended to include President’s Day so that furniture

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shoppers are able to enjoy more time & more savings during their time off. This is the first major event of the year & many items are heavily discounted to make room for spring inventories.

Customize any fur niture order based on your specific needs. www.hickor yfurniture.com Winterfest Smoky Style Fr i Fe b 26th–Sun 28th 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. A winter event highlighting sled dogs, Plott hounds, canine demonstrations, local reality television stars, Winter photography displays and competitions, great food, great music, and more. Check our website for the complete schedule. www.winterfestsmokystyle.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Photos by Johanna Stern

This Rock...

Rocks!

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umber one Park in the state and chosen one of top twenty most stunning parks in the USA according to USA Today.

Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County was selected as the North Carolina 2012 Park of the Year by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

With hiking trails, vacation cabins, interpretive nature programs, picnic areas, waterfalls and priceless panoramas of the piedmont plateau, Hanging Rock lends an endless list of activities no matter what your interests. Cast a line out into the lake or simply relax by the shore, plan a picnic with your family or explore the surrounding mountains, whatever type of adventure you choose you’re sure to learn something new about North Carolina’s grand landscape.

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 2016 www.ncparks.gov/ hanging-rock-state-park

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Bridges Of Madison County The Bridges of Madison County are the bridges that bring the generations together, music.

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o doubt, this is where the cool people in Asheville come to enjoy life. Tucked Northwest of Asheville you’ll find a mix of art, culture, music and cuisine that is a tr ue blend of contemporary and traditional. The fusion of old and new makes this destination one to put on the top of your “lets do something new this weekend” list.

Hot Springs NC is a small community that has been a destination for those seeking rejuvenation for over 200 years. Thousands of tourist still flock to this community of about 600 people. Don’t worry about parking though, most the of tourists are on foot. The Appalachian Trail runs through the center of town making it an oasis for wear y travelers to relax and

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experience the flavor of the region though the food, the people and the music.

Not hiking the Appalachian Trail? Hot Springs has a handful of loops that will put you on a trail any distance and level of experience you are comfortable with. When you are done with your wilderness adventure downtown offers several shops and dining choices for whatever your heart and tired feet desire.

The Mountain Magnolia Inn is an excellent choice if you are seeking the ultimate in pampering and a white glove experience. Pete and Karen Nagle have operated the Inn

Regional Events & Destinations

for 15 years as a historic property which emphasizes exceptional service and eco-friendly practices.

Beautiful rooms, ever y one with an inspiring view, spa services on site as well as elegant, organic and locally sourced meals served inside or out. Dining is available to the public so whether you are a guest or not Mountain Magnolia Inn should be on your itinerary.

If you are more of an “I want to be in the middle of it” kind of person the Iron Horse Station is the choice for you. The inn built in

1929 offers 15 rooms that have the feel of a modern day Pullman Luxur y Rail Car. The taver n is war m and rustic with a wide variety of regional beers and wines to choose from while the restaurant features far m to fork casual dining. The Iron Horse Station also houses an artisan gallery, a snack bar and a smoothy bar with frozen drinks bigger than your head!

Five nights a week live music hits the Iron Horse Station and I’m sure you’ll agree it is one of the best music venues ever. Rich full sound in the room created by the nearly 100 year old rafters and rough exposed bricks canceling the annoying echo you usually get in such a wide open room, perfect for the predominantly Southern American music showcased here!

You can enjoy artists and still have a conversation while enjoying diner. Hot Springs is my choice to check out the generation of new storytellers.

Down the river a ways from Hot Spring is the community Continued On Page 30

El Toro Mexican Grill & Bar

Real authentic Mexican food.

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Photo by Brian Gomsak

Plan A “Snow-Cation” To The Beech For A New Twist This Winter, Head To The Beech.

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orth Carolina’s Beech Mountain offers a fun-filled “snow-cation” for folks of all ages. Whether an experienced skier or a newbie to snow sports, there’s something for you in Eastern America’s highest town.

Beech Mountain Resort is the premier ski resort in the South, with 15 slopes and more than 84 inches of annual snowfall. The resort is known for wide ski runs and interesting terrain parks for snowboarders.

The resort’s ski school provides beginners with comprehensive lessons in skiing and snowboarding, from one-hour sessions to all-day ski schools.

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And if you’re not into the downhill scene, the resort’s Alpine Village is the place to be. None of the village attractions requires a lift ticket.

New this year is a beautiful snowtubing park where runs stretch to 750 feet and offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once you’re at the bottom, a Magic Carpet conveyor lift quickly brings you back to the top.

Adjacent to the snowtubing park in the resort village is an ice skating rink. Ice skating is a fun activity for all ages and skill levels, and affordable, too. A two-hour session is $15, including skate rental.

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The newly remodeled Beech Tree Bar and Grille has a variety of spirits, a full menu and TVs to watch the game. The resort even has its own craft brewery – Beech Mountain Brewing Co. – a relaxing destination for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Customers can warm up with a 5506’ Pale Ale, named after the mountain’s elevation.

Once you exit the ski resort, you’re conveniently in the town of Beech Mountain, home to lodging, restaurants, activities and nightlife.

There’s even a free youth sledding hill where children age 12 and younger can spend the day playing in the snow.

For more info on Beech Mountain, including lodging options and winter packages, call: 800-468-5506 or visit www.BeechMtn.com.

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Lexington BBQ Tour Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled

T

he mid-state Piedmont town of L exington has become almost synonymous with North Carolina barbecue at its best. It’s easy to see why, thanks to a long legacy of people and places carr ying on the decadeslong tradition of ser ving up some of the tastiest barbecue and more – all with a side of Southern hospitality.

Lexington is best known for hickor y-smoked pit-cooked barbecued pit shoulders and has been since the early-1900s.

The pork is offered up finely or coarsely chopped or as slices – but never “pulled.” It’s typically ser ved with “red” or “white” coleslaw and of ten as part of a sandwich tray or plate with hushpuppies and more on the side. The famed Lexingtonstyle sauce is generally made of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.

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Sid Weaver was a pioneering pit master who originally barbecued on his farm for friends, family and far mhands before moving his operation to a tent at the corner of Greensboro and West Center in downtown Lexington.

Next came Will Johnson and Jesse Swicegood in the 1920s, running popular pits near Lexington’s old courthouse. Later, Warner Stamey can be credited with furthering Lexington’s status as a barbecue center, sharing his expertise with the friendly folks who opened Lexington Barbecue, Henr y James, Jimmy ’s, The Barbecue Center, Speedy Lohr ’s, Smokey Joe’s and more.

To d a y, m o r e t h a n a d o z e n Lexington-area barbecue restaurants can make for a tasty three-day exploration of North Carolina barbecue at its most historic. Of course, the traditional

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beverage of choice at these popular establishments is oh-sosweet tea, but you’ll also want to check out several area wineries and wine shops, as well as drinks and live music at always-rockin’ High Rock Outfitters right downtown.

Residential

Day 1: First Tastes of Lexington Barbecue & More

You’ll want to arrive by lunch and head to either The Barbecue Center or L exington Barbecue – or both. Open since 1955 and featuring pit-cooked ‘cue, The Barbecue Center also features b a r b e c u e c h i c k e n We d n e s d a y t o S a t u r d a y o n l y, p l u s h u g e l y popular – and huge – banana splits and homemade banana pudding.

Lexington Barbecue first opened its doors in 1962 and is of ten referred to as “The Honey Monk” or “Lexington No. 1” by locals.

The barbecue is pit-cooked and the sandwiches are legendary.

Next, check into the Holiday Inn Express overlooking Childress Vineyards. For dinner, head to Smokey Joe’s Barbecue at 1101 S. Main St., which opened in 1972 and ser ves lots of pork barbecue, salads and dinner plates.

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Day 2: More BBQ & Cheers to N.C. Wine

For a taste of more Lexington barbecue history, it’s hard to beat Speedy ’s Barbecue during lunch ser vice. This popular destination o r i g i n a l l y o p e n e d a s Tu s s e y ’ s in the late 1930s and became Speedy ’s in the early 1960s.

Continued On Page 23

Information:

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Learn About Daniel Boone’s North Carolina Roots

D

aniel Boone, who is generally associated with the West, actually spent a significant number of years in North Carolina.

Today, Boone’s story is a mixture of fact and fiction thanks to movies, television and even gossip while he was still alive. His parents, Squire and Sarah Boone, moved from Pennsylvania to Davie County.

There, Boone married his wife, Rebecca, when they were just 22 and 17. The couple later moved up the Yadkin River to Wilkes County before Boone continued to write his legendary life story as a frontiersman in the development Squire Boone, a skilled weaver and blacksmith, moved his family to the Oley Valley in 1730, purchasing 250 acres of land and building a one-room log cabin and spring house. There, Daniel Boone was born in 1734 and lived until moving to North Carolina in 1750.

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of Virginia, Kentuck y and the Trans-Appalachian West. A trip along the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail will take you on a journey in the footsteps of America’s pioneer hero, traveling the lands he explored and experiencing the life he lived along the way. The trail also visits Joppa Cemetery in Mocksville, one of the oldest and most historic graveyards in Davie County, where the graves of Squire and Sarah Boone as well as Israel, one of Boone’s brothers, stand to this day.

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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Lexington BBQ Tour Continued From Page 21

For a brief break from Lexingtonstyle barbecue, you’ll want to enjoy an afternoon of North Carolina wine, thanks to Davidson County’s location at the southern gateway of the famed Yadkin Valley wine region. Childress Vineyards back by the hotel is a good place to start.

Other area wineries on the Southern Gateway Wine Trail include Junius Lindsay Vineyards, Weather vane Winery and Native Vines Winery.

Lexington also features two great wine shops: Tastings Wine & Beer and Wine Sellars.

There’s more ‘cue on the menu at Backcountry Barbecue, which is known for its pit-cooked barbecue, “skin” sandwiches, barbecue chicken Thursday to Sunday, and 20-ounce sirloin steaks. Then, there’s likely more live music at High Rock Outfitters.

Day 3: A Final Lunch

Several local barbecue restaurants do actually open for breakfast or an early lunch, but you’ll want to keep in mind that many are closed on Sundays. Final lunch options – if you haven’t already been by for a taste – include: Lexington-Style Trimmings; Jimmy’s BBQ; Smiley’s Lexington BBQ; Speedy Lohr ’s; Speedy Lohr’s BBQ of Arcadia near Welcome; Troutman’s Barbecue; and Cook’s Barbecue, including legendary barbecued beef brisket.

Known as the “capital” of North Carolina barbecue, L exington celebrates with two major barbecue events: the BBQ Capital Cook-Off in late April and the Barbecue Festival in late October.

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Road To Nowhere And Waterfalls In The Great Smoky Mountains

T

he Road to Nowhere is a quick eight-mile drive outside Bryson City. Before you go, have breakfast and coffee with the locals at the Everett Street Diner or at Mountain Perks, both on the way to Nowhere.

the former road was buried beneath the waters of the lake. The federal government made an agreement with Swain County to build a new road along the lake’s north shore, but environmental issues stopped construction. With no resolution, now decades later, the road still goes After breakfast, head straight nowhere. up Everett Street out of Bryson City and don’t make any turns. On the Deep Creek Waterfalls map, it’s called Lakeview Drive, Now that you’ve gotten a taste but the road signs are marked of the serenity of Great Smoky Fontana Road. You’ll pass Swain Mountains National Park, tur n County High School and eventually around and go see some beautiful see a sign that reads, “You have and relaxing waterfalls. From the entered Great Smoky Mountains Road to Nowhere, make your way National Park.” You’ll also see a back to town and take a left on Depot more intriguing sign: “The Road Street. Follow the signs to Deep to Nowhere – A Promise Broken.”

The road ends at a barrier with the tunnel beyond.

The Road to Nowhere is a real road in Bryson City that ends The road got its name from a at a tunnel inside Great Smoky dispute in the 1930s when Swain Mountains National Park. If you County gave up the majority of its want to venture farther, you have private land so the federal govern- to do it by foot. When you’re ment could create Fontana Lake finished exploring, visit waterfalls and the Great Smoky Mountains in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People had to move, National Park and get a taste of family cemeteries were cut off, and small town mountain life.

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Bryson City

After your hike, park in town and walk to any one of Br yson City ’s great lunch spots such as Jimmy Mac’s on Main Street, The Filling Station on Everett Street, or Anthony’s on Depot Street.

Creek Campground, making sure to follow West Deep Creek Road.

Spend the afternoon browsing the shops and galleries of Everett, Main and Depot streets. You’ll find stores full of antiques, artwork and crafts. Tour working artists’ studios at Elizabeth Ellison Watercolors and Heath Creations Studio and Gallery or see work from mountain artisans at The Cottage Craftsman.

Three miles after leaving the center of town, you’ll come to the Deep Creek entrance to the Park.

Well-marked trail signs lead you to three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Finish off your in-town day Indian Creek and Toms Branch. with dinner at Pasqualino’s Italian T h e J u n e y W h a n k a n d I n d i a n Restaurant or The Station Restaurant, Creek trails have moderate slopes, both on Everett Street. while Toms Branch is the closest to the trailhead.

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Five Years Of Showcasing Charlotte Beers

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he fifth annual Queen City Brewers Festival, a craft beer tasting event that spotlights the Charlotte-area’s breweries and brewpubs, announced today The Fillmore Charlotte as its venue for the 2016 festival, taking place on “For the fifth anniversary of QCBF, Saturday, Feb. 6. we will be inviting a remarkable 30 breweries from the Charlotte-area.

QCBF ser ves as the annual When the event premiered in 2012, winter fundraiser for ACEing Autism, we had eight,” continued Weldy. a nonprofit that uses the sport of tennis to improve the lives of Festivalgoers will enjoy craft beer children affected by autism spectrum and food samples in an intimate disorders. venue located at the NC Music Factory entertainment complex. There “The impact the festival has will also be live music, interactive had on developing the Charlotte games and a chance to win prizes.

ACEing Autism program has been tremendous. We come together New in 2016 will be the ‘Best once a year not only to celebrate the Brewery of QCBF’ award presented incredible beer culture we have in by Gravity Magazine. The trophy Charlotte, but also to share how we presentation will take place on stage are improving the lives of children at the conclusion of the evening with autism with their physical session. fitness and social skills. We can’t thank our attendees, brewers and Tickets are limited and are on sponsors enough for their support sale now. Updates will be posted over the years,” said QCBF creator, regularly on: www.QCBrewFest.com Marketing Director and Charlotte Program Director for ACEing Autism, Fillmore Charlotte 820 Hamilton St, Charlotte, Nils Weldy.

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Yadkin Valley Event Venue Features Rustic Ambience

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he Liberty, a spacious wedding and events hall in downtown Elkin, provides a muchneeded meeting facility in the Yadkin Valley wine region.

The Liberty is a historic two-story building on Main Street. The main floor offers 10,000 square feet of meeting space with catering kitchen, plus a restaurant and wine/gift shop.

An additional 15,000 square feet is available downstairs for future ventures.

With a catering kitchen and stateof-the-art audio/visual system, The Liberty offers full-service meeting space for up to 550 people, making it the largest such venue in Surry County.

“ With all the wineries and vineyards around, there is quite a large wedding market,” says Leslie Schlender, Elkin’s economic development director.

Although built for weddings and receptions, it also hosts concerts, family reunions, proms, corporate retreats and business training sessions.

The Liberty is the second business venture in Elkin for owner Cicely McCulloch, named the town’s Main Street Champion in 2013. McCulloch has a downtown bookstore and decided the time was right to refurbish this historic brick building that sat vacant for a few years.

When the event space is not in use, people can still frequent The Liberty’s two storefronts. One is a 2,000-square-foot restaurant, 222 Public House. The other is a smaller space that houses The Ivy gift shop and Yadkin Valley Wine Micro-Shop.

The renovation retained most of the building’s character and ambience. The event space occupies a grand hall encompassed by brick walls and an arched ceiling supported by vintage hand-hewn timber beams. All the original windows were removed, retro-fitted, and put back into place.

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“Cicely renovated this facility to be exactly what we needed – an event hall for the local wedding industry,” said Schlender. “But more than that, we now have a conference and events center that provides many other opportunities.”

More info is available at www.LibertyDowntown.com

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Looking For A Way Out?

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They offer custom tailored “barefoot luxury” hiking, camping, kayaking, mountain climbing, fishing, wilderness survival, team-building and cross country national park adventures. HikeMore can take you where you can find yourself... The WILD. The team is composed of 3 great guides ranging from a nationally recognized outdoor photography expert (that documents your trip), a wilderness survival skills teacher and a professional backcountr y fishing and alpine mountaineering instructor. Let HikeMore Adventures be your way into the wilderness.

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Bridges of Madison County Continued From Page 17

of Marshall, home of more musical histor y than even the Smithsonian can hold.

As you pull into Marshall you have a river on one side and a mountain on the other. They say the town is one mile long, one street wide and sky high. The landscape is so limited the High School had to be built on an island in the middle of the French Broad River.

In the 1800’s Marshall was a booming community. Because of its location on a major transportation route–the Buncombe Turnpike, the town was selected to be the county seat.

In the early 1900’s a by-pass was built and the community had to adapt to survive. The High School now houses an artisan community with several working studios. The old depot is now a center for music and dancing ever y week. Other spaces have been rejuvenated with galleries, museums and contemporary dining.

We heard about a coffee house right in the center of town across from the courthouse that hosts a bluegrass jam every Thursday night.

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Zuma Coffee was not what we expected. We expected to be sitting on old benches inside watching dancers kick up sawdust on wooden floors. Instead we found ourselves in the middle of a Manhattan café.

Progressive farm to fork menu, modern local artwork on the walls, bright colors and plenty of comfortable seating in front of the Bose sound system providing reinforcement for the array stringed instruments.

The jam is hosted by Grammy Award winner Bobby Hicks if he is not on tour. The session starts at 7pm, but if you want a seat you need to get there by 6pm. Musicians saunter in and stake out a spot in front of the window. The better musicians set up close to the microphones while the less prominent pickers settle in at the back.

Make sure you pre-order your supper, because at 7pm sharp the music fires up and the food starts flying out of the kitchen. May I recommend the chefs’ special for the evening?

Blue Ridge Music Trail Nestled within the North Carolina mountains and foothills, a region known for its spectacular beauty, moderate climate, Cherokee heritage, handmade crafts, small family farms, and, of course, its rich musical traditions. The geographic footprint of the Blue Ridge Music Trails consists of twenty-nine counties in the western third of the state. www.blueridgemusicnc.com

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