Issue 075 June the Destination Magazine™

the Get Your Outdoors On In Morganton And Burke County

Issue 75 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

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June + Beech Mountain = 30 Days Of Family Fun Gaston County Destinations to Fuel Your Outdoor Adventures Still Creating Fanatical Ales And Some Curious Cultures Too! Boutique Brew Spotlighted At State Of Origin Craft Beer Fest Mile High Fourth Offers An Extended Holiday Celebration

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag com .

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Regional Events & Destinations

Go climb at Crowders Mountain State Park

For the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, Gaston County offers amazing trails 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.org | #go2gaston 3 theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

June 2017 Issue 75

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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™ .

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Contents DayTrip Destinations

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June + Beech Mountain = 30 Days Of Family Fun

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We know we are on to something!

Get Your Outdoors On In Morganton And Burke County

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Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers

Gaston County Destinations To Fuel Your Outdoor Adventures

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Published by: Photodude.net Business Development: Lisa Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara Werts, Amber Duckett, Project 543 Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Olivia Binstead, Madison Hedrick, Ed Phillips Cover Photo: Michael Berley 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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Still Creating Fanatical Ales And Some Curious Cultures Too! 21 Boutique Brew Spotlighted At State Of Origin Craft Beer Fest

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Mile High Fourth Offers An Extended Holiday Celebration

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We Tell You Where To Go!

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 Mount Airy Old-Time Fiddlers Convention Fri June 2nd–Sat 3rd Veterans Memorial Park, 691 W Lebanon St, Mt Airy, NC 27030. This family-friendly event brings together musicians and fans for two full days of competition, jam sessions, dancing, singing, education, and family entertainment. Check our website for the complete schedule. A free shuttle will be provided between the park and the downtown area. www.mtairyfiddlersconvention.com

seven different timed sections during two days of racing. The rides in-between the downhill sections will not be timed. Staged from the campus of spectacular Camp Grier, riders and visitors will be surprised by this magnificent venue! www.pisgahproductions.com

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.

Toe River Art Council’s Studio Demonstrations and door prizes.

Tour Fri June 2nd–Sun 4th 269 www.edenspecialevents.com Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. A self-guided tour, this adventure will Nature Photography Weekend lead you to some unique places 2017 Fri June 2nd–Sun 4th Grandsituated between Mt. Mitchell and father Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Roan Mountain. Visitors travel Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Nature through valleys, past streams, across Photography Weekend retur ns rivers, over hilltops, and experience offering photographers of all levels breathtaking mountain vistas as a unique opportunity to focus their they visit those many out-of-the-way skills. Throughout the weekend, studios. www.toeriverarts.org participants will visit Grandfather Mountain to hear presentations from Pisgah Enduro Race Sat June top nature photographers in the eve3rd–Sun 4th 985 Camp Grier Rd, nings and photograph spectacular Old Fort, NC 28762. Individuals scenery and native animals during will test their downhill skills on the day. www.grandfather.com

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Destinations Tr o u t a c u l a r ! S a t J u n e 3 r d 6 a m – 1 2 p m R i v e r s i d e Pa r k , E Tappan St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

This one day event is designed for children to learn and enjoy one of Mitchell County’s greatest resources. From sunrise on, this free event for children ages 14 and under features a fishing tournament and other entertaining activities. www.downtownsprucepine.com North Carolina Warrior Dash Sat June 3rd 8am–5pm Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Warrior Dash is the world’s largest obstacle race series, held on the most rugged terrain in more than 50 locations across the globe. Participants earn their Warrior helmet by tackling a fierce Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

3-4 mile course and 12 extreme obstacles. After conquering the Battleground, Warriors celebrate with turkey legs, beer steins, and live music at a post-race party in a league of its own. Are you a Warrior? www.warriordash.com 2nd Friday Street Festival Fri June 9th 6pm–10pm Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius, NC 28031. Live Music, Food Trucks, Local Craft Beer & Wine, Artists & Craftsmen, Live Art Demonstrations, Kids Activities and much more! www.oldtowncornelius.com Zootastic Park Summer Camp Fri June 9th–Fri Aug 18th Zootastic Pa r k , 3 8 5 O s t w a l t A m i t y R d , Troutman, NC 28166. Looking for a great new Summer Camp for your children? Reservation requests must be submitted through our website. www.zootasticpark.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 Tour de Mountains Sat June 10th Alleghany Wellness Center, 508 Collins Rd, Sparta, NC 28675. Bicyclists, enjoy the spectacular beauty and challenge of the Blue Ridge and experience small-town hospitality at the Tour de Mountains. A 16-mile route offers the novice a taste of mountain cycling. The 100-mile century features more than 10,000 feet of climb to challenge the most experienced rider. Rides of 35 and 66 miles round out your choices. Enjoy a breakfast of ham biscuits, fruit, cookies, coffee and drinks before the ride. Whenever you finish, hot pizza will be waiting. SAG support is with you start to finish. Every 10-15 miles expect stocked rest stops manned by smiling volunteers. Sunday, extend your weekend and canoe or kayak New River. Our partner New River Canoes is offering riders a great rate for this river experience. www.tourdemountains.com Continued On Page 10

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ummit Place of Mooresville is a senior living community offering assisted living as well as Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program for people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, rehabilitation services, and respite/short stays, all in one location.

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Regional Events & Destinations

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Destinations Continued From Page 8

Battle of the Bikes Sat June 10th Farris Memorial Park, 2878 Park Rd, Mayodan, NC 27027. This new course will provide a world cup style short course. The course is 3 miles per lap. Juniors, Beginners and Sport Categories will receive medals and prizes 3-deep. Pro/Expert will receive cash and medals 5-deep. www.racinginthewoods.com Avery County Wine & Beer Fest i va l Sat June 10th 9am– 5pm Blind Squirrel Brewer y Campground, 4716 S US Hwy 19E, Newland, NC 28657. Your admission, which includes a complimentary glass, will allow you a “flight of tastings” per wine and beer participant.

Our participants are scheduled to include Linville Falls Winery, Banner Elk Winery, Blind Squirrel Brewery, Beech Mountain Brewing Company, Lake James Cellars Winery, Boondocks Brewing Company and others. www.blindsquirrelbrewery.com Craft Beer SummerFest Sun June 11th 1pm–7pm Cor nelius Drafthouse & Bottle Shop, 19818 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031.

Party on the square with craft beer vendors, small business vendor

booths, 3 live bands and food!

Bring your family and friends.

Bounce houses setup for the kids and wine tent setup for the parents. www.corneliusdrafthouse.com Oink & Ale Sat June 10th 3pm– 8pm Leaksville Historic District, Monroe St, Eden, NC 27288. Kickoff the beginning of summer with a block party style festival featuring beer, live music and the best BBQ in Eden. MillerCoors and Pig Pounder Brewer y will supply the brews.

Local musicians will be on-site to provide blues, rock and folk tunes. www.exploreedennc.com/oinkale Festival of Food Trucks Sat June 10th 5pm–8:30pm N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115. Gourmet Fare (from a bunch of trucks).

North Main Street (between Moore Avenue & Iredell Avenue) Bring a chair, 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. All Happening in Downtown Mooresville. www.downtownmooresville.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations State of Origin Craft Brew Festival Sat June 10th 5pm–9pm Courthouse Square, Morganton, NC 28655. This popular event returns to downtown Morganton’s courthouse square for its fourth year and features approximately two dozen breweries. The festival was created by the owners of Morganton’s Fonta Flora Brewery to spotlight Breweries making ales from their State Of Origin. www.fontaflora.com 14th Annual NC Blueberr y Festival Fri June 16th–Sat 17th 106 E Wilmington St, Burgaw, NC 28425. Come celebrate the historic, economic and cultural significance of blueberries in the Southeastern region of our state! The North Continued On Page 12

LIVE MUSIC Wednesday thru Saturday

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

Carolina Blueberry Festival provides an opportunity for people to enjoy a full day of family entertainment while experiencing the Southern hospitality of a small town. www.ncblueberryfestival.com 301 Endless Yard Sale Fri June 16th–Sat 17th 112 S Pollock St, Selma, NC 27576. Thousands of shoppers, and over 500 vendors, show up to the sale every year to sell or buy antiques, collectibles, DIY finds, up-cycled furniture and other items. People often stay overnight in the area so that they can take advantage of the two full days of the sale, and hopefully cover the entire 100+ miles (it is possible).

There are tons of quaint, Southern restaurants along the route and locally- owned national chains. www.301endlessyardsale.com

Cornelius Food Truck Invitational Sat June 17th 2pm–8pm Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius, NC 28031. Guests will vote for their favorite food trucks in categories.

A local “celebrity” guest panel of judges will decide on the winner of the coveted Critic’s Choice Award!

Hand-made trophies by Edie Lee Art will be presented to the winning trucks! Festivities also include: local breweries, street vendors, indoor/ outdoor seating, kids activities, & more! www.bellalove.com

NC Sunflower Festival Fri June 23rd–Sun 25th Raised in a Barn Farm, 2106 NC-33, Chocowinity, NC 27817. Features large stage concerts in the pasture on Friday and Saturday nights, three days of live music on stage, contests, pageants, animals, and food. Sunday will host a special church worship at the farm T h i s t l e M e a d o w W i n e - event for community churches. m a ke r ’s Fe s t i v a l S a t J u n e www.raisedinabarnfarm.com 17th 10am–4pm 102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs, NC 28644. Annual Lumbee Homecoming Amateur winemakers showcase Fri June 23rd–Sat July 8th 1 Univertheir talent at the Grapestomp- sity Rd, Pembroke, NC 28372. Weeke r s / T h i s t l e M e a d o w W i n e r y. long festival recognizes the heritage www.thistlemeadowwinery.com of the Lumbee people in Robeson County. Daily outdoor market

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

Classes range from the beginning stages of baking to higher skill levels for the advanced baker and decorator.

19905 W. Catawba Ave. Cornelius, NC 28031

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations selling local foods and products, Little/Junior Miss Pageant, Teen/Miss Lumbee Pageant, golf tournament, 5K/10K runs, bike rides, parade, car and antique farm equipment show, live outdoor concerts, and fireworks. www.lumbeehomecoming.com

crucial local confrontation of Patriots and Loyalists, who often came from the same Southern families.

This battle would prove the turning point of the American Revolution.

His challenge, he says, was to bring together a story that was “historically authentic yet entertaining” at the same time. Coincidentally, Inman has a personal connection to the battle: he’s a descendant of Col. James Williams, the commander of a South Carolina militia contingent who died in the skirmish. www.libertymountaindrama.com

“Liberty Mountain–The Revolutionary Drama” Fri June 23rd 7:30pm–10pm Joy Performance Center, 202 S Railroad Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. Bob Inman, the accomplished author, playwright and longtime WBTV anchor was commissioned to bring the Battle of Kings Mountain to the stage. In Lake Norman Festival of Arts Liberty Mountain he documents the Sat June 24th–Sun 25th Birkdale Vildramatic events surrounding this lage, 8712 Lindholm Dr, Huntersville, Continued On Page 28

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June + Beech Mountain = 30 Days Of Family Fun

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our years ago, Beech Mountain designated June as Family Fun Month with the idea of bringing families closer together via a daily schedule of activities and adventures.

There are activities available every day of the month, including: family hikes, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking lessons, pickleball, disc golf, ride-along ATV tours, cookouts, movies under the stars, trips to nearby Grandfather Mountain and more.

Fitness-oriented families gravitate to the Cool 5 Race Weekend (June 16-18). It includes a challenging five-mile run, a shorter fun run, and a 1.5-mile “walk and wag” event for four-legged family members.

And if, by chance, families run out of things to do on the mountain, discount tickets are available to Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad and Linville Caverns.

Families who stay two nights in June receive a third night absolutely free, or they can opt for a 25% discount on visits of five nights or more.

A 10% discount is also available for two-night stays.

Other adventures on tap are: hiking and biking in the Emerald Outback at the top of the mountain, canoeing and fishing at Buckeye Lake, parent/child golf outings, Enjoy the coolness of the Blue swimming at Beech Mountain Club, mini golf, and sunset concerts on Ridge Mountains in Beech Mountain.

As the highest town in Eastern the lawn.

America, the average high tempera“We only get 18 summers with ture in June is just over 70 degrees. our children, so take time with the For info on Family Fun Month and family while you can,” says Kate lodging discounts, call: Gavenus, tourism director for Beech (800) 468-5506, or visit: www.FamilyFunMonth.com.

Mountain.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Wine - Gifts Gourmet Snacks

TWO LOCATIONS

Craft Beer Cigars - RUSTIC -

ONE

The DESTINATION Cabin LAKE NORMAN ON THE WATER

200-400 North Harbor Place - Davidson NC 704.237.3629

www.LakeNormanCottage.com

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

5-9pm $50

Craft Brew Festival

State of Origin is a boutique craft brew festival focusing on breweries embracing

their unique flora and fauna in the creation of craft beer. Every brewery must bring craft beer that was created using ingredients grown in their “state of origin”.

Saturday, June 10th, 2017 Courthouse Square, Morganton, NC Presented by Fonta Flora Brewery 21 years and over

To buy tickets go to: www.fontaflora.com/festival

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Get Your Outdoors On In Morganton And Burke County

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here’s a place nearby where flatlands rise to the foothills and the foothills rise to the Blue Ridge Mountains. That place is Burke County, known by many people for its county seat of Morganton.

Burke County and Morganton are, first and foremost, a playground for nature lovers. The area is ripe with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, viewing waterfalls, cycling, mountain biking, fly fishing, rock climbing, swimming and boating, as well as an exciting zip line tour at a city park in Morganton.

The biggest draws for outdoor enthusiasts are two state parks – Lake James State Park and South Mountains State Park. Together, they attract more than half a million visitors per year. Also popular is the Linville Gorge in the mountainous northern region of Burke County.

The gorge is the deepest in the eastern United States and home to the spectacular Linville Falls.

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Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to the top of Table Rock in the Pisgah National Forest on the eastern rim of the Linville Gorge and experience a 360-degree view encompassing ever ything from Lake James to Grandfather Mountain. For specific activities in the Pisgah National Forest and Linville Gorge, local outfitter HikeMore Adventures is the ticket. HikeMore offers guided hikes, waterfall tours, overnight camping, wilderness survival workshops and mountaintop yoga.

“We have a moderate climate without harsh winters or really hot summers, so we’re pretty much a year-round destination for outdoor adventurers,” says Burke County tourism director Ed Phillips.

For a less rugged, but no less exciting adventure, Beanstalk Ziplines operates daily in Morganton’s Catawba Meadows Park alongside the Catawba River.

Beanstalk’s zip line journey connects 15 islands in the sky via a series

Regional Events & Destinations

of zip lines and sky bridges. The islands range in height from 20 to 60 feet, creating the feel of a life-size Ewok village. Because it uses a gravity braking system, Beanstalk is family-friendly and accepts younger children than many ziplines.

Also in Catawba Meadows park is the trailhead for the Catawba River Greenway, a 4-mile paved, fully accessible walking and biking trail.

Branching off the Catawba River Greenway is the 0.6-mile Freedom Trail Greenway.

The upper part of the Catawba River, just below the dam for Lake James, is home to some of North Carolina’s best trophy waters for brown trout. It is not uncommon to land browns in the range of 20-24 inches. Another fly fishing hot spot is Wilson Creek in the higher reaches

of the county. Wilson Creek is rugged and fast flowing and a popular destination for kayakers seeking extreme thrills.

At day’s end, many adventurers find their way to downtown Morganton for a pint or three from Morganton’s two well-known breweries: Catawba Brewing Company and Fonta Flora Brewery.

Catawba was the pioneer for brewing in Burke County and now has locations in Asheville and Charlotte.

Fonta Flora has captured two gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and is building a second location on a former dairy farm near Lake James.

For more on outdoor adventure in Burke County, call (888) 462-2921, or go online to: www.discoverburkecounty.com.

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Gaston County Destinations To Fuel Your Outdoor Adventures

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ho hasn’t bonked on the trail or during a race at one point or another due to packing too light or throwing together the wrong combination of carbs, protein, and hydration?

It’s time to put those days of poor planning behind you with a stop at nine locally owned Gaston County shops ready to amp up your performance—and enjoyment—with food and beverage options for everything from your most nutritious to your most decadent day in the outdoors.

Both former police officers, Darren and Reuben are embracing the change of pace. “We get to learn people’s names for the right reasons now,” Darren says.

An ever-changing selection of coffee beans comes from boutique roaster Mountain Grounds in California. In addition to staples like pour over coffee, espresso, and latte, chai is made daily with a secret blend of ingredients developed in-house.

Loose leaf tea and kombucha are on the menu, with blueberry and The Most Important cinnamon scones and an assortment Meal of the Day of muffins fresh out of the oven each There’s just no excuse to hit the morning. trail hungry now that Mugshots Coffee and Tea) is open in downtown Just up Main St. at Nellie’s Belmont. You won’t find a drip coffee Southern Kitchen, the Big Mac-size machine at Mugshots. Owners Dar- biscuit sandwiches provide just ren Ellis and Reuben Silberman brew the right blend of carbs, fat, and their coffee the old-school way. “We protein for hours of calorie-torching do things the way that we feel gives exercise. Customer favorites are the best extraction,” says Darren. the bacon, egg, and cheddar and “We put the coffee bean on display.” livermush, egg, and cheddar biscuits.

A smorgasbord of pastries, from

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Regional Events & Destinations

pocket pies to Rice Krispie bars, are baked daily from locally sourced ingredients. All jams and fillings are made from scratch.

Ready to Run Walk and Run Belmont is the epicenter of Gaston’s running community. Spend five minutes with owner Julie Seligman and you’ll know why. She’s a storehouse of knowledge about local running routes and races. Her individualized approach to sports nutrition is reason enough to stop by on your way to the trail. Julie wants to know you before making product recommendations.

Organic, vegan, sugar-free, glutenfree, running, hiking, weight-loss, competition training—she’ll pepper you with questions before making a sale. She stocks an ample variety of protein bars, gels, and other sports nutrition products, including harder-to-find brands like Tailwind and Skratch.

Banish Tasteless Trail Food Stop by one of Gaston’s markets to top off your pack, dry bag, or cooler with seasonal produce and locally made products to enjoy outdoors or back at home. At the Mount Holly Farmers Market, you can choose from organic, non-GMO produce and meats from nearby farms. Pick up specialty items like sweet potato waffles, goat milk cheesecake and fried apple pies, as well as outdoor essentials like sunscreen and lip balm made from goat’s milk. For that healthy boost of natural sugar in fresh fruit, try the Gastonia Farmers Market, the largest in the county with the best selection of berries, melons, and peaches.

Continued On Page 27

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Regional Events & Destinations

Decompression Destination

Still Creating Fanatical Ales And Some Curious Cultures Too!

D9

Brewing is all about innovating and continuously improving our space and our beers. Our newly designed taproom features a centralized bar with 15 taps, two spacious sitting areas including some communal tables, and a great outdoor patio with fire pits and a pergola. We constantly have events going on including live music and food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays, tours of the brewer y on Friday evenings, and of course our Concert Series on the last Saturday of the month from March to October.

released in June. At this moment we can’t give any insight into what that may be. A lot of the ingredients we use in these beers depend on what the market is offering at the time and what strikes inspiration in our brewers. What we can say is that the second will again send you into orbit with complex flavor and an astronomical ABV!

With our new Wild Things series we are bringing some of our microflora friends to the foreground.

We test these micro -besties for tastiness, research their favorite environments and design beers that The Defying Gravity series is truly are specially customized to their a beer that breaks new ground. The unique needs and properties. series is an ongoing exploration Stop by our taproom or ask for us and expansion of the universe of sour beer. This unblended sour at your favorite restaurants and find brew is propelled by three distinct out why so many people are fanatical fermentations that boasts a 14% ABV. about our ales. –Amber Duckett The first edition, Cape Canaveral, was brewed with an enviable cargo D9 Brewing Company of papaya and our tamed microflora 11138-C Treynorth Drive gave it notes of grapefruit and Cornelius, NC 28031 pineapple. The next edition will be 704-457-9368 www.d9brewing.com

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Boutique Brew Spotlighted At State Of Origin Craft Beer Fest

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his popular event retur ns to downtown Morganton’s courthouse square Saturday June 10th for its fourth year and features approximately two dozen breweries. The festival was created by the owners of Morganton’s Fonta Flora Brewery.

State of Origin is a boutique craft brew festival focusing on breweries embracing their unique flora and fauna in the creation of craft beer.

Every brewery must bring craft beer that was created using ingredients grown in their “state of origin”.

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

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

at the Great American Beer Festival in 2014 and 2015, uses grain from Riverbend Malt House in Asheville.

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

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

Flavorful regional musicians For example, Fonta Flora, which earned back-to-back gold medals will be dishing out jams all evening and food will be provided by an assortment of local vendors, including Farmhouse BBQ. Festival hours are 5-9pm. Tickets are $50. Designated driver tickets will be available at the festival for $20.For details and tickets, visit www.FontaFlora.com/Festival.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

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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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Mile High Fourth Offers An Extended Holiday Celebration

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usic, barbecue, fireworks and an All-American parade highlight the many festivities on tap during the second annual Mile High Fourth of July in the North Carolina resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain.

This multi-day event, which r uns Friday, June 30, through Saturday, July 4, celebrates our nation’s independence with cool temperatures and warm hospitality.

The schedule includes live music each day. The big fireworks display takes place Saturday night high above the summit of Beech Mountain. Prior to the fireworks, enjoy slow-roasted barbecue at Beech Mountain’s 47th annual Roasting of the Hog. Banner Elk takes center stage on July 4th with one of the South’s friendliest, most patriotic parades right down Main Street. After the parade, move to Banner Elk’s Tate-Evans Park for a “party in the park” featuring food vendors and traditional July 4th contests like sack races, three-legged races and a rubber duck derby.

Interspersed between the Saturday fireworks and Tuesday parade/party are a number of activities in both towns. Banner Elk’s

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popular Art on the Greene fine art festival takes place that weekend, and there will be a Monday evening concert by the Rockabillies in the Beech Mountain town meadow.

Flat Top Brewer y in Banner Elk and Beech Mountain Brewing Company in Beech Mountain will colla-brew-rate on a special ale for the celebration.

And with altitudes ranging from 3,740 feet up to 5,506 feet, folks can escape the Piedmont and enjoy a sizzling cool Fourth of July for a change.

For details, lodging info and a complete schedule of events for the Mile High Fourth, call 800-4685506 or go online to: www.MileHighFourth.com.

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Ballantyne 704.752.7284 Charlotte 704.527.5783 Mooresville 704.799.2881 Huntersville 704.237.4387 Uptown 980.939.1166

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Shop For Furniture Like The Pros In High Point

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w i c e e a c h y e a r, m o r e than 75,000 retail home furnishings professionals from over 100 countries head to High Point to shop the largest furnishings industr y trade show in the world. The H i g h Po i n t M a r k e t i s c l o s e d t o t h e p u b l i c , b u t t h e H i g h Po i n t Convention and Visitors Bureau offers visitors exclusive access to the industr y ’s latest trends and product designs with its Interior Design Serv i c e s p r o g r a m . Yo u c a n s h o p local retail stores and select showrooms with an interior d e s i g n e r, o r l e t t h e d e s i g n e r shop and coordinate shipping for you. Whether you need help pulling together a total look or you’re searching for a special piece of furniture, High Point’s team of prefer red

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interior designers are here to help. Of course, if you’d prefer to browse by yourself, the area is home to 40 retail stores and showrooms open to the public year-round.

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

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Gaston County Destinations Continued From Page 19

Pop by The String Bean Market for to-go sandwiches made to order in the adjacent restaurant kitchen.

The Mile High Club, layered atop freshly baked Duke’s Bread, is guaranteed to induce trail bliss. The homemade pesto and creamy caramelized onions on The Portabella are the stuff of vegetarian dreams. Part of the fun is mixing and matching local craft brews from The String Bean’s mammoth beer selection, most available in trail-compatible cans.

charred so it’s cleaner going down.”

Spiced Carolina Rum is ideal by the campfire. “Spiced rum is our newest product,” he says. “It took us two years to get it right. Spiced rum typically has 20-something spices in it. We have four.” Muddy River also produces Silver Carolina Rum and Coconut Carolina Rum. Treat Your Furry Friends Remember that your four-legged trail companion needs nutrition and hydration, too. The folks at Happy Dog Café have your back with lightweight, collapsible water bowls, leashes, harnesses, nutritious treats, and mutt mitts for trail clean-up.

For the discerning canine, you can splurge on probiotic yogurt, protein sticks, dehydrated sweet potato fries, and a bakery case full of colorful dog-themed cookies that are baked and decorated in-house.

Indulge a Little All that activity has earned you the right to indulge, so bring along a bag or two of Tastebuds Popcorn for that sweet or savory treat along the way. More than 120 varieties give you plenty of flavor options, with new and seasonal flavors being launched all the time. Bear crunch, with six kinds of nuts, and loaded baked potato, made with real bacon, combine carbs, fat, salt, and protein Because some shops and in a lightweight, packable snack. markets are open seasonally or are closed on certain days of the week, If your plans include an evening always call ahead and check their by the campfire, you’ll want to make website before you stop by. They’re a stop at North Carolina’s oldest rum ready and waiting to help you make distiller y, Muddy River Distiller y. the most of your outdoor adventures Passionate about their products and in Gaston County. dedicated to educating their growing Originally written by RootsRated customer base, owners Robbie and for Gaston County Gov. Caroline Delaney nurture each and every barrel and bottle from distilla- Gaston County is located just tion in stills that Robbie built himself. west of Charlotte, NC in the Robbie recommends the Queen Charlotte’s Reser ve for whiskey drinkers. “Using virgin oak and letting it rest one year is what gives it that smooth taste,” he says.

“The inner layer of that barrel is

Piedmont section of North Carolina and is a terrific place to live, work and visit. Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip including museums, botanical gardens, extreme sports, hiking, dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.go2gaston.org

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Destinations Continued From Page 13

NC 28078. The Lake Norman Festival of the Arts will provide you an exclusive opportunity to experience a range of phenomenal creations ranging from beautiful sculptures, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and mixed media. www.artfestival.com Symphony in the Park & Fireworks Sat June 24th 6pm–10pm Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031. Join us and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Bailey Road Park Bandshell for an evening of patriotic, classical and pops performances. Rockie Lynne will open for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and will per for m a number of patriotic songs. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display (weather permitting). Be sure to bring your blankets, chairs and a picnic basket! No glass containers of any kind, no pets, no open flames. www.Cornelius.org Singing on the Mountain Sun June 25th Grandfather Mountain, 50 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Now in its 93rd year, the “Singing” is a day-long countr y gospel convention held out- ofdoors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins in the early morning and continues throughout the day, with a break at midday for the sermon.

Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top Southern Gospel groups. www.grandfather.com

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117th Men’s North & South Amateur Championship Mon June 26th–Fri 30th 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Over the past century, the best in the golf world have vied for its coveted Putter Boy trophy. The winners now serve as legends in the game – Walter Travis, Francis-Ouimet, Billy Joe Patton, Jack Nicklaus, Curtis Strange, among others, and continues to draw the best in amateur golf circles.

Come watch the best amateurs in the country compete on Pinehurst No. 2, site of the historic 2014 BackTo-Back U.S. Open Championships. www.pinehurst.com Mile High Fourth June 30th– July 4th Banner Elk, NC 28604.

The centerpieces of this fun-filled weekend are Beech Mountain’s Fireworks and 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog on Saturday (July 1) and Banner Elk’s Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park on Tuesday (July 4).Saturday ’s fireworks & pig pickin’ take place atop Beech Mountain, more than a mile high at 5,506 feet above sea level. Slow roasted barbecue is available beginning at 6pm, with a fireworks spectacular at dark. Other fun activities include swimming and the public beach at Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk, and miles of high altitude hiking on the Emerald Outback trail system at the top of Beech Mountain. www.milehighfourth.com Nat iona l Tra i ls Day W it h Carolina Thread Trail Mon July 3rd South Fork Trail and River, 119 Willow Dr, McAdenville, NC. Enjoy guided nature hikes, free kayak rentals, a guided 5-mile river kayak,

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Destinations yoga for hikers, Mayobird food truck, Blue Blaze Brewery, King of Pops popsicles, White Water Bluegrass Band with Anthony Scruggs, kids activities and outdoor exhibitors all FREE! Fun for the whole family! And dog friendly! www.visitgaston.org.

Mount Airy July 4th Celebration Tue July 4th Mt Airy, NC 27030.

Before the parade, at 10am is a reading of the “Declaration of Independence” in the courtyard of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. Pie-Eating contest for charity sponsored by Miss Angels Heavenly Pies after the parade, in the parking lot/park on corner of Oak Street and N. Main Street downtown.

Additional activities after parade include dunking booth, bounce house, vendors and more. Fireworks and music and more at Veterans Memorial Park on W. Lebanon Street starting at 6pm with fireworks at dark. www.visitmayberry.com 4th of July Celebration at the Orchard Tue July 4th 11am– 4:30pm 1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Free music from 11-4:30. Admission for the meal is a dish to share, large enough for your party with some extra for the musicians who will be entertaining all day. In place of the covered dish, guests may pay $12 per meal. The Orchard provides fresh barbecue, water, iced tea, and paper goods. www.altapassorchard.com 16th Annual North Carolina Blackberry Festival Thu July 6th–Sun 9th 801 West Ave NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Blackberries have been praised for their many health

benefits as a super-antioxidant – but we won’t blame you for skipping the smoothie, coating them in sugar, and popping them in a pie instead.

The Friday night kick-off includes live music, a beer garden and blackberry recipe contests. Saturday the festival continues with hundreds of vendors, live music, kids activities, food, a Colossal Cobbler Parade, and best of all, the “World’s Largest Patchwork of Blackberry Cobbler.” www.ncblackberryfestival.com 61st A n nua l Gra nd fat her Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans Thu July 6th–Sun 9th MacRae Meadows, Linville, NC 28646. Grab your kilt!

Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, bagpipe bands, parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting make this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America.

Visit the heritage tent to research your family tree and then head to the merchant tents to find your family tartan. Set up your lawn chair beside the reviewing stand to watch the parades go by or settle into the Celtic Groves and groove to rock ‘n’ roll with bagpipes. Watch men toss telephone pole sized cabers end over end, ladies kick up their kilts with a highland fling and border collies herd sheep with keen precision. The Grandfather Games are four memorable days of “long ago and far away”–all as close as the highlands of North Carolina. www.gmhg.org

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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

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1226 MORLAND DRIVE • STATESVILLE NC 28677

704.872.3883 • WWW.TILLEYHD.COM

EVERY DAY IS DEMO DAY COME IN AND DEMO RIDE THE BIKE OF YOUR DREAMS HAPPY FATHER’S DAY COME IN AND LET US HELP YOU PICK OUT THE PERFECT GIFT FOR HIM JUNE 10TH – 18TH

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TILLEY BIKE NIGHTS’S AT LANCASTER’S MOORESVILLE EVERY WEDNESDAY 5:30PM UNTIL BEACH HOUSE LAKE NORMAN EVERY theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365 THURSDAY NIGHT 6 TO 9PM

WELCOME

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e will be open Monday, June 19th extened hours until 8pm for a garage party with wine and light snacks. An enjoyable evening to encourage more riders of all ages and time for extra shopping!

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

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lunch

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