Issue 108 March the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 108 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

GO GREEN

Kick off Spring festivities with Green River Revival Watch as the Whitewater Center’s resident leprechaun transforms the river green for St Patrick’s Day. Start the day with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run before rafting down the river and listening to live music.

Make it a getaway weekend and stay at convenient, relaxing hotel accommodations on I-85 in Gaston County.

704-825-4044 | GoGastonNC.org | @GoGastonNC 3 theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

March 2020 Issue 108

the

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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 Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Sam Dean, Todd Bush Cover: Cider, Wine & Dine. Hendersonville 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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Wedding & Event Destinations In Stokes County

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Bière de Femme Comes To The Queen City

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The Whitewater Center Welcomes Everyone To Tuck Fest!

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April 18 Is Blowout Saturday For Wine Events In Yadkin Valley

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Tasting Rooms Roll Out the Red Carpet for Cider, Wine & Dine

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Oxford’s Restaurant Scene “Uniquely Carolina”

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Grandfather Mountain Announces 2020 Schedule

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Hell On Horsecreek

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Spring Has Sprung In Goldsboro, And Festival Season Is Here…

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3 Things To Do This Spring Downtown Pilot Mountain

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Twenty-Seventh Annual Loch Norman Highland Games

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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 2020 Gra nv ille A mbula nce Chase & Food Truck Rodeo March 7, 11:00am–2:00pm Oxford Historic District, Oxford, NC US www.visitgranvillenc.com 2020 Celtic Fe stiva l Mar ch 14, 10:00am–March 15, 4:00pm Historic L atta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd Huntersville, NC 28078 www.lattaplantation.org

Community For A Cause 5k & Fun Run! April 11, 124 W Main St Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 www.pilotmountainnc.org Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend April 16 – 19, Various Locations around Hendersonville, NC www.visithendersonvillenc.org

Loch Norman Highland Games April 17–19, Historic Rural Hill Asheboro Food Truck Festival 4431 Neck Rd Huntersville, NC M a r c h 2 1 , 1 2 : 0 0 p m – 6 : 0 0 p m www.lochnorman.com Bicentennial Park, 135 Sunset A v e n u e A s h e b o r o , N C 2 7 2 0 3 Grand Opening Celebration GreensboroFoodTruckFestivals.com A p r i l 1 8 , 1 0 : 0 0 a m – 6 : 0 0 p m Haze Gray Vineyards, 761 Stony Bie re de Fe m m e M a r c h 2 1 , Knoll Road Dobson, NC 27017 1:00pm–5:00pm The Unknown www.hazegrayvineyards.com B r e w i n g C o m p a n y, 1 3 2 7 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28203 P i lo t V iew V i nt a ge M a rwww.bieredefemmefest.com k e t S a t u r d a y, A p r i l 1 8 t h 9am to 4pm 124 W Main St Fremont Daffodil Festival March P i l o t M o u n t a i n , N C 2 7 0 4 1 28, Downtown Freemont, NC 27830 www.pilotmountainnc.org Fremontdaffodilfestival.weebly.com Bride s On W heels April 19, 1516 Event March 27, 4:00pm– 11am – 6pm 129 Williamsboro Mar ch 29, 7:00pm L ager Haus S t r e e t , O x f o r d , N C 2 7 5 6 5 a t R e d O a k B r e w e r y , 6 9 0 5 www.visitgranvillenc.com Konica Drive Whitsett, NC 27377 www.redoakbrewery.com High 5 at Hanging Rock April 4, 7:30am–3:30pm 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016 www.high5athangingrock.com Pig in the Park April 4, 10:30am– 5:00pm Downtown Goldsboro, 219 N John St Goldsboro, NC 27530 www.visitgoldsboronc.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

tours

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Book your spot today on the Totally Fly Ghost Tour at totallyflytours.com. @visitgoldsboronc

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Wedding & Event Destinations In Stokes County

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here is no better place to get outdoors than beautiful North Carolina—and Stokes County has some of most scenic outdoor destinations in a rural, laid back setting. Romantic spots can be discovered all over the region and many offer perfect venues for reunions, large events, and ideal setting to tie the knot.

There are a great number of perfectly located wedding and large event venues in Stokes County, and many offer stunning mountain backdrops, all with the ease of being located near the main urban centers. Rustic, contemporar y, natural, or a fairytale wedding are all possible in the many venues in the region, if your imagination can think, it’s all possible.

Moore’s Springs Manor offers a sweeping property complete with butterfly gardens and a stately manor. Within this Southern manor, they offer plenty of space for the bridal party to prepare in parlors adorned with chandeliers and pool tables. The Bella Collina

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Mansion offers peaceful lakeside s c e n e s a n d a Tu s c a n i n s p i r e d mansion.

L u n a ’ s Tr a i l Fa r m & E v e n t Center brings the simplicity of gathering together in a warm rustic space that invites the outdoor beauty through floor to ceiling windows everywhere. Opening this month the Big Creek Lodge will provide additional entertainment space for our guests, food services for all events and other meals during a stay here, and 9 additional bedrooms upstairs with their own private deck overlooking beautiful views. The Lodge is located on a hilltop on the opposite end of the

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

property from the The Venue, and it has some tremendous views of Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock.

Steel Crest is the quintessential sweet Southern venue, and it will leave your guests feeling as if they have stepped back in time.

There is a red painted barn, fire pit, pond, and gazebo - just about ever ywhere you look is picture perfect. The Meadows embraces the beautiful North Carolina forests with a lakeside ceremony deck and a timber frame pavilion that can accommodate large parties, and allows the natural mountain breezes to pass through its open sides—it is the perfect stage for an outdoor wedding.

Before and after a big event, Stokes County offers amazing outdoor adventures, from kayaking

the Dan River, hiking throughout the more than 8,000 acres of Hanging Rock State Park, golfing, antiquing, mountain biking, historic sites and so much more. From weddings to reunions, Stokes County is a destination not to miss.

The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com

2000 W US Highway 421 Wilkesboro, North Carolina – (336) 667-2886

www.RandyMarionJeepRam.com

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Bière de Femme Comes To The Queen City

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oin more than 35 breweries from across North Carolina at the Unknown Brewing Company, March 21, for the fourth installment of craft brewing’s most unique traveling festival.

Recently voted as one of the top 10 beer festivals in the country by the USA Today, Biére de Femme festival was created to raise scholarship funds for the Pink Boots Society (PBS), an international nonprofit organization of women in beer who seek to assist, inspire and encourage other female beer professionals through education and community, as well as to showcase the amazing talent of the women in the brewing industry.

At Biére de Femme, female beer professionals from across the state will join forces with their breweries to showcase their talents and create unique, small batch beers specifically for Biére de Femme. Several breweries will also elevate the beer festival experience by providing educational and sensory booths to illustrate the importance of craft beer education.

Because women often lack the resources of their counterparts in such a male-dominated industry,

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all proceeds from Biére de Femme – more than $33,000 over the past three years – fund PBS educational scholarships for women in the beer industry.

Those scholarships pay for things like off-flavor tasting courses, brewery startup seminars, BeerSavvy cicerone courses and immersion trips to Germany.

Today, PBS is an international nonprofit with roughly 2,000 members and hundreds of chapters throughout the world. The North Carolina chapter started in 2012 with around 40 members, and has since grown to five regional chapters and over 150 members.

Bière de Femme Sat, March 21, 2020 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM The Unknown Brewing Company 1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203 www.bieredefemmefest.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net

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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The Whitewater Center Welcomes Everyone To Tuck Fest!

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u c k Fe s t t a k e s w h a t t h e Whitewater Center does throughout the year, and packs it into one weekend. The three-day festival celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through live music, nearly 150 clinics, yoga, competitions, exhibitions and demos. With its packed schedule and attendance, the weekend of April 24-26 warrants a little extra planning and preparation than your average weekend at the Whitewater Center.

The Whitewater Center welcomes ever yone to enjoy the live music, demos, and view all competitions free of charge. Tuck Fest race registration is a one-time flat fee that grants access to all 35+ races and competitions throughout the three-day festival; the exception is the Deep Water Solo competition, which is invite only.

With such a packed schedule, Tuck Fest offers something for everyone, from hardcore outdoorspeople, to weekend warriors, to those who simply enjoy watching the action.

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Each Tuck Fest attendee has their own favorite events, but there are a few that are crowd favorites.

One of Tuck Fest’s most compelling events is the Deep Water Solo Competition. Offering a $15,000 cash purse, and drawing some of the top climbers in the world, this competition is held on the world’s first permanent Deep Water Solo wall. Check out seeding and open gym on Friday afternoon starting at 2:00pm and finals on Saturday starting at 4:30pm.

Tu c k F e s t w o u l d n o t b e complete without its musical performances. This year features headlining acts Lake Street Dive, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and ZZ Ward. Other acts include Ona, The Suffers, Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip including museums, botanical gardens, extreme sports, hiking, dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Neal Francis, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Bird Talker, Boy Named Banjo, Oliver Hazard, and Jade Bird.

Trail Center, K ayak Center and Outfitters also offer snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and chips for a quick refuel.

There will be over 100 beers on tap during Tuck Fest. While the Pump House Biergarten, The Market Bar and River’s Edge are always options, cold drinks can also be purchased in the Trail Center, Kayak Center, and Outfitters. Take advantage of pop-ups and can bars all over the festival.

If an elevated experience that features panoramic views, a private bar, catered meals, and private bathrooms is more your speed, contact the Whitewater Center for Terrace Access.

Tu c k Fe s t f e a t u r e s o v e r 8 0 outdoor industr y brands across numerous disciplines. Within the Vendor Villages, Tuck Fest attendees can explore new products and demo top-of-the-line gear such as mountain bikes and whitewater kayaks.

For food, don’t forget about the Pit and Land Yacht on the southern side of Belmont Abbey College Island, offering Southern BBQ and Tex Mex fare. The Pavilion will be offering food such as burgers, hot In seven years, Tuck Fest has dogs, and french fries. The Market, grown from 14,000 attendees in Continued On Page 30

UNIQUELY DELICIOUS GATHER

Granville County offers a wide array of restaurants and eateries. Come gather with friends and experience what makes Granville County “Uniquely Delicious.”

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TM

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April 18 Is Blowout Saturday For Wine Events In Yadkin Valley

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ll roads lead to Surry County in the Yadkin Valley on Saturday, April 18, as three wineries host events, including the official grand opening of North Carolina’s newest winery, Haze Gray Vineyards.

and fun activities. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m.

About 25 minutes from Haze Gray, Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery will hold a “topping out” party for its Red Barn Tasting Room For folks in the Charlotte region, and release its 2016 Red Bar n the events are less than two hours Blend, a popular wine that sells out away, while folks in the Winston- every year.

Salem area can reach the wineries in about an hour.

Although Grassy Creek opened in 2005, owners Jim and Cynthia Haze Gray, just outside Dobson, D o u t h i t n e v e r g o t a r o u n d t o draws its name from the color of installing a weather vane atop U.S. naval ships. Owners Deane the renovated tasting room barn. and Becky Muhlenberg have long- When they came across a vintage standing militar y ties, including weather vane recently at a charity Deane’s three-decade career as a auction, the decision was made to Navy flight officer. “top out” the winer y. The event is 3-6 p.m. and includes the wine The Muhlenbergs took a former release, music from a local singer/ corn and tobacco farm and trans- songwriter, the installation of the formed it into a nine-acre vineyard weather vane and free picnic-style with a well-appointed tasting room food (while supplies last). showcasing mountain views. The winery held a soft opening in DeIn between Grassy Creek and cember and makes it official on April Haze Gray is the state’s largest 18 with a celebration that includes a f a m i l y - o w n e d e s t a t e w i n e r y, DJ spinning retro tunes, a food truck Shelton Vineyards. Taking place Continued On Page 17

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

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 9 am - 8 pm Weekdays 9 am - 8 pm Saturday

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Tasting Rooms Roll Out the Red Carpet for Cider, Wine & Dine

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endersonville’s third annual local chefs and food trucks, followed Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend by dancing to three bands. showcases some of Western North Carolina’s top cider and wine “It’s a highlight of the weekend makers, April 16-19. because you have everybody there at once and can pick your favorites,” The weekend involves tastings, says Amy Boswell, events coordinanew releases, orchard and vineyard tor for Henderson County Tourism. tours, food events, music, and more. This year’s event — named a A total of seven wineries, cideries Top 20 April event by the Southeast- and tasting rooms host more than ern Tourism Society — marks the 30 events from Thursday through first Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend Sunday. Participating venues are: since Henderson County received Appalachian Ridge Artisan Cider, federal designation as Crest of the Bold Rock Hard Cider, Burntshirt Blue Ridge American Viticultural Vineyards, Burntshirt’s tasting room Area. & bistro in Chimney Rock, Point L ookout Vineyards, Saint Paul The festivities begin Thursday, Mountain Vineyards and Saint Paul’s April 16, with the Mad Hatter Open- tasting room in Flat Rock. ing Celebration at Horse Shoe Farm.

This sunset event pops a cork on The events lineup includes a the weekend with tastings from all Twist and Shout Dance Party Friday participating wineries and cideries, evening at Saint Paul Mountain as well as area breweries. Food of- Vineyards, a Saturday morning ferings include delectable bites from orchard breakfast and farm tour at

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Appalachian Ridge, Bold Rock’s third Blowout annual Food Truck Palooza, with live Continued From Page 14 music, all day Saturday, daily tours and music at Burntshirt Vineyards that day at Shelton is the annual and a three-day Celtic festival at Point British Car Gathering, the Southeast’s Lookout. largest display of vintage British automobiles.

“This celebration is timed to apple blossom season in Henderson More than 200 cars are on display, County and showcases just how including Austin Healeys, Jaguars, important agritourism is to our area,” MGs, Triumphs and Bentleys. Bring Boswell says. “Last year we saw lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic, people from across the Southeast, sip wine and view the beautiful cars. while some flew in from other parts The restaurant on property will be of the United States. It’s growing open, and the winery will have tours each year.” and tastings. Food trucks will also be on-site.

Events are both free and ticketed. For a complete schedule and lodging options, call 800-828-4244 or go to www.

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ Cider-Wine-Dine-Weekend.

Details for all three events and more are available at www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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Oxford’s Restaurant Scene “Uniquely Carolina”

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owntown Oxford is certainly becoming a focus of attention.

With new shops, a unique wedding and event venue, and an ever growing list of festivals, the area of Main and Hillsboro streets are becoming the hub of the community.

Helping to drive this renaissance is the emergence of a number of restaurants and eateries.

its signature brews along with some of the best BBQ in the area. www. tobaccowoodbrewing.com

Main St Oasis

A family style, fine dining restaurant at an affordable price.

They certainly deliver on their mission to “bring together a passion for excellence while striving for the best experience possible for our guests.” www.facebook.com/ MainStreetOasis

Of particular value is the diversity of the establishments. From a Veteran woman-owned brewery to an upscale restaurant fulfilling the dream of a retired police officer (and the epicurean dreams of Oxford foodies), to an emerging bakery – Oxford offers an assortment not normally found in a Milano’s community its size.

From comfort food to Italian specialties, Milano’s offers a wide So come join us – relax, grab a ranging menu…all served with as bite to eat – and experience what warm heart. www.facebook.com/ makes Downtown Oxford’s restau- milanosofoxford/ rant scene “Uniquely Carolina”…. and “Uniquely Delicious.”

Strong Arm Baking As owner Julia Blaine says, Uptown 101 “Oxford is a smallish place, but it’s a An elegantly designed restaurant place that’s huge on love, farms and located in Historic Oxford. The build- good food.” She and her husband ing has been fully renovated, and the are in the final phase of creating their restaurant has a great decor. www. bakery. Visit www.strongarmbaking. uptown101oxford.com com and stand by for more on their Grand Opening.

Tobacco Wood Brewing Company

Casual and friendly with an atmosphere much like a public house in England – Tobacco Wood serves

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

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Grandfather Mountain Announces 2020 Schedule

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new decade brings new Nature Photography Weekend e x p e r i e n c e s f o r g u e s t s May 29- 31 to enjoy at Grandfather Visit Grandfather Mountain to Mountain in 2020. attend presentations from top nature photographers, while photographing W i t h a m i s s i o n t o i n s p i r e spectacular scener y and native conservation of the natural world by animals before and after regular helping guests explore, understand business hours. Additional cost. and value the wonders of Grandfa- Online registration begins April 1 at ther Mountain, the nonprofit nature grandfather.com. park and its staff are readying for an eventful year.

Animal Birthday Party “2020 is going to be a remarkable year on Grandfather Mountain,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the park. “Our schedule is packed with special events that bridge education with outdoor fun, while allowing us to share the wonders of Grandfather Mountain with guests of all ages.”

With a few exceptions where noted, most special events are included with park admission. Schedule is subject to change. Additional events will be announced and posted on www.grandfather.com.

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Wednesday, June 10

Grandfather Mountain celebrates the birthdays of all the animals in its environmental habitats with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The mountain’s habitat staff will host a fun-filled day for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants.

65th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 9-12

Blaring bagpipes, Scottish athletics, Highland melodies, Celtic cuisine, crafts aplenty and a spectacular highland setting make this colorful celebration of Scottish culture one of the most highly acclaimed games in the country.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

can enjoy watching enrichment demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in familyoriented games and crafts.

Additional cost. For more information, visit www.gmhg.org, or contact the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games office at 828-733-1333 or gmhginfo@yahoo.com.

Animal Enrichment Day Wednesday, Aug. 12

Enrichment is an integral part of how the mountain cares for its habitat animals every day. An enrichment is a special treat, new toy or even an unfamiliar scent given to the animals to break up their routines and help keep them active and intellectually stimulated. Visitors

Grandfather Mountain Amateur & Professional Camera Clinic Aug. 15-16

Top photographers gather at Grandfather Mountain to present on the nuts and bolts of making good photographs. This event is free to working members of the press, with an additional cost for non-press professionals and amateurs. Online registration begins July 15 at grandfather.com.

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For information, visit www.grandfather.com

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Find Your Stream in Wine Country

Four rivers, 100 miles of water and 16 wineries, plus great cycling and hiking.

Learn more and request a free map at: 22

YadkinValleyNC.com Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

TRAIL POST

F

HELL ON HORSECREEK

resh brewed beers of Smoke and Fire. Tasty sessionable beers from the traditional to the outrageous. Brewed the HoHCBC way with real ingredients on site right behind the bar. If you’re wondering what the heck is a “sessionable” beer is, it merely means it’s a low alcohol, easy-drinking beer. You can tr y several and still be fresh and perky!

The draft beer comes directly from brewer y tanks just behind t h e b a r. I t m a k e s i t m o r e challenging to change a “keg,” but you’ll never find a more fresh beer anywhere! Enjoy at the taproom and bring your friends, f a m i l y, p e t s , a n d k i d s . I f y o u cant, bring them in to enjoy the incredible space, bring a Crowler or two home.

Pe o p l e a r e a l r e a d y r a v i n g about this new Rockingham County Destination. “Creative brews with a great atmosphere.

Wide range of handcrafted beers that Dave rotates regularly.” And “ We love this place! Great beer,

great atmosphere, great owners, and awesome bartender. We can’t wait to come by each weekend and tr y whatever new beer is on tap! Just what Madison needed!.”

HoHCBC also features awardwinning ciders from NC and a selection of wine.

Come for a beer and enjoy Madison. Come see Madison and enjoy a beer.

For more information, download the Carolina Craft Passport App or visit craftpassport.app for hours, directions, and how to collect your passport reward!

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

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Spring Has Sprung In Goldsboro, And Festival Season Is Here…

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ow that winter seems to be leaving the building (most days, although we’re not completely clear of sweater weather just yet), it’s the season to get festival planning. And Goldsboro-Wayne County has got some essential festival fun for you to add to your calendar. Here’s a run-down of the best out there – it’s time to get planning!

Heritage Museum. More info at fremontdaffodilfestival.weebly.com

Pig in The Park, April 3-4th, Downtown Goldsboro.

Our favorite BBQ festival is back! The much contested whole hog BBQ contest is always the main attraction, with cook teams vying for the crown. And, there’s enough BBQ to feed 5,000 peoplewe’re drooling at the thought of it.

The Fremont Daffodil Festival, Added to this, there’s live music, Sunday March 28th, Town entertainment, and family fun for of Fremont, NC. all. Just remember to wear your This annual festival is a true stretchy pants… Check out all the celebration of Spring, complete info at piginthepark.com with food, drink, raffles, g i v e a w a y s , a n d s o m e o f t h e The NC Pickle Festival, April 24best BBQ in the State. Oh, not 25th, Downtown Mount Olive. forgetting world famous hotdogs The town that is proud and funnel cakes – which you home to the Mount Olive Pickle can then dance off to the music Company is bringing the state’s o f t h e E m b e r s . F i n i s h u p b y greatest celebration of all things buying some home-made crafts pickles back. With all kinds of a n d c h e c k o u t t h e h i s t o r i c a l pickle fun imaginable – including d i s p l a y s a t t h e F r e m o n t a pickle eating contest, Tour de

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Pickle for all bike enthusiasts, tons of vendors, and a 5k pickle run. Friday night sees it all kick off with live music and entertainment, making way for a full day of fun on Saturday. All info and schedules at ncpicklefest.org.

NC Freedom Fest, May 16th, Downtown Goldsboro.

A new and exciting festival is coming to town in 2020! NC Freedom Fest is a celebration of Armed Forces Day, with an inclusive, family friendly festival honoring all who serve. With live music, a kids’ zone, car show, a The Three Eagles Rotary Beer chicken wing eating contest, and a and Wine Festival, May 2nd, whole bunch of other food if chicken Downtown Goldsboro. wings aren’t your jam – it promises The ultimate festival for any to be an exciting new entry into the craft beer lover, this event has Goldsboro festival scene. Check it more than 40 craft beers from all out at ncfreedomfest.org. over North Carolina, Virginia and beyond. What could be better Nestled in the heart of eastern NC between Raleigh and the than sipping a cold beer, listening coast, we are a destination to live music, and sampling some with rich culture and heritage. delicious food trucks? Nothing, in Our heritage has deep military and agricultural roots. And, our opinion! For info and tickets let’s not forget to mention visit threeeaglesbeer.com. our legendary BBQ! We sum up ourselves with 4 Ps: pigs, pickles, planes, and poultry! www.visitgoldsboronc.com

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3 O

Things To Do This Spring Downtown Pilot Mountain

n Saturday, April 11th Pilot Mountain Unites is proud to announce our inaugural Community For A Cause 5k & Fun Run!! Join in supporting local efforts with a day of friendly competition and family fun. If you register by March 30th you are guaranteed a tshirt and swag bag. You’ll be the envy of all your fitness friends. Everyone who runs will receive a beautiful custom finisher medal after crossing the finish line. For your dining pleasure and race replenishment, BJ’s Fry Shack and Duck Donuts will be on-site with plenty of great food and beverages! If your not in the race you can still keep your feet moving with a DJ rocking throughout the race.

with carloads of collectibles that evoke cherished memories and whole house design ideas.

Hand-car ved benches and tables, vintage children’s items, reclaimed farm implements, and heavy quilts stitched with love over generations, are just a few elements shoppers can expect to find at Pilot View Vintage Market. The region maintains a strong connection to the land and the agriculture that sustained it for centuries, so each booth is overflowing with timeless treasures. Vintage maven Christy Craig, owner of Pilot Mountain’s own A Vintage View thoughtfully curates every vendor. For lodging suggestions and area information, Pilot View Vintage Market takes go to the Pilot View Vintage Market place Saturday, April 18th 2020 from Facebook page.

9am to 4pm along Main Street in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.

Mayfest is an annual tradition on Mother’s Day weekend in downNestled in historic Downtown town Pilot Mountain May 8th,9th Pilot Mountain, the market brims &10th. The three-day festival is with handcrafted vintage furnish- Pilot Mountain’s longest running ings, upcycled farmhouse décor event celebrating 39 years. It has a and one-of-a-kind keepsakes from yearly attendance of 30,000+. Food more than 100 vendors. Visitors choices range from burgers and arrive eager to explore and leave fries to homemade peach cobbler.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

We have 150+ vendors selling all types of handmade goods from quilts to wreaths. This year’s entertainment will be Radio Revolver and the Thurston Howell Band.

Downtown Pilot Mountain 124 W Main St Pilot Mountain NC 27041 Reconnect with nature and the small town charm reminiscent of older days by exploring our beautiful town. Come visit the mountain at our State Park, walking trails, and campgrounds.

Located just a few minutes from the mountain is our downtown area, which boasts delicious restaurants, award winning bed and breakfasts, shops, and other small businesses. Wineries, inns, our golf course, and wedding destinations are also available in the area. So come take a trip to Pilot Mountain and enjoy yourselves. We’re happy to have you!

www.pilotmountainnc.org

Step Back

In HISTORY

COLONEL MARTIN ROCK HOUSE WILSON-FULTON MUSEUM MORATOCK IRON FURNACE PRIIY’S GENERAL STORE DAVIS CHAPEL | KING’S CABIN

#StokesRocks �w.hangingrock.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Twenty-Seventh Annual Loch Norman Highland Games

A

pril 17-19, 2020, The Loch Norma n Highla nd Ga mes a t R u r a l H i l l i s a fa m i l y friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Countr y Dancing, Sunday Church Service, He a r t h C o ok i n g, NC Be er a nd Wine, W hiskey Tastings, Kilted Runni n g Event s, S cott ish Cla n Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and so much more!

Modern Scottish Festivals have their roots in the middle ages. We have reports of athletic competition (“Games”) at many times and places when people gathered together; fairs, militar y musters (“wapenschaws”), even funerals!

Games which now feature track and field events, music, and dance

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have been held in the village of Ceres (in Fife) since shortly after the battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

So now that you know a little of the past and present Highland Games come out and enjoy the histor y, heritage and maybe try some haggis!

Celebrating more than 250 years in history…Rural Hill is the former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson. The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Historic Rural Hill Inc. and features annual events such as the Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, and the NC Brewers and Music Festival.

Historic Rural Hill Inc. is a nonprofit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its education efforts.

For more information on events please visit www.ruralhill.net.

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 704 875 3113

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Tuck Fest Continued From Page 13

2013 to over 48,000 attendees in 2019. The name “ Tuck Fest� comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the Whitewater Center.

The Tuckaseegee Ford was known as the oldest crossing point on the Catawba River before it was dammed to create Lake Wylie.

headliners; Saturday is high traffic throughout the day. We welcome the use of Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing options. There will be a designated free ridesharing drop- off point on Whitewater Center Parkway

Arrive early. Peak traffic times are typically in the late afternoon For more info on Tuck Fest, and evening before the musical please visit: tuckfest.org.

HISTORIC LATTA PLANTATION 5225 Sample Road Huntersville, NC 28078 LattaPlantation.Org

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Open

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

dinner

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full bar

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good times

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