Issue 068 November the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 68 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

A Great Fall Destination!

Page 16 Make It More Than Just Buying A Tree Bluegrass Greats Play The Earle Theatre

Fall At The Farm Saddle Up Some History, Then Ride It Home

Un-Crowded Mountain A True Christmas Experience Watch A Whirligig At The Whirligig Festival

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

THANKSGIVING TO NEW YEARS DAY PONY RIDES  PETTING ZOO CANDY SHOP  SMORES PIT

Visit With Santa Claus Each Night

Drive Through 3.5 Million Christmas Lights Set To Music By The Trans-Siberian Orchestra Wonder through our PETTING ZOO and experience the thrill of feeding our BIG TIGERS. Friday - Saturday 6 - 10pm Sunday - Thursday 6 - 9pm Wagon Rides Monday - Wednesday

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

888–966–0069

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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November 2016 Issue 68

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 Business Development: Lisa Jay Sales: Eric Beach Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara Werts, Teresa Blake, Sara Severns, Project 543 Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, 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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Page 16

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Page 28

Contents DayTrip Destinations

6

Make It More Than Just Buying A Tree

15

A Great Fall Destination!

16

Bluegrass Greats Play The Earle Theatre

19

Fall At The Farm

21

Saddle Up Some History, Then Ride It Home

22

Un-Crowded Mountain

25

A True Christmas Experience

26

Watch A Whirligig At The Whirligig Festival

28

We Tell You Where To Go!

Regional Events & Destinations

Christmas Open House Uptown Lexington 1 to 4 p.m.

December 4, 2016 Christmas Open House is a tradition that began 23 years ago and invites families to kick off the Christmas Season.

Enjoy the festive Sunday afternoon with hot chocolate and historic horse and carriage rides. Of course Santa will be in The Square for free portraits. The polar express choo-choo train gives children and adults alike the opportunity to explore the historic district while listening to Christmas music. Stores are open for customers to begin their holiday shopping while music drifts throughout the district from local bands, church choirs, and a local DJ. FREE Pictures with Santa; Historic Horse and Carriage Rides; Christmas tree and three tenors in Uptown; Polar Express Train Ride; Uptown merchants open; Stories with Mrs. Claus; Live music throughout the day; Live performance by Crossmovement Dance.

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Rural Hill A mazing Maize Maze Nov. 4th & 5th Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Get lost in our giant sevenacre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! The whole of Rural Hill’s 265 acres is available to you and your group during maze hours–take a hayride around the farm, play a round of corn-hole, explore our historic site, play in our mini-mazes, have a picnic, hike our trails, & much, much more! www.ruralhill.net Carolina Renaissance Festival We e k e n d s t h r o u g h N o v. 2 0 t h 10am–5:30pm 16445 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Introduced in 1994 with six acres of exhibits, attractions and entertainment, the event has grown into a 20-acre theme park. The 16th centur y European-style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, cir cus entertainment, marketplace, jousting tour na ment, and a feast fit for royalty. www.carolina.renfestinfo.com

Cape Fear Kite Festival Sat Nov 5th–Sun 6th Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449. Join hundreds of spectators of all ages and come watch as we paint the sky at the Cape Fear Kite Festival!

From serious kite flyers with giant sea creatures to first-time flyers, the sk y will explode with kites of all colors, shapes and sizes.

This event is free and will have food t r uck s a nd other vendors offering food for purcha se. www.visitkurebeachnc.com Veterans Day Special Weekend Wed Nov 9th–Sun 13th 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. Veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel are our American heroes, so we’d like to honor your service with a FREE visit. Must present militar y ID or proof of ser vice. www.chimneyrockpark.com Rocky Face Climbing Festival Sat Nov 12t h 3451 Ro c k y Face Church Rd, Hiddenite, NC 28636.

This day-long event features free r o c k- c l i m bi n g a n d r a p p e l l i n g

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations classes, climbing competitions, than 30 handmade crafters, atchildren’s activities, lunch, and tendees will have a wide selection more! www.rockyfacepark.com to choose from to purchase the perfect Christmas gift. Enjoy the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials sounds of a living Christmas tree and Dog Festival Sat Nov 12th– and enter a raffle to win a beautiSun 13th 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, ful piece of local made furniture.

NC 28078. Bring your family, friends, www.townofvaldese.com and dog (or dogs) to the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival for Shuck & Peel Party featuring one of the area’s best known dog The Extraordinaires Sat Nov events! No other dog festival in the 12th 1pm–6pm 222 Union Square area can offer more fun or variety! NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Steamed www.ruralhill.net & f r i e d o y s t e r s /s h r i m p, c l a m chowder, hot dogs & hamburgers, Valdese Christmas In No- Craft Beers, wine, non-alcoholic vember Sat Nov 12th 9am–4pm beverages and water available.

Old Rock School, 400 Main St W, Or bring your own picnic as you Valdese, NC 28690. Enjoy a day in l i s ten to T he E x t raord i na i re s!

Valdese and get your Christmas www.downtownhickory.com shopping done early. With more Continued On Page 8

Planning on buying or listing in the Charlotte/ Lake Norman area?

CALL THE PURVIS TEAM! (704) 707-6632 121 Rolling Hill Rd • Mooresville, North Carolina theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

20th Annual Festival of Trees Wed Nov 16th–20th Teresa Copper, Sa ndhills Children’s Center, 80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374. The 20th Annual Festival of Trees is sure to delight the young and the young-at-heart. Join us at The Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst as we turn The Carolina Hall into a sparkling winter wonderland! You won’t believe your eyes as you stroll down the aisles featuring over 200 trees of various sizes all decked out in their holiday finer y. The Festival of Trees also has decorated wreaths, gingerbread houses, and gift baskets. All will be awaiting your bid at our on-line auction site.

Be sure to check out the schedule of event s, so you don’t miss a minute of the fun. Admission is by any monetary donation at the door and all proceeds benefit children with disabilities in the Sandhills. www.sandhillschildrenscenter.org Belmont’s Holiday L ights Fri Nov 18th–Jan. 1st 8am–9am Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28 012 . E njoy hor s e - d raw n carriage rides, live music, crafts and more, all while surrounded

by botanical displays that glisten among lit pathways. Lights shine at 5pm November 18-Januar y 1. www.visitbelmontnc.org Rural Hill Oyster Roast Sat Nov 19th 1pm–4pm 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Come out to the farm on Saturday, November 19th to say goodbye to Fall and hello to Winter with a basket or two of perfectly seasoned oysters roasted on site by nationally recognized chef and award winning author Dan Huntley. Huntley specializes in bringing Southern food traditions such as pig pickings, oyster roasts, catfish frys, and Lowcountry shrimp boils to crowds around the region.

NOTE: Oysters must be pre-ordered prior to the event. Food, drink, live music, bonfires, hayrides and more make for a great way to wrap up the 2016 festival season at Historic Rural Hill. We’ll see you there! www.ruralhill.net Christmas Tree Farm Choose & Cut Season Nov 19th–24th 58 S Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. A trip up the Blue Ridge Mountains to Sparta and Alleghany County is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Go for a hay ride, let your children visit with farm animals, or have a cup of steaming hot chocolate while enjoying a relaxing day with one of our loc a l t ree growers. www.sparta-nc.com

Valdese, NC 28690. In its 12th year, this event continues to be a favorite of the holiday season. Using more than 100,000 lights, this beautiful Christmas light display. The gift shop is open and ready to serve hot chocolate. Volunteers are very Shelton Vineyards Flavors of k nowled ge a ble i n Wa ldensia n Fall Dinner at the Harvest Grill Sat history. www.townofvaldese.com Nov 19th 6:30pm–9pm The Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineya rds, 286 Zootastic Park’s 7th Annual Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC 27017. One Christmas Wonderland of night only! Our third annual Flavors Lights. Thu Nov 24th–Sun Jan 1st of Fall Dinner. Enjoy Chef Paul’s 2017 Zootastic Park, 448 Pilch Rd, special menu for the evening along Troutman, NC 28166. The Christmas with your favorite Shelton Vineyards Wonderland of Lights features over wine. www.sheltonvineyards.com 3.5 Million Lights over a 2 mile drivethrough and ends with a light show Trail of Lights Tue Nov 22nd set to music in our Western Town.

6pm – 9pm 4 01 C hu rc h St N W, We also have Santa Claus joining us Continued On Page 10

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.

Taproom Hours Thu & Fri: 4-10 Sat: 2-10 Sun: 12-8 Delivery Hours Fri & Sat: 6-10

Visit our taproom!

19507 W Catawba Ave Cornelius NC | Baynebrew.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

every evening, pony rides, petting zoos, concessions, roasting pits for marshmallows, and much much more. www.zootasticpark.com Christmas at Korner’s Folly Fri Nov 25th 413 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284. All 22 rooms of Korner’s Folly are beautifully decorated in traditional Victorian Christmas decor. Extended hours and candlelight tours available. www.kornersfolly.org Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town Fri Nov 25th 2pm–8pm Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Free! Friday: Live music, caroling, hot chocolate, cider, hayrides & visits with Santa

from 2-8pm. Plus, the lighting of the Town Tree and Memorial Park at 5:30pm! Saturday: The Christmas Parade starts at 2pm on Main Street. www.blowingrock.com Mount Airy Christmas Parade Sat Nov 26th 9a m–11a m 200 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030. This parade embraces small town North Carolina traditions and is fun for the entire family! Plan to stay all day downtown. Meet Santa after the parade for pictures at the gazebo at the corner of Main and Oak Street.

We’ll have Santa, festive music, in-store promotions, and more! www.mountairydowntown.org

Continued On Page 12

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Regional Events & Destinations

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484 RIVERMOORESVILLE HWY. MOORESVILLE, NC (704) 235-0540 (704) 235-0540 Limit 1 Expires 00.00.00 BB059

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Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details.

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Destinations Continued From Page 10

Toe River Studio Tour Fri Dec 2nd–Sun 4th Between Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain. The tour is a free, self-guided trip that will lead you to some unique places in our community, which is situated between Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain. Visitors travel through valleys, past streams, across rivers, over hilltops, and experience breathtaking mountain vistas as they v isit ma ny out- of-the-way studios. Meet the artists, see where they create and where they live. Our small towns also offer an array of galleries, studios, and other quaint businesses you won’t want to miss. www.toeriverarts.org

Santa on the Chimney Sat Dec 3rd 11am–2pm 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. T he holiday sea son in La ke Lure is never complete without the sights of Santa Claus repelling 200 feet from the most famous chimney of all, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Visit the park on the first two Saturday’s in December to witness the annual daring descent as Mr. Claus practices to sweep chimneys bringing presents to good children all around the world. Take joy in meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to live holiday music, sip on hot cocoa with cookies and have fun with kids’ activities. Plus meet live Park animals and educators. www.chimneyrockpark.com 517 Alcove Road•Suite 202 Mooresville, NC 28117 704-660-5510 info@theucenter.org

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8301-1 Magnolia Estates Drive Cornelius, NC 28031

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

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Regional Events & Destinations

Make It More Than Just Buying A Tree

C

hristmas is just weeks away.

This year, instead of pulling out an artificial tree from the attic, why not buy a real Christmas tree. It will fill your house with a wonderful aroma, and give your home a truly festive feel.

You can find Christmas trees at big box stores and tree lots across the state. However, for an authentic Christmas experience, nothing compares to piling the kids in the car, driving to a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, and selecting a beautiful tree to take home with you.

The tree is the reason to go, but you’ll also find that many farms now offer additional holiday experiences for your family to enjoy. Everything from handmade crafts and hot chocolate to Santa sightings and sleigh rides. More importantly, choose-and-cut farms offer a lasting family memory you’ll cherish for years to come.

There are more than 100 choose-and-cut farms across the state, and the majority are just a short drive from Charlotte. Most of the farms are located in the mountains, but you also can find Christmas tree farms across the Piedmont, and even near the coast.

For a complete listing, visit N C Fa r m F r e s h . c o m , Yo u c a n get directions, look up hours

of operations and find contact information for each farm. It’s always a good rule of thumb to call before you go to find out about special events happening at the farm.

Once you get your tree home, you should be able to enjoy it for up to two months with proper attention. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers the following tips to care for your real Christmas tree this holiday season: • If you can’t set up your tree immediately, put it in a bucket of water in a cool, shady place.

• Cut off a half inch from the base of the tree before placing it in a stand.

• Check the water levels often. A tree may take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and a quart per day after that.

• Place tree away from heat sources, such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators and sunny windows.

• Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.

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A Great Fall Destination!

Carolina Renaissance Festival Returns

W

hen searching for signs of autumn’s arrival one need look no further than the return of the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. As sure as the changing color of the leaves, for eight consecutive weekends in October and November the Carolina Renaissance Festival brings a big dose of cheer, trumpet fanfare, clashing armor and giant roasted turkey legs.

During the medieval times, fall was the Harvest Season celebrated by festivals and fairs. This rings true as each Renaissance Festival day is filled with a bounty of attractions appropriate for all age groups.

Village pur veyors offer an endless feast of bread bowl stews, premium meats on sticks, sweet treats and confections, and a favorite of all renaissance wanderers: a bag of cinnamon- roasted almonds!

Fe s t i v a l p u b s o f f e r v a r i e t y o f

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Pepsi products, craft beer, wine, champagne, ale, honey mead, lemonade and Medieval Margaritas to compliment the day-long feast of hearty foods fit for royalty!

Tw e l v e s t a g e s o f f e r a n abundance of costumed performers offering continuous music, dance, comedy, and circus entertainments.

Unbalanced acrobats, the Ancient Art of Falconr y, and the popular jousting tournament with horse mounted ar mored knights are

Regional Events & Destinations

all examples of the continuous in the creation of foot pounding entertainment options offered. Many rhythms! of the shows are spontaneous and you will never know what happens The 23rd Carolina Renaissance next, on stage or off.

Festival - where imagination, fantasy, and history burst to life. A place Shop an extensive ar ray of where adults can feel and act like craft vendors offering home dĂŠcor, children while children are treated jewelr y, clothing of renaissance as royalty. A magical realm where and medieval fashion, blown and you will forget about your daily cares torched glass, handmade art and and enjoy the magic of a simpler potter y. There are also activities time and place. A time traveling for children of all ages that include escape like no other! people powered amusement rides and countryside faire games such as the castle climbing wall, archery and tomato tossing at a fool.

Each year the Carolina Renaissance Festival adds new entertainments and upgraded facilities for visitor enjoyment. New additions for 2016 include Hypnotist Rick Stratton, where hypnosis is real and members of the audience are taken on a journey they’ll never forget! Also new is the Giving Tree Interactive Drum Jams where children and adults alike will love picking up an instrument and joining

The 23rd annual Carolina Renaissance Festival.

North of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville.

The Festival is located on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road (between I-77 and I-85).

Eight consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, from October 1st through November 20th. The Festival runs from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM, rain or shine.

Children under 5 are always free.

Parking is free courtesy of Harris Teeter. Visit us online at carolina.renfestinfo.com, or call (704) 896-5544, toll free (877) 896-5544.

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Go Gaston.

Get Outside.

Go ride the trails in Gaston County.

For the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, Gaston County offers amazing trails as well as a wide array of other recreation activities. Let us help you plan your next weekend getaway and connect you with our County’s numerous natural assets.

Call us for a FREE Visitors Guide. 800-849-9994 | 704-825-4044 | #gogaston | gogaston.org |

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Regional Events & Destinations

Bluegrass Greats Play The Earle Theatre For Blue Ridge & Beyond

T

he Blue Ridge & Beyond series celebrates Sur r y County ’s traditional music heritage with big-name acts at the Historic Earle Theatre in downtown Mount Airy.

The 2016-17 lineup is loaded with artists who have won major awards across the musical spectrum, starting Nov. 19 with the O’Connor Band featuring Mark O’Connor. O’Connor is a legendar y fiddler, two -time Grammy Award winner and sixtime recipient of the Country Music Association’s Musician of the Year.

Following O ’Connor on the schedule is a Dec. 17 appearance by another two -time Grammywinning act, The Del McCoury Band.

McCoury, who played Mount Airy many years ago, recently received the National Heritage Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

( Fe b . 1 7 ) ; B r y a n S u t t o n B a n d (March 4); Lonesome River Band (March 31); Carson Peters and Iron Mountain (May 20); The Seldom Scene (June 23); Will Jones Band (Aug. 19); Bellamy Brothers (Sept.

22) and Balsam Range (Sept. 23).

Many of the musicians are widely recognized among the best in the business. Acoustic guitarist Bryan Sutton is a Grammy winner; Balsam Range earned Vocal Group of the Year and Song of the Year honors at the 2015 International Bluegrass Music Awards; and Dailey & Vincent, who close the series on Dec. 9, 2017, have three Grammy nominations.

“To attract this caliber of talent to Surr y County is incredible,” said Tanya Jones of the Sur r y Arts Council, which presents the series. “These groups often play in coliseums and very large venues.

Seeing them in a small venue like the Earle is a unique experience. To get on stage, the artists have to walk “Music fans who are ‘in the down the aisles right past the fans.” know’ are amazed at this lineup of talent,” said Jessica Roberts, Mount After the O’Connor Band and Airy tourism director.

Del McCoury Band, the Blue Ridge & Beyond series continues into For tickets or show info, call (336) 2017 with a lineup that includes: 786-7998 or go to: www.SurryArts.

Shadowgrass (Jan. 21); Jer r y org. For lodging information, go Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester to: www.VisitMayberry.com.

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Feeling Festive?

Join Us for Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 3rd LIGHTING OF THE TREE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS PARADE MOUNTAIN LODGING CHOOSE & CUT CHRISTMAS TREES RUDOLF 5K RUN CHRISTMAS CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES LUMINARY TRAIN RIDES BREAKFAST WITH SANTA GREAT RESTAURANTS HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Escape. Unwind. Indulge.

BannerElk.com 20

Regional Events & Destinations

Fall At The Farm Events at Historic Rural Hill

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oin Historic Rural Hill for a Fall full of family fun! The 265-acre historic site has something for ever yone on the docket for the next couple of months. The Amazing Maize Maze will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until November 6th. Daytime Maze hours are 10am-5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while Nighttime Maze hours are 6:30pm-9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for Day Mazes are $11 for adults and $8 for children 5-12 (4 and under are free). Tickets for Night Mazes are $16 for adults and $11 for children 5-12. Make sure you bring your flashlight for night mazes!

The Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials will take place the weekend of November 12-13, featuring the United States Border Collie Handlers’ Association, Ultimate Air Dogs, and the Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club. Also on hand will be North Carolina beer and wine, heritage breed livestock, hay rides, historic craft and cooking demos, food vendors, shopping, open trails, antique tractors, living history demonstrations in the 1760’s cabin, pumpkin chunkin’, kid’s activities, and much more! Tickets for this event are $11 for adults (13+) and $8 for children (5-12). Children under 4 years old are admitted free of charge.

More information can be found by visiting www.ruralhill.net.

Historic Rural Hill’s final public event of the year will be the Second Annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 19th from 1-4pm. There

will be live music, craft beer and cider for sale as well as a limited supply of Highland Brewing’s much sought after Cold Mountain, hayrides, bounce houses and more!

There is no entry fee but orders for Oysters MUST be made prior to the event. . Events will take place rain or shine. For information, directions, and event information visit www.ruralhill.com.

Celebrating more than 250 years in history…Rural Hill is the former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson. The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Historic Rural Hill Inc. and features annual events such as the Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, and the NC Brewers and Music Festival.

Historic Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its education efforts. For more information on events or for financial support accepted securely online, please visit www.ruralhill.net.

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Saddle Up Some History, Then Ride It Home

T

he 2016 Knucklehead was hand built by museum founder/restoration expert Dale Walksler in the Wheels Through Time Museum restoration shop. Over 250 hours and countless dollars were spent on this timeless restoration.

Dale hit his stash of hard to find parts time and time again installing the final touches moments before the 2015 raffle bike was given away. Dale says “I know for sure this is best bike we have offered since we started our raffle way back in 2003. It runs like new and is equipped with the best parts and pieces that I could find.

I am thankful to have friends in the industry to collaborate with.”

The special 1946 engine was rebuilt by Dale in the restoration shop at WTT. The 4 speed transmission was reworked by Ralph Camp at Ralph’s Racing and shifts like new.

The overall package is stunning and there are more surprises coming on this “American Restoration.”

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Ticket specials are 1 ticket for $10 and 3 tickets for $20, and our best package gets you 7 tickets for $50, with a Free Short-sleeve WTT T-shirt and DVD. You may also substitute a Time Machine Video Subscription in place of the DVD, just note on your order form.

So get in on the 2016 WTT Raffle Today! Not only will you have a chance to win a piece of motorcycle history, but you’ll be supporting the great cause of keeping America’s transportation heritage on two wheels for generations to come!

2016 RAFFLE BIKE and PRIZES New offering for 2016 Grand prize–1946 Harley Davidson Knucklehead Second prize–10,000 cash Third prize– 5,000 cash 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 www.wheelsthroughtime.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166

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Celebrating a one-of-a-kind dessert found in Surry County, North Carolina

8 stops on the trail in:

Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain, NC

For a FREE trail map 24

Regional Events & Destinations

Un-Crowded Mountain

I

t was the ver y first day of October when the chilly breezes came whistling across the Carolinas this year, starting Autumn off with a running leap.

Now, with November upon us, our dear neighbors in Appalachia are reaching for their wool socks and fire wood (that seemed to be a blossoming Dogwood only yesterday…) Here in Gaston County, we still have plenty of time left to embrace the seasonably cool weather. The air is crisp enough that it might be possible to make it all the way to the summit of Crowders Mountain without even breaking a sweat. If not, getting a little winded will be well worth it to see 25 miles of what is now Fall’s 11:00 number. Once you make it back down from the peak to sea level, or ‘river level’, as it is here in the Piedmont, it’s time to make that harrowing decision to grab either a fishing pole or a canoe paddle. Actually- take both. You can squeeze in a refreshing, lazy cruise catching the warm sun in between the shades of the passing trees, while anxiously waiting to

see your bobber dip below the cr ystal clear waters.

Once the evening begins to fall near, make use of those dirt trails that web across the entire Crowders Mountain State Park and let your bicycle lead you out into the glorious wilderness until you find that perfect patch of land. Nothing in the world is more luxurious, or heartening than sitting by a crackling fire in the dark, watching the wood begin to glow, then crumble to ash, and waiting for the subtle breeze to blow the warmth of the flames in your direction. Toss in some marshmallows and remember that the great outdoors, and ghost stories, don’t have to come to an end just because October did.

– Kara Werts Gaston County is located just west of Charlotte, NC in the Piedmont section of North Carolina and is a terrific place to live, work and visit.

Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip including museums, botanical gardens, extreme sports, hiking, dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.com

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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A True Christmas Experience the First Weekend of December

C

hristmas traditions take center stage the first weekend in December in the popular mountain town of Banner Elk. Visitors enjoy a day filled with old-fashioned holiday festivities on Saturday, Dec. 3, with many families staying overnight and venturing out Sunday to select a Christmas tree at one of the numerous tree farms in Avery County.

The day’s activities begin with a holiday 5K race at 8:30 a.m. Next up is breakfast with Santa at Dunn’s Deli at 9 a.m. From there, it’s an easy walk to activities taking place throughout town. Those activities range from The weekend headline event ornament making to cookie decoratis Saturday ’s all-day Christmas ing to shopping to storytelling at the in the Park. It transports families Banner Elk Book Exchange. back to a time when the season was celebrated with good cheer Throughout the day, folks can t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o m m u n i t y. visit a Christmas market at the H i g h l i g h t s i n c l u d e o r n a m e n t historic Banner Elk School and take m a k i n g , c o o k i e d e c o r a t i n g , complimentary tours of Apple Hill C h r i s t m a s p a r a d e o f l i g h t s , Farm, which will have hand-tied luminar y train rides through the wreathes and tabletop Christmas park, live Nativity scene and the trees for sale. dusk lighting of a 40-foot tree in the center of town.

The Parade of Lights begins at 5 p.m. and travels down Main Street “The week after Thanksgiving before heading over to the historic a l o t o f f o l k s c o m e u p t h e school for the tree lighting. Parade mountain to get their Christmas prizes are awarded to the vehicle t r e e s a n d t h i s g i v e s t h e m with the most lights and to the s o m e t h i n g e l s e t o d o , ” s a y s best float. organizer Jo -Ann McMur ray of the Banner Elk Chamber. “It’s “People decorate their cars, like a scene from Cur rier and their kids, their dogs with lights Ives: a real, old-fashioned holiday and they ’re all in the parade,” experience.”

McMurray says.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Once the parade ends and the massive 40-foot community tree is lit, a mini-train takes kids (and adults) through a path of luminaries into the town park. The day culminates in the park with a Nativity scene, bonfire, games and visits with Santa.

For lodging info or details about Banner Elk’s Christmas in the Park, call 828-898-8395, or visit www.BannerElk.com.

Residential & Commercial Real Estate

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

8936 N. Pointe Executive Park Drive Huntersville, NC 28078

WE ARE NORTH CAROLINA’S

#1 TOYHAULER DEALER!

CONCORD, NC • MARION, NC

tomjohnsoncamping.com

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Watch A Whirligig At The Whirligig Festival

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hat is a whirligig? That’s a common question that is best answered in the small Piedmont town of Wilson. Whirligigs are threedimensional jigsaw puzzles of spray-painted metal and flashing reflectors that all move and chime with the wind. They were created b y f o l k a r t i s t Vo l l i s S i m p s o n .

Simpson, who passed away in 2013, started making and erecting his whimsical, moveable art structures in the early 1980s, and his whirligigs can been seen here and there throughout the South.

But the best collections, and the only official Whirligig Festival celebrating them, are in Wilson.

The Wilson Whirligig Festival each November celebrates art and people in motion and features many children’s activities. The best places to see a collection of whirligigs throughout the year a r e a t R o s e G a r d e n Pa r k a n d Hickor y Grove Park, or contact the Wilson Visitors Center

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about a tour of the downtown warehouse where nearly 30 of the structures are being prepped for the November 2016 opening of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park downtown. At least 16 of the large whirligigs have already been installed, making the park the single best place to see them.

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

“THE MUSEUM THAT RUNS”

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum 62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery

CANVAS PRINTS A DIFFERENT FROM YOUR

PERSPECTIVE

PHOTOS

AERIAL PORTRAIT ANDREWZACHARY.COM 704.706.2365 LAKE NORMAN / GREENSBORO EVENT FAMILY theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Digital content is available on desktop, tablet and phone

LKNBrewersTrail.com

LKNBT

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

We make a wide variety of craft beers. We are a micro brewery located in Cornelius, and we use only the highest quality ingredients available to brew the finest beers. Looking for a beer in Cornelius?

Come and try a delicious Bayne Brew today!

We now deliver! See our web page for details!

19507 West Catawba Ave Cornelius NC 28031 704.897.6426 baynebrewingcompany.com

D9 Brewing Company

A craft microbrewery located north of Charlotte in Cornelius, North Carolina. From homebrew parties in our neighborhoods, to our first location’s humble one-barrel beginnings, intense local thirst for our Fanatical Ales™ propelled us to open our current 10 barrel production brewery. We are re-imagining some of the world’s most unique and trusted styles of beer.

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

Ghostface Brewing

We offer up to 20 beers & ciders on tap, with a selection of rotating styles, some available on nitro. We also have wine.

We also offer a selection of tasty flatbread pizzas and other special dishes from Davidson Pizza Company located right in our tasting room.

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

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Regional Events & Destinations

NOVEMBER 11th

HONOR YOUR

VETERANS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19TH

COME CELEBRATE ROBINETTE TILLEY’S 44TH ANNIVERSARY IN BUSINESS I n Memory Of Don & Honor Of Robi nette

FOOD, MUSIC & FUN DOUBLE REWARDS DAY BRING IN 4 CAN GOODS OR NON PERISHABLE ITEMS AND RECEIVE A $10.00 COUPON TO USE WITH YOUR NEXT PURCHASE AT TILLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON THE FOOD WILL GO TO THE FOOD BANK AT ST. PHILLIPS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF STATESVILLE HAVE A VERY BLESSED AND SAFE THANKSGIVING – CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY ONLY theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

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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