Issue 101 August the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 101 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

In This Issue

OVER 20 COMMUNITY

FESTIVALS

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

BON TEMPS PADDLE BATTLE ON LAKE WYLIE AUG . 23-24 . 201 9

SUP SERIES PADDLE RACE 7 miles | 3.5 miles | 1 mile | Guppies

PRE-DAY PARTY

Friday, August 23 5pm - 9pm Seven Oaks Cafe 175 Armstrong Rd Blemont, NC

RACE DAY

Sat, Aug. 24 7am - 4pm Gaston Wildlife Club 3127 South Point Rd Blemont, NC

AFTER PARTY

Sat, Aug. 24 Following the Race Food & Beverage ‘80s and ‘90s Tribute Band

REGISTER ONLINE

PaddleGuru.com Call 910-SUP-HEIDI for details

2019 SPONSORS: Standard Distributors Inc, GO Gaston, Bagel Boat, The Jailhouse, Gaston Printing and Signs, Drs. Kevin & Alison Powell, Anchored Soul, Belmont Realty, Juice Bar, Red Clay Cider Works, Seven Oaks Café, McLean, Seven Jars Distillery, Thad Pierce Johnston Dentistry, Wilcox Real Estate Group, GoSeeDoctorPeters, South Main Cycles, PILC, Belmont Eye, DM Landscape & Design, Neil Brock & Assoc. Nationwide Ins. GASTON COUNTY TY TY Y,, NC

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August 2019 Issue 101

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!

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DayTrip Destinations

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Music & Arts Festival On The Dan River In Stokes County

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NC Apple Festival Celebrates The Fruits Of Hendersonville’s Labor 11 An Evening Grown & Gathered

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Enjoy This Uniquely Carolina Festival 14

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

Food, History Or Jets Your Thing?

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Are You Ready For An Altitude Adjustment?

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Business Development: Lisa Jay

38 Years Of The Morganton Festival 20

Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Kara McMillan, Leah Hughes, Kate Gavenus, Tory Mabe, Morrisa Angi, Josie Jenkins, Meka Newman Price

Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic Returns, The Mountain Is Yours.

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

User-Friendly State Trail Rings Lake James

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Paddle Battle On Wylie

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Carolina Craft Beverage Trail Post

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From French Bread To Bocce

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Paddle The Yadkin River Trail This Summer

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Cover: Town of Valdese Waldensian Festival 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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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Where do you want to be?

playanydaygetawaycation

Henderson County TDA 201 South Main St. | Hendersonville, NC 28792

Call for your free Visitor Guide 800.828.4244 | V i s i t H e n d e r s o n v i l l e N C . o r g

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Grandiflora: Gamrath Glass at the Garden June-September Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S New Hope Rd Belmont, NC 28012 www.DSBG.org Reevestock Music Festival 2019 August 2, 5pm–August 3, 12am, Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater–357 Ivy Cir Elkin, NC 28621 www.reevestock.com 2nd Annual Beech Mountain Throwback Weekend August 2-3, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC www.beechmtn.com 44th Annual Waldensian Festival August 9–10 Town of Valdese, 400 Main Street West Valdese, NC 28690 www.waldensianfestival.com Mt Mitchell Crafts Fair August 2-3, 9am–5pm Burnsville Town Center, 6 S Main St Burnsville, NC www.yanceychamber.com

Denton Watermelon Festival August 3, 9am–2pm Harrison Park, 43 S Main St Denton, NC 27239 www.townofdenton.com Mooresville Festival of Food Trucks August 3, 5pm–8:30pm Downtown Mooresville, 215 N Main St Mooresville, NC 28115 www.downtownmooresville.com Watermelon Festival August 10, 8am–12pm Conover Farmers Market, 109 1st St E Conover, NC www.conoverfarmersmarket.org 2019 Miss May’s Elegant Tea August 11, 2pm–4pm Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.com Grown & Gathered Thursday, August 15th, 2019 at 7pm–10pm 413 Church St, Eden, NC 27288 www.exploreedennc.com Carolina Sky Music Fest August 17, 12pm–9pm Round Peak Vineyards, 765 Round Peak Church Rd Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.roundpeak.com

Inspiration for Living

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

(704) 892-4743

homeheartandsoul.com 6

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Destinations Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie August 24, 7am–4pm Gaston County Wildlife Club, 3127 Southpoint Rd Belmont, NC 28012 www.Go2Gaston.org Home Grown Arts Festival August 24, 9am–2pm Körner’s Folly, 413 S Main St Kernersville, NC 27284 www.thekacg.com Grape Stomp Festival August 24, 10am–5pm WoodMill Winery, 1350 Woodmill Winery Ln Vale, NC 28168 www.woodmillwinery.com

Mile High Kite & Craft Festival August 31, 10am–September 1, 4pm Beech Mountain, NC www. beechmountainchamber.com Morganton Festival September 6, 12pm–September 7, 10pm Morganton, NC Morganton, NC 28655 www.morgantonfest.org NC Hot Sauce Contest, Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11am– 6pm 100 Main St, Oxford, North Carolina 27565 www.nchotsaucecontest.com

Winterville Watermelon Fest Stokes Stomp September 14 August 24, 5pm–11pm Watermelon 10am Moratock Park, Danbury, NC Festival Winterville, NC 28590 www.hangingrock.com www.watermelonfest.com Greensboro Food Truck Festival August 25, 3pm–9pm Greensboro Food Truck Festivals, Greene St and Market Greensboro, NC 27401 www.greensborofoodtruckfestivals.com 73rd Annual North Carolina Apple Festival August 30, 1– September 2, Historic Downtown Hendersonville, NC 28792 www.ncapplefestival.org

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Music & Arts Festival On The Dan River In Stokes County

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s summer makes its last hoorah, settle into a Stokes County state of mind to watch as the rural tree line fades into beautiful autumn shades. As temperatures turn cooler, grass of green below your feet will lead to airwaves filled with sounds of good ole time blue grass, folk, and Americana music down by the Dan River at Moratock Park.

In its 45th year the Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan is set to entertain, educate, and showcase some of the finest arts, crafts, foods and items from local and regional vendors.

The Stomp Parade ushers in an action packed single day event, on Saturday, September 14th at 10am.

Upon conclusion of the parade, three local high school bands kick off an entertainment lineup filled with local and statewide musicians and songwriters. 2019’s line up will have you clogging, two stepping, and flat footin’ near the stage, dance acts and award winning clogging groups show attendees how it’s done. Moratock Park, located in a horseshoe of the Dan River, will be filled with over 80 vendors of arts, crafts, information, food trucks, and more. Fun for the entire family with face painting, caricatures, take home

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wood working activity, and Spark Fitness endurance challenge, you’ll be Stompin’ to your hearts content.

Octoberfest, in the rural City of King, NC, is better known as KingFest, the annual festival features community organizations, vendors, arts, craf ts, food tr ucks, local heritage area, kid zone, music line up on the Amphitheater and Heritage music stage, as well as the area’s largest Classic Car Cruise In. Bring your classic car, friends, family, or talent and take part in KingFest this October 5th.

Saturdays this October, wander on over to historic Priddy’s General Store for the autumn edition of Pickin’ at Priddy’s. The original Pickin’ features concerts on an

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

outdoor stage with plenty of room for dancing. Bring a chair, buy some snacks and dance or relax and enjoy.

October’s Pickin’ events include an old time auction where folks donate homemade goods to benefit the Priddy’s Christmas fund, used to help needy families during the holidays.

9am to 5pm, will fill 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.

The Just Plain Country Festival on Saturday, November 9th from

The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com

visit www.ruralhill.net for details

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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

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Celebrate

THE 44TH ANNUAL

WALDENSIAN

FESTIVAL

IN HISTORIC VALDESE AUGUST 9: FESTIVAL KICKOFF 7pm Cassette Rewind followed by Gump Fiction AUGUST 10: WALDENSIAN FESTIVAL Over 150 Variety Vendors Amusement Rides for all ages Attraction Tours Regional Bocce Tournament at the LPDA Historic Outdoor Drama “From This Day Forward” Open Art Competition & People’s Choice Award Kidz Zone - Special Activities by Valdese Library 7pm Saturday Night: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot Proudly Sponsored by: Carolina’s Healthcare System Blue Ridge, Paul Mears Nationwide, Settlemyre Nursery, Heritage Funeral Service, Saft, Meridian Specialty Yarn Group, Valdese Weavers, Paramount Ford Hyundai, Burke Onsite

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visitvaldese.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

NC Apple Festival Celebrates The Fruits Of Hendersonville’s Labor

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ach Labor Day weekend for more t ha n 70 yea rs, Hendersonville and Henderson County have celebrated their place as the top apple-producing region in North Carolina.

This year will be no exception as the North Carolina Apple Festival takes over downtown Hendersonville for four days, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Festival-goers can choose from a variety of events centered around a nine-block street fair on Main Street.

parade begins at 2:30 p.m., rain or shine, and is filled with floats, bands, clowns, antique cars, fire engines and more.

Associated events include apple breakfasts, a gem & mineral showcase, the Western North Carolina Air Museum open house and u-pick activities at area orchards. Most orchards have added activities such as corn mazes, hayrides and apple cannons to augment the u-pick experience.

The festival features continuous entertainment, arts and craf ts, youth activities, festival food and, of course, apples. Lots and lots of freshly-picked apples. The most widely grown apples in Henderson County are red delicious, golden delicious, honey crisp, Rome beauty, Granny Smith, Stayman, Henderson County leads all Fuji and gala.

NC counties in the production of apples and is the seventh-largest A family fun zone includes apple producing county in America. carnival rides and inflatables at the south end of Main Street, while the For information about the highlight on Labor Day Monday is festival, call 800-828-4244 or the annual King Apple Parade. The go to NCAppleFestival.org

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The Collective Friday, August 2, 7-9:30 pm (at the Beech Mountain Resort Taproom)

Rockit Science

Saturday, August 3, 7-9:30 pm (at the Beech Mountain Resort Taproom)

Soul Benefactor

Sunday, August 4, 2-4 pm (at the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria)

Tickets available through

www.beechmountainchamber.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Join the Carolina Craft Beverage Trail to be eligible for

CRAFTY REWARDS. Featured Destination

An Evening Grown & Gathered

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t the center of Eden, NC’s historic district, the textured handmade brick, ar ched windows and portico of the Spray Mercantile building reflect in the historic Spray Canal.

This is the setting for Grown & Gathered, a farm to table charitable event celebrating and showcasing local farmers and artisans.

Prepared by chefs Ross and Amy Hammond, the evening’s menu will feature a palette of locally produced items from the fields to your plate.

Live music, locally produced beers, wines and, cheeses are also on the menu for the evening.

Please make sure you get your tickets to experience this creative culinary classic along the canal.

Grown & Gathered Thursday, August 15, 7pm $90 per couple includes dinner, two drinks and night along the canal making new friends.

Spray Mercantile Building 413 Church Street Eden, NC 27289 ExploreEdenNC.com

TobaccoA community WoodandBrewing Company family destination.

117 Wall St, Oxford, NC 27565 (919) 725-9402 – www.tobaccowoodbrewing.co

CAROLINA

CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL carolinacraftbeverage.com

CiDeR SPiRiTS BeeR WiNE CoCTaiLS UnCorked

JOIN NOW

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Enjoy This Uniquely Carolina Festival

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ranville County is not like where you came from… we are “Uniquely Carolina”™ – a Carolina that melds the endearing heart of hometown living with (individual) space, and easy accessibility – a rare fusion that allows you to define “experience” and “gathering” adventures in different tastes, smells, on your terms…. and compels you to and fun. come and take a breath, yet be only steps away.

And at the end of the day, you dance off all the great food in the Granville County festivals and middle of Main Street. Throw in arts events are also unique and uniquely & crafts fair, breweries, wineries, Carolina. Our events are not just for carnival rides, local restaurants AND attending, but for engaging with and shops and you have set yourself becoming part of our community. up for a day full of unique experiHeld September 14th (when the ences that haven’t taken you far peppers are ripe) in Oxford, NC, the from home. annual Hot Sauce Festival is about engagement. Try the sauces, learn For more information on the NC recipes, try the peppers…. Dare to Hot Sauce Festival and Contest in try the peppers.

Oxford, NC on Saturday, September 14th, visit NCHotSauceContest.com This festival is all about the foodie in you. From NC products, hot peppers, and more to cool treats, you Granville County brings can walk the streets of Downtown together the best of smalltown living and easy access Oxford and taste until your heart to metropolitan amenities. is content all in ONE day. Even the For much more information, log little ones can have their very own onto www.visitgranvillenc.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Food, History,Or Jets Your Thing?

Goldsboro, NC, Has The Tour For You.

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oldsboro, NC, has got a busy calendar for you this Fall!

Visit Goldsboro, Travel and Tourism for Goldsboro, is running a Fall program of tours throughout September and October with something for everyone on the schedule.

Read on to find the tour for you!

First up, there’s BBQ Tours!

Delicious Eastern NC style BBQ. Everyone likes BBQ, right?! Goldsboro is home to some legendary, home-made, award-winning BBQ joints and the Goldsboro BBQ Trail Tasting Tour takes in some of the best BBQ Wayne County has to offer. Giving you the opportunity to experience how the meat is cooked in the famous fire-pits, meet the men and women responsible for the tasty results, and most importantly, sample their menus and learn their secrets for creating game-changing BBQ. Second up, Ghost Tours! If you’re one of those people who loves a good old spine-tingling chilling ghost story, this is your jam. Follow a real-life paranormal investigator, dressed in period costume, and hear (and perhaps see!) stories of the haunted inhabitants of historic

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Downtown. The buildings, streets, graveyards and battlegrounds of Goldsboro hide secrets of war, death and spirits, which are revealed as you wander with our tour group through the night.

Last but by no means least, Tours of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

The proud home of the F-15E Strike Eagle and the KC-135 Stratotanker, Seymour Johnson AFB has become known and awarded as the “Best Air Force Base in the World.” Housing the largest inventory of F-15Es in the world, Goldsboro is the hub for training and deploying the nation’s best fighter pilots and weapon systems operators. During the tour, you will learn about the multi-faceted mission of the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing, and how these two “wings” make Seymour Johnson AFB once of the most fascinating and vital bases in the armed forces. And, of course, you’re going to get up-close with the jets, take pictures, and peak inside the cockpit.

So, which tour is for you?! Book your spot, learn more, and check out the Fall schedule at www.visitgolds�boronc.com/tours. We’ll see you in Goldsboro soon!

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

The North Carolina Festival NC Hot Sauce Festival Sept. 8, takes 2018 that great joy...

in making grown men cry.

Sept. 14 – Oxford, NC NCHotSauceContest.com www.visitgranvillenc.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Are You Ready For An Altitude Adjustment?

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eech Mountain, N.C. is a prime destination for outdoor adventure all year long. Our cool summer and fall seasons offer biking, hiking, fishing, roller skating and dry tubing, while winter in the highest town in eastern America provides the perfect climate for skiing, tubing, snowboarding and ice skating. And you won’t want to miss the Beech Mountain Brewery, or local winery tours and great dining options. That covers a lot, but it is still only part of the story.

Summer Concerts, with more great music. Visitors can also enjoy many other outdoor activities offered at the resort, including downhill mountain biking, high-altitude disc golf, hiking and Mile High Yoga.

In August, The Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill and the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria will be the venues for the Beech Mountain Throwback Music Weekend, August 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The family-friendly event takes place over three days. Friday and Saturday night performances are at the Taproom and all performances are free, but donations are accepted at the Friday and Saturday night shows.

The Throwback Music Weekend will feature music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, though a few stray tunes from this centur y might sneak in here and there.

Beech Mountain hosts a variety of festivals and events all year long. From June Family Fun Month, featuring tours of the L and of Oz, the Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series featuring Steep Canyon Rangers, Acoustic Syndicate, Galactic and more, and the Mile High Kite Festival ever y Labor Day weekend, this unique destination provides experiences If all this music isn’t enough for you won’t find anywhere else. you, there is also an iconic craft festival on the mountain on Saturday, The Beech Mountain Brewing August 3rd. The grassy area beside Company hosts a free after-party at Fred’s General Mercantile is the site their Taproom and Grill following for the annual Crafts on the Green, each of the Beech Mountain Resort’s which features over fifty vendors.

Continued On Page 18

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

TAST E & & T UPINTS NES PADDLES IN ELKIN

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

thĘźs worm k c u D a Far s Re

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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38 Years Of The Morganton Festival

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oin Morganton in celebrating 38 years of the Morganton Festival!

The free festival features free music all day plus national country acts, Kid Zone fun with rides and games, and food for all ages, plus over a mile and a half of arts & craft vendors from all over the country!

Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge and 1 mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:30am.

A f ter your fitness session, head to the Festival where booths open back up at 9:00am. Yard art, baskets, crafted toys, jellies, wines, distilleries, clothing, car vings, The Morganton Festival always baskets, plants, pottery and lots of offers free outdoor concerts, this year jewelry can be discovered over eight features NC’s Ultimate AC/DC Tribute city blocks!

Band, Thunderstruck, on Friday night and national Countr y Music Star Music continues at 12:30pm on Rodney Atkins for the finale Saturday. the Indie Stage with The Funk Connection followed by local favorites The FULL event kicks off on Greg Mastin and The Druthers for Friday, September 6 at noon when a 3:00pm show. The streets will over 200 craft vendors line the court- again heat up in the evening with house square, Green Street, Union live music from Matt Walsh and the Street and Sterling Street offering a Movers and Shiloh Hill. plethora of art, jewelry, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, soap, candles, City Stage will gear back up at clothes and more! Be sure to come 7:00pm with country band Farewell hungry because the infamous Food Angelina and National Country Music Court tempts your taste buds with Art-ist, Rodney Atkins! Rodney Atkins succulent aromas of gyros, BBQ, has received multiple awards and “chicken on a stick”, French pastries, nominations through the Academy egg rolls, homemade ice cream and of Country Music and the Country much, much more.

Music Association.

Start Saturday morning at 8:00 am with a 5k or 10k by participating in the Sunrise Run on the Greenway!

The Student Fitness Challenge by

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Morganton Festival September 6 & 7, Friday 12:00pm-11:00pm Saturday 9:00am-10:00pm morgantonfest.org

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic Returns, The Mountain Is Yours.

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his August, amateur and professional photographers can visit Grandfather Mountain’s classroom in the clouds to hear presentations from top photojournalists and improve their skills.

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park. “Our speakers touch on a wide range of topics and can help participants hone their skills and widen their The annual Grandfather Moun- focus — sometimes literally.” tain Camera Clinic returns Aug. 1718, also allowing participants the rare Admission to the event is free for opportunity to photograph the park working photojournalists and active outside of regular business hours, members of the N.C. Press Photograwhile providing valuable networking phers Association. Admission for all time with other photographers. others is $50 and includes a buffet dinner on Saturday.

2019’s speakers include Tom Fox, a photojournalist for 24 years and A discounted two-day admission winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize ticket is available for $30 and $14 for for Breaking News, Melissa Sue adult and child guests, respectively, Gerrits, staff photographer for The of Camera Clinic participants who Fayetteville Observer in Fayetteville, wish to enjoy the park but do not N.C., Scott Muthersbaugh and Jerry plan to attend the seminars. Guests Wolford, award-winning photojour- may also purchase tickets for the nalists (and both former Hugh Mor- Saturday buffet dinner for $15. ton photographers of the year), and Chuck Liddy, a four-decade veteran Primitive camping is available in of the news industry with more than the Grandfather Mountain Woods a hundred awards to his name.

Walk Picnic Area for those participating in the clinic on a first-come, “The Camera Clinic is a favorite first-served basis. No RVs or campers not only among photojournalists, are allowed. but photographers in general,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of market- For more information and to reging and communications for the ister, visit grandfather.com.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

User-Friendly State Trail Rings Lake James

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ne of the most user-friendly trail systems in the state is taking shape along the banks of Lake James in Western North Carolina. The Fonta Flora State Trail is under development by Burke County and will eventually encircle the picturesque lake located about 90 miles northwest of downtown Charlotte.

About 18 miles of the trail are already open and the trail’s popularity lies within its design. The earthen route is wide and gentle, with an average grade of just five percent.

That makes it approachable for hiking and mountain biking for people of most all abilities.

“The goal is to make this trail as widely usable as possible,” says Shane Prisby, operations manager for Burke County Community Development. “We have a trail that accommodates both hiking and biking.

You can walk a long distance and it doesn’t feel like you have walked the distance that you have. It’s what we call a flow trail … nice and easy and no aggressive drainage features.”

L ake James is a scenic and mostly undisturbed lake near Morganton, where the piedmont

transitions to the mountains. Much of the land is in conservations and will never be developed, creating a sustainable natural environment for the trail.

“We have what we call more of a ‘front country’ experience where you can get back to your car comfortably in a couple of miles, but you can get out there, you can see the lake, see the creeks running through and experience the change in the landscape,” Prisby says. “You are looking at undeveloped lakeshore and it will be permanently undeveloped because it is conserved through the state park system.”

Lake James sits at the base of the Linville Gorge and trail designers routed the trail to take advantage of mountain views looking north into the gorge.

“There is one place on the trail that has the best view of Shortoff Mountain that I have ever seen in Burke County,” says Prisby. “It’s incredible.”

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

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Paddle Battle On Wylie

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oin Anchored Soul for our 1st annual “Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie” in Belmont, NC! W het her you’re a concer t goer, fun-seeker, or paddler, we have something for you. To start off the event there are 7, 3.5, & 1-mile paddle races plus a kids race which you can participate in or spectate from land (those who wish to participate must register at https://paddleguru.com/races/ BonTempsPaddleBattleonWylie.

Following the paddle races, there will be a live concert event with performances by Kids In America Totally 80’s Tribute Band and New Kids - The Super Fly 90’s Tribute Band. Local businesses including, but not limited to, Juice Bar, Bagel Boat, Seven Jars Distiller y, Red Clay Cider works will be on site throughout the event for food and beverage purchases. Come on our and join the fun! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

No Equipment, No Problem!

Anchored Soul and Califor nia Republic will be available to assist with all your equipment needs.

Never been on a paddle board before and would like to tr y it out, contact Heidi Leah Schmidt,

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certified SUP Instructor and owner of Anchored Soul to schedule a lesson.

Race proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations including Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, Catawba Riverkeeper & Tri-County Animal Rescue.

After the race head downtown for fantastic dining options from eat and go to casual elegant.

Shopping, cycling, dining or a stroll through a pleasant downtown. Stick around, enjoy one of the several great community destinations Gaston County has to offer.

Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie Sat, August 24, 2019 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Gaston County Wildlife Club 3127 South Point Road Belmont, NC 28012 Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

TRAIL POST

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have been watching Tobacco Wood Brew ing Company for nearly a year now. Not from a distance, but from my favorite perch in the taproom. The one directly in front of the big screen showing the what is on the 15 taps, all the beers are made right behind the glass wall to your left. Ale, red, Kölsch, Belgian, brown, stout, porter and at least 3 IPA’s are on the menu fresh from the tanks.

Speaking of menus, the team at Tobacco Wood has assembled a taproom menu that attracts people from outside the area swing by for takeout or sit and have a tea with the meal. From extremely healthy to heart-stopper, it’s represented on this menu. The staples are constructed around the BBQ Chicken and Pork, and they make their way to sandwiches, salads, tacos, soups, eggrolls, and even loaded potatoes.

If you are feeling really nostalgic, order up Chicken & Waffles and complement it with a Cheerwine.

It would be ver y wrong of me not to mention three more self-explanatory things. Mug Club, Wednesday Ribs & a Pint Night, and Cheese Curds. That is all.

If you think you need to go to Raleigh, Charlotte or Asheville for such a complete tap & table experience, you will be surprised to know that owners Paul and Mara Shelton launched TWBC in Oxford, N.C. a Uniquely Carolina Community just north of the Triangle. They set out to create a craft beer, foodie destination worthy of the drive from anywhere in the Carolinas or Southern Virginia.

A beautiful drive, plenty of parking, weekly events, and live music all can be discovered at Tobacco Wood Brewing Company.

For more information about Tobacco Wood Brewing Company and other Craft Beverage Destinations visit CarolinaCraftBeverage.com

The Carolina Craft Beverage Trail is a reward program to nudge you to get off the well worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the region.

CarolinaCraftBeverage.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

From French Bread To Bocce

T

he Valdese LPDA – host of the Western Regional Bocce Tournament on August 10 – puts the finishing touches on its “old” new sign at 301 Laurel St SE in Valdese.

materials purchased with donations from two members. Jeff Mcgee (pictured) Custom Stone, supplied the masonry expertise.

Le Phare des Alpes (LPDA) was founded in 1909 by the Waldensian settlers as a mutual insurance cooperative. It continues today as a ser vice club that, among other things, promotes Valdese as the “Bocce Capital of the World.”

The Italian marble slab, acquired by the Waldensian Bakery in the 1920s was inscribed and mounted as a permanent reminder of the Town of Valdese’s Waldensian Heritage and the Waldensian credo, “never throw anything away.”

On August 10, during the annual Waldensian Festival, LPDA will host the Western Regional Bocce Tournament at 301 Laurel Street SE, the site of the only covered bocce courts in North Carolina. The top three teams will qualify for the NC State Bocce Tournament on September 7, also Several years ago, Mrs. Naomi hosted by LPDA. A team registration Rostan gave LPDA the marble slab form and additional information can that was used in the original Bakery, be found at www.lpda.us which stood behind the present MacDonald’s, to roll out dough for loaves of French bread. The slab Make Valdese your destination for a unique and educational was moved to the bakery’s current family outing or bring your location in 1929, where it was used church, civic or social group until replaced by a large wood table to experience the Waldensian heritage as it is preserved by and, later, by stainless steel tables. the Valdese community today.

Repurposing the marble slab to the Stop in at the Valdese Tourism new sign was a club project. Sev- Department office located in the Old Rock School on Main Street eral members dug the footer, mixed for day-tripping information or concrete and hauled the masonry a custom group tour itinerary.

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Paddle The Yadkin River Trail This Summer

N

ot far from the Piedmont of North Carolina is the foothills town of Elkin, which sits on the Yadkin River.

Elkin’s location provides easy access to the Yadkin River Trail, an officially designed state blueway trail encompassing nearly 130 In the Elkin area, there are miles of the river. three river access points for those with their own kayaks and The river consists mostly of canoes. The first is upstream at gently flowing flatwater, with the small town of Ronda in Wilkes occasional Class I or II rapids. It’s County, the second is at Crater a scenic water way meandering Park in downtown Elkin and the through mostly undeveloped land. third is downstream from Elkin at

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Burch Station, where the Mitchell River flows into the Yadkin.

For those looking for outfitter s e r v i c e s , R o c k y Fo r e s t R i v e r Run in Elkin and Yadkin River Adventures in the nearby village of Rockford both have full-service operations with their own private river accesses.

Rocky Forest River Run offers self-guided paddle trips from 90 minutes to six hours. All trips include a kayak or canoe, paddle, life vest and shuttle upstream.

Tu b i n g i s a l s o a v a i l a b l e . T h e outfitter is open four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, during summer.

Yadkin River Adventures offers self-guided trips from 2-6 hours seven days a week. The trips include transportation, kayak or canoe, paddle and life vest.

Ya d k i n R i v e r A d v e n t u r e s a l s o has two overnight kayak/canoe camping trips.

To learn more about padding options in the Elkin area, or to request a free Surry County Four Rivers Map, go to www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

Something to do on

Sunday & Monday – Saturday too!

The Barrel Elegant Casual Wine Room

1082 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 663-0058

www.LKNBarrel.com

LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE

Waterfront Gift Shop Wine Room

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

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCottage.com

The Cabin

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(next door to the Lake Norman Cottage)

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a competition on Saturday, August 31st, with free kites for kids both days, and public flying and games This event also features music and on Sunday September 1st. food, and there is always something new to discover.

As you can see from this sampling of things to do, making Beech Other activities this summer Mountain your skiing destination is include a Hike and Wine Package a great decision, but coming back that includes lodging, wine tastings to enjoy the mountain and all it and outdoor recreation for two, and has to offer all year is downright a Bike and Brew Package that has brilliant! lodging, biking, beer tasting, and outStory: Kate Gavenus door recreation. The summer isn’t complete without the 16th Annual For more information on the Mile High Kite Festival, which takes performances, hotel rooms and the many outdoor activities place on Labor Day weekend. This available at the venue call year, professional kiters will hold 800-468-5506 or visit: Beech Mountain

Continued From Page 18

www.BeechMtn.com

Through beer festivals, promotions and other events, we can make this happen. Visit our website to see a schedule of events.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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