Issue 073 April the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 73 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

Cider And

Bluegrass On Page Tap20

Eclectic Fusion Fair, Here?

Curd Nerds Unite

Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In

Crafty Carolinians Creating Perfect Pints The ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival Beer, BBQ & Whisky Trolley Tours NC Brewers & Music Festival

The Burnsville Metric Kicks Off Cycling Season Ring In The Spring At The April Craft Market

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag com .

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Regional Events & Destinations

Go paddle the Catawba

For the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, Gaston County offers amazing blueways as well as a wide array of other activities.

Let us help you plan your next weekend getaway and connect you with our County’s numerous natural assets.

Stop by our Visitors Center or call us today for a FREE Visitors Guide.

Go Gaston. Get Outside.

620 N. Main St., Belmont, NC | 800-849-9994 | 704-825-4044 #go2gaston | go2gaston.org | theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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April 2017 Issue 73

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara Werts, Project 543 Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Olivia Binstead, Madison Hedrick, Ed Phillips 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 ©2017 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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Crafty Carolinians Creating Perfect Pints

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Cider And Bluegrass On Tap

20

Eclectic Fusion Fair, Here?

22

Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In

23

The ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

24

Curd Nerds Unite

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Beer, BBQ & Whisky Trolley Tours

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NC Brewers & Music Festival

30

The Burnsville Metric Kicks Off Cycling Season

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Ring In The Spring At The April Craft Market

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Regional Events & Destinations

Saturdays In April April 8th, 15th & 29th

• Ridgeline Trolley Transportation • Departs from Burke County Visitor Center 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 • $49 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.

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations 13th Annual Tour De Lure B i ke R i d e A p r i l 1 , M a r i o n ’ s 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, up Stone Mountain, around Lake Lure, through Chimney Rock and returning to Marion for a total of 67 miles. The Fun Ride begins at the same time and place (same fees), but takes you on an exciting 25 mile course through rolling hillsides and farmlands. Applications available online or at the Corpening YMCA in Marion. Free spaghetti meal for participants after the ride. www.ymcawnc.org/tourdelure 38th Annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby April 1, Blowing Rock Clubhouse 108 Lakeside Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605. The Derby begins at sunrise on Saturday, prizes awarded at 4:30pm. Win prizes for biggest fish in separate age categories.

No entry fees are required and no pre-registration 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/troutderby/ Wheels Through Time Opening Day! New Bikes, New Exhibits, New Fun. Sat April 1st Wheels Through Time, 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. Visitors from every state and over 50 countries around the world who made a trip to Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, North Carolina in the 2016 season. 2017 promises to be an exciting year for the museum, its supporters, and enthusiasts. For those that have never visited the Wheels Through Time, we guarantee an experience beyond your expectations. Currently the museum team members are gearing up for the season, with new displays, exhibits, and some exciting external improvements.

Dale is restoring and rebuilding over a dozen intriguing motorcycles which will all debut in the various museum galleries in the season. www.wheelsthroughtime.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Burly Beers and Barleywines Festival April 1, 1pm–5pm Sierra Nevada Brewing Co–Sierra Nevada Wa y, F l e t c h e r, N C 2 8 7 3 2 . T h e North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild (NCCBG) has partnered with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to invite more than 50 breweries to join us at Sierra Nevada’s brewery in Mills River, NC, for the 2nd Burly Beer Festival. All participating breweries will bring their heartiest brews for you to enjoy. Come raise your goblet to pay homage to the end of winter and warm your soul with the best burly ales. We’re toasting the spiced and the barrel aged, the stouts and the barleywines, and the big-hearted men and women who love them.

Cheers! www.sierranevada.com

Craft Beer SpringFest Sun April 2nd 3pm–9pm Jetton Village, 19906 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031. Party on the square with Craft Beer Vendors, Small business vendor booths, 3 LIVE BANDS and food on the square! Don’t miss a combination of Craft Beer from the DraftHouse and Food to pair with it from Harvey’s. Bring your family and friends. Bounce Houses setup for the kids and Wine Tent setup for the parents. We’ll have cornhole boards and games, bring a lawn chair or a blanket and join us for a great afternoon to kick off the Spring in style with a great community of friends! www.corneliusdrafthouse.com

Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

North Carolina A zalea Festival Wed April 5th–Sun 9th 5725 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403. The festival features all that is Southern as Queen Azalea opens the festival with an official coronation. Azalea blooms take center stage during the Azalea Garden Tour and historic homes and beautiful architecture are on display for the Azalea Home Tour. Five days of entertainment include a street fair by the Cape Fear River, juried arts and craft shows, a fireworks display over the river, a 5k/10k run and fun walk, and concert headliners Cole Swindell, Duran Duran, and Jason Derulo April 6-8. www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway Thu April 6th–Sun 9th 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027. The AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors.

More than 1,500 collectible vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale in the car corral that rings the 1.5-mile superspeedway. The AutoFair will also feature a collector car auction. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com PirateFest 2017 Fri April 7th–Sat 8th 408 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27858. Pirate lovers of all ages will converge on the banks of the Tar River in uptown Greenville to enjoy two days of live music, delicious and unique food, art sale, roaming pirates, beautiful mermaids, kayak rides, carnival, parade, and much more! Find roving bands of pirates, the Pirate Parade, costume contest,

carnival rides, food trucks, Grog Garden, International Ports ‘O Call exhibits and performances, and more! Don’t miss the 2017 Pirate Fest Concert featuring Rusted Root with opening act Rebekah Todd and The Odyssey! www.piratefestnc.com Angry Troll Brewing Grand Opening April 7, 5:30pm–8:30pm Angry Troll Brewing 222 E Main St Elkin, NC 28621. Our grand opening is important to us here at Angr y Troll Brewing. We have worked ver y hard to build our brewer y, taproom, and merge with the restaurant upstairs to bring great beer, awesome food, and a solid social hub space under one roof.

Now, we want to share a fun filled evening with you! Live Music. Food.

Craft Beer. Music Performances by: Time Sawyer & Big Daddy Mojo. www.angrytrollbrewing.com My ra’s Cla ssic & A nt ique Car Cruise In Friday April 7th 6pm–10pm Myra’s, 212 Main St W, Valdese, NC 28690. Classic and Antique cars of all sorts fill the Myra’s and Rock Drug parking lots on Friday nights beginning at 6pm. Visitors are welcome to stroll through, take pictures and chat with the owners of these unique cars. Enjoy the music from a deejay in front of Myra’s and on special nights performances from Elvis! Raffles are also a highlight of these Friday nights with chances for visitors to take home cash! www.townofvaldese.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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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.

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Destinations Continued From Page 10

6th Annual Spring Fling at Shelton V ineya rds April 8, 10am–6pm Shelton Vineyards–286 Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC 27017.

FREE admission and FREE tours and tastings! Local artisans and craftsmen will be here with their handmade items. Har vest Grill Express will be open ser ving food and wine for purchase while you enjoy music and shopping! www.sheltonvineyards.com

Make sure you plan to come out and enjoy Celtic Music, Highland Dance, Highland Heavy Athletics, Historic Encampments, Traditional Scottish food and wares, and so much more! www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net Beer, BBQ & Whisky Tour Sat April 8th, 15th, 22nd 11am–5:30pm 110 E Meeting St, Morganton, NC 28655. Morganton’s Ridgeline Trolley is gearing up for fun with their unique offering of tours for 2017. April kicks off the season with “Beer, Barbeque, and Whisky” tours starting in Morganton. Cost includes a fantastic barbeque lunch of Smoked Brisket, pork or chicken followed by a distiller y tour and then beer tastings. 2016 tours sold out! Don’t wait until its too late!

Click link to purchase your tickets. www.ridgelinetrolley.com

Trail Magic Festival Sat April 8th Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 W Hwy 19, Bryson City, NC 28713.

Thru-hikers and casual adventurers gather to celebrate the 2,181+ milelong Appalachian Trail and support the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Join us for hiker-themed games, movies, lectures and prizes. Vendors help thru-hikers resolve gear woes at free repair area. Karaoke and bonfire, cor nhole tour nament. R ing in the Spring at the www.noc.com April Craft Market Sat April 8th 9am–4pm Old Rock School, L o c h N o r m a n H i g h l a n d 400 Main St W, Valdese, NC 28690.

Ga mes Sat April 8th–Sun 9th Enjoy handmade craf ts & gif ts Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, from over 35 vendors, door prizes, Huntersville, NC 28078. This unique bake sale and so much more! festival celebrates Scottish Heritage More details to be announced! and is fun for the entire family! www.townofvaldese.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Spr i n g Mat i nee R ac e s at Pinehurst Harness Track Sun April 9th 11am–4pm 200 Beulah Hill Rd S, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Harness racing horses are of two distinct varieties, differentiated by their gait: the pacing horse, or pacer, which moves both legs on one side of its body at the same time; and the trotting horse, or trotter, strides with its left front and right rear leg moving for ward simultaneously, then right front and left rear together.

Feeling the pounding of hooves and seeing the power of the equine athletes turns many first observers into lifelong fans. Check it out for yourself! www.vopnc.org

52nd Annual Hawliwa Saponi Pow-wow Fri April 14th–Sun 16th Haliwa-Saponi Charter School, Haliwa Saponi Trail, Hollister, NC 27844. Ever y April, the HaliwaSaponi tribe holds its annual powwow to celebrate its recognition by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1965. The powwow includes dance contests, a drum contest, an art contest, traditional American Indian food, and crafts for sale. www.haliwa-saponi.com S p r i n g A r t Wa l k S a t A p r i l 15th 119 Moore Ave, Mt Airy, NC 27030. Oover 60 regional and local artists, demonstrating and selling their work in downtown businesses and venues throughout Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 12

historic downtown Mount Air y. Five days of SUP clinics and expos www.mountairydowntown.org entwine two days of some of the best standup paddleboard competitions Madison Heritage Festival in the world! The 2017 Carolina Sat April 15th 10am–7:30pm 120 Cup is the official start of SUP race N Market St, Madison, NC 27025. season with four courses charted Come celebrate with live music, through the waters surrounding food & lots of fun at the 11th beautiful Wrightsville Beach. Races annual Madison Heritage Festival! include a kid’s course, Harbor Island Featuring rides & games, live music Recreational “fun” race, the Money on two stages all day, a kids area, Island Open Race and the ultimate over 100 vendors and much more. challenge of the 13.2 mile Elite www.madisonheritagefestival.com. Graveyard Race. Now in its seventh year, this competition has grown Annual Easter Sunrise Service to be one of the largest and most S u n A p r i l 1 6 t h 6 : 3 0 a m – 9 a m competitive SUP races in the world Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main with over 800 athletes competing.

St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. A Also in store for the weekend, legendary event in WNC, attracting enjoy Outrigger Harbor Island more than 1,000 early risers from Race. Clinics and demonstrations around the Southeast each year. scheduled throughout the event This free, non-denominational feature top paddle experts like c e l e b r a t i o n f e a t u r e s l i v e Larr y Cain and more. Bring the instrumental music, spiritual songs family and stay to learn from the and breathtaking scenery. Guests pros in clinics and exclusive events, are invited to join the service, eat the perfect place to paddleboard. breakfast at the Old Rock Café wrightsvillebeachpaddleclub.com and stay to enjoy the Park all day. www.chimneyrockpark.com SAVOR Blowing Rock Thu April 20th–Sun 23rd Maple St, Blowing 2017 Carolina Cup Wed April Rock, NC 28605. Enjoy wine tastings, 19th–Sun 23rd 275 Waynick Blvd, seminars, cooking classes, pairing Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. dinners and entertainment! Grand

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Destinations Tasting event downtown, plus satellite tents for more fun around town. Start your weekend with a tasty seminar or two and Taste! on Thursday. Friday brings more classes and tastings, while Saturday features the Grand Tasting, the Corkscrew 5K, and more! Wrap up Sunday with a delicious brunch at one of our local restaurants. Cheers! www.savorblowingrock.com 20th Annual Herb Festival Fri April 21st–Sat 22nd 508 W Davis St, Burlington, NC 27215. Certified organic herbs, beautiful annuals and perennials, vegetables and heirloom tomato plants plus specialty item and food vendors. www.wrcac.com

RockyFest 2017 Sat April 22nd 3 4 5 1 R o c k y Fa c e C h u r c h R d , Hiddenite, NC 28636. Mark your calendars for RockyFest 2017 at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Hiddenite. This familyfriendly daylong event features 5k/10k/20k trail races, live music, free rock climbing and rappelling sessions, children’s activities, food, arts/crafts vendors and more.

Entertainment includes: Alexander Junior Appalachian Musicians, Carolina Express, Danny Wicker, Madison Elmore, ShadowGrass, The Trailblazers, Strictly Strings, and Slate Mountain Ramblers, along with flatfoot dancer Rodney Sutton. There will also be a picking Continued On Page 14

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SUMMER BAKING CAMP Starting June 19th Mon-Thur 9am-12:30pm

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Destinations Continued From Page 14

grounds of Shelton Vineyards. Come on out and enjoy viewing the Austin Healeys, Jags, MGs, Triumphs, Bentleys and others! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, a picnic basket if you like, sip some wine and enjoy viewing these beautiful cars! This is the Southeast’s largest display of vintage British autos.

9th Annual Spring Kiln Open- www.sheltonvineyards.com ings and Studio Tours Sat April 22nd–Sun 23rd Participating Apple Countr y Cider Jam Seagrove Pottery Shops, Seagrove, S a t A p r i l 2 2 n d 1 p m – 6 p m NC. A self-guided tour of pottery Hendersonville Visitor Center, studios and galleries in the pottery S Main St, Hendersonville, NC capital of the United States. Over 55 28792. Enjoy sampling delicious local potters will host kiln openings, hard cider from one of the many studio tours and demonstrations. cideries that use Henderson County Visitors can tour participating grown apples. The Cider Jam is p o t t e r ’ s s t u d i o s a n d g a l l e r i e s a ticketed tasting event featuring located from the downtown area North Carolina cideries, local food extending to a 20-mile radius along trucks, and music headlined by the scenic NC Potter y Highway. IBMA award-winning band Balsam www.DiscoverSeagrove.com.

Range. Participating Cideries: 1898 Waverly Inn Hard Cider, Bold Rock Corkscrew & Brew 5K Sat April Hard Cider, Bull City Ciderworks, 22nd 9am–11am Chetola Resort, Burntshirt Vineyards, Flat Rock Cider 185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, Works, Good Road Cider works, NC 28605. Combine your love of Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards. wine, craft brews and running in www.southernmountainfresh.com the name of a great charity. Chetola Resort’s Corkscrew & Brew 5K Lincolnton Food, Wine & Brew returns for its 5th year, bringing craft Fest Sat April 22nd 11am–7pm beer to the race tables courtesy of Downtown Lincolnton, E Main St, the award-winning Boone-based Lincolnton, NC 28092. We feature loAppalachian Mountain Brewer y. cal craft breweries, NC wineries, top notch food trucks and a mix of fine www.chetola.com artists and vendors from the region.

British Car Gathering Sat April lincolntonfoodwinebrewfest.com 22nd 10am–6pm Shelton Vineyards, 200 N Main St, Dobson, NC 27017. Carolina Mountain Cheese The British Are Coming! The British Fest Sun April 23rd 12pm–4pm Are Coming! Join Shelton Vineyards Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte for the Southeast’s largest display of Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803. The vintage automobiles. There will be festival was created as a way to more than 200 British cars on the support the mission of the WNC tent, so bring your instrument and join in the fun. Food will include barbecue, hot dogs, burgers, Chickfil-A sandwiches, spring rolls, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, shaved ice, kettle corn, boiled peanuts, kabobs, quesadillas and more. www.rockyfacepark.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Cheese Trail - The WNC Cheese Trail is a cooperative effort by the region’s farmstead and artisan cheese producers to promote the production and sale of WNC artisan cheeses, facilitate consumer education, and encourage tourism to the region to benefit member producers. www.mountaincheesefest.com

Community College in Wilkesboro, MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memor y of the late Eddy Merle Watson, son of American music legend Doc Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of bluegrass and old time music and includes Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts MerleFest Thu April 27th–Sun 30th numerous artists, performing on 13 1328 S Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, stages, during the four day event.

NC 28697. Celebrating their 30th www.merlefest.org anniversar y in 2017, the line-up includes The Zac Brown Band, The T he Bur ns v ille Met r ic Sat Avett Brothers, Marty Stuart, Del April 29th Burnsville, NC 28714.

McCour y Band, Sam Bush Band, Held annually on the last Saturday Kurger Brothers and the Steep in April, the Bur nsville Metric Canyon Rangers just to name a is a great way to start off your few! Held on the campus of Wilkes cycling season. It is casual but Continued On Page 37

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TWO LOCATIONS

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The DESTINATION Cabin LAKE NORMAN ON THE WATER

200-400 North Harbor Place - Davidson NC 704.237.3629

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

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26 Yadkin Valley Wineries

16th Annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival Presented by First National Bank

Saturday, May 20 11 am-5 pm

Local Food Vendors & Food Trucks

Held at the Elkin Municipal Park 399 Highway 268 West Elkin, NC 16t h A NNUA L

Vendors For Your Specific Needs Friday, May 19, , 6:30 - til

Yadkin Valley Wine Auction & Gala

presented by

Held at The Liberty on Main Street in Elkin, NC

Tickets $22 In Advance & $30 Day Of Tickets can be ordered from Eventbrite.com Take exits 82 or 85 off of I-77 and follow the signs

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For questions call the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce 336-526-1111 Regional Events & Destinations

Crafty Carolinians Creating Perfect Pints

A

pril is North Carolina Beer Month, and for the fifth year in a row we have an exciting array of activities lined up.

More than 100 breweries — from the mountains to the coast — are participating, ranging from veteran, award-winning brewhouses to newcomers on the scene eager to make a name for their batches. It’s a month-long celebration offering plenty of beer-inspired events and festivals, tastings and dinners, special discounts, travel deals, giveaways and more. You can be certain that by the time April comes to a close, you’ll have an even better appreciation for North Carolina’s thriving beer culture.

food pairings and beer dinners, classes in beer-making, and dozens of other events inspire the moment for beer-loving travelers across North Carolina.

NC Beer Month 2017 promises enough “beer moments” to fill a memor y bank. Homegrown beer festivals sur vey the state’s craftsmanship and tap into local and regional scenes. Award-winning brewers create collaboration beers.

Brewery events and beer tastings,

Winston-Salem, North Carolina’s City of Arts, has evolved from its traditional tobacco and textile roots into a thriving place with a lively downtown, a Southern-fresh way of life and an inspired beer scene. Start at Foothills Brewing with its award-winning beers and

Just kick around Lake Norman and you will find the lakeside of Charlotte is the place for a taste of North Carolina’s growing craft beer scene. Navigate your way to breweries and bottle shops within Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville with the help from Lake Norman’s Beer Trail Map. Celebrate NC Beer Month at any of the five popular Lake Norman breweries whose specialty brews and inviting atmospheres have made them popular.

Continued On Page 19

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JR ZOOKEEPER SUMMER CAMP

Jr ZooKeeper Summer Camp Our Jr ZooKeeper Camp will begin June 12th 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!

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

Regional Events & Destinations 888–966–0069

Perfect Pints Continued From Page 17

an all-hops-on-deck beer school.

Discover Old Salem, whose illustrious history covers the state’s first brewer y (from 1774); then check Hoots Roller Bar & Beer Co. and Small Batch Beer, where brewmasters specialize in “one tank at a time” using locally sourced ingredients. Plus, newcomer Wise Man Brewing is becoming a focal point in the downtown Arts District.

Within the past year, several new breweries have opened or announced plans to open in the Gate City. Breweries range from small hometown breweries to one of the largest in the state! Beer travelers will find craft beer events and specials at our 500+ restaurants, all while exploring a city where visionaries, history-makers and forward-thinkers have left their mark.

fingers-on-frets exhibits at the Earl Scruggs Center and attend concerts at the incomparable Don Gibson Theatre. It’s only natural that Shelby ’s first brewer y, Newgrass Brewing, would carr y a melody.

Newgrass complements Shelby’s star attractions as a popular spot for people to gather for music, food, beer and conversation.

Hiking boots. A banjo or fiddle.

These items are worth packing for a beer trip to the Morganton area. Beer lovers will first map out Fonta Flora, a small brewery with a big following and Great American Beer Festival medals; and Catawba Brewing, a local success story that spills over to Asheville.

–www.VisitNC.com

Hiking, mountain biking, zip lining and snow sports make Avery County popular for outdoor lovers, who welcome the arrival of a lively beer scene. Beech Mountain Resort is home to Beech Mountain Brewing – one of the loftiest breweries in the Eastern U.S. – as well as the Mile High Tavern, which offers the largest selection of North Carolina craft beer in the High Country. Just down the mountain, Flat Top Brewing in Banner Elk serves a dozen beers on tap. And in the Plumtree community, beer flows at Blind Squirrel Brewery, which offers an on-site restaurant and lodge on the banks of the Toe River.

Music lovers make a beeline for Uptown Shelby to explore the

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20930 Torrence Chapel Rd. Cornelius.

Just west of I-77 exit 28

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Cider And Bluegrass On Tap

H

enderson County, with its abundance of orchards, produces the most apples of any county in North Carolina. The county also leads the way in the production of hard cider, making it a natural fit to host the inaugural Apple Country Cider Jam on April 22.

while local winer y Burntshirt Vineyard will be on hand pouring its apple wine.

“We have world-class cider being produced right here, and it all starts with the great apples we have,” says Mark Williams, executive director of Agribusiness Henderson County and The festival takes place on Main event organizer.

Street in Hendersonville from 1-6pm and includes top-notch musical acts Food tr ucks will offer fresh led by Western North Carolina’s fare, and the music lineup includes own bluegrass powerhouse Balsam performances by NC bands Underhill Range. Balsam Range has won Rose and The Josh Daniel-Mark numerous International Bluegrass Schimick Project.

Music Association honors, including awards for 2014 and 2015 Vocal Flat Rock Ciderworks, located Group of the Year and 2014 Enter- just a few blocks from the festival tainer of the Year. site, will host an after party beginning at 6 p.m. that features food from The ticketed event provides tast- Big Daddy’s BBQ and music from the ings from approximately 10 cideries, Willard Johnson Bluegrass Trio. all of which must be located in North Carolina and utilize NC-grown To purchase tickets or learn more apples. about the Apple Country Cider Jam, visit www.CiderJamNC.com.

Henderson County’s three cideries – Bold Rock Hard Cider, Flat Rock Learn about Hendersonville, inCiderworks and Appalachian Ridge cluding lodging options, visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com Artisan Ciders – are participating, or call (800) 828-4244.

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Regional Events & Destinations

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Probate & Estate Administration

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Commercial & Consumer Collections

Real Estate Law

Subrogation

The McIntosh Law Firm 209 Delburg Street, Suite 203 Davidson, NC 28036

The McIntosh Law Firm Is Honored To Sponsor Loch Norman Highland Games April 8th and 9th, 2017

www.ruralhill.net

704-892-1699 – McIntoshLawFirm.com

May 19-20 Statesville

North Carolina

Hops Garden sponsored by

CarolinaRootsMusicFest.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Eclectic Fusion Fair, Here?

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n the other side of the Catawba River, lies the untapped outdoor adventure and eclectic fusion fair just waiting for you. It’s easy to overlook Charlotte’s western neighbors when you have an urge to explore outside.

With a bit of knowledge, however, you can find a weekend’s worth of activities to keep you busy and entertained.

State Park is not the only but one of the most visited outdoor destinations in the central Piedmont of North Carolina. Dozens of miles of trails, a small fishing pond, and some of the best climbing and bouldering in Grab a kayak for an early morn- the area lure enough visitors to earn ing treat to a light mist rising from the park the nickname “Crowded the water as you float along the Mountain.”

Catawba River. While watching the herons glide along the river, pushing Main Street is filled with historical the morning fog as they go. The buildings, friendly restaurants and occasional “plop” will turn your shops, sidewalks decorated with attention to a log recently inhabited planters filled with bright flowers. by a turtle. Looking above to see the The beautiful green space complete Osprey soar in search for a bit of with fountain, playground, and picbreakfast, and if you’re really lucky, nic shelter, is filled with kids on any you’ll get to see one of these guys given sunny weekend at Stowe Park. diving into the river to retrieve it. Come explore the many exciting atWhile there’s no particular destina- tractions that Gaston County has, so tion for this paddle, you can explore many things to do at anyone of them the inlets and islands, looking for like Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, birds nesting under the overpass, Crowder’s Mountain State Park, the and watch for the occasional land Schiele Museum of Natural History, dwelling raccoon watching you with Christmas Town USA in McAdenville interest from the shore. and U.S. National Whitewater Center you might want to stay the weekend.

If you’ve brought your fourlegged friend with you, the dog park Gaston County is located just west of Charlotte, NC in the at George Poston Park is one of the Piedmont section of North best. On the hill with several large Carolina and is a terrific place shade trees and benches, you can to live, work and visit. Gaston County offers visitors a variety of kick back while your buddy has wide attractions to enhance your trip open space and room to run. including museums, botanical The anchor of outdoor activity in Gaston County is Crowders Mountain

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gardens, extreme sports, hiking, dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.go2gaston.org

Regional Events & Destinations

Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In

C

lassic and Antique cars of all sorts fill the Myra’s and Rock Drug parking lots on Friday nights beginning at 6pm. Visitors are welcome to stroll through, take pictures and chat with the owners of these unique cars. Enjoy the music from a deejay in front of Myra’s and on special nights performances from Elvis! Raffles are also a highlight of these Friday nights with chances for visitors to take home cash!

Day’s” and swap Fonzie for an Elvis and you’ll know what to expect when you drive or ride to the heart of Valdese for this weekly event during the summer.

Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In every Friday 6pm–9pm 400 Main Street West Valdese, NC 28690.

I f y o u h a v e n e v e r b e e n t o A lot of classic and antique cars. downtown Valdese on a Friday night, Plenty of nice motorcycles, great any Friday night just picture “Happy food and ice cream.

Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166

www.duckworths.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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The ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

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he ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival is set to Light Up the streets of Old Town Cornelius this spring!

and join the anthem the whole world can’t stop singing... “Come on everybody... let’s do THE ‘TAWBA WALK!” –www.oldtowncornelius.com

We’re pulling out all the stops for this one, showcasing a mindblowing lineup of talent on two stages, over 80 innovative artists & craftsmen, an entire fleet of food trucks, local craft breweries and SO much more!

LIVE MUSIC Wednesday thru Saturday

‘Tawba Walk XIII (yes, that’s THIRTEEN!) features the region’s top bands, artists, & performers in one action-packed community street festival! Take a stroll through Old Town and enjoy an abundance of activities with special sales and incentives from local businesses, sidewalk musicians, live art demonstrations, a TOTALLY AWESOME kids zone and even a little something for your furry friends, too!

Whatever your heart desires... you’ll find it at the ‘Tawba Walk Festival! Come see for yourself on Saturday, April 29th from 2-8 pm

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21314 CATAWBA AVE, CORNELIUS (980) 288-4418 www.oldtownpublic.house

Regional Events & Destinations

Open April 1st 2017!

New Bikes, New Exhibits, New Fun!

Maggie Valley, NC

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

(828) 926-6266

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Curd Nerds Unite

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he festival was created as a way to support the mission of the WNC Cheese Trail - The WNC Cheese Trail is a cooperative effort by the region’s farmstead and artisan cheese producers to promote the production and sale of WNC artisan cheeses, facilitate consumer education, and encourage tourism to the region to benefit member producers.

We offer workshops and demonstrations for those who want to learn more about cheese.

We plan two competitions each year as a way to engage Cheese Trail members such as restaurants and cheese shops. This year we have the Cookin’ with Cheese and The Battle of the Boards.

The WNC Cheese Trail provides This year, in addition to the beer folks a way to visit local cheese mak- and cheese pairings and wine and ers, see where the cheese is made, cheese pairings, we’ll also offer a and buy directly from the producers. cider and cheese pairing (5 Walnut Wine Bar & Noble Cider are associThe Trail offers a wonderful way ate members of the Trail - both of for folks to explore WNC and it’s them will host pairings). an important part of our region’s agritourism. We’re proud to be able It is a fun for the whole family to offer locals and visitors amazing event. And don’t forget to bring a products while upholding cheese cooler! making traditions and keeping small, independent farmers a viable part The WNC Cheese Trail is a coof our economy. For the festival, we operative effort by the region’s farmstead and artisan cheese keep the entrance price low ($14, producers to promote the prokids under 12 are free) in order to duction and sale of WNC artisan encourage attendees to purchase cheeses, facilitate consumer eduand encourage tourism cheese and other products from the cation, to the region to benefit member vendors at the festival. producers. www.wnccheesetrail.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

For more information contact Cindy Adams at 336-612-8049 cadams@edennc.us or ExploreEdenNC.us

Good For The Soul

biking hiking hunting fishing golfing camping boating paddling shopping riding driving listening running dining laughing dancing seeing singing being...

Clay County N.C. Chamber of Commerce www.visitwnc.org – 877.389.3704 www.ClayChamberNC.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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Hendersonville calls out to all to seek out and explore new experiences year-round.

Belly up to a cold brew at Sierra Nevada Brewery, indulge in regional wine tastings, or savor all that’s fresh that Henderson County has to offer! It’s all up to you!

Pick up your guide to your next adventure!

Discover Fine Arts & Crafts, Breweries & Wineries, Hendersonville’s Heritage Sites and the Freshest Regional Produce!

1.800.828.4244

v isithendersonvillenc.org

CHEERS! ds, the for its orchar Long known turning locally ille area is now Hendersonv delicious hard and grapes into five craft grown apples . Add to that ciders and wines beer creations, local their up g on breweries servin every palate something for nd fi you’ll and trail. this new tasting

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North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-produ cing county in North Carolina.

The apple harves t season runs from late August through Octob e to, er. Guid Fresh apples cider and many A other items may be purchased at the many roadsid & Art Fine e apple markets or produce stands located throug hout HendeCraft County. Some Fine rson orchards offer tours and allow you to pick your 44 8.42c.org 1.800.82 own apples . nderso nvillen visithe

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Regional Events & Destinations

Beer, BBQ & Whisky Trolley Tours

M

organton’s Ridgeline Trolley bottle under the new North Carolina is gearing up for fun with law that allows one bottle per person their unique offering of tours per year after a tour of the distillery. for 2017. April kicks off the season with “Beer, Barbeque, and Whisky” tours starting in Morganton.

The $50 tour includes a mouthwatering lunch at JD’s Smokehouse in Rutherford 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 purchase a

The trolley then heads to Morganton with stops at Fonta Flora and Catawba Breweries both of which have recently released innovative and creative beers. The tours begin and end at the Burke County Visitor Center. The Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn and Suites in Morganton have special discounted rates for tour participants.

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.

View 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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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.

Over 30 North Carolina and regional craft brewers and ciderys will be on hand to serve tastings of their product for more than three hours to those who purchase a Tasting Ticket.

Historic Rural Hill welcomes the Infamous Stringdusters, Mandolin Orange, Mipso, Empire Strikes Brass, The Broadcast, Upstate Rubdown, Elonzo Wesley, and

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Sinners and Saints for Saturday’s main event.

For the second year, there will be an Friday Night Campground Jam! This year the jam features The Ballroom Thieves, Ghost of Paul Revere, and Tony Eltora Band. This portion of the event is EXCLUSIVE to Friday Night Campers. If you want to attend, you must purchase a weekend camping ticket.

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 12th & 13th Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net

Regional Events & Destinations

18TH YEAR

Myra’ s Cruise-In Fridays 6:30-

STAND UP FOR AUTISM PADDLEBOARD RACE & LUAU FUNDRAISER MAY 6TH

2 WATERFRONT LOCATIONS!!!

HOT CARS Hot Dogs

MUSIC Raffles

MYRA’S ICE CREAM & SANDWICH

(828) 879-8049

212 MAIN ST W VALDESE, NC 28690

COME SEE US ON

lake norman

AND THE

catawba river

Kayak the Catawba!

Open Tuesday - Sunday

RENTALS/SALES

Try Before You Buy

LESSONS

Intro to Paddleboard

CLASSES Yoga on the Water (Only at Lake Norman Shop)

GROUP EVENTS

Sunset & Night Paddles (Only at Lake Norman Shop)

LAKE NORMAN

17505 W. CATAWBA AVE. CORNELIUS, NC C ATAW B A R I V E R

1500 RIVER DRIVE BELMONT, NC Book Online:

paddleboardcharlotte.com

P H O N E : 70 4 . 41 2 . 2 9 9 9

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Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise Ins

April - October 6pm Great Food! Raffles! Even Elvis!

April Craft Market at the Old Rock School

April 8th 9-4pm Over 35 Handmade Craft & Gift Vendors

Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series

Free Music in Downtown Every Friday May-September Bring your lawn chair & enjoy all genres of music!

Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks!

June 30th at 7pm - Valdese Famous Fireworks at Dusk Live Music By Jim Quick & Coastline

42nd Historic Valdese Waldensian Festival

August 11 & 12 - Main St. from Carolina to Waldo

Friday - Car Show, Rides & Live Music By: The Breakfast Club - 80’s Night Saturday - Tours, Over 170 Vendors, Amusement Rides, Live Music by: BlackWater Rhythm & Blues 7pm

Celebrate the Spring with us!

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Regional Events & Destinations visitvaldese.com | 888-Valdese

The Burnsville Metric Kicks Off Cycling Season

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iders mark the opening of the spring and summer cycling season with the 23rd riding of the Burnsville Metric, Saturday, April 29.

particularly cyclists, and has hosted several college cycling teams that come to the area to train during their spring breaks. The pristine mountain roads and low population density make Yancey County and the The Metric is known for being surrounding area an ideal cycling one of the most scenic rides in the destination. region. This year’s event includes a shorter 43-mile ride, as well as the Three well-supplied rest stops usual 60.7-mile loop. The casual ride will be located along the route. is not a race.

R o v i n g SAG s u p p o r t v e h i c l e s will patrol the course to provide The ride begins on Burnsville’s mechanical assistance. historic town square in the center of downtown. The route heads west on After the cyclists return to town U.S. Highway 19 toward Asheville, square, the Nu Wray Inn will serve a turns north as it follows the Cane post-race meal on its deck. Barbecue River, heads back east to Bakersville plates consist of pulled pork, bread, and then winds its way south down potato salad, coleslaw and baked N.C. Highway 80 along the Toe River. beans. Blind Squirrel Brewer y, a The shorter route cuts south on Plumtree-based brewery that opened Jacks Creek Road before getting to its Burnsville Outpost taproom this Bakersville. past summer, will provide craft beer.

Van Roldan owns and operates Albert’s Lodge and Solstice Cycles, a local bike shop and one of the event’s sponsors. His lodge caters to outdoor adventure travelers,

For more information and registration instructions, visit www.BurnsvilleMetric.com. To learn more about Burnsville, visit www.ExploreBurnsville. com or call (828) 682-7413.

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Stand Apart On Eastern America’s Highest Point

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isitors can experience many of the plants and animals of Canada while standing in the southern Appalachians at Mount Mitchell in Yancey County.

Standing at 6,684 feet, the summit of Mount Mitchell is the highest point in the eastern United States and one of the must-do mountain adventures in North Carolina. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys.

The park protects the most extensive assortment of rare plant and animal species in North Carolina’s state parks system. Mount Mitchell is part of the Black Mountains, which formed more than a billion years ago. Forested and forever misty, the climate is more like that of Canada than North Carolina.

Visitors should always prepare for cold weather when visiting Mount

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Mitchell State Park – even in the heart of summer. Mount Mitchell State Park offers camping, hiking, an exhibit center and a host of other activities. Rangers hold regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs.

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

Ring In The Spring At The April Craft Market

T

he Historic Valdese Foundation is excited to announce the first annual April Craft Market will be held on April 8th, 2017, at the Old Rock School in Valdese

shoppers will receive a complimentary shopping tote. Shoppers are also be invited to visit the Piedmont & Western Railroad Museum the day of the show for an open house.

The April Craft Market will feature a variety of handmade crafts and gifts, and will feel very similar to the annual “Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show” that is held in Valdese on the second weekend in November.

Admission is $1 per adult and all proceeds from this event will go towards the Historic Valdese Foundation’s “Movie Theater Project.” This an ongoing project to raise funds for projector equipment for the Old Rock School Auditorium.

The craft show will be held from 9am to 4pm with approximately 35 vendors offering handmade crafts, gifts and baked goods. The first 250

For more information about the April Craft Market visit www.townofvaldese.com, or call 828-879-2129.

WE ARE NORTH CAROLINA’S

#1 TOYHAULER DEALER!

CONCORD, NC • MARION, NC

tomjohnsoncamping.com

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LKNBrewersTrail.com

LKNBT

Your single source for what is going on at participating breweries in the Lake Norman area.

Whats On Tap Whats Going On How To Get There

BAYNE BREWING COMPANY Bayne Brewing Company offers several different types of craft beer in Cornelius, NC. The selections will rotate based on the season and availability of certain ingredients. Each beer hand crafted in small batches with great attention to detail. They offer some the best craft beers in the state, so come on in and give them a try!

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 their neighborhoods, to their first location’s humble one-barrel beginnings, intense local thirst for the Fanatical Ales™ propelled them to open their current 30 barrel production brewery. D9 is reimagining some of the world’s most unique and trusted styles of beer.

GHOSTFACE BREWING Ghostface offers up to 20 beers on tap, with a selection of rotating styles, some available on nitro.

Tastings & full pours are available on-site, as well as full growler fills to go.

Davidson Pizza Company is always serving on site and you can find out for yourself which house-brewed cold draft pairs best with a New York Style Cheese Pie. 427 East Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 704.799.7433 ghostfacebrewing.com

11138 Treynorth Dr Cornelius NC 28031 704.457.9368 d9brewing.com

Digital content is available on desktop,Regional tablet and phone& Destinations 36 Events

Destinations Continued From Page 15

well-supported and comprises some of the flattest, most scenic roads in Yancey and Mitchell counties. www.ExploreBurnsville.com Southern Pines Springfest Sat April 29th NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Enjoy beautiful artwork and crafts including p a i n t i n g s , j e w e l r y, m e t a l a r t , photography, woodwork, designs from nature, and other amazing creations. There will also be tasty concessions, Kids’ Block of fun activities, youth bike races, and so much more! Bring your bike, tricycle, big wheel, etc., for the annual Youth Bike Races for children 10 and under. All biking participants must wear a bike helmet. www.southernpines.biz Tour de Cashiers Sat April 29th 355 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717. Cyclists follow one of three routes of up to 100 miles across Jackson, Macon and Transylvania Counties riding steep climbs and fast descents more than 10,500 feet-plus of elevation changes.

The event offers adventurous athletic challenges suitable for the seasoned to beginner rider. And for all, it’s great outdoor recreation amid breathtaking natural scenery featuring granite-faced mountains, flowering valleys and running rivers. www.pisgahproductions.com NOC Spring Fling Sat April 29th–Sun 30th Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 W Hwy 19, Bryson City, NC 28713. Celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains with a free, family-friendly event in the

Nantahala Gorge. Don’t miss the Hometown Throwdown, a community freestyle event hosted

by World Kayak, vendor fair and gear demos at NOC’s Outfitter ’s Store, live music, and family-friendly activities. Cascades Release on the Upper Nantahala on Saturday and Sunday. www.noc.com ‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival Sat April 29th 2pm–8pm Old Town Cornelius, Cornelius, NC. A ‘ Tawba Walk is a multidimensional, eclectic art crawl, which snakes through the heart of Cornelius, featuring dozens of local vendors, live street performances, shopping, amazing food and more, showcasing the best Cornelius and the surrounding areas have to offer. www.oldtowncornelius.com Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament Mon May 1st 8am–4pm Lake James at Black Bear Access, Lake James Rd, Marion, NC 28752.

Formerly the Thomas E. McDivitt and Bill L ee Memorial Walleye Tournament, this is now the event’s third year as participants seek the champion walleye! Entr y fee $25.00 per person. Monetary prizes awarded in various categories as well as drawings for other prizes. www.mcdowellnc.org Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance Sat May 6th 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374. This year, award-winning country artist Sara Evans, whose distinctive voice and edgy contemporary sensibility have helped sell more than 6 million records and produce five No. 1 Continued On Page 38

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singles, will perform a live concert following the awards ceremony.

Advance tickets are now online at www.pinehurstconcours.com. The day’s ticket includes entry into the Pinehurst Concours and the concert. www.pinehurstconcours.com

assistance launching included. dismalswampwelcomecenter.com

N C B u t t e r fl y Fe s t i v a l S a t May 6th 9am–6pm Hudson, NC. Features crafts, food vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. Children will have the op33rd Annual Smithfield Ham portunity to enjoy face painting, a & Yam Festival Sat May 6th 200 S petting zoo and a mini-fire engine.

Front St, Smithfield, NC 27577. A full www.ncbutterflyfest.com schedule of events that will attract thousands of people to Downtown 43rd Annual Wooden Boat Smithfield, where the festival occu- Show Sat May 6th 10am–4pm pies several blocks. Craft and com- 315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516. mercial vendors line the streets, food The Show features a variety of vendors offer a variety of fair foods s m a l l w o o d e n b o a t s , h i s t o r i c and menu items featuring country vessels, nautical crafts, educational ham and sweet potatoes, and local activities, boat models, traditional bands and dance groups perform skills demonstrations and displays. on three stages. The festival features beaufortwoodenboatshow.com a barbecue cook-off, rubber duck race, 5k run, and the always popular Stand Up for Autism Paddle“What’s That Yam Thing?” contest. board Race and Fundraiser www.hamandyam.com Sat May 6th Port City Club, 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031.

85th Annual Ramp Festival Join us on May 6th as professional Sat May 6th–Sun 7th American paddleboarders from across the Legion Field, Post #47, 171 Legion southeast will coast their way into Dr, Waynesville, NC 28786. An Lake Norman for the 3rd Annual afternoon celebration featuring live Stand Up for Autism paddleboard music, clogging, and food cooked event at the Port City Club in Cornewith ramps, a delectable wild lius. Racing icon Ray Evernham and onion that grows in the mountains. My Aloha Paddle and Surf will host www.thedestinationmag.com the World Paddle Association points race to benefit the IGNITE Commu14th Annual Paddle for the nity Center in Davidson. The event Border Sat May 6th 8am–1pm will feature Elite and Recreational Dismal Swamp State Park, 2294 races, which are open to the general US-17, South Mills, NC 27976. This public. The race is sanctioned by the event connects our visitors with the World Paddle Association (WPA). beautiful historic canal and nature Silent Auction and Live Auction will during a 7.5 mile paddle trip from be held during the event along with one state to another. Breakfast, a lunch Luau with the Aloha Island lunch, t-shirt or hat, shuttle and Hula Girls. www.standuplkn.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

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full bar

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OFF I-77 @ EXIT 33 • 117 TRADE COURT (MOORESVILLE) 40 Regional Events & Destinations 7 0 4 7 9 9 1 1 1 0 • www.jeffreyslkn.com