Issue 114 September the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 114 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Adventure Escape Relax

We Tell You Where To Go!

theDestinationMagazine.com

2

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

TAKE FLIGHT ON THE RIDGELINE CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features Gaston and Cleveland County’s breweries, distilleries and wineries.

Altogether, these uniques venues create an amazing experience worthy of a weekend getaway.

GoGastonNC.org/craft-beverage-trail

Gaston County Travel and Tourism GoGastonNC.org | 704-825-4044 | @GoGastonNC

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

3

September 2020 Issue 114

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 every month in the Destination Magazine™ .

Page 8

Page 12

Page 16

Page 19

Contents DayTrip Destinations

6

If You’re Looking For A Relaxed Adventure Paddle The Catawba River 8 Cavendish Brewing Company

11

Granville Outdoors.

Unique Spaces. Great Fun.

12

Art With An Expiration Date In Flat Rock

14

Stokes County Challenges You To Adventure

16

Fall Color Tours On The Ridgeline Trolley

19

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

Where2GO...

Stress Distancing Destinations

22

Cover: Jump Off Rock - Hendersonville

Adventurers Playground, Mountain Majesty

26

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.

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.

4

A Winning Combination: Banner Elk & Grandfather Mountain 28

Advertising

704-706-2365

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

When you are ready to

TRAVEL We have your

PASSPORT

Order Your Passport Today!

T R A I L DERSO NV I HEN L L E, N C

CheersTrail.org

Cheers! Trail Passport Weekend October 2-4, 2020

T R A I L DE HEN RSONV

I L L E, N C

800.828.4244 www.VisitHendersonvilleNC . org

Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Farm Fun Day September 12th Stomp and Brew POSTPONED 2021 Armstrong Artisan Farm 1499 Brook www.stompandbrew.com Cove Rd., Walnut Cove, NC 27052 www.armstrongartisanfarm.com Summer Camp Out October 17th Round Peak Vineyards 765 Round Eden Great River Race September Peak Church Rd Mount Airy, NC 19th at 9:00am Klyce Street River 27030 www.roundpeak.com Access - End of Klyce Street Eden, NC 27288 www.exploreedennc.com Corn Maze Fri & Sat September - November Armstrong Artisan Reach the Peaks 2020 September Fa r m 1 4 9 9 B r o o k C o v e R d . , 25th, 26th, or 27th Hanging Wa l n u t C o v e , N C 2 7 0 5 2 Rock State Park 1790 Hanging www.armstrongartisanfarm.com Rock Park Road, Danbur y, NC www..reachthepeaks.org 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

6

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.

ExploreEdenNC.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

7

If You’re Looking For A Relaxed Adventure Paddle The Catawba River

P

lan a weekend of kayaking in Paddling the Catawba River Gaston County, exploring the Blueway From Tuckasegee Park to Catawba and Southfork River Kevin Loftin Park.

Blueways. We recommend staying at the brand new Fairfield Inn and Distance: Approximately 4 Miles Suites in Mt Holly/Belmont and Time: Approximately 1-3 Hours renting boats at Suns Up Scuba Difficulty: Easy in Cramerton. You can also rent Rapids: Flat at Tailrace Marina just be sure to Skill Level: Beginner check their hours. You can see Boat Launch Address: our guide to the Southfork River Start: Tuckaseegee Park, 165 Blueway here.

Broome St, Mt Holly, NC 28120 O u r E x p e r i e n c e : I f yo u ’r e looking for a relaxed adventure in Gaston County, paddling the C at aw b a R ive r B l u e way f r o m Tuckasegee Park to Kevin Loftin Park is a perfect way to spend your morning or late afternoon.

T h i s s t r e t c h o f t h e r iv e r c a n g e t p re t t y bu s y, e s p e c i a l ly o n weekends, so be sure to factor that in - early morning or evening is the perfect time depending on which activities you want to add on to the experience.

8

End: Kevin Loftin Park, East, 1400 Catawba St, Belmont, NC 28012 Permit Required: No

We set out early, around 8am, to minimize the summer heat and avoid the crowds and parked our shuttle car at Kevin Loftin Park in Belmont. It’s a public park and is free to use, so you’ll be fine to leave your car. From there, we made an obligatory stop at Catawba Coffee Company in downtown Mt Holly for a little energy boost before heading to Tuckaseegee Park, just a few miles away. When you arrive at Tuckaseegee Park, use the parking lot on the

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

right and look for the river across the athletic field. This is a natural, hand-carry boat launch so there is no dock. Just follow the sidewalk towards the river and you’ll see a small beach where you can put your boats in. *Quick note, due to Covid 19 the bathrooms in the park are closed so plan accordingly.

After putting on your Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), put the boats in the water and set off to the right towards Tailrace Marina. Be aware of boat traffic. After about the first 15-20 minutes you’ll see access to the US National Whitewater Center across the river on your left, and Tailrace Marina on your right with an island in the middle.

Here you’ll have a few options.

You can pop over to the USNWC for an hour or two and explore all the fun activities they have. You can also stop at Tailrace Marina for a quick rest or a bite to eat at JR Cashs and paddle around and explore Felts Island, which separates the two locations. You can choose to keep going and head directly for Loftin Park. This area is a nice place to spend some time, it just depends on what type of day you’re looking for. We decided lunch on the deck of JR Cashs was the best fit for our day but you can easily spend an hour or two between the three destinations in this area.

From Tailrace Marina we made our way on to Kevin Loftin Park. This stretch will take about an hour so make sure you have plenty of water and if you’ve been out exploring the area around Tailrace Marina, it might be a good idea to reapply sunscreen.

You’ll paddle under both I-85 and highway 74 bridges before arriving at the park, which will be around the bend after you go under highway 74. *Cheat code...you should have full service here, so if you bring your phone you can pull it up on a map so you don’t miss it.

The brand new kayaking dock at Loftin Park makes it easy to get your boats out of the water. Head up the stairs and you’ll find yourself right back at your shuttle car. We finished the day with a cold smoothie from “I Love Juice Bar” before heading back to Tuckaseegee Park to pick up our other car.

Hope you enjoy!

The Go Gaston Team *Disclaimer: This article is in no way intended to be advice, we are simply sharing our experience. We are not experts. If you choose to paddle it without a guide, please reach out to your local kayak shop or the Catawba Lands Conservancy to speak to someone about what to expect.

Below you’ll find additional resources and suggestions to help with your planning.

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.GoGastonNC.org

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

9

Fall Color Tours Tour Dates - October

15, 16, 17 – 22, 23, 24 – 29, 30, 31 – Nov. 5-7

Fall Color Tours in the Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guided Tours depart Morganton at 11am and return around 5pm. Box lunch will be provided.

Due to COVID-19 we will have 50% occupancy on the trolley. All passengers including driver and guide are required to wear masks. Trolley will be thoroughly cleaned between trips.

For any questions or to book your trip, call the Burke County Tourism Office at (828) 433 6793 or visit our website at www.ridgelinetrolley.com COST: $45 per person.

TRAIL POST CAVENDISH BREWING COMPANY

C

avendish steps outside the box and brings with it quirky events and Old World Beers.Would you not call Cavendish-Con on Sept. 12th a little quirky? Rock out your favorite cosplay while enjoying an artisan market and some craft beer.

or Foothills. Food is another enticement to visit, the kitchen serves up sandwiches like a hot Bustamante Royal (it’s worth asking about).

For more information about Cavendish Brewing Company and other Craft Beverage Destinations The Cavendish Brewing Com- visit CraftPassport.app pany is a 16-tap brewhouse that’s located in a former Studebaker dealership. The majority of beers available are uncommon beers The Carolina Craft Passport is a here in the “New World.” German, reward program to nudge you Czech and English recipes rule the to get off the well worn path taps here. and experience The brewery aims to be Gaston County’s locally owned and locally brewed neighborhood hub. And it does not matter if your neighborhood is in the Piedmont, Triangle

boutique craft beverage destinations across the region.

CraftPassport.app

Historic Downtown Madison

Crafted Cocktails Wine By The Glass 3pm-7pm Wed. - Sat.

203 E Murphy St, Madison, NC 27025

www.giadistillery.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

11

Granville Outdoors.

Unique Spaces. Great Fun.

W

i t h eve r yo n e i n N o r t h Carolina looking to get outdoors, we’d recommend looking to Granville County and four unique spaces in Creedmoor and Butner.

Lake Rogers The largest and most spectacular park in Creedmoor is located at Lake Rogers. Located on Highway 56, Lake Rogers is a shallow lake covering 175 acres, has 4 picnic shelters with additional picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

Harris Park A more traditional park is Harris Park. Named after the late Reverend Iley Harris, the founder and pastor of Harris Missionary Baptist Church, Harris Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and features a large picnic shelter (20x24) with two picnic tables, a playground with swings and benches. Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail This third park is a bit more unique.

12

The 1.1 mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The trail is ideally suited for the 76.8-acre site.

Lake Holt A fishing paradise, the 385 acre lake does allow fishing boats, and, since they restrict jet skis or any ski activity, the water is smooth, calm, and ready to fish. Non-power boat rentals are available with kayaks, paddleboards, johnboats leading in popularity. Another benefit for those fishing - Due to its primary use as a water reservoir, there is no swimming permitted at the lake.

Outside the water there is a 10 acre recreation area that includes 13 picnic tables and one picnic shelter with 8 picnic tables. A hidden gem at the lake is the Lake Holt Grill and Marina.

For more information visit www.visitgranvillenc.com. To contact the parks regarding specific amenities that may be temporarily restricted www.cityofcreedmoor.org and www.lakeholt.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

13

Art With An Expiration Date In Flat Rock

S

ome ar twork exists for centuries. Yet some pieces are temporary. The Gallery at Flat Rock pairs lasting creations with fleeting ones for its fifth annual “Art in Bloom” exhibit, Sept. 26-27.

Camarata typically holds “Art Located just south of downtown in Bloom” Memorial Day weekend Hendersonville, the gallery is known to coincide with Hendersonville’s for its finely curated art and craft.

Garden Jubilee, but the exhibit was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 The exhibit features 20 pieces pandemic. The gallery is now open of ar twork, such as paintings, with safety protocols in place. sculptures and jewelry. Each piece is paired with a floral display. The “Art in Bloom” begins with a flowers’ colors, style and arrange- ticketed preview party on Friday, ment tie directly to the art.

Sept. 25, from 5 - 8pm.Tickets are $25.

A limited number of people will be “We are regularly blown away allowed into the gallery at one time, with the creative vision and whimsy and refreshments will be served outof the floral designers for this event, side. Regular hours for the exhibit which is fast becoming a tradition are 10am - 6pm. Saturday and Sunhere,” says Suzanne Camarata, owner day. All artwork is available for purof The Gallery at Flat Rock. chase. For additional details, go to www.GalleryFlatRock.com.

Area artists submitted works throughout the summer, and judges For visitors who wish to stay selected 20 for the exhibit. Twenty for the weekend, Flat Rock and professional floral designers then Hendersonville offer a variety of studied the pieces and created fresh lodging options, including cabins floral interpretations based on what and vacation rentals. they saw. For visitors, the exhibit is a vibrant, multisensory experience.

For more information about Henderson County and The first exhibit of this kind took additional attractions - go to place at the Museum of Fine Arts www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. Boston in 1976. org or call (800) 828-4244.

14

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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

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

www.RandyMarionJeepRam.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

15

Stokes County Challenges You To Adventure

M

aybe you’ve found a new love for outdoor adventure and the thrill of the hike this summer, while finding a way to pass the time and enjoy fresh mountain air. Step it up a notch and push yourself to go further with a local hiking challenge, asking participants to Conquer and “Reach the Peaks” of Hanging Rock State Park. In it’s eighth year the Reach The Peaks hiking challenge has been deemed as North Carolinas Premier, World Class Challenge. Living up to its name, participants are encouraged to summit five peaks the tallest of which boasts an elevation of 2,579 feet at Moore’s Knob.

Normally a single day challenge, in 2020 participants can choose one day of a three day weekend to embark and conquer this 10 mile challenge with friends or family.

Check-in begins in Danbury at The Arts Place of Stokes where those registered will pick up their packets, t-shirts, and other complimentary swag. Take a short drive to Hanging Rock and find the start-finish line

16

in the Lake Bath House parking lot.

This can be a very strenuous hike, so take a training day or two, maybe an extended weekend prior to the challenge to experience the unique small downtown areas, shops and restaurants spread throughout the charming small towns of Stokes.

Give a wave and encourage other s as you pass and notice number bibs, the challenge is at your own pace, but veterans participating in all eight years record their times arriving at the peaks, as a way of self-bragging rights. www.reachthepeaks.org This fall enjoy a challenge perfect for the entire family at Armstrong Artisan Farm on Brook Cove Road in Walnut Cove, NC. The annual Corn Maze, Farm Fun Day, and Pumpkin Patch has become a perfect day trip or weekend addition to an overnight stay in Stokes County. The Armstrong family has been opening their farm to visitors for tours, which help to educate on the day to day operations of a working farm.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Far m Fun Day will be held on September 12th in the great outdoors offering plenty of space to spread out. The event will offer LIVE Music, wool spinning demos, petting zoo, corn pit, hayrides and more. Headlined by “One Fret Over” a bluegrass group consisting of young adult friends who met at youth bluegrass camp.

The real challenge is a new Corn Maze layout with a stream of water running thru it, enter the maze and work your way among twists and turns, searching for the exit. Two mazes for double the challenge, Open each Friday and Saturday from September to early November.

Photo opportunities abound in the Sunflower Fields, don’t forget to pick out the perfect Pumpkin to take home and carve. Check back for a new Chicken Stew event in October.

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

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

17

ESCAPE. UNWIND. INDULGE. BannerElk.com

18

CABIN RENTALS CASUAL & FINE DINING OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SHOPPING & GALLERIES Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Fall Color Tours On The Ridgeline Trolley

J

oin us on the Ridgeline Trolley for the Fall Color Tour, hosted

by Burke Countr y Tourism.

Board the Trolley in Morganton, NC and enjoy the sights as you travel up scenic Highway 181 to Linville, NC. The Tour includes a box lunch that will be eaten at a stop along our trip.

To u r w i l l i n c l u d e s e e i n g North Carolina’s largest volume w a t e r f a l l - L i n v i l l e Fa l l s a s well as a stop at Linville Falls Wi n e r y a n d b e a u t i f u l v i e w s of the changing leaves on the mountains.

Learn about the famous Brown Mountain Lights and other tales of the Linville Gorge and surrounding areas.

Due to COVID-19 we will be r unning at 50% occupancy in the trolley to insure the best possible social distancing.

Masks will be required for all p a s s e n g e r s a n d d r iv e r. T h e trolley will be thoroughly

cleaned between each tr ip to be as safe as possible.

The Comfort Inn and Suites, Fairfield Marriott and Hampton Inn in Morganton are all offering d i s c o u n t s f o r Tr o l l e y r i d e r s , please contact the hotel or the Tourism Office at (828)433-6793 for more information.

Dates: October 1-3; 8-10; 15-17; 22-24, 29-31 and November 5-7 Leave Burke County Visitor’s Center, 110 E Meeting St., Morganton, NC 28655 at 11am and return around 5pm Cost is $45 per person The Burke County Tourism Development Authority is located in Morganton, North Carolina and serves the tourism interests of Burke County, NC. Morganton is hailed as, “The Trailhead of Western North Carolina”, centrally located in Burke County. Our Visitor’s Center is full of information about unique attractions and activities in the area. Stop by and visit us!or visit www. discoverburkecounty.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

19

Parks Created By Mother Nature...

Not A Zoning Board.

wwwVisitGranvilleNC.com

TM

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

WheelsThroughTime.com

20

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

RANDY MARION ACCESORIES WWW.RANDYMARIONRMX.COM

SEPTEMBER SPECIALS 10% OFF HUSKY FLOOR LINERS 10% OFF UWS TOOLBOXES 10% OFF WESTIN SIDE STEPS 10% OFF AMSOIL PRODUCTS

UP TO 50% OFF ALL OAKLEY BRANDED PRODUCTS NEW OEM GM, RAM, FORD, JEEP TAKE OFF WHEEL & TIRE PACKAGES STARTING AT $899.99

$50.00 OFF SPRAY IN BEDLINERS

SHOP US ONLINE AT WWW.RANDYMARIONRMX.COM

UP TO 50% OFF ALL INSTOCK ARE TRUCK TOPPERS

205 W. Plaza Dr. Mooresville NC 28117 • 704-235-6800 • M-F 8am-8pm Sat 8am-4pm www.facebook.com/ RandyMarionRMX

BRING CHAIRS &BLANKETS

FREE EVENT ADMISSION

RESCHEDULED 401 LANGTREE RD MOORESVILLE, NC 28117

adne/opmrntby I.) RLWest

BENEFITTING

' I PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED BY

!fit

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

'I 'I

ti

'I'/'

21

Where2GO...

Stress Distancing Destinations Red Gates Tent & RV Park

R

ed Gates RV park and campground is located on a gently rolling meadowland with a 2 acre lake surrounded by a beautiful wooded area. It is only 5.5 miles away from historic downtown Hendersonville. Red Gates is a peaceful atmosphere for all campers. Bring your friends and family in a tent, popup, travel trailer, fifth wheel or motor home and come enjoy the vibrant Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning beauty of Western North Carolina.

If this sounds like the ideal basecamp, you are right. At the campground you have free wi-fi, a heated bathhouse with an unending supply of hot water and laundry facilities. A 2 acre lake stocked with bass and a sandy beach are on at the back of the campground. That’s right where the ping pong table and horseshoes are located. Yep, an outdoor ping pong table.

Across the street you can enjoy North Carolinas Winery of the year.

Burntshirt Vineyard held that title in 2015 & 2016.

22

Within a few miles you can expand your tastings to Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, Point Lookout Vineyards,Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders, and World’s Edge Meadery, These are just the tasting choices down the road from Red Gates.

Another 20 or so stops can be found in the Cheers! Passport available from the Henderson County Tourism Office.

If you would like some activities to work off some of the calories you may have consumed, the area is an outdoors-mans paradise. Google your way to the Henderson County Tourism Office and find out about more trails than you can shake a walking stick at!

RED GATES Tent & RV Park 148 Red Gates Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792 redgatesrv.com

Follow our GOventures on Where2GO.app or see where we are going next at facebook. com/thedestinationmagazine

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

23

HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

dinner

X

full bar

X

good times

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

24

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

18th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Monday, November 16 | 11:00am Northstone Country Club, Huntersville For more info visit Grinkids.org

3rd Annual Craft Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting Festival

Saturday, PostponedOctober - See You 3rd, Next 2020 Year!

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 theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

25

Adventurers Playground, Mountain Majesty

B

ryson City is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.

I t ’s a n a dve n t u re r s p l ay ground with some surprisingly luxurious options for relaxing at the end of the day.

you might find yourself staring at a wild boar trap.

And when your muscles are s o re f ro m a l l o f t h at o u t d o o r exploring, I recommend a sunset soak in a treetop cabana overlooking Fontana lake. Lakeview at Fontana is an 18-and up resort that looks more like a European village than a mountain retreat. The soak is a unique and luxurious experience complete with a spa robe, plush towels and bath salts.

H o m e t o t h e G r e at S m o k y Mountain railway, there’s more than one way to immerse yourself in the scenic landscape that envelopes this charming town. Horseback riding, zip lining, deep river tubing, p a dd l e b o a r d i n g , wh i t e wat e r rafting and even fly fishing are all at your fingertips. Carolina Bound Sky Ridge Yurts is another alterA dve n t u r e s o r t h e N a n t a h a l a native to the traditional mountain Outdoor Center are great starting cabins that permeate the area. points to plan your visit.

There are 8 glamping yurts and one spectacular glass front modern Th e re a re a l s o s o m e g re at cabin just minutes outside of town. hikes in the area including the Road To Nowhere. An environWho says a trip to the mounmental issue kept the Federal tains means roughing it all the Government from finishing the time? road that’s just out of town. It You can see video of this ends at a long tunnel. On the trip and others and follow other side are several trails that all the adventures of t a ke yo u p a s t Fo n t a n a L a ke.

Milemarker 50 on Instagram at @milemarker_50 Warning, if you get lost like we did

26

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Where are you going?

Where2GO.app

the

NEW monthly editorial on cozy camping destinations.

‘Swiss Army Knife’ of camping trailers.

Experience first hand the cozy camping destinations and quaint communities rural North Carolina has available to host your desires to distance.

Coolest. Camper. Ever.

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!

If you would like your own GO™ visit Where2GO.app

Mention Code JAY 2247 for your GO Getter Incentive!

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

704 706 2365

MagicTableMedia.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

27

A Winning Combination: Banner Elk & Grandfather Mountain

G

randfather Mountain remains one of the most popular at t ra c t i o n s i n t h e N o r t h Carolina mountains, and the nearby town of Banner Elk makes it easy to visit this natural wonder.

number of guests in the park at one time. For those purchasing packages through Banner Elk, your lodging host handles such logistics and provides tickets and entr y confirmation at check-in.

Multiple lodging options in Banner Elk offer packages that include two tickets to Grandfather Mountain and a night of lodging for two. Additional tickets and/or nights can be added.

A visit to Grandfather M o u n t a i n , a n i n t e r n at i o n a l ly recognized biosphere reser ve, remains similar to year s past.

Notable exceptions are high-traffic pedestrian areas, such as the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Despite the pandemic, visitors wildlife habitats, where a one-way still enjoy Grandfather Mountain’s directional system ensures guests many wonders, including the Mile are able to social distance.

High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, scenic overlooks and Capacity is limited in park buildhiking trails. However, the park ings, such as the Fudge Shop, Top i s o p e r at i n g u n d e r a l i m i t e d Shop and Mildred’s Grill. Takeout capacity to ensure the safety of service from the grill has been popvisitors and staff. ular this summer, allowing guests to dine in their vehicles or at one of the The biggest change is guests park’s 100-plus picnic sites. must purchase advance tickets online for a set date and time of Time limits are in place in entr y. No tickets are available busier areas, but not in the park’s at the front gate. This limits the lower-traffic areas.

28

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

The Cabin

L

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

On The Rocks

Wa

G ra n d f at h e r M o u n t a i n h a s enhanced its already stringent cleaning procedures and placed additional sanitization stations in key areas, while boosting staff presence to direct traffic flow and encourage social distancing.

Banner Elk’s Grandfather Mountain lodging packages start at $110, plus tax, for two tickets to Grandfather Mountain and one night of lodging. Details are available at BannerElk.com/specials

200-A (next

T On The Water 400-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 (next door to the Lake Norman Cottage)

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCabin.com

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

29

Are You Looking For A Sweet Deal For Your Own App?

ZERO Set Up Fee Your App, Your Brand.

Connect with customers on the go, keep the ones you have coming back.

$100 Per Month for Andriod and iOS App*

In-App Coupons Push NotiďŹ cations Loyalty Cards Scratch Cards MagicTableMedia.com * $1200 paid annually

30

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

O

pen

theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

31

CraftPassport.app Discover & Support Artisan Producers and Supporters of Craft Beverages

CiDeR SPiRiTS BeeR WiNE Cocktails

DOWNLOAD THE APP

SUPPORT THE CRAFT INDUSTRY SAFELY DISCOVER NEW DESTINATIONS

&

Your guide to craft beverage destinations across the region.

PRINT • ONLINE • APP

REWARDS

Download the FREE Passport and begin your journey discovering artisan producers and supporters of the craft beverage industry.

If you are an artisan who would like to be featured, visit our website for information on how to get in the Carolina Craft Passport!

Visit CraftPassport.app For More information