Issue 094 January the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 94 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

In This Issue

A Few Of Our Favorite Destinations We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

For the outdoor enthusiast

For the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, Gaston County offers peaceful trails for you to explore. 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.

GASTON COUNTY, NC

GO GASTON. GET OUTSIDE.

620 N. Main St., Belmont, NC 704-825-4044 | #gogaston | gogaston.org theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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January 2019 Issue 94

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, destinations and experiences in the Destination Magazine™ that will give you memories for a lifetime The Destination Magazine™ is about new destinations and experiences to discover on your own, or outings with friends and family. We hope you will find a new memorable experience ever y month in the Destination Magazine™ .

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Contents DayTrip Destinations

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“Come Hear North Carolina”

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Beech Mountain—Eastern America’s Highest Town

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An Experience You Can Taste

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Sideways Farm & Brewery Cultivates A Different Way Forward

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Pedal Anyway You Want

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Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara McMillan, Project 543, Leah Hughes, RootsRated Media,

Top Four Places For Snow Tubing Near Banner Elk

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Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Sam Dean, Todd Bush

Waldensian Heritage Flows With Wine

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Yadkin Valley Winery Awarded Numerous Gold Medals in 2018

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Lake Norman Cottage

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We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers Published by: Magic Table Media Group LLC Business Development: Lisa Jay

Cover: Gaston County 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 Magic Table Media Group LLC 369 Dovefield Drive Summer field, NC 27358 (704) 706-2365 www.theDestinationMagazine.com ©2019 All rights reserved. Magic Table Media Group LLC, 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 manmade disaster, etc., that are out of the control of the Publisher, which affect the publishing of this magazine.

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We Tell You Where To Go!

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

I do

Say

to Hendersonville, NC

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Carolina Thunderbirds Professiona l Hockey Home G a m e s W i n s t o n S a l e m Fa i r grounds Annex, 414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. www.carolinathunderbirds.com Winter Wine & Beer Passport Now Through March 20th 2019.

Ya d k i n Va l l e y, S i p y o u r w a y through Yadkin Valley wineries a n d b r e w e r i e s e a c h w i n t e r. www.yadkinvalleync.com.

Oyster Roast 2019 Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 1 PM– 4 PM. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012. www.dsbg.org/event/oyster-roast/ Re t r o ‘8 0 s We eke nd Febr ua r y 2 1 – Fe b r u a r y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 .

Beech Mountain Ski Resort 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. www.beechmtn.com

Visit NCTDM.com for the com�New Year’s Eve Party with Soul- plete destination calendar from Play Mon Dec 31st 8pm–Tue Janu- your phone, tablet or desktop. ary 1st 2019 2am Beech Mountain the Ski Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. www.beechmtn.com First Footin’ At Rural Hill 2019 Tue January 1st 11am Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. www.ruralhill.com Polar Plunge Hanging R o c k 2 01 9 Tu e J a n u a r y 1 s t 2pm–4pm Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Pa r k R d , D a n b u r y, N C 2 7 0 1 6 . www.hangingrock.com W i nte r fe s t B e e r Fe s t i v a l 2019 Saturday January 5th 4pm– 8pm Beech Mountain Brewing Company, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. www.beechmtn.com.

Blowing Rock WinterFest Januar y 24–Januar y 27. Blowing Rock NC. www.blowingrockwinterfest.com

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HOME GAMES

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JAN

FRI 7:35PM CAROLINA VS DANVILLE

JAN

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SAT 6:05PM CAROLINA VS DANVILLE

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JAN

FRI 7:35PM CAROLINA VS WATERTOWN

JAN

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THU 7:35PM CAROLINA VS WATERTOWN

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JAN

SAT 6:05PM CAROLINA VS MENTOR

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JAN

MON 8:35PM CAROLINA VS MENTOR

FEB

FRI 7:35PM CAROLINA VS WATERTOWN

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“Come Hear North Carolina”

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tokes County is the place to be in 2019 to celebrate the “Year of Music” in North Carolina.

Come Hear NC is a promotional campaign of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council designed to celebrate North Carolinians groundbreaking contributions to many of America’s most important musical genres — blues, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, funk, rock and everything in-between.

The Stokes County Arts Council kicks off the local celebration with a series of five concerts over the first five months of the year to celebrate Stokes County native musicians and those with close ties to the state. Music fans looking to introduce their

listening palette to a wider range of music, can do just that at the NEW multipurpose cultural arts, performance, and event center - The Arts Place of Stokes in Danbury.

The series kicks off this month with The Malpass Brothers, famed for their music steeped in the legacy of the Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, Sr. & others. Count on classic, real country. Count on a couple of oldtime traditional gospels. Count on their probably coming down into the house at intermission and asking what you’d like to hear. Count on giggles and ribbing between brothers, along with daddy on the bass, some big, high man hair, and maybe an Elvis twitch or two.

Continued On Page 30

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Beech Mountain—Eastern America’s Highest Town

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eech Mountain, N.C. is the highest town in Eastern America, with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet. A ski resort sits in the middle of the town and doubles as a downhill mountain bike park in the summer. Beech Mountain is home to the Land of Oz, a beloved theme park that operated from 1970-1980, which sits on the highest peak of the mountain. Visitors can tour the Land of Oz on Fridays during the month of June and on the second weekend in September with ticketed admission.

The Overlook Barn, winner of the Venue Report’s Best New Venue in 2016 and Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Awards in 2018, sits atop a ridge just outside of town limits. The predominant feature of Beech Mountain is one that everyone can feel;

it rarely exceeds 79 degrees in the summer and receives an average of over 80 inches of snow in the winter.

Cool and breezy, lacking in humidity and mosquitoes, and completely devoid of riptides and sharks – this is one “Beech” everyone can love!

This winter the Beech Mountain Resort offers 17 slopes and 9 lifts, where skiers and snowboarders of all abilities can find just the right run, and tubing and ice skating are available for those looking for a different way to enjoy the cool weather and abundant snowfall. Those new to the slopes need not worry; lessons are available daily for both skiers and snowboarders. For those who’d rather not be out in the cold, there are other options at the resort. The Beech Mountain Brewery creates six amazing brews in its own brew house, and both the Beech Mountain Taproom and the Lodge have something to please every palate. Music lovers will enjoy the great lineup at Continued On Page 29

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Winter is Better Here Located within five miles of two ski resorts, Banner Elk is North Carolina’s Ski Town. Ski all day at Beech Mountain or Sugar Mountain, then enjoy dining, lodging and nightlife in Banner Elk. Wineries and breweries, too!

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BannerElk.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

An Experience You Can Taste

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his brew and ‘cue is worth the trip. Home to famous BBQ joints and brew spots, a visit to Goldsboro is an experience you can taste. People come from all over the country to grab a bite from our award-winning BBQ restaurants, some of which are featured on the Historic BBQ Trail that meanders its way through the state. You’ll probably recognize a few of these restaurants ser ving up authentic Eastern NC barbeque, like Grady ’s, Wilber ’s, Adam’s Roadside and McCall’s.

place to pick up unique brews to take home.

To h e l p y o u r t a s t e b u d s tackle the tastiest brews & ‘cue in Eastern North Carolina, we’ve put together a map highlighting all the famous BBQ joints and brew spots in the Goldsboro area.

Download our Brews & ‘Cue Trail by visiting www.visitgoldsboronc. com. With so many places to visit in Goldsboro, make sure to check To wash it down Goldsboro into one of our great hotels so h a s t h e b r e w s t o o ! W h e t h e r you can continue your flavorful you want to tr y craft beer from adventure the next day! a r o u n d t o w n o r t h e c o u n t r y, check out our tap houses and Nestled in the heart of eastern NC craft beer rooms! A trip to R&R between Raleigh and the coast, Brewing in historic downtown we are a destination with rich culMount Olive should be at the top ture and heritage. Our heritage has deep military and agricultural of your list. Or, stop by Goldsboro roots. And, let’s not forget to menBrew Works, the perfect place for tion our legendary BBQ! We sum relaxing with a good craft beer. up ourselves with 4 Ps: pigs, pickles, planes, and poultry!

And, Well Travelled Beer is a great www.visitgoldsboronc.com

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Movies at the Rock presents:

Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

January 11th at 7pm - Old Rock School Auditorium Free Admission!

An Evening with Jimmy Fortune & Nu Blu

January 18th at 7:30pm - Old Rock School Auditorium Tickets $40 Per Person - General Admission

Love Canon

February 2nd at 7:30pm - Old Rock School Auditorium Tickets $18 in advance & $20 at the door Movies at the Rock presents: Crazy, Stupid Love February 8th at 7:30pm - Old Rock School Auditorium Free Admission!

Aubrey Eisenman and The Clydes opening for

The Hogslop String Band

March 2nd at 7:30pm - Old Rock School Auditorium Tickets $16 in advance & $18 at the door

Sideways Farm & Brewery Cultivates A Different Way Forward

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new brewery has taken root in Western North Carolina that brings a different approach to the craft beer scene.

S i d e w a y s Fa r m & B r e w e r y opened this past August in the rural Henderson County community of Etowah. Although surrounded by dozens of craft breweries in the towns of Hendersonville, Brevard and Asheville, the brewery stands out for a farm-based commitment to growing its own ingredients. people to a farm to see where we grow and harvest what goes into A t y p i c a l S i d e w a y s t a s t i n g their beer.” menu features anywhere from 12-14 small batch, seasonal brews The brewery and tasting room highlighting products cultivated on are on an 11-acre site surrounded by property – as well as sourced from crops and a flower garden. local suppliers – by owners Jon and Carrieann Schneider. A sampling The brewery’s name is inspired includes rosemary, figs, lemongrass, by a song of the same title by Carlos pumpkins and sage.

Santana and Citizen Cope. The Schneiders were living in Florida The tasting room experience when Jon began brewing and they stands out as well. Beers are grouped were knocked “sideways” by a into tastings and poured from shared passion for what could be 750-milliliter bottles. The tasting bar, created in the brewing process. made from a black walnut tree on property, is U-shaped and patterned “We like to joke that all of our after the bar at a nearby vineyard. projects go a little sideways on the farm, so the name continues to fit “Our idea is to take beer back us and our exciting adventure,” to its agricultural roots,” Carrieann Carrieann says. says. “Most breweries are set up in For more info, call 828-595-4001 or an industrial area. We want to bring go to www.SidewaysFarm.com.

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Pedal Anyway You Want

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hether you mountain bike North Carolina’s rugged singletrack or ride the greenways and want to up your game, the fall opening of the Poston Pump Track in Gaston County has expanded your options considerably.

It’s the first asphalt track on the East Coast between Miami and New York City and a game-changer for Carolina cyclists. You’d have to go all the way to Tennessee or Arkansas to find another one like it. Here’s everything you need to know about the unique bike park—and how to maximize your next trip to the Poston Pump Track.

Singletrack, BMX, and More Mountain bikers have been riding George Poston Park’s five stacked, dirt loops for over a decade, with popular trails climbing Spencer Mountain for 10 miles from the lakeside trailhead. With the new pump track, experienced riders can warm up with a few loops on the track before hopping on the trails, and beginners and kids can learn skills, practice technique, and build confidence. From the lake parking lot, you can bike the singletrack trails, ride the pump track, or cycle the paved greenway. There’s a bike share rental station, restrooms, and a dog park on site. There are no age restrictions, but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Track Design International pump track pioneer Velosolutions designed the Gaston County track for optimum speed and flow. Multiple lines offer a progression so both beginners and pros can ride at their own level. The two interconnected loops cover a 10,000-square-foot space and are designed to flow together for riders who want to build up speed and ride both loops continuously. The mirror image loops are also ideal for headto-head competitions. Future plans include hosting events like the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship Qualifier.

Beginners can take it slow over the smooth rollers, a series of moderate ups and downs that flow into the course’s four banked turns, or berms. If you’re just starting out, pick a low line and easy pace through the berm and on to the next series of rollers. Experienced riders will want to double up on rollers to catch air before hitting it hard on the tight S-curves and banked corners.

Platforms on either end of the track are the spot to opt out, rest up, and drop back in for your next lap.

Features and Technique Pump track features are spaced to make pedaling inefficient, so you have to rock, or pump, back and

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

forth to propel your bike through the course. To build momentum, drop your weight back away from the handlebars as you approach a roller, then lean into the handlebars through your hands and feet as you crest the roller and ride down the other side. Controlling and maintaining speed is the goal through the berms. Always look ahead at the course to pick your line and direction. You’ll also want to balance on your feet in a hover position, keeping your upper body quiet and centered over your bike frame while flexing at the knees and hips to absorb the terrain.

the track with elementary-age children riding bikes with their parents, senior rollerbladers, skateboarders, and older kids on scooters. It’s a super physical, total body workout for any age and level rider that sharpens balance skills and teaches you how to use terrain for other sports like skiing and snowboarding.

“It’s a fast track and intense cardio workout,” says Gaston County Parks & Recreation Director Cathy Hart. “Riders typically only take one or two laps max before they take a break.” Weekend crowds manage themselves as new riders drop in when others opt out.

Intense Workout Although the track is designed Gear Requirements with BMX and mountain bike riders To r i d e t h e Po s t o n P u m p in mind, it’s open for other sports as Track, you’re required to wear a well. On any given day, you’ll share helmet, and full protective gear is Continued On Page 23

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Top Four Places For Snow Tubing Near Banner Elk

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here’s no tubing like snow tubing, and the Banner Elk area is home to four of the top places to tube in the North Carolina mountains.

snow guns and a sound system.

Customers buy tickets there in the ski village and also enjoy other activities, including ice skating and shopping.

Sugar Mountain Resort offers the closest snow tubing park to Banner Elk. Sugar Mountain is known for strong snowmaking capabilities on its tubing runs. Six runs are served by a conveyor carpet lift adjacent to All these tubing parks provide the ice-skating rink. There is also a 100% snowmaking to bolster snow snack shop. conditions when Mother Nature is taking a break, and they are considJonas Ridge is a smaller operaered the cream of the crop for snow tion that has been in business since tubing in North Carolina.

2004. It has five lanes and recently replaced its rope tow with a conHawksnest Snow Tubing is the veyor carpet lift. Photographers take largest. It converted from a ski resort pictures as you tube and photos are to snow tubing in 2008, giving it available for purchase online. There plenty of space. There are more than is a cozy lodge with fireplace and an 30 runs in four sections and the runs observation deck. range in length from 400 to 1,000 feet. Hawksnest also offers a winter When your day of snow tubing zipline tour above the tubing lanes. is done, check out great restaurants and lodging options in Banner Elk. The snow tubing park at Beech Better yet, stay a couple nights and Mountain Resort is the newest. This visit all four tubing parks in one trip! state-of-the-art facility opened in winter of 2016 in the alpine village at Come see why “Winter is the base of the ski slopes. The eight better here� in Banner Elk. To runs are extra-long and the park is plan a trip, visit www.BannerElk. com or call 828-898-5398 lighted and surrounded by high-tech Those four options are: Sugar Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Resort, Hawksnest Resort and Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park.

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Valid through March 20th

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Round Peak Vineyards

Shelton Vineyards

Skull Camp Brewery

Slightly Askew Winery

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Waldensian Heritage Flows With Wine

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aldensian heritage flows with wine (certainly not the worst historic trait to have). Centuries ago, in the Cottian Alps, west of Torino, Italy and the Western Piedmont of Italy, the Waldensians learned the craft of creating great wines. One reason that Historic Valdese was favored

by Waldensian settlers is the terrain, climate and soil composition here was similar to their homes in Italy. And today, these wine-making skills are preserved by Waldensian Heritage Wines, located a couple of miles north of downtown Valdese.

Cayguga, Delware, and Catawba.

Three of the winery’s bottles are original, and five wines are blends from dry to sweet. The Winery has a presentation vineyard and an outside covered “boccia” (lawn bowling) court with an adjacent covered seating area. There are no salaried or Visitors can witness processes paid workers at the Winery. that reflect a combined 250 years experience in winemaking. Built All production, distribution, of local field rock and timbers, the marketing, and tours are with volWaldensian Heritage Winery opened unteers. Of course, there are some in 1930. The grape-wine process is side benefits to working in a small mostly manual – a year-round cycle winery. Besides the free wine-tasting that includes crushing the grapes, held after production runs, there fermenting, filtering, blending, is the camaraderie and fellowship bottling, and labeling. No wine is found only through a cooperative bottled from bulk storage until there effort such as this. Visitors are is a need or sold until it has at least welcome to join a conducted tour one year of aging because, to quote along with tasting various wines and an old adage, “Life is too short to an opportunity for purchasing. The drink bad wine.” Manual operation Waldensian Heritage Winery is availof producing quality wines by using able for parties, meetings, reunions, old world technologies, coupled wedding events or any scheduled with some modern equipment and gathering of friends. innovations, creates wines that have a “true taste of the grape.”

Waldensian Heritage Winery Specialty wines available at the Waldensian Heritage Winery include Concord, Niagara, Seyval, Vudal,

4950 Villar Lane, NE Valdese, North Carolina 28690 Open Thursday through Sunday www.visitvaldese.com/ community/daytrips/

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An Experience You Can Taste

Our Brews & ‘Cue Trail

visitgoldsboronc.com | 866.440.2245

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Pedal Anyway You Want Continued From Page 17

recommended, including knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves with wrist guards. While you can ride any kind of bike, a BMX or jump bike is ideal.

Mountain bikes are the best back up, especially if you drop your seat, shorten your handlebar stem, and increase your tire pressure.

Sound like fun? Even if you’re not about to start learning BMX tricks, the track is a fun way to work on your mountain bike skills and challenge yourself with a few quick laps. It’s a unique feature that makes George Poston Park an excellent destination for anyone who enjoys riding on two wheels.

Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

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Retro 80’s Ski Weekend

Thursday Night at Rascals

CLOCKWORX Precision

Driven

Saturday at the Beech Mountain Resort

Rock

Friday Night at the Mile High Tavern

DeCarlo

Featuring Tommy DeCarlo Lead singer of Boston

The South’s Hottest 1980s Tribute Band

Event Emcees Ace and Tj from Charlotte’s WHQC Radio Show Cars: Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and a Delorean Appearances by the Hot Tub Time Machine Bear 80’S Ski Apparel Parade • 80’S Family Fun Night Retro 80’S Apparel Contest • Galaga Contest 80’S Prom King And Queen • “Name That Tune” Contest Trivia Contest • “Let’s Get Physical” Workout and 80’S Games

.

BeechMtn com FE 24

BRUAR Y& Regional 2 1 -Destinations 2 4 , &2Experiences 019 Local

Yadkin Valley Winery Awarded Numerous Gold Medals in 2018

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OLO Winery & Vineyards, located in the Yadkin Valley town of Pilot Mountain, enters the new year on a roll after capturing five gold medals in various competitions in 2018.

Challenge in San Diego and the Western Carolina Wine Competition.

Crimson Creek is made from the chambourcin grape, a French-American hybrid from the Loire Valley of France.

The loosely formed grape clusters do The most recent accolades came well in Yadkin Valley because they in November when the winer y ’s allow air to flow around the grapes, Crimson Creek earned the three reducing the risk of disease. highest honors at the 2018 Harvest Challenge in Sonoma. The red wine JOLO’s Golden Hallows, a white won a gold medal, was named Best wine, also had a fantastic year in of North Carolina AVA and also Best 2018 with a gold medal at the Interof Class. Fewer than one percent of national Sommelier Wine Challenge wines submitted at Sonoma won in San Diego and a double gold at Best of Class. the Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition.

“Crimson Creek has that beautiful balance wine critics look for,” Golden Hallows is a blend of says JOLO owner and winemaker vidal blanc and traminette grapes.

JW Ray. “It has fruit, acidity and Ray considers it a crowd pleaser polished tannins. We style ours because it combines fruit-forward similar to a Pinot Noir.” flavor with a nice, crisp finish.

Earlier last year, Crimson Creek Since opening the winery, tasting brought home gold medals from room and restaurant in 2014, the Ray the International Sommelier Wine Continued On Page 27

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Lake Norman Cottage

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here is no better venue than a home. The second-best venue is a place that feels like home.

Your friends, your family, complete s t r a n ge r s… d i g g i n g t he i r fe e t into lush carpet, being introduced to incredible wine, and cozying up like a family by the lake. Not everyone in Lake Norman has that luxury in their home, but with The Cottage, it is available to us all. The perfect Friday night; soft couch, high heels off, amazing view, and great company.

The Cottage knew their target audience when they opened their doors.

It’s a wine bar that feels like home; it is home. On a Thursday night when you want to have a relaxing drink, The Cottage is beyond welcoming.

With open arms.

You start your entrance to The Cottage with a jaunt around the Lake Norman cove, and you enter an environment that was created for the leisurely, the business person in need of relief, and the close friend who needs to snuggle-up and chat.

It’s a release, like no other. The Cottage feels like home… home with expert wine enthusiasts and a grotto you can call your own.

Imagine this- you’ve had a long day at work, and you don’t want the loud, busy bar-scene. You want

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an exceptional glass of “The One” Pinot Noir- a tasteful, classic wine that supports a non-profit and was originally recommended to me by an employee of The Cottage. You could not imagine a better place for wine experts, comfy seating for deep conversation, and a scene to make memories. Over a bottle of Pinot Grigio, I met my sister-in-law because her flight from Charlotte to Vermont was canceled. It was annoying in the moment, but epic in my memories. My good friends, and the incredible proprietors of the Destination Magazine, Andy and Lisa Jay got engaged at the Cottage… No one knows Lake Norman like they do, and this is their place.

Plan a date night, plan a girl’s night, plan a night for yourself, but spend it at The Cottage. It is the establishment made for the Destination Magazine readers. It’s beautiful, it’s unique, it’s comfortable, and it is the sanctuary that we deserve.

– Kara McMillian karaelyslew@gmail.com

Lake Norman Cottage 200-A North Harbor Place (next door to North Harbor Club Restaurant) Davidson, NC 28036 (704) 237-3629 lakenormancottage.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

JOLO Continued From Page 25

family has made an effort to produce high-quality wines and create a welcoming experience. A year full of medals from wine competition judges, along with a record number of wine club members, proves JOLO is doing something — or perhaps many things — right. “ We’ve always believed our wines can compete with international offerings that cost up three times our retail price and these awards go a long way to confirming our assertions,” Ray says.

JOLO is one of 15 wineries on the Surry County Wine Trail. To receive a free trail map by mail, go to: www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Beech Mountain Continued From Page 10

the resort, with live performances every Friday and Saturday through mid- March. Performers include the Harris Brothers, the Steel Drivers, Dr. Bacon, and Melissa Reaves.

Back in town, look for more great music at the local restaurants and bars, including live music by Nate Harris every Thursday night at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria. The town has nine restaurants, four ski shops and Fred’s General Mercantile, for your shopping needs from socks to bacon and eggs. For those who are interested in trout fishing, the Town’s Mountain Heritage Trout Waters offer great angling, and hikers will enjoy more than 25 miles of public trails year-round. Some of these trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well; contact the town’s Parks and Recreation department at 828-387-3003 for more information. For kids 12 and under, the Town of Beech Mountain provides a free sledding hill next door to the Visitor Center; it’s open 1-5pm on weekdays and 9-5pm on weekends and holidays.

Special events this winter include BeerFest on Jan. 5th and Retro 80’s Weekend February 21-24. Once you get up on the mountain, you’ll want to stay; check out what’s available from hotels and condos to private homes @ www.beechmtn.com/ lodging. Go to the “Deals” page to learn more about the $119 per-person ski and stay packages or the $450 Entourage special.

More information @ BeechMtn. com or call (828) 387-9283.

CAROLINA

CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL carolinacraftbeverage.com

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Featured Destination

Ghostface Brewing Offers up to 20 beers, ciders & meads on tap, with a selection of rotating styles, some available on nitro. Wine available and Davidson Pizza Company is located right in the tasting room.

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

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Come Hear North Carolina Continued From Page 8

Fe b r u a r y w e l c o m e s C a l e b Caudle a local singer songwriter who was raised on rock n roll and Southern hospitality. Influenced by bands like The Clash and Velvet Underground, Caudle was playing North Carolinas punk rock circuit by the age of 15. Naturally, his music matured with his age and he became more lyrically driven, adopting a love for collecting vinyl. In 2012, he decided to quit his day job and focus solely on music – six years and four albums later, Caudle is gaining the traction he deserves. He was recently dubbed the musical equivalent of high-proof bourbon rich in flavor, with a subtle, satisfying bite, by Rolling Stone editors for their list of 10 New Country Artists You Need To Know..

March brings John Cowan with Darin and Brooke Aldridge back to town. In April enjoy the sounds of Leigh Nash, Suzy Bogguss rounds

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out the series in May. Season tickets can be purchased for $100, allowing admission to all five concerts. Find dates, admission prices, and purchase tickets at www.stokesarts.org The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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