Issue 111 June the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 111 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Rural North Carolina IS Ready For You!

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Go Gaston. Get Online.

Themed Trail Sweepstakes Gaston County offers a wide range of outdoor experiences to meet many interests. Participate in our online sweepstakes to learn why you’ll want to include Gaston County in your future travel plans and to enter for a chance to win great recreational products.

Enter for a chance to win!

1. Jamis Durango A1 Mountain Bike 2. Vibe Yellowfin 120 Kayak 3. YETI Hopper BackFlip 24 4. ENO DoubleNest Hammock

JOIN THE FUN: GoGastonNC.org/sweepstakes FOLLOW THE FUN

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June 2020 Issue 111

the

W

e tell you where to go!

Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find local & regional events, destinations and experiences in the Destination Magazine™ that will give you memories for a lifetime The Destination Magazine™ is about new destinations and experiences to discover on your own, or outings with friends and family. We hope you will find a new memorable experience ever y month in the Destination Magazine™ .

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Contents Themed Trail Sweepstakes, Everyone Is A Winner.

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Relax In Dobson With Cabins, Trails And Wineries

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Good Things Come In Threes

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Roaring River Vineyards

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Come Find Yourself Again In Nature’s Playground

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Return To The Outdoors In Stokes County

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Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Kate Gavenus, Tory Mabe, Morrisa Angi, Josie Jenkins, Angela Allen

Two New Breweries Join Hendersonville Cheers! Trail

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

Escape To Byrds Branch, Explore The Yadkin Valley

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A Socially Distanced Road Trip To Western North Carolina

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Alpine Coaster Provides Thrills In Banner Elk

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We know we are on to something!

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

Cover: Carter Falls - Lisa Jay

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 Summerfield, 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 man-made disaster, etc., that are out of the control of the Publisher, which affect the publishing of this magazine.

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Themed Trail Sweepstakes, Everyone Is A Winner.

Go Gaston. Get Online.

G

aston County ’s wide range Farms Trail of outdoor experiences can be tailored to meet the needs of multiple travel motivations and interests. Participate in our online sweepstakes to learn why you’ll want to include Gaston County in your future travel plans and to enter for In need for some fresh and tasty the chance to win great recreational produce? This guide can help you find products while doing it. the ingredients you need.

11 Mills Blueway Trail

Mountain Biking Trail

An unforgettable paddling adventure along the Catawba & South Fork Rivers. Gaston County offers a network of over 65 miles of exciting mountain biking trails at scenic locations.

Antiquing Trail

Museums Trail

Love everything vintage style? We recommend you visit our antique stores.

Arts & Culture

Travel through time at these engaging museums that make learning fun and interesting!

Must See & Do

We will inspire you with beautiful displays at our local galleries, gardens and performance centers.

You don’t know Gaston until you visit all of our treasured destinations.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Parks Trail

Walkable Downtowns

Need some fresh air? Get outside Many unique dining, retail and event and visit out the best parks in Gaston options exist in our 13 historic, walkable County today. downtowns.

Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail

Breweries, wineries and a distillery, Embrace the craft beverage culture in Gaston County.

Just visit the web address below to let us know your preferred recreation activities and you’ll be entered to win. It’s that easy. đ&#x;˜ƒ 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

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Relax In Dobson With Cabins, Trails And Wineries.

Photo: Sam Dean

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he rural town of Dobson makes the most of its Yadkin Valley location with stunning scenery, rolling terrain for outdoor activities and sprawling vineyards for growing grapes. It’s a quiet and relaxing getaway, less than two hours from Charlotte and less than an hour from Winston-Salem.

off to one side, a wooded 6.3-mile mountain bike trail accommodates biking, hiking and trail running.

“Mountain bikers like it because it is an intermediate trail, and the consequences are low,” says Daniel White, Surr y County Parks and Recreation director. “What makes it unique are the rock outcroppings Dobson’s rural nature allows and the little drop-offs that we have visitors to embrace natural resources built into the trail.” such as Fisher River Park, while enjoying European-style wines at Yadkin Valley continues to grow four vineyards in Dobson and others as NC wine country, and Dobson is nearby. The rolling countryside is a great place for tastings. Shelton dotted with rental cabins that provide Vineyards, the largest family-owned maximum social distancing. estate winer y in North Carolina, invites visitors to explore vineyards, “It’s a beautiful place, especially try award-winning wines and dine at the views coming into town off of the Harvest Grill.

I-77,” says Laura Neely, Dobson town manager. “I can see the mountains “It’s almost like a different world from my office window, and I very when you step onto the grounds of much enjoy that.”

Shelton Vineyards,” Neely says. “It’s like all of your cares just go away.”

The most popular outdoor destination is Fisher River Park. A Newcomer Haze Gray Vineyards 1.5-mile loop trail borders the river opened recently on an 85-acre forand provides a smooth, mostly flat mer tobacco farm. The owners have hike. There is a dedicated kayak long-standing military ties, and the launch on the Fisher River. And vineyard is a certified Homegrown by

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Heroes farm, signifying agricultural Rental cabins are plentiful in and products made by military veterans. around Dobson, while the Hampton A rental cabin overlooks the vineyard Inn & Suites at Shelton Vineyards and sleeps four. is known for top-notch accommodations, professional service and The wine lodge at Stony Knoll in-house wine bar.

Vineyards, half a mile from Haze Gray, sleeps five guests in a renovated 1860s log home. Additional To plan your Dobson getaway, Dobson wineries include Herrera visit www.YadkinValleyNC.com.

Vineyards and Hutton Vineyards.

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

housethatbeerbuilt.com

Parks Created By Mother Nature...

Not A Zoning Board.

wwwVisitGranvilleNC.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

TM

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Good Things Come In Threes

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hey say, “good things come in threes.” For the residents of Creedmoor and Granville County, the better statement may be “good health comes in threes.”

That is because there are three parks that can help you get outdoors and in shape.

The largest and most spectacular park is Lake Rogers. Located at 1711 Lake Road (Hwy 56) just northwest of the City of Creedmoor, Lake Rogers is a shallow lake covering 175 acres. The area offers fishing, boating, hiking, a playground for the kids, and has 4 picnic shelters with other picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Additionally, the park is connected to wifi, so it is not unusual to have business people and students enjoying the North Carolina weather while also taking care of business.

A more traditional park is Harris Park (located at 415 Watson Street). Open to the public from sunrise to sunset, this park

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features a large picnic shelter (20x24) with two picnic tables, a playground with swings and benches. Parking is conveniently located in front of the park.

The third park is a bit more unique and offers Creedmoor residents a fresh alternative to outdoor recreation and fitness. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor, the Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail is a 1.1 mile trail outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The trail is open from dawn to dusk every day throughout the year.

For information on any of the parks in the Creedmoor area including shelter reservations, boat rentals and boat launch fees at Rogers Lake, please contact Creedmoor Parks & Recreation at (919) 528-3332.

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

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Three Intimate Venues For YOUR Recovery

The Cabin

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE

On The Rocks 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

On The Water 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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Burke County Tourism Development Authority 110 East Meeting Street, Morganton, NC 28655 www.discoverburkecounty.com (828) 433-6793

TRAIL POST ROARING RIVER VINEYARDS EXPERIENCE OUR FRENCH-INSPIRED VINEYARD, RESTAURANT AND EVENT VENUE

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ocated on the majestic Roaring River in Traphill, North Carolina, Roaring River Vineyards provides spectacular wines in a beautiful atmosphere.

The Tasting Room offers both wine and beer to please a variety of palates. Have a glass, share a bottle, or enjoy a tasting to sample all RRV wines or available beers. When you’re hungry, our Chez Joséphine restaurant offers delicious small plates and meals, with our pet 493 Brewer Mill Rd, Traphill, NC 28685 friendly outside dining area and river (336) 957-2332– CraftPassport.app side pet play area.

The vineyard grounds are perfect for a wide range of events, weddings or just a weekend getaway. We also provide lodging accommodations through one of our vacation rentals.

Whatever your reason for visiting Roaring River Vineyards, we look forward to having you here with us!

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.

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Come Find Yourself Again In Nature’s Playground

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ome to Burke County to discover what treasures you have been missing. We have so many unique, one of a kind experiences that will bring your mind out of the haze of quarantine and quench your thirst for adventure. One of these treasures is Thermal Valley Hang Gliding. Hang gliding is the perfect post-quarantine experience as it involves being free in wide open spaces, much change from being contained to your at-home office.

Thermal Valley is a family owned and operated business that’s mission is to help people feel the exhilarating effects of flying. The tug plane brings you up to 1500 feet then lets you go.

You can choose to go fast and spiral down or coast and enjoy the view.

They do tandem rides for beginners so someone else is in control and the rider can relax and just experience the 8 to 12 minute journey.

our many natural resources. We have two state parks, Lake James and South Mountain as well as a large amount of Pisgah National Forest that have many great hikes, sights and sounds that are waiting for you to experience. The weather While you are here we recom- is beautiful this time of year and mend getting back in touch with the area is vast, and ready to be nature by experiencing some of explored. Come find yourself again in Nature’s Playground, we are here waiting for you.

For more Burke Treasures, visit Discover Burke County on Facebook at www.facebook. com/DiscoverBurkeCounty or our website: www.discoverburkecounty.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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Return To The Outdoors In Stokes County

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nce you’re ready to venture out for fresh air and exploration, with family and friends you’ve been apart from, discover or return to Stokes County, North Carolina. Break out your hiking boots, saddle a horse or dip your feet into the cool natural waters of the Dan River, there’s so much more than extraordinar y views around every country bend. Hanging Rock State Park offers many trails, waterfalls and outdoor options… but what is there to do when arriving and rangers turn you away due to overcrowding and limited parking?

We outline a few PRO tips to make the best of your visit. Become aware of alternate entrances or trailheads, including the Riverbluffs or Indian Creek trails accessible from the parks river access on Flinchum Road.

Mountain Bike trails are also for hiking, views may not be as stunning but much grandeur is found here, be sure to yield to mountain bikers.

Lower Cascades Waterfall can be accessed from Hall Road, and Tory’s Den or Ruben Mountain Trial are located on Charlie Young Road.

Pass a few hours floating a small section of the Dan River, flowing for 57 miles throughout the county. General Dan Tubing Company or Hillside Dan River Tubing offer a one way shuttle to an input on Seven Island Road. Average time to complete this section of the Dan River, returning to Moratock Park in Danbury, is around

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three hours. A unique aspect is being able to spend as much time stopping along the way to observe unique outcroppings, just return to the river outfitter by closing time.

Step back in time learning more about local history on a drive to Historic Downtown Danbury, snap a selfie in front of the Historic Courthouse, then to Moratock Park to observe the iron furnace from Civil War times. Drive out to Germanton the oldest town and original location Continued On Page 21

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Outdoors Stokes Continued From Page 18

of the county courthouse, or to Pinnacle and observe historic remains of the Rock House built by Colonel Jack Martin and used as a fort against battles of Indians and Tories in 1776.

Extend your stay during less busy weekdays, by booking one of over 30 vacation rentals. Accommodations range from a couple’s suite to charming farm houses or a lodge for groups up to 15, each location with stylings and charm of our rural heritage. Looking for something more upscale? Check into one of 9 suites at Big Creek Lodge on the Lunas Trail Farm property in Westfield.

Here you can also experience nearly five miles of trails on 350 acres of property, and a full service restaurant with Chef prepared menu items.

Each room boasts its own private deck overlooking the Sauratown Mountains, an oasis to behold as you find yourself in a Stokes County State of Mind.

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

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Two New Breweries Join Hendersonville Cheers! Trail

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he Hendersonville Cheers! Trail welcomes two new breweries, as well as a winer y tasting room and bistro. The popular trail now includes 17 stops serving wine, beer, cider and mead from downtown Hendersonville throughout the Blue Ridge Mountain countryside.

Just around the corner, Mills River Brewing Co. opened its new 8,600-square-foot location in Januar y. The brewer y began life in 2015 in an Arden strip mall but quickly outgrew that location. When searching for a new spot, owners Joey Soukup and PJ McCarthy looked to Mills River, their hometown and Burning Blush Brewery, which the brewery’s namesake. opened in late 2019, creates a pubstyle atmosphere. You can’t miss the Beers are named after Mills building with its stately rock façade River landmarks and trails, such as along Boylston Highway in the Mills Middle Fork IPA, Big Creek amber River community. ale and Mullinax stout. Juju’s Craft Cookery operates an on-site food Inside, striking multicolor murals truck featuring a creative menu with by local artists cover the walls. locally sourced ingredients. Wings, Brewer Whit Lanning studied at burgers, nachos and fries pair well Brewlab in Sunderland, England, and with a pint. you can feel the Old World influences in the place, from iron chandeliers Burntshirt Vineyards in Henderto an antique bar. Lanning’s core sonville recently opened a second beers trend toward the lower end of location in nearby Chimney Rock. the ABV spectrum. An English bitter, The tasting room and bistro overlook German-style pilsner, Vienna lager the iconic Chimney Rock landmark and Baltic porter are tasty reflections and Hickory Nut Falls. of his European training.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Ta s t e a s e l e c t i o n o f 2 0 e s tate-grown wines, and choose a favorite to pair with lunch or dinner.

Standouts include a French-style dry rosĂŠ, a Meritage red blend and a pleasantly sweet apple wine.

The bistro ser ves an upscale yet approachable menu with Southern classics, seafood dishes and shareable small plates.

To lear n more about these stops and plan your route along the Hendersonville Cheers! Trail, visit www.CheersTrail.org or call (800) 828-4244.

To learn more about summer activities in Hendersonville, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.

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Escape To Byrds Branch, Explore The Yadkin Valley

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he walls were moving in, so I had to escape. I’m sure it’s not just me that feels that way, so I grabbed my hiking boots, my mountain bike & threw it in the GO, and hit the road. Just a short drive to Elkin, NC Byrd’s Branch Campground & Country Store is a gem.

Byrds Branch has a cozy & beautiful campground. I parked our camper in a lush green meadow beside the frog kissing pond. Family-owned campground, a great place to call home base while you’re in town exploring and experiencing all the hiking, biking trails, waterfalls, and watering holes.

Once set up camp, I took off walking up the road to explore the magnificent Carter Falls.

Previously a hydro station from 1914 to 1967, then privately owned up until 2017. The Mountain to Sea Trail created an access point for the public to enjoy for the first time in 2018, and what a fantastic sight it is!

Great for a picnic and hiking around

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on the trails. All of this walking has gotten me hungry, so I headed back to the campsite, packed a pack & followed the Mountain to Sea Trail into town to Skull Camp Smokehouse for a wrap and Grown-up Mac & Cheese.

Ready to walk off that incredible lunch, I headed out hiking to one of the three vineyards I could walk to; however, there are 28 vineyard/ wineries all within a 30-minute drive.

For now, walking it is, and I headed to Grassy Creek Vineyard. It’s such a cool place, converted horse stable for the tasting room while the actual winery is in a historic dairy barn. The grounds are majestic rolling hills with a pond. So I grabbed a bottle to go and headed up the path back towards the campsite. There’s nothing better but to be lounging back, watching the stars, listening to crickets, frogs, and sipping a little wine to end a fabulous day.

For more information about these destinations and other Yadkin Valley events, visit www.YadkinValley.org

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

A Socially Distanced Road Trip To Western North Carolina

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renovated caboose, a bison farm, and the scenic views of the North Carolina Mountains combined for the perfect socially distanced road trip.

It was a much-needed getaway after spending weeks staring at the same walls of my house, day in and day out. The weekend was part of my plan to visit 50 places I’ve never been the year I turn 50. Needless to say, many of those trips have had to be canceled or put on hold amid the plethora of ‘Stay at Home’ orders and uncertainty of travel restrictions.

North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. The more difficult Waterrock Knob trail near Waynesville is also a popular spot for hikers.

Out there, the world felt almost normal. Flowers bloomed with the hope of Spring. The sun rose and But the charm of the caboose, set in all the glory you’d expect, and with a front-row seat to watch birds soared with the freedom we’ve the Bison, wasn’t dependent on all been missing. area businesses being open. Buffalo Creek Vacations is centrally located As I sipped on a glass of wine and just outside of Asheville and near ate the fish we caught earlier that day, Maggie Valley. Horseback riding, I was thankful that a getaway like this fishing, ziplining, and rafting are all was only a few hours from home. within a short drive.

Tw o p o p u l a r h i k e s i n t h e area showcase the beauty of the region. At the summit, Max Patch i n t h e P i s g a h N a t i o n a l Fo r e s t offers stunning 360 views of the

You can see video of this trip and others and follow all the adventures of Milemarker 50 on Instagram at @milemarker_50 and milemarker.com.

Buffalo Creek Vacations also has cabins for rent buffalocreekvacationsnc.com

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Find Your Trail in Wine Country

Explore miles of hiking, kayaking and cycling trails online

YadkinValleyNC.com/map

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Alpine Coaster Provides Thrills In Banner Elk

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i l d e r n e s s Ru n A l p i n e Coaster has opened in the North Carolina mountains, providing a thrilling experience for visitors to the town of Banner Elk.

that point, the alpine coaster differs from a roller coaster because the remainder of the ride is gravity-fed with the rider in control of two braking handles. Riders can use as little or as much braking as they like.

It is North Carolina’s first alpine The six-acre attraction also roller coaster, with rides lasting about includes a clubhouse, observation five minutes. Each run includes three deck and gift shop. circular loops, a series of waves and several twists and turns. The top Tara Bechard, who grew up in speed is 27 miles per hour. the Tennessee mountains, fell in love with alpine coasters while working “ You’re looping, dipping or in Europe for the Department of turning. There is no point in the five Defense in the early 2000s. It took minutes where you are just riding,” her more than 15 years, but she has says Eric Bechard, who co-owns now fulfilled her dream of opening the coaster with his wife, Tara. “It’s a coaster in the U.S. very fast and a whole lot of fun.”

The Bechards are excited Wilderness Run is modeled af- about the long-term potential with ter coasters in Europe and was built Banner Elk being such a popular

by Germany ’s top alpine coaster destination for visitors. They have c o m p a n y. R i d e r s n a v i g a t e t h e plans to add lights to the carts and track in individual carts designed track for night rides. to accommodate up to two people.

“We’re right across from Sugar E a c h r i d e b e g i n s w i t h a Mountain, just a few miles from cable-pulled ascent of 770 feet. At Continued On Page 30

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Banner Elk Continued From Page 29

Beech Mountain and Grandfather Mountain, and we have all the restaurants and things to do in Banner Elk,” says Eric Bechard.

“It’s the perfect location.”

All guests must book a reservation online to spread out ridership and limit the amount of people on property at any given time.

Wilderness Run is not currently accepting walk-up customers.

For info, visit: WildernessRunAlpineCoaster.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Open

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