Issue 074 May the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 74 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

May Festivals Raise A Glass To Yadkin Valley Wineries Jazz Baby, Jazz!

On The Water In Gaston County Celebration Of All Things Related To Racing Oink & Ale

Get Back To Your Roots

Decompression Destination Duckworth’s Huntersville

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag com .

SUP Dude!

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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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May 2017 Issue 74

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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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May Festivals Raise A Glass To Yadkin Valley Wineries

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SUP Dude!

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Jazz Baby, Jazz!

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On The Water In Gaston County 18 Celebration Of All Things Related To Racing

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Oink & Ale – Mark Your Calendars!

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Get Back To Your Roots

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Decompression Destination Duckworth’s Huntersville

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Regional Events & Destinations

DISCOVER THE

BROWNLIGHTS MOUNTAIN (AT YOUR OWN RISK)

Not too far outside of Morganton, North Carolina in the Pisgah National Forest, a mysterious light can sometimes be seen floating above the mountain or down in the valley below. This light was considered folklore or legend until Appalachian State University captured the light on two cameras in June, 2016. The light defies all scientific explanation. Come try to see it for yourself.

FREE “Brown Mountain Lights Viewing Guide� available at the Burke County Visitor Center.

110 East Meeting Street, Morganton, NC www.discoverburkecounty.com

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations A n n u a l Wa l l e y e F i s h i n g Tournament Mon May 1st 8am– 4pm L ake James at Black Bear Access, Lake James Rd, Marion, NC 28752. Entry fee $25.00 per person.

Monetary prizes awarded in various categories as well as drawings for other prizes. www.mcdowellnc.org

of food and homemade sweets. www.visitncsmalltowns.com Jiggy with the Piggy Festival Fri May 5th–Sat 6th 125 N Research Campus Dr, Kannapolis, NC 28081. A 36-year tradition that hosts a K ansas City Barbeque Society competition, rides, 5k walk/ run, arts & crafts, concerts, Friday night outdoors movie, an all-youcan-eat pancake breakfast at Cannon Memorial YMCA , and People’s Choice BBQ and Wings Tasting. www.jiggywiththepiggy.com

39th A nnual Springfest At Mooresville Arts Tue May 2nd 12pm–Sat June 3rd 4pm Mooresville Depot Visual Arts Center, 103 W Center Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115. This ever-popular art exhibit is one of Mooresville Arts biggest events of the year. 33rd Annual Smithfield Ham www.mooresvillenc.org & Yam Festival Sat May 6th 200 S Front St, Smithfield, NC 27577.

MayFest Fri May 5th–Sat 6th Main Craft and commercial vendors line Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. the streets, food vendors featuring Celebrations kick off on Friday with a country ham and sweet potatoes.

Cinco de Mayo party. Then, head up The festival features a barbecue the street as the fun continues with cook- off, rubber duck race, 5k F.U.N.C. a live music series comple- r u n , a n d t h e a l w a y s p o p u l a r mented by family activities. Saturday “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest. begins with the Gears and Gables www.hamandyam.com scenic cycling ride. The day continues with a street festival featuring 85th Annual Ramp Festival arts and crafts, face painting, hands- Sat May 6th–Sun 7th American on activities and a diverse selection Legion Field, Post #47, 171 Legion

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Dr, Waynesville, NC 28786. An afternoon celebration featuring live music, clogging, and food cooked with ramps, a delectable wild onion that grows in the mountains. www.thedestinationmag.com

day. Children will have the opportunity to enjoy face painting, a petting zoo and a mini-fire engine. www.ncbutterflyfest.com 43rd Annual Wooden Boat Show Sat May 6th 10am–4pm 315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516. Historic vessels, nautical crafts, educational activities, boat models, traditional skills demonstrations and displays. beaufortwoodenboatshow.com

14th Annual Paddle for the Border Sat May 6th 8am–1pm Dismal Swamp State Park, 2294 US-17, South Mills, NC 27976.

A 7.5 mile paddle trip from one state to another. Breakfast, lunch, t-shirt or hat, shuttle and C o n c o u r s d’ E l e g a n c e S a t assistance launching included. M a y 6 t h 1 C a r o l i n a V i s t a D r, dismalswampwelcomecenter.com Pinehurst, NC 28374. This year, award-winning country artist Sara N C B u t t e r fl y Fe s t i v a l S a t Evans will perform a live concert May 6th 9am–6pm Hudson, NC. following the awards ceremony.

Features crafts, food vendors and Advance tickets are now online at live entertainment throughout the www.pinehurstconcours.com Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Stand Up for Autism Paddleboard Race and Fundraiser Sat May 6th Port City Club, 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031. Racing icon Ray Evernham and My Aloha Paddle and Surf will host the WPA points race to benefit the IGNITE Community Center. The event will feature Elite and Recreational races, which are open to the general public. Silent Auction and Live Auction will be held during the event along with a lunch Luau with the Aloha Island Hula Girls. www.standuplkn.com

bands, pork cook-off, strawberry cook-off, jams & jellies, strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, rides, Little Miss Strawberry Princess Pageant www.carolinastrawberr yfestival. com

North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival Fri May 12th–Sat 13th Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. 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 8th Annual Derby Day Sat May Infamous Stringdusters, Mandolin 6th 4:30pm–10pm Autumn Creek Orange, Mipso, Empire Strikes Brass, Vineyards, 364 Means Creek Rd, The Broadcast, Upstate Rubdown, Continued On Page 10

Mayodan, NC 27027. The 143rd Kentucky Derby on a large screen, 50/50 raffle, live and silent auctions like you have never seen, Best in Show Hat & Bow Tie Contest, wonderful food, drink and awesome Autumn Creek Vineyards wine . www.autumncreekvineyards.com

Elonzo Wesley, and Sinners and Saints for Saturday’s main event. www.ncbrewsmusic.com Commemorative A ir Force Fighters & Bombers Tour Fri May 12th–Sun 14th Raleigh Executive Jetport, 700 Rod Sullivan Rd, Sanford, NC 27330. The Commemorative Air Force is on tour with these amazing, historic aircraft! You’ll be up close and personal with: The B-25 Mitchell, made famous by the Doolittle Raid The P-51 Mustang, the Cadillac of the sky The SBD-5 Dautless, the hero of the Battle of Midway. www.Dixiewing.org

Wilmington Wine & Food Festival Thu May 11th–Sun 14th Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401. The Wilmington Wine & Food Festival will give you the opportunity to experience exquisite culinary pairings from top area chefs and their notable wine selections. www.wilmingtonwineandfood.com Asian Festival & Dragon Boat R ace Sat May 13t h 9a m – 4pm Carolina Strawberry Festival 18441 Nant z Rd, Cornelius, NC Fr i M a y 1 2 t h – S a t 1 3 t h 1 0 0 W 28031. The festival celebrates Asian Main St, Wallace, NC 28466. Live cultures, diversity, ethnicity, roots

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Regional Events & Destinations

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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Destinations Continued From Page 8

and histor y. A large part of the festival is the Dragon Boat Festival Race, an exciting team competition. www.charlottedragonboat.com 2nd Annual Turkey Tail Wine Fest iva l Sat May 13th 12pm– 5pm The Inn At Glen Alpine, 105 Davis Street Glen Alpine NC 28628.

Come spend the day in beautiful, historic Glen Alpine and experience delicious wines from Local and Regional Wineries and musical entertainment from Sorella Jack and Roadside Attraction. Food and Arts and Craft Vendors will also be at the festival for your enjoyment!

Organized For The Town Of Glen Alpine in Burke County, just minutes from Lake James State Park and the Historic Towns of Morganton & Valdese. www.innatglenalpine.com B i ke s & B rews P ub Rol l!

Sat May 13th 2:30pm–5:30pm Downtown Greensboro, 298 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27401.

Enjoy a fun rolling pub crawl through downtown Greensboro on bicycles, visiting 3 fine local establishments along the way. www.padlock.link/bikesNbrews

Festival Of Food Trucks Sat May 13th 5pm–8:30pm N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115. Hang out in the street and stay a while so you can check out these awesome Food Trucks from around the area, taste some gourmet fare, listen to some music, stroll the streets & shop. www.mooresvillenc.org Assault on Marion/Assault on Mt. Mitchell Mon May 15th NC-80, Marion, NC 28752. Begins in Spartanburg, S.C., and ends at Mt. Mitchell, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The bicycle Assault is more than 100 miles, with the route through Marion beginning on Sugar Hill Road and ending on NC 80. www.freewheelers.info Carolina Roots MusicFest Fri May 19th–Sat 20th Statesville Municipal Airport, Statesville, NC 28677. A 2-day celebration with diverse artists invited to perform their original Americana folk, rhythm & blues, styled out rock ‘n roll, alternative country rock, and bluegrass music on 2 stages! Onsite festival offerings include a variety of food trucks, craft beer tasting on Saturday and wine. Advance

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations admission tickets are recommended. www.carolinarootsmusicfest.com

LIVE MUSIC Wednesday thru Saturday

North Carolina Potato Festival Fri May 19th–Sun 21st 100 S Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. Our famous Friday night Kick-off party features with live entertainment. On Saturday,we’ll have live entertainment on two stages, a street fair, food and a midway lined with rides.

Throughout the day enjoy exhibits, fireworks, and dancing under the stars. Sunday brings live entertainment, street fair and midway rides. www.ncpotatofestival.com 45th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular Fri May 19th–Mon 22nd Jockey’s Ridge State Park, 300 Continued On Page 12

21314 CATAWBA AVE, CORNELIUS (980) 288-4418 www.oldtownpublic.house Continued On Page 12

Barakah

Creamery & Café

LIVE MUSIC with

Tonya Wood

May 6th 4pm-6pm

Healthy & Delicious Food Mediterranean Appetizers & Salads Savory Pastries ~ Delectable Desserts Coffee ~ Herbal Teas ~ Sandwiches Frozen Yogurt ~ Gelato

120 Langtree Village Dr #104 Mooresville NC 28117 www.BarakahCreameryCafe.com ~ 704-464-6032 Langtree Exit 31 off I-77

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

W Carolista, Nags Head, NC 27959.

Experience the friendship and culture that defines the sport and community of hang gliding. There is an entry fee for pilots, but the event is free for the public to watch. www.hangglidingspectacular.com

MTA Triathlon at Lake James Sat May 20th Lake James State Park– Catawba River, 2785 North Carolina 126, Nebo, NC 28761. Begin with a 750 meter swim in Lake James followed by a 22 mile bicycle ride ending with a 3.1 mile foot race to the finish line! It will be an exciting Race City Festival Sat May 20th day. Visit www.mtatriathlon.com Historic Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC NCNICA Mountain Bike Race 28115. Live entertainment on stage S a t M a y 2 0 t h – S u n 2 1 s t Fa r r i s throughout the day, 200 vendor Memorial Park, 2878 Park Rd, booths, food trucks, beer garden, Mayodan, NC 27027 The trail ride arts, crafts, antiques, business takes you through switchbacks, over displays, local mascots and NASCAR rock gardens, and small streams. racing displays/souvenir items. Most of the trail r uns through Downtown eateries and merchants hardwood and mixed pine forest. will be open in conjunction with Bring your own bike – or you can the festival, sidewalk sales and rent a bike for a nominal fee. specials. Free Admission, Bring www.visitrockinghamcountync.com your chairs and stay for the day. www.mooresvillenc.org Battleship North Carolina Memorial Day Obser vance The Butterfly Run Sat May 20th Mon May 29th 5:30pm–6:30pm 1 8am - 2pm Aquesta Bank Headquar- Battleship Rd NE, Wilmington, NC ters, 19510 Jetton Rd, Cornelius, NC 28401. This moving and meaningful 28031. Please join us for a 5K run ceremony includes militar y and or walk to celebrate Lauren & her patriotic musical arrangements favorite charity Big Day at The Lake. featuring a military guest speaker, www.padlock.link/butterfly an all-ser vice Color Guard, a 21-gun salute, and a memorial Yadkin Valley Wine Festival w r e a t h c a s t i n t o t h e w a t e r.

Sat May 20t h 11a m – 5pm Elk in www.battleshipnc.com Munciple Park, 366 W Spring St, Elkin, NC 28621. The Yadkin Valley Mount Airy Old-Time Fiddlers Wine Festival is the premier wine Convention Fri June 2nd–Sat 3rd festival in the southeast, showcasing Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W over 28 Yadkin Valley Wineries. The Lebanon St, Mt Airy, NC 27030. Two festival additionally presents fine full days of competition, jam sescrafters, delicious foods, the annual sions, dancing, singing, education, grape stomp and live entertainment and family entertainment. Check our www.padlock.link/yadkinwine website for the complete schedule. www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Toe River Art Council’s Studio Tour Fri June 2nd–Sun 4th 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. A self-guided tour, this adventure will lead you to some unique places situated between Mt. Mitchell and Roan Mountain. Visitors travel through valleys, past streams, across rivers, over hilltops, and breathtaking mountain vistas. www.toeriverarts.org A nnua l Piedmont Pot ter y Fest i va l Sat June 3rd 220 W Kings Hwy, Eden, NC 27288. The finest in hand-crafted potter y from the Triad. Over 100 potters.

Demonstrations and door prizes. www.edenspecialevents.com

Rilla Run Sat June 10th 7am–1pm Bayne Brewing Company, 19507 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031.

Picture 500 racers, all wearing a gorilla shirt or even dressed as a banana. Some are competitive running, others are just running for fun.

They pass right by someone with a camera capturing the waving, the laughing, and yes, even the sweating. www.baynebrewingcompany.com Zootastic Park Summer Camp Mon June 12th–Fri Aug 18th Zootastic Park, 385 Ostwalt Amity Rd, Troutman, NC 28166. Looking for a great new Summer Camp for your children? Reservation requests must be submitted through our website. www.zootasticpark.com

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Craft Beer SummerFest Sunday, June 11 from 1 PM - 7 PM

WINE TENT

BRING A LAWN CHAIR

LIVE BANDS LOCAL VENDORS GAMES BOUNCE HOUSES

Jetton Village North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC

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May Festivals Raise A Glass To Yadkin Valley Wineries

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ay is festival month in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country. As the buds begin to break on the vines, downtown Mount Airy comes to life with the eight annual Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 6.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, May 20, Elkin’s 16th annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival fills that town’s municipal park. the festival has experienced steady growth and now draws more than Fo r v i n t n e r s , i t p r o v i d e s a 10,000 people to the scenic Elkin chance to emerge from a winter of Municipal Park. winemaking and reconnect with wine aficionados. And for wine In addition to wine tastings, aficionados, it offers a good reason education is an important part of to spend two spring Saturdays the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival, with enjoying the fruits of the vintners’ winery representatives on-hand to labors. answer questions and help people find wines that suit their tastes.

The Budbreak festival showcases 17 wineries from North Carolina, and In addition to wine tastings, a few years ago expanded into the the festival includes food, music craft beer realm. There will be four and crafts. The band Blue Sky will NC breweries on tap this year. perform, followed by headliner Phatt City.

Local restaurant 13 Bones will serve barbecue, complementing the Tickets for both festivals are offerings of local restaurants along available in advance or at the gate.

Main Street. Music will be provided Budbreak tickets are $15 in advance by folk-rock band Time Sawyer and and $20 at the gate, while Yadkin the soulful 10-member Phatt City Valley Wine Festival tickets are $22 in band, which features R&B and beach advance and $30 at the gate. music.

The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival showcases about 30 wineries that are either located in the Yadkin Valley or use grapes harvested from Yadkin vineyards. As the years have gone by,

Tickets, as well as more details, are available at : www.BudbreakFestival.com and www.YVWF.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

For lodging info, visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com

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

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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SUP Dude!

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y Aloha Paddle and Surf, in partnership with 3-time NA SCAR champion crew chief Ray Evernham, will host the fourth annual Stand Up for Autism to benefit the IGNITE community center and the Autism Society of North Carolina on Lake Norman May 6th, 2017, at Port City Club in Cornelius, NC.

love to do and to see that whole community supporting IGNITE in such a big way is really special. I look forward to seeing everyone on the water May 6th!”

The events on Saturday morning will feature Elite and Recreational races, which are open to the general public. This year we will include an open class for OC, Surfski and kayaks. Limited paddleboard rentals will be available on a firstreserve basis. Paddleboard fitness demos will also be held. The race is sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA) and will be the second regional points race on Lake Norman.

This fundraising event will begin Saturday morning with racers checking starting at 7am, the Silent Auction is opening at 7:30am with the WPA Region 6 sanctioned Elite and Recreational races to follow.

The races will continue from 8am to 10:45am followed by the ‘Live’ Auction at 11am and the awards ceremony will begin at 11:15am and be followed by a luau featuring the Island Hula Girls along with island music, food, and fun activities for “We are extremely excited to all ages. partner with Rob and his team at My Aloha Paddle and Surf again this year To register for the event, visit: to put on another great event,” said www.padlock.link/ignite2017 Evernham, who is a Lake Norman To purchase tickets for the SaturLuau lunch or to just make a resident and paddleboard enthusiast. day donation to this important cause, “Paddleboarding is something I visit: www.padlock.link/luau

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Regional Events & Destinations

Jazz Baby, Jazz!

By: Jaylynn Biggars

M

ake your plans at Smithville Park on Saturday, May 20 from 3-9pm and get ready for an incredible evening of live jazz, art, cuisine and so much more! It’s time to celebrate the 3rd Annual Old Town Cornelius Jazz Festival!

Hosted by the Cornelius Cultural Arts Group (CCAG), Town of Cornelius PARC Department, and L ake Norman Chamber of Commerce, this highly-anticipated event will feature the area’s most earthy, soulful and unpredictable improvisers on one stage.

Performers include: Calvin Edwards Trio, Holly Hopkins Jazz, Pacific Coast Highway Jazz Band, Lovell

Bradford Trio and Shades of Brown.

There’s a beautiful buzz in the air in anticipation of this star-studded lineup ready to hit the stage, on the part of the performers and the of audience alike! International jazz recording and performing artist Calvin Edwards, aka The Big Bopper, had this to say about the upcoming festivities, “We are blessed to be part of such a great event for the Continued On Page 29

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Alan Cressler

On The Water In Gaston County

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ith everything from mirrorlike flatwater to Class III rapids, Gaston County, N.C., features a place to paddle for ever yone from novice to expert.

Spring has arrived and summer’s not far behind, so stock your dry bag, strap down the kayaks and SUP boards, and head to the launch for a day on the water. Here are some of our favorite destinations.

The Cramerton Riverside Park Kayak Launch.

Seven well-marked public launches between Spencer Mountain and Cramerton make it easy to plan half-day and full-day paddles. Start your trip with a kayak or SUP board rental at Sun’s Up Scuba at the South Fork Village launch. Or stop off at the Village to refuel with a snack and craft brew at District 8 Beer Company. Take out at Goat Island for a taco or sandwich at local Tex-Mex favorite Doffer’s Canteen.

With three new launches in town, Cramerton Parks & Recreation is organizing group paddles throughout the summer. BYO boat or rent a boat at the Goat Island launch to Float the Fork. Pick up a latte and a scone along with your kayak rental at Floyd & Blackie’s and The Floating Goat Rentals just steps away from the launch.

Catawba River The water is wide and calm on the Catawba River, providing some of Gaston’s best opportunities for kayak and SUP lessons, as well as guided trips. The Catawba River Paddle Club offers kayak and SUP board instruction and rentals out of Tailrace Marina with lessons provided by ACA-certified instructors.

It also offers two-hour and full-day rentals, as well as membership and season-pass options for those who own their own boat. Guided group paddles start with orientation at the marina and a boat ride to the Continued On Page 29

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Regional Events & Destinations

Please join us to celebrate the memory of Lauren Marie Kimsey. The race will benefit her favorite charity, Big Day at The Lake and The Lauren Marie Kimsey Foundation for Synovial Sarcoma. To sign up for the race or for more information, please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Cornelius/ButterflyRun5k.

Event Location: Aquesta Bank Headquarter, 19510 Jetton Road, Cornelius, NC US 28031 Thank you to our Golden Butterfly and Butterfly Kisses Sponsors for this event GOLDE N B U TTE RF LY S PO NS O RS

BUTTE RF LY KIS S E S S PO NS O RS

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Sat, May 6 | Mount Airy | BudbreakFestival.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Celebration Of All Things Related To Racing

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he 2017 Race City Festival, will welcome food trucks and more than 20,000 people to downtown Mooresville on Saturday May 20th from 9-5pm.

piece of locally produced artwork. Family fun and food for This is our 34th anniversary for ever yone. Free Admission and this event, scheduled at the start of Open to the public.

Race Week that begins the celebration of all things related to racing in Mooresville-South our area and brings thousands to the Iredell Chamber of Commerce Charlotte Motor Speedway and the 149 E. Iredell Avenue , Mooresville, NC 28115 All-Star Race.

Fi l l i n g t h e s t r e e t w i l l b e a colorful festival of food trucks, crafts, games and entertainment.

With nearly 200 vendors this year’s festival will be complete with a children’s entertainment area, dance troops, live music, aerobic martial arts performances, a variety of arts and crafts and even a spotlight on locally grown produce and products. The main stage will be positioned on Broad Street in the food truck court and beer garden area near the Mooresville Christian Mission. Downtown restaurants, art galleries and merchants will be open in conjunction with the festival many offering sidewalk sales and specials. Because this is a racing community NASCAR will also have a spotlight with race cars and historic automobiles from area Motorsports Museums and other participating vendors. Pick up a racing collectable or a beautiful

704.664.3898 www.mooresvillenc.org

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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

Oink & Ale – Mark Your Calendars!

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ink & Ale is back and will take place Saturday, June 10 from 3pm. until 8pm. along Monroe Street in Historic Downtown Eden. You will be able to enjoy barbecue, ribs, brisket, barbecued chicken, MillerCoors, Natty Greene’s Brewing Company products along with beverages from other local craft brewers. Plenty of delicious non-alcoholic beverages, desserts and snacks will be available as well.

Brewers Guild. Winners will be announced during the day from the stage. Please take time to take the tour of the facility and meet the brewers.

We are also thrilled to have the Hip Pocket Band and Old Man Noize performing live concerts during the event. So bring your lawn chairs and plan to come early and stay late!!!

Tickets in advance are only $10 The event will feature brewing and you will receive admission to the education by the RCC Center for event & concert, a commemorative Brewing Sciences & Triad Homebrew tasting glass and 12 tasting tickets.

Supply. One of the most interesting and fun parts of the day will be the For More information contact: Homebrew Competition within the Cindy Adams at 336-612-8049 or or go to RCC Center for Brewing Sciences cadams@edennc.us ExploreEdenNC.com conducted by the Battleground

New Bikes, New Exhibits, New Fun!

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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Get Back To Your Roots

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he Carolina Roots MusicFest strives to carve out our own niche, with a small, southern town feel and a wide variety of Whether it’s a family wishing to music, all wrapped up into one spend their weekend enjoying live affordable event. music and fun activities, or a group The festival will feature sixteen of friends who want to drink, listen bands, two stages, a Hops Garden, to bands, and camp for the weekend, camping options and plenty of on- the Carolina Roots MusicFest is the field activities, making it the perfect place to be on May 19-20. destination for a wide variety of music lovers. Music makes people Carolina Roots MusicFest happy, and the Carolina Roots is held on the grounds of the BalloonFest MusicFest wants to provide that Carolina 260 Hangar Drive positive environment for the region Statesville, North Carolina 28677 www.carolinarootsmusicfest.com to enjoy.

WE ARE NORTH CAROLINA’S

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Regional Events & Destinations

May 6, 2017 PORT CITY CLUB

CORNELIUS , NC Enjoy a Day of...

DEMOS/CLINICS Stand Up Paddleboard Paddleboard Fitness

HOSTED BY

My Aloha

Paddle & Surf, Inc.

AND

7:00-7:50am 7:30-10:30am 8:00am 8:20am 8:30am 10:15am 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am

Ray Evernham

Enterprises Check-in Silent Auction Welcome Elite Paddlers Start Recreational Paddlers Start Kids Race Live Auction w/ Ray Evernham Awards Ceremony & Thank you Post Race Luau Lunch with the Aloha Island Hula Girls

VENDOR TENTS DEALS Is it time to buy your own paddleboard?

ENTERTAINMENT Hawaiian Music Hula Dancers FOOD & DRINKS

Points Race 3rd Annual Norman! on Lake W PA S A N C T I O N E D S U P R A C E B E N E F I T T I N G RACE REGISTRATION & DETAILS:

paddleguru.com/races/StandUpforAutismSUPRace2017 POST RACE LUAU LUNCH TICKETS:

https://standupforautismlkn2017.eventbrite.com

FITTING S BENE

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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!

26

Regional Events & Destinations visitvaldese.com | 888-Valdese

Duckworth’s Huntersville Decompression Destination

E

veryone in the Lake Norman area is aware of the sudden manifestation of breweries.

We are surrounded by a multitude of fantastic craf t beer ; hidden in business parks, upgrading to compounds, ser ving artisanal cer vesa with a garden full of cornhole games and picnic tables.

However, we also live in a world where combining all luxuries and necessities is routine and expected.

If my phone, email, daily step count, and Twitter can all be in one place, then why can’t my appetite have all of its needs met in one spot as well?

At Duckworth’s, it can.

As the wife of a craf t beer connoisseur and the daughter of a chef, I have very high standards when I drink and dine at any establishment. To clarify, I am a born and raised North Carolina girl, so when I say ‘high standards’ I mean there better be a beef hot dog and the BBQ should be on point.

My husband and I call Duckworth’s our “Wednesday night” place. That always seems to be the day that we both could use a high gravity beer and some soul-satisfying comfort food. As much as we love our brewery expeditions, Duckworth’s has 112 beers on tap, with a vast

selection of local brews. We can experience all that craf t L ake Norman has to offer with only one stop, and get a taste of beer from across the entire country (not to mention a perfectly poured Irish Guinness). It may sound counterintuitive, but I like to wash my beer down with food, not the other way around. Some juicy, smoky Carolina BBQ and a great burger will always be a first choice and Duckworth’s never disappoints. Add on some of their signature Garlic Fries and your pallet will be so incredibly satisfied.

Despite the fact that we call it our “ Wednesday Place” it’s also my favorite go-to spot for Sunday Panther ’s games. We live in a beer, wings, and football kind of town and Duckworth’s completely understands, and fully satisfies our colloquial needs. Maybe us North Carolinians are just stuck in our ways, but when we find a place we love, we love it for life.

–Kara Werts 16609 Statesville Rd Huntersville, NC 28078

560 River Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117 330 North Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202 www.duckworths.com

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May 19-20 Statesville

North Carolina

FEATURING

THE BLACK LILLIES • THE GIVING TREE BAND THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS • THE RAGBIRDS THE GET RIGHT BAND • FOLK SOUL REVIVAL • FORLORN STRANGERS CORDOVAS • TIME SAWYER • JOSH DANIEL/MARK SCHIMICK PROJECT AMIGO • RINALDI FLYING CIRCUS • CODDLE CREEK ABE REID & THE SPIKEDRIVERS • THE BROAD PICKUPS • MOOSE & FRIENDS SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS : IREDELL RHYTHM EXPERIENCE

MAY 19-20

TWO STAGES • TWO DAYS • 16 BANDS FOOD TRUCKS • CAMP SITES • ARTISANS $35 ADVANCED/$45 AT GATE HOPS GARDEN BIÉRE TASTING EVENT SATURDAY 1-5PM

the

$15 ADVANCE $20 AT GATE

6

AWARD WINNING BREWERIES

Separate tasting ticket is required in addition to festival admission.

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CarolinaRo CarolinaRootsMusicFest.com R ots Ro t Mu ts MRegional sicFe F Events Fe st.com & Destinations

Jazz Continued From Page 17

partnership with the YMCA’s “send-akid-to-camp program. Lisa Mayhew, SCC Executive Director, hopes this year ’s festival will “highlight the cultural diversity in our town while having a great time and raising some The event kicks off at 3pm with funds, too!” the official opening ceremony of the So bring your friends, neighbors LKN Kiwanis Splashville Park. Then, it’s time for the first band to take and the entire family out to Old the stage and the jazz won’t stop Town Cornelius and get ready for a until 9pm. The OTC Jazz Festival is fun-filled evening of jazz! Free shuttle free to attend with opportunities to bus service will run to and from support community while having a Cornelius Elementary School and blast! There will be a silent auction there’s plenty of parking. Don’t forget packed full of locally donated to bring a blanket or chair! products and services, local craft beer and wine and tons of delicious Smithville Park: 19710 S. Ferry food from local food trucks with Street, Cornelius, NC 28031. proceeds supporting the Smithville More info call: 704.765.1794 or email Info@WeAreCCAG.org Community Coalition (SCC) in past three years and counting. The OTC Jazz Fest is becoming a tradition of people getting together from all backgrounds in the community to have some fun and celebrate!”

On The Water Continued From Page 18

launch. A six- to eight-mile paddle launch points for a shorter paddle from the Mountain Island Lake dam to the USNWC dock. to Tailrace Marina travels a wide and Gaston County is embracing non-technical section of the river, its water ways with endless perfect for novices and groups. opportunities for any age and ability A large dock and launch at Kevin to make the most of the county’s Loftin Riverfront Park in Belmont rivers and lakes. Make this year your is a perfect starting point for a time to test new gear, try new sports, paddle upriver to the U.S. National and get out on the water.

Whitewater Center or downriver to York Chester Brewing or Muddy Gaston County is located just River Distiller y, both located at west of Charlotte, NC in the Piedmont section of North Carolina Tailrace Marina. What makes the and is a terrific place to live, work Loftin launch really special is that it’s and visit. Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to ADA-accessible. Restrooms and the enhance your trip including mupicnic shelter are sweet amenities seums, botanical gardens, exhere as well. Upriver in Mt. Holly, treme sports, hiking, dining and entertainment parks, art and hisTuckaseegee, Mountain Island, and tory and more.

River Street Parks are also ideal www.go2gaston.org

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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 30 Events

1226 MORLAND DRIVE • STATESVILLE NC 28677

704.872.3883 • WWW.TILLEYHD.COM

MAY EVENTS 2017 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY May 6Th- 13Th

May 13Th

ROLLING THUNDER RIDE

Registration Here At Tilley’s From 9AM To 11AM May 20Th – Honoring ARMED

FORCES DAY AND OUR MILITARY WE THANK YOU

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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