Issue 076 July the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 76 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

Burke

Ghostface Brewing

Get A Taste Of Banner Elk This Summer The Best Hikes In Gaston

WTT 15th Anniversary History Festival Waldensian Festival Is A Great Community Showcase!

10 Bands Rock Reevestock Music Festival

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag com .

Pedal, Drink, Repeat Charlotte’s And NC’s First Cycleboat!

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Regional Events & Destinations

Go Gaston. Get Outside.

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.

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

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704-825-4044

Photography by Joseph Bradley for SouthPark Magazine.

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July 2017 Issue 76

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 Business Relations: Jessica Hapney Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara McMillian, Amber Duckett, Project 543, RootsRated Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Olivia Binstead, Madison Hedrick, Ed Phillips, Ann Gibson 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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Get A Taste Of Banner Elk This Summer

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Pedal, Drink, Repeat

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Burke 19 The Best Hikes In Gaston

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Ghostface Brewing

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WTT 15th Anniversary History Festival

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Waldensian Festival Is A Great Community Showcase! 25 10 Bands Rock Reevestock Music Festival In Early August

We Tell You Where To Go!

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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 Wheels Through Time 15th Anniversary Sat July 1st–Mon 10th 62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. Dozens of rare machines will come to life creating a timeline of our two -wheeled motorized histor y, new memorabilia will be displayed, and history will be discovered. We invite you, your family, and friends to come out and celebrate our 15th birthday and enjoy our first history festival at The Wheels Through Time! www.wheelsthroughtime.com

Mountain, NC 28086. 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, www.libertymountaindrama.com 47t h A n nua l Ro a s t i n g of the Hog Sat July 1st 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. Beech Mountain is home to one of the High Country’s premier Independence Day Celebrations. The hog is roasted all day to perfection and cut up right in front of the crowd. Music, games, treats and fireworks are accompanied by both indoor and outdoor seating making this the perfect event for all ages. www.beechmtn.com

Red, White & Cru Party Sat July 1st 1pm–5pm South Creek Vineyards & Winery, 2240 S Creek Rd, Nebo, NC 28761. Do you miss the Fabulous Thunderbirds? With a remarkable performer Jacob Johnson on lead, this band will bring it all back to you! Tasting room opens at 11am music begins at 1pm provided to Nat iona l Tra i ls Day W it h South Creek customers at no charge. Carolina Thread Trail Mon www.southcreekwinery.com July 3rd South Fork Trail and River, 119 Willow Dr, McAdenville, NC. “ L i b e r t y M o u n t a i n – T h e Celebrate this nationwide initiative Revolutionary Drama” Sat July locally on the Thread Trail at South 1st 7:30pm–10pm Joy Performance Fork Trail and Blueway in McAdenCenter, 202 S Railroad Ave, Kings ville! Enjoy guided nature hikes, free

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations kayak rentals, a guided 5-mile river kayak, yoga for hikers, Mayobird food truck, Blue Blaze Brewer y, King of Pops popsicles, White Water Bluegrass Band with Anthony Scruggs, kids activities and outdoor exhibitors all for FREE! Fun for the whole family! And dog friendly! www.visitgaston.org 4th of July Festival Tue July 4th 11am–9:30pm Downtown, 162 S South St, Gastonia, NC 28052. Eight city blocks of family fun awaits you.

Live music, food, food, and more food, crafts, jewelr y, games, art, music, entertainment, eating contests, car show, carnival rides, and of course one of the best fireworks shows in the entire Southeast! A whole day of fun for every member of your family regardless of age.

Gastonia rolls out the red carpet for its downtown so you can enjoy the day. www.gastonia-july4th.com 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

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LIVE MUSIC Wednesday Thru Sunday www.drinklivemusic.com

Trivia Trivia Every Every Tuesday Tuesday nd nd & 4thth Mondays Bingo 2 Bingo 2 & 4 Mondays

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

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Mile High Fourth of July Tue July 4th Banner Elk, NC 28604.

An all-American celebration takes place each Fourth of July in Banner Elk. It’s a day that makes Uncle Sam proud, starting with the Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade at 11am. The parade begins at the Lees-McRae campus librar y and goes down Main Street. The parade concludes with a “Party in the Park” in Tate-Evans Town Park, where folks enjoy lunch from several vendors and traditional lawn games like the egg-toss and sack race. Banner Elk’s Duck Race, which features hundreds of rubber ducks racing down the creek in the park, makes this an event not to be missed! www.bannerelk.org 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 16t h A n nua l Nor t h C a ro lina 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 Continued On Page 10

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704-799-2712 ~ www.SummitPlaceOfMooresville.com 128 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117

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Regional Events & Destinations

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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Destinations Continued From Page 8

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 Hot Doggett 100 Bike Ride Sat July 8th Athletic St, Mars Hill, NC 28754. We will have the same challenging 100-mile and 100-kilometer closed-loop courses. Plus a 35-mile Big L aurel Grind. Our 100-mile course covers some of the most scenic and lightly traveled roads anywhere in western North Carolina.

Those of you who are seeking a challenge will find it in the 9,600 feet of ascension on that course. www.hotdoggett100.org

Coon Dog Day Festival Sat July 8th E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773.

A festive atmosphere everywhere in Saluda where the Coon Dog activities are scheduled, good food abounds, arts & crafts area, and children’s play. All begins with the Coon Dog Parade through downtown at noon. There will be lots of music performed throughout Main St. www.saluda.com Festival of Food Trucks Sat July 8th 5pm–8:30pm N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115. Gourmet Fare (from a bunch of trucks).

North Main Street (between Moore Avenue & Iredell Avenue) from 5-8:30pm. Main Street from Moore Avenue to Iredell Avenue will be closed for the event, so 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 1st Annual North Carolina Peach Festival Fri July 14th–Sat 15th Fitzgerald Park, 145 N Depot St, Candor, NC 27229. The Peach Festival begins Friday night with the 7th annual Peachy Feet 5K. On Saturday, the festival includes a cooking contest, a parade, live music, helicopter rides, camel rides, karaoke, introduction of the 2017 Peach Queen, Peachy Feet 5K winners and Peach Cooking Contest winners. Kids activities often include: bungee trampoline, rock wall, bounce houses, bungee jump, miniature train rides, gyro ride, camel ride, petting zoo, zipline, and more! www.ncpeachfestival.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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Destinations Continued From Page 11

Spruce Pine BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Fri July 14th–Sat 15th 201 Locust St, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. The event features the best in local and regional musicians; award-winning, mouth-watering BBQ from multiple vendors; a jamming stage; championship clogging teams; artists & crafts vendors; an antique farm equipment and tractor show; kids activities; and much, much more! www.sprucepinebbqbluegrass.org Fine A rts & Master Crafts Festival Fri July 14th–Sun 16th 185 Azalea Cir SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604. This juried festival features hand-crafted wares from more than 90 vendors. Photography, paintings, jewelr y, sculpture & potter y are just some of the crafts that will be offered. www.averycounty.com 2nd Friday Street Festival Fri July 14th 6pm–10pm Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cor nelius, NC 28031. The 2nd Friday Street Festival on Fridays, 6-10pm! Live Music, Food Trucks, Local Craft Beer & Wine, Artists & Craftsmen, Live Art Demonstrations, Kids Activities and much more! Oak Street Mill right here in the heart of Lake Norman’s Cultural Arts Destination, Old Town Cornelius! www.oldtowncornelius.com 3 9 t h A n nu a l Wr i g ht K i te Festival Sat July 15th–Sun 16th 1000 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. Walk through the museum and gain knowledge of the birthplace of aviation and then put this knowledge to the test outside

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with Kitty Hawk Kites. Large kites will be on display throughout the weekend. Learn how to fly stunt and power kites from the pros. Families and individuals are encouraged to bring out their own kites and participate in the event. Kitty Hawk Kites will be offering free kitemaking at the museum each day. www.kittyhawk.com 13th Annual Ronnie’s Sunday BashSun July 16th Tilley Harley-Davidson, 1226 Morland Dr, Statesville, NC 28677. A great day for motorsport enthusiasts of all kinds!

Live music, vendors, bike show and Don Tilley’s personal collection of legendary racing machines will be on display. Food and beverages provided by Lancaster’s BBQ and NHRA champion drag racer Janette Thornley will fire up her nitro-burning Harley-Davidson®. All proceeds go to The Victory Junction Gang Camp. www.tilleyhd.com B B Q & B r ew s Font a na Trestle Train Mon July 17th 226 Everett St, Br yson City, NC 28713. Departing from Br yson City, the BBQ & Brew train will travel to the Fontana Lake Trestle and arrive just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious meal basket of Southern-style bar-b-cue goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw, with apple cobbler for dessert. Complementing the meal are samples of beer from local breweries, and root beer for the kids. A different brewer is on board

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations each trip. Souvenir glass. Adult- North Carolina Watermelon only cars and family-friendly cars. Festival Fri July 21st–Sun 23rd www.gsmr.com 1 0 0 M a i n S t , Fa i r B l u f f , N C 28439. A family fun event that 34th Annual Folkmoot Festival i n c l u d e s p a g e a n t s , p a r a d e , Thu July 20th–Sun 30th. Folkmoot is entertainment, vendors and more. a Festival of Folk Dance and World www.ncwatermelonfestival.org Cultures featuring 275 dancers and musicians from around the globe. Rural Hill Food Truck Rally E x p e r i e n c e l i v e m u s i c , d a n c e Fri July 21st 5:30pm–9pm Rural Hill performances, cultural activities Nature Preserve, 4431 Neck Road, and dance instruction at venues in Huntersville, NC 28078. All ages Asheville, Canton, Cherokee, Clyde, are invited to attend and check out Franklin, Hendersonville, Hickory, the great food that can be found in Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley and our local food trucks. Admission to Waynesville. www.folkmoot.org the Rally is free, but food pricing will vary per truck menu and there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. www.ruralhill.net Continued On Page 28

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waldensianfestival.com 888-VALDESE Regional Events & Destinations

Get A Taste Of Banner Elk This Summer

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visit to Banner Elk promises to please the palate. From juicy burgers and steaks at longtime local standbys to upscale fare and fine dining, this small, resort town in the Blue Ridge Mountains serves a variety of cuisines.

Banner Elk has a population of less than 1,200 people and one stoplight. But the dining offerings outpace what you’d expect to find in much larger cities and have earned the town the title of culinary hot spot of the High Country.

Stonewalls Restaurant opened in 1985 and has been an anchor of the dining scene. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the slow-roasted prime rib and “famous” salad bar with more than 50 items. The restaurant underwent a full remodel this past spring, updating the decor to a contemporary-mountain-lodge style and adding a full-service bar, which features premium wines by the glass, craft cocktails, and local and regional beers. The restaurant also introduced a new brunch option on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Another longtime favorite is Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge. The casual

mountain spot has two restaurants in one, serving three meals a day, seven days a week. Big burgers satisfy hearty appetites, and the trout is some of the best in the High Country.

At Sorrento’s Italian Bistro in downtown, third-generation chefs serve Italian specialties made from family recipes. The Banner Elk staple has been in business for more than 30 years. The crab cakes and tortellini Sorrento are favorite entrees. Upstairs, Chef Nicole Palazzo recently opened the Chef ’s Table at Sorrento’s. She draws on her Italian heritage, location in Western North Carolina and additional international influences for an eclectic menu.

Artisanal, located on the grounds of Diamond Creek Golf Club, presents a fine-dining experience in a rustically elegant setting. During its more than 10 years in business, the restaurant has acquired numerous accolades, such as the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a spot among Open Table’s top 100 restaurants in America.

To plan your culinary excursion, visit www.BannerElk.com or call toll free: 844-824-6777.

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Pedal, Drink, Repeat

Charlotte’s And NC’s First Cycleboat!

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f you grew up on Lake Norman, like I did, you inevitably tried every sport, floatation device, and water transport known to man. You bruised your knuckles trying to pull yourself up on a wake board, you cried when your dolphin, alligator, or swan floatie hit its last leg and deflated underneath you, and it doesn’t matter how old or how new your jetskis were, one of them would fail to start at the beginning of every summer. You also celebrated when a random kayak, paddleboat, or innertube washed up on shore after a big storm and, admit it, you shamelessly made only minimalist efforts to tr y and return it to its owner. It was a wonderful childhood that instilled in me a great love of the water, however, if I tried to get up on a wake board today, I’d pull six muscles, sprain a wrist, runover a goose, and possibly die. I wouldn’t risk it. When I spend a day on the lake now, all I really want to do is float, drink, eat, and spend time with my friends and family basking in the sun- which is why I am thrilled that Charlotte Cycleboats has shown up on the water just in time for Summer!

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A Cycleboat is the new, and honestly, the best way to get out on the lake. Its propeller is powered by YOU and your leg muscles; ten seats with bike pedals that, with joint effort, will have you gliding along the water at whatever speed is comfortable for you.

Cycleboats have two big bonuses- it’s eco-friendly, and it frees you of guilt while you chase your potato chips with beer and more potato chips. Yes, that means that your cruise is BYOB and the coolers are already installed on board for your pleasurable voyage convenience. You and fifteen of your favorite people can spend the day relaxing (while still being active!), taking in the scenery, and staying shady under the boat’s large canopy.

Regional Events & Destinations

If you don’t feel like gathering up a big group, you can buy individual seats and meet some new Cycleboat converts on a two hour cruise.

Charlotte Cycleboats is also preparing some incredible tours that cater to all varieties of lake-lovers. They will be featuring a History of Lake Norman Tour, Dinner Tours, Mixers, Craft Beer Happy Hour, Wine Tastings, and for those who love to be fit and love to be on the water, there will be tours specifically for intense spin/cycle workouts.

Cornelius, but have plans to spread the Cycleboat love to more docks around the Queen City. Tours start July 15th but you can book in advance by calling or going online and being one of the first to experience the fun and the leisure of Charlotte Cycleboats! You are encouraged to enjoy yourself and some beverages on board, but if you start calling the vessel a “boatercycle,” it might be time to cut you off…

If you are only visiting the Charlotte area, Cycleboats are fun way to see our shores. If you are lucky enough to live here, you now have an epic new way to entertain guests, or just entertain yourself. Charlotte Cycleboats are currently launching from the Waterstreet Seaport in

Charlotte Cycleboats LLC. My Aloha Paddle Sports & Fitness 17505 W. Catawba Ave., Waterstreet Seaport -Suite 130 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 360-3030 www.charlottecycleboats.com

Kara McMillian Karaemcmillian@gmail.com

Second location 1500 River Rd Belmont, NC 28012 www.paddleboardcharlotte.com

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BannerElk.com

Regional Events & Destinations

BURKE

discoverburkecounty.com

Upper Creek Falls

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pper Creek Falls in Burke County, NC is deserving of a more exciting name. It’s made up of a series of falls and cascades, with the largest one listed as 50 feet.

From the parking area, choose the upper creek or lower creek trail.

It doesn’t really matter which way you go, as the trail makes a 1.5 mile loop. Upper Creek Falls is easy to get to from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

At mile 312.5, exit the BRP and get on Highway 181 South and drive for 6 miles.

Lake James State Park

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t the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains not far from the charming towns of Morganton and Marion in Western North Carolina lies Lake James, a pristine lake fed by three rivers. Surrounded by ancient forest. Over 6,500 surface acres and 150 miles of shoreline.

Lake James State Park offers a public beach for swimming, plus picnic areas, canoe rentals, rest rooms and nature trails. Camping facilities are also available.

Treat

T

reat Restaurant and Bar is an eatery known for its wide variety of menu offerings, served with a “layered eating” Tapas style flare. The restaurant and bar boasts a menu that features handcrafted specials created and rotated seasonally, as well as a hand-picked signature beer and wine selection.

Inspired by creativity, innovation and a deep desire to “treat” people with food and fun, Treat’s style emphasizes fresh, new and artistic plates with distinctive Spanish, Asian and Italian influences. Treat Restaurant & Bar, locally known simply as Treat, is located at 100 West Sterling Street in downtown Morganton. An extensive accessory and gift shop, Treat Gift Shop, shares the building with an entrance on the corner of Union and Sterling streets.

For Burke County tourism information, call (888) 4622921, or go online to: www. discoverburkecounty.com.

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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The Best Hikes In Gaston

Part One

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lant your hiking boot atop the rocky outcroppings on Crowders Mountain and scan the horizon for a bird’s eye view of the Charlotte skyline to savor Gaston County ’s premier hiking spot, a semi-urban park that is currently ranked as the third most visited state park in North Carolina. Crowders 25-plus mile looping trail network makes it possible to tackle strenuous climbs and rocky scrambles for as much distance as you can take.

Start at the Linwood Access to connect the Backside, Rocktop, and Tower Trails and summit Crowders Mountain. Or start at the Sparrow Springs Access for a two-mile climb to The Pinnacle, with the option to extend your distance up to 12+ miles out and back on the Ridgeline Trail.

For a less challenging excursion, take the gently rolling parked dirt Crowders Trail from the visitors center to the Linwood Access, or connect Crowders, Fern, Lake, and Turnback Trails for five to seven miles of easy to moderate hiking.

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Whatever your pace and distance, you’re in for a flora and fauna display unparalleled this close to Charlotte.

The hardwood forest of red maple, American beech, dogwood, and oak gives way to rhododendron, fern, and Virginia pine at higher elevations. Hawks are frequently visible cir cling the park’s two peaks and the boggy soil on the lake trail is home to crayfish, frogs, salamanders, muskrat, raccoon, and Virginia opossum. Keep an eye out for turtles and snakes, mostly

Regional Events & Destinations

harmless except for an occasional Poston Park. On these trails, hikers copperhead or timber rattler. share singletrack with mountain bikers, so understand that mountain Ranger Intel: Plan Ahead bike riders have the right-of-way.

Most weekdays parking and Best to stay alert and hug trail solitude aren’t hard to find at shoulders around tight turns and C r o w d e r s , b u t w e e k e n d s a n d blind spots to yield access in a hurry. holidays can be a different story.

Crowds at peak times have delayed Find out more about these emergency response for injured destinations next month! visitors and created gridlock on park Written by RootsRated for Gaston roads, so rangers close parking lots County Gov. Photos by Ann Gibson when full and keep them closed for up to 90 minutes to relieve congestion. Arrive before 9 a.m. Gaston County is located just and check the park website and west of Charlotte, NC in the Piedmont section of North Facebook page before leaving home Carolina and is a terrific place to keep your plans on track. to live, work and visit. Gaston Gaston Mountain Biking Trails Two more spots to immerse yourself in the Gaston hiking experience are the U.S. National Whitewater Center and George

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

New Bikes, New Exhibits, New Fun! 15 Anniversary History Festival July 1-10, 2017

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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Ghostface Brewing Decompression Destination

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orth Carolinians have always enjoyed trips to Mooresville, either for a lazy day on the lake, to explore the of history of stock car racing, or to take a short jaunt back to the 50’s down the colloquial Main Street. Ghostface Brewing is a fresh destination that is rapidly making its way up the town’s ‘must do’ bucket list. Into their second year of business amidst the charming antique side of the city, but it pays homage to it’s history by proudly sporting old bricks and beams collected from the original on-site structure. In fact, if you pay the brewery a visit and inevitably enjoy yourself, you can buy one of the bricks and have your name permanently affixed to walls of this unique establishment. Of course the part industrial, part medieval style of this watering hole is not it’s number one claim to excite the massespeople are rushing to Ghostface for its lifestyle inspired beer & mead.

gets stale. Each month Mike will be opening up his private event space “The Backroom” for their “R&D EVENTS” (research & drinking). He will bring out 6-7 different beverages to sample and be voted on to go into production. Come on out and make your pallet heard!. Ciders, mead, wine, and gluten-reduced beers are also constantly offered to delight all of the gluten-sensitive Lake Norman destination seekers!

The exceptional aspects of Ghostface Brewing seem to pile on endlessly… (Did I mention that they always have two nitro drafts on tap?!) It is absolutely worth an outing to Mooresville to enjoy a Cuddy’s Irish Red over a game of cornhole.

Lastly, if you make it to Ghostface and decide that you don’t want to leave, Davidson Pizza Company is always serving on site and you can find out for yourself which housebrewed cold draft pairs best with a New York style cheese pie, calzone With over 20 brews on tap, or super special salad. there is something to entice every Kara McMillian beer lover from every part of the Karaemcmillian@gmail.com state. Brewmaster Mike Cuddy is at the hop-helm every single day Ghostface Brewing working on new and diverse drafts 427 East Statesville Ave. Suite 100 Mooresville, NC 28115 to insure that the beer menu never www.ghostfacebrewing.com

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WTT 15th Anniversary History Festival

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n July of 2017, The Wheels Through Time will celebrate it’s 15th Anniversary and to no ones disappointment will be represented with a History Festival which will run from Saturday, July 1st until Monday, July 10th! Dozens of rare machines will come to life creating a timeline of our two-wheeled motorized history, new memorabilia will be displayed, and history will be discovered. We invite you, your family, and friends to come out and celebrate our 15th birthday and enjoy our first history festival at The Wheels Through Time!

Each year Museum Founder Dale Walksler choses a machine to represent the years of commitment to the sport. This years 1915 Indian Special is no disappointment. Watch this machine come to life with a spectacle of thunder and fire!

Each day we will have a special event or offering in celebration of our 15th Anniversary!

62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 www.wheelsthroughtime.com

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

828.478.3078

lknmidwayboathousegrill.com midwayboathousegrill.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Waldensian Festival Is A Great Community Showcase!

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ince 1976, on the second Saturday in August, Valdese hosts an annual festival to celebrate the “Glorious Return” of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy in 1689.

This celebration is mirrored around the world by other Waldensian communities. The Town of Valdese continues to improve the Waldensian Festival each year and make it one of the best festivals in the state of North Carolina.

The 2017 Waldensian Festival will concentrate on unique crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment.

To achieve this goal, the committee continues to search for wonderful artists, food vendors and entertainers from around the country. Choosing participants that will come together to make an unforgettable festival.

cultural destinations including the Waldensian Heritage Museum, Waldensian Trail of Faith and the Waldensian Heritage Winery Other activities to enjoy are the Open Art Competition, Bocce Tournament and the LPDA Great Waldensian Footrace.

Valdese is a strong, proud and historic community. If you have never had the opportunity to enjoy this town the Waldensian Festival is a great community showcase!

The 42nd Annual Waldensian Festival is August 11 & 12, 2017.

For details, hotels and a schedule of events for the 2017 Waldensian Festival call 828-879-2129 or visit www.waldensianfestival.com.

So, what’s going on? Amusement Rides for all ages, Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In on Main Street, Beer & Wine Garden, Friday Night 80’s Night in Valdese, Amusement Rides on Faet Street and Over 170 Food/Art/Craft Vendors Jump on the Shuttle Ser vice and be whisked to the areas

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

8 stops on the trail in:

Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain, NC

For a FREE trail map

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Regional Events & Destinations

10 Bands Rock Reevestock Music Festival

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he seventh annual Reevestock Music Festival in Elkin sends summer out on a high note, Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5.

food. Slightly Askew Winery and Skull Camp Brewing pour wine and beer, and Call Family Distillers offers moonshine tastings.

The Marcus King Band headlines Saturday’s concert at Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater. Singer, songwriter Marcus King describes his group’s sound as “soul-influenced psychedelic Southern rock.”

Reevestock kicks off on Friday night with the Downtown GetDown at The Liberty’s Coley Hall in downtown Elkin. The free evening of music revolves around the theme “A Southern State of Mind.” Regional musicians Swim in the Wild, Late Night Special, Luke Mears and Tyler Hatley cover songs by Southern rock icons, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band and Tom Petty.

Friday’s festivities also involve food trucks, drinks and dancing.

Additional Saturday performers are Time Sawyer, Town Mountain, David Childers & The Serpents, William Wild and the Corey Hunt Band. Genres include bluegrass, folk, rock, country and Americana.

“You might not know every band, but you’re going to enjoy them all.

People know they can return every year and expect the same quality of music,” says Sam Tayloe, festival organizer.

The festival creates a familyfriendly atmosphere with a kids’ zone open during daylight hours.

Local restaurant 13 Bones serves pork, chicken and rib plates, and Lady Go-Go’s prepares Mexican

For those who want to extend their experience to Sunday, Aug. 6, the festival partners with Yadkin River Adventures for Reevestock River Raf t. The outfitter offers discounts on its two-hour float from Ronda to Elkin.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.Reevestock.com. To learn more about Elkin and the surrounding Yadkin Valley, visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

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Destinations Continued From Page 13

Parkway and on to Mt. Mitchell.

Entry fee/cash prizes. Registration is not available the day of the event. www.blueridgeadventures.net

Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest Thu July 27th 7pm–10pm Draper Village, Fieldcrest Rd, Eden, NC 27288. Did you know the “shag” has many variations, one of which is called the Carolina Shag and is thought to have originated on the east coast of North and South Carolina? Come out to celebrate this fun tradition and learn to do the shag from local shag clubs while watching masters of the art form. In addition to great music and dancing, there will be food and a beer garden. Bring your lawn chair, family and friends for a fun evening. www.exploreedennc.com

North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival Thu Aug 3rd–Sun 6th 12121 NC-226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. For more than 50 years, Spruce Pine has welcomed visitors from around the world to the North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival.

The indoor event features dealers from around the countr y selling jewelry, gemstones, fossils, beads, and more. www.ncgemfest.com

Hi l lbi l l y Ja m 2017 Fri July 28th–Sat 29th Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. This annual all-day music festival celebrates western North Carolina and Appalachia’s rich musical history and the heritage of moonshine making. Come on out and have a hillbilly good time. www.HillbillyWoodstock.com

Reevestock 2017 Fri Aug 4th–Sat 5th Reevestock is a music festival located in the heart of Elkin, North Carolina. With a ver y successful inaugural year at Reevestock 2011, the festival is back to continue its mission, only bigger and better! We hope to see you all on August 4th for a great day of music, friends, and fun! www.reevestock.com

Nantahala Racing Club US Whitewater Junior Olympics Fri July 28th–Sun 30th 13077 W Hwy 19, Br yson City, NC 28713.

Family-friendly and fun for beginner through advanced paddlers, the Whitewater Junior Olympics are a great opportunity to meet young paddlers and families from around the countr y and get inspired about whitewater. www.nantahalaracingclub.com

Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair Fri Aug 4th 9am–Sat 5th 5pm Burnsville Town Square, 101 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714. 200 juried crafters with handmade potter y, jewelr y, rustic furniture, blacksmiths, candles, and artwork of all mediums. Have lunch and listen to live music on the shaded Square. www.yanceychamber.com

Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell Sun July 30th Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water St, Old Fort, NC 28762. The route begins and ends in Old Fort climbing to the Blue Ridge

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NOC Paddle Grapple Sat Aug 5th Nantahala Outdoor Center, Tsali Rd, Stecoah, NC,. Choose f r o m S U P, s u r f s k i , m a r a t h o n , kayak or canoe classes in this race on beautiful Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations With a 3 and 6 mile race option, t h e Pa d d l e G r a p p l e o f f e r s a n option for every boater, whether recreational or elite. Awards will be given to top finishers in each class. www.noc.com Cycle NC Mountain Ride Sat Aug 5th–Mon 7th Bryson City, NC 28713.

Join us for a weekend full of amazing road biking and endless opportunities to “play outside.” Bryson City will provide you with a variety of cycling options, unique experiences and spectacular mountain views. The routes are a perfect fit for road bikes as well as most tandems, trikes and hybrids and are suitable for intermediate to experienced cyclists. If you are feeling adventurous, some routes even include gravel grinder sections as well

as a scenic train ride to the start point. www.cnc.ncsports.org 42nd A n nua l Wa ldensia n Festival Fri Aug 11th–Sat 12th D o w n t o w n , 1 0 0 M a i n S t W, Va l d e s e , N C 2 8 6 9 0 . T h e 2 0 1 7 Waldensian Festival will concentrate on unique crafts, great food, and top-quality entertainment. www.9nl.it/waldensianfestival Fine A rts & Master Crafts Festival Fri Aug 11th–Sun 13th 185 Azalea Cir SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604. This juried festival features hand-crafted wares from more than 90 vendors. Photography, paintings, jewelr y, sculpture & potter y are just some of the crafts that will be offered. www.averycounty.com

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 30 Events

1226 MORLAND DRIVE • STATESVILLE NC 28677

704.872.3883 • WWW.TILLEYHD.COM

SATURDAY JULY 1ST “HOTDOGS AND HARLEYS” PRE-OWNED BLOWOUT BIKE SALE. Come by and enjoy the day with free hotdogs (11-4pm) purchase Shaved Ice & Snowballs By Abby’s Sugar Shack

HAVE A HAPPY JULY 4TH WE WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, JULY 4TH ONLY

Sunday, July 16Th

13TH ANNUAL

RONNIE’S

SUNDAY BASH IN HONOR OF RONNIE CARVER

All Proceeds Going To The Victory Junction Gang Camp!

Janette Thornley Will Fire Up Her NHRA Profuel Champion Nitro Harley From 1:30 To 3pm

FRANK–N–STAN BAND People’s Choice Bike Show

All Of Don Tilley’s Collection Of Bikes On Display

HOOTER’S BIKE WASH

ANNA’S SWEET TREATS

Tickets sales for a brand new stand up Harley-Davidson™ cooler, 50/50 and door prizes!

Lancaster’s BBQ With Food And Beer

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

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

dinner

X

full bar

X

good times

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