Issue 122 May the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 122 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Trails, Taverns, & Communities To Explore

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Saturday, June 5, 2021 10 am – 2 pm The country’s largest celebration of trails, loaded with outdoor activities, makes a day of fun for everyone at Mount Holly’s Catawba Riverfront Greenway & Tuckaseege Park.

CarolinaThreadTrail.org/ntd

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May 2021 Issue 122

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 your guide to 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™ .

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers Published by: Magic Table Media Group LLC Business Development: Lisa Jay, Mariah McDowell Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe. Kate Gavenus, Emily Grogan, Heidi “Picasso” Nisbett Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean, Kate Gavenus, Jennifer Olsen Thomas Cover: National Trail Days - Gaston County 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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Contents Find Your Trail At Elkin’s NC Trail Days Festival

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Kickoff Your Summer In Valdese

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Experience The Clear Waters In Burke County!

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Saddle Up For A Gallop Or Trot On The Sauratown Trails

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Celebrate The Outdoors With National Trails Day Event

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Your Happy Place… Beech Mountain 19 18th Annual Piedmont Pottery Festival In Eden, NC

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Plenty To Do In Downtown Mocksville!

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Spring Farms Let You Pick The “Berry Best!

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Country Drives & Main Street Strolls

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Elkin, The Perfect Union Of Hiking & Hops

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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

discoverburkecounty.com • (828) 433-6793 Visitor’s Center • 110 E. Meeting Street • Morganton, NC

Order Your Passport Today!

800.828.4244

CheersTrail.org

Fleet Available

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

www.RandyMarionJeepRam.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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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.

Historic Downtown Madison

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

www.giadistillery.com

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Find Your Trail At Elkin’s NC Trail Days Festival

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oin us this Spr ing for the annual North Carolina Trail Days Festival, a multi-day festival celebrating the great outdoors, the NC Mountainsto-Sea Trail, and our local trails with activities and adventures all weekend long! The festival kicks off Thursday, June 3rd, and runs through Saturday, June 5th.

The festival, which coincides with National Trails Day, is the brainchild of the Elkin Valley Trails Association. The EVTA is a volunteer group with a mission to enhance the quality of life in Elkin by building a network of trails for people of all abilities.

NC Trail Days will be held every f i r s t we e ke n d i n J u n e i n t h e small Trail Town of Elkin & its neighboring Jonesville, located in the western Foothills in the Ya d k i n Va l l e y w i n e re g i o n o f North Carolina.

Bring your bikes, boats, and boots, to enjoy the weekend as a trail enthusiast on our many trails in and around Elkin. We have plenty of exciting things for you to do during the festival we e ke n d . . . i n cl u d i n g g u i d e d hikes, self-guided hikes, paddles, floats, adventure film showings, a

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low-country boil, mountain bike clinics, fly fishing, tour de Trail Days bike ride, outdoor-oriented exhibitors and non-profits, kid’s events, tons of live music, food trucks, a beer garden, horseback riding, and so much more!

Whether you choose to follow guided hikes or blaze your own t r a i l , t h i s e ve n t p r ov i d e s a n amazing oppor tunity to soak up the sun while enjoying the peace of our beautiful outdoors.

With the hectic and uncertain past year, the need for outdoor exercise and activity has never s e e m e d s o p r u d e n t . N C Tra i l Days is the perfect opportunity t o g e t o u t d o o r s wh i l e a i d i n g

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

yo u r p hy s i c a l a n d m e n t a l health. Social distancing and CDC guidelines will be followed including wearing masks when staying 6ft apart outdoors is not possible. The festival is spread out over half a dozen outdoor locations, ensur ing plenty of space for you and your family to get out and find your trail while you explore Elkin. Visit n c t r a i l d ay s . c o m f o r f e s t iva l details and exploreelkin.com to learn more about upcoming Elkin events.

Elkin is at the confluence of three great trails...the NC Mountains to Sea Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Yadkin River Paddle Trail. www.nctraildays.com

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

Showroom Hours Monday-Saturday 9:00 - 8:00

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

704-873-3673 / www.RandyMarionFord.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Kickoff Your Summer In Valdese

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aldese is excited to celebrate the summer with several events ranging from the annual Craft Market at the Old Rock School to the Summer Concer t Ser ies K i cko f f C e l e b rat i o n ! Wh i l e 2020 was a quiet year for Va l d e s e, t h e t o w n i s e x c i t e d to welcome locals and visitor s alike to celebrate the summer i n a s a fe way.

T h i s y e a r ’s e v e n t s w i l l begin with an annual f avor ite, the Granville Mor row Fun Fish Day at McGalliard Falls hosted b y t h e Va l d e s e R e c r e a t i o n Depar tment. In conjunction with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission, the event will be h e l d o n M ay 1 5 t h , 2 0 2 1 f r o m 9 : 0 0 a . m . t o 1 : 0 0 p. m . Pa re n t s may register their child beginning Monday May 3rd by calling the Valdese Recreation Depar tment at 828-879-2132, or you may register the day of t h e eve n t . D ay - o f re g i s t rat i o n will open up at 8:00 a.m., and will close at 8:45 a.m. This event is for any child ages 4-12, and registration will

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be open until all spots are filled. Please be aware that a l l exe c u t ive o r d e r s mu s t b e f o l l o we d t o p a r t i c i p a t e, a n d masks will be required for this event. In case of inclement weather, the proposed makeup d at e i s M ay 2 2 n d , 2 0 2 1 .

K n o w n f o r t h e f u n Fr i d a y n i g h t s a n d cl a s s i c c a r s h ow s , Va l d e s e p r o v i d e s f a m i l y fun entertainment for all t o e n j o y. K i c k i n g o f f t h e summer concert series is the well-known beach and par ty band, Cat5. The series w i l l c o n t i n u e e a c h Fr i d a y t h ro u g h S ep t e m b e r 3 rd , 2 0 2 1 .

Plan to catch a summer concer t following dinner in downtown from one of the unique eateries offering a wide variety ranging from M ex i c a n t o s p e c i a l t y bu rg e r s .

Vi s it o r s c a n s ee a l l t hat downtown has to offer at d ow n t ow nva l d e s e. c o m For more information about the events shared, please visit townofvaldese.com or call 828-879-2129.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

My Happy P lace theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Experience The Clear Waters In Burke County!

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urke County is the perfect d e s t i n at i o n fo r a l l s o r t s of water lover s, whether you are a thrill junkie, want a relaxing float or are looking to exper ience the water without getting wet. One of the pinnacles of the Burke County countryside is Lake James. The 6,812-acre lake offers recreational activities f o r e v e r yo n e f r o m p o n t o o n b o a t i n g , k a ya k i n g , s t a n d u p p a dd l e b o a r d i n g , t o f i s h i n g , swimming and jet skiing. The Fo n t a F l o ra S t at e Tra i l w rap s around the outside of the lake and offers hiking and mountain biking while providing gorgeous views of the mountainous lake throughout the trail. Lake James State Park offers lakeside camping, including some that is only accessible by boat for those that are seeking a tranquil lakeside escape while still being just 25 minutes from bustling Morganton. For those that do not want to camp overnight, the state park has a beach as well as many picnic areas for those that just want to relax and take in the water for a short time.

I f yo u wa n t t o l ay b a ck and let the water pull you, the Catawba River or John’s River

are perfect for you. Both have accesses in Morganton and are deep and wide enough to float in a river tube or canoe down w i t h yo u r f r i e n d s a n d f a m i ly.

With regular entrances to the river every few miles, it is easy to stay on the water as long as you wish so you can make the most of your day. The Catawba River has the Morganton Greenway that runs along it through town.

The paved path is 3.8 miles and is perfect for an afternoon stroll, b i k i n g o r w a l k i n g yo u r f o u r legged friends while listening to the river.

Lastly, if chasing waterfalls is your ver sion of getting wet, we h av e t h r e e b r e a t h t a k i n g waterfalls here in Burke County.

H i g h S h o a l s Fa l l s i n S o u t h Mountain State Park and Linville Falls and Upper Creek Falls in Pisgah National Forest. Each has a var ying level of difficulty so there is something for everyone, no matter how good of a hiker you are.

We hope you come and experience the clear waters here in Burke County! They will be waiting for you. Visit www. discoverburkecounty.com.

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Saddle Up For A Gallop Or Trot On The Sauratown Trails

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ome may have walked this section of trails from Pilot to Hanging Rock but not realized that the Sauratown Trail is a unique 25 mile bridle and h i k i n g t ra i l c o n n e c t i n g b o t h parks. It is an official section of the North Carolina Mountainsto-Sea Trail following Segment 7 and is maintained by the Sauratown Trails Association.

Th i s t r a i l i s u n i q u e b e c a u s e i t r e ly s o n t h e g e n e r o s i t y o f pr ivate landowner s who have a l l owe d t h e S a u r at ow n Tr a i l Association to build, use and maintain trails on their property.

The trails, located in Stokes and Surr y Counties in north-central North Carolina, may be used by all horseback riders and hikers regardless of whether or not they are a member of the association.

Currently there are 5 parking a r e a s . Fo u r o f t h e p a r k i n g areas are for horse trailers and cars, and one small area on Rockhouse Road is for cars only.

Parking areas are listed here in order of largest to smallest and turn by turn directions can be found inside the “Visit Hanging R o ck , S t o ke s C o u n t y , N C ” Smar tphone App. Camping on the trail is not allowed, however, there are several locations near the trail where you can stable your horse or put up a tent and camp overnight for a small fee.

Including: Mountain Trail Stables, P i l o t K n o b I n n , B r e g m a n ’s Tr a i l R i d i n g , a n d J o m e o ke e Campgrounds (people camping only). Moore’s Springs Stables l o c at e d o n H a l l R o a d o f f e r s boarding stables and plentiful indoor amenities for boarding, including lockers for supplies if needing to utilize the stables for multiple days.

T h e S a u r a t o w n Tr a i l s a r e o p e n m o s t o f t h e ye a r t o a l l h o r s e b a ck r i d e r s a n d h i ke r s , bikes and motor ized vehicles are not allowed. For safety of v i s i t o r s , t h e t ra i l s a re cl o s e d only during deer hunting season (November to January) and wet, mu ddy c o n d i t i o n s . Wh e n t h e state parks close their trails due to wet weather, Sauratown Trails are also closed, please check S TA i s p r o u d t o s a y t h a t the Nor th Carolina State Park we have a one of a kind trail websites for trail closure notices opened to hikers and horseback if there is any question. riders of all abilities. It is open

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

e v e r y d a y o f t h e we e k , ye a r round except during the l at e we e k s o f N ove m b e r a n d December during deer hunting s e a s o n a n d a f t e r h e av y ra i n storms. It is not an easy project.

We h ave a b e a u t i f u l t ra i l bu t one that is equally as hard to maintain. It is a never-ending j o b t o t r y t o ke e p a h e a d o f the damage due to heavy rain storms, fallen trees and weeds t h at g row f a s t e r t h a n we c a n weed eat or spray. The future of a trail like ours depends on many factors, some of which we of our quiet wooded paths, the have no control. Encroaching sweet music of our waterf alls development, land sales, storms and our scenic mountain vistas.

–Emily Grogan and membership are our biggest Photos by Jennifer Olsen Thomas t h r e a t s . B u t f o r n o w, we a r e c o n t e n t t o r i d e a n d h i ke o u r beautiful trails and hope the The perfect mountain getaway, public can enjoy the serenity closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com

Farm to Table...

Without the Table.

Farmers Markets and “Pick-Em” Farms wwwVisitGranvilleNC.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

TM

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Celebrate The Outdoors With Socially Distanced National Trails Day Event

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he Carolina Thread Tra i l w i l l b r i n g b a ck i t s annual National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, June 5, 2021 with an increased focus on safety and social distancing.

National Trails Day is a great way to kick off the summer and safely enjoy the outdoors.

This free, f amily-fr iendly community day features outdoor small group activities, i n cl u d i n g g u i d e d n at u re a n d histor y walks, stand-up paddle (SUP) board instr uction, SUP a n d f re e k aya k re n t a l s fo r paddling on the Catawba River, b i ke re n t a l s a n d g re e n way tour s, as well as outdoor lifestyle exhibitors and a f a r m e r s a n d a r t i s t s ’ m a r ke t .

Th e s e s m a l l g r o u p a c t iv i t i e s will allow people to be a par t of the celebration and enjoy outdoor recreation in a beautiful setting while also staying safe, and will reduce the opportunity for l a r g e c r ow d s . Th e ex p a n s ive park offers playgrounds, a d o g p a r k , a s k at e b o a r d p a r k ,

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shaded picnic areas and a p at h e n c i rcl i n g t h e p a rk t h at c o n n e c t s t o a g re e n way. L ive music and food and beverage vendor s will be par t of the event, with an emphasis on s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g. A dva n c e d registration is required in order to manage event capacity.

Masks will be required for at t e n d e e s , i n l i n e w i t h N o r t h Carolina regulations and CDC guidelines.

“A s C a r o l i n i a n s h a v e increasingly tur ned to the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to support trails and o u t d o o r re c re at i o n . O ve r t h e

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

last year, the Thread Trail and its 88 community partners have w o r ke d t o ke e p t r a i l s o p e n and inviting for recreation and respite during a very challenging time. We are excited to br ing people together again safely to celebrate trails at this event,” said Bret Baronak, Director of the Carolina Thread Trail. the native habitat by removing invasive plants within the park.

The event will be at Tuckaseege Park and Catawba This event is presented by Riverfront Greenway in Mount Duke Energy and co-hosted with H o l l y, N . C . T h e C a t a w b a the City of Mount Holly.

Riverfront Greenway is a 1.5-mile segment of paved greenway that For additional details, visit carolinathreadtrail.org/ntd is par t of the Carolina Thread Tra i l , c o n n e c t i n g t h e p a rk t o Gaston County offers visitors the City’s Municipal Complex. a variety of attractions to There will be a volunteer project enhance your trip dining and open to the public before the entertainment parks, art and history and more. event begins to help improve www.gogaston.org

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

Railroad Café

Dicks Driv

e In

Circle Drive In

Roasted Bean

That Little Pork

Chop

The Hive

Downtown Deli

Kings Pizza

And Much, Much, More!

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

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full bar

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

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Your Happy Place…

Beech Mountain

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hat makes you happy?

Maybe it’s wander ing along a mountain path, breathing in clean, fresh air and letting warm sunshine and cool breezes comfort your body and soul. Maybe it’s reveling in magnificent long-range views, across mountain ranges far below your mile-high perch, or savoring the tranquility of a wooded walk along a cr ystal-clear trout stream. Maybe it’s taking your dog with you on vacation to a pet-friendly town where lodging, dining and outdoor activities for pet-loving families abound.

Over twenty-seven miles of hiking and mountain biking trails await you in the Town of Beech Mountain. Ranging from 5,500 feet to 3,500 feet in elevation, the trails are strategic a l ly p l a c e d a ro u n d t ow n t o take advantage of the various m i c ro - cl i m at e s fo u n d o n t h e mountain. Around the lower end of town, the Buckeye Recreation Area is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail. Walks in this area are particularly abundant

in bird sightings, with more than 127 species found around the lake and the streams r unning into it. Deer are also abundant, and bear sightings are not uncommon.

Mid-way up the mountain, a second, smaller lake acts as a hub for more trails, which follow Pond Creek. Home to native brook trout, excellent fishing is found in this area. Pond Creek is designated catch-and-release, single-hook Continued On Page 21

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n i r e m m u S e t ra b e l Ce

e s e d l Va OLD COLONY PLAYERS PRESENTS:

WIZARD OF OZ

April 23, 24, 29 & 30 | May 1, 6, 7 & 8 Performed at the Cranford Amphitheatre oldcolonyplayers.com

GRANVILLE MORROW FUN FISH DAY - MAY 15 Sponsored by Valdese Recrea�on McGalliard Falls 9-1pm Registra�on begins May 3rd by calling 828-879-2132

OLD ROCK SCHOOL CRAFT MARKET - MAY 22

Enjoy handmade cra�s from over 50 vendors, Door Prizes & More! FREE Outdoor Event | 9am-4pm

FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERTS - MAY 28

KICKOFF CELEBRATION WITH CAT5 - Beach & Dance Friday Nights May 28- September 3 from 7-10pm See the full band lineup at visitvaldese.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Friday, July 2

Music by SOUTHSIDE STATION @7pm FIREWORKS at dusk!

“FROM THIS DAY FORWARD”

- HISTORIC OUTDOOR DRAMA OF THE WALDENSES July 16 - August 14 | Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm Tickets available by calling 828-522-1150

WALDENSIAN FESTIVAL AUGUST 13 & 14, 2021

Friday: Darrell Harwood @6pm Dirty Grass Soul @9pm Saturday: The Tonez @3pm Blackwater Rhythm & Blues @7pm Full event schedule at waldensianfes�val.com 828-879-2129 | visitvaldese.com

*Schedule Subject to Change | COVID -19 Safety Protocols must be followed

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Beech Mountain Continued From Page 19

Park where your fur r y fr iends c a n ro a m o f f - l e a s h ? O u r d o g park has one of the best views on the mountain and is open from dawn to dark. There’s no charge to use it.

artificial lure only, and is sure to provide a great day’s fishing for the most discerning angler. For other fishing options or to learn more about the ar t of angling in the mountains, contact the If all that isn’t enough, how Buckeye Recreation Center at about low humidity, summer tem828-387-3003 for information on peratures that rarely exceed 79 scheduling a guide. degrees, and few, if any, mosquitoes? Surely that is the happiest Still not sure that the Town of circumstances… of Beech Mountain offers something that will make you smile?

So, what makes you happy?

H ow ab o u t g re at re s t a u ra n t s , Maybe you don’t even know… mini-golf, a downhill mountain ye t . G ive t h e Tow n o f B e e c h bike park, a disc golf course, a Mountain a try. We think you will brewery, numerous live outdoor find a lot to smile about here.

– Kate Gavenus c o n c e r t s ( m o s t o f wh i ch a re free), canoes and kayaks for use For more information, call us on Buckeye Lake (available at no at 828-387-9283, or go online charge) or a large hilltop Bark to www.beechmtn.com.

Come experience the vineyard under the stars!

Our annual, signature event features camping in the vineyard, live music, dinner from the Skull Camp Smokehouse, S’mores, and tons of fun!

Adult ticket includes 3 drink tickets or a bottle of wine, overnight camping, live music, a boxed dinner from the Skull Camp Smokehouse Saturday evening, S’mores with the campfire, and a light continental breakfast on Sunday morning.

Round Peak Vineyards 765 Round Peak Church Rd Mount Airy, NC 27030 RoundPeak.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

18th Annual Piedmont Pottery Festival In Eden, NC

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he City of Eden will host the 18th Annual Piedmont Potter y Festival on S a t u r d a y, J u n e 5 , 2 0 2 1 f r o m 9 a m u n t i l 4 p m a t t h e Fi r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r ch l o c at e d at 5 8 2 S o u t h wo o d D r ive i n Eden, NC. This event has always featured the finest in handcrafted potter y from across North Carolina and Our visitor s come from all s o u t h e r n Vi rg i n i a . ove r N o r t h C a r o l i n a a n d Vi rginia as well. In 2019 52 differPo t t e r s t rave l f ro m G re e n s- ent cities were represented by b o r o , J u l i a n , Tr o y, B r o w n our visitors that range from 700 S u m m i t , R u t h e r f o r d t o n , S e a - to 800 in number. grove, Thomasville, Forest City, Ly n ch bu r g , VA , E ag l e S p r i n g s , Make plans now to join us Mocksville, Reidsville, Oak on June 5 here in beautiful R i d g e, R a m s e u r, D r y Fo rk , VA . , E d e n , N C . H a n d m a d e p o t t e r y S a n f o r d , K e r n e r s v i l l e , a n d m a ke s a p e r f e c t g i f t f o r a l l others. occasions!

We c a n ’t wa i t t o s e e wh at our potters have been creating during the pandemic. It should be spectacular!!

For More information contact: Cindy Adams at 336-612-8049 or cadams@edennc.us or go to ExploreEdenNC.com

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Plenty To Do In Downtown Mocksville!

A

re you looking for somewh e re t o go a n d s o m e thing new to do? There’s plenty to do in Downtown M o ck s v i l l e ! S h o p d ow n t ow n bridal at Laced With Grace, an ar t galler y like Souther mood, and home décor and furniture at Lydia Jaynes, Ar tisan Crafts at Ar tist Market on Main, and vintage collectibles at Vintage Sunflower, and two boutiques, Southern Ties & Bird & Co, and s o m u c h m o r e. S t o p b y T h e S t at i o n , m o d e r n - d ay G e n e ra l Store & Taproom. A family & petfriendly place to enjoy 12 beers and cider on tap, Sno-balls, or old-fashioned bulk candy!

Come with an appetite for ever ything from Souther n c u i s i n e at R e s t a u r a n t 1 0 1 t o O’Callahans, an Irish Pub serving Irish & American dishes. Enjoy some Italian cuisine at Carciatis / La Vita E’ Bella. Mountaintop Cheesecakes offers various cheesecake flavors, from traditional flavors to seasonal flavors like Blueberry Lemonade. Experience specialty coffees, delicious breakfast bagels, and “ d e l i c i o u s ” s a n dw i ch e s w i t h sourdough bread from the Factory Coffee House.

While walking around town, grab a Hershey ice cream cone from Scoops Ice Cream and relax at Main Street Park.

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Ta ke a s h o r t d r ive t o R i ch Park, where the kids can enjoy the playgrounds, enjoy a ballgame, stroll through one of the many greenway walks, or bike ride along the three to four miles of paved trails encircling the Park. Swing over to the Davie Community Park and enjoy the largest Splash Pad in NC. Th i s Pa rk h a s m a ny ex c e llent features with a playground, dog park, walking trails, baseball fields, and much more.

Visit MocksvilleNC.org. for up to the minute destination ideas and community events.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

PEDALS & PINTS

Check out our website for lots of great restaurants, brew pubs, and live music happening in Elkin.

ExploreElkin.com

Oil and Filter Changes - Tire Rotations -Tire Sales & Tune-Up - Wheel Balance Batteries - Check Engine Light NC INSPECTION STATION

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164 W. Plaza Dr. Mooresville NC 28117 • 704-235-6650 • M-F 7:30am-8pm Sat 8am-4pm

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Spring Farms Let You Pick The “Berry Best!

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s the weather improves it is time to head outdoors and enjoy the Carolina weather and also the North Carolina strawberr y season. Three farms in Granville County take the lead in delivering fruit and produce. Lyon Farms in Creedmoor, Chr istmas Place Strawb e r r y Fa r m i n B u l l o ck , a n d Dixon & Sons in Oxford.

(919) 693-4496, and Let You Pick The “Berry” Bestare on Facebook.

Lyon Farms offers five acres of strawberries for customer s t o p i ck f ro m . Th e y a l s o o f fe r pre-picked packs, car r y other produce, and will include other “you-pick” items as they come into season. Lyon Far ms is located at 1544 Munns Road, Creedmoor, NC. For more info visit them on Facebook.

If you’re not able to get to one of the far ms, Granville County also offers two farmers markets. The Creedmoor Farmers Market is open on Saturdays and i s l o c at e d at 6 0 8 N o r t h M a i n Street in Creedmoor. The Oxford Far mer’s Market is located at the corner of McClanahan and Lanier Streets and is also open Saturdays. Both markets offer an extensive array of produce, crafts, and other goods - and both maintain Facebook pages for more information.

The Christmas Place Strawberry Farm is a dedicated strawberry farm with 3 acres of crops.

The crop is looking good and they will offer Sweet Charlies, Chandlers, and Ruby Junes, as they become ripe. They are located at Harry Davis Road, Bullock, NC

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D i x o n & S o n s Fa r m s i n Oxford have 3 acres of strawberries for picking, and also offer pre-packed strawberries. They also sell eggs and other produce as available. This farm is located at 4133A Hwy 15 in Oxford. Call (919) 691-1367.

For more information on Granville County visit www. visitgranvillenc.com, For information on agriculture in Granville access the Visit NC Farm phone app.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

LUXURY & PERFORMANCE

at the Lake!

Visit Randy Marion Cadillac for all your service, parts and accessory needs

Open 9 am - 8 pm Weekdays 9 am - 8 pm Saturday

RandyMarionCadillac.com

Service 7:30 am - 8 pm Weekdays 8 am - 4 pm Saturday

220 W. Plaza Drive I-77, Exit 36, Hwy.150 Mooresville

New Bikes, New Exhibits, New Fun!

Maggie Valley, NC

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

(828) 926-6266

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Country Drives & Main Street Strolls Combine For Garden Jubilee In Hendersonville

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hat’s better than a Blue Ridge Mountain weekend getaway? A mountain trip that offers plenty of shopping opportunities to stock up on spring annuals, perennials, and vegetable and herb plants. Hendersonville once again hosts Garden Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30.

L a s t y e a r, t h e e v e n t w a s renamed Garden Jubilee Nurseries & Orchards Tour and shifted from a downtown gathering to a countr yside tour of nur series and orchards. Brought about by the pandemic, the change received overwhelming approval.

T h i s ye a r ’s G a r d e n J u b i l e e blends the tour concept with a revamped Main Street experience, scaled back for social distancing.

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The new town-and-countr y for mat takes place Fr iday to Sunday, with the downtown portion available Saturday and Sunday. Main Street will be considered one of 15 stops on the tour. “ Pe o p l e l o v e d t h e t o u r aspect last year, and we think it will be more appealing this year when combined with the traditional downtown exper i e n c e,” s ay s K a re n B a ke r w i t h Hender sonville tourism. “Folks can start anywhere on the tour they wish.”

Garden center s and nur series will sell annuals, perennials, shrubber y, herbs, trees, vegetables and hard-to-find plants.

O r ch a r d s w i l l o f f e r p r o d u c e, jams, jellies, honey, cider and

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

b a ke d g o o d s . N u r s e r i e s a n d l ove r s t o H e n d e r s o nv i l l e f o r orchards will also host vendors Memorial Day weekend.” selling garden accessories, crafts and additional plants.

Lots of people opted to stay over night, or even two nights, M e a n w h i l e , H e n d e r s o n - last year to visit multiple nursv i l l e ’s v i b r a n t M a i n S t r e e t eries and orchards. Smith, who returns to the mix with smaller works in the lodging industry at booths and a tripling of space Cascades Mountain Resort, says b e t we e n ve n d o r s . A t t e n d e e s many area hotels and bed-andcan shop for small plants, lawn b re a k f a s t s p rov i d e s p a c e fo r a n d g a rd e n i t e m s , a n d c ra f t s , guests to keep their new plants while taking advantage of more indoors. t h a n t wo d o z e n r e s t a u r a n t s downtown.

To u r h o u r s a re 9 a . m . t o 5 p.m. all three days. Downtown “We want to expand on the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturs u c c e s s t h a t w a s 2 0 2 0 ,” s a y s day and Sunday only.

Debi Smith, chair of the HenFor more information and derson County Tourism Authorlodging options, go to i ty. “ It rea lly op en ed o ur eyes www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. to a new and better way to org/Garden-Jubilee or call (800) 828-4244. welcome gardener s and plant

Take out only. $5 dollar additional charge required for all new Duckworth’s growlers. Special price only applies to $9 growlers & 1 topping pizzas. Extra toppings ($1.75 each) & higher price growlers are available for an additional charge

www.duckworths.com

Ballantyne Rea Farms Mooresville Huntersville Uptown

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Elkin, The Perfect Union Of Hiking & Hops

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t is spring in North Carolina, but I can feel summer creeping in quickly. I take the winding turns of the Blue Ridge Parkway slowly, enjoying the scenery around me. Cows graze behind old split rail fences in fields spotted with dandelions. Eventually, I arrive at my destination Devils Garden ove r l o o k o n t h e s i d e o f t h e Parkway. A trail nearby is marked by a familiar white dot on a small wooden post, the blaze for the Mountains to Sea Trail. I follow it eagerly.

When I make it into Elkin, I am sweaty and flushed. Hunger bites at my stomach as I dream of a cold beer and something to eat. I have a couple of choices to make my dreams come true for a craft kitchen and beer. Angr y The moment I am in the forest, Troll, down on the river, or Skull the bright sunlight turns emerald Camp Smokehouse, up by my as it is filtered through the new Trail Angels house. yellow-green leaves that adorn the branches. The humidity lingers, I c a l l e d my t ra i l a n g e l fo r but the shade offers a noticeable a ride, and we headed over to r e l i e f f r o m t h e h e at . H i k i n g S k u l l C a m p S m o ke h o u s e f o r poles in hand, I cruise along the a b i t e. A c h e e s y bu r g e r w i t h thin dirt trail. I spot some of my beer cheese and the Knuckle favorite wildflowers, Phlox and D r a g g e r I PA’s s h a r p h o p b i t e Trout Lily, making an appearance t o s avo r. B e e r b rewe d o n s i t e among the dead leaves on the and craft food prepared f ar m ground. I am lost in the serenity of t o f o r k . Th i s wa s t h e p e r f e c t nature for several hours, listening ending for the day. to bird calls and enjoying the Heidi “Picasso” Nisbett cool breeze while the stressful www.sketchingsummits.com thoughts from the workweek finally quiet down.

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