Issue 120 March the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 120 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

trEAT Yourself To A Night Out

We Tell You Where To Go!

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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.

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

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March 2021 Issue 120

the Published by: Magic Table Media Group LLC Business Development: Lisa Jay Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe, Cindy Adams Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay Cover: Ghostface Scratch Kitchen, Mooresville

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers

Contents Challenge Yourself To Get Outdoors This Spring!

8 Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour 10 The Art Of Barbeque 12 Spooky Good From Scratch 14 Black Folks Camp Too Visit Crowders Mountain State Park 17 Come Explore All The Flavor Of Eden! 19 Pedal For Your Pint In Downtown Hendersonville 20 Discover The Catawba Valley Ale Trail 23

T h e l i s t o f e v e n t s i n t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n i s c o m p i l e d f ro m v a r i o u s s o u rc e s d a t e s & t i m e s a re t e n t a t i v e & s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e . t h e D e s t i n a t i o n M a g a z i n e ™ i s p u b l i s h e d b y M a g i c Ta b l e M e d i a G r o u p L L C 3 6 9 D o v e f i e l d D r i v e S u m m e r f i e l d , N C 2 7 3 5 8 ( 7 0 4 ) 7 0 6 - 2 3 6 5 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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Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

Blowing Rock Draft House & Brewery

Hillman Beer

883 Highland Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602

78 Catawba Avenue Suite F, Old Fort, NC 28762

Catawba Brewing

Keepers Cut Meadery

212 S Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655

175 Henderson Street, Marion, NC 28752

Catawba Farms Winery & Brewery

1048 Harper Avenue, Lenoir, NC 28645

1670 Southwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658

Fonta Flora Brewery - Downtown

Liquid Roots Brewing Project MicaTown Brewery 25 Brown Drive, Marion, NC 28752

317 N Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655

Olde Hickory Brewing

Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill

Sidetracked Brewery

6751 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761

609 S Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655

Granite Falls Brewing 47 Duke Street, Granite Falls, NC 28630

23rd Street SW, Hickory, NC 28602

The Levee Brewery 118 Main Street W, Valdese, NC 28690

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Crafted Cocktails Wine By The Glass 3pm-7pm Friday & Saturday 203 E Murphy St, Madison, NC 27025

www.giadistillery.com

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Challenge Yourself To Get Outdoors This Spring!

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diverse region of artists, agriculture, fine dining, a n d s c e n i c b e a u t y, Stokes County, Nor th Carolina is a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Conveniently located from Winston- Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte a stay here is the perfect escape from the hustle pass by two prominent rock outand bustle of city life. Best of all, crops, Wolf Rock and House Rock, you’re only a four lane highway along their journey. away from a Stokes County State of Mind.

Due to pandemic restrictions, the challenge will be held over 7 Experience all the Peaks in days, April 5-11, 2021. Participants o n e M e g a C h a l l e n g e, a f t e r a will complete the challenge on year of nothing to challenge the their own without support from mind and body, the 2021 “High the park or the friends group.

5 at Hanging Rock” retur ns as Th e r e w i l l b e a f u l l 1 0 m i l e the Friends of Sauratown Moun- version suitable for ages 10 plus, tains shift to “COVID safe events”. and a 5 mile option perfect for all, The second annual event raises even younger kids with parental funds to support Hanging Rock supervision. Pick the perfect day and Pilot Mountain state parks. for your group, start early morning Participants will trek over ten and finish by afternoon, weekdays miles of park trails to reach five are better to avoid crowds. Regof the highest elevations within istration is $35 per person and Hanging Rock State Park, sum- ends at midnight on March 21st. miting Moore’s Knob, Cooks Wall www.high5athangingrock.com and Hanging Rock mountains and

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

John Brown’s Country Store, in the shadow of the Sauratown Mountains, takes you back to the good ole days-a time when people traded stories and spent afternoons watching the world from the front porch. A local fixture that began as a roadside produce stand, has been in operation since 1997 at the current location along Highway 66. Enjoy a wide selection of jams and jellies, old fashioned candies, fresh produce, local honey, snack mixes, and homemade items like signature pimento cheese, cole slaw, chili, potato salad, chicken salad, and macaroni salad promises to be a delightful taste that keeps you coming back for more.

homemade Pimento Cheese, a recipe holding strong for over 20 years. Homemade desserts, including a fresh cobbler everyday, and Banana Pudding - YUM. March wraps up the final month of John Brown’s famous Chicken Stew, this old family recipe is prepared fresh each morning and somedays they prepare 6-8 batches to serve loyal customers and visitors. One stop at John Browns Country Store and you’ll become a regular even if you A visit here isn’t complete live miles away. Hangingrock.com without purchasing the famous

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Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour

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id Covid put a halt to your wedding day plans?

Do you still need a venue and reliable vendors? Do you want more space to safely say “I do”? If so, we invite you to be part of the Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour. Come see what this community just outside of the Triangle has to offer. This year’s tour will take place on Sunday, March 28. The day includes 4 venues, meet & greets with local vendor s and a goodie bag for registrants.

Ticket includes registration fo r yo u a n d 1 g u e s t . Yo u c a n choose to ride in the comfort of your own vehicle, or hop on the Bridal Bus (limited seating due to Covid) All state protocols will be followed. We do require that e a ch b r i d e a n d g u e s t we a r a cloth mask and social distancing will be observed. At each venue there will be access to sanitized restrooms and hand sanitizers.

Please note tour space is limited – to ensure the health & safety of brides and guests. For more information visit www.brides-on-wheels.com or call (919) 693-6125

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THE TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY IS AS FOLLOWS:

Sunday, March 28

12:00 pm – Contactless Check In & Tour of Cedar Grove Acres. Brides will confirm their registration and get a head start on touring this beautiful venue and talking to local vendors.

1:00 pm – Departure from the Cedar Grove Acres and tour other venues. Join the “BOWS CARAVAN” led by the bus, followed by those that decide to drive their own car.

1:15 pm –The Barn at Vino 2:25 pm – Carlee Farm 3:40 pm – The Orpheum at Oxford 5:00 pm – End of Tour. Brides are free to return home. The bus will return to Cedar Grove.

EARLY REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, NO DAY OF EVENT REGISTRATION.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Our servers are all

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From the food & desserts to the beer & cocktails, a unique experience for the craft beverage enthusiast as well as foodies!

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138 Village View Dr. Unit 107 Mooresville, NC 28117 980-689-4390

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220 W. Plaza Drive I-77, Exit 36, Hwy.150 theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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The Art Of Barbeque

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ost people visit museums to experience a place’s her itage, but in Goldsboro, our her itage is one you just have to taste to understand.

For Goldsboro, Wayne County Barbeque is more than just food. It’s our heritage. No matter where you’re from or the color of your skin, the people here have smoke, fire, and vinegar r u n n i n g t h r o u g h t h e i r ve i n s .

From the far mland to the pits, Barbeque is the product of the Goldsboro way of life. One that’s resourceful, resilient, and takes patience, so that no matter what life throws at us, a culture of smoke and fire will remain.

and Stonewall’s, another hidden gem loved by the locals, serving game-changing fried chicken.

While barbeque restaurants all across the country are forced to close under financial strain, there is one place here in Wayne County that is more than just a barbeque restaurant. It’s an institution, a legendar y and unmissable stop for any barbeque fan. That place, is Wilber’s BBQ. Testimony to the resiliency of Goldsboro’s BBQ heritage, this adored institution is back to serving up savory, legendary ‘cue.

The options in this historic s p o t a r e e n d l e s s : G r a d y ’s BBQ, an unassuming-looking, family-r un business tur ning out mouthwater ing classic ENC BBQ; McCall’s, with lines running out of the door for their barbeque buffet extraordinaire, a n d b a n a n a p u dd i n g f a m e d f o r m i l e s ; A d a m ’s B a r b e q u e, To plan your barbeque advenwith a roadside and downtown ture, check out visitgoldsboronc. location, for your fill of Texas com to download our map and inspired barbeque and brisket; passport.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Minutes North Triangle Minutes Northof of thetheTriangle

Thursday, April2814 Sunday, March

F ro m rus tic to e le ga nt, i n d o o r t o o utdo o r, yo u w ill find a v en u e i n Gra nville Co unty tha t will h el p ma ke yo ur we dding da y pe rfe ct.

There’sthetheballroom in a hotel, or...

There’s ballroom in a hotel, or...

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STATE OF THE ART FACILITY 1030 Gateway Crossing Dr, Statesville, NC 28677

Service Hours Week Days 7:30 - 8:00 Saturdays 8:00 - 4:00

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Spooky Good From Scratch

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raveling for a living, we’re always looking for a cool place to grab a great meal.

We f o u n d a n e w d i n i n g destination in Mooresville we h ave t o s h a r e. G h o s t f a c e B rew i n g ’s S c rat ch K i t ch e n i s your local Gastropub focusing on local fresh ingredients made from well, scratch!

After being warmly greeted and seated our culinar y exploration was ready to begin.

We s t a r t e d w i t h t h e s u p e r popular “Maple cheddar bacon chips.” If you decide on this treat, please do not let the mound of bacon floating in the puddle of syrup go to waste when the chips are gone, fork it! For o u r m a i n c o u r s e we ch o s e a seasonal Winter Jam flatbread topped with maple roasted brussel sprouts, bacon jam, br ie cheese, and microgreens and a traditional f ace on fire Somewhere Near Nashville, a Hot

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chicken sandwich that should come with a warning label!

Th e i n g r e d i e n t s u s e d a r e fresh, local, and combined masterfully. Chef Kristin designs

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

a wide array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. With vegan, GF, and vegetarian options w i t h t o n s o f f l avo r, s t i l l p u l l out a hearty burger or chicken sandwich for those craving it.

Head brewer Mike has created an exclusive selection of brews just for this location.

Fo r i n s t a n c e, a Fre n ch To a s t , red ale aged in an Elijah Craig Bourbon bar rel. Ghostf ace is outdoor seating with heaters to synonymous with exceptional knock off the chill. beer, but if you’re not in a barley mood, let one of the mixoloSo what are you waiting for gists lift your spirits with a well- its Spooky Good! crafted cocktail with homemade bitter s, syr ups, and a creative Ghostface Brewing’s infused flavor bubble. They offer Scratch Kitchen LangTree Lake Norman a great selection of wines and 138 Village View Dr #107, even a mimosa flight—plenty of Mooresville, NC 28117 ghostfacebrewing.com

After A Day Of Cycling Paddling, Hiking, Golfing, Shopping, Or Tasting Enjoy Dining In Eden.

Railroad Café

Dicks Drive

In

Circle Drive In

Roasted Bean

Chop That Little Pork

The Hive

Downtown Deli

Kings Pizza

And Much, Much, More!

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Black Folks Camp Too Visit Crowders Mountain State Park

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hinking that our destin at i o n ’s o u t d o o r b r a n d could enjoy growth through greater consumer d ive r s i t y, we r e a ch e d o u t f o r BFCT’s help. In spring 2020, the Travel & Tour ism team hosted Earl on a site visit so he could see fir st-hand what our potent i a l g u e s t s wo u l d ex p e r i e n c e d u r i n g a w e e ke n d c a m p i n g experience at Crowder s Mount a i n S t a t e Pa r k a n d o t h e r nearby natural attractions.

Shor tly after our visit, we reached an agreement to host a BFCT event.

Th e B l a ck Fo l k s C a m p To o weekend camping event agenda in September 2020 at Crowders Mountain State Park included hiking, a picnic lunch, education and paddling on Saturday afternoon followed that evening with grilling out and wrapping u p t h e d ay w i t h a n o p e n a n d h o n e s t “ f i r e s i d e ch at ” b e f o r e tur ning in for the night.

No endorsement carries weight like that of a satisfied

cl i e n t . A f t e r h i s t i m e w i t h u s , E a r l H u n t e r, J r. s a i d “ G a s t o n County, NC has some amazing places. None of these places may be more unforgettable and amazing than Crowder s Mountain State Park!” He added: “The lake, the trails, and the views… words do not do it justice! What m a ke s i t e v e n b e t t e r, b e i n g invited! Black Folks Camp Too invites you to join them around t h e c a m p f i re a n d t a ke a l o o k for your self at the wonder s of Gaston County, NC!” The team behind Black Folks Camp Too are outdoor industr y i n f l u e n c e r s a m o n g t h e bl a ck community and veterans in s a l e s , m a r ke t i n g a n d b r a n d ing. Our depar tment found Black Folks Camp Too to be an i nva l u abl e r e s o u r c e t h r o u g h their digital platfor m guiding and suppor ting black f amilies beginning — or upgradi ng — t he ir t im e s pe nt i n t he great outdoor s. In addition to u n i q u e c o n t e n t o f fe r i n g t i p s , stories and tutorials about Continued On Page 19

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Come Explore All The Flavor Of Eden!

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o u c a n e n j o y a s av o r y charcuturie board in U p t ow n E d e n , t h e b e s t pizza you can find or a hamburger and fries at one of our nostalgic drive-in restaurants.

And if coffee and dessert is all you’re looking for the best can be found right here.

Our locals are anxious to ser ve you up some tasty bites!

P l u s , we h ave m o r e o p e n i n g soon!! Stay tuned because Eden is going to be your new favorite place!

For More information about Eatin’ In Eden go to ExploreEdenNC.com

– Cindy Adams BFCT Continued From Page 17

c a m p i n g a n d o u t d o o r a dve n t u r e, t h e y a l s o p r o v i d e g e a r reviews, campground reviews, RV reviews and much more.

Help us teach these amazing life lessons, and promote divers i t y a n d i n cl u s i o n by g e t t i n g to know Black Folks Camp Too. blackfolkscamptoo.com.

This story was published in Gaston Lifestyles Magazine February 2021.

Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

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-

SummitPlaceOfMooresville.com

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Pedal For Your Pint In Downtown Hendersonville

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n yo u r n ex t t r i p t o t h e Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, consider an alternative form of transportation. Hop aboard the HVL Pedal & Brews pubcycle for a fun-filled cruise to downtown breweries and taprooms.

The standard Pedal to the Pints tour is an hour and a half, and includes two stops along the way. Private tours are also available for groups. Breweries and taproom stops rotate based upon schedules, availability and group preference. Possible destinations include Oklawaha Brewing, Triskelion Brewing, Guidon Brewing, Southern Appalachian Brewery, Dry Falls Brewing and The Blue Door Bottleshop & Beer Hall.

After opening in late 2019, the pub tour business started strong in early 2020, but then the Covid-19 pandemic knocked it off its wheels.

After closing for a few months, the pubcycle reopened in late summer Passenger s may bring beer, with enhanced cleaning and safety wine and cider on board the pubmeasures, and people warmly wel- cycle to sip along the tour. Bevercomed the diversion. ages must be transported in a personal cooler, and open beverages The mobile pub has 10 ped- can’t leave the pubcycle. aling seats, five on each side, and four non-pedaling seats. The driver, For those who prefer a dose or conductor as he is known, sits in of history instead of a pint, HVL the center. The cycle has an electric Pedal & Brews offers a 45-minute motor for the Hendersonville hills, so alcohol-free Pedal Backwards riders shouldn’t worry about having tour where r ider s pedal back to pedal too hard. The vehicle has a in time as they pass historical roof overhead and runs rain or shine. landmarks and hear the stories Music is a must on the ride, and pass- of Hender sonville’s past. With ersby often smile, wave and dance its beautiful Main Street lined along with the group. with trees and planters, public

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

art and creative shops, Hendersonville is a natural fit for the p u b cy cl e t o u r s , wh e t h e r p a ssengers are imbibing or simply sightseeing.

“People are amazed when they’re on the pubcycle at the different perspective it provides,” Justus says. With no need to worry about driving or directions, riders are able to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and sips of Hendersonville.

To book your HVL Pedal & Brews experience, visit HVLPedalBrews.com.

For more information about Henderson County and additional attractions - go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. org or call (800) 828-4244.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Discover The Catawba Valley Ale Trail

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he Catawba River is named f o r t h e C at aw b a N at ive A m e r i c a n Tr i b e w h i c h translates to “the people of the river.” This area was their home f o r m o r e t h a n 1 2 , 0 0 0 ye a r s prior to European exploration.

Now the Catawba River Valley is home to more than 2 million people who continue to utilize the river’s many resources for needs such as power, food and recreation. Catawba Valley Ale Trail focuses on the section of the river at Old Fort, where the r ive r f o r m s , t o L a ke H i cko r y.

Each segment seems to have a different culture based on the s u r ro u n d i n g l a n d s c ap e. Th e fir st section goes through the Fo o t h i l l s o f N o r t h C a r o l i n a where small towns combine with mountain culture to create some amazing crafts. Among these crafts is beer.

when able. Their connection to the land around them and their desire to do good in their community really sets these breweries apart from your standard water ing hole, and their delicious and creative beer makes visitors want to come back for more. We are so lucky to have these breweries in our region and hope you discover new, creative beverages, while enjoying the atmosphere of the Catawba River Valley Region.

The ale trail includes: Blowing Rock Draft House and B rewe r y i n H i cko r y, C at aw b a Brewing Morganton, Fonta Flora in Morganton and at Whippoorwill Farm, Granite Falls Brewing, H i l l m a n B e e r i n O l d Fo r t , Ke ep e r s C u t M e a d e r y, L i q u i d Roots Brewing Project, MicaTown Brewery, Olde Hickory Brewing, Sidetracked Brewer y and The The area is home to many Levee Brewery. award winning breweries that try Learn More about the to use as many local ingredients Catawba Valley Ale Trail at as possible and str ive to give DiscoverBurkeCounty.com. back to the earth and the river

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