Issue 061 April the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 61 Regional Events & Destinations

The Trolley With Good Taste Page 17

Hog Heritage Honored At Lexington’s BBQ Capital Cook-Off NC Brewers & Music Festival

Back To Your Finger Pickin’ Carolina Roots Highlighting Hops In Hickory Decompression Destinations

WNC Cheese Trail’s Second Annual Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Saturdays In April April 9th, 16th & 23rd

• Ridgeline Trolley Transportation • Departs from Hickory at 11 am • Return by 5 pm • Lunch at JD’s Smokehouse - Rutherford College • Tour and Tasting at Defiant Whisky Distillery - South Mountains • Brewery Tour and Tasting at Fonta Flora Brewery - Morganton • Tasting at Brown Mountain Bottleworks - Morganton • $45 Per Person Includes Lunch, Transportation and Beer Samples

Call 828-437-3021 for more details or to reserve your seats.

MasterCard and VISA are accepted forms of payment.

3 theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

April 2016 Issue 61

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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, Eric Beach Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Project 543, Craig Distl, Heather Whittington Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, PhotodudeART.com, Paul Newton, Heather Whittington 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

6

The Trolley With Good Taste

17

Hog Heritage Honored At Lexington’s BBQ Capital Cook-Off

18

NC Brewers & Music Festival

20

Back To Your Finger Pickin’ Carolina Roots

23

Hike The Highest Point On The Appalachian Trail

24

Get Ready Beer Fans. See What’s Brewing For NC Beer Month 25 Highlighting Hops In Hickory

26

Decompression Destinations 29 WNC Cheese Trail’s Second Annual Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest 30 Regional Events & Destinations

Relive the moment at ELVIS starring Cody Ray Slaughter

‘56

in Lexington,

North Carolina

Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Edward C. Smith Civic Center 217 S. Main Street

Prices range from $25 to $79 For tickets:

866-604-2389

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Rural Hill Spring Food Truck Rally Saturday April 2nd Rural Hill Nature Preser ve, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078.

20 of the Charlotte area’s best food trucks stop by the farm for a celebration of food, fun and friends! The Thistledown Tinkers will provide live music for this event which will also include NC beer and wine, children’s activities, ticket giveaways, bounce houses, games, hayrides and more! Admission to the Rally is free, but food pricing will var y per truck menu and there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. www.ruralhill.net.

Taylorsville, NC 28681. The run is sponsored by the Robin’s Run Foundation, with race proceeds to be split between church missions and youth athletic scholarships in keeping with Robin’s passion for chur ch and athletics. www.robinsrunfoundation.com

12th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride Saturday April 2nd YMCA, 348 Grace Corpening Dr, Marion, NC 28752. Two rides: one for the hardcore cyclist and a fun ride.

The Dewey Hughes Memorial Ride is a challenging one beginning at Marion’s YMCA traveling through rolling farmlands for a total of 67 miles. The Fun Ride takes you World Beer Festival Fr i d a y on an exciting 25 mile course April 1st North Carolina State t h r o u g h r o l l i n g h i l l s i d e s a n d Fairgrounds Exposition Center, farmlands. www.ymcawnc.org 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607. A chance to sample 37th Annual Blowing Rock o v e r 2 5 0 c r a f t a n d s p e c i a l t y Trout Derby S a t u r d a y A p r i l beers from around the world. 2nd 7am–4:30pm Blowing Rock www.allaboutbeer.com C l u b h o u s e , 1 0 8 L a k e s i d e D r, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. The 37th 6th Annual Robin’s Run 5K Annual Derby begins at sunrise on & 1–Mile Fun Run Saturday Saturday, prizes awarded at 4:30 April 2nd Matheson Park Ave, pm. Win prizes for biggest fish in

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations separate age categories. No entr y fees are required and no preregistration is necessary. Just take your catch to the official Derby headquarters at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse on Lakeside Drive, by the Community Pool and Broyhill Park. www.blowingrock.com All American Marathon / Mike to Mike Half Marathon / All American 5K Sunday April 3rd Festival Park, Rowan St & Ray Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28301. Half and full marathon runners will begin their journey in Downtown Fayetteville. This r un boasts a unique inside look at the largest U.S. militar y installation, ending with a finish festival celebration. www.allamericanmarathon.com

69th Annual North Carolina A za lea Fest iva l Wednesday April 6th–Sunday 10th Wilmington, NC. Each year in April when the landscape is dominated by thousands of brilliant pink, white, and purple azaleas, Wilmington pays homage to these dazzling flowers during the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, a five–day celebration that ushers in spring with Southern hospitality and fanfare. www.ncazaleafestival.org Spring Burnout 2016 Saturday, April 9th at 9pm–6pm Tilley Harley-Davidson 1226 Morland Dr, Statesville, North Carolina 28677.

It’s riding season... and that only means one thing, LET’S PARTY!!!!

Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Join us as we throwdown the biggest party of the year to kick off the 2016 riding season. We’ll have some of the best vendors in town coming to join us and keep ever yone happy. And to top it all off, we’re hosting a FREE CONCERT! From the Hit TV Series Sons Of Anarchy Soundtrack, from Charlotte North Carolina is PREACHER STONE! The Legal Limit Band will be opening. www.tilleyhd.com

NC Brews & BBQ Thursday April 7th 4pm–10pm Thirsty Monk, 2 Town Square Blvd #170, Asheville, NC 28803. If there’s two things we love most in NC, it’s our beer and our BBQ. We’re mixing the best of both at Biltmore Park, with delicious, smoky pulled pork, paired with Eastern, Central, We s t e r n a n d L e x i n g t o n – s t y l e BBQ sauces, made with some of your favorite NC brews! www.monkpub.com

AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway T h u r s d a y A p r i l 7th–Sunday 10th 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027. The AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors. More than 1,500 collectible vehicles will be available for sale in the car cor ral. The AutoFair will also feature a collector car auction. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com

65th A nnual Stoneybrook Steeplechase Saturday April 9th Carolina Horse Park Foundation, 2814 Montrose Rd, Raeford, NC 28376. The official rite of spring in the Sandhills. Stoneybrook offers a day in the countr y to thousands of spectators. The thrill and beauty of horse racing as well as enjoying a day with family and friends is an event not to be missed! www.carolinahorsepark.com

RiverRun International Film Festival T h u r s d a y A p r i l 7 t h – S u n d a y 1 7 t h . Va r i o u s v e n u e s throughout Winston–Salem, NC. One of the countr y ’s fastest– growing regional film festivals. www.riverrunfilm.com

11th A nnual Herb Festival Saturday April 9-10th Painters Greenhouse, 745 Roy Moore Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762. Come savor the smell and taste of fresh-grown herbs! Craf tsmen,

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Destinations vendors and musicians will e n t e r t a i n b o t h d a y s . Pa i n t e r s Greenhouse is approximately 5 miles south of I-40 at exit 73. www.paintersgreenhouse.com

Greensboro, NC. As part of the downtown craft beer and wine stroll, strollers will receive two tastings of wine and/or beer at Downtown Greensboro restaurants. Appetizer and drink Beer & Bacon Fest Saturday specials will also be available April 9th 8003 Regency Pkwy, d u r i n g t h e d a y o f t h e e v e n t .

Car y, NC 27518. Car y ’s porkiest www.greensborodra.org playtime returns and this t i m e i t w i l l b e e v e n b e t t e r. Beer, Barbecue and Whisky T h e a l l – y o u – c a r e – t o – t a s t e Tour Saturday April 9th 16th, extravaganza comes complete 23rd 11am–5pm Union Square with the best craft beers for your NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Board the tasting pleasure... and of course Ridgeline Trolley for a tour that t h e f o o d o f t h e G o d s : b a c o n ! stops in Morganton at Fonta Flora www.boothamphitheatre.com Brewer y and Brown Mountain Bottleworks, in Bostic at Blue Sip–n–Stroll Saturday April 9th Ridge Distilling (makers of Defiant 1 p m – 7 p m Va r i o u s L o c a t i o n s , American single-malt whisk y), 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

and Rutherford College for lunch at JD’s Smokehouse. Depart at 11am from Union Square in downtown Hickor y and return by 5pm. www.ridgelinetrolley.com Spr i n g Mat i nee R ac e s at P i nehu r st Ha r ness Track Sunday April 10th 200 Beulah Hill Rd S, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Feeling the pounding of hooves and seeing the power of the equine athletes turns many first obser vers into lifelong fans. Check it out for yourself! www.pinehurstharness.org SAVOR Blowing Rock Thursday April 14th–Sun 17th Maple St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Enjoy wine tastings, seminars, cooking classes, pairing dinners and e n t e r t a i n m e n t ! G r a n d Ta s t i n g event downtown, plus satellite tents for more fun around town.

Start your weekend with a tasty seminar or two and Taste! on T h u r s d a y. Fr i d a y b r i n g s m o r e classes and tastings, while Saturday features the Grand Tasting, the Corkscrew 5K, and m o r e ! Wr a p u p S u n d a y w i t h a delicious brunch at one of

our local restaurants. Cheers! www.savorblowingrock.com 14th Annual Hickory Hops Thursday April 14th 1pm–6pm 232 Main Ave Pl SW, Hickor y, NC 28602. Featuring the hand-crafted beers of more than 50 local microbreweries in the Southeast.

We offer plenty for ever yone, from inexperienced beer novices to hardened beer fest veterans anxious for something unusual.

Come see who claims the title of Carolinas Championship of Beers. www.hickor yhops.com Tribute To The Troops “Great A m e r i c a n G e t To ge t h e r ” S a t u r d a y, A p r i l 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 CrossRoads Harley-Davidson 1921 U.S. Highway 421, Wilkesboro, N C 2 8 6 9 7 . N o o n - 5 p m . Fr e e food - Live Music featuring national recording artist Rockie Lynn - Cruise In Car/Bike Show - Activities for the kids Join us for a day of fun and fellowship! www.tributetothetroops.org 4th Annual Extreme Warrior 7K Mud Run and Junior Warrior Kids Run Saturday April

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations 16th 1243 Br yan Blvd, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Get a little dirty at the 4th Annual Extreme Warrior 7K Mud Run and Junior Warrior Kids Run! This 7K obstacle course run will have wicked obstacles and lots of mud pits that are sure to be challenging, but rewarding.

We have planned for you 15+ of the most challenging obstacles we could put together and some of the toughest terrain we were able to find. The event is be followed by a bar-b-que festival & discounted tickets to all participants and spectators.

Awards and ceremonies will be for 1st–3rd in both women’s and men’s categories.

Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games S a t u r d a y A p r i l 1 6 t h Sunday 17th Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 2 8 0 7 8 , U SA m a p . A m a g i c a l 2 day celebration of all things Scotland, the Loch Norman Highland Games have thrilled families for 23 years! Come out to the farm for Live Music, Scottish Athletics, Crafts, North Carolina Beer and Wine, Highland Dancing, Children’s Activities, Scottish Clans, Bagpipe Bands, Historic Encampments, Scotch W h i s k y Ta s t i n g s , S c o t t i s h Country Dancing, Scottish Food, Mer chandise and More! www.LochNorman.com Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

Wr ightsv ille Beach SUP Surfing Pro-Am Saturday April 16th–Sun 17th 703 S Lumina A v e , Wr i g h t s v i l l e B e a c h , N C 28480. The clear blue waters of Wrightsville Beach will host this world class surfing, standup paddleboarding and watersports extravaganza! Witness some of the nation’s top athletes take to the waves and waters near Oceanic Pier Beach Access 37, to “shred the gnar ” and impress spectators with their skills.

Family-friendly events include a Guide to the Histor y of Surfing for Young People, children’s SUP and longboard clinics, and a special Wounded Warrior Project event to give wounded ser vice

members and their families the experience of SUP sur fing on specialized boards with instructors. Highlight your spring trip to Wrightsville Beach with this signature SUP and surf event! www.visitwrightsvillebeachnc.com BBQ Capital Cook-Off Friday April 22nd - Saturday 23rd 4 E 1st Ave, Lexington, NC 27292. In a city renowned for its heritage of slow cooking pork shoulders over hickor y wood that is known worldwide as Lexington-style barbecue, it seems logical that a barbecue cook-off would take place on our streets! Experience the excitement of international teams competing in Lexington’s

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations acclaimed BBQ Capital Cook-off.

Come Friday night at 6pm to watch things get started, and stay over through Saturday to enjoy the final awards and all the entertainment. www.BBQCapitalCookOff.com.

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Fri April 22nd–Sun 24th Festival Park, Fayetteville, NC 28301. The Fa y e t t e v i l l e D o g w o o d Fe s t i v a l is the city ’s marquee event, featuring a midway/carnival, food vendors, live entertainment, inflatable/bounce houses, arts and crafts, a classic car show, street fair with shopping, and lots more fun for the whole f a m i l y. T h i s y e a r ’ s c o n c e r t h e a d l i n e r s i n c l u d e T h e L AC S , Chris Janson, Jack Russell’s Great White, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, The Crooners, and RadioBoXx. www.faydogwoodfestival.com

galore! And of course, locally grown strawberries... yum!

919-773-8448 30th Annual North Carolina Pickle Festival Saturday April 23rd 123 NW Center St, Mt Olive, NC 28365. Good, green family fun celebrating the agricultural heritage of the area. Free pickles.

Meet Ollie, an 8-foot pickle. Rides, children’s area and entertainment plus vendors and the Pickle Derby. www.ncpicklefest.org Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest S u n A p r i l 2 4 t h H i g h l a n d B r e w i n g C o m p a n y, 1 2 O l d C h a r l o t t e H w y, A s h e v i l l e , N C 28803. Meet the makers and Continued On Page 15

RockyFest 2016 Saturday April 23rd 3451 Rock y Face Chur ch Rd, Hiddenite, NC 28636. The event begins with 5K/10K/20K trail races at 8am. on a beautiful, challenging course. From 10am. to 6pm., attendees will enjoy live music, free rock climbing and rappelling, children’s activities, food, arts & crafts vendors and more. www.rockyfacepark.com Cleveland Strawberry Festival Saturday April 23rd N Tech Dr, Clayton, NC 27520. Experience a full day of fun at the Cleveland Strawber r y Festival with food, kids’ inflatables, pony rides, classic car cruise-in, music, dance entertainment, and vendors with crafts, art, and jewelr y

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Conveniently located for all LKN visitors.

Perfect for the entire family.

20930 Torrence Chapel Rd. Cornelius.

Just west of I-77 exit 28

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Continued From Page 13

the milkers, explore the craf t of cheese-making, sample and buy lots of local cheese! www.mountaincheesefest.com M e r l e Fe s t T h u r s d a y A p r i l 28th–Sun May 1st 1328 S Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of bluegrass and old time music and includes A m e r i c a n a , c o u n t r y, b l u e s , rock and many other styles.

The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 13 stages during the four day event. www.merlefest.org Pinehurst Concours d’E le ga nc e Fr i A p r i l 2 9 t h – Saturday 30th 1 C a r o l i n a V i s t a D r, P i n e h u r s t , N C 2 8 3 7 4 . T h e Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance blends the histor y, heritage and grandeur from three of North Carolina’s proudest traditions – motorsports, golf and militar y – and is an experience for lovers of automobiles, m o t o r c y c l e s , h i s t o r y, d e s i g n and more. Two days of events are planned for the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance starting with the Iron Mike Rally o n Fr i d a y a n d e n d i n g w i t h the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, where auto enthusiasts can view some of the most incredible automobiles ever produced. www.pinehurstconcours.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

The Trolley With Good Taste

M

organton’s Ridgeline Trolley is gearing up for fun with their unique offering of tours for 2016. April kicks off the season with “Beer, Barbeque, and Whiskey” tours starting in Hickory and Morganton.

The $45 tour includes a mouth-watering lunch at JD’s Smokehouse i n Ru t h e r f o r d College. JD’s has become a dining destination attracting travelers from an hour away just to have some of their smoked brisket, pulled pork or juicy chicken plates.

After lunch, the trolley heads down into the south mountains to visit Blue Ridge Distilling’s headquarters where Defiant Whisky is made in the traditional Scottish single-malt style. This is not scotch, but traditional American whisky. After a tour and tasting, visitors may pur chase a bottle under the new North Carolina law that allows one bottle per person per year after a tour of the distillery.

The tasting room and gift shop are located at a former summer camp site a few miles away from the actual still location.

The trolley then heads to Morganton and stops at Fonta Flora Brewery which has two gold medals from the Great American Beer Festival. This two-year-old brewery has become a very popular destination among craft beer lovers. Just down the street, Brown Mountain Bottle Works carry’s up to 8 craft beers and ciders on tap and more bottles of craft beer from around the country.

Catawba Valley Wine Tours will become more active during the summer and fall months and will peak in October with the very popular Fall Color Tours. Last year’s tours SOLD OUT very quickly.

Check www.ridgelinetrolley.com for upcoming tours and special events. Call 828-437-3021 to make reservations for all tours.

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Hog Heritage Honored At Lexington’s BBQ Capital Cook-Off By: Rebekah Cansler McGee

E

a c h y e a r, o n t h e f o u r t h weekend of April the smell of barbecue wafts through the streets and alleyways of Uptown Lexington, North Carolina. Doors throughout the town are ajar inviting in out-of-town guests and the sweet and spicy aromas of Souther n barbecue. Locals are reminded of a long gone era when these scents tempted the taste buds of the Uptown lunch crowd.

A new and wildly successful element added during the fifth year was the People’s Choice Area and Awards. Locals and tourists were invited to taste competition barbecue and join in on the fun of voting for their favorite. During the fifth year, a Lexington native won first place in the People’s Choice wings competition. On Friday night, festivalgoers can judge chicken wings and on Saturday they can judge pulled pork. Tasting tickets will be sold the day of the event.

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In addition to tasting delicious competition barbecue, attendees can also enjoy continuous music from local and regional bands beginning Friday.

The music lineup includes but is not limited to, The Lilly Brothers, Todd Johnson and The Revolvers, Artimus Pyle Band, and the Devon Allman Band. Devon Allman is the son of Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band.

Fo r a n e v e n t a n d c i t y t h a t celebrates a style of food, an empty stomach is nowhere to be found.

Barbecue is an obvious staple, but attendees can also enjoy fair food, desserts, craft and domestic beers, hard ciders, and wine.

Come dig in to the 6th Annual BBQ Capital Cook-Off Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23.3. The event begins 5:30pm. on Friday and runs until 7:30pm. on Saturday, drawing upwards of 20,000 people.

Regional Events & Destinations

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NC Brewers & Music Festival

S

ince its inception in 2010, The North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival in Huntersville, NC has become one of the most successful and eagerly anticipated events in the southeast. A celebration of the talented brewers in North Carolina and great live music, the NCBMF highlights regional brewers and breweries against the musical backdrop of top tier bands and the stunning scenery of Historic Rural Hill, a modern day working farm.

Rural Hill is a non-profit organization and produces the festival as a fund raiser for its educational outreach, historic preser vation efforts, and unique programming.

This year’s festival is May 6 and 7 and boasts a sensational line up of music from across the country including critically acclaimed all female bluegrass band, Della Mae, and noted festival band, The Travelin’ McCourys. Mipso, Hip Abduction, Trongone Band, Honeycutters, Sol Driven Train and Taylor Winchester are also appearing. New this year at the NCBMF is a Songwriters Stage featuring up and coming p e r f o r m e r s To n y E l t o r a , S a r a Rachele, and Jared Allan.

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The NCBMF showcases over thirty breweries from the region and Tasting Tickets for the event have sold out four years in a row.

In addition to the independent craft beer and live music, the NCBMF offers on site camping packages to those attending the festival. The unique combination of an outdoor beer festival and music festival at a historic farm makes the NCBMF an event that is not to be missed and one that sees guests from all over the country.

The NCBMF was voted Best Festival in Charlotte (2014) by Charlotte’s Creative Loafing, and was included in Southern Living/ The Daily South- Things you Need to Know in the South (2014).

Charlotte Magazine chose The NCBMF as one of the Best of the Best at the BOB awards in 2015.

The event has also been recognized

by Elevate Lifestyle Magazine and the Destination Magazine.

North Carolina Music and Brewers Festival May 6th & 7th Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net

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LAKE NORMAN

BREWERS TRAIL Whats On Tap Whats Going On How To Get There

LKNBT

LKNBrewersTrail.com

Bayne Brewing Company 19507 West Catawba Ave Cornelius NC 28031 704.897.6426 baynebrewingcompany.com

Primal Brewing Company 16432 Old Statesville Rd Huntersville NC 28078 704.947.2920 primalbrewery.com

D9 Brewing Company 11138-C Treynorth Dr Cornelius NC 28031 704.457.9368 d9brewing.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Back To Your Finger Pickin’ Carolina Roots

Y

ou’re invited to Carolina Roots MusicFest, a 2-day celebration of Americana Folk, Rhythm & Blues, styled out Rock & Roll, Country Rock and eclectic fusion music performed by national and regional performing artists the weekend of May 13-14, 2016 in Statesville North Carolina!

10 x10 Pop ups are permitted and will have a designated setup area.

No Pets, coolers, weapons, drones are allowed. Search activities will be in progress.

Carolina Roots MusicFest will offer various food trucks, craft beer and outdoor activities for guests to enjoy a relaxed social environment An outstanding lineup of musi- with other like-minded music and cians is scheduled On Stage; Keller outdoor lovers!

Williams, The Black Lillies, Anderson East, Abe Reid and the Spikedrivers, Advance Tickets are recomHoly Ghost Tent Revival, Major and mended. Festival admissions range the Monbacks, JMTCB, Moose and from $32 to $161 - which is the preFriends and Steel Fish & Incense. mium weekend package with access to the Rhythm Lounge for hospitality Fo r o u t d o o r e n t h u s i a s t s , amenities. Weekend campsites are weekend campsites are offered for $25. Music lovers of all ages are weltent and RV camping at the festival come! Children age 12 and younger site. Jam sessions, drum circles and are free. Purchase tickets online at storytelling are encouraged! Event CarolinaRootsMusicFest.com guests are welcome to bring lawn 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, chairs and blankets to bask in the NC 28677 near Statesville beautiful Carolina spring weather Regional Airport as the backdrop to all the outdoor CarolinaRootsMusicFest.com concert sounds. Large umbrellas and is the official source for festival information and updates.

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Hike The Highest Point On The Appalachian Trail

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hile North Carolina has just 88 miles (with another 200 miles that run along the Tennessee border) of the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, those miles contain some of the most scenic and unusual spots rising and falling along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smokies in North Carolina’s Swain and Haywood counties is considered a unique experience as this area crosses the Trail’s highest point, goes through its most diverse ecosystem and crosses the largest area of the Trail without a road.

The Appalachian Trail can be hiked through the Great Smokies as a five-to-eight-day trip (depending on your speed) from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap or in smaller segments such as Clingman’s Dome, Max Patch Mountain or Newfound Gap (where you can celebrate your bunions at Charlies Bunion

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Mountain, which was named after a bunion). Just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but still inside of the “Smokies” region, the Appalachian Trail also passes through the whitewater rafting home of the Nantahala Outdoor Center and down the main street of tiny Hot Springs. Both make great spots for quick hikes on this famous trail.

Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places.

Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

Regional Events & Destinations

Get Ready Beer Fans. See What’s Brewing For NC Beer Month

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pring is on the horizon. And just as flowers begin to bloom, the weather will warm and birds will chirp, dozens of craft breweries in North Carolina are revving up for the most exciting month of the year.

The fourth annual NC Beer Month, April 1-30, is approaching and you’ll want to mark your calendar to join in the fun.

Beer lovers look forward to this month-long celebration of #NCBeer, where there are plenty of beerinspired events and festivals, tastings and dinners, special discounts, travel deals and giveaways. More than 80

breweries – from the mountains to the coast of our state – are participating, ranging from veteran, award-winning brewhouses to newcomers on the scene.

With 150 breweries and brewpubs between Kill Devil Hills and Bryson City, North Carolina has the most breweries of any state in the American South. We’ve made your beer trip planning easy by putting together itineraries for you to visit several of our most brew-tastic cities and towns. www.ncbeermonth.com

LAKE NORMAN’S NEWEST DESTINATION FOR

UNIQUE CRAFT BEERS

19818-C North Cove Road, Cornelius | (704) 560-7874 theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Highlighting Hops In Hickory

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GET ON BOARD

he craft beer scene is particularly strong in North Carolina and the Division of Tourism recognizes this fact by declaring April as NC Beer Month.

Hickory Hops Brewer’s Festival on April 16th is one of the highlights of the month for craft beer enthusiasts and initiates alike.

Olde Hickor y Depot. Among the more than 50 breweries converging The annual outdoor festival, o n H i c k o r y a r e 4 f i r s t t i m e organized by Hickory Downtown participants: Fortnight Brewing, D e v e l o p m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n a n d Ironclad Brewer y, Skull Camp Olde Hickory Brewery, is a great Brewing, and Unknown Brewing. way to find great new beers. The The rest are returning breweries, festival will host more breweries bringing both old favorites and than ever, bringing more beers to a brand new creations. Many brewers space just a few hundred feet from bring beers that are unavailable Union Square, next to the historic throughout most of the state.

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Two live bands will set the energy level for the event and are sure the keep the toes tapping while the beer flows. The headliner will be Baby Black Orchestra – don’t let the name fool you, they are a jazzy, rocky, keep-the-party-rollin’ sort of band!

General admission includes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling, access to the brewers and the live music stage. Designated driver tickets are also available, offering access to the live music and the chance to chat with people from throughout the state and beyond.

April 16th - 17th

14th Annual Hickory Hops April 16th, 2016 1pm-6pm Downtown Hickory NC www.hickoryhops.com

Information:

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

“THE MUSEUM THAT RUNS”

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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MAY 13-14 2016 Statesville North Carolina ing tand Outs rmers!

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Decompression Destinations

Old Town Public House, Not Just Brews!

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n the souther n end of L ake Norman, NC is the smaller Lake Town of Cornelius, with an ever burgeoning nightlife that includes many great breweries, and craft beer houses to listen to great local music and enjoy a favorite brew with friends.

O f t h e s e , O l d To w n P u b l i c House is a fantastic bottle and tap house with a unique, eclectic, and warm atmosphere in a 110-year-old downtown building on Main Street near shops and the Oak Street Mill, which hosts many live events such as art crawls and live music festivals.

OTPH has a relaxed, warm yet urban vibe with exposed brick wall, metal accents, and generous wood bar.

If you’re wondering what’s on tap at Old Town Public House, friendly and welcoming owners, Case Warnemunde and Dan and Melissa Alvarez, are happy to walk you through your selections along with the friendly bar tenders Kenny & Jessica who can guide to you to finding just the right Craft Beer or flight of beers to delight your taste

buds. Additionally there’s a unique variety of wine selections by the glass or the bottle, along with specialty chocolates from Bar Chocolate, yummy snacks like the delicious Queen City pimento cheese, hummus and pitas, or even your own personal 10’ pan pizza. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, check out the awesome Dogma food cart just outside, specializing in delicious foot-long hot-dogs, bangers and mash.

Perhaps one of the most enticing elements is the energy and life that breathes through the live local artists presenting their original music Wednesdays through Saturdays with everything from small acoustic bands, to full bands playing Eclectic originals. If you’re a fan of Rock and Roll, Funky Jazz, Americana, and more, you won’t be disappointed with the beats filling the air in Downtown Cornelius.

Heather Lynn Whittington Old Town Public House 21314 Catawba Ave Cornelius, www.oldtownpublic.house

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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

M O N D A Y

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

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Half Price Wine • Bottle or Glass

W E D N E S D A Y

photo by: Cindy Kunst.

WNC Cheese Trail’s Second Annual Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest

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he fest will take place on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Highland Brewing Company in $3 Well Drinks • $3.50 NC Drafts Asheville NC from 12pm–4pm. This Half Price Wings Every Wednesday 5pm – 10pm! fun filled festival will include handson activities for kids and adults, panel discussions, workshops, vendors and cheesemakers. Tickets for additional beer and wine pairings $3.50 Drafts are also on sale through the Festival website for an additional $10.00.

T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y

$6 Vodka Redbull • $5 Fire Ball

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SATURDAY MAY 16TH

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

S U N D A Y

The festival highlights WNC C h e e s e Tr a i l c h e e s e m a k e r s and members with numerous opportunities for festival goers to learn more about, taste and purchase local, artisan cheeses.

The family-friendly festival will also include a wide variety of producers from the industry such as bread and crackers, meats, $4 Best Bloody Mary Bar On The Lake $2 Mimosas • $4 Double Mimosas • $2 Miller Lt Btl pickles and jams. Last year’s Festival included over 20 cheese makers, 15 other food industry vendors and was attended by over 1500 festival goers.

8301-1 Magnolia Estates Drive www.mountaincheesefest.com Cornelius, NC 28031

704•892•4433

Fri-Sun 11:00am-2:00am Mon-Thurs11:00am-12:00am

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Regional Events & Destinations

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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HUNTERSVILLE

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515 Rinehardt Road

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OFF I-77 @ EXIT 33 • 117 TRADE COURT (MOORESVILLE) 32 Regional Events & Destinations 704 799 1110 • www.jeffreyslkn.com