Issue 086 May the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 86 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

In This Issue

Discover New Waters In N.C. A French-Inspired Mountain Resort Page 16

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Go Gaston. Get Outside.

Gaston All American Fair June 15-24, 2018 Eastridge Mall

More than a week of fun for everyone.

An opening festival and huge closing festival, including ďŹ reworks, bookend 10 days of special events. Arts, crafts, food, contests and midway rides.

Visit gastonallamericanfair.com.

620 N. Main St., Belmont, NC | 800-849-9994 | 704-825-4044 #gogaston | gogaston.org 3 theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

May 2018 Issue 86

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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 McMillan, Project 543, Leah Hughes, RootsRated Media Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Sam Dean

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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Page 11

Page 16

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Page 29

Contents DayTrip Destinations

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Bear-Y Popular Downtown In The Blue Ridge Mountains

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Rowan Farms: Rich In Living History

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“Park It” Outdoors In Morganton And Burke County

15

French-Inspired Mountain Resort

16

Cheers To Wine Festivals In Yadkin Valley

18

Oink & Ale!

19

“Up The Creek” Is A Good Thing

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North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival

23

An Insider’s Guide To The Catawba River

24

Smokey J’s BBQ

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Paddle, Swim, Enjoy.

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We Tell You Where To Go!

Regional Events & Destinations

May 26 & 27 9am - 5pm

JUBILEE

Free

Admission!

Over 250 vendors Arts & crafts

Eight

Lawn/garden accessories

Full Blocks

Garden talks by experts

of Plants!

Children’s hands-on clinic Plenty of food

Downtown Hendersonville, NC

1.800.828.4244

visithendersonvillenc.org5

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Myra’s Classic & Antique Car Cruise In Fridays all summer 6pm10pm 100 Main St W, Valdese, NC 28690. www.townofvaldese.com Stomp & Brew Sat May 5th 12pm–4pm Ashe Arts Council West Jefferson, NC, 303 School Ave, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Celebrate talented brewers and vintners of craft beer and wine as well as providing education on the art and science of craft brewing. www.stompandbrew.com Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival Sat May 5th 12pm–6pm Downtown Mount Air y Mount Air y, North Carolina 27030, Mt A i r y, N C 2 7 0 3 0 . T h e f e s t i v a l features top North Carolina wineries and craft beer producers, wonderful food and great music. www.budbreakfestival.com/ North Carolina Brewers and Music Fe st i va l Fr i M a y 1 1 t h 3pm–Sat 12th 10:30pm Rural Hill, Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. An amazing day of local craft beer and live music and it all takes place at Rural Hill. This years Friday Night Jam starts at 3pm will be held on the main festival grounds (not the campground) and features Acoustic Syndicate, L ar r y Keel Experience, and Josh Daniel / Mark Schimick Project! Tickets for the Friday www.ncbrewsmusic.com

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35th Annual Race City Festival Sat May 12th 9am–5pm Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115. 200 vendor booths, Food Trucks, beer garden, train rides, arts, crafts, antiques, classic cars, business displays, Churches, Non-Profit Organizations. www.MooresvilleNC.org Rowan Arts & Ag Farm to Table Dinner Sat May 12th 5:30pm–8pm Patterson Farm Market & Tours, Inc., 10390 Caldwell Rd, Mt Ulla, NC 28125. Join us for an evening filled with the sounds of music and the tastes of home. This farm to table dinner features a five-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients from right here in Rowan County, NC. Local wineries and breweries will be on site with their samples. Ensembles from the Salisbury Symphony will perform throughout the evening. www.RowanFarmToTable.com.

4th Annual Oink & Ale Sat May 12th 6pm–9pm Monroe Street in the Historic L eaksville District, Monroe St, Eden, NC 27288.

Enjoy delicious Ribs, Barbecue and MillerCoors, Pig Pounder, & Two Witches products & several other local crafts brewers. Live Music and Dancing in the Streets with Chicago Rewired Chicago Tribute Band. www.ExploreEdenNC.us Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch Sun May 13th 12pm–3pm Chez Josephine @ Roaring River Vineyards, 493 Brewer Mill Rd, Traphill, NC 28685. Celebrating Mom’s

Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations with a fabulous meal prepared at Chez Josephine’s Roaring River Vineyards. Mothers will receive a beautiful carnation flower and a complimentary libation. Reservations strongly recommended. www.roaringrivervineyards.com

arts & crafts. Nurseries will be selling 1000’s of annuals, flowering plants, perennials, vegetables, herbs and plants. www.VisitHendersonvilleNC

Founders Day Festival Sat May 26th 9am–Mon 28th 12pm Town Festival Di Birra Sat May 26th of Valdese, Valdese, NC. Join us 3pm–7pm Waldensian Mill, 109 Continued On Page 8 Main St E, Valdese, NC 28690.

Valdese Highlands will be brewing a special pilot beer to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of our Town! www.visitvaldese.com Garden Jubilee Sat May 26th 9am–Sun 27th 6pm Hendersonville Visitor Center, 201 S Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792. 250 vendorsselling plants and unique lawn & garden accessories and

WE DESIGN

DREAM

VACATIONS 512.553.LINK - DreamTravelLink.com

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-CINDY W PARK

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

in celebrating 125 Years with a weekend of Waldensian activities including: bocce, courenta, games, food, grape stomping, and more! www.visitvaldese.com Rowan Arts & Ag Farm Tour Weekend Sat Jun 2nd–Sun 3rd R o w a n C o u n t y Fa r m s , R o w a n County This self-guided tour at participating Rowan County farms offers families the opportunity to enjoy homegrown and handmade experiences. Artists will be displaying their work at the selected farms, see firsthand where their food comes from, learn more about farm life and purchase farm products. More information including a map with participating locations www.rowanartsandag.com

Hendersonville Cider Crawl Sat Jun 9th 12pm–10pm Downtown, Hendersonville, NC. Love cider?

Yeah, we do too!!!...so we have put together a cider crawl featuring the best restaurants, bars and bottle shops in downtown H e n d e r s o n v i l l e . C i d e r, C i d e r Cocktails & Food Pairings. Check out the posts on the page as venues and specifics get added. www.VisitHendersonvilleNC Visit NCTDM.com for the complete destination calendar. Access our destinations from your phone, tablet or desktop for comprehensive listings and interactive maps.

You can even save and shar e listings with your social media and calendar.

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Regional Events & Destinations

TAST E & & T UPINTS NES PADDLES IN ELKIN

Check Checkoutoutourourwebsite websiteforforlotslotsofofgreat greatrestaurants restaurants,and liveand musiclivehappening in Elkin.in Elkin. brew pubs, music happening VisitTheYadkinValley.com & ExploreElkin.com

UNIQUE HOME DECOR, GIFTS, APPAREL & JEWELRY A MerchAnt collective venue FeAturing:

InterIors by LorI savIo (formerLy ambIance InterIors)

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-5:30pm 20901 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 892-4743 HomeHeartandSoul.com

HazeL & IndIgo JueLerye mIcHeLLe mcKoy desIgns KatHy’s KreatIons

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May is Wine Festival Month in the Yadkin Valley Budbreak Wine & Craft Beer Festival

Sat, May 5 I Mount Airy I BudbreakFestival.com

Yadkin Valley Wine Festival

Sat, May 19

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I Elkin Municipal Park I YVWF.com

YadkinValleyNC.com Regional Events & Destinations

Bear-Y Popular Downtown In The Blue Ridge Mountains

L

ike their real-life counterparts, a group of acrylic bears emerge from hibernation each spring in downtown Hendersonville in the North Carolina mountains.

This year marks the 16th season for this public art project in which 20 colorful bears take up residence along the spacious sidewalks and landscaped areas of Hendersonville’s Main Street. Officially known as Bearfootin’ on Main, the project has drawn tens of thousands of visitors and raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for charities.

Each bear is painted with its own theme by a local artist and kept under wraps until a special reveal on the plaza of First Citizens Bank. This year’s reveal is May 11.

The bears are then placed in an art walk formation along Main Street until Oct. 20, when they

are auctioned for charity in front of the historic Henderson County Courthouse.

The bears are popular with families by day, and wind up in more than a few selfies at night as adults make their way to and from the pubs and taprooms on Main Street.

Hendersonville’s pedestrianfriendly Main Street is one of the most vibrant in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a mix of shops, galleries and attractions, along with 25 independent restaurants.

For more about Hendersonville, call 800-828-4244 or visit: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

S

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.

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

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Rowan Farms: Rich In Living History

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owan County is blessed with a rich farm history and dedicated preser vationists who take pride in restoring its treasured structures and saving its sprawling landscapes. At the same time, local farmers are passionate about progress and keep up with the demands of operating successful, modern-day businesses.

The county’s farms will be in the spotlight during the first annual Rowan Arts & Ag Farm Tour Weekend June 2 and 3. The free, selfguided event is the first of its kind in North Carolina and will feature a crop of notable farms and working farm businesses in a county where agriculture is the second-largest economic factor. The weekend tour is part of the Arts & Ag series of events that will continue across Rowan County each month through November 2018.

During the farm tour, visitors will be able to see firsthand where their food comes from, learn more about far m life, and pur chase farm products. At the same time, they’ll have the opportunity to visit with artists and craft vendors and purchase their wares. L oad up your car with friends and family and choose several sites from the provided map to visit on your day in rural Rowan – but be aware that there is so much to see that you might not be able to take in everything on the tour. And don’t

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forget to bring a cooler to store the fresh fruits and veggies produce you’ll want to pick up along the way.

“Rowan County is rich with arts and culture, much of it inspired by our beautiful Rowan County landscapes,” said Edward Norvell, Chairman of the Rowan Arts Council.

“With the marriage of arts and agriculture, this can be enjoyed by all.”

The Arts & Ag Farm Tour Weekend is a chance to explore some of Rowan County’s well-known farms, including the fourth-generation Patterson Farm which was founded in 1919. Today, the 1,000-acre working farm is operated by the extended Patterson family and is a popular agritourism destination for visitors from Rowan and surrounding counties. Patterson Farm Market & Tours offers family friendly farm activities, a market with fresh local produce and other items, pick-your-own fun, birthday parties, educational field trips, summer camps and special themed seasonal events, all designed to get people out on the farm to learn and create memories.

Regional Events & Destinations

Some other sites Arts & Ag weekend tour visitors will be able to explore include Twin Oaks Farm, Bent Creek Ranch, Moore Farms, Back Creek Farm, Mark Mauldin Farm, Randy Elium Family Farm, Cauble Creek Vineyard, Morgan Ridge Vineyards and Brewhouse, and the Country Life Museum at Sloan Park.

Hours for the Arts & Ag Farm Tour Weekend are Saturday, June 2, from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday, June 3, from 1 to 5pm Please do not enter private homes or bring pets to the farms because of state laws. Be aware that these are working farms and be considerate of posted signs while on farm property.

For more information visit www. rowanartsandag.com/farm/

French-Inspired Mountain Resort

Roaring River Vineyards and Chez Josephine Restaurant.

Overlooking the Roaring River and historic Brewer Mill ruins, come and enjoy their award winning wines, craft beers and full fare Restaurant.

Chez

Vineyard

Josephine

River Views

Wine Beer Tasting

Lodging

Private Stream

Private Hall

Event Venue

Restaurant

ROARING RIVER VINEYARDS (336) 957-2332 493 Brewer Mill Road, Traphill, NC 28685 RoaringRiverVineyards.com

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north carolina

FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS-SUMMER CONCERTS Every Friday May - September from 7-10pm Variety Music All Summer in Downtown!

Car Show at Myra’s at 6pm

FOUNDER’S DAY WEEKEND - May 26

10am: Founders Day Festival at LPDA Grape Stomping• Bread Making• Food• Arts & Crafts 3pm: Festival Di Birra at Waldensian Mill Beer • Music by Whitewater Bluegrass Company • Food Truck

FIREWORKS FRIDAY NIGHT - June 29th Live Music by TOO MUCH SYLVIA @ 7pm

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Amusement Rides Across from Fire Department

43RD ANNUAL WALDENSIAN FESTIVAL AUGUST 10: FESTIVAL KICKOFF

7pm Friday Night Music: Little Johnny Trailer Trash

9pm THE ARTIMUS PYLE BAND

Honoring the music of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd

AUGUST 11: WALDENSIAN FESTIVAL Amusement Rides • Attractions Tours• Outdoor Drama Live Music All Day • Waldensian Meal & Church Service Over 170 Food/Art/Craft Vendors on Main Street

7pm Saturday Night: The Band of Oz visitvaldese.com | 888-Valdese

“Park It” Outdoors In Morganton And Burke County

T

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

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

outfitter HikeMore Adventures is the ticket. HikeMore offers guided hikes, waterfall tours, overnight camping, wilderness survival workshops and mountaintop yoga.

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

The biggest draws for outdoor Branching off the Catawba River enthusiasts are two state parks – Greenway is the 0.6-mile Freedom Lake James State Park and South Trail Greenway.

Mountains State Park. Together, they attract more than half a million The upper part of the Catawba visitors per year. Also popular is the River, just below the dam for Lake Linville Gorge in the mountainous James, is home to some of North northern region of Burke County. Carolina’s best trophy waters for The gorge is the deepest in the brown trout. It is not uncommon eastern United States and home to to land browns in the range of the spectacular Linville Falls.

20-24 inches. Another fly fishing hot spot is Wilson Creek in the higher Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to reaches of the county. Wilson Creek the top of Table Rock in the Pisgah is rugged and fast flowing and a National Forest on the eastern rim popular destination for kayakers of the Linville Gorge and experience seeking extreme thrills. a 360-degree view encompassing ever ything from Lake James to For more on outdoor adventure in Burke County, call (888) Grandfather Mountain. For specific 462-2921, or go online to: activities in the Pisgah National discoverburkecounty.com.

Forest and Linville Gorge, local

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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French-Inspired Mountain Resort

B

reathtaking, if you are going to describe a destination as a mountain resort, breathtaking should be a required adjective.

The word breathtaking will just burst out as soon as you enter the vineyard through the picturesque vine-covered stone gate. Roaring River Vineyards and Chez Josephine Restaurant are in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country nestled in a secluded valley along the banks of the Roaring River.

Inspired by her childhood home in the French countryside, co-owner Josephine Silvey took the warmth and charm of a European village and brought it to Wilkes County.

The tasting room and restaurant share the same space in the bright, open lodge overlooking the river.

This is where the experience begins.

We walked in and were drawn to the tasting area by floor to ceiling fireplace and the incredible live edge bar top. There, co-owner Thomas Silvey welcomed us and set us up for a tasting of estate grown wines and regional beers. The vineyard shares the same climate as the Burgundy region in France, so the grapes are delicate to bold. Most of the wines are produced as they would be in France except for this little gem called Sweet Pearing. A Tremette

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infused with pear, an irresistible blend for a hot summer day, or most any other day as well.

While you are tasting, you can choose to nibble on something light from the kitchen or finish your tasting and take a bottle to the deck hanging over the rushing Roaring River and enjoy light lunch or decadent dinner. If you are out early on a Sunday, you can enjoy resort-quality brunch until 3pm.

Chez Josephine serves locally sourced items when they are available for a fresh and unexpected variety of menu items. I was drawn to the Cheerwine Glazed Pork Chops, you can’t get any more local than that!

After your meal, you may just want to sit on the deck and enjoy the company of old friends or make the acquaintance of new ones. The sound of the river below is so very relaxing.

As I mentioned, the lodge is just the beginning. Roaring River Vineyards also has lodging on the water, an event venue that accommodates 150 people, some of the best trout fishing in the foothills on a private stream and

Regional Events & Destinations

close to several outdoor destinations including Stone Mountain State Park or Paddling the Yadkin River.

Come for the afternoon and stay for the week, Roaring River Vineyards and Lodge is a hidden treasure that is a destination on its own or a base to explore the area.

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Cheers To Wine Festivals In Yadkin Valley

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he Yadkin Valley is the place to be this month with two festivals celebrating North Carolina wine country.

The ninth annual Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival is Saturday, May 5, on Main Street in downtown Mount Air y. Two weeks later on Saturday, May 19, Elkin’s 17th annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival fills that town’s municipal park.

The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival features two dozen wineries that are either located in the Yadkin Valley or use grapes harvested from Yadkin vineyards. As the years have gone by, the festival has experienced steady growth and now draws more than The Budbreak festival showcases 10,000 people to the scenic Elkin 18 wineries from North Carolina, Municipal Park. including Mount Airy’s two wineries, Old North State and Round Peak.

The Yadkin Valley Wine Festival Three North Carolina breweries will also includes food, music and crafts. have a large selection of ales on tap. Legacy Motown Revue will perform, followed by headliner The Embers Local restaurant 13 Bones will featuring Craig Woolard. Shuttle serve barbecue, complementing the service to local hotels is available offerings of restaurants along Main for a $5 fee.

Street. Music will be provided by variety band The Mulligans, followed Tickets and details are available by the soulful 10-member Phatt City at www.BudbreakFestival. com and www.YVWF.com. band, known for R&B and beach For lodging info, visit: music. www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Oink & Ale!

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ink & Ale is back and will take place Saturday, May 12th from 6pm. until 9pm. along Monroe Street in Historic Downtown Eden. You will be able to enjoy barbecue, ribs, brisket, barbecued chicken, MillerCoors, Pig Pounder Brewery and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. products along with beverages from other local craft brewers. Plenty of delicious nonalcoholic beverages, desserts and snacks will be available as well.

We are also thrilled to have the Chicago Rewired - The Premier Chicago Tribute Band. The band comprises a unique blend of talented and seasoned musicians joining forces with the common goal of accurately replicating the timeless music of “Chicago®” – the soundtrack to great memories for so many people.

So bring your lawn chairs and plan to come early and stay late!!!

For More information contact: Cindy Adams at 336-612-8049 or cadams@edennc.us or go to ExploreEdenNC.com

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“Up The Creek� Is A Good Thing

T

he Yadkin River Trail is a Grade I-II 165 mile river trail, rich in natural beauty and American history.

shade the water and sycamores dot the river banks. A 15-acre island and a 45-acre island punctuate the river as it moves through the state park, and there are canoe launches With primarily Grade I rapids and canoe-in camping options in through the Ronda to Rockford this stretch of river. section (18 miles of trail), but with some classic V-rapids, beginners There are various combinations to experienced paddlers can enjoy of float opportunities supported a day on the Yadkin River. Begin- by good access and take-out locaners should always travel with an tions. Start upstream at Ronda and experienced paddler! descend the river to Elkin, take out at the new boat ramp in Elkin, Several miles of the Yadkin River or just jump out for a short walk Canoe Trail frame the southern and bite to eat in downtown Elkin border of Surry County, including before descending further to either two miles that flow through Pilot Yadkin Shores in Boonville or on to Mountain State Park.

Rockford.

That two-mile segment is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire Yadkin River. Birch trees

For more information on the Yadkin River Trail and surrounding communities in Surry County, go to www.YadkinValleyNC.com

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Fonta Flora State Trail Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Linville Gorge Trail • Mountains to Sea Trail

CALL US AT THE VISITORS CENTER IN DOWNTOWN MORGANTON FOR MORE INFORMATION: 888-462-2921

www.discoverburkecounty.com

North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival

A

n amazing day of local craft beer and live music and it all takes place on a non-profit historic site and farm. NCBMF will be on May 11th and 12th at Historic Rural Hill, a non-profit historic site and farm located 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte in Huntersville NC. This event is rain-or-shine and will not be rescheduled.

Experience, and Josh Daniel / Mark Schimick Project! Tickets for the Friday Night Jam may be purchased below but 2 free passes to Friday night come with each purchase of a This years Friday Night Jam will weekend camping pass. be held on the main festival grounds Historic Rural Hill (not the campground) and features 4431 Neck Rd, Acoustic Syndicate, L ar r y Keel Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net

SMOKEY

J’S BBQ

LE A WHO LOT OF IS MEMPH WITH A INA CAROL TWIST

215 S. Broad St. Mooresville, NC eatsmokeyjsbbq.com 704-746-9173 theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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An Insider’s Guide To The Catawba River the US National Whitewater Center

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ase your boat down the red clay riverbank and let the gentle current nudge you forward.

You’ll spot turtles sunning themselves on downed logs and heron gliding silently overhead. Pops of colorful azalea and mountain laurel break the thick forests on either side of the river. As day turns to dusk, owls hoot softly from the lengthening shadows.

It’s four seasons of serenity along the Catawba River in Gaston County,

North Carolina, one of the top paddling destinations in the region.

Explore the Miles of Blueways Named for the Catawba Indian Nation that farmed these lands long ago, the river flows over 25 miles along Gaston’s eastern edge. In the 1920s, the growing population needed drinking water and power, driving the dam projects that created Lake Wylie and Mountain

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Regional Events & Destinations

Island Lake. Both lakes are now destinations unto themselves, attracting both flatwater paddlers and anglers from across the region.

Yo u c a n p a d d l e m o r e t h a n 30 miles on the Catawba River Blueway and its narrower tributary, the South Fork River. Depths are easily navigable by kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard. Put in at the Riverbend Access on Mountain Island Lake to paddle 6.1 miles along mostly undeveloped and protected shoreline. The river is at its narrowest here, keeping most of the motorized boat traffic out. Launch at River Street Park in Mt. Holly to paddle up to 27 miles south into Lake Wylie, or take out at the U.S. National Whitewater Center to grab lunch at the River’s Edge Grill. The Whitewater Center is also the best spot to rent kayaks and SUP boards or take a lesson.

Put in at the Spencer Mountain Access to the South Fork Blueway for a leisurely 8.4-mile paddle through Gaston’s County ’s historic mill towns. At mile 5.5, a well-marked portage trail circumvents the McAdenville dam to continue the trip toward Lake Wylie. Take out for a break and bite to eat at South Fork Village in Belmont or Goat Island in downtown Cramerton.

Ann Gibson for RootsRated Media in partnership with Gaston County Gov.

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.gogaston.org

Something to do on

Sunday & Monday – Saturday too!

The Barrel Elegant Casual Wine Room

NOW OPEN 1082 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 663-0058

www.LKNBarrel.com

LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE

Waterfront Gift Shop Wine Room

200-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 (next door to North Harbor Club Restaurant)

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCottage.com

The Cabin

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

MUSIC ALL WEEKEND! 400-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036

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(next door to the Lake Norman Cottage)

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCabin.com

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Smokey J’s BBQ A whole lot of Memphis with a Carolina twist.

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nited we stand, divided we fall- a concept pioneered vocally by Abraham Lincoln and reiterated by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It’s the American-bred ideology that we should accept each other and embrace the differences, even on truly controversial subjects… like Barbeque. Wars have been waged, threats have been made, friendships have been discontinued, stones and spitballs have been launched in the name of the ONLY GOOD KIND OF ‘QUE! Texas, Kansas City, Kentucky; even Florida claims to be in the competition (although the rest of us collectively laugh at them). The truly pig-imprudent even think that “Carolina style” is collective for North and South. NO! There is a firm line drawn ...and that line has mustard in it. Though we all love to boast the best, BBQ lovers can all agree that no matter the style, good barbeque is good barbeque. When you mix North Carolina style with perfect Memphis tradition, you get great barbequethe kind you can have at Smokey J’s in Mooresville.

we craved until we tried them at Smokey J’s. While one might feel guilty, it’s worth turning your back on the pig to order the most tender brisket East of Chattanooga. Lest we forget the mouth-watering pulled pork, Smokey J’s has engineered the ultimate meal for enQUEsiests. The Smoke Stack… pulled pork, beans, Mac and Cheese, and slaw, all piled into a mason jar and drizzled with their signature sauce. And they say Heaven isn’t a place on earth. Of course, it is only really barbeque if there are multiple side item combo plates, and macaroni and cheese is a vegetable. If it seems like Smokey J’s sounds too good to be true, I can assure that they did get one thing wrong… Their menu says they serve “banana pudding.” While they do Contrary to popular belief, plans have the buttery, sweet, comforting, do not brew passion. Passion brews made-from-scratch homestyle treat, a plan. Smokey J’s began as a food it should be spelled “puddin’.” truck, a medium for the desire and – Kara McMillan the skill to serve exceptional food karaelyslew@gmail.com to the local masses. Carolinians may be fickle, but if you draw us in with sumptuous pulled pork and *amazing* collard greens, we will Smokey J’s BBQ 215 S. Broad Street, Mooresville, stay for the Memphis-style burnt NC 704-746-9173 ends that we didn’t even know www.eatsmokeyjsbbq.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

RANDYMARIONCADILLAC.COM Visit Randy Marion Cadillac for all your service, parts and accessory needs

220 W. Plaza Drive I-77, Exit 36, Hwy.150

Open 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Weekdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

828.478.3078

lknmidwayboathousegrill.com midwayboathousegrill.com theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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LKNBrewersTrail.com

LKNBT

LKNBrewersTrail.com is a single source for what is going on at the breweries in the Lake Norman area.

Whats On Tap Whats Going On How To Get There

Bayne Brewing Company

We make a wide variety of craft beers. We are a micro brewery located in Cornelius, and we use only the highest quality ingredients available to brew the finest beers. Looking for a beer in Cornelius? Come and try a delicious Bayne Brew today!

We now deliver! See our web page for details!

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 our neighborhoods, to our first location’s humble one-barrel beginnings, intense local thirst for our Fanatical Ales™ propelled us to open our current 10 barrel production brewery. We are re-imagining some of the world’s most unique and trusted styles of beer.

11138-C Treynorth Dr Cornelius NC 28031 704.457.9368 d9brewing.com

Ghostface Brewing

We offer up to 20 beers & ciders on tap, with a selection of rotating styles, some available on nitro. We also have wine.

We also offer a selection of tasty flatbread pizzas and other special dishes from Davidson Pizza Company located right in our tasting room.

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427 East Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 704.799.7433 ghostfacebrewing.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Paddle, Swim, Enjoy.

T

he Dan River Company ’s riverside facility adjacent to Hanging Rock State Park’s Dan River Access provides canoe and kayak rentals that include transportation.

Located two hours or less from most of the major population centers in the state, the Dan River Company can arrange trips from 2 hours to 2 days, covering 40 miles of the Dan River. Come and enjoy the beauty of the area, a day in the sun or an adventure on the river. There is no better way to relax than listening to the quiet ripples of water provided by nature, viewing the wildlife and spending time with your friends and family.

There is adventure for your entire family. Dan River Company can furnish ever ything you need for your trip or simply act as your transportation.

After rollin’ down the river put away the paddle and pick up a pint at The Green Heron Alehouse. The first

and only Alehouse in Stokes County and the favorite place for many hikers, mountain bikers, paddlers, road bikes, and sports car clubs to cap off their adventure with a cold one from one of our 20 taps of ales, beers, cider. This year we expanded our wine selection to include 8 wines ON TAP! Come on by and give them a try. Have a great domestic brew line up as well... and great tales of the day’s events.

Dan River Company 1110 Flinchum Road, Danbury, NC, 27016 336-593-2628 www.danrivercompany.com

a t s e i F Downtown All Mexican Beer $3 Davidson NC Line Margaritas $5 The Healthy Choice For Mexican Food www.MestizoContemporaryMexican.com – 704•997•5933

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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SPRING INTO SAVINGS AT RMX MAY SPECIALS • 10% OFF all AMSOIL products • 10% OFF all Retrax Bed covers • 10% OFF Bullet spray in bed liners • 15% OFF all in stock assist steps includes Nerf Bars, running boards & AMP power steps • 35% OFF all Oakley products • Up to 40% off on in stock wheel and tire packages

FREE INSTALLATION ON ALL IN STOCK PLASTIC BED LINERS

209 W. Plaza Dr. Moorsville NC 28117 • 704-235-6800 • M-F 8am-8pm Sat 8am-4pm www.facebook.com/ RandyMarionRMX

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2018

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Regional Events & Destinations

theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

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dinner

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full bar

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good times

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