Issue 106 January the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 106 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Readers Choice Favorite Destinations We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

REMINISCE

In the 1920s, the Webb Theatre was about celebration and imagination.

Webb Custom Kitchen embraces this historic era and presents it from a space possessing the character of the time.

That’s OG: Original Gaston.

GoGastonNC.org/OG

704-825-4044 | GoGastonNC.org

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January 2020 Issue 106

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, Leah Hughes, Kate Gavenus, Tory Mabe, Morrisa Angi, Josie Jenkins, Angela Allen, Ariel Feige, Thomas Lark Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Sam Dean, Monty Stephens, Todd Bush Cover: Banner Elk - Todd Bush 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 ©2020 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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Big Elkin Brrfest

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Plan Your Dream Wedding In The Blue Ridge Mountains

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Happiest Place On Lake Norman

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Enjoy Yourself, Reward Yourself.

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Where Customers Become Fans

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Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day Sunrise

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Veronét Vineyards & Winery

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Inhale... Exhale...

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Mayberry Comes To Life In The Town Of Mount Airy

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Wayne County Is TOTALLY FLY!

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Winter Is The Best Time For Relaxing 22 Wintertime Means Mile-High Fun In Banner Elk

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Taste Traditional Cocktails To Tantalize

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

I do

Say

to Hendersonville, NC

Your wedding destination close to home...

Join us!

Hendersonville Bridal Show March 21, 2020 • 10am-4pm Blue Ridge Community College

Free Planning Services:

• Wedding Venues • Lodging VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/weddings • Catering • And More 800.828.4244

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Home for the Holidays November 1, 2019 January 1, 2020 Throughout Hendersonville. www.visithendersonvillenc.org Hogmanay/Scottish New Year January 1 10AM Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078 www.ruralhill.com New Year’s Sunrise, January 1, 2020 at 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM Grandfather Mountain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, North Carolina 28646 grandfather.com Polar Plunge, January 1, 2020 at 2 PM – 4 PM Hanging Rock State Park Bathhouse Walnut Cove, North Carolina www.stokesarts.org

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ould you like to have your event published online for free? Just send us your facebook event link, and we will get it out to over 3 MILLION readers looking for new experiences! the

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19520 W. Catawba Ave Ste 313 Cornelius NC 28031

www.PlanWithAWS.com

Investment Advisory Services offered through AlphaStar Capital Management, LLC., a SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

AlphaStar Capital Management, LLC and Advanced Wealth Strategies, Inc. are independent entities.

Winterfest Beer Festival 2020 January 11, 2020, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Beech Mountain Ski Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 www.beechmountainresort.com Blowing Rock WinterFest January 23, 2020, 5:00 PM - January 26, 2020, 2:00 PM Blowing Rock N.C. blowingrockwinterfest.com Keller & the Keels at Beech Mountain Ski Resort February 1, 2020, 8:00 PM 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 beechmountainresort.com 4th Annual Big Elkin BrrrFest February 8, 2020, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Coley Hall at The Liberty 222 E Main St Elkin, NC 28621 www.bigelkinbrewfest.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Home to Pigs, Pickles and Planes.

Come and discover for yourself why Goldsboro, NC is Totally Fly. visitgoldsboronc.com I 919 734 7922

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Winter Wine & Beer Passport

Valid through March 22, 2020 Tastings at 10 wineries, 4 breweries, 1 distillery Keepsake 5-piece wine and beer opener set Lodging & dining deals in Dobson, Elkin, Mt. Airy

PASSPORT PRICING $75 for individuals, $115 for two people

YadkinValleyNC.com 336-526-1111 8

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Big Elkin Brrfest

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k ladies and gentlemen, with February being a cold month and not much to do, why not come to an indoor Brewfest featuring six regional breweries that will awaken your sleepy taste buds. Angr y Troll, Skull Camp Brewing and New Serum Brewing, to name a few.

Live music from Whiskey Foxtrot to keep your energy high, indoor corn hole, Jenga, and of course, delicious chili, soup, and more.

The event is timed just right, ending early enough so you can go to the game or spend the day in Historic Downtown Elkin.

The festival takes place i n T h e L i b e r t y, a c o n v e r t e d

turn-of-the-last-centur y tobacco warehouse that features timber ceiling beams, exposed brick walls and giant windows for natural lighting.

Big Elkin BrewFest February 8, 2020 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Liberty 222 E. Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621 www.bigelkinbrewfest.com

Chase FROZEN Waterfaas!

HIKING | SHING HOLIDAY SHOOING LOCAL MUSIC | HISTORY ARTS & MORE...

#StokesRocks �w.hangingrock.com

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Sam Dean

Plan Your Dream Wedding In The Blue Ridge Mountains

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n the heels of engagement season, Hendersonville invites brides-to-be to plan their perfect day in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show on Saturday, March 21, brings together wedding venues, vendors and planners at Blue Ridge Community College for a one-stop wedding-planning shop.

pavilion high atop a mountain to intimate bed-and-breakfast inns, elegant churches and rustic event barns.

The popularity of Hendersonville as a wedding destination means the area is home to a variety of vendors including caterers, photographers, videographers, fashion retailers, florists, bakeries, DJs, planners, hairdressers, makeup artists and more. Representatives from these businesses will be on hand at the bridal show to present samples of their work and answer questions.

“Hendersonville is becoming known as a really great wedding destination,” says Beth Carden, executive director of Henderson County Tourism, which is sponsoring the show. “We’ve seen an increase in people coming to our office for help with wedding planning, so we “In Hendersonville, we offer a want to highlight what we have in variety of services, so brides can pick our county.” and choose from different pieces to put together their day,” Carden No matter what style of wedding says. “Vendors are listening to what a couple desires, Hendersonville brides are asking for and connecting can accommodate their preference. the dots.”

Venues vary from a large outdoor

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

While being in Hendersonville feels like an escape, the mountain town is one of the most accessible WNC destinations, located only two hours west of Charlotte and within 20 minutes of Asheville Regional Airport. The area’s many outdoor adventures, charming Main Street and vibrant arts scene make getting away for a wedding weekend appealing for couples, as well as their friends and family.

The Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College’s conference hall. Admission is $5 per person.

Ruby Peoples Photography

For additional information about the bridal show and destination weddings in Hendersonville, call (800) 828-4244 or go to www.

VisitHendersonvilleNC. org/Weddings.

Eye Candy

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

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

housethatbeerbuilt.com

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Happiest Place On Lake Norman

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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 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 Continued On Page 29

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Enjoy Yourself, Reward Yourself.

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njoy yourself, reward yourself.

The Carolina Craft Passport is a reward program to nudge you to get off the well-worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the State of North Carolina.

Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville are all well-known craft beverage destinations. But did you know that So what about the reward? award-winning wines, spirits, and Download our free app to your beers are made in Belmont, Shelby, phone to find passport destinaOxford, and Dallas? tions and check-in. Awards for checking in include stainless steel The Carolina Craft Passport App carabiner cups, steel growlers, steel will guide you to craft beverage wine glasses and more. destinations from boutique breweries to classic cocktails. We feature If you ser ve or produce craft the best destinations in communi- beverages and you would like to be ties you never knew existed. When part of the Carolina Craft Passport you check into a destination on our contact us and so we can get you trail, you’ll have a good chance of on the passport, the web page and actually meeting the artisan that maybe you’ll be featured right here created your beverage. as a Craft Beverage Destination!

The experience is what we want to share with you. Take the time and discover the dozens of world-class producers and providers of craft beverages scattered around the region, many in communities you’ve never explored before.

Enjoy yourself, reward yourself.

The Carolina Craft Passport is a reward program to nudge you to get off the well-worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the State of North Carolina.

CarolinaCraftPassport.com

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Where Customers Become Fans

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ow many times have you walked into a business with high expectations and were thoroughly surprised to have those expectations exceeded in every way?

Webb Custom Kitchen in Historic Downtown Gastonia is such a venue.

When you walk through the doors of this re-engineered 1927 Theater, you are surrounded by modern luxury. Custom Kitchen as one of the Top After just a few moments, you know 100 romantic restaurants in America. this is your new favorite place.

The guests are not the only Owner Jim Morasso found this beneficiaries of outstanding service. beautiful building in gorgeous Webb Custom Kitchen supports Historic Downtown Gastonia. His several regional not-for-profits. Chefs goal, to bring the theater back to life. volunteer with Salvation army, walk Combining a unique dining experi- down the street once a week to train ence of modern luxury merged with staff and prepare meals. authentic historical significance.

The contemporar y design of the No matter how beautiful, charirestaurant is featured in Architectural table, or friendly a restaurant is, it still Digest Magazine. comes down to the food. Once again Webb goes beyond your highest Once you are seated, your experi- expectations. The signature dishes ence begins with Aarons team of are based on North Carolina Certiservers, support, and kitchen staff fied Angus Beef Cooked at 1900°. that work together to make sure your Vegetarian and gluten free options contemporary culinary adventure are also available. is extraordinar y. L arge groups, events, or special occasions are all Jim Marosso says, “If you don’t “on the table” for this team. In fact, know the products you serve, you’ll Forbes Magazine recognizes Webb make some bad choices.” Jim and

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

his team follow the products they serve from field to table. “ The difference between outstanding product and average product, cost wise is very close.”

One of the neatest things I think is the Porterhouse Club. Carnivores from age 13 to well... let’s just say to very mature are on “the boards.”

Some of the members have eaten two in one sitting! All you have to do become a member is finish one Stop in and experience 80oz Porterhouse. What a way to Gastonia’s “overnight” success. celebrate food!

Webb Custom Kitchen will be your new favorite place.

When it comes to the Craft Cocktail program, the man behind the curtain is Andy. His creations Webb Custom Kitchen are cocktails that are based on 182 S South St, Gastonia, NC classics but have a twist that aligns webbcustomkitchen.com with the movie theater theme of the Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance restaurant. your trip. www.gogaston.org

The Cabin

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

Enjoy The Holiday “Spirits” At The Cabin

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 Barrel Elegant Casual Wine Room

MUSIC ALL WEEKEND! 400-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 (next door to the Lake Norman Cottage)

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCabin.com

1082 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 663-0058

www.LKNBarrel.com

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Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day Sunrise

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here are sunrises, and then To help warm up on a likely cold there are Grandfather Moun- winter’s morning, the mountain will tain sunrises. And then there offer complimentary coffee, cocoa are Grandfather Mountain New and bearclaws for sunrise guests.

Year’s Day sunrises.

Participants are encouraged to Ring in an epic New Year on bring a flashlight and to wear heavy Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the first winter jackets, hats, gloves and sunrise of 2020 — atop Grandfather rubber-soled shoes, as there may be Mountain. slick surfaces on the mountain. The event may be cancelled upon short This special event will allow notice in case of inclement weather. guests the rare opportunity to visit Grandfather Mountain outside Admission to the New Year ’s of regular operating hours. sunrise event costs $15, in addition to general admission, meaning $35 for “These events are popular among adults and $24 for children. Guests are nature lovers, photographers of all free to remain in the park all day, but skill levels and anyone hoping to see those who leave before 9:30 a.m. will the Blue Ridge Mountains in a new have their general admission charge light,” said Frank Ruggiero, director refunded. Bridge Club members, of marketing and communications who receive free admission to the for the Grandfather Mountain Stew- mountain, will only pay $10 for the ardship Foundation, the nonprofit sunrise event. organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park.

The event is open to no more “Sunrise on Grandfather Mountain is than 100 participants, and registranothing short of magnificent.” tion is required. To register, please contact Judi Sawyer at judi@ Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m. Jan. 1, 2020, grandfather.com or 828-733-2013. and Grandfather’s gates will open at The not-for-profit Grandfather 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, Mountain Stewardship participants may only visit the Mile Foundation strives to inspire conservation, understand High Swinging Bridge area, including and value the wonders of the Top Shop, during the event.

Grandfather Mountain. www. grandfather.com to plan a trip.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

TRAIL POST VERONÉT VINEYARDS & WINERY

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here the foothills just begin to ripple towards the Blue Ridge Mountains sits Veronét Vineyards & Winery.

Only 30 minutes west of the hustle & bustle of uptown Charlotte you will find the charming town of Kings Mountain, home to our tucked away estate. Nestled on a quiet drive, our property welcomes you with beautiful pines and a long winding road. At the top of that road sits our winery, located at the highest point of the entire estate, where cooling breezes and a panoramic view of Crowders Mountain & The Pinnacle await you. ​O ur 70-acre estate includes five acres of vineyards, countless towering pines, and two meandering

streams. Family-owned, sustainablyfarmed, and passionately tended to by a team proud to be stewards of this remarkable property, each wine bearing the Veronét name is chosen, blended, and aged with the utmost care and passion.

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

CarolinaCraftPassport.com

Inspiration for Living

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

(704) 892-4743

homeheartandsoul.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Inhale...

Exhale...

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he Granville experience is an alternative. An alternative to what you have. A yin, to the everyday yang. Yet this alternative is not far away, but in your own back yard – steps away.

Granville County is not just a location, but a place where you can gather, relax, inhale/exhale, create your own space, and also become part of that space. We are not a destination at which you “arrive” – but a destination in which you insert yourself and interact. Becoming not just a tourist, or guest, but part of a community. A community where quaint gives a nod to eclectic, where small town embraces the heart and soul of hometown, and where rural translates to space to find yourself.

The Granville experience is based on self. Granville County will not exhaust you with an agenda of activities, but rather provide you the space and paths and passageways that you use to define and create your own unique Granville County Experience. An experience that most visitors share with others they bring.

An experience where bicyclists safely discover the countryside of

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Creedmoor. Where you can take your dog off the leash and share in his exuberance at the Conservancy just outside of Stem. Where Mother Nature hasn’t been outsourced but embraced so that you can get out on the water and decompress or take in the calm of a quaint community gazebo in Butner. Where you can stroll through a park, town street, small shop, or festival in Oxford.

L i k e w h a t y o u s e e ? We invite you to visit us online at www.VisitGranville.com, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, sign-up for our seasonal eNewsletter, or, contact us directly at Info@VisitGranvilleNC.com.

Granville County brings together the best of smalltown living and easy access to metropolitan amenities. www.visitgranvillenc.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Mayberry Comes To Life In The Town Of Mount Airy

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hink Mayberry only exists in a Galaxie squad cars, just like the television show? Think again. ones on the show, depart from Wally ’s Ser vice Station daily and Andy Griffith’s hometown take customers throughout town, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, in- showcasing landmarks like Andy vites folks to visit the real-life place Griffith’s boyhood home, the TV that inspired the fictional Mayberry Land statue of Andy & Opie, the on The Andy Griffith Show.

Andy Griffith Playhouse and more.

Visitors to Mount Air y can choose from several Mayber r y attractions and activities. The most popular activity is a Mayber r y S q u a d C a r To u r. R e p l i c a Fo r d

The Squad Car Tour owners even built a replica courthouse next door with a jail cell dedicated to Otis Campbell, Mayberry’s town drunk.

Continued On Page 30

NC CRAFT BEERS // FOOD TRUCKS // LIVE MUSIC

FEBRUARY 8, 2020 – 11AM-4PM The Liberty 222 E. Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621

BIGELKINBREWFEST.COM // VISITTHEYADKINVALLEY.COM theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Wayne County Is TOTALLY FLY!

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ou might know Goldsboro Wayne County as home to Pigs, Pickles and Planes – and whilst that’s not changing (we love a good ‘cue as much as ever), Goldsboro is poised for new, exciting developments in 2020. So, earmark a weekend, pack your stretchy pants (remember – so much bbq, so little time!) and come and see for yourself why Goldsboro is now, more than ever, Totally Fly!

same trajectory. Further streetscaping is underway at the southern end of Downtown Goldsboro, where the Cornerstone Commons will be transformed into “The Hub”, which will feature seating areas, biking paths, public restrooms and a performance stage. And – importantly – the historic Freedom Tree at the intersection of Center and Spruce Street is protected, and will remain. Development is expected to be complete by May Let’s start with the ‘pigs’ portion 2020, just in time for summer and of Goldsboro’s identifier. BBQ fans Center Street Jams! can finally rejoice, as Wilber ’s, arguably NC’s favorite BBQ joint, is For those history buffs out there, re-opening – the word on the street this next event is not to be missed. is that they’re set to be serving their The 155th Bentonville Anniversary delicious Eastern Style BBQ by the Reenactment is the largest reenactSpring. Known for serving presidents ment event in NC, and essential for President’s George H.W. Bush and any history fans, or simply anyone Bill Clinton – if it’s good enough for looking for a spectacular show. them, it’s good enough for us! Res- Commemorating the Battle of toration plans of the iconic, historic Bentonville of March 19-21 1865, building on Hwy 70 has begun, and the last major Confederate ofthe re-opening can’t come soon fensive of the Civil War, the event enough if you ask us! features two battle reenactments and much more. Taking place on D o w n t o w n G o l d s b o r o h a s March 21-22, book your tickets undergone impressive levels of ex- today at www.johnstoncountync. citing development in the past few org/155th-bentonville-reenactment/ years, and 2020 continues on the

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

2020 is also when not one, but two brand new breweries open in Goldsboro. Opening dates are yet to be confirmed, but both are hotly anticipated in Downtown Goldsboro.

The owners of much-loved Goldsboro Brew Works are responsible for one of the Breweries, situated in an old gas station, with plans for a tap room, outdoor beer garden and live performances. The second brewery will be run by Anderson Brewing, and is set to feature an on-site bakery, using the hops not used in the beer. Watch this space for opening details, and get thirsty!

So there you have it. 2020 in Goldsboro Wayne County is TOTALLY FLY! And, that’s just barely scratching the surface of events, festivals, foodie fests, sports and openings going on.

To make finding all events that bit easier, Visit Goldsboro has launched

a community calendar that captures all events in one place – excellent!

Head over to visitgoldsboronc. com/events and start planning your weekend now.

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 to mention our legendary BBQ! We sum up ourselves with 4 Ps: pigs, pickles, planes, and poultry! www.visitgoldsboronc.com

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Winter Is The Best Time For Relaxing

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utdoor adventures are just as FUN in the cooler winter temperatures of Stokes County.

Locals say, “Winter is the best time for a relaxing, brisk hike to vistas of clear views for miles”. Take in the fresh mountain air of the Piedmont Region at Hanging Rock State Park, helping to clear the immune system of unwanted winter germs, as well as giving your mental health a boost to ward off the winter blues. Once temperatures drop below freezing for multiple days at a time, nature lovers flock to one of five waterfalls in the park, to admire the frozen wonder of icicles that form around rock outcroppings. If you are lucky, the most unique spectacle to experience, along an easy half mile trek, is the ability to walk behind or right up to the waterfall frozen in time.

Don’t miss this group hike with Park Rangers and trail builders for an insider’s perspective of the new trail and Ruben Mountain.

At the turn of the New Year, Hanging Rock State Park offers something a bit outside the box — at least it is when the weather turns crisp. The Polar Plunge ushers in New Year for hundreds of crazy and happy thrillseekers. They flock to Hanging Rock on January 1, donning their favorite outlandish costume, ready to dive fearlessly into the New Year Continued On Page 27

Kick off 2020 with a First Day hike at Hanging Rock! We will hike 1.3 miles to the summit of Hanging Rock, where we will kick the new year off right! Please meet at the Hanging Rock trailhead dressed appropriately for the weather.to experience amazing views!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Exhale...

Life’s Different Beyond The Water.

www.visitgranvillenc.com

TM

January is Jeep month at RMX. Start the new year off by up grading your Jeep with us!

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Wintertime Means Mile-High Fun In Banner Elk

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n invigorating winter getaway awaits in the mile-high elevations surrounding Banner Elk. This town in the North Carolina mountains offers the chance to get outdoors with hiking and exploring at Grandfather Mountain, as well as snowtubing at nearby ski resorts.

One of the biggest winter attractions in the area is Grandfather Mountain — known for its distinctive profile and Mile High Swinging Bridge. The mountain, a popular attraction since the 1950s, is open daily in winter, weather permitting.

“A w i n t e r h i k e i s o n e o f the most invigorating, fun and memorable outings that you can make during this season,” says Frank Ruggiero with Grandfather Mountain. “ You can see winter spread out through the whole High County.”

At 5,946 feet in elevation, G r a n d f a t h e r M o u n t a i n e x p e r iences beautiful snowfalls. And when there’s no snow, rime ice often forms on spruce fir trees, giving the appearance of a fresh dusting of the white stuff.

Snow brings out the animals’ personalities in Grandfather ’s wildlife habitat. Cougars Logan and Trinity frolic in the fluff y flakes. Resident elk, Doc, Merle and Watson, look particularly regal against a backdrop of snow, and the mountain’s four otters steal the show.

Grandfather’s 12 miles of trails include easy and advanced routes.

For a low-impact adventure, take a walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge or embark on an easy hike through forests and meadows.

Those wishing to take it up a notch can do so on backcountr y trails featuring challenging and rocky ter“ The otters are an absolute rain. Winter hikes afford long-range riot,” Ruggiero says. “They adore views not visible when leaves are the snow. They go ice-skating, on the trees. slide down hills and play hockey

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

on the pond by sliding a rock back and forth to each other.”

If you want to enjoy winter sliding, tr y snow tubing. Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts offer multiple tubing runs with advanced snowmaking and grooming to keep the chutes slick. Twenty-five minutes away, H a w k s n e s t S n o w Tu b i n g h a s more than 30 runs and a zipline experience above the tubing runs.

After your winter adventure, enjoy Banner Elk’s top-notch culinar y scene at one of more than a dozen independent restaurants. Standouts include authentic Italian dishes made from family recipes, a classic steakhouse with a famous salad bar and a cozy lodge with some of the best trout in the mountains.

Banner Elk offers lodging packages that include tickets to Grandfather Mountain. To plan your winter getaway, go to www.

BannerElk.com and click the “specials” button.

For more information on a Banner Elk getaway, visit www.BannerElk.com.

thʼs worm k c u D a Far s Re

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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Taste Traditional Cocktails To Tantalize

T

he state-of-the-art destination distillery at Southern Distilling Company has been a jewel in the crown of the Statesville region’s thriving craft beverage community since 2017, growing in popularity and gaining attention among locals and tourists alike.

Take a seat at their vintage oak bar, gaze at the industrial beauty of the building, lose yourself to the heritage of craft distilling, and taste the perfect blend of good drinks and good times.

Don’t worry if hard liquor really isn’t for you... Southern Distilling However, there are big changes Company is also serving beer and on the horizon for this craft distillery. wine.

Owners, Pete and Vienna Barger have been pinnacling figures in the In addition to sipping on handpassing of new legislation that has crafted cocktails, guests may also loosened the State regulations on take an in-depth Behind-the-Scenes distilleries. tour of the facility where they will learn about the histor y of spirits Southern Distilling Company production in the area, the secrets has begun to serve cocktails made and science of distilling, and taste w i t h t h e i r s i g n a t u r e a w a r d - the fruits of the distiller’s labor off winning Southern Star Bourbon the still and in the bottle. For those Whiskey and Liqueur products who have less time to spend, a less in their beautiful and spacious detailed Short-and-Sweet Tour is t a s t i n g r o o m . Fr o m r i c h a g e d offered, or you can just stop in and products to decadent liqueurs, simply enjoy a drink at the bar!

Southern Distilling Company has created a variety of unique, as Southern Distilling Company 211 Jennings Rd Statesville, well as, traditional cocktails to North Carolina, NC 28625 tantalize the taste buds.

SouthernDistilling.com Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Winter Is The Best Time Continued From Page 22

and the icy waters of the Hanging welcome, Chili and Chicken Stew Rock Polar Plunge. The Stokes will be served. Find your winter fun County Arts Council sponsors the at hangingrock.com annual splash and it helps raise money to fund art related events The perfect mountain getaway, in the park throughout the year. closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock The Polar Plunge runs New Year’s climbing, mountain biking, Day, 2-4:00 p.m, spectators are www.hangingrock.com

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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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

Join the Carolina Craft Passport to be eligible for

Happiest Place Continued From Page 12

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

CRAFTY REWARDS. Featured Destination

Veronét Vineyards & Winery Where the foothills begin to ripple towards the Blue Ridge Mountains 1549 Ike Brooks Drive, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

CAROLINA

CRAFT PASSPORT

carolinacraftpassport.com

CiDeR SPiRiTS BeeR WiNE Cocktails UnCorked

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www.carolinathunderbirds.com

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Mayberry Continued From Page 19

After the tour, stop by the Andy Griffith Museum. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, collected over a quarter century by Emmett Forrest, Andy’s boyhood schoolmate and long-time friend.

A great place to stay the night is Mayberr y Motor Inn. This traditional 1950’s motor court is guarded by its own Mayberry patrol car. Be sure to ask for a tour of the Aunt Bee Room containing a trove of items from the estate of Frances Bavier, the actress who played Aunt The third Friday of every month, Bee and spent her later years in actress Betty Lynn, who played Bar- Siler City, North Carolina. ney Fife’s sweetheart Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show, makes An ideal overnight spot for hisappearances at the museum, health tory buffs and die-hard fans is the permitting. The 93-year-old Lynn Andy Griffith Homeplace. It’s the has lived in Mount Airy since 2007 modest two-room bungalow where and enjoys meeting fans and telling Andy lived until going to college at stories about the show and cast. the University of North Carolina.

Main Street is definitely The local Hampton Inn owns Mayberr y-esque, with must-see the homeplace and rents it out, spots like Floyd’s City Barbershop complete with complimentar y and Snappy Lunch. Snappy Lunch breakfast at the hotel. opened in the 1920s and was mentioned in the seventh episode of the first season. Snappy Lunch’s other For information on all the claim to fame is its fried pork chop Mayberry attractions in Mount Airy, sandwich smothered in chili, slaw, go to www.VisitMayberry.com. mustard, tomatoes and onions.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

dinner

X

full bar

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good times

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