Issue 063 June the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 63 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

Carolina Crafted At State Of Origin Craft Brew Festival

Banner Elk & Beech Mountain To Host Mile High Fourth Of July Stay For Free, Are You Nuts?

Famous Fanatical Ales™

One Hundred Cool Things To Do In Burke County

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

CatawbaValleyWineTrail.com 828-433-6793 5 Wineries 30 Mile Stretch of I-40 40 Minutes from Asheville 50 Minutes from Charlotte

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June 2016 Issue 63

the

W

e Tell you where to go!

Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find local & 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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 every 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: Eric Beach Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Project 543, Craig Distl, Kara Werts Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, PhotodudeART.com, Paul Newton, Olivia Binstead, Madison Hedrick 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 DayTrip Destinations

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Carolina Crafted At State Of Origin Craft Brew Festival

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One Hundred Cool Things To Do This Summer in Burke County

19

Banner Elk & Beech Mountain To Host Mile High Fourth Of July 20 Stay For Free, Are You Nuts?

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Famous Fanatical Ales™

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Man The Guns Of The World’s Greatest Sea Weapon

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We Tell You Where To Go!

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

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble Wed June 1st–Sun 12th 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Join Grandfather Mountain for special programs designed to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of Catawba rhododendron blooming up the mountain’s s l o p e s i n e a r l y s u m m e r. S t a f f naturalists offer programs and guided walks daily June 1-12. All events are included in the price of admission. www.grandfather.com

derby, and discount tickets to Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and Linville Caver ns. www.beechmtn.com

NC G old Fe s t i v a l Fr i J u n e 3rd–Saturday 4th Mountain G a t e w a y M u s e u m , 1 0 2 Wa t e r Street Old Fort NC 28762. Annual event, featuring gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo -caching, gold panning, numerous vendors including arts and crafts, raffles, Family Fun Month on Beech Friday night kicks off the festival.

Mountain Wed June 1st–Thu www.ncgold.org 30th Beech Mountain, NC. This J u n e , b e a f a m i l y a g a i n . T h e Trout ac u la r S a t u r d a y J u n e town of Beech Mountain offers 4th 6am–12pm Riverside Park, 30 days of organized activities for P e a c h S t , S p r u c e P i n e , N C families. Enjoy Friday tours of the 2 8 7 7 7 . T h i s o n e d a y e v e n t i s old Land of Oz theme park, take designed for children to lear n mountain biking lessons, watch a n d e n j o y o n e o f M i t c h e l l a movie under the stars or team C o u n t y ’ s g r e a t e s t r e s o u r c e s . up for a game of pickleball. Other From sunrise on, this free event activities include: guided hikes, for children ages 14 and under p a r e n t / c h i l d g o l f , s w i m m i n g , features a fishing tour nament scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, and other entertaining activities. a fitness weekend with multiple www.downtownsprucepine.com running races, kiddo fishing

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations North Carolina Warrior Dash Saturday June 4th 8am–5pm Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Warrior Dash is the world’s largest obstacle race series, held on the most rugged terrain in more than 50 locations across the globe.

Participants earn their Warrior helmet by tackling a fierce 3-4 mile course and 12 extreme obstacles. After conquering the Battleground, Warriors celebrate with turkey legs, beer steins, and live music at a post-race party in a league of its own. Are you a Warrior? www.warriordash.com

potters from North Carolina and Virginia converge in Eden to show off their skillful art. Door prizes will also be awarded. www.exploreedennc.com

Salute! The North Carolina Wine Celebration S a t J u n e 4th 12pm–6pm 4th St E, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Held on the streets of Downtown Winston-Salem, Salute! This North Carolina Wine Celebration has become the premier festival dedicated to ser ving North Carolina wines exclusively. This event offers a total experience that highlights the fast-growing Eden’s 14th Annual Piedmont N o r t h C a r o l i n a w i n e i n d u s t r y Pottery Festival Saturday June i n a f u n a n d f e s t i v e s e t t i n g .

4 t h 9 a m – 4 p m 2 2 0 W K i n g s www.salutencwine.com Hwy, Eden, NC 27288. Over 100 Continued On Page 7

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Highlands Motoring Festival Thu June 9th–Sunday 12th 518 Dillard Road Highlands NC 28741.

Enjoy the cool climate of the highest Motoring Festival in the Eastern United States. Saturday is the featured classic car show at the Park. Many makes and models of both american and foreign vehicles will be on display. In addition to the show on Saturday, many other activities are also planned. www. highlandsmotoringfestival.com Texas Pete Twin City RibFest Thu June 9th–Sunday 12th Marshall St N, Winston-Salem, N C 2 7 1 0 1 . T h e Te x a s P e t e Tw i n C i t y R i b Fe s t i s a f o o d festival promoting NC-based food and beverage products l i k e Te x a s P e t e h o t s a u c e , Foothills beer and Cheer wine.

Tw i n C i t y R i b F e s t f e a t u r e s several rib cookers (ribbers) from all across the countr y as well as musical acts filling up three performance stages. www.twincityribfest.com

NC 28782. L ocated right in the heart of the festival, the Main Stage hosts the big acts and headliners. There’s lots of space to dance in front of the stage. If you like your food cooked low & slow, then step right up and order some of our BBQ. The folks selling you your ‘Q in the infield area are also competing for prizes and championship status in our contest, so you know you’re getting the best of the best! We only invite a small handful of our cookers— most of whom are also professional restaurateurs and caterers—to vend to our festival goers. www.blueridgebbqfestival.com

State of Origin Craft Brew Festival Sat June 11th 3pm–7pm Courthouse Square, Morganton, NC 28655. This popular event returns to downtown Morganton’s courthouse square for its third year and features approximately two dozen breweries. The festival was created by the owners of Morganton’s Fonta Flora Brewer y Blue Ridge Barbecue and to spotlight NC breweries making Music Festival Fri June 10th–Sat a l e s f r o m N C i n g r e d i e n t s .

11th Har mon Field Rd, Tr yon, www.fontaflora.com

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Destinations Lure Of The Dragons Race & Festival Sat June 11th 2992 Memorial Hwy, L ake Lure, NC 28746. Come out and watch 30-foot-long Dragonboats paddle 250 meters down the Rocky Broad River in Lake Lure to raise money for local charities a n d m e d i c a l r e s e a r c h . Fu n festivities, exciting competition and a great lunch make this day fun for all spectators. www.lureofthedragons.org Art in the Park Sat June 11th 10am–5pm 132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. A juried arts & craf t show featuring 90 artists at each of the six annual shows.

Browse among the tents to view

unique pieces and speak with the artists about their work! All artists have work for sale. Show is displayed all along Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock. www.blowingrock.com Stop, Sip, Savor Wine Hop Sun June 12th 2240 S Creek Rd, Nebo, NC 2876. Enjoy a wine tasting event at four Unique & Boutique wineries! Purchase a ticket online and begin the journey. Sip as you collect stamps on a Hop card at each winer y.

At the fourth winer y visit, enter a drawing for a chance to win one of four $25 gift certificates.

Patrons also receive a specially etched wine glass. Participating 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 avors 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

wineries Belle Nicho, Lake James Cellars, Silver Fork, and South Creek are conveniently located off I-40 between exits 94 and 100. www.southcreekwiner y.com

Presley ’s wonderful songs.

Tickets are on sale now at t h e L e x i n g t o n V i s i t o r C e n t e r. www.visitlexingtonnc.com

North Carolina Blueberr y Festival Fri June 17th–Sat 18th W C o u r t h o u s e A v e , B u r g a w, NC 28425. Come enjoy some of the area’s finest entertainment and artisans nestled around the courthouse square. Antique cars line the streets of Burgaw. The smell of food vendors’ delicacies w i l l e n t i c e y o u . Ta k e h o m e one-of-a-kind arts & crafts and, of course, the festival’s main attraction: blueberries. There are more than 20 events ranging from the street fair to a recipe contest, barbeque cook-off, a 5K run, special exhibits, and more.

A Tribute to “Elvis ‘56” Thu www.ncblueberr yfestival.com June 16th 7pm–11pm Edward C . S m i t h C i v i c C e n t e r, 2 1 7 N 4th Annual 301 Endless Yard Main St, L exington, NC 27292. Sa le Fr i J u n e 1 7 t h – S a t 1 8 t h In 1956, Elvis Presley performed Johnston County, site of the first i n L e x i n g t o n a t t h e Y M C A . I n US 301 Endless Yard Sale has c o m m e m o r a t i o n o f t h e 6 0 t h invited our neighbors along US anniversar y, Cody Ray Slaughter 301 from Weldon to Dunn, NC w i t h D a v i d Fo n t a n a a n d t h e to participate with this exciting H i l l b i l l y K a t z , a n d S a m a n t h a event. Patterned after the long A r r o w o o d C h a m b l i s s “ r e l i v e ” established 127 Longest Sale and Day of Wine and Roses at Raffaldini Vineyards Sun June 12th 1pm–3pm 450 Groce Rd, Ronda, NC 28670. Celebrate the beauty of Spring at Raffaldini Vineyards with a tour of our gorgeous rose gardens! Join our Master Gardeners on a complimentar y guided tour through the gardens including explanations of the surrounding flora. Tours at 1pm and 3pm, and admission is free! Gianno’s Brick Oven Pizza will be onsite ser ving fresh pizza. www.raffaldini.com

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YEAR OF CRAFT UNIQUELY CRAFTED BEERS BEER cor neliusdrafthouse.com PARTY to Benefit FOOD TRUCKS Proceeds JUNE Holly’z Hope LIVE BANDS Changing the World One Dog at a Time 2 6 19818-C NORTH COVE ROAD, CORNELIUS (704) 560-7874 10

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations inspired by the HGTV television show “Flea Market Flip.” the communities along US 301 will join together with deals, antiques, collectibles and more along a 100-mile stretch of highway between Kenly and Benson, in Johnston County... and now sites will be found in Halifax, Wilson, Nash, and Harnett Counties as well. www.301endlessyardsale. com Vertical Mile Challenge (VMC) 2 Sat June 18th 8am–4pm 3451 Rocky Face Church Rd, Hiddenite, NC 28636. Are you ready for Vertical Mile Challenge (VMC) 2? The course is approximately a two -mile loop beginning and

ending at the bottom of the cliff face directly behind the parking lot. The course is paved for a short distance and then becomes typical single-track trail. A f ter approximately 1/2 mile, runners will begin the 500-foot climb up the side of the mountain. At the top of the climb, the course reaches the Hollow Rock Trail and follows it down to the top of the lower rock face. At this point, runners will follow the Buzzard Loop trail to the end of the loop at the start/finish area. Runners will complete the loop eight times, equivalent to approximately 16 miles, and a vertical mile up and a vertical mile down. www.visitalexandernc.com Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

Summer Soulstice Sat June 18th 3pm–8pm Blue Ridge Mountain Club, State View Rd, Boone, NC 28607. This summer favorite is back for the second year!

Summer Soulstice is a music festival for all ages. There will be live music and kids activities, plus a BBQ food truck and beer available for purchase. This year’s event features three musical acts: Ashley Heath, Sycamore Bones and Smokey Breeze. w w w. b l u e r i d g e m o u n t a i n c l u b . com Father’s Day Barrel Tasting Sun June 19th South Creek Vineyards & Winery, 2240 S Creek Rd, Nebo, NC 28761. Bring Dad for a special day or treat yourself.

Have a seat in the barrel room and join the winem ­ aker and owners for exclusive tastings of unreleased vintages right out of the barrel! Get a flavor sensor y lesson, lite bites with wine tasting & tour the vineyard. Your ticket includes the barrel tastings with the winemaker, wine glass, light snack and vineyard tour. www.southcreekwiner y.com

Concerts in the Banner Elk Town Park Fri June 24th 6:30pm–9pm Tate-Evans Park, 210 Park Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Ever y Thursday evening at 6:30pm. Performers range from bluegrass to beach, countr y to top 40, blues to jazz and Motown to big band. www.bannerelk.org 7th Annual Brew Bern Beer & Wine Festival Sat June 25th 203 S Front St, New Ber n, NC 28560. The festival will focus on 40+american craft and regional micro breweries with over 125 beers being offered. There will also be a handful of wineries and a distiller y or two. All proceeds go to benefit the Beer Army Foundation. We hope that you can join us for this exciting event! www.visitnewbern.com Rock Barn Euro Classic Car Show Sat June 25th Rock Barn Golf and Spa, 3791 Club House D r i v e N o r t h e a s t , C o n o v e r, N C 28613. Fabulous European cars will be on display in a venue truly worthy of their heritage and this is a great chance for you to see them. Exhibits by Mercedes-Benz

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Regional Events & Destinations 5/23/15 5:06 PM

Destinations of Winston-Salem, Foreign Cars Italia of Greensboro, Flow BMW of Winston-Salem, Porsche of H i c k o r y, A i r s t r e a m I n t e r s t a t e , Shine Shop Automotive, Heritage Motor works Master Tech Auto, & more. The lush landscapes on the golf course will provide a gorgeous backdrop for the finest of vehicles. People’s Choice Awards in all categories. www.motorsportreg.com 12th A nnual Summer time B r e w s Fe s t i v a l S a t J u n e 25th Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 2740.

Sample beers from more than 140 breweries, enjoy live music and eat from the best local food trucks! Serious beer connoisseur ’s can enjoy the first samples of the frosty brews during the VIP Brewmaster Tasting, beginning at 2:30pm. All those who, while you appreciate the wonderful craftsmanship of the beers, are less interested in measured analytical sips and would rather jump right in to experience as many of the 500 beers as responsibly possible, may join in starting at 4pm. www.summertimebrews.com Annual Lumbee Homecoming Sat June 25th–Sat July 2nd 1 University Rd, Pembroke, N C 2 8 3 7 2 . We e k l o n g f e s t i v a l recognizes the heritage of the Lumbee people in Robeson County. Lumbee wares will be for sale at local markets. Also, there will be a golf tournament, Continued On Page 14

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Destinations Continued From Page 13

5k r un and Bike Race, various sporting events, parade, car show, live outdoor concerts and other performance arts events, Little/Junior Miss Pageant and Te e n / M i s s L u m b e e P a g e a n t s and events, and fireworks show. www.lumbeehomecoming.com

continues throughout the day, with a break at midday for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying per for mances by top Southern Gospel groups. www.grandfather.com

Avery County Wine & Beer Festival Sat June 25th 12pm– 5pm Linville Falls Winer y, 9557 L i n v i l l e Fa l l s H w y, N e w l a n d , NC 28657. Join us for a day of special wine and beer tastings from the High Countr y and sur rounding areas. Live music will be provided by Wayne Taylor a n d Po o r M a n w i l l p r o v i d e a delicious assortment of foods and BBQ. Don’t forget your chair and blanket so you can sit and enjoy the beautiful highland setting. The festival, will allow you a “flight of tastings” per wine and beer participant. Currently our participants will be: Linville Falls Winer y, Banner Elk Winer y, Grandfather Vineyard and Winer y, Blind Squirrel Brewing C o m p a n y, F l a t To p B r e w i n g C o m p a n y, B e e c h M o u n t a i n Brewing Company, Booneshine Brewing Company and others. www.aver ycounty.com

Mile High Fourth Of July Fri July 1st–Mon 4th Beech Mountain & Banner Elk NC. This first-ever event creates an extended getaway weekend beginning F r i d a y, J u l y 1 , a n d r u n n i n g through Monday ’s July 4th holiday. The two towns, known for cool summer temperatures a n d w a r m h o s p i t a l i t y, a r e excited to collaborate on an annual event in celebration of our nation’s independence. www.MileHighFourth.com

Singing on the Mountain Sun June 26th 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Now in its 92nd year, the “Singing” is a day-long countr y gospel convention held out- of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins in the early morning and

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30th A nnual Christmas in July Festival Fri July 1st–Sat 2 n d 2 n d A v e , We s t J e f f e r s o n , N C 2 8 6 9 4 . Fr i d a y n i g h t f i n d s live music from 2 local bands performing a countr y/bluegrass and classic rock mix, street dance & food vendors from 6-10pm.

Saturday brings the full festival to life from 9am-7pm with arts & crafts, music acts featured all day long playing the best in bluegrass, old time, gospel and countr y music, civil war reenactments, food, non-profits, kids activities, street performers, a Christmas tree judging contest, tree bailing competitions and wreath making demonstrations! www.christmasinjuly.info

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations A r t on the Greene Fr i J u l y 1st–Sun 3rd Historic Banner Elk School, Azalea Cir, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Three times each summer, the green at the Historic Banner Elk School comes to life with Art on the Greene, featuring q u a l i t y, h a n d - m a d e a r t s a n d crafts from select regional and national artisans. Art on the Greene takes place Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. The festivities include food vendors and other entertainment. www.bannerelk.com Independence Day Celebration at Old Salem Mon July 4th 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Enjoy 4th of July festivities at the site of the nation’s first official Independence Day Celebration: Old Salem Museums & Gardens. A n a t u r a l i z a t i o n c e r e m o n y, hands-on activities, historic Moravian traditions and patriotic music all welcome family and friends to the historic district of Salem. www.oldsalem.org Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Orchard Mon July 4th 1025 Or chard Rd, S p r u c e P i n e , N C 2 8 7 7 7 . Fr e e music from 11-4:30. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all d a y. I n p l a c e o f t h e c o v e r e d dish, guests may pay $12 per

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Carolina Crafted At State Of Origin Craft Brew Festival

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everal of North Carolina’s premier breweries will showcase beers from NCsourced ingredients at the State of Origin Craft Brew Festival Saturday, June 11.

This popular event returns to downtown Morganton’s courthouse square for its third year and features approximately two dozen breweries.

The festival was created by the owners of Morganton’s Fonta Flora Brewery to spotlight NC breweries making ales from NC ingredients.

All breweries, with the exception of three special “ambassador ” breweries, are located in North Carolina. The beers they serve at the festival must use North Carolina ingredients, and many will be special one-time releases made exclusively for the event.

“The entire event is a celebration of local ingredients,” says Fonta Flora co-founder David Bennett. “One of our main focuses at our brewery is

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local culture and local agriculture.

We practice what we preach every single day and the festival is a natural extension of that.”

For example, Fonta Flora, which earned back-to-back gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014 and 2015, uses grain from Riverbend Malt House in Asheville.

And one of its most surprising locally-sourced ingredients is kiwi from Burnsville.

I n a d d i t i o n t o Fo n t a F l o r a , participating breweries are: Appalachian Mountain Brewer y in Boone; Birdsong Brewing in Charlotte; Brown Truck Brewing in High Point; Burial Beer in Asheville; Catawba Brewing Company in Morganton; Free Range Brewing in Charlotte; Fullsteam Brewery in Durham; Haw River Farmhouse Ales in Saxapahaw; Highland Brewing Company in Asheville; Lenny Boy Brewing in Charlotte; Myster y Brewing Company in Hillsborough; Newgrass Brewing Company in

Regional Events & Destinations

Shelby; Salud Beer Shop in Charlotte; Steel String Brewery in Carrboro; Triple C Brewing in Charlotte; Trophy Brewing in Raleigh; Wooden Robot Brewery in Charlotte; Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville; and Zebulon Artisan Ales in Weaverville.

The three out-of-state ambassador breweries are: Arizona Wilderness Brewing in Gilbert, Ariz.; Jester King Brewery in Austin, Texas; and Scratch Brewing in Ava, an assortment of local vendors, Illinois. All use ingredients from their including JD’s Smokehouse and areas and represent a nationwide Farmhouse BBQ. movement to support local farmers and producers.

Festival hours are 3-7 p.m. Basic tickets are $50. Added value tickets M i p s o , a n o t e d b l u e g r a s s are $86 and include two bottles of quartet based in Chapel Hill with Funk Fuzz beer, an Appalachian Appalachian influences, returns to wild ale. Designated driver tickets the festival this year. Band member will be available at the festival for J a c o b S h a r p i s a M o r g a n t o n $25. For details and tickets, visit native. Food will be provided by www.FontaFlora.com.

Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166

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Banner Elk Sushi Club (828) 898-1940

Puerto Nuevo (828) 898-3332

Bayou Smokehouse (828) 898-8952

Sister Lees Café (828) 898-4000

Cam Ranh Bay (828) 898-4121

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Regional Events & Destinations

One Hundred Cool Things To Do This Summer In Burke County

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ooking for enjoyable things to do this summer? Burke County has a hundred of them.

The activities will be revealed each morning on Facebook, Twitter, the county’s tourism website, and on flyers available at the Burke County Visitors Center.

A few examples of the activities are: kayaking the Johns River, hiking Shortoff Mountain, bird watching on the NC Birding Trail, attending the outdoor drama From This Day Forward, swimming at Lake James State Park, hiking to a waterfall at South Mountains State Park and enjoying the splash pad at Martha’s Park in downtown Morganton.

“People asked me, ‘Can you really find 100 things to do in Burke County?’ Actually, it was pretty easy,” said tourism director Ed Phillips.

“We have several small towns, a thriving music scene, lots of arts and crafts, superb dining, the Blue Ridge Parkway, two state parks, and great fishing and water sports.” “ We’re tr ying to give people something they will look forward to seeing every day in social media feeds and on our website and in our To sum it all up, Phillip said Burke Visitors Center. Each day a new flyer County has everything from A (apple will be posted that has the same picking) to Z (zip-lining). format. It includes a paragraph on the activity, along with a phone number, website, hours, and a color For more info about Fun Updated photo.” Phillips said. “And we will Daily, call the visitors center at keep a running list for people who 888-462-2921, or go online to: www.DiscoverBurkeCounty.com wish to pursue other activities.”

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Banner Elk & Beech Mountain To Host Mile High Fourth Of July

M

usic, barbecue, fireworks and a parade are just some of the festivities on tap July 1-4 as the mountain resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain join forces for the inaugural Mile High Fourth of July.

The officially-designated schedule of events includes live music from nine bands, a fireworks display above the mile-high summit of Beech Mountain, the 47th annual Roasting of the Hog feast on Beech Mountain, and one of the South’s friendliest, most patriotic Fourth This first-ever event creates of July parades on Main Street in an extended getaway weekend Banner Elk. beginning Friday, July 1, and running through Monday’s July 4th holiday.

The parade concludes in TateThe two towns, known for cool Evans Park in Banner Elk, where summer temperatures and warm there will be food vendors and hospitality, are excited to collaborate traditional July 4th contests like on an annual event in celebration of sack races, three-legged races and a our nation’s independence. rubber duck derby.

“Banner Elk always holds its parade and ‘party in the park’ on the Fourth, while Beech Mountain always holds its fireworks and ‘roasting of the hog’ on the Saturday closest to the Fourth, so it seemed like a natural fit to partner on a larger celebration,” says Mike Dunn, chairperson of the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority.

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Fans of live music have their choice of nine performances, headlined by a Sunday afternoon concert in the Beech Mountain town meadow by Charlotte’s Brandon Kirkley & the Firecrackers. The aptlynamed band will perform classic and modern rock and pop hits, many of which have a patriotic theme.

Regional Events & Destinations

Art on the Greene takes place all four days at the Historic Banner Elk School and features hand-crafted items from across the Blue Ridge and beyond. Theatre aficionados can catch one of three performances of Mary Poppins, part of the Lees-McRae College summer theatre series.

Wine - Gifts Gourmet Snacks

Great food is available at restaurants in Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, as well as scenic chairlift rides to the summit of Beech Mountain.

For details and lodging info for the Mile High Fourth, call 800-468-5506 or go online to: www.MileHighFourth.com.

TWO LOCATIONS

RUSTIC - Craft Beer Piano - Cigars

ONE

The DESTINATION Cabin LAKE NORMAN ON THE WATER

200-400 North Harbor Place - Davidson NC 704.237.3629

www.LakeNormanCottage.com

Next to North Harbor Club on the water off of exit 30 I-77

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Stay For Free, Are You Nuts?

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his completely unique experience is designed to help you reconnect with land and see how fresh food is produced.

This program allows you to spend 20 hours working on the farm in exchange for a weeklong stay in one of our primitive cabins in the Agrivillage at the Farm Retreat property.

The bathhouse and parking is located 200-300ft away from the cabins. A central picnic shelter with charcoal grill and lighting provides a great spot to grill out on nice evenings while a small indoor kitchen allows meals to be prepared during rain or other inclement weather.

Vegan meals. If you are Vegan you will need to plan to prepare all of your own meals.

Our Farm stay cabins can be booked from April-October for one week or up to six months. For stays longer than one week there will be a short phone inter view after you make your reservation.

When booking a Farm Stay Cabin, the reservation system requires an amount to be placed on the stay, so a fee of $1/night is built in even though no fee will be charged. We do require all of your information as if booking a normal stay, and also require a Credit Card to be on file in the case of abuse or malice towards our property.

Spend time on the farm while you learn about sustainable farming practices. Depending on the time of year you could be doing anything from making plant cuttings, picking berries, transplanting, harvesting apples and asian pears, weeding plant beds and gardens, feeding chickens and trout, helping with minor construction projects, hauling recycling and trash, and pretty much We look forward to meeting you anything else you can imagine that and hope that we can show you why takes place on a working farm! we feel Plumtree is During your stay you will have access so special! Cheers! to all of the Farm Retreat amenities.

Central Wi-Fi access is provided if you need to stay connected to the real world. You will need to bring a cooler for your cold foods, toiletries, towels, sheets and bedding (Queen Blind Squirrel Ziplines sized bed), pillows, and any other & Farm Retreat personal items you would normally 4716 South US Hwy 19E, want. Breakfast can be added to Plumtree, NC 28664 828-765-2739 your stay for only $15/person/day. www.blindsquirrelbrewery.com Unfortunately, we do not prepare

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Regional Events & Destinations

3pm–7pm Tickets $50

Craft Brew Festival

Saturday June 11th 2016 Courthouse Square, Morganton, NC Presented by Fonta Flora Brewery 21 years and older

LEARN STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING GROUP OR PRIVATE

Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals Hourly, Daily And Weekly Less than 1 mile from Birkdale or the Peninsula

Unique Yoga On The Water Classes Sunset Paddle Tours

WATERFRONT LOCATION 17505 W. Catawba Ave. | Suite 130 Cornelius, NC 28031

704.412.2999

www.paddleboardcharlotte.com WATERFRONT LOCATION | Suite 130 Cornelius, NC 28031

17505 W. Catawba Ave. theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

704.412.2999

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JR ZOOKEEPER SUMMER CAMP

Jr ZooKeeper Summer Camp Our Jr ZooKeeper Camp will begin June 13th in one week sessions lasting 10 weeks. These will be full day camps from 9am - 5pm with before and after programs for students that need to dropped off early or picked up later.

Ages 8 - 16.

We also offer Half-Day Jr ZooKeeper Summer Camp for Ages 5 - 12. This camp will run from 9am - 1pm. Register Now!!

Looking For A Great New Summer Camp For Your Children? Do Your Children Love Animals And Want To Learn How To Take Care Of Them. Would They Like To Learn How To Milk A Goat? Maybe They Would Like To Learn How To Saddle A Horse Or How To Care For An Iguana.

Monday - Saturday 9 - 5pm Sunday 1- 5pm Wagon Rides Every Day!

I-77 EXIT 42 www.zootasticpark.com 448 Pilch Road ~ Troutman, NC 28166

888–966–0069

Decompression Destinations

Famous Fanatical Ales™

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t’s a constant struggle in Lake Nor man to decide where to unwind on a Friday and Saturday night. Or more realistically, where to unwind on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. A few years ago, I was searching for a rental space for the small business I worked for, and I stumbled upon a small brewer y in its infancy a storage unit off of Bailey road. The fuse ball table was well-worn, the brewing equipment was visible and thoroughly used, the beer… was unbelievable. D9 brewing company has since moved to a much more modern and welcoming space off of Treynorth Road, but the beer is as crafty and genuine as it was in their beginner space.

bartenders and a strong, flavorful beer that will get you through whatever kind of rough day you’ve had. On the weekends, expect to find a brilliant band, an exceptional food truck parked outside, and the option of sitting in their comfortable, echoing indoor space or outside with the low hum of the entertainment to punctuate the conversations.

The original fuse ball table is now sitting right inside the doorway and anxious for competitive hands, but the venue has been much evolved. You can sit outside a glass partition where the beer is brewed in mass production and also sample their original concoctions such as their flavorful Hakuna Matata

If you set foot into D9 now, you will be met with a welcoming spirit, and the ambiance of an environment that genuinely worships beer. Since I mentioned the many days of the week, I will go on to say that D9 works for a weekday crowd who needs to stop over for a pint after work- to be met with eager, lovely

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Man The Guns Of The World’s Greatest Sea Weapon

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isitors to coastal North Carolina can man the guns of what was, at the time of her commissioning, considered the world’s greatest sea weapon.

The Battleship North Carolina is moored near downtown Wilmington’s historic river district and its island beaches.

The ship is one of the most popular attractions in the state, having fought in ever y major n a v a l o f f e n s i v e i n t h e Pa c i f i c during World War II. Visitors can walk the decks and experience the daily life and fierce combat faced by the crew. Self-guided tours of the ship are available daily and special programs allow visitors to discover and build a personal connection through behind-the-scenes tours, in-depth programs of the ship’s innerworkings, reenactments, special programs for professional military education and more. Many people believe the Battleship

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North Carolina to be haunted, and one of its most popular special events is the Ghost Ship program complete with zombies and other characters that runs for select nights in October. There’s also a Batty Battleship carnival event with trick- or-treating and activities for the kids. The ship’s unique location also allows it to host the annual Battleship Blast fireworks show for the 4th of July, which has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society ’s Top 20 events for July.

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.

Regional Events & Destinations

WE ARE NORTH CAROLINA’S

#1 TOYHAULER DEALER!

CONCORD, NC • MARION, NC

tomjohnsoncamping.com

“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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Decompression Destinations Continued From Page 25

and their famous Viking Froach (for legitimate beer lovers only) which were catalyzed by pure beer inspiration when the brewery was first christened. In addition, you can try their crispy hop-foward Red IPA that has made many a fan and shown how a great brewery can keep on inventing and satisfying impeccable taste. Congress may not have your vote, but we can band together over the aptly named D9 brewery to back the idea of a happy North Carolina that bonds over great brews.

Kara Werts

JULY 18 TBA RURALHILL.NET

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

PORTRAIT WEDDING FAMILY AERIAL EVENT CANVAS PRINTS FROM YOUR PHOTOS

PHOTODUDEART.COM

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Continued From Page 15

meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods. www.altapassor chard.com 61st A nnual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans Thu July 7th–Sun 10th MacRae Meadows, 221 Linville Ave, Linville, NC 28646. Grab your kilt! Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, bagpipe bands, parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting make this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Visit the heritage tent to research your family tree and then head to the merchant tents to find your family tartan. Set up your lawn chair beside the reviewing stand to watch the parades go by or settle into the Celtic Groves and groove to rock ‘n’ roll with bagpipes. Watch men toss telephone pole sized cabers end over end, ladies kick up their kilts with a highland fling and border collies herd sheep with keen precision. The Grandfather Games are four memorable days of “long ago and far away ”–all as close as the highlands of North Carolina. www.gmhg.org

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

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 S U N D A Y

SATURDAY MAY 16TH

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

$4 Best Bloody Mary Bar On The Lake $2 Mimosas • $4 Double Mimosas • $2 Miller Lt Btl

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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LKNBT Destinations

Continued From Page 29

LKNBrewersTrail.com

LKNBrewersTrail.com is a single source for what is going on at the breweries in the Lake Norman area.

Whats On Tap Whats Going On How To Get There Bayne Brewing Company 19507 West Catawba Ave Cornelius NC 28031 704.897.6426 baynebrewingcompany.com

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

Ghostface Brewing 427 East Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 704.799.7433 ghostfacebrewing.com

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

Digital content is available on desktop, tablet and phone

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Regional Events & Destinations

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

New look.

New chef. lunch

X

dinner

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full bar

X

good times

OFF I-77 @ EXIT 33 • 117 TRADE COURT (MOORESVILLE) 32 Regional Events & Destinations 7 0 4 7 9 9 1 1 1 0 • www.jeffreyslkn.com