130 January the Destination Magazine™

the Issue 130 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Discover NEW Destinations In 2022!

We Tell You Where To Go!

theDestinationMagazine.com

2

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

CASINO EXCITEMENT Catawba Two Kings Casino is a thrilling new casino in Kings Mountain and makes for a great weekend getaway!

GoGastonNC.org

theDestinationMagazine.com

3

January 2022 Issue 130

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 w i t h f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y. We hope you will find a new memorable experience ever y 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, Andrea Branton, Sylvia Dalrymple Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe, Melissa McCauley, Kate Gavenus Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean, Allison Andrews, Tara R. Martin, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Cover: Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation 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 ©2022 All rights reserved. Magic Table Media Group LLC, Agents & Advertisers do not necessarily condone any activities or advertisement listed in this magazine. The Publisher and its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and sponsors are not responsible for any loss or damage which might be associated with patronage of any party named in this publication, and is not responsible for any Act of God such as inclement weather, fire, flood, natural or man-made disaster, etc., that are out of the control of the Publisher, which affect the publishing of this magazine.

4

Page 9

Page 12

Page 16

Page 23

Contents Casino Excitement Is Here

6

Cozy Yadkin Valley Fire Pits Along The Surry Wine Trail

9

Inn Love With Hendersonville, NC

10

The Entertainment Hub Of The Western NC Mountains

12

Experience Stokes County In A New Season!

14

Grandfather Mountain The “Quieter Season”

16

Chetola Resort Festival Of Lights Provides Holiday Cheer

20

Dedicated, Overachieving, And Brilliant!

Tobacco Wood Brewing Opens In RTP 23 The Hi-Lo Adventure Trail, Four Counties To Explore

26

Advertising

704-706-2365

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Countryside Cabins in Wine Country Explore a comprehensive listing of cabins & cottages at:

YadkinValleyNC.com

Request a Surry County Wine Trail guide:

YadkinValleyNC.com/guides

Casino Excitement Is Here

This New Casino Makes For A Great Getaway In Gaston County

N

ow open in its prelaunch temporar y facili t y, C a t a w b a Tw o K i n g s Casino brings great gaming action with the newest slot machines and electronic table games in a smoke-free environment. As this facility continues to expand on the types of gaming and number of machines, it will quickly become North Carolina’s premier gaming facility.

Catawba Two Kings Casino Located in Kings Mountain, NC this casino offers the newest machines in the industr y including the most popular titles.

From regular slots to high-limits and progressive jackpots there is something to appeal to ever y guest, on any budget. The gaming action can’t be beat!

Ticket-in, ticket- out capabilities offers gamers the ability to cash out quickly and keep the fun rolling by moving on to their next favorite. Four automated electronic table game pods in a

6

“stadium” setup, deliver a table games experience for both experienced players and beginners offering: Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, and more.

Open round-the-clock, the fun doesn’t stop at C a t a w b a Tw o K i n g s C a s i n o .

Visit: TwoKings.nctdm.com STAY WITH US Located in downtown Gastonia, is the Esquire Hotel b y A s c e n d H o t e l C o l l e c t i o n ®, blends the historic charm of the

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

South with today ’s most soughtafter amenities and ser vices.

After a day at the slots, kick back and relax in one of their stylish and sophisticated guest rooms or a suite, designed to capture the rich histor y and unmistakable charm of this centur y-old landmark. After you get settled in, head downstairs as the culinar y team tur ns out dish after crave-worthy dish featuring far m-fresh seasonal ingredients with Southerninspired fare at Barrister ’s. Don’t forget to complete your stay with a complimentar y breakfast.

Visit: Esquire.nctdm.com

seen Gaston County, it is time!

Get your FREE visitors guide and start planning your stay today!

Visit: GastonTop5.nctdm.com Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org

MAKE IT A WEEKEND Gaston County, makes for an amazing weekend getaway. With a variety of natural amenities including mountains, rivers and hiking & biking trails, we offer an unbeatable outdoor experience in the Charlotte Metro. Get your adrenaline pumping at the whitewater c e n t e r, p a d d l e o u r b l u e w a y s , climb to the top of a mountain to take in breathtaking views, then mar vel at the orchids and tropical plants of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. If you haven’t

theDestinationMagazine.com

7

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

8

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Cozy Yadkin Valley Fire Pits Along The Surry Wine Trail

W

hen the weather t u r n s c h i l l y, a g l a s s of Yadkin Valley wine pairs perfectly with the warmth of a vineyard fire pit.

Golden Road Vineyards also has multiple fire pits positioned around a stage for music. The winer y just outside Elkin invites guests t o “ w i n e d o w n ” w i t h Fr i d a y s b y t h e Fi r e s i d e , s i p p i n g e s t a t e wines and watching the sky turn pink as the sun sinks behind the mountains.

Several wineries along t h e S u r r y C o u n t y W i n e Tr a i l offer outdoor areas with fire pits, perfect for gathering ’round, telling stories and admiring views of the Blue Sunset is also a favorite Ridge foothills. time to gather on the terrace of Serre Vineyards in Mount One of the newest wineries A i r y . T h e 7 0 - a c r e e s t a t e o n t h e t r a i l , P i l o t M o u n t a i n b o r d e r s t h e Fi s h e r R i v e r w i t h Vineyards features seven sweeping mountain views. f i r e p i t s o n a n o u t d o o r p a t i o Snag an Adirondack chair and w i t h s t r i k i n g v i e w s o f P i l o t pull it up to the wood-bur ning, Mountain. The propane pits cauldron-style pit. The familyare generally first come, first f r i e n d l y w i n e r y o f t e n h a s s e r v e . H o w e v e r, s m a l l g r o u p s marshmallows for roasting for can make advance reser vations b o t h k i d s a n d a d u l t s . to ensure a spot.

Continued On Page 28

theDestinationMagazine.com

9

Inn Love With Hendersonville, NC

T

he Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville is not only known for its vibrant downtown, cultural attractions and scenic views, but it also boasts an impressive collection of romantic inns. Visitors can choose from nearly a dozen bed-and-breakfasts spread throughout town and the surrounding countr yside.

were built in the late 1800s when flatlanders flocked to the mountains to escape the summer heat.

One block west of Main Street is The Henderson, an early 1900s hotel-turned-inn with 17 guest rooms. Each room has its own personality, thanks to one- of-a-kind vintage and antique furnishings.

For those who prefer to stay in walking distance of Main Street boutiques, restaurants and pubs, three options are located downtown.

The Elizabeth Leigh Inn is another Victorian, perched a b o v e Fi f t h A v e n u e i n a w e l l maintained residential section of town. The inn features four elegant suites, each with a king T h e W a v e r l y I n n a n d bed, private bath and fireplace.

Charleston Inn sit side-by-side on North Main, two blocks from High above Hendersonville, the central business district. at nearly 3,000 feet elevation, sits Echo Mountain Inn, a These stately Victorians gracious stone str ucture w i t h w r a p - a r o u n d p o r c h e s dating to 1896 with spacious Continued On Page 31

10

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Fleet Available

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

www.RandyMarŠnJeepRam.com

theDestinationMagazine.com

11

The Entertainment Hub Of The Western NC Mountains

T

here’s a new reason to check out a popular tourist attraction on the edge of the Great Smoky M o u n t a i n s o f We s t e r n N o r t h Carolina. Not once in the 20 years that I’ve lived in North Carolina have I ever been. So, I decided it was time.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort opened its fourth hotel tower with 725 rooms and seven suites. The rooms in the newly opened luxur y Cherokee tower were impressive. They are large with rain shower heads in the bathroom.

The casino is more extensive than I expected. It has slots, live-action games like Blackjack, Craps and Roulette, plus a World Series of Poker room.

T h e r e a r e a l s o 11 r e s t a ur a n t s , including Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen and Bar (two words: whiskey cake!), Wicked Weed b r e w e r y, a n d a b o w l i n g a l l e y.

The Book, the casino’s recently opened sports betting experience, looked like a fun place to watch a game.

Continued On Page 28

12

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Blue to New in ‘22

AWS ADVANCED WEALTH STRATEGIES

We believe it’s not about what you have;

It’s about what you keep.

Sharon O’Connor

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Accepting Blue Cross / Blue Shield

integratedtherapiesnc.com 704-806-4606

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.

225 S Broad St Mooresville, NC www.GhostfaceBrewing.com

Free Visitor Guide Not too big.

Not too small.

For your next mountain getaway, Hendersonville is

Available!

just right.

theDestinationMagazine.com

13

Experience Stokes County In A New Season!

A

diverse region of artists, agriculture, charming general stores, local e a t e r i e s , a n d s c e n i c b e a u t y, Stokes County, North Carolina is a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Find your escape from the ever yday hustle and bustle by distancing yourself from the crowds for a little retail therapy or a heapin’ helpin of vittles and fixin’s at souther n diners and longtime favorites like Hillbilly Hideaway. At this hidden gem in Pine Hall, bring a group to gather round the table for a Meat and Three. Waiters bring out a table full of casserole dishes and pans of meats, green beans, taters, creamed corn and more. Each table in this long standing restaurant is likened to the traditional southern dinner table at grandma’s house.

14

With cool temperatures comes ample outdoor recreation at Hanging Rock – a picturesque state park just waiting to be explored in a whole new season.

Take a brisk winter hike up the park’s winding mountain paths and enjoy spectacular views of the area. On the coldest of days, the park’s five waterfalls – W i n d o w Fa l l s , H i d d e n Fa l l s , Tor y ’s Den Falls, Upper Cascades, and L ower Cascades – can be found frozen in time – a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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

Railroad Café

Dicks Driv

e In

That Little Pork

Circle Drive In

The Hive

Roasted Bean

Chop

Simply MK

Kings Pizza

And Much, Much, More!

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

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

theDestinationMagazine.com

15

Grandfather Mountain The “Quieter Season”

O

ur long winter season (November-March) brings some of most spectacular moments on Grandfather Mountain nature park. Visit the “quieter season” with more opportunities for magical, solitar y mile-high experiences. You’ll escape the crowds that you normally find in the warmer months.

b r i n g s m a ny cl e a r d ay s w i t h deep blue skies without the haze o f m o s t s u m m e r d ay s . S o m e times, you even get a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline more than 80 miles away and postcard scenes of trees covered in ice and snow. Walk the famous MileHigh Swinging Bridge, but dress warmly and hold on to your hat!

Often, you will have the bridge The weather atop Grandfather all to yourself! is some of the most extreme and fastest changing in the eastern WILDLIFE HABITATS U SA . B e t w e e n t h e p e r i o d s o f Snow especially brings out wind and snow, find many sunny t h e a n i m a l s ’ p e r s o n a l i t i e s i n m i l d d a y s f o r h i k e s a n d e v e n Grandfather ’s wildlife habitat. picnics. We are open ever y day Cougars frolic in the fluffy flakes, in winter except Thanksgiving elk look particularly regal against a n d C h r i s t m a s D a y, w e a t h e r a b a c k d r o p o f s n ow, a n d t h e permitting. Remember to book mountain’s river otters steal the your reser vation online! show. Meet our animals.

Here are just a few reasons DINE & SPLURGE to visit during our long winter: Savor lunch favorites at Mildred’s Grill inside The Nature POSTCARD VIEWS Museum with homemade soups, See the longest views in the salads and sandwiches. While Blue Ridge Mountains! Winter y o u d i n e , w a t c h w i n t e r b i r d s Continued On Page 19

16

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Field Beer Gold Medal at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival

Live Music Trivia Kids Nights Pet Perks Open Mic Night

Your First Visit Won’t Be Your Last!

Farm to Fermenter Beer, Wine, Hop Tea and Ciders on Tap. Experience our healthy and not so healthy menu choices!

2500 MERIDIAN PARKWAY, DURHAM, NC 27713

TobaccoWoodBrewing.com

Just Off I-40

First Female, Veteran Owned, Brewery In NC

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

theDestinationMagazine.com

17

18

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Grandfather Continued From Page 16

outside at the feeders. Just down the path, Grandfather ’s Fudge Shop has many yummy flavors.

Our picnic areas remain open for those warmer days!

TIPS FOR WINTER VISITS Dur ing times of inclemSHOP ent weather, including snowy, Fr o m h o l i d ay p r e s e n t s t o icy and windy conditions and special souvenir s for your self, extremely low temperatures, the f i n d p l e n t y o f u n i q u e i t e m s mountain may close entirely or a n d c o l l e c t i b l e s i n t h e g i f t halfway, meaning no access to shops located inside the Nature the Mile High Swinging Bridge M u s e u m a n d To p S h o p. B o t h until conditions improve. If the shops carry a variety of artisan park is closed halfway, guests crafts and goods, as well as sig- may visit for half-priced admisnature Grandf ather Mountain sion — even if the remainder of souvenirs, from apparel to hiking the mountain opens during their gear to drinkware and all things stay. We’ll post updates on our in between. For that someone home page. with everything, adopt an animal for them. All proceeds from Get the weather forecast for our shops suppor t the Grand- the entrance gate area near Linf ather Mountain Stewardship ville at Ray’s Weather. As you Foundation. drive up the mountain, the temperature often drops up to 5-10 HIKE degrees. We are often 20 degrees Surprising to many, we have cooler than the foothills below. m a ny m i l d e r d ay s t h at m a ke for the best hiking weather of If you plan to hike, wear adethe year. During icy and snowy q u at e l aye r s a n d p rep a re fo r periods, trails will be closed for sudden changes in the weather. safety. Trails close at 4 p.m. Read See Winter Hiking Tips. more: Winter Hiking Tips | List of trails.

Much of the mountain is accessible to those with limited HOURS & TICKETS mobility.

We’re open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 3:30 p.m. Trails close at 4 p.m. For The not-for-profit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundac u r r e n t we a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s , tion strives to inspire conservation phone the Entrance Gate at 828- of the natural world by helping 733-4337. Advance reservations guests explore, understand and are required. Buy your tickets value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For information, with your arrival time now. visit www.grandfather.com

theDestinationMagazine.com

19

Chetola Resort Festival Of Lights Provides Holiday Cheer

C

hetola Resort once again welcomes folks to its drive-through tour known a s t h e Fe s t i v a l o f L i g h t s . T h e display includes close to 30,000 lights throughout the resort and around Chetola L ake.

The resort’s award-winning Timberlake’s Restaurant is open to “cruisers,” and reser vations are strongly recommended due to staffing challenges. Masks are encouraged (not required) upon entry to the restaurant and indoor hotel facilities. Staff will continue The Festival of Lights is free to wear masks in front of guests. and open to the public. Drive the resort’s main thoroughfare On-site lodge rooms, inn and see lighted displays of car- a n d c o n d o o f f e r i n g s a r e a l s o olers, a Nativity scene and other available for overnight visitors, holiday symbols. Park and walk pending availability. around Chetola Lake and the PRO TIPS: property, or just roll down the Weeknights afford less window to hear a merr y melody. traffic and wait times.

The lights come on at New this year is the Winter- dusk and end at 10 p.m. land Kids Stroll, which invites Expect to be greeted by k i d s t o c o m p l e t e a g a m e o f friendly security pros self-guided activities around at the entr y gate. t h e l a k e . U p o n c o m p l e t i o n , Call 828-295-5500 children check in at the recre- for questions. ation center for a holiday treat.

GPS address is 185 Chetola G a m e i n s t r u c t i o n s a r e a v a i l - Lake Drive, Blowing able at the hotel front desk or Rock, NC 28605 entrance gate.

For more details, visit https:// chetola.com/chetolafestival-of-lights-2021/

20

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

The Barrel Elegant. Casual. Wine Room.

Enjoy exceptional by the glass selections

All wines served in Riedel glassware Charcuterie trays to snack in or take home

An exciting new way to discover a trophy wine without the trophy price.

1082 A Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117

www.LKNBarrel.com

(704) 663-0058

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

theDestinationMagazine.com

21

22

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Dedicated, Overachieving, And Brilliant! Tobacco Wood Brewing Opens In RTP

W

hat started as a one time small batch beer called MooseCanucker, was reworked three times until it tasted the way the small batch did, evolving into The Moose! The Moose is an imperial stout with flavors of chocolate, organic whole bean vanilla, and maple (which i s d e r i v e d f r o m Fe n u g r e e k ) .

Because we loved the brew so much and because of its unique ingredients we decided to enter it as one of our 4 beers going to the G ABF competition, and enter it as a field beer, meaning it had to have its flavoring derived from something (vegetable/ herb/seed) from the field. At the festival we were stunned as in the 4th categor y announced, The Moose took NC’s first gold medal win for the competition! Add to that, that The Moose was then announced to have won gold for The NC Brewers’ Cup for best stout, beating ourselves with Kilted Eddie also! The Moose is loose and having a great year!

We a r e d i s t r i b u t e d o v e r a Aside from The Moose, TWBC large portion of the state, have is growing at a rate we never m a d e c u s t o m b e e r s f o r s p o r t s expected!

Continued On Page 25

theDestinationMagazine.com

23

HUNTERSVILLE

MOORESVILLE

9230 Beatties Ford Road

515 Rinehardt Road

L ANCASTERS BBQ.COM

lunch

X

dinner

X

full bar

X

good times

OFF I-77 @ EXIT 33 • 117 TRADE COURT (MOORESVILLE) Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences 24 7 0 4 7 9 9 1 1 1 0 • www.jeffreyslkn.com

Tobacco Wood Continued From Page 23

teams like the Burlington Sock Puppets (best name ever for a ball team), and opened o u r s e c o n d l o c a t i o n i n R T P. The Durham site had its soft o p e n i n g o n J u n e 1 s t ( Pa u l ’ s birthday) and hard opening on June 2nd (my birthday) of this y e a r. We h a v e b e e n b l e s s e d with an incredible team there that meshes with our Oxford crew seamlessly- and some of them even started in Oxford.

Ta y l o r, o u r G M i n RT P, s t a r t e d working in Oxford shortly after we opened, and even poured his first beer with us on his 21st birthday! We hope to bring that same feeling of r ural small town char m to the Durham area and continue our model of great beer and great food. Durham boasts 31 taps, with 18-19 being TWBC brews, and the remaining are guest taps primarily dedicated to other amazing local NC b r e w e r i e s . We f e e l f o r t u n a t e everday to have a crew that has made this a brewery family- a sales team that is kind, innovative and outgoing, our front of house staff is polite, friendly and treats y o u l i k e f a m i l y, o u r k i t c h e n is talented, passionate and creative, and our brew team is dedicated, overachieving, and brilliant! We could not say more great things about all of them and I hope this is visible to our patrons!

Oxford - Brewery & Taproom 117 Wall Street, Oxford, Nc 27565 Durham - Taproom & American Gastropub 2500 Meridian Parkway, Durham, Nc 27713

– Mara

www.tobaccowoodbrewing.com

theDestinationMagazine.com

25

The Hi-Lo Adventure Trail, Four Counties To Explore

F

or many years Beech Mountain has welcomed visitors who stayed on the mountain and enjoyed various outdoor activities such as winter sports, hiking, biking, birding, fishing and canoeing to name a few. With the paving of Buckeye Creek Road in July of last year, came easy access to the Watauga Lake and surrounding areas.

That’s how the idea for the Hi-Lo Adventure Trail was born.

Connecting the communities of Beech Mountain and the Te n n e s s e e v a l l e y, t h e H i - L o A d v e n t u r e Tr a i l h i g h l i g h t s va r i o u s re c re at i o n a l o p t i o n s a n d a l l ow s a dve n t u re r s t o experience the beauty of the High Country and the surrounding areas. With three loops to choose from, you are sure to find fun for the entire family.

Fo l l o w t h e M o u n t a i n 2 Mountain Loop for a scenic d r ive a l o n g t h e b e a u t i f u l countryside from Beech Mountain, NC to Mountain City, TN. Along this trail you’ll find dining, shopping and enter tainment. You can lear n local histor y at the Beech Mountain and the Butler museums, visit various antique

26

shops and even spend the day on an OHV wilderness adventure at the Doe Mountain Recreation Area.

From coffee and ice cream to something a little stronger you’ll treat your senses along The Tasters Loop. Featuring three wineries, two breweries, coffee and ice cream shops and even an outpost dedicated to everything jerky, not to mention the iconic Mast General Annex (with more candy than Willy Wonka’s factory), this trail is an excellent way to take in the local flavor, both literally and figuratively.

L a ke s , r iv e r s , w a t e r f a l l s , boating, kayaking, fishing, those looking to go with the flow will love the Lakeside Loop. Starting off at Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake on Beech Mountain, you’ll f o l l o w t h i s t r a i l t o Wa t u g a Lake, where you’ll find marinas, restaurants and more. Fur ther along you’ll come across a couple of opportunities to stretch your legs on hiking trails to Laurel Falls and Elk River Falls.

– Kate Gavenus For more information about this experience or experiences visit: www.BeechMtn.com or call 828387-9283 for more information.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Stokes County Continued From Page 14

Soar above the treetops all year round with Carolina Ziplines, offering thrilling zips with unparalleled views. From the Jessup Mill Public Fishing Area, residents and visitors cast their lines into the Dan River, in hopes of catching a stunner of a trout and at Harts Access and Public Fishing Area, a concrete ramp lead down to the Dan River for easy access.

The Arts Place of Stokes is the county ’s cultural and entertainment center for visitors and locals, showcasing local and regional artisans and musicians through exhibits, and featuring a retail market. Listen to homegrown music as it sweeps through the hills and towns of Stokes County. And taste the flavors of the area with an expertly crafted brew from Midsummer Brewing Company in Westfield. Celebrate the most magical day of any lifetime with a private event at Moore Springs Manor – Stokes County’s premier event venue.

theDestinationMagazine.com

Whether it’s escaping in the great white wonderland of a snow covered state park, having your breath taken away at the enchanting and magical sight of a frozen water fall, or embracing the arts and crafts of the county ’s quaint, charming, and always welcoming towns, Stokes County has everything you have been looking for in an ideal winter getaway.

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

27

Cherokee

Surry

Continued From Page 12

Continued From Page 9

The shopping options are slim, but I highly recommend the Fire and Ice massage at the Luxurious Mandara Spa. It is one of those experiences that make you wonder why you don’t get massages more often.

Making s’mores is a popular activity at Adagio Vineyards in Elkin. Enjoy a tasting of eight wines inside the well-appointed tasting room. Then choose a glass or bottle and retire by the fire pit.

The expanded event and convention center at Harrah’s Cherokee is hosting 32 concerts and shows this y e a r. B r e t t M i c h a e l s a n d A l i c e Cooper are performing there i n Fe b r u a r y.

Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winer y ’s estate in Elkin, once the hunting and vacation playground for the Hanes and Chatham textile families, is ideal for hiking, enjoying wine and letting go of daily w o r r i e s . Tw o f i r e p i t s a d d It was too cold when I was to the relaxing nature, one there to tr y out the multiple outside the Red Barn tasting pools or the golf course. room and another near the pavilion.

The amenities are drawing p e o p l e f r o m a l l o v e r, w i t h In Dobson, Stony Knoll 7 2 % o f v i s i t o r s c o m i n g Vineyards is an NC Centur y f r o m o u t o f s t a t e s i n c e t h e Fa r m t h a t h a s b e e n i n t h e C o e expansion. f a m i l y f o r 1 2 5 y e a r s . To b a c c o , hay and cattle once filled I guess it shouldn’t come the fields that now contain a s a s u r p r i s e . A f t e r a l l , grape vines. The patio has an w h a t ’ s n o t t o l o v e ? E a t i n g , outdoor fireplace for keeping shopping, and entertainment w a r m s i p p i n g r e d m u l l e d are all in one place and you wine, a favorite seasonal never have to step outside. tradition.

Don’t be like me and wait 20 years to check it out!

To learn more about the You can see stories like this and follow all the adventures of Milemarker 50 on Instagram at @milemarker_5 - Allison Andrews

28

Surry County Wine Trail or request a map, go to: YadkinValleyNC.com

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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

SPOOKY GOOD BEER LAB

SCRATCH KITCHEN

BREWERY & PIZZERIA

704-233-7056

980-689-4390

704-799-7433

225 S. Broad St. Mooresville, NC 28115

138 Village View Dr. Mooresville, NC 28117

427 E Statesville Ave. Mooresville, NC 28115

GhostFaceBrewing.com theDestinationMagazine.com

29

Rockingham County Spirit Trail Each stop on the trail has it’s own unique flare leaving you with a one of a kind experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Reynolds Brewing–Lucky City Brewing–Gia Distillery Hell On Horsecreek Brewing–Gioia dell’Amore Cellars at Autumn Creek–Piedmont Distillery–Dividing Line Winery

VisitRockinghamCountyNC.com 30

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Hendersonville Continued From Page 10

guestrooms. Four generations This purpose-built inn — a of the Bonnema family pitch in S e l e c t R e g i s t r y p r o p e r t y a n d to operate the property. the first bed-and-breakfast in the Southern Living Hotel T h e i n n r e c e n t l y o p e n e d Collection — is known for its a f u l l - s e r v i c e r e s t a u r a n t t h a t casual elegance. ser ves dinner Thursday through Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Each morning, the inn Chef Tom Makowski spent time ser ves a gourmet, three-course in some of the finest kitchens Breakfast at Tiffany ’s, complete in Italy and Charleston, South with dessert.

Carolina, before settling in Hendersonville.

For your chance to fall inn In the Mills River countryside, the Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill is surrounded by rolling horse pastures.

love with Hendersonville, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. org or call (800) 828-4244.

If you are in a Tier 1 or 2 County, Grant Money Is Available.

Passports•Digital Trail Maps Reward Programs •Phone Apps Web Apps •Touchless Check-In Stay active, but be mindful. Marketing is all about momentum, and you want to stay top of mind for when people are ready to get back out there.

DESTINATION MARKETING

704-706-2365 – MAGICTABLEMEDIA.COM

theDestinationMagazine.com

31

Do You Support Craft?

You Deserve Free Stuff CraftPassport.app DOWNLOAD THE APP Load the FREE Passport to begin your journey discovering artisan producers and supporters of the craft beverage industry.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Visit CraftPassport. app For More information

32