the Issue 119 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path
In This Issue
The Road Less Traveled
We Tell You Where To Go!
theDestinationMagazine.com
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
RIDGELINE CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL
GASTON & CLEVELAND COUNTIES NC
Get Your Pass, Hop On The Trail, Win Prizes! Go to Explore.GoGastonNC.org to sign up for your passport, check in at 6 of the 8 participating craft beverage producers and win an official Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail trucker hat*. Please follow all COVID-19 recommended protocols when in public and remember to drink responsibly.
HOW IT WORKS Step 1 - Get Your Pass Sign up for your passport. Explore.GoGastonNC.org Step 2 - Check-In Check-in at any participating location with your phone. Step 3 - Redeem Get 6 check-ins and win a FREE hat! *While supplies last.
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February 2021 Issue 119
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™ .
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Contents Experience Gaston County: Grown. Raised. Caught. Made.
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Four Top Places for Snow Tubing Near Banner Elk
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Fall In Love With The Sauratown Mountains
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Plan A Romantic Getaway In The Heart Of Hendersonville
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Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe. Kate Gavenus
Must-See In Mocksville
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Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay
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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 Creative: Andy Jay
Cover: Hanging Rock: Stokes County, NC
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 ©2021 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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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
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Winter is Better Here Banner Elk is North Carolina’s Ski Town. Ski all day at Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, then enjoy upscale dining and lodging. Wineries and breweries, too!
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BannerElk.com
Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
Experience Gaston County: Grown. Raised. Caught. Made. Gaston County is on the Visit NC Farms App
T
he Visit NC Far ms Phone app, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time and Gaston County is now one of those places.
Barrister’s at the Esquire Hotel
If it’s grown, raised, caught, or made in North Carolina, it can be featured in the app. What Places Are Included In The App? 1. Farms + Fisheries
Using cell phone technology, 2. Pick-Your-Own-Farms residents and visitors can find 3. Farmers Markets f ar ms closest to them with 4. Local Goods + Food Pantries p r o d u c t s a n d a c t iv i t i e s t h at interest them. Visitor s can use 5. Restaurants the app to explore farms, farmers 6. Events markets and local restaurants that are off the beaten path and What Is A Farm Experience? unique to our destination. 1. Educational Tours + Animals 2. Pick-Your-Own + Farm Stands
T h e V i s i t N C Fa r m s a p p 3. Farm Stays instantly connects our partners’ 4. Special Events businesses to people who are i n t e r e s t e d i n u n i q u e ly l o c a l Experience Nor th Carolina: e x p e r i e n c e s a n d b u i l d i n g Grown. Raised. Caught. Made. relationships with individually owned and operated enterprises. See the app in action and download at: visitncfarmstoday. com Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org
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Photo Courtesy Of Beech Mountain Resort
Four Top Places for Snow Tubing Near Banner Elk
S
now tubing ranks among the easiest — and most fun — winter sports because it requires little p r ep a r at i o n , e q u i p m e n t a n d skill. Just hop on a tube and whoosh down the hill.
Sugar Mountain, the closest t u b i n g p a rk t o B a n n e r E l k , i s known for strong snowmaking capabilities. Six runs are served by a conveyor car pet lift and the tubing runs are adjacent to the skating rink. The park and rink are easy to access because Th e B a n n e r E l k a re a i s a n they have their own parking lot ideal tubing spot with four of before you get fur ther up the t h e t o p p l a c e s t o s n ow t u b e mountain to the slopes. i n t h e N C m o u n t a i n s . Wi t h i n minutes of town are tubing The snow tubing park at parks at Sugar Mountain Resort Beech Mountain is the highest a n d B e e ch M o u n t a i n R e s o r t . e l e vat i o n o p t i o n , l o c at e d i n A b o u t 2 5 m i n u t e s a w a y i s t h e r e s o r t ’s a l p i n e v i l l a g e . H aw k s n e s t S n ow Tu b i n g , a n d Eight r uns are extra-long and 30 minutes from Banner Elk is p u n c t u at e d b y s m a l l m o g u l s Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing. known as roller s. It is lighted a n d s u r ro u n d e d by h i g h - t e ch All four parks provide 100% snow guns and a sound system. snowmaking to maintain snow I t ’s a l s o a d j a c e n t t o a n i c e conditions when Mother Nature skating rink. is taking a break, and they are considered the cream of the H aw k s n e s t S n ow Tu b i n g i s crop for snow tubing in Nor th t h e b i g g e s t . I t w a s f o r m e r l y Carolina. As f ar as which one a s k i r e s o r t , t h u s h a s p l e n t y is best depends on what you’re o f s p a c e . T h e r e a r e m o r e looking for. than 30 r uns in four sections,
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a l l c o n n e c t e d b y c o n v e yo r car pet lifts. The r uns range in length from 400 to 1,000 feet. Hawksnest offers a winter z i p l i n e t o u r t h at s o a r s ab ove the tubing lanes. Jonas Ridge is a smaller o p e rat i o n w i t h f ive t u b i n g l a n e s s e r v e d b y a c o n v e yo r carpet lift. Photographer s take pictures as you tube and they are available for purchase on the spot, or later online. There is a small, cozy lodge with a fireplace and observation deck.
Everyone is so caring, They care about me the same way they care about my mom. It’s like a family, my mom is happy, and that makes a huge difference, -Residents Daughter-
For info on tubing, dining and lodging, visit www.BannerElk.com.
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Fall In Love With The Sauratown Mountains
T
his February, spend a little time closer than six feet ap a r t , a n d c o z y u p w i t h loved ones for Valentine’s Day, while staying safe and healthy in the great outdoors of Stokes County. Home to over 40 unique vacation rentals ranging from a n e n t i re 1 5 p e r s o n l o d g e at Singletree Gun and Plough to the romantic suites of Big Creek Lodge at Luna’s Trail Far m in Westfield. At Big Creek Lodge couples can choose from one of nine suites, each outfitted with unique stylings and a deck overlooking, sweeping views of the Sauratown Mountains from Hanging Rock to Pilot Mountain. The Lodge features a world class restaurant with chef prepared specials and favorites, your stay here can be all inclusive without having to leave for a weekend brunch, lunch or dinner for two by candle light.
an old grain mill on Big Creek. The “1881 Mill” is rich in history from exposed indoor walls, beams, and art of the old once functional mill. Obser ve flowing water s of Big Creek over the dam that once helped feed and regulate water into the Mill from the glass railing back deck. Upstairs rooms with bunks for kids make this a perfect family get away as well, downstairs dining, kitchen and living space allow all visitor s comforts of home in a historic industrial setting.
The Josie Pepper House is a B o o k a s t ay i n a p l a c e o f historic house in Danbury, built unique local histor y including during a flurry of house building
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
in 1920. It has newly finished, o r i g i n a l h a rdwo o d f l o o r s throughout. The Pepper family have a rich histor y in Danbur y, having started the local Danbury R ep o r t e r n ew s p ap e r i n 1 8 7 2 . Th e p o p u l a r i t y o f D a n bu r y ’s nearby resorts, Piedmont Springs, Moore’s Springs and Vade Mecum peaked during the first quarter of the century. Clear your immune system w i t h a w i n t e r h i ke o r n at u r e walks along trails to waterfalls, p e a k s , o r c av e r n s , o b s e r v e d at “ To r y ’s D e n ” , a mu s t wh i l e visiting at Hanging Rock State Pa r k . A f t e r ex p l o r i n g t a ke a break with your Valentine and e n j oy s p e c i a l eve n t s at P i l o t Mountain Vineyards in Pinnacle, NC. Events range from “Craft &
Sip”, Game Nights, The Cannoli Man, Wine & Cupcake Pairings from “Liv for Sweets”. A vineyard favorite scheduled for Valentine’s Day Weekend, check out “Line & Wine” where guests are invited to sample and enjoy local wines and line dancing instruction from owners Kari and Mark. Find more details on the vineyards website or Facebook page for special weekend wine tastings. E x p l o re a dd i t i o n a l re s t a urants perfect for couples i n c l u d i n g To w n & C o u n t r y G r i l l e, L i t t l e I t a l y I t a l i a n , o r King Kitchen in King. The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking. www.hangingrock.com
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
THE POWER OF PUBLIC ART: MURALS BEAUTIFY CITIES AND BUILD COMMUNITIES TURN BARE WALLS INTO A PUBLIC MASTERPIECE
December 16, 2020 The Running of the Horses Mural Sponsored By The Town Of Mocksville Dept. Of Tourism.
MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY/DOWNTOWN/BUSINESS A DESTINATION CONTACT CHERYL ANN ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
Plan A Romantic Getaway In The Heart Of Hendersonville
Echo Mountain Inn Honeymoon Suite Courtesy of Echo Mountain Inn
H
ender sonville is known f o r m a n y t h i n g s ye a rround, apples in the fall, f air s and festivals throughout t h e s p r i n g a n d s u m m e r, a n d plenty of family fun during the h o l i d a y s . B u t i f yo u h av e n ’t been to this Blue Ridge M o u n t a i n t ow n i n t h e w i n t e r, you’re missing one of its most p e a c e f u l a n d ro m a n t i c t i m e s of year.
window-walled dining room looking east across the mount a i n s . Fo r s u n s e t , h e a d t w o miles farther up the mountain to Jump Off Rock for one of the best views in WNC as the sun drops behind the Blue Ridge. The family recently opened a full-ser vice restaurant on proper ty. A multicour se wine-pair ing dinner with Point L o o ko u t Vi n e ya r d s , a l s o i n Hender sonville, is planned for For a cozy, relaxing escape, Va l e n t i n e ’s we e ke n d . hop in the car with your special someone and head for HenderD ow n t ow n H e n d e r s o nv i l l e sonville. Several bed-and-break- h a s t h r e e b e d - a n d - b r e a k f a s t f a s t i n n s a r e d e s i g n e d w i t h inns where you can park your couples in mind. c a r a n d l e ave i t fo r yo u r s t ay. Wa l k t o s h o p s , r e s t a u r a n t s , E c h o M o u n t a i n I n n o v e r- t a s t i n g r o o m s , g a l l e r i e s a n d l o o k s d o w n t o w n H e n d e r - museums. sonville from its mountain p e r c h . Fo u r g e n e r a t i o n s o f Th e H e n d e r s o n i s l o c at e d t h e B o n n e m a f a m i ly r u n just off Main Street in the t h i s 1 8 9 6 p r o p e r t y w i t h c o z y middle of the business district. r o o m s c o m p l e t e w i t h f i r e - Couples can book the romantic p l a c e s . Wat ch t h e s u n r i s e a s getaway package, which comes yo u e n j oy b re a k f a s t i n t h e Continued On Page 18
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Hendersonville Continued From Page 17
with champagne, strawber r ies and daily cocktails. Co-owner and executive chef Michael Gill i g a n p rep a re s d a i ly go u r m e t b re a k f a s t s a n d a s m a l l - p l at e s m e nu f o r d i n n e r at H a r ve y ’s , the inn’s restaurant. On Sunday, Feb. 14, enjoy a Valentine’s Day brunch.
Estate. At The Charleston, a w a ke t o a h e a r t y S o u t h e r n breakfast, curl up under a bl a n ke t i n a ro ck i n g ch a i r o n the wide front porch and clink glasses during the evening c o ck t a i l h o u r.
If you’re not ready to take a trip, but still need a thoughtful O n M a i n S t r e e t , t h e Valentine’s Day gift, consider a 1 8 9 8 Wa v e r l y I n n a n d T h e gift certificate for a future stay. C h a r l e s t o n I n n e a c h o p e r at e b e d - a n d - b r e a k f a s t s i n s t at e ly For more information about s i d e - b y - s i d e m a n s i o n s . Fo r a Henderson County and additional attractions - go to romantic over night at Waverly www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. Inn, arrange for breakfast in org or call (800) 828-4244. bed, book a couple’s massage and purchase discounted tickets to tour nearby Biltmore
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Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
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Must-See In Mocksville
L
ocal artists are putting Mocksville on the map one paint stroke at a time! Mocksville is just west of the Yadkin River, a day trip to see t h e m a s s ive “ R u n n i n g o f t h e Horses” Mural. Wh i l e t h e h o r s e s r u n n i n g reflects the past, the Day and Madelyn Greco Cheryl Ann Lipstreu Night themes are reflected with the Sun-facing the East side of D ep o t S t . a n d w i t h t h e M o o n Depot Street, across Main Street facing the West. o n t h e s q u a r e, a n d d o w n t o where Junker’s Mill is today, now A r t i s t C h e r y l A n n L i p s t re u an outdoor theater and farmers s h a r e s , “ T h e m u r a l h a s b e e n market. The large oak tree in the a n i n c r e d i bl e o p p o r t u n i t y t o center honors the four oak trees bu i l d a b r i d g e o f c o n n e c t i o n that anchored the town for more o f t h e h i s t o r y o f d o w n t o w n than 90 years. The “Running of Mocksville Depot Street to the the Hor ses” depicts aspects of m o d e r n , t h r iv i n g c o m mu n i t y M o ck s v i l l e ’s h i s t o r y w i t h a n t h a t i t i s t o d a y. T h e o a k t r e e a r t i s t i c f l a i r. A s s i s t i n g a r t i s t i s t h e c e n t e r p i e c e o f t h e M a d e ly n G r e c o c o m m e n t e d , d e s i g n , w i t h t h e s t r e n g t h “This colorful reimagining of a o f i t s r o o t s s u p p o r t i n g t h e page out of Mocksville’s town b e a u t y o f t h e e n e r g y a r o u n d history is calculated to captivate i t , rep re s e n t i n g t h e u n i t y a n d viewers of all ages. It’s brilliant diver sity of all the people that c o l o r s i m bu e t h e mu ra l w i t h c a l l M o ck s v i l l e h o m e ” . t h e m a g i c a l p o s s i b i l i t y t h at M o ck s v i l l e i s a p l a c e wh e r e D u r i n g W W I I , h o r s e s we re anything can happen!” used on the farms when gasoline became unavailable. They would Downtown Mocksville is a unload the horses off the train vibrant and growing community at the depot and r un them up with restaurants, a coffee shop,
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
clothing, and antique boutiques. A m o d e r n - d ay g e n e r a l s t o r e and taproom, a place to enjoy a d r i n k o r p i ck u p a b a g o f old-fashioned candy in an old converted 1920’s gas station. People often enjoy sitting outside at Restaurant 101 or next door at O’Callahan’s and see the vibrant colors that exude from the breathtaking mural a must-see! Fine Artist, Creative Entrepreneur, Muralist, Illustrator, Award Winning International Bodypainting Champion and Starring Artist of Skin Wars Season 2 and Skin Wars Fresh Paint (Game Show Network) GSN National Television. Welcomes commissions from around the world. Cheryl Ann Lipstreu.cherylannlipstreu.com The Running of the Horses Mural Sponsored By The Town Of Mocksville Dept. Of Tourism.
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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences
TRAIL POST Sample Safely
I
nteraction with other s who s h a re yo u r e n t h u s i a s m fo r discovering new places and trying new things is a big part of getting out and supporting craft producers across the region.
and secure and uses satellites to verify your check-in location. That’s it! If you check-in, you collect points to win swag. Pretty simple, isn’t it?
If you would like to be listed But needlessly interacting o n t h e p a s s p o r t , c o n t a c t u s with somebody isn’t cool, like through the app or website at having to hand your phone to CraftPassport.app. somebody to enter a code to check-in on your latest greatest passpor t app. Good gosh man, it’s not 2019! The Carolina Craft Passport is a What if I told you there was a safer way to discover craft beverage destinations and be discovered as a craft producer? The Craft Passport App shows you craft beverages producers across the region. It’s free safe,
reward program to nudge you to get off the well worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the region. CraftPassport.app
Historic Downtown Madison
Crafted Cocktails Wine By The Glass 3pm-7pm Friday & Saturday 203 E Murphy St, Madison, NC 27025
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