Issue 059 February the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 59 Regional Events & Destinations

Totally 80’s Retro Ski Weekend Page 16

Lexington Is For Lovers

Monks Gone Wild!

Part Deux

Latta Celtic Festival & Celtic Music Night

Sip & Seek Bridal Show

Decompression Destinations

What’s New

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

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February 2016 Issue 59

the

W

e Tell you where to go!

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 a new 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, Erica Madden 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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Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend Big Hair Not Required 16 Lexington Is For Lovers

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Decompression Destinations Cornelius Drafthouse

20

Facts About NC Skiing And Snowboarding

21

Sip & Seek Bridal Show

23

Latta Celtic Festival & Celtic Music Night

24

Monks Gone Wild! Part Deux

26

What’s New

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Regional Events & Destinations

$200

’

Madonna

Look-Alike Contest

$500

Totally Retro Apparel Contest

$100

Hot Tub

Time Machine

Trivia Contest

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations 11th Annual Grady’s Groundhog Day Tue Februar y 2nd Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney R o c k , N C 2 8 7 2 0 . L a s t y e a r, Grady the Groundhog saw his shadow, correctly predicting six more weeks of winter. Will he be right again this year? Join our furr y animal educator on Groundhog’s Day to find out!

Chimney Rock mayor Peter O’Lear y will officiate, and we’ll have special activities for kids.

Make it a day of family fun with a hike after ward to the top of Chimney Rock or down t h e H i c k o r y N u t Fa l l s t r a i l . www.chimneyrockpark.com 28th Annual NC Potters Conference Thursday Febr uar y 4th–Saturday 6th Randolph Arts Guild, 123 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203. A premier ceramics conference, the NC Potter ’s Conference has features some of the best ceramics artists from around the world and centers on simultaneous demonstrations cultivating

a dialogue of techniques, concepts, and experiences between the artists and the audience. All demonstrations and presentations are scheduled for the entire group and potters at any skill level will come away with new ideas and inspiration to improve their work. www.RandolphArtsGuild.com North Carolina Jazz Festival Thursday Februar y 4th–Saturday 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

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations 1 7 t h A n n u a l M i d P i n e s M e n ’s Invitational Fri Febr uar y 5th– Sunday 7th 1010 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387. The Mid Pines Invitational is one of the first amateur events to kick off the golf season in the Carolinas.

This 36-hole four ball competition is played solely at Mid Pines. www.pineneedles-midpines.com Camp Lejuene X-treme Endurance C h a l l e n g e S a t u r d a y Fe b r u a r y 6th 8am–12pm Camp Devil Dog, Racetrack Range Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540. Held in the heart of Marine training zone Camp Devil Dog, the X-treme Endurance Challenge is a scenic, off road 10K course that will test strength, stamina and endurance of all participants. This course includes

a variety of obstacles, mud crawls and challenging features, both natural and man-made. www.mccslejeune-newriver.com Battle of the Bulge WWII Living History Event Saturday Februar y 6th–Sunday 7th Historic L atta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Visit during this event to learn of the snowy Battle of the Bulge that took place during the end of World War Two. The plantation takes on the role as the Belgium countr yside as spectators see demonstrations from both Allied and Axis forces.

Ongoing demonstrations include patrols, weapons, drills,seeing a mock field hospital and more.

Admission: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors/ Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Students, Children 5 & under are gastrointestinal fortitude. What FREE. www.lattaplantation.org started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a C a r o l i n a C h o c o l a t e F e s t i v a l nationally publicized charity race, Saturday Febr uar y 6th–Sunday and the number one tradition to 7th 3505 Arendell St, Morehead complete before graduating from City, NC 28557. Chocolate lovers North Carolina State University i n d u l g e ! T h e a n n u a l C a r o l i n a (NCSU). All proceeds from the Chocolate Festival takes place K r i s p y K r e m e C h a l l e n g e a r e at the Cr ystal Coast Civic Center donated to the N.C. Children’s in Morehead City and is packed H o s p i t a l s o t h a t i t s s t a f f c a n w i t h a c t i v i t i e s f r o m t a s t i n g , continue to provide the best care demonstrations and bake- offs and facilities for their patients. to golfing and relaxing at the Participants begin the Challenge s p a . C h e c k t h e i r w e b s i t e f o r at the Memorial Belltower on details about each activity and the NCSU campus. Runners then to purchase tickets for any one travel 2.5 miles through historic of the ten main events. All the downtown Raleigh to the Krispy p r o c e e d s f r o m t h e C a r o l i n a Kreme located at the intersection Chocolate Festival benefit local of Peace and Person St., where charities. This festival has raised they attempt to consume one hundreds of thousands of dollars dozen original glazed doughnuts. f o r C a r t e r e t C o u n t y c h a r i t i e s . The hardest part of the Challenge carolinachocolatefestival.com awaits them as they run 2.5 miles back to the Memorial Bellower.

1 2 t h A n n u a l K r i s p y K r e m e www.krispykremechallenge.com C h a l l e n g e S a t u r d a y Fe b r u a r y 6th 8am–10am North Carolina Q u e e n C i t y B r e w e r s F e s t i v a l State University Belltower, 2011 Saturday Februar y 6th 1pm–9pm H i l l s b o r o u g h S t , R a l e i g h , N C Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 North 27607. The mantra of the Krispy C a r o l i n a M u s i c Fa c t o r y B l v d , Kreme Challenge epitomizes Charlotte, NC 28206, QCBF the test of physical fitness and w i l l f e a t u r e C h a r l o t t e - a r e a

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Destinations 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. www.qcbrewfest.com Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Fri Februar y 12th–Saturday 13th We a t h e r v a n e W i n e r y, 1 4 5 2 Welcome-Arcadia Rd, Lexington, N C 2 7 2 9 5 . J o i n We a t h e r v a n e W i n e r y ’ s Va l e n t i n e ’ s D i n n e r and Dance in the Event Center.

Music from the one and only Mark Tuttle, and great wine from Weather vane Winer y. Seating is limited. Call now to book your reser vation at 336-793-3366.

$40 per person. For information about Weather vane Winer y, visit www.Weather vaneWiner y.com.

N e v e r m o r e F i l m F e s t i v a l Fr i Februar y 12th–Sunday 14th The Carolina Theatre Of Durham, 309 W Morgan St, Durham, N C 2 7 7 0 1 . Wo w. I n 2 0 1 6 , w e h a d 1 2 7 5 s u b m i s s i o n s . Ye s , 1275! Of those, we booked 11 features and 41 shorts. With so many great films, we expanded the programming to include animation including Battledream Chronicle and Reveries of a S o l i t a r y Wa l k e r. S c r a w l s t a r s Daisy Ridley, fresh from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We’ve also created a “PG-13 Animated and Continued On Page 10

Taproom Hours Thu & Fri: 4-10 Sat: 2-10 Sun: 12-8

The Bayne Brewing Company is a family-owned nano brewery based out of Cornelius, NC. Our flavors range from the traditional to the unique, and each beer is brewed with only the highest quality ingredients.

Visit our taproom!

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

Dark Fantasy ” shorts program which we’re calling It’s Only A Nightmare, Charlie Brown.

This year ’s scope also expands i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. Tw e n t y - f i v e countries are represented in 2016 such as Slovenia, Puerto Rico, Iran, Latvia, Cyprus, and on and on. And there’s much more included this year than just our traditional horror and sci-fi. As always, none of this would have been possible without the help of our tremendous Programming Committee who spent months tirelessly reviewing all of the selections. It’s our best year ever. www.carolinatheatre.org/films/ festivals/nevermore B e e r t o p i a Fr i Fe b r u a r y 1 2 t h 2pm–6pm 1012 Market St, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Each Beertopian who holds either a Green VIP or General Admission ticket will receive a collectible Beertopia tasting glass and full access to sampling 150+ craft beers represented by at least 50 different brewers. Green VIPs will have first access to selected rare beers when they are admitted at 1pm. All ticket holders will enjoy

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U-Phonik live, vendor access and ability to purchase wine and beer by the glass inside grapevine. www.mygrapevineonline.com/ beertopia/ L a t t a C e l t i c M u s i c N i g h t Fr i Februar y 12th 6pm–9pm Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Enjoy a night under the stars listening to some of the best Celtic Rock and Traditional Celtic bands in the state. The plantation grounds will be open with the Carriage Barn as a backdrop to the concert. Food and beverage vendors will be open for your enjoyment. Music Night runs from 6-9pm Saturday only. Day Passes are available for purchase at arrival which include both the Festival (1 day) a n d t h e C o n c e r t o n S a t u r d a y. www.lattaplantation.org Hickory Furniture Mart Anniversary Sale Fri Febr uar y 12th–Mon 15th 2220 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickor y, NC 28602. 2016 marks the 32nd anniversary of this popular event. Dates have been extended to include President’s Day so that furniture shoppers

We do the shopping for you to get the

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations provided by Continental Divide.

Reception at 6pm and dinner at 7pm. Dinner and dance is $250 per couple/$230 per Wine Club couple. Dinner and dance with lodging is $350 per couple/$315 p e r W i n e C l u b c o u p l e . Fo r tickets, please call Jennie Hess at 336.236.9463 ext.332. Please note, tickets are non-refundable.

Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y a t C h i l d r e s s www.childressvineyards.com Vineyards Saturday February 13th Childress Vineyards Rd, Lexington, 2nd Annual Valentine’s Dinner NC 27295. Celebrate Valentine’s S a t u r d a y Fe b r u a r y 1 3 t h B o b Day with great wine, food, music Timberlake Gallery, 1714 E Center and of course, dancing! Treat St Ext, Lexington, NC 27292. Join the special person in your life Bob Timberlake Galler y for our to our Valentine’s Dinner and 2nd Annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance with our fine wines and with food by Ron Seaford, North g o u r m e t f a r e . E n t e r t a i n m e n t Carolina wines and dancing by DJ 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

Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

Greg McLeese. Reser vations only. complete with spandex, big hair www.bobtimberlake.com and all your favorite 80s songs. www.beechmtn.com Dinner in the Bistro Sunday February 14th Childress Vineyards Funk and Monk Saturday Februar y Rd, L exington, NC 27295. Join 20th 3–10pm 317 North Green Childress Vineyards on Valentine’s S t r e e t , M o r g a n t o n , N C 2 8 6 5 5 .

Day from 5:30-9pm. Dinner will Funk & Monk bottle release of feature a special, prix fixe three- several variations of Urban Monk course menu. Guests may choose Imperial Stout. Also, a special one of three appetizers; one of bottle release of two sours TBA! three entrées; and one of three Limited Quantity! Food Available desserts. Price is $55 per person for Purchase. FREE LIVE MUSIC! and $49 per Wine Club member. www.fontaflora.com www.childressvineyards.com W i n t e r f e s t S m o k y S t y l e Fr i Totally 80s Retro Ski Weekend Fe b r u a r y 2 6 t h – S u n d a y 2 8 t h a t B e e c h M o u n t a i n T h u r s d a y 3 3 7 4 S o c o R d , M a g g i e Va l l e y, Februar y 18th–Sunday 21st 1007 N C 2 8 7 5 1 . A w i n t e r e v e n t B e e c h M o u n t a i n P k w y, B e e c h h i g h l i g h t i n g s l e d d o g s , P l o t t Mountain, NC 28604. The town hounds, canine demonstrations, of Beech Mountain and Beech l o c a l r e a l i t y t e l e v i s i o n Mountain Resort come together s t a r s , W i n t e r p h o t o g r a p h y to create an unparalleled retro d i s p l a y s a n d c o m p e t i t i o n s , experience. Live 80s music great food, great music, and nightly, retro skiing daily and m o r e . C h e c k o u r w e b s i t e plenty of throwback activities f o r t h e c o m p l e t e s c h e d u l e . i n b e t w e e n . N e w t h i s y e a r i s www.winterfestsmokystyle.com Totally Tubular Snowtubing. Also new is a PacMan and a Rubik’s 7th Annual Yadkin Winter Reds Cube contest. Our good friends Saturday Februar y 27th–Sunday from the Carolina Ghostbusters 28th Looking for a day trip or a r e t u r n a l o n g w i t h t h e i r E c t o - weekend getaway? Then come m o b i l e – j u s t l i k e t h e o n e i n visit Yadkin County and enjoy the movie. We’ll also have the the annual Yadkin Winter Reds vehicle most associated with the event. All Yadkin County wineries 80s – a stainless steel DeLorean! will feature their “ Winter Red” T h e e x p a n d e d w e e k e n d k i c k s (2 oz. pour) paired with a 4 oz. off Thursday night with Cassette ser ving of a tasty food item. Each Rewind, a high-energy Charlotte ticket holder will be assigned band born in the 80s and raised t o a s t a r t i n g w i n e r y w h e r e o n r a d i o . Fr i d a y ’ s l i v e m u s i c you will receive your souvenir will be at Mile High Tavern. On glass and a map. Ticket is good Saturday night at the ski resort, for both days on the selected rock out with 80s Explosion, w e e k e n d y o u c h o o s e – o n e

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations visit per winer y. Limited ticket musket and artiller y firing, and event for both weekends. You broadsword use. www.nps.gov may buy the tickets online at Mardi Gras of the Carolinas www.visityadkin.com S a t u r d a y Fe b r u a r y 2 7 t h 7 p m – Battle of Moores Creek 240th Sunday 28th 2am Castle McCullAnniversary Saturday Februar y och, 3925 Kivett Dr, Jamestown, 2 7 t h – S u n d a y 2 8 t h M o o r e s N C 2 7 2 8 2 . Fe e l t h e h e a t o f C r e e k N a t i o n a l B a t t l e f i e l d , Carnevale with our special fire 4 0 P a t r i o t s H a l l D r, C u r r i e , show featuring sizzling enterN C 2 8 4 3 5 . S t e p b a c k i n t i m e tainment and enticing costumes t o w h e r e o u r c o u n t r y b e g a n . at the 14th annual Mardi Gras of Moores Creek was the location the Carolinas! Bring your bare as o f o n e o f t h e f i r s t b a t t l e s o f you dare attitude with you and the Revolutionar y War and the prepare to mix, mingle, see and first patriot victor y of the war. be seen. Frolic as you roam the Re-enactors representing both g r o u n d s o f C a s t l e M c C u l l o c h , Patriot and Loyalist militias will an almost, 200 year old Castle demonstrate militar y camp life, and indulge in live music, fire Continued On Page 14

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Destinations Continued From Page 13

performances, amazing DJs and other exotic acts. This is the party your friends have been talking about. This 21+ event is located in the heart o f t h e Tr i a d , J a m e s t o w n N C . www.castlemcculloch.coml Downtown Goldsboro Kilt Run Saturday March 12th 115 N John St, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Grab your kilt and your running shoes and hustle on down as The Flying Shamrock hosts the First Annual Downtown Goldsboro K i l t R u n ! Yo u d o n ’ t w a n t t o miss it. $20 gets you a cool T-shirt, 2 beers (non-alcoholic beverage also available) and the fun of joining in the kilt run. It’s a short fun run, so you can join in even if you consider drinking beer an athletic event! ** Must wear a kilt to r un ** What’s better on a spring day than a r un through downtown Goldsboro, wearing your kilt, laughing with friends and drinking great beer? Nothing!

And... it’s for a great cause– Proceeds go to St. Baldrick’s K i d s C a n c e r Fo u n d a t i o n . www.theflyingshamrock.com Latta Celtic Festival Saturday March 12th–Sunday 13th Historic L atta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and lear n about Celtic people throughout histor y when you visit Latta Plantation for the Latta Celtic Festival! Enjoy live music Scottish dance performances and more. See Celtic War riors

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spanning from the Medieval Times to WWII and visit with Scottish Clans. Spend the weekend shopping with Celtic Vendors, enjoy food from the Scottish Cottage, and grab a cold beer from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewer y (just to name a few).

Kids activities include games, storytelling, visiting farm animals, and much more! www.lattaplantation.org T h e M u m m y Tr e a s u r e o f Al Faiyum Mon March 14th 10am–Thursday 31st 5:40pm 134 Court St, Statesville, NC 28677.

Come meet the ONLY Egyptian Mummy in North Carolina!

Explore the culture and histor y o f t h e 2 2 n d D y n a s t y, u n c o v e r the myster y of mummification in our hands- on CSI lab, and meet K asra the Dromedar y Camel.

Visit www.iredellmuseums.org for more program and outreach opportunities.

O B X Ta s t e o f T h e B e a c h Thursday March 17th–Sunday 20th Outer Banks, Kinnakeet, NC. This fun food festival features: wine tasting, cooking classes, special multi-course menu presentations, brewer y tours, tapas crawls, cookoffs, showdowns and even p r o g r e s s i v e d i n n e r s . We even have a kickoff party on Thursday night, so there really is something for ever yone! www.obxtasteofthebeach.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Just down the road...

Uptown Lexington & Davidson County

Art

Wine

History

Events

Barbecue • Shopping • History Festivals • NASCAR • Hotels Hiking • Golf • Antiques Boating • Weekend Getaways www.VisitLexingtonNC.com

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Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend Big Hair Not Required

G

et ready for a blast to the past with the fifth annual Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend at Beech Mountain. This year’s event expands to four days, bending the space-time continuum from Thursday, February 18th, through Sunday, February 21st.

were born in the ’80s and raised on radio. Friday night’s show at Mile High Tavern features the first Beech Mountain appearance by SPANK, East Tennessee’s top retro band.

Friday night also includes the $200 Madonna Look-Alike Contest.

Saturday ’s headliner at the ski resort is ’80s Explosion. High Energy and clad in spandex, the band plays the big hits from the 1980s – complete with big hair.

Saturday night also features the Totally Retro Apparel Contest with its $500 first-place prize. The prize It’s an opportunity to hit the goes to the person with the most slopes in dayglo ski gear and dust authentic apparel from the best off those old school threads for a decade ever. full schedule of concerts, activities “It’s probably our most popular and contests. ski weekend,” says Talia Freeman, A great music lineup kicks off m a r k e t i n g d i r e c t o r a t B e e c h Thursday night at Fast Eddie’s with Mountain Resort. “It’s a blast not Cassette Rewind, a tribute band only for our guests, but also our from Charlotte whose members employees. People love it because it During this righteous celebration, the town and ski resort combine for an awesome retro experience.

Enjoy live ’80s music nightly, retro skiing daily and throwback activities in between.

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Regional Events & Destinations

encourages them to step outside their shell and have fun.”

New this year is Totally Tubular Snowtubing and t h r e e c o n t e s t s . A Pa c Man Competition takes place over three days at Beech Alpen Restaurant with a $100 prize for the top score.

A $100 Rubik’s Cube Contest is on tap Saturday at Beech Mountain Brewing Co., while a Hot Tub Time Machine Trivia Contest ($100) is Saturday at the ski resort’s Beech Tree Bar & Grille.

There will be special guest appearances, including the Carolina Ghostbusters and their EctoMobile, as well as the vehicle most associated with the ’80s – a stainless steel DeLorean. “ There’s lot of good energy around this event. People just love that era,” says Beech Mountain tourism director Kate Gavenus. “A lot of folks who were alive during that time like to relive it, and there are many people who weren’t alive during the 1980s who really like the music, like the clothing and like the movies from that time. It’s a fun, upbeat era in American history.”

For more info or lodging specials, call (800) 468-5506 or visit: www.BeechMtn.com.

El Toro Mexican Grill & Bar

Real authentic Mexican food.

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Lexington Is For Lovers Just down the road Davidson County is offering unique dining and dancing destinations for that divine day with your deserving darling.

The Bob Timberlake Gallery Passing through the massive wooden doors as you enter the Bob Timberlake Gallery is just the beginning of your glimpse into Bob’s World. Be sure to look at the construction of this magnificently designed building that also qualifies as a work of art.

On February 13, 7-11pm Bob is hosting his 2nd Annual Valentine’s Dinner with food by Ron Seaford, North Carolina wines and dancing by DJ Greg McLeese. Reservations only.

Childress Vineyards Celebrate Valentine’s Day with great wine, food, music and of course, dancing! Treat the special person in your life to our Valentine’s Dinner and Dance with our fine wines and gourmet fare. Entertainment provided by Continental Divide.

Reception at 6pm and dinner at 7pm. Dinner and dance is $250 per couple/$230 per Wine Club couple.

Dinner and dance with lodging is $350 per couple/$315 per Wine Club couple.

Come see why Wine Enthusiast magazine selected Childress Vineyards as one of America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms.

Weathervane Winery With North Carolina pines in the distance, the winery and vineyard are located on 7 acres in northern Davidson County.

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Come out February 12-13, 6-10pm to join the family at Weathervane Winery for a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance in the Event Center. Music from Mark Tuttle. Seating is limited.

Call now to book your reservation. $40 per person.

The Bob Timberlake Gallery

1714 E. Center Street Ext., Lexington, NC 27292 www.bobtimberlake.com 336-249-4428

Childress Vineyards

1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington NC www.childressvineyards.com 336-236-WINE (9463)

Weathervane Winery

1452 Welcome Arcadia Road, Welcome NC www.weathervanewinery.com 336-793-3366

Regional Events & Destinations

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Decompression Destinations

Cornelius Drafthouse

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he sentiments of Casey Ashlock and Wes Lucas, co-owners of the Cornelius Drafthouse and Bottle Shop, calls to mind an episode of Cheers, Lake Norman style. Having walked through the doors more than once (or twice!), I can attest this is more than a lofty goal. I’m always greeted by name and, more importantly, with a sample of the latest selection(s) to treat my beer snob palate. I also regularly bring my laptop… work, play, hideaway — check!

beer industry continues to grow and become more and more diverse. It’s an exciting challenge to keep up.”

“We want to be your home away from home… your hideaway, your place to work or play… endlessly stocked with a massive selection of delicious local craft beer.”

A few must-do things when you pop in — be sure to check out the tap handle chandelier (you’ll want one of your own), leave a few choice words on the chalk board walls, and The Drafthouse, as we locals call play a round of Balls to the Wall, a it, was a labor of love… of craft beer. Drafthouse original.

Casey and Wes begged, borrowed and occasionally stole (a stor y I promise you will quickly best told over beer…) to create the develop a routine as a regular at current homey space. Big supporters the shop; if you are like me, you’ll of the drink local movement, the grab your first pint, peruse the three goal is always to have a line of taps walls lined with bottles and start with Carolina beers you can’t find mixing your next six pack as you sip. everywhere else.

Cheers y’all!

– Erica Madden

“ We thought we knew a lot about beer when we entertained this idea,” Casey reminisced, “but our learning curve was huge! The craft

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Cornelius Drafthouse and Bottle Shop is located at 19818-C N. Cove Road, Cornelius, NC. www.corneliusdrafthouse.com

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Facts About NC Skiing And Snowboarding

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ere are six facts about North Carolina’s ski areas, drawn from research conducted

by RRC Associates for the North Carolina Ski Areas Association: North Carolina has six ski areas: Appalachian Ski Mtn, Beech Mountain Resort, Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Sugar Mountain Resort and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.

At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski area in Eastern North America.

Residential & Commercial Real Estate

704-897-3061 Online scheduling: www.tcornishlaw.com

8936 N. Pointe Executive Park Drive Huntersville, NC 28078

Visits to North Carolina’s ski areas were up 7.5 percent for 2014-15. That increase came amid a decline in visits nationally (5.2 percent) and in the Southeast (8 percent).

In terms of annual visits, North Carolina ranks 18th among the 37 states with ski areas. North Carolina is just behind New Mexico and Wyoming and just ahead of West Virginia and Virginia.

April 16th - 17th

In preparation for the 2015-16 season, North Carolina ski areas spent $8.5 million on improvements to snow-making equipment, lifts, lodges and rental equipment.

58 percent of all visitors to North Carolina’s ski areas stay overnight, compared with the national average of 51 percent.

Information:

LOCHNORMAN.COM only at Historic Rural Hill, Huntersville, NC

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photo credit: Bill Russ | VisitNC.com

Visit The Strangest Collection Of Americana In The World

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isitors to Hertford County in northeastern North Carolina can trace how appliances like phonographs, music boxes and radios evolved by visiting some of the largest collections in the world at the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana. The museum in Murfreesboro is one of the state’s quirkiest attractions. It not only features what is believed to be the world’s largest collections of washing machines and irons, but it also includes ever ything from mouse traps to bed pans in its more than 13,000 pieces. Brady Jefcoat, a plumber turned philanthropist, THE BRADY C. JEFCOAT MUSEUM OF AMERICANA Jefcoat Museum in Murfreesboro, NCStep inside the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana and step back in time more than 150 years when life was simpler. murfreesboronc.org/jefcoat.htm

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was an avid collector who also tinkered with and repaired many of the items on display. The collection occupies more than 17,000 square feet of space in the Old Murfreesboro High School. Jefcoat donated his possessions for parks to the Masonic Children’s Home and for the public good. He donated his entire collection of “Americana” to the Mur freesboro Historical Association for the museum. The museum is open on weekends and group tours are offered throughout the week by appointment.

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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Sip & Seek Bridal Show

A place where neighbors can EAT, MEET & DRINK Full Menu to 2am Fri • Sat • Sun

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ural Hill will host its 3rd Annual B r i d a l S h o w o n S u n d a y, March 6th from 1-4pm. The “Sip & Seek Bridal Show” will be an intimate setting for brides and vendors to meet while enjoying complementar y wine, food and door prizes.

This show will give brides-to-be an opportunity to get to know local vendors and see their capabilities, as well as seek out wedding inspiration throughout the venue and through vendors.

Ve n d o r s a t t e n d i n g i n c l u d e caterers, bar ser vices, bakeries, photographers, wedding planners, DJ/Musicians, florists, hair & makeup artists, rental companies, bridal boutique and venue director to name a few. Many of the vendors will be offering discounts and door prizes to those in attendance. This exclusive wedding-style event is free to attend with preregistration.

Fo r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n and to register, contact Rural Hill Private Events Director L auren Petervary at lauren@ruralhill.net.

Event details can also be found at www.myRHevent.com.

M O N D A Y

$2 Tacos (All Day & Night), Coronas, Margaritas

T U E S D A Y

Half Price Wine • Bottle or Glass

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 Redbull • $5 Fire Ball

S A T U R D A Y

SATURDAY MAY 16TH

$550 Tito’s Vodka • $2 Bud Light Bottles Hangover Helper Shooters

S U N D A Y

$4 Best Bloody Mary Bar On The Lake $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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Latta Celtic Festival & Celtic Music Night

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Enjoy a night under the stars listening to some of the best Celtic Rock and Traditional Celtic bands in the state. The plantation grounds will be open with the Carriage Barn as a backdrop to the concert. Food and beverage vendors will be open for your See Celtic Warriors spanning enjoyment. from the Medieval Times to WWII The Celtic Music Night event is and visit with Scottish Clans. Spend the weekend shopping with Celtic unique because it is a fundraiser, Vendors, enjoy food from the Scottish Cottage, and grab a cold beer from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewer y (just to name a few).

Kids activities include games, storytelling, visiting farm animals, and much more! elebrate St. Patrick’s Day and learn about Celtic people throughout histor y when you visit Latta Plantation f o r t h e L a t t a C e l t i c Fe s t i v a l !

Enjoy live music Scottish dance performances and more.

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all proceeds of this event go towards site operations and programs provided to the public throughout the year.

Music Night runs from 6-9pm Saturday only. Day Passes are available for purchase at arrival which include both the Festival (1 day) and the Concert on Saturday.

Latta Celtic Festival March 12th & 13th (10am-4pm) Celtic Music Night Fundraiser March 12th (6pm-9pm) Historic Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC LattaPlantation.Org Admission: $10 Music Night - $15 Day Pass Children 5 & Under are FREE Save $1.00 off each admission for the Latta Celtic Festival valid on March 12 & 13, 2016 (10am-4pm) only.

the fillmore C H A R L OT T E , N C

Limited tickets

on sale now!

save the

date!

feb. 6th, 2016

BENEFITING ACEING AUTISM of

CharLotte Craft beers QCbrewfest.com

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Monks Gone Wild! Part Deux

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e are all familiar with the term “farm to fork” by now. But what about “farm to fermenter”? Fonta Flora Brewer y in Morganton, North Carolina in my humble opinion does farm to fermentor better than any brewery in the country. Head brewer Todd Boera not only utilizes local farmers and business to provide ingredients for his crafty creations, I’ll have you know that Todd will forage the foothills and forests to find favorable flora for his fermentors.

and fennel come directly from the farm. Yes, kiwi!

Fonta Flora is nationally recognized as an innovator in this type of brewing. Recently Todd was tagged as a “renegade craftsman” by The Wall Street Journal recently in the article “Foraged Beer: The Latest Trend in Craft Brewing.”

The Urban Monk imperial stout is now aging on heaps of Defiant Whisky oak soaked spirals. David, Mark, Todd and Sarah are making sure all is perfect for your arrival.

Now it’s up to us to make it a memorable celebration of the Monk!

Todd along with David and Mark Bennett, the three principles in Fonta Flora will be celebrating a bottle release of several variations of Urban Monk Imperial Stout. Also, two sours TBA will be released February 20th. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 3pm. Please do not camp overnight out of respect for their neighbors. Arrive early, arrive enthusiastic.

Ingredients like ramps, dandelions, figs have been foraged for in the wild while local crops like plums, kiwi, sweet potato, carrots, beets, rye grass, alfalfa , clover hay, sunflowers

Funk and Monk February 20th 3-10 FREE LIVE MUSIC! 317 North Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655 www.fontaflora.com

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Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166

www.duckworths.com

“THE MUSEUM THAT RUNS” Thank you for a great 2015

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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What’s New NC Attractions To Shine During National Park Service Centennial rom the Blue Ridge Parkway to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina will shine throughout the U.S. National Park Ser vice’s 100th anniversar y celebration in 2016. The state is home to the oldest national seashore (Cape Hatteras), the most popular national park (Great Smoky Mountains) as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” and Cape Lookout National Seashore, whose golden anniversary coincides with the National Park Service centennial. Other properties include the Appalachian Trail, the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, where the British made their first attempt at a permanent settlement in the New World. Pictured: Family of wild horses on Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. findyourpark.com

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Whirligig Park Turns Wilson Into a Visionary Arts Destination rtist Vollis Simpson’s windpowered whirligigs can be found at must-see museums in Raleigh, Atlanta, New York and Baltimore and in private collections around the world. Downtown Wilson becomes the envy of them all with the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, the new permanent home of 31 of the whimsical sculptures, which create their own rhythm and dance in the breeze.

The park ensures the legacy of the artist, who died in 2013 at age 94, and provide easy access from I-95 for travelers who want to discover the treasures.

More than a dozen whirligigs have been installed with 2016 as the target date for completion. Additional Simpson whirligigs are on view around Wilson. www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org 252-243-8440

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North Carolina State Park System Celebrates 100 Years ith 34 state parks, four state recreation areas and three state natural areas for the public to enjoy, the North Carolina State Park System celebrates its centennial in 2016. The properties extend across the range of North Carolina landscapes, from the highest peak east of the Rockies (Mount Mitchell) to the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast (Jockey’s

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Ridge) and include such distinctive landforms as monadnocks, Carolina bays and a blackwater rivers. To mark the milestone, the parks plan to offer North Carolina Science Festival programs April 8-24 and special activities during North Carolina State Parks Week (Feb. 28-March 5). Find more at www.ncparks.gov.

Hotel, Other Developments Unfold at Tryon Equestrian Resort r yon Resort, billed as the world’s most significant new equestrian lifestyle resort, has sprung into action just north of Tr yon, a town of 1,600 in the Blue Ridge Foothills with an eight-decade horse tradition.

Tryon International Equestrian Center, the first stage of the 1,400-acre development in Mill Spring, is already holding international-level equestrian competitions. Dining and shopping amenities are open, and current lodging options include cabins, RV sites and the 17-room Lodge at Lake Lure. In 2016, the Hotel at Tryon Resort will extend hospitality with its 150 rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, retail shops, heated pools, fitness center, salon and event space. The next year, a 200-room, nature-inspired luxury resort with a destination spa will open. The resort will also include an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and luxury

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homes. Hospitality and golf operations will be managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts. www.salamanderhotels.com Cherokee Valley River Casino Opens in Murphy he Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has opened the Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, about an hour’s drive from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The new attraction, which sits on an 85-acre mountain tract, includes 60,000 square feet of gaming space plus a 300-room hotel. Caesars Entertainment manages the operation, which features 1,200 slot machines and 40 to 50 table games. Work on the $110 million project began less than a year after a $650 million dollar expansion of Harrah’s Cherokee was completed. www.harrahscherokee.com

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New Belgium Gets Ready to Brew in Asheville y the end of the year, New Belgium expects to be brewing in West Asheville. The Fort Collins, Co.-based company is developing the $175 million brewery at a former brownfield site on the west bank of the French Broad River. The 17.5-acre tract encompasses the brewhouse, the packaging operation and a “Liquid Center,” or tasting room, which is to open in early 2016. Other visitor amenities will include a Belgiumstyle beer garden with a rolle bolle court, an event lawn, and parking for cars and bikes. The Liquid Center’s butterfly roof will cover an extended deck overlooking the river and a greenway path. While transforming a site that once included an auction house and stockyards, New Belgium reused flooring, siding, galvanized roofing and other material from the old structures. www.newbelgium.com

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Old Salem Opens New Sites for Settlement’s 250th Anniversary Moravian settlement built on a foundation of faith, culture and education. The anniversary celebration will include the opening of two newly restored buildings with lively interpretations of history: the Boys School, where hands-on activities and interactive technology will help relay the story, and the Doctor’s House, which will illuminate how Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling practiced medicine and dispensed remedies. These buildings will join other places popular for shopping (Winkler Bakery, A. Butner Hat Shop, Moravian Book & Gift Shop), dining (The Tavern in Old Salem, The Flour Box Tea Room & Cafe) and exploring. (St. Philips Heritage Center, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts). www.oldsalem.org

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Plan Your Holiday Party With Us! Huntersville Newly Remodeled

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