Issue 082 January the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 82 Local & Regional Events & Destinations This Rock... Rocks!

A Banner Location For Girlfriend Getaways In Winter

Surry Wine Trail Showcases 15 Wineries In The Yadkin Valley Unwind With A WorldFamous Spa Experience

Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled Star Struck

Winter Hikes, Excellent Views

Road To Nowhere In The Great Smoky Mountains

Flat Rock Playhouse Packs This Season With Music, Comedy & Mystery

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill Is We Tell You Where To Go! ‘Snow’ Much Fun theDestinationMag com .

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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 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 Visitor’s Guide.

620 N. Main St., Belmont, NC | 800-849-9994 | 704-825-4044 #gogaston | gogaston.org

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January 2018 Issue 82

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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

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A Banner Location For Girlfriend Getaways In Winter

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We know we are on to something!

Surry Wine Trail Showcases 15 Wineries In The Yadkin Valley 15

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill Is ‘Snow’ Much Fun

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Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled

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Star Struck

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Unwind With A WorldFamous Spa Experience

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Winter Hikes, Excellent Views

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Flat Rock Playhouse Packs This Season With Music, Comedy & Mystery

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Published by: Photodude.net Business Development: Lisa Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara McMillian, Project 543, RootsRated, Leah Hughes Contributing Photographers: Bill Russ, Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Madison Hedrick, Amy Morrison, Blue Bend Photography, Todd Bush Cover: Todd Bush 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 ©2018 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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Road To Nowhere In The Great Smoky Mountains 29

Regional Events & Destinations

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations First Footin’ At Rural Hill Mon. January 1st 10am–2pm Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Enjoy the holiday’s pleasures a little too much? Deter mined that this is the year to make a change for the better? Why not come out to Rural Hill and start 2018 off right with First Footin’ our annual walk and celebration of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Years? www.ruralhill.net New Year’s Sunrise Mon. January 1st 6:30am–9:30am Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646. Ring in an epic New Year on Grandfather Mountain with the first sunrise of 2018. Plus, attendees will be able to join in a community breakfast buffet with their fellow early risers. New Year’s sunrise opportunity and breakfast costs $20, in addition to general admission. www.grandfather.com.

Tr e e To s s S a t . J a n u a r y 6 t h 11am–4pm Conser vators Center, 676 E Hughes Mill Rd, Burlington, NC 27217. Tree Toss is a muchanticipated event that has become

a tradition for our wild family. Each year, the friendly folks at Cranberry Tree Farm donate their unsold trees to the Center, and we give them to our animals as a special form of holiday enrichment. They love the strong scent of the pine and scratchy textures! If you’ve never seen wild animals receiving holiday trees, presents, and toys, don’t miss this chance. We want to share this tradition with you. Come join the fun! www.conservatorscenter.org Carolina Thunderbirds Professional Hockey January Home Stand January 12th -20th Winston Salem Fairgrounds Annex, 414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, Carolina Thunderbirds Individual Tickets are NOW ON SALE and can be purchased the following ways: Carolina Thunderbirds Individual Game Tickets. Call Here: 1.800.745.3000 – Ticketmaster or at the gate.

Winterfest Beer Festival Sat. January 6th 4pm–8pm Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.

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Destinations Snow much fun! This event fills both levels of the Beech Tree lodge with ales and ciders from more than 50 North Carolina craft breweries and cideries. Attendees also get to enjoy live music from Dr. Bacon, an Asheville-based band known for its unique sounds of Appalachian funkgrass and rock. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate winter.

Beech Mountain Resort operates a free shuttle bus to provide safe transportation to and from the event. Make a weekend out of it as there are tons of lodging options close to the resort. Beech Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, skating and more at the highest ski area in Eastern America. www.beechmtn.com

Winter Fireplace Wine Tour Sat. January 20th 10:30am–5:30pm Hampton Inn, 1632 NC-67, Jonesville, NC 28642. Annual Winter Fireplace Wine Tour. We will be visiting wineries with fireplaces with first stop being Medaloni Cellars in Lewisville. Lunch will be at the Shiloh General Store, tasting at Dobbins Creek and tasting/vineyard tour at Piccione. All tours will start from both the Hampton Inn in Jonesville and Fairfield Inn in Elkin. www.yadkinwinetours.com 50th Anniversary Celebration for Beech Mountain Resort Fri. January 26th–Sun 28th Beech Mountain Ski Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.

We kick off the celebration on Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

with live music. The weekend will also include Appalachian Mountain Brewery Tap Take-Over, Great Annual Cardboard Derby, and other fun activities. More events and activities will be announced throughout the month. www.beechmtn.com 38th Annual NC Jazz Festival Thu. February 1st–Sat. 3rd Hilton Riverside Hotel, 301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Enjoy one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast and a STS Top 20 Event! This musical weekend starts with Mangrove, Rossano Sportiello, The Nicki Parrott Trio and the Traditional Jazz Jam led by Adrian Cunningham on Thursday evening.

The Friday and Saturday night 4 hour concerts feature seven sets with six or seven musicians per set and each set with a different leader.

Chuck Redd, Jim Fr yer, Debbie Kennedy, Herman Burney, Cynthia Sayer, Nate Najar, Jonathan Russell, Conal Fowkes, Scott Robinson, Bruce Harris are just some of the fantastic musician from around the globe set performing this year.

Check the website for the schedule. www.ncjazzfestival.com

12th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration Fri. Februar y 2nd 10:30am–12:30pm Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. Chimney Rock State Park invites you and your family to the Animal Discovery Den at Chimney Rock State Park to witness how the Park’s mascot is preparing for spring. Find out if the resident woodchuck sees her shadow at the annual Groundhog Day Celebration inside the Meadows area of the park. www.chimneyrockpark.com Wine About Winter Fri. February 2nd 5pm–8pm 217 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144. Fifth annual wine tasting crawl event in Historic Downtown Salisbury, North Carolina on the 1st Friday of February. Must be 21 or above to participate. www.downtownsalisburync.com Krispy Kreme Challenge Sat. Fe b r u a r y 3 r d 8 a m – 5 p m 2 0 1 1 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607.

2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epito mizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. What started as a challenge among ten

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University. www.krispykremechallenge.com

S a pph i r e Va l l e y O u t ho u s e Races Sat. February 17th 11am– 3pm 217 Sapphire Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774. Homemade outhouses can be made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or any other homemade items.

There are three people to a team Continued On Page 10

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

and outhouses are secured on a set of skis, which can be provided to you by the Sapphire Valley Ski Area.

These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member ‘sits’ inside. The race course is a two-lane track on packed snow (or on ice), with two teams racing each other head to head over a length of approximately 120 feet (40 yards), the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 feet under its own gravitational power. www.skisapphirevalley.com For t he L ove of W i ne & Chocolate Sat. February 17th 1pm South Creek Winery, 2240 S Creek Rd, Nebo, NC 28761. Ah, Amour!

What could be better than our

lovely pairings of wine & chocolates just for you at the South Creek Tasting Bar? We’re presenting our “Diva” to you as we include our new rose’ at the bar too. Gourmet Chocolates are complimentar y with your purchased wine tasting. www.southcreekwinery.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

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This Rock...

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umber one Park in the state and chosen one of top twenty most stunning parks in the USA according to USA Today.

Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County was selected as the North Carolina 2012 Park of the Year by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

With hiking trails, vacation cabins, interpretive nature programs, picnic areas, waterfalls and priceless panoramas of the piedmont plateau, Hanging Rock lends an endless list of activities no matter what your interests. Cast a line out into the lake or simply relax by the shore, plan a picnic with your family or explore the surrounding mountains, whatever type of adventure you choose you’re sure to learn something new about North Carolina’s grand landscape.

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 2016 www.ncparks.gov/ hanging-rock-state-park

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Photos Todd Bush

A Banner Location For Girlfriend Getaways In Winter

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ummertime should not be the only time to get away with the girls. This winter, take advantage of a great destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

authentic fourth-generation Italian dishes at Sorrento’s, local farm goodness and sushi at Chef ’s Table, or new offerings at long-time favorite Stonewall’s, a classic mountain steakhouse that has pushed the The North Carolina resort town limits of its food and drink menus of Banner Elk welcomes girlfriend under new ownership. getaways with an award-winning culinary scene, cozy rental cabins Banner Elk’s upscale downtown and plenty of shops and galleries, is walkable with a nice mix of shops, plus two of North Carolina’s best boutiques and galleries. There are a spas within close proximity. pair of day spas in town, or check out expanded spa offerings nearby And for those who enjoy getting at The Spa at Eseeloa Lodge or out and tackling the elements, Westglow Resort & Spa. Banner Elk is less than 15 minutes from the two largest ski resorts in the Locally crafted spirits are poured state – Sugar Mountain and Beech at Banner Elk Winery and Flat Top Mountain.

Mountain Brewer y. Banner Elk Winery is the pioneer of the High From a culinar y standpoint, Country wine scene, creating awardBanner Elk’s offerings outpace what wining wines since 2006. Meanwhile, you’d expect to find in much larger Flat Top Mountain Brewery recently cities and have earned the town the remodeled its tasting room and nickname “Culinary Hot Spot of the expanded the number of beers on NC High Countr y.” Choose from tap. fine dining at Louisiana Purchase,

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Regional Events & Destinations

In addition to skiing, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort offer snowtubing and ice skating, with snowshoeing available at Sugar Mountain. Outdoor activities away from the slopes include miles of hiking trails in the town of Beech Mountain and at nearby Grandfather Mountain.

Lodging, dining and all attractions mentioned above are a few keystrokes away at www.BannerElk.com, or call toll-free (844) 824-6777.

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CASUAL & FINE DINING COZY LODGING Regional Events & Destinations SKIING & SNOWTUBING SHOPPING & GALLERIES

Surry Wine Trail Showcases 15 Wineries In The Yadkin Valley

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new trail makes it easier for visitors to navigate their way through the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country.

Although the map is not to scale, it provides a good geographical overview of all 13 wineries in Surry County, as well as two wineries just outside the county which work closely with their Surry counterparts.

The map includes physical addresses for use in GPS devices, as well as phone numbers and websites for each place on the trail.

The Surr y County Wine Trail debuts this month with a full-color brochure map highlighting 15 wineries in and around Surry County, along with five breweries and distilleries. The map simplifies the The trail brochure also includes experience of spending a day or two details about the many varieties of tasting wines and touring vineyards. grapes grown in the Yadkin Valley, along with info about lodging in “We’ve heard for years that there wine country and a listing of annual is not one brochure or map that events. provides a comprehensive list of wineries in and around our county,” “The trail guide has been says Jessica Roberts, executive very well received by our tourism director of the Tourism Partnership partners, including our wineries, of Surry County. “That was the main breweries, distilleries and lodging reason for creating the trail. Visitors partners,” Roberts says. “They like still want a hand-held brochure as having a brochure to give visitors to a navigational guide to give them a help them navigate. Sometimes it is general idea of where they’re going.” hard to find all the wineries, or even Continued On Page 30

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Photo Todd Bush

Beech Mountain Sledding Hill Is ‘Snow’ Much Fun

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egardless of whether snow has fallen in the Piedmont, a fun option awaits in the western part of the state. Beech Mountain’s youth sledding hill is a free attraction open ever y winter in the North Carolina mountains.

The sledding hill is operated by the Town of Beech Mountain, which, at 5,506 feet in elevation, is the highest town in Eastern America.

The hill typically has good conditions because of a potent one-two punch.

Mother Nature provides an average annual snowfall of 85 inches, and the town has a gun for blowing snow when Mother Nature isn’t.

Several improvements were made this offseason. Grading work evened the slope and created a longer stretch to slow down at the bottom, while special padding, like the type used at ski resorts, was installed at the bottom of the hill and along the sides.

Other improvements included dividing the hill into a slower side for younger kids and a faster side for older kids, and increasing water flow to the snow gun to maximize snowmaking.

The sled run is for children 12 and under, with parents allowed to accompany younger kids. Plastic sleds are required. Families may bring their own sleds, or they can be rented or purchased at nearby stores on the mountain.

“Every year it is wonderful to see just how much visitors love the experience,” says Kate Gavenus, tourism director for Beech Mountain.

“Getting out in the snow is so much fun, especially for first-timers. It can Hot chocolate is available at be a life memory.” the pizzeria across the street, while

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Regional Events & Destinations

Photo Amy Morrison

complimentary Wi-Fi and heated rest The free sledding hill is open rooms are next door at the Beech daily, weather permitting, through Mountain Visitor Center. l a t e Fe b r u a r y o r e a r l y M a r c h .

Weekday hours are 1–5pm. Weekend “Parents often watch their kids hours are 9am.–5pm. from the lobby of the Visitor Center, so we added extra seating in the Real-time sledding conditions are available by calling the lobby this year to accommodate Visitor Center at (800) 468-5506. more people,” Gavenus says.

Additional info is available at: www.beechmtn.com

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Surry County Wine Trail Visit 15 Wineries In The Heart Of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley

18 Request a free map ~

Regional Events & Destinations YadkinValleyNC. com

Sliced, Chopped, Never Pulled

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he mid-state Piedmont town of L exington has become almost synonymous with North Carolina barbecue at its best. It’s easy to see why, thanks to a long legacy of people and places carrying on the decades-long tradition of ser ving up some of the tastiest barbecue and more – all with a side of Southern hospitality.

of Greensboro and West Center in downtown Lexington.

Next came Will Johnson and Jesse Swicegood in the 1920s, running popular pits near Lexington’s old courthouse. L ater, War ner Stamey can be credited with furthering Lexington’s status as a barbecue center, sharing his expertise with the friendly folks who opened Lexington Lexington is best known for Barbecue, Henry James, Jimmy’s, hickory-smoked pit-cooked barbe- The Barbecue Center, Speedy Lohr’s, cued pit shoulders and has been Smokey Joe’s and more. since the early-1900s. The pork is offered up finely or coarsely chopped To d a y, m o r e t h a n a d o z e n or as slices – but never “pulled.” Lexington-area barbecue restaurants It’s typically served with “red” or can make for a tasty three-day explo“white” coleslaw and often as part ration of North Carolina barbecue of a sandwich tray or plate with at its most historic. Of course, the hushpuppies and more on the side. traditional beverage of choice at The famed Lexington-style sauce is these popular establishments is ohgenerally made of ketchup, vinegar, so-sweet tea, but you’ll also want to sugar, salt and pepper. check out several area wineries and wine shops, as well as drinks and live Sid Weaver was a pioneering pit music at always-rockin’ High Rock master who originally barbecued Outfitters right downtown. on his farm for friends, family and farmhands before moving his Continued On Page 21 operation to a tent at the corner

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S O R N A E TOP Y 0 5

Celebrating 50 winters as the highest ski destination in the East.

Skiing, lodging, restaurants and nightlife at 5,506 feet.

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BeechMtn.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Lexington BBQ Continued From Page 19

Day 1: First Tastes of Lexington Barbecue & More You’ll want to arrive by lunch and head to either The Barbecue Center or Lexington Barbecue – or both.

Open since 1955 and featuring pitcooked ‘cue, The Barbecue Center also features barbecue chicken Wednesday to Saturday only, plus hugely popular – and huge – banana splits and homemade banana pudding. Lexington Barbecue first opened its doors in 1962 and is often referred to as “The Honey Monk” or “Lexington No. 1” by locals. The barbecue is pit-cooked and the sandwiches are legendary.

Gateway Wine Trail include Junius Lindsay Vineyards, Weather vane Winery and Native Vines Winery.

Lexington also features two great wine shops: Tastings Wine & Beer and Wine Sellars.

There’s more ‘cue on the menu at Backcountry Barbecue, which is known for its pit-cooked barbecue, “skin” sandwiches, barbecue chicken Thursday to Sunday, and 20-ounce sirloin steaks. Then, there’s likely more live music at High Rock Next, check into the Holiday Outfitters.

Inn Express overlooking Childress Vineyards. For dinner, head to Day 3: A Final Lunch Smokey Joe’s Barbecue at 1101 S. Several local barbecue restauMain St., which opened in 1972 and rants open for breakfast or an early serves lots of pork barbecue, salads lunch, but you’ll want to keep in and dinner plates. mind that many are closed on Sundays. Final lunch options – include: Day 2: More BBQ & Lexington-Style Trimmings; Jimmy’s Cheers to N.C. Wine BBQ; Smiley ’s L exington BBQ; For a taste of more Lexington Speedy Lohr’s; Speedy Lohr’s BBQ of barbecue history, it’s hard to beat Arcadia near Welcome; Troutman’s Speedy ’s Barbecue during lunch Barbecue; and Cook’s Barbecue, service. This popular destination including legendary barbecued beef originally opened as Tussey’s in the brisket. late 1930s and became Speedy’s in the early 1960s.

Known as the “capital” of For a brief break from Lexingtonstyle barbecue, you’ll want to enjoy an afternoon of North Carolina wine, thanks to Davidson County’s location at the southern gateway of the famed Yadkin Valley wine region. Childress Vineyards back by the hotel is a good place to start.

Other area wineries on the Southern

North Carolina barbecue, Lexington celebrates with two major barbecue events: the BBQ Capital Cook-Off in late April and the Barbecue Festival in late October.

Lexington Tourism Authority & Visitors Center 2 North Main Street Lexington, NC 27292 866-604-2389 www.visitlexingtonnc.com

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Star Struck This planetarium shows you more than celestial bodies.

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he James H. Lynn Planetarium is one of the most prized assets of The Schiele Museum.

With advances in technology we’ve updated the projection equipment to provide an immersive, hi-definition experience to our visitors. Prepare to be transported to a world where you’re surrounded by nature, spaces, the human circulatory system, and much more as our new SciDome XD system brings full-dome educational films to The Schiele Museum.

Technically Superior The recent installation of our Spitz SciDome XD projection equipment has rocketed the James H. Lynn Planetarium to becoming a leader in 21st century full-dome projection technology. The images are crisp and vibrant as you’re taken on a visual journey with 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

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shows that range from earthworms to extraterrestial volcanoes! This new system also allows interactive education thanks to an integrated infrared remote control that can call up data onto the full-dome display to deepen the immersive experience.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History Gastonia’s Schiele Museum of Natural Histor y features the largest collection of land mammal specimens in the Southeast, from common raccoons to huge buffalo.

But that’s just the beginning. It has five permanent galleries with vivid natural history exhibits, plus outdoor recreations of an Indian Village and an 18th Century Farm.

The Schiele is one of only 70 museums in the U.S. designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, enabling it to work with Smithsonian artifacts and materials. Also enjoy a wide variety of continuously changing exhibits.

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Unwind With A World-Famous Spa Experience

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njoy a luxurious experience in the heart of Hot Springs at a 100-acre resort and spa. People have been visiting Hot Springs since Native Americans first soaked in the area’s 100-plus degree mineral water nearly 5,000 years ago. The crystal clear, carbonated waters are famous for their legendary healing powers.

Soak in world-famous natural hot mineral water at Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, just 40 minutes north of Asheville. The resort is rich in history and also features modern jacuzzi-style hot tubs with a continuous flow of spring water. Relax and unwind with a massage from one of the spa’s certified massage therapists. Stay in any of the luxury suites or cabins, or find peace in nature at a tent or RV site in the Hot Springs Campground.

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Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places.

Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Winter Hikes, Excellent Views

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inter hiking in Burke County can be “spectacular” according to Ed Phillips, Director of Tourism.

County and when it snows and the Parkway is closed, cross-countr y skiers flock to the road. Crosscountry ski rentals can be found in Morganton at CBS Sports on The Burke County Tourism Devel- highway 181. opment Authority is excited to have such a breathtaking winter hiking The brochure takes a humorous destination. “We have a moderate twist as it promotes winter hikes climate without harsh winters or without the worr y of “snakes.” really hot summers, so we’re pretty Phillips says “ There are snakes much a year-round destination for in Burke County, but they are all outdoor adventurers,” Phillips says. in hibernation around the first of Their new “Winter Hikes, Excellent November. So, keep your head up, Views” brochure features 5 unique enjoy the views and don’t worry winter hiking trails as well as cross- about any snakes.” country skiing information. Most all of these trails offer incredible views “Traveling from east of here, of the countryside and mountains Burke County is really the first around Burke County. experience of feeling like you are in the mountains,” Phillips says. “This Trails included in the brochure is where you enter the mountains are: Shortoff Mountain and Hawksbill coming from Raleigh, Greensboro, near the Linville Gorge Wilderness, C h a r l o t t e , W i n s t o n - S a l e m , o r High Shoals Falls Trail in South anywhere east. This really is the ‘trail Mountains State Park, Overmountain head’ to Western North Carolina – Victory Trail in Lake James State you get a taste of the mountains, the Park, and Cross-Country Skiing along cultural amenities of Morganton and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trails easy access to the Blue Ridge.” range from easy to difficult and offer For Burke County tourism something for all skill levels.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the northern edge of Burke

information, call (888) 462-2921, or go online to: www.discoverburkecounty.com

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Blue Bend Photography

Flat Rock Playhouse Packs This Season With Music, Comedy & Mystery

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rom Broadway musicals and classic capers to country hits and a Disney prince, Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2018 season promises entertainment for the entire family.

The lineup includes 25 productions beginning in mid-Februar y and running through mid-December.

The Playhouse, which dates to the 1950s, is the official State Theatre of North Carolina. It now operates two locations, the original mainstage in Flat Rock and a downtown theater in Hendersonville.

a foot-stomping hand-clapping variety show called “Pickin’ and a Grinnin,’” and a “Classic Nashville Christmas.” But the biggest show of all has yet to be revealed. The theater promises a blockbuster Broadway musical this summer, but licensing restrictions prohibit announcing the title until April.

“I can say it is the No. 1 most requested musical,” Whitlock says.

“When we survey ticket holders, it comes back strong every time. It was on Broadway for 15 years.”

“The great thing we have learned is that audiences like variety,” says Dane Whitlock, senior director of marketing and development for the Playhouse.

The season kicks off Feb. 15 with “Love, Guy,” a compilation of love songs. It is part of the popular Music On The Rock series. Other musical performances include: songs of countr y legends Garth Brooks Highlights from the Mainstage and Alan Jackson, hits of the ’70s, s e r i e s i n c l u d e a n e w s t a g e Carolina beach music, disco tunes adaptation of “Clue,” Tennessee and more.

Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,”

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Three of the four performances in the Studio 52 family series are based on beloved children’s books: “Seussical,” “Miss Nelson is Missing” and “Junie B Jingle Bells Batman Smells.” The fourth is Disney favorite “Aladdin.”

Flat Rock Playhouse sources talent locally, as well as from across the country.

“Patrons are constantly blown away by our professionalism,” Whitlock says. “They walk into this building that doesn’t look unlike a barn, and once the lights go down, the orchestra kicks in and the actors rush the stage, they are blown away by the Broadway level of quality.”

To learn more about Flat Rock Playhouse or purchase tickets, visit www.FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call (828) 693-0731.

Learn about Hendersonville, including lodging options, visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com or call (800) 828-4244.

Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery

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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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Road To Nowhere In The Great Smoky Mountains

T

he Road to Nowhere is a quick eight-mile drive outside Br yson City. Before you go, have breakfast and coffee with the locals at the Everett Street Diner or at Mountain Perks, both on the way to Nowhere.

had to move, family cemeteries were cut off, and the former road was buried beneath the waters of the lake. The federal government made an agreement with Swain County to build a new road along the lake’s north shore, but environmental issues stopped After breakfast, head straight construction. With no resolution, up Everett Street out of Bryson City now decades later, the road still and don’t make any turns. On the goes nowhere. map, it’s called Lakeview Drive, but the road signs are marked Deep Creek Waterfalls Fontana Road. You’ll pass Swain Now that you’ve gotten a County High School and eventually t a s t e o f t h e s e r e n i t y o f G r e a t see a sign that reads, “You have Smoky Mountains National Park, entered Great Smoky Mountains tur n around and go see some National Park.” You’ll also see a beautiful and relaxing waterfalls. more intriguing sign: “The Road Fr o m t h e R o a d t o N o w h e r e , to Nowhere – A Promise Broken.” m a k e y o u r w a y b a c k t o t o w n The road ends at a barrier with the and take a left on Depot Street. tunnel beyond.

Follow the signs to Deep Creek Campground, making sure to The road got its name from a follow West Deep Creek Road. dispute in the 1930s when Swain County gave up the majority of Three miles after leaving the its private land so the federal center of town, you’ll come to the government could create Fontana Deep Creek entrance to the Park.

L a k e a n d t h e G r e a t S m o k y Well-marked trail signs lead you Mountains National Park. People to three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Continued On Page 30

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Road To Nowhere Continued From Page 29

Indian Creek and Toms Branch.

The Juney Whank and Indian Creek trails have moderate slopes, while Toms Branch is the closest to the trailhead.

Spend the afternoon browsing the shops and galleries of Everett, Main and Depot streets. You’ll find stores full of antiques, artwork and crafts. Tour working artists’ studios at Elizabeth Ellison Watercolors and Heath Creations Studio and Gallery or see work from mountain artisans at The Cottage Craftsman.

Bryson City After your hike, park in town and walk to any one of Br yson Finish off your in-town day City ’s great lunch spots such as w i t h d i n n e r a t P a s q u a l i n o ’ s Jimmy Mac’s on Main Street, The Italian Restaurant or The Station Filling Station on Everett Street, or Restaurant, both on Everett Street.

Anthony’s on Depot Street.

Surry Wine Trail Continued From Page 15

realize all the wineries, that we have in the county.”

Many people might not be aware that 2018 marks a 15-year milestone for the Yadkin Valley. Thanks to the efforts of brothers Charlie and Ed Shelton of Shelton Vineyards in Surry County, the Yadkin Valley was granted official status as a federallyrecognized American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2003.

“With this being the 15th anniversary of the formation of the

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Yadkin Valley AVA, it’s an exciting time to launch the wine trail and have this brochure available,” explains Roberts. “A lot of people are curious to find out more information about the AVA, and we are proud to be the birthplace of the AVA.” To request a free map by mail, or download a PDF copy, visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

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