Issue 089 August the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 89 Local & Regional Events & Destinations

In This Issue

OVER 25 COMMUNITY

FESTIVALS

We Tell You Where To Go! theDestinationMag.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

GO GASTON. GET OUTSIDE.

GO PADDLE.

Goat Island Park 305 Greenwood Pl. Cramerton, NC 704-824-4231 Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park 1400 Catawba St. Belmont, NC 704-825-8191 Mountain Island Park 400 Mountain Island Rd. Mt. Holly, NC 704-827-3931 Rankin Lake Park 1750 Rankin Lake Rd. Gastonia, NC 704-866-6849 Riverside Marina 1500 River Dr. Belmont, NC 704-813-4591 Riverside Park & Green Way 75 Riverside Dr. Cramerton, NC 704-824-4231 R. Y. McAden Take-out 119 Willow Dr. McAdenville, NC Spencer Mountain 200 Stanley-Spencer Mtn. Rd. Spencer Mountain, NC South Fork River Park 4185 Mountain View St. Gastonia, NC 704-922-2160 Sun's Up Scuba 900 S. Fork Village Dr. Belmont, NC 704-829-3455 Tailrace Marina 1010 Marina Village Dr. Mount Holly, NC 704-827-0000 Tuckaseegee Park 165 Broome St. Mt. Holly, NC 704-951-3006 US National Whitewater Center 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.

Charlotte, NC 704-391-3900

GASTON COUNTY VISITOR CENTER 620 N. Main St., Belmont, NC 800-849-9994 | 704-825-4044

ONLINE VISITORS GUIDE #gogaston | gogaston.org theDestinationMag.com 704-706-2365

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August 2018 Issue 89

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The Destination Magazine™ is not a historical document, we will not write about spectacular events you’ve missed.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: Magic Table Media Group 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, Todd Bush, Duffy Healey

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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Contents DayTrip Destinations

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Oh, Yes, We’ve Got Personality

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A Quick & Dirty Guide To The Running Scene In Gaston County

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Apple Season Arrives In Hendersonville

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Valdese Prepares For Their 43rd Annual Waldensian Festival

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Uncover A Great Music Festival At Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater

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Stomp The Grounds Of Festivals In Stokes County

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Mill Village Comes To Life With Hunger Games Tours And More

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It’s The Summer Of 79° On Beech Mountain

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Childress Vineyards Adds Wine To The Lexington Experience

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Gathered For Your Pleasure

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Regional Events & Destinations

Don’t take the same old journey.

Be somewhere genuine.

Be somewhere amazing.

Be changed.

playanydaygetawaycation

Call for your complimentary

800.828.4244

Getaway Guide

visithendersonvillenc.org5

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Reevestock Music Festival Fri Aug 3rd–Sat 4th 340 Hawthorne Rd, Elkin, NC 28621. Music for all ages, food and drinks available by your favorite restaurants. www.reevestock.com

Art In The Park Wed Aug 8th 132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

A juried arts & craft show featuring 90 artists at each of the six annual shows. Browse among the tents to view unique pieces and speak with the artists about their work!

59th North Carolina Mineral www.blowingrock.com and Gem & Jewelry Festival Thu A u g 2 n d 1 0 a m – S u n 5 t h 5 p m Burning Can Festival Fri Aug Commons Shopping Center, 12121 10th–Sat 11th Oskar Blues REEB NC-226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Ranch, 315 Shoals Falls Rd, HenThe festival features vendors from dersonville, NC 28739. A two-day around the countr y showcasing outdoor music and beer festival, b e a u t i f u l j e w e l r y, g e m s t o n e s , Burning Can features live music minerals, silver, beads and more. from nationally touring bands, www.ncgemfest.com more than 70 craft breweries and 250 beers, and an af ter-hours 1st A nnual Beech Mountain dance party. www.oskarblues.com Throwback Music Weekend Fri Aug 3rd–Sun 5th Beech Mountain Bikefest 2018: 23rd A nnual Brewing Company Taproom & Rural Heritage Tour Sat Aug 11th Grill, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, 6:30am–4pm Superior Courthouse, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. The 106 E Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, T h r o w b a c k M u s i c We e k e n d NC 27278. The tour begins at the w i l l f e a t u r e m u s i c f r o m t h e Superior Courthouse in downtown 60’s and 70’s, with some 80’s Hillsborough, and offers a choice t h r o w n i n f o r g o o d m e a s u r e . of several rides: a 31-mile half www.beechmtn.com metric, a 62-mile metric century, and a 100-mile English century. For those who want a much shorter

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Destinations ride, there is the free, family- Fig Festival Fri Aug 17th–Sat 18th oriented Historic District Fun Ride. 276 Irvin Garrish Hwy. Ocracoke, www.tarwheels.net/wp/ NC 27960. Local vendors provide fresh figs, fig preser ves, local 43rd Annual Waldensian Festival c o o k b o o k s , f i g - s m o k e d B B Q , Aug 10th -11th Town of Valdese, and other fig-tastic items. Learn 400 Main St W, Valdese, NC 28690. about Ocracoke’s fig history and T h e Fe s t i v a l w i l l c o n c e n t r a t e culture, and bring the kids for o n u n i q u e c r a f t s , g r e a t f o o d , old-fashioned crafts and games. and top-quality entertainment. www.ocracokepreservation.org www.townofvaldese.com Bourbon Saturday Series Sat OBX Pirate Festival Wed Aug Aug 18th 12pm–7pm Souther n 15th–Thu 16th 3933 S Croatan Distilling Company, 211 Jennings H w y, N a g s H e a d , N C 2 7 9 5 9 . Rd, Statesville, NC 28625. It’s SumBlackbeard’s Crew will set up mertime!! Join us for a fantastic day a realistic 18th centur y living of good food available for purchase, histor y encampment and teach complimentary music from (4:30scallywag school. Pirates will 6:30) and Bourbon Tours & Tastings! also make appearances at some southerndistillingcompany.com of our favorite local restaurants. www.kittyhawk.com/event/ Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 7

Winterville Watermelon Festival Thu Aug 23rd–Sat 25th A G Cox Athletic Complex, 324 Sylvania St, Winter ville, NC 28590. You can hear local and nationally known music acts throughout the event.

One of the biggest events of the festival is the Watermelon Parade through town. The watermeloneating contest is always a favorite. www.watermelonfest.com

Personality Festival 2018 Fri Aug 24th–Sat 25th Downtown Roxboro, Roxboro, NC 27573. Food vendors travel from all over to bring us unique and delicious tastes.

Craft and merchandise vendors introduce us to homemade items and wonder ful new products.

L ocal businesses interact with residents. Entertainment happens Friday night and Saturday in front of the courthouse with Grow n & Gathered T h u A u g musicians, singers, and dancers.

2 3 r d 7 p m – 1 0 p m T h e S p r a y www.itsbetterinperson.com Merchantile, 413 Church St, Eden, NC 27288. Chef Alex Seymour has BeachBlast Sat Aug 25th City of designed a mouth-watering menu Kings Mountain, 220 S Railroad based on regional recipes and Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. local ingredients. Come to enjoy Our annual celebration of Coastal Eden’s hospitality at its best at Carolina beach music and summer our premier Farm-to-Fork event. fun. This free concert, with some of www.exploreedennc.com the hottest Beach Music bands in the South, brings visitors from all Annual Dirty Dancing Festival Fri over the region to Kings Mountain.

Aug 24th–Sat 25th 2932 Memorial www.visitgaston.org Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746. Each year, this festival celebrates the Charlotte Antique & Classic Boat iconic film with movie-inspired Show Sat Aug 25th 10am–3pm dance and music, arts and enter- Tr ump National Golf Club 137 tainment. Grab some friends and Vestal Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117. get ready to relive the moments This event features beautifully of our all-time favorite movie! restored wooden-hulled vintage www.dirtydancingfestival.com boats on public display that will

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

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Regional Events & Destinations

Destinations be judged. Starting at noon on Saturday, the show will feature the Ladies and Gentlemen “Start Your Engines” classic and antique boat parade which is always a fun event for the entire family. www.longinodist.com/boatshow/

72nd Annual North Carolina Apple Festival Fri Aug 31st–Sun Sep 2nd South Main Street, 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 Continued On Page 30

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FriPyle -TheBand Artimus Honoring the music of Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle

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See the full Lineup at WALDENSIANFESTIVAL.COM Regional Events & Destinations

Oh, Yes, We’ve Got Personality

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t’s at our 39th Annual Personality Festival in uptown Roxboro on August 24th–25th. With the opening of the festival on Friday at 4pm and until closing at 10pm, kids can ride all the mechanical rides with a specially priced wristband of $15!! There are also food trucks and craft booths to enjoy on Friday evening. The event gears back up on Saturday morning at 10am with more crafts booths, awareness and business booths, more food trucks, and an array of talent with various types of entertainment. There is even a “Little Miss Personality” contest for those 5 – 8 years old. This event has something for the whole family to enjoy a day together in Uptown

Roxboro while celebrating the end of summer with PERSONALITY. Why not make a weekend of it with the family discovering a whole new area. Itsbetterinperson.com will give you a quick overview of the fun the entire family can have here in beautiful Roxboro and Person County!!

Person County, a place where people care about both the past and the future and invite you to come celebrate the best time of all—the present.

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SUMMER OF 79

°

any hotter and the golf’s on us!

Play it COOL at NC’s mile high country club... golf, tennis, pool and fun for the whole family. Book a Summer of 79° Stay & Play Golf Package at Beech Mountain Club, and if the official temperature of your day of play exceeds 79°, you’ll receive a free round of golf! Rates start at just $79 per person, per night.

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A Quick & Dirty Guide To The Running Scene In Gaston County

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community passionate about running is fueling an explosion of races, run clubs, and youth programs across Gaston County.

Local businesses and organizations like Belmont Walk and Run, Gaston County Family YMCA, and Rivermen Brewing Company are teaming up to offer close to 20 races this year as part of the Run Gaston Race Series, with plenty of training support at weekly group runs. Race proceeds go right back into the community to support public safety, veteran programs, YMCA programs, and more. Family-friendly registration discounts and lower race-entry fees than most races in the region mean it’s prime time to start running in Gaston County.

Here’s everything you need to know about the running scene in Gaston County.

season for awards. Beyond the race series, you’ll find road races like the ChristmasTown 5K, which is run under McAdenville’s town-wide holiday lights display.

Take on trail races at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) or choose a hybrid event—the Rivermen 5 Miler combines a two-mile run through Belmont with three miles on technical singletrack.

Kids and Families It’s no coincidence that local chapters of two national organizations promoting the physical and social benefits of running for kids have taken root in Gaston. Let Me Run and Girls on the Run get elementary and middle-schoolers moving through fun activities. Parks & recreation departments in Gaston County are also joining in with events like Cramerton’s Goat Island Games 5K, weekly running groups, and the Halloween-inspired Stanley Creek Massacre 5K and 10K in October.

Run Gaston Race Series The Run Gaston Race Series kicks off in April with Cherryville’s Cherry Blossom 5K and wraps up in December with Belmont’s Girls on the Run 5K. There are multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, Running Buddies walks, and fun runs most months The enthusiastic members of the in between. Runners earn points Belmont Run Club have teamed up for participation and performance, with Rivermen Brewing Company for Continued On Page 29 which are tallied up at the end of the

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Apple Season Arrives In Hendersonville

Sky Top Orchard – photo: Duffy Healey

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efore the nights get cooler or the leaves get crisp or the children head back to school, apple season comes to Hendersonville. The first varieties ripen in the Blue Ridge Mountains in early August, and the season continues into November.

Henderson County is the leading apple producer in North Carolina, and the seventh-largest producer in the country. Couples, families and groups of friends make pilgrimages to Hendersonville to pick their apples, pose for pictures in the orchard and indulge in fresh-made confections.

Sky Top Orchard covers 100 acres atop Mount McAlpine, just south of town. The large fruit stand is a hub of activity as customers pick up baskets to head into the orchard, browse through jams and jellies, and form a line to wait for hot-from-the-fryer apple cider doughnuts.

the most peaceful back porches around. The rocking chairs are an ideal place to enjoy an apple turnover and cup of warm apple cider while gazing out across the Blue Ridge. Of course the farm offers more lively activities for the kids, including a cow train, jump pillow and corn maze.

Those who are partial to a certain apple variety — say honeycrisp, gala or Granny Smith — should check the ripening schedule at local farms because varieties ripen at different times. Early birds, like gala, are gone before latecomers, such as pink lady, make their October appearances.

The North Carolina Apple Festival returns to downtown Hendersonville Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept.

3. The beloved tradition celebrates the apple harvest with a street fair, King Apple Parade and plenty of fresh fruit.

Grandad’s Apples N’ Such, a fourth-generation farm, has one of

To learn more about apple season in Hendersonville, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.

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Regional Events & Destinations

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Valdese Prepares For Their 43rd Annual Waldensian Festival

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n the second Saturday of each August, Valdese, North Carolina celebrates its heritage with the Waldensian Festival.

Now in its 43rd year, the festival will be held on August 10th and 11th.

This annual event commemorates the return of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy in 1689. This event, known as the Glorious Retur n, is celebrated all around the world by other Waldensian communities. The year 2018 marks the 125th anniversary of the Town of Valdese, so this year is destined to be bigger and better than before.

garden, you don’t want to miss this LEGENDARY night!

Saturday will kick off at 9:00am with over 150 craft and food vendors lining Main Street. The Main Stage will feature performances from numerous musicians including The Band 28690, The Tony Bailey Band, The Christy Lynn Band, as well as other fun activities like juggling, a donut eating contest, and gymnastic demonstration. For those that are sports minded, check out the Waldensian Footrace at the Valdese Recreation Center or the watch teams battle it out for a spot in the State Games at the Regional Bocce Tournament held at Le Phare Join us on Friday evening at Des Alpes. the Main Stage for music by Little Johnny Trailer Trash and headlining Other activities throughout the the night will be the legendar y day will include the revealing of the Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus 125th Anniversar y CommemoraPyle! More than just a “tribute” to tive Art Project, which will honor Lynyrd Skynyrd – a tribute to the the original settlers of our little man that defined it. The Artimus town. From the art project, the Pyle Band is a high energy, true to Glorious Return Walk will take the music, and true to the era rock place from Massel Avenue back to group. From a car show to a beer the Main Stage. A Church Service

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Regional Events & Destinations

and traditional Waldensian Meal will take place at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church beginning at 11am. At the Old Rock School attendees are invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award as part of the Open Art Competition. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum located in lower level of Rock School.

All attractions will be open d u r i n g t h e d a y. T h e O u t d o o r D r a m a “ Fr o m T h i s D a y Fo r ward” will present their final performance for the season on Saturday Night. The evening will conclude with headliner the Band of Oz providing the perfect mix of music to end the 43rd Annual Waldensian Festival. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all.

The 43rd Annual Waldensian Festival is August 10th - 11th 2018.

For details, hotels and a schedule of events for the 2018 Waldensian Festival call 828-879-2129 or visit www.waldensianfestival.com

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Uncover A Great Music Festival At Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater

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hat happens when you combine Yadkin Valley’s coolest music venue with a full slate of talented Americana, blues, roots and rock-and-roll bands?

Prior to Krasno, Elkin’s critically acclaimed Time Sawyer takes the stage at 7pm. L ed by vocalist/ guitarist Sam Tayloe, Time Sawyer’s music runs the gamut from introspective ballads to high-energy You get Reevestock – a great crowd-pleasers with songs that music festival nestled among the settle into that rootsy sweet spot trees at the Hidden Amphitheater where folk, alt-country, and rock just outside downtown Elkin. gather for a good time.

This year festival – the eighth annual – takes place Friday and S a t u r d a y, A u g . 3 - 4 . Fe s t i v i t i e s b e g i n Fr i d a y e v e n i n g , A u g . 3 , with a Todd Snider concert at the newly-renovated Reeves Theater (for which the festival was named), followed by a late-night show by BraveWorldTrio just down the street at Angry Troll Brewery.

The bulk of the music is on tap Saturday, Aug. 4, when six bands take the stage starting at 2pm Saturday’s headliner is the Eric Krasno Band at 8:30pm, fronted by Krasno, a two-time Grammy-winning guitarist best known for his work with Soulive, L ettuce and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Krasno’s style is blues rock with plenty of attitude. His musical influences include Janis Joplin, Gregg Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

The lineup of acts also includes: Caleb Caudle at 5:30pm, Cordovas at 4:15pm, The Broadcast at 3pm and Dane Page at 2pm.

Gates open at 1pm and Saturday tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gates. There is also a four-pack ticket option for $75 in advance.

The festival is family-friendly with a kids’ zone open during daylight hours.

Local restaurant 13 Bones serves pork, chicken and rib plates, and BJ’s Fry Shack serves one-third-pound angus burgers, seasoned fries, and their famous frickles (hand cut, triple breaded fried pickles with spicy ranch).

Wine and beer will be available from local producers.

To purchase tickets, go to www.Reevestock.com. For lodging and other Yadkin Valley events, visit www.YadkinValley.org

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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

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Stomp The Grounds Of Festivals In Stokes County

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njoy the cooler weather and beautiful autumn colors in Stokes County, NC this Fall.

Around every curve, a colorful array as you navigate the twists and turns of the roads less traveled, to a local festival event.

In its 44th year the Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan is the longest running two day Arts Council supported Arts & Music festival along the banks of the Dan River. The Stomp Parade kicks off the event on Saturday, September 8th at 10am. Music acts fill the daylight hours on the Main Stage or Next Generation Stage, including over 75 vendors of arts, goods, crafts, information, food trucks, and more. A Children’s Area includes face painting, take home wood working activity, and a Rock Climbing Wall. You don’t want to miss the Dan River Duck Race on Sunday, September 9th at Moratock Park in Danbury.

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Jomeokee Marketplace takes place, October 20 & 21st, on the grounds of the famed Jomeokee Park in Pinnacle, where the WTQR Family Reunion event was held for many years under the ownership of bluegrass pioneer and legend, Lester Flatt. Find many beautifully repurposed items, antiques, arts, crafts, pottery and more from over 160 juried vendors. Entertainment and activities will be provided as well as food trucks, making for a great day out with family and friends.

The Just Plain Country Festival on Saturday, November 10th, fills the streets of Walnut Cove, NC with over 60 vendors of antiques and treasures, “If Granny had it, we got it”. Food vendors and other activities will complete the experience.

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Mill Village Comes To Life With Hunger Games Tours And More

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change in ownership has ushered in a new era for Henry River Mill Village, an early-1900s textile village in eastern Burke County best known as the filming site for District 12 in the original Hunger Games movie. and Sundays. The cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children.

The historic village, located between Morganton and Hickory, Meanwhile, the four-hour was purchased last October by evening paranormal tours take Calvin Reyes of Hickor y, and his visitors on a journey in near pitchmom and step-father, Elaine Namour black darkness to areas that are and Michael Namour of Denver, N.C. usually off limits. Participants must be 18 years or older and the cost is The new owners have instituted $89.99 per person. three tours daily focusing on the community’s history, including the Reyes is also helping a non-profit Hunger Games aspect. They have preservation group to establish a also contracted with the Unofficial museum in house 16, which was the Hunger Games Fan Tours to offer home of heroine Katniss Everdeen movie-based tours on weekends and in the Hunger Games. The overall have partnered with First in Fright vision is transforming the village into Paranormal to offer paranormal a destination where folks can stay hunts and investigations the last overnight in renovated mill houses Saturday of each month. and enjoy activities right outside their door, including a restaurant in the The daily history tours last about company store that served as District an hour and take place at 10am., 12’s bakery in Hunger Games. noon and 2pm. with a cost of $15 per person.

To sign up for tours and Unofficial Hunger Game Fan Tours, which last three to four hours and include archer y activities, movie reenactments and lunch, take place most Saturdays

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activities, or to learn more about the village, visit www.

HenryRiverMillVillage.com.

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

Regional Events & Destinations

It’s The Summer Of 79° On Beech Mountain

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ots of places talk about cool you’ll tee it up in temperatures much golfing weather; only Beech lower than 79°.

Mountain guarantees it.

Beech Mountain, at 5,506 feet in Book a “Summer of 79°” stay & elevation, is a golfer’s dream during play golf package and if the official steamy Southern summers, and we temperature on your day of play have the temperature archive to exceeds 79 degrees, you receive a prove it. So make plans now to enjoy certificate for a free round of golf! a round at the picturesque Beech That’s how confident we are that Mountain Club.

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Childress Vineyards Adds Wine To The Lexington Experience

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he Piedmont town of Lexington has long been known for its barbecue, furniture and Red Bird peppermints. But today a complete Lexington experience includes a visit to Childress Vineyards.

wine region in North Carolina, which now includes more than 40 wineries.

The Bistro at Childress Vineyards serves lunch daily in an enclosed terrace dining room overlooking the vines. The menu changes seasonally, but some regularly appearing In 2004 championship NASCAR f a v o r i t e s a r e t h e h o u s e - m a d e team owner and Piedmont NC native chicken salad and Richard’s Reuben.

Richard Childress took a chance and opened his namesake winery.

The vineyard is a popular spot for Childress Vineyards now grows 11 weddings and events. Each Saturday varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes on and Sunday in August, Childress two plots totaling 72 acres. hosts Music in the Vineyards from noon to 3pm.; visitors bring chairs The stately tasting room offers or blankets and listen to live music daily wine tastings. Customers while enjoying glasses of wine. choose from a cellar select tasting of eight predominately off-dry wines, E a c h O c t o b e r, C h i l d r e s s or a barrel select tasting, which Vineyards introduces a new Fine includes eight dry, full-bodied wines. Swine Wine for the L exington Barbecue Festival. This year ’s Top-notch East Coast winemaker festival is Oct. 27 in downtown Mark Friszolowski has been part Lexington. The sweet red wine is a of the Childress team from the nod to barbecue’s traditional drink beginning. Although he was hesitant pairing: sweet tea. Local artist Bob to leave an established wine region Timberlake creates a new label for like New York for an upstart winery each edition, and people line up in North Carolina, Friszolowski before daylight to claim a bottle. admired Childress’ commitment to a high-quality product and desire to be To learn more about a pioneer in a growing wine region. Childress Vineyards, go to To Childress Vineyards is part of the ChildressVineyards.com. plan your visit to Lexington, Yadkin Valley American Viticultural go to VisitLexingtonNC.com Area, the first federally designated or call (866) 604-2389.

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Regional Events & Destinations

Gathered For Your Pleasure

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Grown & Gathered Thursday, August 23 7pm $90 per couple includes dinner, two drinks and a local handmade pottery plate by Tim Amos

t the center of Eden, NC’s Spray Mercantile Building 413 Church Street historic district, the textured Eden, NC 27289 handmade brick, ar ched ExploreEdenNC.com windows and portico of the Spray Mercantile building reflect in the Painted Plate and Natty Greenes historic Spray Canal.

Kitchen+Market. At ease making home cooking with local Pawpaws This is the setting for the first or Ramps or preparing fine dining ever Grown & Gathered, a farm to for VIPs such as Martha Stewart, table charitable event celebrating Micheal Jordan, Oprah, and former and showcasing local farmers and Presidents. artisans. Chef Alex Seymour is crafting the menu with seasonal Live music, locally produced vegetables and local beef, chicken wines and cheeses are also on the & pork. This Twenty five year menu for the evening. seasoned Chef has a resumé listing the regions finest restaurants and Please make sure you get your caterers including Village Tavern, tickets to experience this creative Green Valley Grill, O’Henry Hotel, culinary classic along the canal.

“THE MUSEUM THAT RUNS”

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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Decompression Destination

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rowing up on Lake Norman was a special pleasure. The Town of Davidson has storybook charm and has provided me and many other children with memories from every age. The best part of growing up in Davidson, is that Davidson has warmly accommodated me both as a child and an adult. Just a short block down from where a nervous thirteen-year-old girl sipped a vanilla shake, across from an equally nervous thirteen-year-old boy, a twenty-seven-year-old woman sips a Jalapeno margarita with her husband at Mestizo.

While Mestizo is a newer arrival to Davidson, it has become an instant fixture. Authentic Mexican cuisine made by an Authentic Mexican family that achieved their dream of sharing their culture, flavors, and talents with the lucky Lake Norman residents.

Every meal I’ve enjoyed there has been unique and unbelievably fresh, down to the perfectly ripened side of avocado I always order. Every dish is a pleasant, satisfying adventure, but once you’ve tried the Lobster Paella Enchildas, you’ll be addicted. You’ll be in heaven. You’ll feel guilty for eating anything else because it feels like you are being unfaithful to the Lobster Paella Enchildas. If you do, however, venture into foodie infidelity, do it for anything covered in Mestizo’s

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signature mole sauce. Their bona fide recipe is original and undeniably a step above the rest. The same sentiment is true for their house-made salsa, which packs just the right amount of heat, where your taste buds will tingle, but you won’t be scrambling for your ice water.

When you plan your trip to Mestizo, why not make it into a minigetaway? Stay-cation expert, and the owner of Sanara Travels, suggests a relaxing night at the quaint Davidson Village Inn, a short walk from the restaurant and a great excuse to order that third margarita. The Inn’s exceptional customer service makes for a completely stress-free night away from home, even if home is only a few miles away. After you wake up from a stay-cation slumber between velvety sheets, walk back down the street to Mestizo for Huevos Motulenos. If you want to put some tequila in your orange juice, no one will judge you.

After all you’re on vacation in Mexico.

– Kara McMillan karaelyslew@gmail.com Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Cuisine 121 North Main Street Davidson, NC 28036 (704) 997-5933 mestizocontemporary mexican.com

Regional Events & Destinations

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

828.478.3078

lknmidwayboathousegrill.com midwayboathousegrill.com

HOT SUMMER SAVINGS AT RMX AUGUST SPECIALS $50 Off Bullet Spray In Bed Liner 20% Off All In Stock Plastic Bed Liners Free Installation Included 10% Off All AMSOIL Products 10% Off All Weather Tech Products 10% Off All K&N Products BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL 40% OFF ALL OAKLEY PRODUCTS INCLUDING BACK PACKS. 209 W. Plaza Dr. Moorsville NC 28117 • 704-235-6800 • M-F 8am-8pm Sat 8am-4pm www.facebook.com/ RandyMarionRMX

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Lake Norman Brewers Trail LKNBT

LKNBrewersTrail.com is your source for what’s going on at the breweries around Lake Norman.

Featured Partners

Ghostface Brewing

We offer up to 20 beers, ciders & meads 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.

427 East Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115 704.799.7433 – www.ghostfacebrewing.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 – www.d9brewing.com

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Regional Events & Destinations

Digital content is available on desktop, tablet and phone

Summer of 79° Continued From Page 23

The club features an excellent ridge-top layout crafted by architect Willard Byrd and updated by Tom Jackson. And the spacious clubhouse offers a commanding view of mountain vistas in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Double occupancy rates start at $79 per person, per night, in a standard room with a two-night minimum. Upgrades to condos, chalets and vacation homes are available.

For more information about this experience or our Hike & Wine and Bike & Brew Packages visit: www.BeechMtn.com or call (800) 438-2093.

Gaston Running Scene Continued From Page 13

series, Labor Day 15K, and WC-50 Ultra for endurance pros looking to push their distance. George Poston and Crowders offer more than 20 miles of additional trail with significant elevation change for a true challenge.

the weekly Rivermen Run. The Tuesday evening group run follows three- and five-mile routes that start and finish at the brewery for the obligatory post-run pint.

Rivermen’s Labor Day 5K, part of the Run Gaston series, benefits the Gaston You’ve got no excuses when County Jaycees and rewards runners it comes to finding scenic trails in with a Rivermen Brewing pint glass.

Gaston County that make running all the more fun.

Trail Races With more than 40 miles of trail Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated Media to tackle at the USNWC and more on in partnership with Gaston County Gov. George Poston Park’s mountain biking trails and Crowders Mountain State Gaston County is located just west Park’s hiking trails, there’s plenty of of Charlotte, NC in the Piedmont section of North Carolina. Gaston training ground to get ready for trail County offers visitors a variety of races. If you’re new to trail running, the attractions to enhance your trip River Jam Run is a great place to start, including museums, botanical gardens, extreme sports, hiking, with 5K and 10K distances and USNWC dining and entertainment parks, hoodies for anyone who runs all five art and history and more.

The USNWC hosts a half marathon race www.gogaston.org

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

growers selling apple products, children’s & youth activities, special exhibits & open houses, and food. To top it all off, on Labor Day, there’s the King Apple Parade.

The King Apple Parade is held annually on Labor Day as the closing event of the NC Apple Festival. The parade features professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, fire trucks and many others entries. www.ncapplefestival.org Mile High Kite Festival Sat Sep 1st–Sun 2nd 400 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.

Beech Mountain invites families to revel in the simple pleasure of flying a kite each Labor Day weekend. The 16th annual Mile High Kite Festival takes place in Beech Mountain’s kite field. The town’s lofty elevation of more than 5,000 feet allows kites to easily soar a mile above sea level. The festival also includes kite-flying music, prizes, face painting and food and craft vendors. Kite clubs will show off their flying skills with demonstrations throughout the weekend. On Saturday night, an all-ages street dance takes place in front of town hall. www.beechmtn.com

Competition. All take place Saturday morning. FREE Concerts both nights! With a National Countr y Music Artist performing Saturday evening. For full details and lineup, visit www.morgantonfest.org 44th Annual Stokes Stomp Sat Sep 8th–Sun 9th Moratock Park, 1077 Sheppard Mill Rd, Danbury, NC 27016. Held on the banks of the beautiful Dan River, the 44th Stomp will showcase the best in traditional and Americana music groups, visual arts and craft demonstrations, river activities, dance troupes, children’s area visual and performing arts, and local food vendors. www.stokesarts.org River to Rock Challenge Sun Sep 29th Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016. Challenging participants to a 10-mile hike starting at the lowest elevation of the Dan River in Stokes County and submitting to over 2,000 feet in elevation to the top of Hanging Rock. Participants w i l l r e c e i v e a n e v e n t T- s h i r t , commemorative cooling towel, trail hospitality, snacks, drinks, trail map, entertainment, trail safety sweeps. 3 Food Trucks will be on location for purchase of a post-hike meal. Those completing the challenge will receive a commemorative event patch. www.HangingRock.com

Historic Morganton Festival Fri Sep 7th–Sat 8th Downtown Morganton, 110 N Green St, Morganton, NC 28655. Enjoy a sampling of fine arts & craf ts, festival cuisine, kid & teen zones. Visit NCTDM.com for the complete If you are up for some exercise, destination calendar from your be sure to sign up for the annual phone, tablet or desktop.

Sunrise Run on the Greenway and Student Fitness Challenge, as well as the Morganton Monster Crossfit

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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

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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