135 June the Destination Magazine

the Issue 135 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences Off The Beaten Path

In This Issue

FESTIVALS Are BACK! Discover New Destinations This Summer

We Tell You Where To Go!

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

CASINO EXCITEMENT IS HERE SCAN TO LEARN MORE Catawba Two Kings Casino is a thrilling new casino now open in its pre-launch temporary facility offering 24/7 action, 1,000 slots and electronic table games.

It’s a great weekend getaway!

GoGastonNC.org

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June 2022 Issue 135

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

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The Destination Magazine™ is your guide to new destina- Contents tions and experiences to discover on your own, or outings Oink & Ale is BACK! 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 Welcome Thrill Seekers 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 Creative: Andy Jay Contributing Writers: Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe, Melissa McCauley, Mara Shelton

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Find A Peaceful Stillness In Nature’s Warm Embrace

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Water Lover, Thrill Junkie, Or Just Want A Relaxing Float

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Inspired Music Making: Eastern Music Festival

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Hop On The #StokesROCKS Wine And Hops Tour

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Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Cover: Oink & Ale, Eden NC 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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the

Advertising

704-706-2365

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Lake James – “You’ll be Amazed” 888-462-2921 www.discoverburkecounty.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Oink & Ale Is BACK!

T

he 6th Annual Oink & A l e Fe s t i v a l i n E d e n , North Carolina. The most fantastic little beer festival on the block.

Come and enjoy great m u s i c b y O n T h e B o r d e r, T h e Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band, Saturday Night, June 18th, 6p - 9p. Nibble on some delicious

barbecue and ribs with a few delightful beverages from local craft brewers like Hell on HorseCreek Brewing from Madison, Reynolds Brewing from right here in Eden, and domestic beers in the beer garden. Are you looking for a bit of vino? The famous Sangria from 2 Witches Winer y &

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

Continued On Page 21

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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Welcome Thrill Seekers

W

e bring the fun!

Whether you are an outdoorsy type or prefer to stay inside, here are two great opportunities to create a thrilling weekend, in Gaston County.

Outdoor Thrills

The Whitewater Center is the world’s premier outdoor facility featuring the best adventures for thrill seekers including, whitewater rafting, zip lines, and climbing creating a great weekend getaway!

Whitewater

ziplines carr y passengers above the tree canopy and across the whitewater course.

Climbing

A form of rock climbing that utilizes falling into a deep pool of water instead of traditional climbing protection.

The Whitewater Center ’s Deep Wa t e r S o l o C o m p l e x h a s f i v e walls ranging from 20 to 45 feet in height.

Tree Canopies

An activity that is built into the trees or made of utility poles that incorporates traversing obstacles of var ying difficulty.

Pa r t i c i p a n t s w e a r h a r n e s s e s and are attached to safety lines throughout the activity. great-weekend.nctdm.com

A must at Whitewater Center — it’s in the name after all. Rapids range from classes II to IV, and experiences var y from beginner to advanced. All options include a professional guide. Experienced paddlers may Indoor thrills take on the whitewater course Catawba Two Kings Casino by kayak. brings great gaming action with the newest slot machines Ziplines and electronic table games in a Stretch across the center ’s smoke-free environment. As this campus. Var ying from 200 feet pre-launch facility continues to t o m o r e t h a n 1 , 0 0 0 f e e t l o n g , expand on the types of gaming

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

and number of machines, it will quickly become North Carolina’s premier gaming facility.

Thrill seekers will find 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.

Fo u r a u t o m a t e d e l e c t r o n i c table game pods in a “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 Catawba Two Kings Casino. casino-excitement nctdm.com

Make it a weekend

Gaston County, makes for an amazing weekend getaway. With a variety of outdoor amenities including a state park, botanical garden, miles of rivers to paddle, hiking & biking trails, as well as the new casino, we offer an unbeatable weekend experience for just about anyone. Get your adrenaline pumping in Gaston County. Contact us for your FREE visitors guide and start planning your stay today! gastonvisitorsguide.nctdm.com 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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On The Water Exit 30 Davidson

Two Locations 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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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

Find A Peaceful Stillness In Nature’s Warm Embrace

L

ocated just an hour Northwest of Charlotte and just under 2 hours from the Greensboro area, Hickor y is your next great adventure. The perfect destination for a weekend getaway with the family, a fun filled brewer y or distiller y tasting experience with friends or a day trip to explore a mountain like atmosphere without the trek all the way “up the mountain.”

Hickor y offers scenic and peaceful outdoor amenities where you will experience nature’s warm embrace on the trails and a refreshing glimpse into what life is truly all about on the calm waters of Lake Hickor y and the Catawba River.

With expanding projects like t h e H i c k o r y Tr a i l - w h i c h i s a 10+mile trail system that will connect throughout the Hickor y area, it will be easier than ever before to access L ake Hickor y, our mountain bike trails and our 50+ parks! You read that right – Hickor y & Catawba County have over 50 parks in the area.

Don’t forget to bring along the pups to enjoy the adventures.

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Many of Hickor y and Catawba County ’s parks and outdoor locations are pet friendly! Just be sure to have your pups leashed, especially on trails and make sure to review suggestions on permits for the many dog parks.

We can’t wait to see you, your pets, and their beautiful nose art on your car windows! It is true artistr y!

One last thing, as you explore don’t forget to “take only pictures,” “leave it as you find it” for others to continue to enjoy, “trash your trash and pick up after your pets” and “ k e e p w i l d l i f e w i l d . ” We a r e a proud partner of Leave No Trace and Outdoor NC to help better protect our beautiful outdoor amenities for ever yone to enjoy. For more information on what we are doing to protect our local gems or plan your next trip - visit our website and click on outdoor adventures!

Hickory is a wonderful place for visitors! We have great food, furniture shopping, fantastic pottery, our local Hickory Crawdads baseball, and more! www.visithickorymetro.com

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Water Lover, Thrill Junkie, Or Just Want A Relaxing Float

B

urke County is the perfect destination for all sorts of water lovers, whether you are a thrill junkie, want a relaxing float or are looking to experience the water without getting wet.

One of the pinnacles of the Burke County countryside is Lake James. The 6,812-acre lake offers recreational activities for everyone from pontoon boating, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, to fishing, swimming and jet skiing.

The Fonta Flora State Trail wraps around the outside of the lake and offers hiking and mountain biking while providing gorgeous views of the mountainous lake throughout the trail. Lake James State Park offers lakeside camping, including some that is only accessible by boat for those that are seeking a tranquil lakeside escape while still being just 25 minutes from bustling Morganton. For those that do not want to camp overnight, the state park has a beach as well as many picnic areas for those that just want to relax and take in the water for a short time.

If you want to lay back and let the water pull you, the Catawba River or John’s River are perfect for you. Both have access in Morganton and are deep and wide enough to float in a river

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tube or canoe down with your friends and family. With regular entrances to the river ever y few miles, it is easy to stay on the water as long as you wish so you can make the most of your day. The Catawba River has the Morganton Greenway that runs along it through town. The paved path is 3.8 miles and is perfect for an afternoon stroll, biking or walking your four legged friends while listening to the river.

L astly, if chasing water falls is your version of getting wet, we have three breathtaking waterfalls here in Burke County.

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

We h o p e y o u c o m e a n d experience the clear waters here in Burke County! They will be waiting for you.

Burke County, North Carolina has an adventure for everyone.

For more information about the above activities or more happening here, visit www. discoverburkecounty.com.

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

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Inspired Music Making: Eastern Music Festival

E

a s t e r n M u s i c Fe s t i v a l (EMF), Greensboro’s nationally recognized classical music festival and summer educational program, returns June 25 through July 30, 2022, for the 61st season.

Extraordinar y musicians from around the world gather in Greensboro each summer bringing their talents to perform the works of the great masters, past and present.

The 2022 season will include 60+ performances at its home location in Guilford Colleges’ Dana Auditorium, as well as other locations in Greensboro and beyond.

Fe a t u r e d p e r f o r m e r s t h i s season include violinist Lara St. John (July 2), and pianists Santiago Rodriguez (July 9), a n d T h e M i l e E n d Tr i o ( J u l y 1 9 ) . Aw a r d - w i n n i n g m a e s t r o Gerard Schwarz conducts the E a s t e r n Fe s t i v a l O r c h e s t r a Days and nights at EMF and other EMF ensembles are filled with the echoes of throughout the season. music across of the campus of Guilford College. Hundreds J o i n E a s t e r n M u s i c Fe s t i v a l o f Yo u n g A r t i s t s p r a c t i c e , from 1–6 p.m., Saturday, June perform, and strive for musical 1 8 , i n D o w n t o w n G r e e n s b o r o excellence; teachers guide and f o r t h e s i x t h A n n u a l C h a m b e r encourage the students; and Crawl. Sip, stroll, and snack world-class guest artists and y o u r w a y i n t o t h e s u m m e r mentors share their talents s e a s o n a c c o m p a n i e d b y a n d w i s d o m . Fo r f i v e w e e k s , a s o u n d t r a c k o f f r e e l i v e the community is abuzz with classical music. t h e s o u n d s t h a t a r e E M F. T h e festival exemplifies the best o f w h a t g r e a t m u s i c c a n For concert tickets and f o s t e r : d e d i c a t i o n , d e v o t i o n , more information about Eastern Music Festival, visit inspiration, and community.

EasternMusicFestival.org.

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

find a peaceful stillness in nature’s warm embrace...

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

Offering unsurpassed Concierge Service and Roadside Assistance

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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Hop On The #StokesROCKS Wine And Hops Tour

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ar m summer days on the banks of the Dan River or along trails to peaks and waterfalls of Hanging Rock State Park lead to relaxing evenings under the stars away from city lights of nearby urban areas. Escape to Stokes County, North Carolina for much needed, doctor prescribed Vitamin D and time away from technology, zoom meetings and the screens we have all been staring at over the last few years. Refresh yourself at a local Winer y or Tap Room continuing to expand throughout Stokes.

How or where do I start one may ask, well we have a simple tour outlined here: Our first stop takes us to Madison, NC where the newest W i n e r y a n d E v e n t Ve n u e i s coming to life at Dragon Glass Winery on Bethesda Church Road.

Open for tastings Wednesday to Sunday af ter noons with some later evening hours on weekends.

Dragon Glass features a rustic barn experience with indoor seating, various bottle wines to choose from and craf t beer on tap. Follow “Dragon Glass Winery” on Facebook to keep up

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with upcoming events planned all summer long for the outdoor patio area outfitted with sound and stage lighting. Don’t miss the Grand Opening celebration on June 18th with a concert featuring Rivermist, Patio Seating is available, covered venue for dancing and please bring a lawn chair for lawn seating.

Second stop includes a visit to Green Heron Ale House, one of the original locations for craft beer on tap, by the Dan River.

Plan ahead and book a river trip by kayak or canoe with The Dan River Company, celebrating their 20th year of business in 2022, after completing a leisure float, the Green Heron is a perfect way to cool off with 20 craft beers on tap from area breweries. The Green Heron is open on weekends from 12-7pm.

Third find your way to Pinnacle via Highway 268 out to Old US Highway 52 for a visit to Pilot Mountain Vineyards and Tasting Room! The views here are spectacular of the western most rise of the Sauratown Mountain Continued On Page 19

Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

EXTRAORDINARY

"THINGS TO DO..."

PADDLE-BOARDING

PEDEGO e-BIKES

SEGWAY PTs

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

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From This Day Forward Historic Outdoor Drama

Discover the heroic journey of the Waldenses

July 15 - August 13, 2022 Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm

Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre - Valdese, NC Tickets at oldcolonyplayers.com or 828-522-1150

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

#StokesROCKS Wine And Hops Tour Continued From Page 16

Range where grape vines set the foreground to views of Pilot Mountain. Look for special music events that pair local bakeries of food offerings including a visit by The Gather & Graze Co. Charcuterie on June 5th.

Final and fourth stop includes an option for supper at The Big Creek Lodge in Westfield, where a chef prepared meal is a must before staying the night in an onsite suite. When you awake the next morning coffee on the deck with views of the Sauratown Mountains will greet you. Or stop into MidSummer Brewing for Trivia Night Fridays, Thirsty Thursday ’s or special outdoor events. www.hangingrock.com for more adventures and itineraries.

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

June

PRIMAL BREWERY BELMONT PRESENTS

LIVE MUSIC GUIDE Live Music From 7 PM

*unless otherwise specified

Saturday 4th Chris Dixon Sunday 5th Emanuel Wynter Friday 10th Chris Wayne Saturday 11th 2-5pm Greg Steinfeld Saturday 11th 6-9pm Bradford Ray Bailey Friday 17th Ephriam Sommers Saturday 18th Crystal Fountains Sunday 19th 2-5pm Eric Steven Chesson Friday 24th Joseph Gallo Saturday 25th Matt Stratford

MONTHLY EVENTS

Saturday 4th Makers Market CLT Sunday 5th Sunday Funday Market & Live Music!

Saturday 11th Summer Solstice Party Thursday 16th Paint & Brew Class (Tickets Required) Sunday 19th Fatherʼs Day: Live Music & Free Axe Throwing Saturday 25th Starving Artist Market

Visit Our Huntersville Location Too!

Primal Brewery Belmont 52 Ervin St Belmont, NC 28012

PrimalBrewery.com

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AWS ADVANCED WEALTH STRATEGIES

We believe it’s not about what you have;

It’s about what you keep.

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

Fleet Available

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

www.RandyMarionJeepRam.com

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Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences

Oink & Ale Continued From Page 21

Brewer y will be here but come early as it goes down quickly.

Bring your lawn chairs to kick back and chill while listening to the music and wear your dancing shoes, and we will be having tons of fun. We have a beard and a mustache contest, and if you’ve not tried it, once you do, you’ll love ax-throwing with The Flying Hatchet! $5 admission and a complimentar y tasting glass.

For more information - Contact Cindy Adams at 336-623-2110 or cadams@edennc.us www.ExploreEdenNC.com

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Sharon O’Connor Accepting Blue Cross / Blue Shield

Walking Alongside You

integratedtherapiesnc.com 704-806-4606

Ready Set

GLOW

Skin Care • Hair Removal • Lashes & Brows • Fairy Hair

(336) 618-1635 – BlushBounty.nctdm.com Located in Guys N Dolls Hair Salon 133 Allen St Kernersville, NC 27284

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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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) 22 Local & Regional Destinations & Experiences 7 0 4 7 9 9 1 1 1 0 • www.jeffreyslkn.com

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Do You Support Craft?

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

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