Issue 095 February the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 95 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

In This Issue

Carolina Couples 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

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February 2019 Issue 95

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™ .

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers Published by: Magic Table Media Group LLC Business Development: Lisa Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara McMillan, Project 543, Leah Hughes, RootsRated Media, Kate Gavenus Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Kate Gavenus Cover: A HideAway Cabin at Transitions 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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Contents DayTrip Destinations

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A New Opportunity To Learn And Get Outside Is Growing In Gaston! 10 Bridal Show For Blue Ridge Mountain Weddings

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Beech Mountain’s Retro 80’s Ski Weekend

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A Couple Of Things To Do In The Foothills

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Bière de Femme Comes To Asheville

19

This Month Is A Great Time To Visit North Carolina’s Ski Town

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Looking For That Perfect Wedding Destination?

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An Oasis For Two With Plenty To Do!

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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

St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902 www.beaufortfilmfestival.com

Beaufort International Film Fest iva l Februar y 19–24 University of South Carolina Beaufort Center for the Arts 805 Carteret

the

Re t r o ‘8 0 s We e ke 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, A r t & Orchids: Inv isible Beech Mountain, NC 28604 Links Januar y 26 - March 3 Dan- www.beechmtn.com iel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, North Y a d k i n W i n t e r R e d s Carolina 28012 www.DSBG.org E v e n t Fe b r u a r y 2 3 – 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 www.visityadkin.com Winter Wine & Beer Passport Now Through March 20th 2019. W e d d i n g S h o w c a s e S u n Ya d k i n Va l l e y, S i p y o u r w a y d a y , F e b r u a r y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 a t through Yadkin Valley wineries 12pm–5pm Daniel Stowe Botania n d b r e w e r i e s e a c h w i n t e r. cal Garden 6500 S New Hope Rd, www.yadkinvalleync.com.

Belmont, North Carolina 28012 www.DSBG.org Roaring R iver Rendevous Dinner Theater Saturday, Feb- B i e r e d e F e m m e F e s t i v a l ruar y 9, 2019 at 5:30pm Roaring S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 2 , 2 0 1 9 a t River Vineyards 493 Brewer Mill 1 p m – 6 p m H i g h l a n d B r e w i n g Rd, Traphill, North Carolina 28685 C o m p a n y 1 2 O l d C h a r l o t t e roaringriver vineyards.com H w y, S t e 2 0 0 , A s h e v i l l e , North Carolina 28803 A rgentinian Wine Dinner at www.bieredefemmefest.com Rura l Hill Saturday, Februar y 9, 2019 3:00pm–6:30pm Historic S i p a n d S e e k W e d d i n g Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd Hunters- S h o w S u n d a y, M a r c h 3 , 2 0 1 9 ville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net H i s t o r i c Ru r a l H i l l 4 4 3 1 N e c k Rd Huntersville, NC 28078 Caleb Caudle Saturday, Febru- www.ruralhill.net ar y 9, 2019 at 7pm–9pm The Arts Place of Stokes 502 North Main Visit NCTDM.com for the com�Street, Danbur y, North Carolina plete destination calendar from 27016 www.stokesarts.org your phone, tablet or desktop.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Minutes North Triangle Minutes Northof of thetheTriangle

Thursday, April14 14 Sunday, April

Ride our limo bus to venues throughout Granville County. From rustic to elegant, outdoor to indoor. You will find something that fits your dream for that special day.

There’s the ballroom in a hotel, or...

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The Shoppes At Home Heart & Soul Old Town Cornelius 20901 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031

(704) 892-4743

Design Consultation Home Decor, Furniture & Accessories Custom Window Treatments Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Space Planning homeheartandsoul.com

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Ballantyne Charlotte Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Eye Candy By Brandy Skincare Studio A Facial & Waxing Spa 1401-D MILLGATE DR. WINSTON-SALEM NC 27103 www.eyecandybybrandy.info • 336-777-1700

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

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A New Opportunity To Learn And Get Outside Is Growing In Gaston!

T

here will be a new place to explore the outdoors in Gaston C o u n t y. M o u n t a i n I s l a n d Educational State Forest, the latest of seven educational state forests across North Carolina will showcase the benefits of forest management in action. It will be a wonderful spot to take your dog for a hike or stop for a picnic lunch. While you’re there, you can learn how rangers use prescribed burns and tree harvesting to manage healthy forests, and put those lessons to work in your own backyard.

health but not harvested. Stands of hardwoods are maintained along creeks, rivers, and the lake to protect water quality and provide wildlife with food and habitat.

“Educational state forests are working, managed forests,” says Forest Supervisor Laura Shidal. “We hope landowners will visit and see management practices that they can use on their land to conserve The 2,000-acre tract along 12 forested lands and promote sustainmiles of Mountain Island Lake on able forestry.” the eastern edge of the county has been a work in progress for 20 years.

“A lot of people want to confuse us with state parks,” Shidal says.

The goal? To prevent future “State parks are awesome, but we development and protect water fill a different niche. When you visit, quality in Mountain Island Lake, the we want you to walk away saying, ‘I source of drinking water for one in never knew that.’” Recreation and 17 people in North Carolina. preservation are the primary focus at state parks, where recreation is The forest management plan calls a byproduct at an educational state for harvesting stands of loblolly pines forest. that were planted for this purpose over 35 years ago. About 700 acres of The educational state forest pine plantation, out of the 2,000-acre system is managed under the North total, is managed in this way, with Carolina Forest Service with a priprescribed burns and tree thinning mary mission to educate the public, added to the mix. Unlike the pines, especially school-aged children in native hardwoods are monitored for grades pre-K through 12. Another

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

goal is to manage natural resources, including trees, water, soil, and wildlife.”I consider the aesthetics of the management prescription that may be used in any given area. I realize some prescriptions are not appealing at first sight.” Shidal says.

When the first educational state forest opened in 1976, Rangers were pioneering the field of environmental education. But with the popularity of conservation-based education rising over the last decade, Shidal expects crowds when they open the doors.

The new education center under construction outside Mount Holly will house exhibits on animal life, forest histor y, and water quality. There will be classrooms for conservation-based environmental education inside, and outdoor learning stations focused on fire control, predator/prey, soil, and more along a loop trail for large groups and local schools. A longer hiking trail for individuals and families will lead past picnic areas and a Talking Tree Trail, an educational state forest staple for young visitors.

Shidal estimates it may be three years before they’re fully operational so, for now, they’re open to groups by appointment when staff is available to lead programs. In the meantime, you can sample what’s to come in Gaston by visiting one of the six educational state forests across the state that are open to the public.

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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

Bridal Show For Blue Ridge Mountain Weddings

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rides looking to get married in the Blue Ridge Mountains can plan their dream weddings at the Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show on Saturday, March 23.

Hendersonville is a popular choice for destination weddings.

There are 65 venues in Henderson County to accommodate weddings of all sizes and styles. Intimate spaces such as bed-and-breakfast inns, gardens and historic buildings, are great for smaller weddings. While several scenic wineries, renovated barns, church sanctuaries, hotel ballrooms and rustic outdoor settings are ideal for larger celebrations.

A walk through the modern and spacious conference center at Blue Ridge Community College will give couples the opportunity to meet vendors in person, ask questions and sample their products.

“In Hendersonville, we offer a variety of services, so brides can pick and choose from different pieces to put together their day,” says Beth Carden, executive director of Henderson County Tourism. “Vendors are listening to what brides are asking for and connecting the dots.”

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, which sponsors the show, also has a group services coordinator on staff who It’s hard to beat the area’s natural offers free consultation services to beauty and abundance of businesses brides looking to host weddings in that support the wedding industry. the area.

Many of those businesses will be on display at the show. It features vendors from all facets of the wedding world, such as venues, caterers, planners, photographers, florists, videographers, fashion retailers, bakeries, DJs, hairdressers, makeup artists and more.

The Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show takes place at Blue Ridge Community College. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $5.

For info about the show, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ Weddings or call (800) 828-4244.

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Beech Mountain’s Retro 80’s Ski Weekend

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he Town of Beech Mountain and the Beech Mountain Resort are gearing up for the 8th Annual Retro 80’s Ski Weekend.

This year, the event, which is always the third weekend in February, is adding more options for families as well as for party animals. From Thursday Februar y 21st through Sunday, February 24, 2019, visitors can travel back in time to the decade of big hair, neon colors, leg warmers and shoulder pads. Be sure to keep an eye out for the ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters, a time-traveling DeLorean, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man and the Bear from Hot Tub Time Machine, as well as lots of locals and guests dressed in 80’s regalia. This event has been named one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, so come early and stay late—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Thursday night, Clockworx kicks the event off right with an all 80’s set at Rascal’s. Friday will feature an 80’s prom and some “Boston” faves

by DeCarlo (Tommy DeCarlo is the lead singer for the band Boston, after all) at the Mile High Tavern

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(cover $5). On Saturday, Cassette Rewind will finish out the 80’s music offerings with a performance at the Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill (cover $10).

Families will especially enjoy Friday’s Family Fun Night at the Brick Oven Pizzeria and the Town Kids Only Sledding Hill’s night-time cosmic sledding (don’t worry—the free glow necklaces and disco balls will ensure that you’ll always be able to see where your is child as they slide down the hill). On Saturday, everyone can enjoy a fundraiser pancake breakfast at the Buckeye Recreation Center, and adults and kids alike can participate in throwback-style aerobic workout, as well as 80’s games like Skip-it and Twister. Kid’s Karaoke will take place at the White Wolf Lodge’s Holy Smokes BBQ

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

that afternoon. On Sunday, the Brick Oven Pizzeria will host a Kid’s Retro Apparel contest.

Everyone can participate in the Galaga contest (high scorer on this retro game wins $100!) at the Beech Alpen Inn Thursday-Saturday, while adults will enjoy the “80’s Prom King and Queen” contest, 80’s Trivia Contest, “Name That Tune” contest, and the 80’s Apparel Contest on Saturday evening at the Taproom.

Event emcees ACE and TJ from Charlotte’s WHQC radio will keep things moving on Saturday, and the evening’s events will end in a late-night dance party. Adults will appreciate Sunday’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” Bloody Mary specials at the Beech Mountain Grille.

If you’re interested in spending the weekend on the mountain but

are worried that more than a couple of nights is out of your budget, never fear—the $19.80 Lodging Special is here! Stay Friday and Saturday in participating lodging and add on Thursday or Sunday nights for only $19.80. Go to www.beechmtn.com/ things-to-do/happenings/retro-80sweekend for a complete schedule of events, and for links to your lodging options.

Kate Gavenus

For more info, visit: www.beechmtn.com or call (800) 438-2093.

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A Couple Of Things To Do In The Foothills

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utherford Count y Nor th Carolina is an accessible destination to get to from about any where in the state, and even easier to fall in love with. A divers nest of communities in the foothills below Hendersonville & Asheville and West of Charlotte where outdoor Being such a historical site, you’ll activities, food, art, history, and never know what you may discover festivals welcome you year around. walking the trails.

We wanted to learn as much as we could about the area, so we chose a central location for our home base. A Hideaway Cabin at Transitions was more than a place to stay, it was our home in the foothills.

Lynn Brown, the owner, hostess and head trainer for Transitions, was the most enthusiastic ambassador for the area we could wish for, letting us in on all the boutique destinations and activities in the area.

We quickly settled in upon arrival, stoked the fire and headed out the door to Chimney Rock, Lynn made reservations for us at the Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa. The Inn has been serving the community since 1892. Taking care of notable guests such as Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Douglas Fairbanks, Clark Gable right up to the cast and crew of Last of the Mohicans, Firestarter and most notably Dirty Dancing.

The cabin is located on 80 acres of woods for guest to enjoy. So bring your dog, bring your horse, bring your family, or do as we did and make it a royal retreat just for two. Trails all over the property are inviting for walking, horseback riding or mountain biking. It’s a great place to explore, the cabin is part of Fox Haven Plantation settled in 1775.

The building was redone from the ground up in 1997. The lodge, rooms, and restaurant are fresh and modern while retaining the original character of the historic inn. The dining room has a great modern rustic feel to it. Farm to fork when practical and a menu that is driven by what is available. An excellent spot for two or twenty people.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Other communities in the area include Rutherfordton, Spindale, Forrest City, and Bostic. We had so many things to choose from, it did not take long to realize we could easily spend a week here and still not cover it all.

So we gave it a good try by going into Rutherfordton and checking out the Bechtler House Heritage Center. Did you know Rutherford County played an integral role in the NC Gold Rush and was a hot spot for mining activity during the early 1800s? Christopher Bechtler minted the first one-dollar gold coin in 1832, approximately 17 years before the U.S. Mint made one of their own. Charlotte can thank are limited here, so find out when Bostic for its banking heritage! you can make it out to enjoy the Yellow Sun Beer and pair it with a craft Just down the road is a brewing pizza. I hear this week the loaded company known for its beer and potato pizza is on the menu. pizza. Yellow Sun Brewing is a little gem in this area built on gold. Hours If you want to walk, ride or Continued On Page 30

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Bière de Femme Comes To Asheville

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ière De Femme is a unique beer festival celebrating our 3rd year in North Carolina.

This year’s event will be held at the Highland Brewing Company Event Center, boasting more than 35 incredible one-off beers made specifically for this festival by women beer professionals from each brewery.

will join forces with their breweries to showcase their talents and create unique, small batch beers specifically for Bière de Femme.

Several breweries will also provide educational and sensor y experiences to illustrate the importance of craft beer education.

The Bière de Femme festival was created to raise scholarship funds Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n for the Pink Boots Society (PBS), an a b o u t B i è r e d e Fe m m e , o r t o international nonprofit organization p u r c h a s e t i c k e t s p l e a s e v i s i t : of women in beer who seek to www.bieredefemmefest.com. assist, inspire and encourage other female beer professionals as well as Bière de Femme to showcase the amazing talent of Sat, March 2, 2019 the women in the brewing industry. 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM At Bière de Femme, female beer professionals from across the state

Highland Brewing Company Event Center 12 Old Charlotte Highway Asheville, NC 28803

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This Month Is A Great Time To Visit North Carolina’s Ski Town

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ebruary is often the snowiest month in the Blue Ridge mountains, making it a perfect time to visit the ski resort town of Banner Elk. Banner Elk has the distinction of being the only North Carolina town within five miles of two ski resorts. It is nestled between NC’s two largest ski resorts – Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain.

Together, those ski areas offer Banner Elk visitors a total of 38 slopes, 17 lifts, 16 tubing lanes, two terrain parks, two ski schools and two ice skating rinks.

Beech Mountain (5,506 feet) is the highest ski resort in Eastern America and has the state’s only mountain top ski bar, while Sugar Mountain (5,300 feet) has the most skiable acres (125) in North Carolina and the state’s only double black diamond slope.

upscale lodging, dining, shopping and nightlife. The town has an impressive collection of restaurants covering most every taste. In fact, Banner Elk is referred to as the “Culinar y Hot Spot of the High Country.”

Flat Top Mountain Brewery is a warm and inviting craft brewery on Main Street that carries anywhere from eight to 12 styles of beer on tap year-round.

Just a few miles down the road from Flat Top Mountain Brewery is Banner Elk Winery, an awardwinning winer y & vineyard that When it’s time for aprés ski, was the first winer y to establish Banner Elk grabs the spotlight with itself in the NC High Country and

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

is now part of the High Countr y Wine Trail.

M e a n w h i l e , B a n n e r E l k ’ s walkabout downtown is full of shops and boutiques for those who seek a little retail therapy away from the slopes.

Part of the fun of a North Carolina ski vacation is selecting the right place to stay. Banner Elk stands out with cozy cabins, upscale vacation homes, bedand-breakfast inns and a national chain hotel, and most places have fireplaces and/or hot tubs.

Come see why “Winter is better here” in Banner Elk. For lodging and other details, visit www.BannerElk.com.

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Take a FREE Tour of

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base!

Proud home of the F-15E Strike Eagle and the KC-135 Stratotanker, Seymour Johnson AFB is known as the “Best Air Force Base in the World.”

While touring the base, participants will learn about the multi-faceted mission of the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing, get up-close with the jets, take pictures, and peak inside the cockpit.

Plus, it’s highly likely you’ll witness take-offs and air power during your tour!

To secure a spot, please call the Goldsboro Travel & Tourism office at 919-734-7922 or email aherring@goldsboronc.gov For more information, www.visitgoldsboronc.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Looking For That Perfect Wedding Destination?

W

e all want the best experience for our wedding, right? Finding the best fitting venue is just as important as the dress. Well… Almost! Here you have it all scheduled for you to enjoy the adventure of choosing your perfect place in style.

Are you planning a 2019-2020 wedding? Well, hop on the Granville BOWs Bridal Tour bus and see what this charming area just outside of the Triangle has to offer. From rustic to elegant, outdoor or indoor, you will find something that matches your vision for your perfect day.

You’ll be swept off your feet and transported in style on the Lifestyle Limo Bus to 4 venues, VIP early access to vendor show and a goodie bag that will make you feel like an “A” list celebrity.

Whatever your idea is for the perfect day, you’ll find options and ideas from this Brides on Wheels Bridal Tour and Vendor Show.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic feel, rolling pastures, or a historic farm with six venue options on site.

Or maybe it’s a venue dripping with Southern charm and personality in the majestic barn overlooking the peaceful pond. You will see options for ever y bride available here in Granville County.

Have you been thinking about a horse-drawn carriage to arrive in? Look no further. The Brides on Wheels Bridal Tour will show you the destinations to make your vision a reality. Elegant to rustic, inside or out, grand in scale or an intimate gathering, they’ll have you covered!

Brides on Wheels Granville Bridal Tour Sunday, April 14, 11am – 6pm Clarion Inn & Suites 913 MLK Jr. Avenue, Oxford, NC 27565 Granville County brings together the best of smalltown living and easy access to metropolitan amenities. www.visitgranvillenc.com

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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

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An Oasis For Two With Plenty To Do!

Y

ou know what an oasis is, right? That’s Goldsboro. A community that is bubbling up from the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, flourishing with art, culinary treasures, parks, planes, pickles, and locally crafted pints.

The city of Goldsboro makes a great choice if you are looking for a destination that does not include a few hundred thousand people or snow. And if you happened to miss out on the European renaissance of the 17th century, you owe it to yourself not to miss out the revival that is erupting in Goldsboro.

With springtime just around the corner, Goldsboro can be your perfect decompression destination.

You’ve got all the basics covered with quite a few wonderful perks. The basics are it is easy to get to, only about an hour from the Triangle, and two hours from the Triad, and just about 3 hours from anywhere else in the Piedmont. When you arrive, you find a wide choice of lodging options, from big to boutique. But keep in mind, you’ll have so much to do while you are in town, you won’t be spending much time in your room.

Once you get settled in you have to decide where to have your first meal. Are you thinking steak & whiskey, seafood & Chardonnay, sushi & saki, burgers & beer or soda & subs? (please don’t choose the last one) If you are caught between steak and seafood, you are in luck.

Barrique is your place. Aged Angus, fine wine, craft cocktails, and barrelaged whiskeys lead off the menu followed up by fresh seafood from about an hour down the road. And as an extra treat for a date night head upstairs to the 18th Amendment Lounge where the ambiance is relaxed and the drinks are smoking, some of them anyway. Make sure to check out the barrel-aged cocktails that have been aged at least 21 days.

If you are in a pickle and can’t

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

decide between sushi or burgers, again its a two for one kind of solution. Jays Burger and Sushi is just down the road from Barrique.

Korean owners and being close to Seymore Johnson Air Force Base expect the Korean to be rock solid.

The burgers, I don’t have a logical explanation, all I can think of is there Well Travelled Beer a few blocks to must be a very creative chef who will your left, and Tobacco and Hops is not serve anything that someone has right behind Well Travelled Beer. already done.

Well Travelled Beer is GoldsI mean really, a bison burger with boro’s Bar and Bottleshop. You’ll smoked Gouda sun-dried tomato walk into a warm, welcoming comtruffle mushroom with some bacon, munity hub with boutique taps and or if you choose to substitute Kobe a large selection of bottles and cans Beef instead of Bison. from around the world. Tobacco and Hops is on the same block. It’s pretty After dinner, you can take a walk much as the name implies. A large to one of three taprooms in the softly lit open space to enjoy the art downtown area. Goldsboro Brew of craft beer and cigars.

Works a block or so to your right, Continued On Page 29

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Boat Slips Available!

828.478.3078

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

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

An Oasis For Two Continued From Page 27

CAROLINA

Goldsboro Brew Works has the slightly deceiving name out of the bunch. It’s a game room, tap room and a bottle shop in the same space.

30 taps, skeet ball and beverages to go. Now that’s a date nightcap!

CRAFT

So far, everything I’ve mentioned is a pleasant stroll downtown. In addition to the food and beverage choices I have mentioned, there are another dozen or so choices to explore on your own.

carolinacraftbeverage.com

Downtown is much more than food, boutiques, thrift shops, coffee shops, galleries, theatres and event venues. All laid out in the center of this walkable oasis.

If you decide to venture out a few miles the possibilities are endless!

Wineries, breweries, distilleries, parks, historic battlefields, museums are on the short list.

Somehow you must work in the new Brews & ‘Cue Trail. 15 Stops for tasty Eastern BBQ and crafted pints to compliment the pork. My favorite compliment is “hello pork, you look smokin’.”

So clear your schedule for a few days and plan to play in the land of planes, pints, pigs & pickles.

Nestled in the heart of eastern NC between Raleigh and the coast, we are a destination with rich culture and heritage. Our heritage has deep military and agricultural roots. And, let’s not forget our legendary BBQ! We sum up ourselves with 4 Ps: pigs, pickles, planes, and poultry! www.visitgoldsboronc.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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A Couple Things Continued From Page 17

paddle off your tasty treats, several walking and bike trails are connecting the communities. But that’s a story for another day.

We decided to head back to Chimney Rock State Park and climb Chimney Rock. To be honest, only one of us climbed to the top, and one of us took the elevator. I never knew that the park has so much to do. (or had such a nice elevator) Hiking trails for all levels of enthusiasm, 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure & the Carolina Piedmont, and even a Café at the top of the chimney. What I really thought was great is all the picknick sites you can stop at and just hang out for the day.

When you decide that you’ve earned a reward for all your effort on the trails just make a left at the gate and a few hundred yards up the road, you’ll see Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro on your right and Hickory Nut Gorge Brewing on your left. Enjoy my friends.

After a day at the “rock,” we were “lured” down the hill and around the lake to a resort on the north shore of Lake Lure. Rumbling Bald Resort is a resort community featuring several restaurants, water activities, two golf courses, a spa, lodging, year-round living, and vacation homes. Very much a country club experience in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Because we were staying at Transitions, we were able to take advantage of the private guest rides offered. So, we stayed one more day

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than we planned. The experience is more than just a trail ride, it’s a horse human partnership. It is a learning experience no matter what your level of comfort and knowledge of horsemanship is.

After our last tranquil night at the cabin, we left early in the morning so we would not miss to much work and came across a diner like no other. It’s a tiny brick building along the Thermal Belt Rail-Trail.

Just a stone’s throw from the city limit of Ruth (pop 440) sits Jesse James Railroad Express. A one-man culinary gold mine. The menu and the preparation of every item are worthy of some sort of Food Channel cook-off. Coffee to satisfy the most particular bean connoisseur.

Traditional southern dishes cooked to perfection and breakfast gone wild dishes like waffle sandwiches, doughnut burgers, grilled Hershey and peanut butter sandwich or an ice cream stuffed donut. Jessee is only open for breakfast and lunch with inside seating for 16, but plenty of room outside on the picknick tables.

And please don’t forget to grab a peanut butter and jelly shake for the ride home.

Welcome to Rutherford County, North Carolina. Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills is an ideal destination all year long. www.visitncsmalltowns.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

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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