Issue 112 July the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 112 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Stress Distancing Day Trips

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

PADDLE

Paddle along the South Fork and Catawba River on the 11 Mills Blueway Trail. A complete list of where to rent equipment and launch boats as well as places to stop and relax at eateries and breweries can be found online at GoGastonNC.org/11-mills-blueway-trail.

704-825-4044 | GoGastonNC.org

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July 2020 Issue 112

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 Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Kate Gavenus, Tory Mabe.

Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Sam Dean, Todd Bush Cover: US National Whitewater Center

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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Contents DayTrip Destinations

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Experience What Makes Granville County’s Restaurant Scene “Uniquely Carolina”

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Fortunately, The Sunsets Are One Thing That Haven’t Changed At The Beach 10 Triskelion Brewing Company

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You’ll Be COOL In Stokes County This Summer

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The New GoGastonNC Site Makes Destination Decisions A Snap!

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Up In The Air On Weekend Plans?

Here Are A Few Destinations

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It’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails Month In Hendersonville

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Side Trips Are Part Of The Fun Of Going Places In The Southern Hills

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Where2GO...

Stress Distancing Destinations

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Where do you want to be?

playanydaygetawaycation

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

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

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations 50th Annual Southeast Old Threshers Reunion July 2, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Denton FarmPark, 1072 Cranford Rd Denton, NC 27239 www.dentonfarmpark.com

The Big What? 2020 August 6, 12:00 pm - August 8, 11:00 pm Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd Pittsboro, NC 27312C thebigwhat.com

49th Annual Hog Roast TO-GO July 4, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Beech Mountain Chamber 403A Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 www.beechmtn.com

10th Annual Running the Vines 5k/10k and Kid’s 1/2 Mile Fun Run August 1, 8:00 am Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane Dobson, NC 27017 sheltonvineyards.com

Stokes County Independence Day Celebration Sunday July 5th 6pm.

Piney Grove Middle School 3415 Piney Grove Church Road, Lawsonville, NC 27022 www.hangingrock.com

Peach Pancake & Celebration Day August 8, 8:00 am - 11:30 am Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville St, PO Box 2617 Greensboro, NC 27405

Over 150 NEW events posted on NCTDM.com!

Your Legal Destination

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT KIND OF LAW FIRM

General Litigation Business & Corporate Law Personal Injury Commercial Real Estate Law Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration

Commercial & Consumer Collections Eminent Domain/Condemnation Community Association Law Property Tax Appeal Matters Construction Law

The McIntosh Law Firm 209 Delburg Street, Suite 203 Davidson, NC 28036

The McIntosh Law Firm Is Honored To Sponsor

April 17-19, 2021

Loch Norman Highland Games 2021

www.ruralhill.net

704-892-1699 – McIntoshLawFirm.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

AWS ADVANCED WEALTH STRATEGIES

We believe it’s not about what you have;

It’s about what you keep.

225 S Broad St Mooresville, NC www.GhostfaceBrewing.com

Douglas Marion (704) 765-3653

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.

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Experience What Makes Granville County’s Restaurant Scene “Uniquely Carolina”

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outhern Granville County continues to grow. With an easy commute to Raleigh-Durham, as well as convenient access to RDU, the region is attracting families looking to relocate to a more relaxed, open area. What people don’t expect to find is the expansive list of restaurants, stores and unique shops that populate communities such as Creedmoor, Butner, and Wilton.

Finch’s Finch’s prides itself on maintainSo come join us – relax, grab a ing a local, hometown atmosphere bite to eat – and experience what while serving the best in country makes Granville County’s restaurant cooking. Stop by and experience for scene “Uniquely Carolina”...and yourself what the buzz is all about!

“Uniquely Delicious.” www.finchscreedmoor.com

Owl House

Owl House Cafe is where French and American cultures meet in a cozy cafe, bakery, and lunch spot that’ll make you feel right at home. The café features espressos and all-day breakfast, and is getting a reputation for its pastries and sweets – lunch brings on sandwiches and burgers. www.facebook.com/owlhousecafe

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Lakeside Grill – Lake Holt

This concession is more than just a stand with seating inside and on the deck overlooking beautiful Lake Holt. Grab a quick breakfast or sit down and enjoy the view while eating a hot dog, steak & cheese or a grilled chicken salad. www.lakeholt.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Plumpeez - Butner

This authentic New York style deli serves the best sandwiches in North Carolina. They use only Boars Head meats, cheeses, and condiments, and their bread products are preservative free fresh from the bakery of Neomonde. https://squareup.com/ store/plumpeezdeli

Wilton Pizzeria

This pizzeria boasts a local following that swears they won’t eat anywhere else and for good reason.

They cook their our own pizza sauce, make dough daily, and also offer some of the best chicken wings around. www.wiltonpizzeria.com Granville County brings together the best of smalltown living and easy access to metropolitan amenities. www.visitgranvillenc.com

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

www.RandyMarionJeepRam.com

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Fortunately, The Sunsets Are One Thing That Haven’t Changed At The Beach

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he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of life from our biggest cities… to the far reaching corners of rural North Carolina and all the way to the coast. So I wasn’t sure what to expect when I made the drive to Ocean Isle Beach. Ocean Isle was trip number 10 out of 50 places I’ve never been the year I turn 50!

The signs of social distancing were everywhere including popular places like Ocean Isle Fish Company (Sip on the Dreamsicle Hurricane) and Pelicans Perch Bar and Grill (I recommend the blackened Haddock Pelican Bites and fried pickles). If you aren’t comfortable being around a lot of people you might want to consider going for a late lunch or early dinner rather than typical meal times.

For this quick trip, I didn’t need a rental house. The Ocean Isle Inn offers sea side rooms with a view. Plus it has an indoor (heated) and outdoor pool. They are also adopting extra cleaning and social distancing practices including limiting people in lobby, and elevators.

Fortunately, the sunsets are one thing that haven’t changed at the beach. They are still ever y bit A rainy afternoon offered the as beautiful as they always were. chance to experience a wine tasting at The Silver Coast Winery. The Euro- You can see video of this trip pean style winery (no muscadine or and others and follow all the scuppernong varieties served here) adventures of Milemarker 50 on Instagram at @milemarker_50 is full of local art. The first winery in and milemarker50.com. Check Brunswick County even uses local out silvercoastwinery.com/ and www.oceanisleinn.com/ artists to design their labels.

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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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EXPERIENCE NATURE’S PLAYGROUND WITH ITINERARIES YOU CAN RELATE TO.

#1

www.DiscoverBurkeCounty.com

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ummer is the time to get outside and discover the foothills, the mountains, and the waterways in Burke County.

We have put together itineraries of things we suggest doing during your visit. When you stay at least one night in one of our partner accommodations you will have access to these great deals with our partners. Get out of town with your friends and come see what you have been missing in Burke County.

There is so much to do in the wide open spaces in Burke County, come see for yourself!

3 Packages to Choose From Girls - Couples - Adventure All packages offer special hotel rates- you choose the property at Hilton, Choice and Marriott properties in Morganton. Each guest room receives $25 in “DownTown Bucks” towards dinner at participating restaurants in downtown Morganton. If you book on AIRBNB or other accommodations, contact the Burke Visitor Center to receive your “Bucks.”

You must mention “Discover Burke’s Treasures” to receive the discounted hotel rate.

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

TRAIL POST TRISKELION BREWING COMPANY

T

riskelion Brewing Company is dedicated to bringing you damn good beer. That’s it.

That’s their goal. They like to do other stuff too... but primarily... at the taphouse, the main objective is simply to produce the best beer they can possibly make. Well, and encourage you to try it.

L ocated in Hendersonville’s Historic 7th Avenue district, they encourage you to come down and experience the growing brewer y scene. You’ll love it.

Celtic Music and an exploration of a vast, colorful, musical world that originates from Ireland, Scotland and the other Celtic nations.

Into self improvement? (arn’t we all?) try Yoga, Mindfulness, and Mimosas! Triskelion Brewing Company and the yoga community are growing in Hendersonville, so why not do it together! Come join local yoga teacher and lifestyle medicine nurse, Tamara Bernazky-Alm, for all levels yoga.

Stop in for a cold pint and more The Tri-Brew-Crew takes pride next time you cruise though our in crafting an ever changing menu little section of the Appalachian of brews. You can see all the beers Mountains. they have ever made on Untappd, or check the current menu by stopping by the Taphouse and checking out what’s on tap.

The Carolina Craft Passport is a In addition to serving damn good beer, they serve the community as a destination for music, gatherings and friendly competitions.

For instance, check out Irish Sessions at Triskelion. A session is a community celebration of traditional

reward program to nudge you to get off the well worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the region.

CraftPassport.app

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You’ll Be COOL In Stokes County This Summer

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a ke a s p l a s h i n t o c o o l mounta in waters of t he Dan River, dip your feet i n a ref re sh i n g w ater fa l l a s it rushes by your skin f low ing to the ground at Hanging Rock State Park. Stokes County, North Carolina is the perfect Mountain G et away, su r rou nde d by r u ra l landscapes, remote locations and vacation rental accommodations a t H a n g i n g R o c k t o c o o l o f f . away from traffic jams and large Five waterfalls to enjoy: Lower cities.

Cascades is accessed from outside the park gate on Hall Road and Experience the mighty Dan includes an area for wading perRiver flowing from the northwest fect for young ones. In the corner in Westfield at Jessup Mill Access, of the Visitor Center Parking lot to southeast at Pine Hall Bridge access Hidden Falls and Window Access. The Dan passes through Falls, here you can stand on rocks t h e S a u r a t o w n r a n g e k e e p i n g behind the waterfall! Upper Caswaters cool and refreshing for cades is accessed by crossing the kayaking, canoeing, or river tub- State Park Road onto a gravel trail, ing. In the northwestern section and Tor y ’s Den and Falls can be fishermen find pleasure at Jessup accessed from the rock climbing Mill or Harts Access, here Brown area on Charlie Young Road.

Trout are easily reeled in from their eastern most native habitat.

M o r a t o c k Pa r k i n D a n b u r y has been a go to for families and Add a Waterfall between hikes friends escaping confines of their

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

house this summer. Enjoy a picnic in the park, a dip into the river from a sandy riverside beach, or breath taking splash from the Rope Swing on the opposite river bank. Moratock is in a unique spot as Dan River waters horseshoe around park grounds.

Visitors often create their own circular float, similar to a lazy river, by way of an inner tube float they bring with them.

Inside Moratock at the upstream section of the Dan River, near rock outcroppings you put in, then float around to the river access on the opposite side near the historic Iron Furnace. Watch for River Access steps on river left, where you MUST get out, walk your tube across the road, and repeat. Don’t bypass the takeout as downstream there are limited

out-takes for a span of six miles.

Those playing in the waters of the river should remember this public water way IS NOT a “Lazy River ” and DOES continue downstream eventually into Virginia.

Cool Cars, Hot Rods, Motorcycles and FUN along the streets of Walnut Cove return this July with monthly Cruise In’s On Main. This event has become a tradition on the final Friday of each month with LIVE Entertainment and many downtown businesses open extended hours.

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

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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The New GoGastonNC Site Makes Destination Decisions A Snap!

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aston County Travel & Tourism has raised the bar on destination website design. Visitors to GoGastonNC.org will find a digital how-to guide for pre-planning their trip and maximizing their stay in Gaston County.

New and upgraded features include: an interactive trip planner, suggested itineraries, continually-updated event calendar, partner-centric imagery, informative blog stories and Instagram shared content “Developing the site and content strategies was not a ‘business as usual’ project. Gaston County’s destination organization staff consists of tourism professionals who understand the future of digital marketing and innovation.

They challenged our team to offer digital solutions that will draw visitors to the website and inspire travel to Gaston County. We are honored to be part of this project and by extension part of Gaston’s i n n o v a t i v e t e a m , ” s a y s Fr a n c i Edgerly, CEO of ITI Digital.

event calendar, asset-driven, partner-centric imagery, insider-written, informative blog stories, and user-generated Instagram content shared by visitors enjoying a wide variety of county tourism-related locations. With video, social media, a searchable database, and mapping functions, these new tools create an immersive experience, helping those planning trips to imagine themselves already here.

“With the user ’s primar y trip needs in mind, the launch of GoGastonNC.org motivates travel to our destination by informing them about the amenities and activities we offer here in a visually immersive and interactive way,” said Michael Applegate, Director of Gaston County Travel & Tourism.

The relaunch involved several innovative advances including: an Gaston County Travel & Tourinteractive trip planner, pre-pack- ism optimizes our county ’s brand aged suggested itineraries, real-time experiences to drive visitation

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

and partner economic growth.

Rapidly becoming the North Carolina Piedmont’s premier outdoor recreation destination, we celebrate our community ’s authentic tourism attractions, from beautiful natural settings to charming small downtowns, which thrill adventure travelers to be quickly edited to support any or delight those wanting to kick special topics.” back and relax.

Gaston County Travel & Tourism A p p l e g a t e s a i d “ U s e r s w i l l (GoGastonNC.org) connects out of be impressed with the site’s trip town visitors to our local tourism planning function which provides partners, providing satisfying stays access to dozens of pre-created for travelers and inspired clientele itineraries, as well as the ability to for area hospitality businesses. create your own, and then maps Gaston County offers visitors a selected places of interest.” He variety of attractions to enhance also noted “Particular focus was your trip including museums, given to outdoor recreation and botanical gardens, extreme sports, hiking, dining and walkable downtowns, but, based entertainment parks, art and on the time of year or cur rent history and more. events the site offers the flexibility www.GoGastonNC.org

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.”

www.visitgranvillenc.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

TM

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Up In The Air On Weekend Plans? Here Are A Few Destinations

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lanned Getaways or Adventures ala-carte, Burke County North Carolina is your destination to distance yourself from ordinary weekends.

Up in the Air

T h e r m a l Va l l e y i s a f a m i l y owned and operated business whose mission is to facilitate people to feel the exhilarating effects of free flying through our discovery of tandem hang gliding flights. You start out with ground school training and paper work then they will help you in your harness. After a final safety check, the tug pilot takes off and up you and your instructor go in the wild blue yonder! When you reach your target altitude, the glider releases the tow line and begins free flight.

Thermal Valley ’s 1500 foot flight lasts 8 to 12 minutes and each 500 foot increase will add up to five minutes depending on the atmospheric conditions.

Well Grounded

The Catawba Valley is located along the Catawba River between the foothills of the Blue Ridge and the South Mountains near Morganton, North Carolina.

Hang Gliding allows you to see The Catawba Valley Wine Trail the world from the point of view features 5 wineries - all located of a free-flying bird. Schedule your within minutes of Interstate 40 tandem hang gliding flight with between Exit 90 and Exit 112. We them today!

Continued On Page 20

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Up In The Air Continued From Page 18

are located only 45 minutes east of Asheville, NC and 45 minutes west of Statesville, NC. Each winer y along our Wine Trail offers wine tastings and tours while providing unique surroundings for spending time and enjoying Fork Winery and have fun with an a picnic or share a bottle of wine unpretentious wine tasting at Belle with friends.

Nicho Winery. Of course, don’t forget to check out the latest solar power You’ll find a variety of wine styles technology in use at Lake James along the Catawba Valley Wine Trail. Cellars, an award winning winery From sweet Waldensian Wines made powered by the sun. in the tradition of the Valdese area’s original Italian settlers to the dry, For more Burke Treasures, Adventures and Decompression award-winning Bordeaux-style wines Destinations visit Discover from South Creek Winery.

Burke County on Facebook Enjoy magnificent views of the South Mountains from Silver

at www.facebook.com/ DiscoverBurkeCounty or : www.discoverburkecounty.com

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

WheelsThroughTime.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Where are you going?

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The SylvanSport GO™ was designed to break the rules and reset your expectations for what a camper can be. If you crave the energy and freedom of being outdoors but also insist on award-winning design, superior craftsmanship and extreme comfort – then we think you’ll love the GO. It’s the been a favorite of the Destination Magazine™ for over 10 years now. And it’s made in the Mountains of North Carolina!

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It’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails Month In Hendersonville

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atch a potter turn a hunk of clay into an elaborate vase, see jewelers transform metal and stone into elegant accents, or learn how a painter uses tiny brushstrokes to create a multicolor masterpiece.

These experiences and more await along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails of Henderson County. Three distinct trails guide visitors through the towns of Hendersonville and Flat Rock, and into the countryside, showcasing nationally renowned artists in their studios and galleries.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area launched the trails in January and is working with the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority to celebrate these artists and their talents with Blue Ridge Craft Trails Month.

“We love the idea of showcasing these three craft trails for the month of July,” says Leslie Hartley of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

“It’s a time when the weather is nice,

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and people can venture out across the countryside to visit the studios.

Plus, the artists are friendly and eager to welcome visitors back into their studios and galleries.”

The three trails are: Touring the Heart of Hendersonville, Wandering Flat Rock and Finding Wonders in the Outskirts. The self-guided trails allow visitors to create their own itineraries, providing a safe way for visitors to return to traveling while supporting small businesses.

“Hendersonville has so much to offer in the way of art,” says Beth Carden, Henderson County tourism director. “Whether you want to visit with artists and watch them work or shop for finished pieces in a gallery setting, you choose the experience.”

Renowned craft curator Anna Fariello worked to identify the best of the best for the Blue Ridge Craft Trails locations in Henderson County.

While most galleries keep regular hours, some studios are open by

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

appointment only, so visitors should call ahead.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come and see something different that they won’t see in other places and actually get to know the people who make the crafts,” says Rodney Leftwich of Leftwich Pottery. “There is a story behind ever y artist and artisan out there.”

For info about Blue Ridge Craft Trails Month in Henderson County - including maps, artist profiles and additional attractions - go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org or call (800) 828-4244.

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

housethatbeerbuilt.com

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Grandfather Mountain

Side Trips Are Part Of The Fun Of Going Places In The Southern Hills

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oday’s visitors on the parkway are welcome to share much of the same glorious scenery known only to native mountaineers born to it and men of wealth who bought into it. But in addition, as I travel over this route it strikes me that the parkway and its northern link in Virginia, the Skyline Drive, constitute more than a road, more than a recreation area in their own right, but also a gateway to such regions as the vast forested bowl spread out below Pisgah.

Many opportunities for side trips present themselves. They furnish close-ups of mountain culture, scenery, history, and of mountain communities in a time of transition.

A few well-chosen digressions are in order; they complement the drive and add extra qualities to it.

– the “campus” – recount George Vanderbilt’s sponsorship of pioneer efforts in conservation. Along the trail, hands-on exhibits, crafters at work, an old logging locomotive and portable sawmill add to the picture of what life was like.

Much of Pisgah National Forest in this vicinity is devoted to recreation and scenic enjoyment. Sliding Rock, a sixty-foot-long cascade, is at its best when it earns its name, sending swimmers splashing into a clear pool below. Just beyond, Looking Glass Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the southern mountains, whether to contemplate or photograph. At the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and adjacent state fish hatchery, families can learn about the importance of mountain streams, where water and life begin, and how brown, brook and rainbow trout are spawned, raised, and stocked.

For instance, the road down from Pisgah leads to the Cradle of Forestry, a 6,500-acre outdoor museum commemorating the site At the outskirts of Asheville where forestry was first practiced (parkway exit at French Broad and taught in America. The visitor River, Milepost 393.6), a major center and restored mountain cabins Continued On Page 26

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Side Trips Continued From Page 26

Chimney Rock

point of interest, the North Carolina Arboretum, includes 434 acres of gardens, greenhouse and educational displays, with miles of hiking and biking trails. The arboretum, “a natural cradle of plant cultivation,” was chosen as site of the World Botanic Gardens Congress in late June 2000. And another major facility alongside the parkway, the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, covers 1,500 acres with impressive buildings and landscaped grounds meant for spiritual retreat.

East of Asheville lies Chimney Rock with its ancient monolith, 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails and awe-inspiring views overlooking the charming villages of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. South of Chimney Rock lies Hendersonville with its beautiful village-like downtown and Brevard with its waterfalls and summer music series. Adjacent to both towns is the DuPont State Recreational Forest with miles of hiking and biking trails and multiple scenic, easily-accessible waterfalls.

North of Asheville, the motorist explorer can take a five-mile side trip off the parkway to Mount Mitchell State

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Park, the highest mountain in eastern America, or stop at the resort community of Little Switzerland and visit the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.

Towns like Black Mountain, Burnsville and Mars Hill are cradled by mountains and surrounded by gorgeous views.

Country inns, bed and breakfasts, craft fairs and music festivals perpetuate tradition in a modern age.

The parkway north of Little Switzerland welcomes vacationers to the North Carolina High Country, a four seasons playground. Appalachian Ski Mountain and Beech and Sugar mountains offer snow sports for the beginner to the afficionado. Several famous attractions nearby are worth a visit: Linville Caverns, The Blowing Rock, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, the outdoor drama “Horn in the West,” and Grandfather Mountain with its Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Two schools, Appalachian State University and Lees-McRae College, provide excellent cultural programs and concerts. The village of Blowing Rock is the only town physically located on the Parkway.

by Michael Frome Blue Ridge Parkway Association www.blueridgeparkway.org

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

3rd Annual Craft Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting Festival

Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 West Jefferson, NC • E. Main Street Lot Downtown General Admission 12 pm-4 pm • VIP 11 am-4 pm

LIVE MUSIC•FOOD TRUCKS CLASSIC CAR SHOW•CRAFT VENDORS

JON GATEWOOD

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN REALTOR

Proceeds Benefit Shoes for KIDS

www.StompandBrew.com

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TOURISM – DESTINATION MARKETING If you were planning for a new website, now is the time to build it so it’s ready when travel returns.

Stay active, but be mindful.

Marketing is all about momentum, and you want to stay top of mind for when people are ready to get back out there.

Your Content Up in 30 Days.

Content Creation - Video - Photography

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Where2GO...

Stress Distancing Destinations

Let The Camping Begin!

I

t is never the wrong time to hit the road and go exploring. We packed up the Sylvan Sport Go™and hit the road. To where you ask? This time we headed to Grandfather expect at the base of Grandfather Campground in Banner Elk. One of Mountain. With 43 years in business my many favorites. they have got it down to a science.

With 32 Acres of tenting, RV sites, After a full day of activities, we and Cabins located in the beautiful ended up at The Old Hampton Store Blue Ridge Mountains, how could Barbeque & Tavern. A family-run you go wrong with that? restaurant, general store, and tavern in a historic general store that is We got a site close to the banks nearly 100 years old. Old Hampton of the Watauga River. There is so Store is the perfect stop for some much to do in this little area white- BBQ & Bourbon or a local brew. water rafting, skiing, tubing, golf, Such a quaint country place that also fishing, hiking, with fire rings at each has an Art gallery, antiques, music, campsite, some with grills! There is ample open outdoor seating. also gem mining and trout fishing next door and that’s just a start.

We loved slipping back in time at this cozy hot spot off the beaten At the end of the day we fell path. asleep to the sound of the river, and watching the lightning bugs. It could not have been more beautiful. In the morning we took a short walk to The Grandview Restaurant. It is like going to Grandma’s house for breakfast.

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