132 March the Destination Magazine

the Issue 132 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

Festivals, Events & Dining Destinations!

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Let’s Celebrate 175 Together This year Gaston County celebrates its 175th anniversary. As we commemorate this milestone join us as we honor our Hospitality ALL-STARS. Let us know your favorite attraction at GoGastonNC.org/175

GoGastonNC.org

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March 2022 Issue 132

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, Sylvia Dalrymple, Liz Doss Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe, Melissa McCauley, Mara Shelton Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean, Allison Andrews, Tara R. Martin, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Todd Bush Cover: Visit Hendersonville Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend 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.

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Contents Join Us As We Celebrate 175 Years

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Last Of The Mohicans Festival

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Immerse Yourself In The Viking Experience In Granville

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Enjoy Dozens Of Events At Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend

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Tobacco Wood Brewing Company

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Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival

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New Horsepower, More History!

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Gloriously Good Time In Stokes County

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Camping Dreams

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the

Advertising

704-706-2365

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

April 22-24, 2022 CheersTrail.org

Henderson County wineries and cideries are partnering together to create a signature weekend surrounded by all things cider, wine and food!

May 28 & 29, 2022 9am - 5pm

Garden Jubilee is the place for one-stop shopping for garden lovers!

www.VisitHvl.com

Hosted by the Burke County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), and Sponsored by Lake James Real Estate, this one-of-a-kind event will celebrate the incredible impact the making of this motion picture had on the citizens of Burke County and surrounding areas.

This ticketed event will feature two days (May 12-13) of guided film location tours and an all-day event on Saturday, May 14, on the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Morganton.

828-433-6793

6 discoverburkecounty.com/events/last-mohicans-festival/ Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Join Us As We Celebrate 175 Years

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021 represents a significant chapter in Gaston County ’s history—its 175th anniversary.

On December 21, 1846, Gaston County came to be. As we commemorate this milestone, it is important to not only look back at where we have been, but also look ahead to what is on the horizon. Join us this coming year as we celebrate at our attractions, during signature events, and imagine the County’s next 175 years.

We Need Your Help

All year long we will be honoring our Hospitality ALL-STARS including hotels and other overnight accommodations, restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, retailers, outfitters, attractions, museums, gardens, galleries, performing arts venues, music venues, parks, trails, waterways, golf courses or information providers.

We need your help by nominating either a Gaston County hospitality business or employee that has “WOWED” you! To nominate an ALL-STAR simply visit GoGastonNC. org/175 to submit your favorites.

Things to look forward to in 2022!

As we look forward to the year, we can’t help but get excited. While the details have yet to be worked out here is a list of things to look forward to in 2022. Keep an eye on our website for up to date event listings.

Spring

When spring is in the air people start to flock to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to see new blooms. Spring is also the start of the race season at Carolina Speedway, known as the Action Track. A few popular events Continued On Page 9

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Celebrate 175 years` Continued From Page 7

include Gaston MAX (Multicultural Arts Xperience) held at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Gastonia showcases art, music, literature, and culture and more. The Canine Carnival and Just Plain Dog Show take place at Dallas Park and look for RiverFest, a familyfriendly festival held on the banks of the Catawba River in Belmont. The Red Bull World Championship and Bike Fest will be held at Poston Park in May. These two events feature not only incredible riding but food vendors, bike demos, local bike shop vendors, guided trail rides, mountain bike skills clinic, and more.

fall festivals are yet to be determined but we look forward to some of our old favorites, especially during Halloween.

Fall is also a great time to visit our farms to pick pumpkins, get lost in a corn maize and more.

Summer

Winter

The fun really gets going during the summer. Look for the Gastonia Honey Hunters as they begin their second season at Caromont Health Park. Summer concert series take place in our downtowns providing fun for the whole family as well as 4th of July celebrations. Eastridge Mall is home to Gaston All American Fair, 10 days filled with rides, live music, games, and fireworks. Also in July is the Kids Catfish Tournament.

This annual kids fishing tournament is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to fishing.

Christmas is really big in Gaston County with the lights at Christmas To w n U SA i n M c A d e n v i l l e a s well as Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Our downtowns deck their halls every year as well as host events to celebrate the season. Snow tubing at Crowders Ridge and skating at US National Whitewater Center are also popular.

Hopefully you are now pumped for the new year as we celebrate Gaston County’s 175th anniversary.

Don’t forget, we need your help.

Fall We want to know your favorite In the fall look for Heritage Harvest attractions, events and hospitality Days held at Dallas Park in Dallas. Other partners that “ WOW ” you from G a s t o n C o u n t y. N o m i n a t e a Hospitality ALL-STAR today at GoGastonNC.org/175.

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

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Last Of The Mohicans Festival

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n May 14, 2022, downtown Morganton will be turned into the year 1757 as we celebrate the 30th anniversar y of the Last of the Mohicans. The Last of the Mohicans was filmed in Western North Carolina in the summer of 1991 and has left a lasting impression on the Morganton, Chimney Rock and Asheville areas. Join us as we celebrate this impact through visits to some of the most iconic film locations on the 12th and 13th then a festival from 10am to 6pm on the newly remodeled Historic Courthouse Square in Morganton on the 14th. The festival will feature live music, interviews with people involved in the making of the film, axe throwing, period reenactment, heritage craf ts, a beer festival and more! With food trucks, live entertainment and a showing of the movie that night at our d o w n t o w n m o v i e t h e a t e r, a l l you need will be in a couple block radius.

General admission tickets are available for $10 plus fees which includes access to all of the day’s activities with the exception of the beer festival. For those that want access to the beer festival as well as the main event on the square, tickets can be purchased for $40 plus fees and will include a commemorative glass and access to all of the breweries during the 3pm-6pm time slot.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit our website at https://www. discoverburkecounty.com/ events/last-mohicans-festival/

Continued On Page 12

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Immerse Yourself In The Viking Experience In Granville

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he Viking Experience is hosting a Festival at the beautiful grounds of the Granville County Expo Center March 26-27 in Oxford, NC. For a weekend shake off the burdens of the modern life and live like our ancestors. Join the interactive characters for an immersive Viking themed weekend.

The festival will include something for the whole family.

For the fairy young at heart there will be the “Fair y Experience.”

Each child will be a part of a ceremony and receive their beginner fair y wings. They will create magical fairy dust that they can wear as a necklace.

A more passive adventure you desire? Enjoy the “Dinner Theater.”

Watch the games, festivities and wedding ceremony of the Queen’s daughter. But beware, there may be secrets, conflicts, and uncertainty awaiting the couple and their families.

This wonder ful event also includes a kid’s play area, food and craft vendors, acrobats, dancers, festival music, educators and more. Truly a weekend the whole family will remember. For more information on The Viking Experience and Festival in Oxford, N C o n S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 2 6 t h and Sunday, Mar ch 27th, visit www.thevikingexperiencenc.com

Children may also enjoy the “ Vikings in Training” program.

They will learn to (safely) fight like a Viking including learning swordsmanship and Viking tactics.

Or get the Fight Pass to learn to fight from a master using a variety of foam Viking weapons. Challenge yourself and your friends to hit the bullseye at axe throwing.

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

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Mardi Gras Pop-Up Bar BEER LAB and Immersed Entertainment present a month-long Mardi Gras Pop Up celebration. Watch BEER LAB transform to Bourbon Street.

Mardi Gras decor, Cocktails, Beer Releases, & Entertainment.

Starts March 1st with a Private Event, Our Mardi Gras Murder Trivia.

225 S. Broad St. Mooresville, NC 28115 – 704-233-7056

GhostFaceBrewing.com

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Enjoy Dozens Of Events At Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend Photo: Todd Bush

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i p w i n e a n d c i d e r, e n j o y delicious food pairings and explore the countryside during Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, April 22-24. The three-day celebration of wine, cider and culinar y delights showcases artisan producers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The vineyard features eight acres of grapes and an open-air tasting room on land that’s been in the Souther family since 1800.

Grape varietals include well-known names like cabernet franc, riesling and vidal blanc, and lesser-known grapes, such as blaufränkisch, grüner veltliner, regent and saperavi.

Almost 60 events take place “At 2,500 feet in elevation, the throughout the weekend, including growing season is more challenging, specialty tastings, dinners, tours, so we want cold-hardy grapes,” says and lots of live music.

Ken Parker, who owns and operates Souther Williams. “ Visitors enjoy spending the weekend hopping from one winery “We also don’t want to do the and cidery to another,” says Amy same thing as other wineries. We Boswell, with Visit Hendersonville. want to educate people about different wines and bring a different “ T h e y h a v e f a v o r i t e s t h a t winery experience to this part of they return to each year, but the the state.” weekend also gives them an incentive to check out newcomers Souther Williams invites visitors they haven’t experienced.” to check out the 35-acre estate with a hike-and-sip tour on Friday and Souther Williams Vineyard holds Sunday, and a picnic in the vineyard its grand opening Friday, April 22. with live music by the Stormin’ Souther Williams becomes the Norman Band on Saturday. seventh winery in the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA, which received Stone Ashe also plans a federal designation in 2019. vineyard hiking tour of its Continued On Page 19

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Catawba Valley Pottery & antiques FestiV FestiVal March

25-26,

2022 110+ V endors

Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

www.visitHickorymetro.com @visithickorymetro www.catawbavalleypotteryfestival.org

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend Continued From Page 16

wineries,” Parker says. “I’m quite pleased with what we’ve been able to do here in Henderson County.”

hillside property. Sawyer Springs encourages the whole family For area cideries, the weekend t o t a k e p a r t i n a c o r n h o l e highlights apple blossom season tournament with barbecue and and the hope for a bountiful harvest. live music.

Appalachian Ridge Artisan Returning favorite Point Lookout Ciders hosts an orchard breakfast once again hosts its annual Celtic and guided farm tour on Saturday Festival featuring mead tastings and and Sunday, while Bold Rock Hard Irish music.

Cider welcomes families to its kid and dog-friendly cider garden for Marked Tree presents a Friday live music all three days, cider evening dinner with a local chef tastings and food from the Bold set against a mountain backdrop at Bites food truck. sunset. And live music at Burntshirt and Saint Paul with bands on Weekend events are both free and ticketed. For a full schedule Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s pretty special to be part of this AVA and join this group of existing

and additional details, go to www.VisitHendersonvilleNC. org/cider-wine-dineweekend or (800) 828-4244.

Immerse Yourself In the

Viking Experience Festival.

March 26 – 27 Oxford, NC thevikingexperience.com theDestinationMagazine.com

TM

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TRAIL POST Tobacco Wood Brewing Company

S

ometimes the perfect partnership in the beer world appears when you least expect it. Tobacco Wood Brewing Company has been brewing and partnering with local businesses in Oxford to promote their success and showcase our brewing capabilities for 3 1/2 years. Our mission is to keep as local as possible in our sourcing of products, and our support of our hometown.

more excited to represent them with TWBC ’s newest core beer, Cackalacky ® southern pale ale.

The brew is our 6th core beer, following False Motivation, Rocket Surger y, Ranger Candy, 565, and The Moose, to be available both in cans and on draft throughout the state! Get ready for your new favorite springtime brew, perfect for ball games, lazy days on the lake, evening porch sitting with friends, and so much more.

Cackalacky ® and TWBC are in When we met with a crew high hopes that this is the first of whose vision and passion matched many brews that showcase the ours, we were over the moon! best of the Carolinas.

–Mara Page and Caroline Skelton are some of the most pleasant, down- Check Out the link below for more info on Tobacco Wood Brewing Company. to-earth people for the owners of a major southern sauce empire.

Nearly two decades ago, they were with friends around a campfire, with their “secret spicy sauce The Carolina Craft Passport is a reward program to nudge you blend,” and the rest is histor y. to get off the They built a company that pushes well worn path the envelope on customer service, and experience craft quality products, and local support boutique beverage a l o n g t h e e a s t e r n s e a b o a r d . destinations C a c k a l a c k y ® , a r e g i s t e r e d across the region. trademark of Cackalacky, Inc., CraftPassport.app is a southern staple in most kitchens, and we couldn’t be

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

“breathtaking scenery”

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danrivercompany.com 336-593-2628

Adjacent to Hanging Rock State Park Danbury N.C.

1110 Flinchum Road, Danbury, N.C. 27016

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Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival

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he Catawba Valley Potter y & Antiques Festival which is hosted at the Hickor y Metro Convention Center will take place March 26, 2022, with the wildly popular preview party the night of Mar ch 25th. This event brings potters and antique dealers to the Hickor y area from all over the southeast and features over 110 vendors.

T h e Po t t e r y Fe s t i v a l w a s created to showcase the histor y o f C a t a w b a Va l l e y a l k a l i n e glazed stoneware (a formula that traveled from China through Charleston and up t o t h e C a t a w b a Va l l e y r e g i o n during the 18th centur y) and the potters who continually produce this traditional utilitarian ware.

Historically most potters utilized wood-fired kilns at home sites and relied on word- of-mouth sales. Thus, the Catawba Valley Po t t e r y & A n t i q u e s Fe s t i v a l provides an annual sale where potter y made in the Catawba Valley can be pur chased. Over the years, development and growth have allowed the festival to include potters from

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across the state and the South, as well as dealers offering historical potter y and antiques and providing a context for understanding the histor y and use of potter y in the South.

The event is a non-profit event which benefits the Historical Association of Catawba County.

The festival is well known for its extensive histor y in potter y from famous names such as Steve Abee, Kim Ellington, Charlie Lisk & more.

The antiques are also a highlight bringing together our

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

demonstrations of potter y being thrown by well-known names.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door - $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 3 - 1 2 . Fo r t h o s e i n t e r e s t e d i n the Friday Night Preview Party (usually a sell-out) tickets are $55.00 and include early buying opportunities, live music, a chance to win one of ten drawings for $20.00 gif t certificates to be used at the festival, two complimentar y drinks, a cash bar, and tables of h e r i t a g e a n d t h e h e r i t a g e o f southern fare. southern settlers. Collectors Hickory is a wonderful place and those new to antiquing for visitors! We have great food, will find treasures around ever y furniture shopping, fantastic pottery, our local Hickory c o r n e r o f t h e s h o w. V i s i t o r s Crawdads baseball, and more! are sure to experience histor y, www.visithickorymetro.com artisanship and even some live

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

Barrel New Horsepower, The Elegant Casual Wine Room More History!

1082 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 663-0058

W

hen is a museum opening like a reunion?

Show up at Dale’s Wheels Through Time opening day of the 2022 season and find out! On April 7, join friends from the past and friends you haven’t met yet.

During the off-season, museum staff stays busy adding to and improving each of the exhibits at the Wheels Through Time museum.

I am looking forward to being on hand when the the newly redesigned Homemade America Exhibit and the newest featured exhibit, “Dale Walksler -The Man Behind The History” is unveiled.

Many visitor s consider the displays equally as interesting as the rare machines that are within them. The museum layout is more than a timeline of machines. It has the feel of an old garage, but is touched by relevant artwork of the era and houses precious items of memorabilia by the thousands. The museum is literally a cornucopia of American history.

62 Vintage Ln, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 www.wheelsthroughtime.com The Museum That Runs!

Wheels Through Time is a 501c3 Not-For-Profit institution

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Enjoy Irish Soda Bread Muffins & Guinness Floats LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE

Waterfront Gift Shop Wine Room

200-A North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 (next door to North Harbor Club Restaurant)

(704) 237-3629

stop by for a glass of liquid luck & complementary chocolates.

The Cabin

RUSTIC - Craft Beer - Groups - Cigars

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

(704) 237-3629

St. Patrick’s Day The Cabin turns into our very own Irish Tavern. Serving the best Irish whiskeys.

Call 704–237–3629 for more information 25

Gloriously Good Time In Stokes County

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diverse region of artists, agriculture, fine dining, and scenic beauty, Stokes C o u n t y, N o r t h C a r o l i n a i s a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Conveniently located from Winston- Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte a stay here is the perfect escape from the hustle macaroni salad promises to be and bustle of city life. Best of all, a delightful taste that keeps you you’re only a four lane highway coming back for more. away from a Stokes County State of Mind.

A visit here isn’t complete without purchasing the famous John Brown’s Countr y Store, homemade Pimento Cheese, a in the shadow of the Sauratown recipe holding strong for over Mountains, takes you back to 20 years. Homemade desserts, the good ole days-a time when including a fresh cobbler ever ypeople traded stories and spent day, and Banana Pudding - YUM. afternoons watching the world March wraps up the final month from the front por ch. A local of John Brown’s famous Chicken fixture that began as a roadside Stew, this old family recipe is produce stand, has been in prepared fresh each morning o p e r a t i o n s i n c e 1 9 9 7 a t t h e and somedays they prepare 6-8 current location along Highway batches to ser ve loyal custom6 6 . E n j o y a w i d e s e l e c t i o n o f ers and visitors. One stop at John jams and jellies, old fashioned Browns Countr y Store and you’ll c a n d i e s , f r e s h p r o d u c e , l o c a l become a regular even if you live h o n e y , s n a c k m i x e s , a n d miles away. homemade items like signature The perfect mountain getaway, pimento cheese, cole slaw, chili, closer than you think. potato salad, chicken salad, and www.hangingrock.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Season Opening April 7th!

Wheels Through Time Museum

62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley North Carolina 28751

WheelsThroughTime.com

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

The Hive

Chop

Simply MK

Kings Pizza

And Much, Much, More!

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Camping Dreams

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lanning a camping trip? I’ll tell you where this travel writer finds all the best information, the North Carolina Camping Facebook page. It’s how I know that the Stonebridge RV Resort in Maggie Valley is getting a new splash pad for kids this year. It’s also how I know the sunset from the 100-foot pier at New Bern KOA is breathtaking. It’s the site I consult to learn where the best campgrounds are for fishing or which camping site number has the best view on Jordan Lake. More than 57,000 camping fans on the private group share their insight on everything from where to go, to what to pack, and which gear makes for the best camp setups.

I’ve got a whole new list of campgrounds to check out!

ON THE LAKE

Line Campground, Kimball Point, JC Cooper (a little more primitive), and Hibernia.

AT THE BEACH

There are several options for on the beach camping along the outer banks. Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Close to Nags Head, the campground offers wide-open views over the dunes along with world-class fishing on the Pamlico Sound.

SMALL AND COZY

Byrd’s Branch Campground and Country Store has just 14 RV spots and 4 tent sites. It also has a 9 hole disc golf course. The Mountain to Sea Trail runs through the campground giving you access to Carter Falls and Grassy Creek Winery. Byrd’s Branch is in the foothills of Elkin, North Carolina. The Elkin Vine Line shuttle picks up at the campground if you want a tour of area wineries.

By far, the views I’ve seen from campsites along Kerr Lake are the most beautiful. They’d make even non-campers consider sleeping in a tent! There are a lot of camp- FOR THE KIDS grounds around the Kerr Lake State If you want to make sure the kids Recreation Area, including County have something to do, or you simply

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Some of the best are at Camp Golden Valley between Asheville and Charlotte, with an interactive pool worthy of a theme park, laser tag, water zipline, and more! And by more, I mean the list of things to do is crazy long! want to wear them out so you can sit around the campfire unbothered, then you can’t go wrong with the Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. Amenities abound.

You can see stories like this and follow all the adventures of Milemarker 50 on Instagram at @milemarker_50 - Allison Andrews

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

www.ruralhill.net

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

www.ruralhill.net

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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

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

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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 theDestinationMagazine.com

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

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