123 June the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 123 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Boutique Destinations & Events We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Paddling Adventures If you want to paddle, now is the time.

Catawba Riverkeeper’s new location in Gaston County makes it easy all summer long

GoGastonNC.org

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June 2021 Issue 123

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 Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean, Kate Gavenus, Jennifer Olsen Thomas Cover: Elkin Creek Winery - Yadkin Valley, NC Sam Dean 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 Explore Elkin Itineraries Yadkin Valley NC

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Summer Fun On Beech Mountain 10 Getting Your Groove On At The Square In Mocksville

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Pack A Picnic Basket And Head For The Hills Of Stokes County

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Riverkeeper Makes It Easy To Paddle

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More To Experience At Beech Mountain Brewing Co.

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Pilot Mountain Is More Than Just A Mountain!

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You And Your Furry Friend Will Love Burke County

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Outdoor Adventure Comes To Life In Banner Elk, NC 26 Bears Emerge From Hibernation In Downtown Hendersonville

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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

playanydaygetawaycation

Call for your free Visitor Guide 800.828.4244 | VisitHendersonvilleNC.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

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.

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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Explore Elkin Itineraries Yadkin Valley NC

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our new Explore Elkin itineraries showcase wine, music, outdoor s and weekend getaways in this p o p u l a r Ya d k i n Va l l e y t o w n in the Blue Ridge foothills of Nor th Carolina.

A Weekend in Elkin Itinerary wraps 72 hours of fun into one c o n v e n i e n t s c h e d u l e. L o c a l experiences include shopping in the downtown historic district, insider restaurant options and winer y self-tours. This itinerar y m a k e s t h e m o s t o f E l k i n ’s location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with suggestions for hiking Elkin Valley trails and paddling the Yadkin River.

The Wine-tinerary is a perfect guide for exploring the diverse wineries and vineyards in and around town. Elkin sits in the center of the Yadkin Valley wine region, which is a federally designated American Viticultural Area. Just minutes from town are more than 20 wineries. This itinerar y features winer y selftours with stops at local eateries.

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The Outdoor Explore Itinerar y is a great source for outdoor adventurer s wishing t o h i ke, b i ke a n d p a dd l e a l l weekend long. Elkin is home to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the National Historic Overmountain Vi c t o r y Tr a i l , a s we l l a s t h e Yadkin River Blue Water Paddle Tr a i l . Vi s i t o r s c a n t a ke t r a i l s t o b e a u t i f u l p a rk s , h i dd e n waterfalls and even to wineries.

The Music Itinerary is a musthave for the music lover visiting Elkin. Live music can be found m o s t e ve r y we e ke n d a r o u n d t ow n . E l k i n ’s mu s i c fe s t iva l s , like Reevestock, preser ve the local folk and bluegrass roots.

There is a great variety of music t o d i s c ove r, wh e t h e r i t b e at local wineries, restaurants, the R e eve s Th e at e r, o r c o u n t l e s s other events. The Reeves Theater hosts regional and national acts on weekends.

Let these specialized itineraries be your guide to the many ways to combine and customize your Elkin experience. To learn more go to: www.exploreelkin.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

SPOOKY GOOD Three Concepts One Commitment to

Craft

BREWERY & PIZZERIA 427 E Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115

704-799-7433

BEER LAB

SCRATCH KITCHEN

704-233-7056

980-689-4390

225 S. Broad St. Mooresville, NC 28115

138 Village View Dr. Mooresville, NC 28117

GhostFaceBrewing.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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Summer Fun On Beech Mountain

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eat the heat this summer with a trip to Beech Mountain, eastern America’s highest town. A full schedule of fun family-friendly activities, many of them free, awaits yo u h e re i n N o r t h C a ro l i n a ’s high countr y, where just a few hours of driving takes you into Nor th Carolina’s cool, breezy highlands. There are plenty of lodging options on Beech Mountain, from hotels to condos and individual houses suitable for families and groups of all sizes.

Beginning May 29th, the Beech Mountain Resort will be open for the summer season.

Scenic chair lift rides, down hill mountain biking, and a brewery draw many visitors, and free live music at the Skybar on Saturday afternoons are the icing on the cake. Musicians love to play on the deck of 5506, with panoramic views behind them, and the setting makes for an unforgettable afternoon. The lift ride t o t h e S k y b a r i s $ 1 2 , bu t t h e concert is free. Please note that the lift isn’t suitable for pets, infants, or small children.

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T h e Fa m o u s B r i c k O v e n Pizzer ia will host Family Fun N i g h t eve r y Fr i d ay f ro m M ay 28th through June 13th. These popular outdoor gatherings are free, and include live music, a bounce house for kids, and a family-friendly outdoor movie. As an extra-special treat, the band for Friday, June 25th is DeCarlo, featuring Tommy DeCarlo, the lead singer of the band Boston.

The Beech Alpen Inn continues a long tradition of Summer S u n s e t C o n c e r t s o n t h e L aw n ever y Sunday night from May 3 0 t h t h r o u g h S ep t e m b e r 5 t h .

E n j oy t h i s o u t d o o r ve nu e o n the lawn next to the Beech A l p e n I n n ’s re s t a u ra n t . M u s i c plays from 5:00-8:00 pm. Bring a chair or a blanket. Genres range f r o m b l u e s t o j a z z t o r o ck a billy, so there’s something for all tastes. These are free con cer ts, and food is available on the grounds.

For more information on Beech Mountain’s Family Fun Month, call 800-468-5506 or visit: www.BeechMtn.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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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SHOP US ONLINE AT WWW.RANDYMARIONRMX.COM

ACCESSORIES

CALL FOR PREFERRED CUSTOMER PRICING

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

Getting Your Groove On At The Square In Mocksville

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hat better way to spring into summer but with outdoor concerts on the square. We love inviting all of our friends, family, and bringing the kiddos to hit the square and stroll through town.

Downtown Mocksville has so many options to grab dinner and drinks before the show starts. Take time to enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer, window shop or visit merchants open late that evening and grab a yummy ice cream from Scoops Ice Cream to cool

off with. The lineup this summer is well… amazing to say the least!

So grab your blankets, chairs for a great spot for us to dance the night away.

Concer ts are free, open to the public, and are fun for all a g e s ! B r i n g yo u r o w n c h a i r, practice COVID SAFETY, parking at the quad near Restaurant 101 Downtown Mocksville.

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

TOUCHLESS PASSPORTS & GUIDES SCAVENGER HUNTS • TOURS • TRAILS

Does your Group, Community, Trail Or Association NEED A Safer Passport?

Agritourism Self Guided Tours Scavenger Hunts Trails / Associations

SaferPassport.com

Be on every screen Web Page & Domain Included

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Pack A Picnic Basket And Head For The Hills Of Stokes County

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iscover your best summer days in a “Stokes State of Mind” along the sandy banks of the Dan River or along the trails of Hanging Rock State Pa r k i n S t o ke s C o u n t y, N o r t h Carolina. This summer picnic with friends, family and Doggo in the wide open spaces within the shadow of the majestic S a u r a t o w n M o u n t a i n R a n g e.

Prepare for your picnic meal with a stop at Priddy’s General Store for the essentials, we s u gg e s t H o o p C h e e s e, b re a d , fresh veggies, homemade fried apple pies, and a bottle soda f o r s t a r t e r s . J o h n B r o w n ’s C o u n t r y S t o r e i s a n o t h e r go to for var ious local specialty sauces for barbequing by the campfire or enjoy the new JB’s Cool Corner for a delicious I c e C r e a m Tr e at o r s p e c i a l t y 24oz. Smoothie named after w a t e r f a l l s o f H a n g i n g R o ck .

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Drive along the newly renamed “ S a u rat ow n M o u n t a i n S c e n i c B y way ” t o s e l e c t t h e p e r f e c t picnic site or contact local hospitality service “Sweet Honey - Delightful Picnicking” cab assist in choosing a site and setting u p f o r a m e a l f o r t wo w w w. sweethoneypicnics.com D o n ’t fo r g e t t o p p i n g s a n d other sides, one of those being delicious and sweet Strawberries from one of three local ber r y f ar ms including Mabe’s Ber r y Farm & Manuel Farms of Walnut Cove or Robertson Family Farm in King, NC. Call ahead to reserve Strawberries for pick up or pick your own in per son at Mabe’s Berr y Far m, Rober tson Far m is fir st come, fir st ser ve with other various produce options to choose from at their r o a d s i d e Fa r m S t a n d . Wh e n visiting Robertson Family Farms

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

on Saturday this season, enjoy food trucks on location, a new picnic table and seating area is perfect for enjoying strawberries s t ra i g h t f ro m t h e v i n e w i t h a selection of food from a food truck. Find them on social media fo r a n n o u n c e m e n t s o n o t h e r special events throughout the season and check back in the fall for a NEW Cor n Maze and Sunflower Field.

were planted. Bill passed away in 2002 and his family decided to continue on with the family business. Tina Mabe Tamer and her husband, Paul, have since taken over the blueberr y side with the help of their daughter, Sarah. Christy Mabe Roger s along with her husband, Mike, and children, Justin and Nicole, run the strawberr y side of the farm.

Mabe’s Berry Farm has been owned and operated since the fir st strawberr y plant was planted in 1967 and is one of the oldest strawberry farms in North C a ro l i n a . Fo u n d e r, W. G. “ B i l l ” Mabe, and wife Emma bought the f ar m in 1962 and wanted to far m something other than tobacco so the first strawberries

Spend a weekend and enjoy a local event, attraction, festival, b r e w e r y, w i n e r y a n d m a n y delicious local eats throughout.

The season for strawberries here lasts all the way into September.

The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com

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Reevestock Music Festival Photo by: Jake Rothwell

events Scan the QR Code to view our full calendar of events.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Upcoming Events

IN ELKIN, NC July 1 Live at Five at The Wisdom Table July 3 FreedomFest July 9 Food Truck Friday July 23 Downtown Block Party August 5 Live at Five at The Wisdom Table August 6-7 Reevestock Music Festival August 13 Food Truck Friday

For more information, visit www.ExploreElkin.com theDestinationMagazine.com 704-706-2365

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ESCAPE. UNWIND. INDULGE. BannerElk.com

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

Riverkeeper Makes It Easy To Paddle

3 Locations | Saturdays & Sundays | May – September

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f you haven’t taken a spin on the open water ab o a r d a c a n o e, k aya k , o r s t a n d - u p p a d d l e b o a r d , i t ’s probably just a matter of time.

Par ticipation in paddling has been on the rise over the p a s t few ye a r s d u e i n p a r t t o accessibility, affordability, and ap p ro a ch ab i l i t y. B y p a dd l i n g with the Catawba Riverkeeper located just west of Charlotte, N C , yo u ’r e n o t o n l y g e t t i n g a chance to experience the w a t e r f i r s t h a n d , b u t yo u ’r e a l s o s u p p o r t i n g o u r wo r k t o preserve and protect our waters fo r g e n e rat i o n s t o c o m e. Th e f o l l o w i n g o p t i o n s f o r k a ya k rentals are available:

free to explore the coves, wildlife, and shoreline of a half mile area up and downstream from the launch.

Flatwater Kayak Rentals

After a brief safety talk and introduction to the area, you’ll e n j oy f l o at i n g o r p a dd l i n g at your own pace down the river t o h i s t o r i c C ra m e r t o n , wh e re you can enjoy a cup of coffee, meal, or shopping. When you’re ready, we’ll shuttle you back to your car in McAdenville.

Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park – Belmont, NC Guests can enjoy 90 minutes o f s e l f - g u i d e d p a dd l i n g o n a calm, quiet stretch of the upper part of Lake Wylie – the oldest l a ke o n t h e C a t a w b a R iv e r.

Th i s k aya k i n g ex p e r i e n c e i s great for first time paddlers or f amilies with young children.

After a brief safety talk and introduction to the area, you’re

Slow Flow Kayak Rentals

McAdenville South Fork River Greenway This beautiful 1.5 mile s t r e t c h o f t h e S o u t h Fo r k o f the Catawba allows guests t o g e n t ly p a dd l e fo r 6 0 - 9 0 minutes on slow moving water f ro m M c A d e nv i l l e t o C ra m e rton. These tr ips are unguided, but Catawba Riverkeeper staff w i l l b e t h e r e t o h e l p yo u i n and out of the water. This kaya k i n g ex p e r i e n c e i s g re at fo r fir st time paddler s or f amilies w i t h yo u n g ch i l d re n .

Continued On Page 21

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Celebrate Summer in

e s e d l a V FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHTS SUMMER CONCERTS 7-10pm

KICKOFF CELEBRATION May 28th with CAT5 - Beach & Dance June 4- SHAKEDOWN BAND June 11- FRACXURED June 18- WHITEWATER BLUEGRASS CO. June 25- SKATERINK JUKEBOX

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Friday, July 2 Music by SOUTHSIDE STATION @7pm

FIREWORKS AT DUSK!

July 9- FOX & COMPANY July 16- SUPER 60’s July 23- RATED PG July 30- LITTLE JOHNNY TRAILER TRASH August 6- 28690 & FRIENDS

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 August 20- NIGHT MOVE BAND August 27: TO BE ANNOUNCED

SEASON FINALE CELEBRATION September 3rd with TOO MUCH SYLVIA - Beach & Dance

“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

828-879-2129 | visitvaldese.com

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*Schedule Subject to Change

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Riverkeeper GO Gaston Continued From Page 19

Half Day Guided Tour

Location: Spencer Mountain to The Boathouse (meet at The Boathouse, shuttle provided) I f yo u a re re a dy t o ex p e r i e n c e a n a u t h e n t i c r ive r w i t h ex p e r i e n c e d g u i d e s , t h e h a l f d a y p a dd l i n g e x p e r i e n c e i s f o r yo u . G u e s t s w i l l m e e t a t The Boathouse at the South Fo r k Tr a i l h e a d a n d a f t e r a s a f e t y t a l k yo u ’l l b e s h u t t l e d 1 5 m i nu t e s t o S p e n c e r M o u n tain where you’ll put in with 2 ex p e r i e n c e d g u i d e s wh o w i l l help you navigate this beautif u l s t r e t c h o f t h e S o u t h Fo r k o f t h e C at aw b a .

T h i s k a ya k i n g e x p e r i e n c e

is great for those who are c o m f o r t abl e i n t h e wat e r bu t might not be experts. It is safe and accessible to many skills levels, but includes l o w cl a s s I r a p i d s i n s e v e r a l sections with easy moving, gentle water in between.

E a ch t r i p w i l l l a s t ap p rox imately 3 hour s and will concl u d e b a ck at yo u r c a r at t h e S o u t h Fo r k Tr a i l h e a d .

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE NOW! www.catawbariverkeeper. org/kayak-rentals/ Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

EVERY WEEKEND ON BEECH MOUNTAIN

Live music & outdoor movies at Famous Brickoven Pizzeria (Free event with food & beverages available for purchase)

Take a scenic lift ride to 5506’ Skybar for live music (Free event with the cost of a lift ticket)

It’s the Summer Concert Series at Beech Alpen Inn (No cover charge • Lawn menu)

Details: beechmtn.com

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More To Experience At Beech Mountain Brewing Co.

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ver y Fr iday, r unning May 3 1 t h ro u g h Au g u s t 3 0 , our Brewhouse will host P u r p o s e f u l P i n t s . A s a lway s , Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is a family-friendly environment.

Bring the kids, bring the whole family!

Our unique brewer y is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resor t which offer s mountain biking, disc golf & m a n y o t h e r a c t iv i t i e s . O u r b i - l e ve l f a c i l i t y w i t h a l a r g e fireplace and hardwood flooring t h ro u g h o u t , B e e ch M o u n t a i n Brewing Co. is accessible for all visitors. You do not have to par ticipate in resor t activities t o v i s i t , we a r e o p e n t o t h e general public. Come hang with us Friday through Sunday to try our Brewer’s latest creation or enjoy a flight of all that we have to offer!

just enjoying the views at Beech Mountain Resort.

Elevate your weekend mornings with Mile High Yoga at Beech Mountain Resort’s 5506′ S k y b a r. Yo g a cl a s s e s a r e $ 1 5 which includes your scenic lift C o m e j a m w i t h u s e v e r y ride ticket.

Saturday from 2:30 p.m .to 5:30 p. m . at 5 5 0 6 ′ S k y b a r. I t ’s t h e For a full listing of dates, schedules perfect way to end your Saturday and activities please visit BeechMountainResort.com after mountain biking, yoga or

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

On The Water Exit 30 Davidson

Pilot Mountain Is More Than Just A Mountain!

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r iv i n g o n a c l o u d l e s s Carolina blue sky day i s a lway s f abu l o u s bu t the destination anticipation is exhilarating! You see the mountain ahead however there’s so much more to explore. Downtown Pilot Mountain is open for visitors. Along with several events scheduled this summer downtown has many places for you to grab a coffee, lunch, or dinner. Need just a pick me up? How about a sweet treat. Looking for that one-of-akind gift or special piece to go in that corner at home? Downtown Pilot Mountain has an incredible selection of Antique stores in town.

Reconnect with nature and the small town charm reminiscent of older days by exploring our beautiful town. Come visit the mountain at our State Park, walking trails, and campgrounds.

Located just a few minutes from the mountain is our downtown area, which boasts delicious restaurants, award winning bed and breakfasts, shops, and other small businesses. Wineries, inns, our golf course, and wedding destinations are also available in the area. So come take a trip to Pilot Mountain and enjoy yourselves. We’re happy to have you!

www.pilotmountainnc.org

Two Locations on the water to relax with friends, or make new friends.

Host your corporate or private event on Lake Norman.

The Cabin

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

Cocktails & Cigars 400-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 (next door to the Lake Norman Cottage)

(704) 237-3629 www.LKNCabin.com

LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE

Bordeaux & Baked Brie 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

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You And Your Furry Friend Will Love Burke County

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0 2 0 wa s a c ra z y ye a r fo r ever ybody, including our pets. Our four-legged friends found their lives turned upside down when their owners suddenly didn’t leave the house to go to work, drastically altering life as they knew it. Now that workers are returning to the office, our pets are having to adjust all over again.

They are spending more time alone and although they probably enjoy having their mid day naps back, they are surely missing YOU! Reward yourself and your dog for surviving quarantine by taking a vacation in Burke County, North Carolina. Burke County is the perfect place to take your doggo due to our numerous pet friendly restaurants, breweries, and accommodations, not to mention our plethora of outdoor activities perfect for you both to enjoy.

Eat at Mountain Bur r ito, a local favorite in Morganton. This tex-mex restaurant, similar to Chipotle, is a must. They source many local ingredients and are constantly making new, adventurous salsas. Best of all, they have covered outdoor seating that is perfect for you and your pet. Their menu is very accomodating for

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different diets, making it a crowd pleaser for all in your party and is the perfect way to get energy before your outdoor adventure. If tex mex isn’t your thing, we recommend Root and Vine in downtown Morganton. This casually elegant eater y has a beautiful outdoor patio that will make your pet feel right at home. Their farm to table inspired menu features yummy burgers, flatbread pizzas and sumptuous entrees while providing a laid back atmosphere that you can relax in. The wait staff will even bring your furr y friend a water bowl to quench their thirst while you eat.

If you would like to eat from one of our other wonderful restaurants that may not allow pets, or if you do not want to eat outside, all of our breweries and bottle shops allow takeout, and pets, inside for your convenience. It is a great way to explore our amazing craft beer culture while including your furry friends.

The downtown Fairfield Marr iott, Comfor t Inn and Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and many of our AirBnbs and VRBOs allow pets. This makes traveling with

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

your dog possible on any budget.

We also have many campgrounds for RV’s as well as tent camping that allow pets.

Once you have rested and eaten, it will be time to explore t h e t r a i l s i n B u r k e C o u n t y.

Yo u r d o g w i l l l ove t rave r s i n g n ew t e r ra i n w i t h yo u , a s yo u both experience the outdoor s together. If your pet loves water, Lake Rhodhiss in Valdese is the perfect place to take them out on a boat or for them to go for a swim. This lake is relatively calm a n d i s c o n n e c t e d t o Va l d e s e Lakeside Park where you can hike or access the water. If you want something flat that is an easy stroll, our Catawba River Greenway has a paved trail that

follows the Catawba River for 3.8 miles. While walking the greenway, if your pet has more energy than you, you can bring them to the dog park located on the trail so they can run around and get to play with other dogs. This will definitely tire them out so you can have a relaxing evening then start again the next day.

We think you and your furry friend will love Burke County, for a memento of you and your pets tr ip to Morganton, come to the Visitor s Center at 110 E Meeting Street to receive a free pet bandanna!

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

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

WE SERVICE & REPAIR ALL MAKES & MODELS

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

www.RandyMarionChevy.net

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Outdoor Adventure Comes To Life In Banner Elk, NC

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x c i t i n g o u t d o o r a dv e n tures – both new and old – await this summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This high-elevation resort town is surrounded by thrilling experiences.

The newest adrenaline rush c o m e s w i t h d ow n h i l l s p e e d s reaching up to 27 miles per h o u r. Wi l d e r n e s s R u n , N o r t h Carolina’s fir st alpine coaster, o p e n e d l a s t s u m m e r, w i t h a 3,160-foot track that includes three circular loops, a series of waves and lots of twists. Riders use hand brakes to control the speed of their individual carts. “ Yo u ’r e l o o p i n g , d i p p i n g o r t u r n i n g. Th e re i s n o p o i n t where you are just riding,” says Eric Bechard, who co-owns the coaster with his wife, Tara.

“It’s ver y fast and a whole lot of fun.”

stream beds and panoramic views. Guests meet up in Banner Elk and are shuttled to a secluded location for an exciting afternoon driving twoseat UTVs in the Blue Ridge.

Mile-high adventure is always on tap at nearby Grandfather Mountain. This l o n g - s t a n d i n g n at u r e p a r k i s home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a suspension b r i d g e p e rch e d at 5 , 2 8 0 fe e t w i t h p a n o ra m i c v i ew s o f t h e NC High Countr y. Other attractions at Grandfather Mountain are animal habitats for elk, cougar s, bear s and otter s, a n at u r e mu s e u m a n d f u d g e shop, and miles of hiking trails geared toward all skill levels.

D ow n h i l l m o u n t a i n b i ke r s h ave o p t i o n s w i t h i n m i nu t e s of Banner Elk’s lone stoplight.

Lift-accessed trails stay open throughout the summer at two ski resor ts – Beech Mountain Another Banner Elk-based and Sugar Mountain. experience is Off the Grid M o u n t a i n A dve n t u r e s , wh i ch O t h e r o u t d o o r a c t iv i t i e s o f f e r s g u i d e d U T V t o u r s i n cl u d e E l k R iv e r Fa l l s , t wo f e a t u r i n g m o u n t a i n t e r r a i n , wh i t ewat e r ra f t i n g o u t f i t t e r s ,

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

and numerous hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A f t e r a d ay o f r e c r e at i o n , Banner Elk satisfies the a p p e t i t e w i t h a n i m p r e s s iv e collection of restaurants. The town has earned the nickname “Culinar y Hot Spot of the High Countr y” for its cuisine. From f i n e d i n i n g t o c a s u a l b i s t ro s , Banner Elk ser ves up a variety of choices.

Afterwards, retire to the f ro n t p o rch o f yo u r re n t a l cabin, where the cool evening air is a welcome respite during a Nor th Carolina summer.

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-

To plan your mountain getaway, go to www.BannerElk.com.

SummitPlaceOfMooresville.com

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

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27

Bears Emerge From Hibernation In Downtown Hendersonville

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estern North Carolina is known for black bears.

They roam the Blue Ridge Mountains and are often a topic of conversation among visitors.

Downtown Hender sonville honor s the furr y natives each year by populating Main Street with 20 colorful versions for the Bearfootin’ Art Walk. Each sculpture is decorated by a local artist.

The bears are revealed in May and remain on the sidewalks until October, when they are auctioned for charity.

The fiberglass bear s offer s blank canvases for the creativity of local artists. Past renditions have incorporated Blue Ridge Mountain scenes and landmarks, as well as elements of nature, such as flowers, forests, butterflies and birds. Other bears take on humanlike characteristics, wearing clothes, hats or costumes.

Sometimes bears have morphed into other creatures, such as a dinosaur or dog.

The bears have become synonymous with the town, and visitors enjoy finding each one, picking out favorites and taking selfies.

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Brochures with a complete listing of bears, artists, nonprofit beneficiaries and bear locations are available at the Visitor Center.

The bears add additional flair to Hender sonville’s park-like downtown. The curvilinear Main Street is surrounded by wide sidewalks, brick planters with trees and flowers, park benches and outdoor dining. It is a popular destination for shopping and dining.

Joining the bears this year is a new bee mural covering two sides of the Hands On! Children’s Museum. The mural, designed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, depicts honeybees, butterflies and native flowers. Plants in the pollinator garden at the base of the mural provide shelter, nectar and pollen.

The mural is part of an intern at i o n a l c a m p a i g n b y a r t i s t Matthew Willey called The Good of the Hive, which involves painting 50,000 honeybees in murals around the world.

For more info go to www.

VisitHendersonvilleNC.org, call (800) 828-4244, or stop by the Visitor Center at 201 S. Main Street.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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29

DOWNTOWN PILOT MOUNTAIN IS READY FOR YOU!

Spend Your Weekend In Pilot Mountain PILOT MOUNTAIN PIG - OUT FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL - June 26 HOT NIGHTS HOT CARS First Saturdays July - October

www.PilotMountainNC.org

Concerts in Davidson are coming back!

Find schedules for all three concert series at:

concertsonthegreen.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

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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