Issue 078 September the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 78 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

Hike, Bike, Relax Page 17

Pumpkins & Craft Beer

Road Rides & Rail Trails

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival Lagers And More On The Shore At The Inagural Lakefront Hops Fest A Great Fall Destination

Grandad’s Is The Place For Apples, Cider, Doughnuts & Mountain Views

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Go Gaston. Golf Gaston.

Gaston County native and PGA Tour member Harold Varner III

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

Let us help you unplug this weekend 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 | 704-825-4044 #gogaston | gogaston.org

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September 2017 Issue 78

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 McMillian, Amber Duckett, Project 543, RootsRated, Niki L. Young Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Olivia Binstead, Madison Hedrick, Ed Phillips, Ann Gibson, Shannon Irish

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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Page 14

Page 17

Page 18

Page 27

Contents DayTrip Destinations

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Pumpkins & Craft Beer

14

Hike, Bike, Relax

17

Road Rides & Rail Trails

18

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

21

Lagers And More On The Shore At The Inagural Lakefront Hops Fest

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A Great Fall Destination

25

Grandad’s Is The Place For Apples, Cider, Doughnuts & Mountain Views

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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 71st Annual North Carolina Apple Festival Friday Sept. 1st– Sun 3rd S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792. The NC Apple Festival features a street fair on historic Main Street including continuous live musical entertainment, arts & crafts, apple growers selling apple products, children’s & youth activities, special exhibits & open houses, and food. To top it all off, on Labor Day, the King Apple Parade takes place. No pets allowed. Check our website for specific hours and schedule of events. www.ncapplefestival.org Beech Mountain Mile High K ite Fest iva l Saturday Sept.

2nd–Sun 3rd 400 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.

The 13th annual Mile High Kite & Craf t Festival takes place in the town meadow. L ocated at more than 5,000 ft. in elevation, the meadow makes it easy to sail kites more than a mile above sea level. The free festival weekend includes open kite flying Saturday afternoon and an all-ages street dance that evening.

On Sunday, prizes are awarded for the biggest kite, smallest kite and best decorated kite. www.beechmountainresort.com 7th A nnual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival Saturday Sept.

2nd 3pm–11pm 1841 Eastchester Dr, High Point, NC 27265. This music festival emanates relaxing ambiance because of its choice location. You can’t help but relax when you’re at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point. It is one of the best settings for music festivals. Then, there’s food galore.

There is also a ver y special positive atmosphere that permeates throughout the crowd. It’s the people factor. The people who attend are one of the best features o f t h e C o l t r a n e J a z z Fe s t i v a l . www.coltranejazzfest.com The National Folk Festival Friday Sept. 8th–Sun 10th 200 N Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401.

America’s longest-running FREE celebration of our nation’s heritage and culture, Greensboro hosts the

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations prestigious National Folk Festival.

With over 300 world-class artists across seven stages, this three-day national destination event is an outdoor multicultural celebration of roots, music, dance and traditional arts. www.nationalfolkfestival.com 2nd Friday Street Festival Friday Sept. 8th 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! h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / oldtowncornelius Carolina Bible Camp Bluegrass Festival 2017 Saturday Sept. 9th Carolina Bible Camp, Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

1988 Jericho Church Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028. The award-winning line-up includes Blue Highway, Dom Flemons (Grammy-winning founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops), Tim White & Troublesome Hollow, Fireside Collective, and the Loose Strings Band.

Ticket price includes classic car show, vendors, Pickin’ Tent, and free crafts and games activities for kids. www.cbcbluegrass.com Pours in the Pines! Saturday Sept. 9th 2pm–6pm Weymouth Center For The Arts, 555 E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Sip and sample beer from all over North Carolina in the heart of the Sandhills. Weymouth Center has lush gardens, a large open space and a quaint, southern style mansion. We will have food trucks, lots of beer (and cider too!) and McKenzie’s Mill will be headlining! www.poursinthepines.com Festival of Food Trucks Saturday Sept. 9th 5pm–8:30pm N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115, Gourmet Fare (from a bunch of trucks). North Main Street (between Moore Avenue

& Iredell Avenue) f. 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 Historic Morganton Festival Friday Sept. 8th–Saturday 9th 112 W Union St, Morganton, NC 28655.

Hundreds of vendors will fill the streets selling their crafts and other wares; the kid and teen zone will offer entertainment and activities for youngsters; and plenty of festival food will be available for visitors to enjoy, along with the beer garden located near the Coors Light Stage. www.downtownmorganton.com Rural Hill A mazing Maize Maze Starts Saturday September 9 t h – Fr i - S a t - S u n t h r u N o v 5 t h 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. This Fall starting Sept.

9th through November 5th!

There’s more than enough fun 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

and confusion for all! Get lost in our giant seven-acre corn maze featuring over two miles of inter connecting paths. One of the largest in the Southeast, our maze is sure to please! The whole of Rural Hill’s 265 acres is available to you and your group during maze hours–take a hayride around the farm, play a round of corn-hole, explore our historic site, play in our mini-mazes, have a picnic, hike our trails, pick a pumpkin (in October,) & much, much more! www.ruralhill.net 11th Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest and Festival Saturday Sept. 9th 11am–4pm Oxford, NC 27565. North Carolina’s finest hot sauces and barbecue sauces, along with local craft breweries and wineries, spice up the blends and texture of downtown’s historical streets. Enter the main event of the day, the NC Pepper Eating Contest for your chance to grab the hottest title in the state.

Enjoy live music on the main stage, local artisans, kids activities and a flashback in time with the Annual Antique Car Show. NC hot sauces and barbecue sauces will be dueling

it out for the title of North Carolina’s best. www.nchotsaucecontest.com Chinese L a nter n Fest iva l Wed Sept. 13th 5:30pm–9:30pm 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012. We may call these “lanterns,” but make no mistake these are not hand-held, candle-lit lamps.

From humble beginnings of silk and paper, the Chinese lantern has evolved into the wondrous shapes and sizes of the Chinese Lantern Festival. Enter “The Wild,” a world of life-size (sometimes larger than life) illuminated panda bears, lions, flamingos and more fauna from the world’s seven continents. Arranged in the shape of dragons, peacocks, and giant pearls, they glimmer like cr ystal rainbows More than 800 handmade lanterns will fill more than 12 acres. In addition, marvel at kung fu shows, savor Asian food and browse the marketplace that features authentic Chinese folk art and crafts handmade onsite. www.dsbg.org R i verFest Friday Sept. 15th– Saturday 16th 1010 Washington St, Eden, NC 27288. RiverFest is a celebration of Eden’s art,

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations histor y and river heritage. This annual event takes place in the Old Leaksville Shopping District o n Wa s h i n g t o n S t r e e t – o u r oldest downtown area that dates back to 1797. Enjoy two stages of live music, lots of great food, over 100 artisans and craf ters, interactive activities for the kids, King BMX Stunt Show, a Trick Roper and so much more!! w w w. e x p l o r e e d e n n c . c o m / riverfest/ Lincoln County Apple Festival Saturday Sept. 16th Downtown, Main Street. Regional crafts, food, kids activities, agricultural exhibits, live music, farmer ’s market and, or course, local

apples by the bag or bushel. It’s an alcohol-free event with something for ever yone, and it’s absolutely free. Enjoy the hospitality that i s L i n c o l n C o u n t y. Fo r m o r e information, visit our website at LincolnCountyAppleFestival.com Tawba Walk A rts & Music Fe s t i v a l Saturday Sept. 16th 2pm–8pm Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius, NC 28031. Your all-access pass to discovering the area’s premiere talent! Join us for the return of the Fall edition of the Lake’s most action-packed, fun-filled community festival featuring an all-local cast of talent that is sure to get your creative juices flowing! www.TawbaWalk.com.

Continued On Page 12

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Destinations Continued From Page 11

23rd A nnual Mountain Her it a ge Fe st i v a l Saturday Sept. 16th 10am–4pm Sparta, NC 28675. Come spend the day enjoying authentic crafts, lots of food, music and fun. Four local bands and the Junior Appalachian Musicians will take the stage beginning at 10am.

Dancers will be kicking up their heels, and don’t forget the Possom Queen contest and crowning. www.sparta-nc.com

relax to music from many local bands playing the same songs that Andy grew up with and performed o n T h e A n d y G r i f f i t h S h o w. www.surryarts.org/mayberrydays/ Ya d k i n Va l l e y P u m p k i n Fe s t i v a l Saturday Sept. 23rd 9am–4pm Historic Downtown Elkin, Standard St, Elkin, NC 28621.

The festivities begin Saturday morning with the Annual Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on East Main Street. There will be pumpkins & watermelon from growers located all over the East Coast. Some will weigh-in at an excess of 1,000 lbs with hopes of placing in the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth top ten. www.visittheyadkinvalley.com

Lake Norman Wildlife Oyster & Shrimp Festival Saturday Sept. 16th 5pm–10pm LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117. Join the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists (LNWC) as the organization celebrates its 10th Anniversar y!

Great food and beverages, live Big Elkin BrewFest Saturday music, and tons of family fun… Sept. 23rd 3pm–8pm Elkin Muhttp://www.lnwc.org/events.html nicipal Park 399 US Hwy 268 W, Elkin, NC 28621. Enjoy live music, M a y b e r r y D a y s Tu e S e p t . sample the finest NC craft beers 19th–Sun 24th Several Locations & ciders, eat delicious food from throughout downtown, Mt Air y, food tr ucks and local venues.

NC 27030. Activities and events www.bigelkinbrewfest.com for the fans who long for the days when life was simple and the Carolina Renaissance Festisheriff didn’t carry a gun. Enjoy a val Weekends Sept. 30th through bottle of pop while playing checkers, Nov 14th 9am–5:30pm 16445 Poplar

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, The Carolina Renaissance Festival. is a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, a feast fit for royalty, and much much more. www.Carolina.RenFestInfo.com Lakefront Hops Fest Saturday Sept. 30th 1:30pm–7pm LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117. With help from Sun Up Cafe, LangTree RL West and other business owners here at LangTree. We have over 12 NC breweries committed to the fest with 2 – 4 selections each so that is well over 30 NC beers to choose from.

There will be a couple of bands and several food options to help make this a great event. Make sure you save the date! See facebook for more details as they become available.

Moores v i l le W iener R ace Saturday Oct 7th 132 E Center Ave, Mooresville, NC 28115, All entrants are required to be classified as a Dachshund breed to be eligible to participate. Four divisions race for trophies: Puppies (1 year & under), Juniors (1-5 years old), Adults (5-10 years old), and Seniors (10+). Contests for “Cutest” and “Best Dressed” also award trophies. www.mooresvillewienerrace.com

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Pumpkins & Craft Beer

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lkin is the hub of fall fun on Saturday, Sept. 23. The 21st annual Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival starts the day, and the Big Elkin BrewFest continues throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Pumpkin Festival lines Main Street with craft vendors, children’s activities and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. The main attraction is the Great Pumpkin Weigh Off sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.

“The festival really shows our visitors what a wonderful community we have,” says Myra Cook, president of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event. “All ages enjoy the pumpkins, music, food and crafts.”

At 5pm., the annual Duck & Turtle Regatta heads down Big Elkin Creek. Rubber ducks and turtles race downstream, and Boy Scouts watch for the winners.

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The Big Elkin BrewFest takes place that afternoon at Elkin Municipal Park. The festival celebrates craft beer producers across the state. Last year’s inaugural festival was a hit, so organizers hope to build on that success.

“We have a good cross section of locations and styles,” says Jeff Yockel, festival co-chair. “We want to give people an opportunity to try something they haven’t tasted before.”

Three bands — The Loose Strings Band, Big Daddy Mojo and Time Sawyer — will provide live music.

And five food trucks will serve a variety of cuisine from barbecue and burgers to Haitian and Mexican food.

The Pumpkin Festival runs from 9am. to 4pm., and the Weigh Off begins at 10am.

Big Elkin BrewFest VIP tasting opens at 2pm., and general admission opens at 3pm.

For more information about these festivals and other Yadkin Valley events, visit www.YadkinValley.org

Regional Events & Destinations

the

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September 21-24

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Regional Events & Destinations

Hike, Bike, Relax

Come To NC’s Highest Town For Fall Hike & Wine Weekend Packages

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utumn is a perfect time to soak in the beauty and coolness of the North Carolina mountains.

And the town of Beech Mountain makes it easy to do just that with its fall hike & wine weekend packages.

From now through Nov. 12, couples can enjoy two nights of lodging, maps to nearly 30 miles of hiking trails located in the town, a tasting for two at Banner Elk Winery, plus guest passes to the town’s Buckeye Recreation Center. The all-inclusive package is just $169 for two people, plus tax.

Package participants can choose from 22 miles of trails winding in and out of the heart of town, or they can take a more adventurous route with seven trails in the Emerald Outback at the top of the mountain.

A little-known fact about the town of Beech Mountain is that it’s the highest incorporated town east of the Rocky Mountains. With an elevation of 5,506 feet, it is a paradise for hiking (or mountain biking), and “The Emerald Outback trails are is located about two and a half hours among the highest on the East Coast from the Charlotte region and the and offer great scenery and a variety North Carolina Triad region. of vegetation not seen in other areas Continued On Page 30

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photo by: Shannon Irish

Road Rides & Rail Trails

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et’s say it’s a recovery day, or maybe you’re taking the family out for some bicycle bonding time. Consider peddling Gastonia’s Avon & Catawba Creek Greenways.

Three miles of paved trail connect Lineberger and Ferguson Parks for some creekside riding with loads of spots to view wildlife or stop for a picnic.

The paved, 1.5-mile Highland Rail Trail is a great option for cyclists looking for level terrain at an easy pace. Double your distance by adding a loop around Rankin Lake and start and finish in downtown Gastonia to check out Gaston County’s latest entry into the craft beer scene, Cavendish Brewing Co. For intermediate to advanced cyclists, miles of scenic rural roads make for some epic rides through the Gaston countryside. Got a couple hours to spare? Ride the Belmont Loop for 15 miles and take on the elevation at Cramer Mountain. The Spamerton Route, affectionately

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named by locals for the Cramerton to Spencer Mountain route, gains more than 1,000 feet of elevation over 23 miles.

Up your game with routes ranging from 30 to 70 miles, mapped out by Gaston County Cyclists. Their group rides throughout the spring, summer, and fall attract cyclists from all over the region. The holy grail of Gaston road riding is the Four Peaks Metric Challenge. With more than 2,500 feet of elevation gain, the terminus at South Main Cycle’s Pub Station in downtown Belmont is a welcome site at the finish.

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

Regional Events & Destinations

Over 12 NC Breweries Several Food Vendors 2 Great Bands

Free Admission Bring your own Chairs & Blankets No Outside Food or Beverages

Saturday September 30th – 1:30pm - 7:00pm Lakefront at LangTree Lake Norman Exit 31 I-77 Lake Norman

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Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

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Awakenings Spa

BURKE

discoverburkecounty.com

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wakenings Spa is a “shoes off ” sanctuary designed to be cozy and comfortable. Long-term neighbors and short-term guests to our amazing downtown can feel welcome, warm and pampered.

Whether you’re taking care of yourself for an hour or indulging for an entire day, our team of professional service providers will ensure you leave feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.

The Beanstalk Zip Lines at Catawba Meadows Park

T Lake James Cellars

T

his family-owned winery offers a selection of high quality, palate-pleasing wines, handcrafted from North Carolina fruits as well as fruits from around the world.

Step through the leaded-glass front doors of the historic restored 1915 Textile Mill Building, and relax as you visit the tasting room to sample the wines.

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he Beanstalk Zip Lines is a great adventure for the entire family. The exciting zip line course takes you first across sky bridges then from treehouse to treehouse suspended from a series of zip lines. Your well-trained guide will make sure your experience is a safe one. The Beanstalk Climbing Tower offers climbing challenges for all skill levels in a safe environment.

All climbers are safely monitored and belayed by experienced personnel.

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

Regional Events & Destinations

‘Tawba Walk Arts & Music Festival

G

et ready for the return of the Fall edition of Lake Norman’s most action-packed, funfilled community festival featuring an all-local cast of talent that is sure to get your creative juices flowing!

The 14th running is Saturday, September 16 from 2pm - 8pm in downtown (Old Town) Cornelius.

The ‘Tawba Walk features two stages of live bands and performances, multiple food truck courts, local craft breweries, sidewalk shop specials, a kids zone, street art, and more!

Live Musical Performances include: The Hwy, Matt Stratford Band, Billy Jones & The Pocket, Astral Lion, Goodfoot Down, The Message and Kevin Reid Band. Local Performance Groups include Planet Ballroom, Motion Dance Studio, Queen City Comedy and Now Are the Foxes Improv.

The ‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival is a Bella Love Production hosted by Cornelius Arts Center. www.TawbaWalk.com.

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Lagers And More On The Shore At The Inagural Lakefront Hops Fest

W

e are putting on a craft beer festival on Saturday September 30th lake front at LangTree in Mooresville, N.C. with help from Sun Up Café, The Kilted Buffalo and the LKN Rotary Club along with other business owners here at LangTree.

Over 13 NC breweries committed to the fest with 2 – 4 selections each so that is well over 30 NC beers to choose from.

There will be two of bands and several food options.. See facebook for more details .

Bring your own chairs and blankets / No out side food or beverages.

Lakefront Hops Fest September 30 @ 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm LangTree Lake Norman 401 Langtree Rd Mooresville, NC 28117

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Hike & Wine Weekends $169 for 2 nights

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Regional Events & Destinations

A Great Fall Destination W

hen searching for signs of autumn’s arrival one need look no further than the return of the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. The festival brings a big dose of cheer, trumpet fanfare, clashing armor and giant roasted turkey legs.

Village purveyors offer an endless feast of bread bowl stews, premium meats on sticks, sweet treats and confections, and a favorite of all renaissance wanderers: a bag of cinnamon-roasted almonds! Festival pubs offer variety of Pepsi products, c r a f t b e e r, w i n e , c h a m p a g n e , ale, honey mead, lemonade and Medieval Margaritas to compliment the day-long feast of hearty foods fit for royalty!

Twelve stages offer an abundance of costumed performers offering continuous music, dance, comedy, and circus entertainments.

Unbalanced acrobats, the Ancient Art of Falconr y, and the popular jousting tournament with horse mounted ar mored knights are all examples of the continuous entertainment options offered.

Shop an extensive ar ray of craft vendors offering home dĂŠcor,

jewelr y, clothing of renaissance and medieval fashion, blown and torched glass, handmade art and potter y. There are also activities for children of all ages that include people powered amusement rides and countryside faire games such as the castle climbing wall, archery and tomato tossing at a fool.

Each year the Carolina Renaissance Festival adds new entertainments and upgraded facilities for visitor enjoyment. New additions for 2017 include The CRAIC Show! They are a high energy & wildly entertaining band that brings a sound that is unlike any other!

The 24th Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival.

North of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville.

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

Eight consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, from September 30th through November 19th,.

The Festival runs from 10am until 5:30pm, rain or shine.Children under 5 are always free. Parking is free courtesy of Harris Teeter.

Visit us online at carolina. renfestinfo.com, or call (704) 896-5544, toll free (877) 896-5544.

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 2017 2PM - 7PM

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#BIGELKINBREW

Regional Events & Destinations

Grandad’s Is The Place For Apples, Cider, Doughnuts & Mountain Views

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s soon as visitors exit their cars at Grandad’s Apples N’ Such, the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar fills their noses. Apple cider doughnuts hit the fryer each morning at 7 a.m. in preparation for hungry customers who’ve anticipated the sweet taste since last fall.

A fourth-generation family business, Grandad’s Apples is tucked among North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains in Hendersonville.

Owners Pat and Leslie Lancaster grow about 35 varieties of apples which customers can U-pick, or they can select from bins inside the barn.

Some apples go into a press to produce fresh cider, available for purchase by the gallon or by the cup for sipping on the farm. The fresh cider is also a main ingredient in the

apple cider doughnuts.

Meanwhile, the bakery produces other apple treats, including fritters, turnovers, pies, breads, cookies and caramel apples. The baker y has been so popular that it was expanded during the offseason.

Other activities on the farm include a giant jump pillow, mini cow train for children and a corn maze. This year, an apple cannon, similar to a potato gun, is an exciting addition.

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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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Grandads’s Continued From Page 27

“We try to add one thing each year,” Leslie Lancaster says. “We want visitors to come back to see what’s new at Grandad’s.”

Grandad’s, also grows peaches and pumpkins, is one of several Upick apples farms in Hendersonville and Henderson County. The county is the seventh largest apple producing county in the United States.

Grandad’s opened for the fall season last month and will be open seven days a week, 8am. to 6pm., until early to mid-November. information about Grandad’s Apples N’ Such, visit: GrandadsApples.com. Lodging and other area info is available at www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

Hike, Bike, Relax Continued From Page 17

of Western North Carolina,” says Sean Royall, director of parks and recreation for the town of Beech Mountain.

After a day of hiking, it’s a short drive down to Banner Elk for a tasting at the award-winning Banner Elk Winery. It was the first winery in the North Carolina High Country, and is now one of the founding members of the new High Country Wine Trail.

In addition to hiking and wine tasting, Beech Mountain offers a variety of other outdoor pursuits and features several restaurants within walking distance of lodging.

The winery produces outstanding dry and semi-sweet wines from such varietals as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Seyval Blanc.

For more information on Beech Mountain’s hike & wine weekends, call 800-468-5506 or visit: www.BeechMtn.com/deals.

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Regional Events & Destinations

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

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