140 November the Destination Magazine

s c o v e r u n i q u e g i f t s

i s c o v e r b u r k e c o u n t y

Hamilton Williams Gallery- Morganton, NC

Soapy Chicks- Valdese, NC

Thistle and Twig Flowers- Morganton, NC

South Mountain Distilling- Rutherford College

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, Ed Phillips, Tara Martin, Lindsey Pegg, Lisa Jay

Contributing Photographers: Andrew Zachary Digital Imagery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay

Cover: Carolina Renaissance Festival, Huntersville

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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Foundation &

Foundation

AOfBanquetBargains In Burke County

Small towns offer something you rarely find in a larger place- Personal Service!

Burke County is a hospitable destination that attracts shoppers from hours away. Visit Morganton, Valdese and other towns there and you’ll get the personal attention and customer service that makes it worth your trip.

Morganton features: Pottery Studios, Hand-made Amish furniture, Specialty boutiques for men and women and fun little shops you won’t find any place else.

Hamilton Williams is a oneof-a-kind pottery studio and art gallery with whimsical gifts, hand woven towels, beautiful jewelry and, of course, Hamilton’s gorgeous pottery.

Thistle & Twig is a Flower and plant shop and much more. Dried Flowers, live plants including citrus trees in small indoor pots, and other seasonal decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Valdese is just a few minutes east of Morganton. There, Soapy Chicks makes almost everything in-house. Lip balms, candles, bath bombs, shower steamers and seasonal, scented candles you will love.

South Mountain Distilling Company in Rutherford College has a wide assortment of Moonshine inspired gifts to compliment their award-winning spirits hand-made on site. Free samples of their spirits.

Burke County Tourism Development Authority

Burke County, North Carolina has an adventure for everyone. For more information about the above activities or more happening here, visit discoverburkecounty.com.

Ed Phillips

Simple Shopping Pleasure In Eden

The joy of strolling down a small town’s sidewalks and talking to the business owner makes my shopping pleasure much more fulfilling.

Uptown Eden has exploded with some fantastic shops for all your holiday needs. Just a stroll down Washington Street, or Monroe St., you will see many of these, from clothing at Southern Julep Boutique, Rustic Charm Boutique to Sophisticated Rubbish for antiques, decor, and more, Simply MK for trinkets, handmade jewelry, to your fur babies holiday gifts. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, stop by New Beginnings Boutique Too.

Lunchtime or just want a snack? Pop into Uptown Tavern, Simply MK Shoppe & Cafe for a bite, or swing into Twisted Biscuit Deli and Market. Need a pick-me-up? The Roasted Bean, with your choice of coffee, tea, frappes, lattes, and more! Need a pick-me-up? Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Antiques your cup of tea? So many to choose from and list, but to name a few, are Belladonna Antiques the store alone is stunning to walk through

Downtown HickoryIs Thriving With Small Shops

As you are gearing up for the Holiday’s and looking for those special gifts for loved ones don’t forget to shop local. Plan your weekend trip or day trip to Hickory to explore not only our outdoor adventures and culinary scene but we hope you will take a piece of Hickory home for the Holidays.

Downtown Hickory is thriving with local and small shops with something for everyone. All within walking distance, park for free downtown and stroll the recently renovated downtown Union Square. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your shopping list.

For your foodie fans be sure to check out the Natural Olive store which boasts olive oils, balsamic selections, Italian gelato, and more. The Hickory Wine Shoppe is a great go to for picking up those Holiday wine selections and Holiday Party hostess gifts. If you’re planning to have family over for the Holidays, be sure to get those homemade charcuterie board items ready and peruse the market section at the Olde Hickory Station which offers a wide variety of specialty cheeses and meats in the case as well as delicious hand made desserts.

new and chic at local favorites like Aqua B, Ella Blu, Splentique and Alley Anne’s. Not sure what they might like, pick up a gift card since most of these local shops now offer online shopping options!

For something a little different and eclectic check out places like Bottega which has a focus on locally made and crafted jewelry and art, Tastefull Beans Coffee House. Yes, you can grab a warm cup of brewed goodness and they have art and other hand-crafted pieces that make perfect gifts. ACME Antique Market and C&C Trading offer vintage and antique finds for those who enjoy the fl are of another time especially vintage clothing and home décor. For the kiddos, don’t forget to check out Lou Lou’s Corner for fun and different stocking stuffers, clothing, outdoor games and more!

With so many shops located all within walking distance it is easy to find exactly what you are looking for with every Holiday gift purchase and be sure to take a little something home for yourself this Holiday Season!

For the fashionistas in your life, you are sure to pick up something

To learn more about things to do in the area, be sure to hop over to www. visithickorymetro.com.

Best Open-Air HolidayMarket Shopping Ever!

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is the fall destination for quality entertainment in the Carolinas. So, bust out your sense of good cheer, leave your cares behind, and spend a day at the wildly popular and entertaining time machine.

The Artisan Marketplace with over 140 merchants is filled with returning favorites that include an extensive array of vendors offering jewelry, clothing of renaissance and medieval fashion, handmade art and décor, pottery and blown and torched glass demonstrations, and activities for children that include people powered amusement rides and countryside faire games such as the castle climbing wall, archery and tomato tossing at a fool.

Early holiday shoppers can peruse over 140 craft shops in an open-air village market which provides a diverse selection of handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, perfume, glass

blown ornaments, ceramics, bath & body products, medieval costumes, hand carved candles, unique musical instruments, children’s toys, a full spectrum of clothing, and much more. Watch artisans make a masterpiece right before your eyes. Enjoy demonstrations of fine skills such as weaving, woodcarving, blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, and jewelry making –all using ancient skills and low technology.

Also new this year:

• New Hours: The Festival now opens at 9:30 AM and closes at dusk. Arrive early!

Tickets are now date specific and will be available only online at Carolina.RenFestInfo.com.

Celebrating 29 Years of Cheers, the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival returns Saturdays and Sundays for eight consecutive weekends, from October 1st through November 20th, on a 250-acre farm located north of Charlotte, between Concord and Huntersville, at the junction of NC 73 and Poplar Tent Road.

What better way to wrap up the fall season than with your canine pal and several hundred of their new best friends? Bring your family, friends, and dog (or dogs) to the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival November 12th and 13th for one of the area’s best known dog events, now in its twenty-fourth year! No other dog festival in the area can offer more fun or variety!

Don’t miss a thing! National Border Collie Shepherding Championships, Carolina Dock Dogs, Canine Agility Club Competitions and more will be held over the two day event! Also on hand: NC Beer and Wine, Heritage Breed Livestock, Hay Rides, Historic Craft and Cooking Demonstrations, Food Vendors, Shopping, Nature Trails, Living History, Pumpkin Chunkin’, and much much more!

others! Also on hand will be North Carolina beer and wine, heritage breed livestock, hay rides, historic craft and cooking demos, food vendors, shopping, open trails, antique tractors, living history demonstrations in the 1760’s cabin, pumpkin chunkin’, corn launchin’, kid’s activities, all day!

Tickets are available online as well as

site both days. This event will not sell out.

Dog Sports demonstrations featuring the Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club and

Stokes County, NCNot Too Far From Home

Leaves of yellow, auburn, red, and brown linger a bit longer here for your leaf peeping enjoyment. The season is still perfect to experience why Stokes County ROCKS in Autumn. Cast a reel at the Hanging Rock Lake, sit back to admire the colorful array reflecting onto the water, as you catch the largest trout of a recent re-stock. Support local food banks this holiday season by attending “Soup in a Bowl” held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year on November 19th. A unique event hosted by Stokes Arts, where attendees will receive their very own handcrafted pottery bowl, donated by a local artist, and enjoy their choice of warm soup in the heart of Danbury, NC at The Arts Place of Stokes.

With cool temperatures comes ample outdoor recreation through one of Stokes County’s numerous parks, like Hanging Rock — a picturesque state park just waiting to be explored. Hike up the park’s winding mountain paths and enjoy spectacular views of the Piedmont of North

Carolina. On the coldest of days, the park’s five waterfalls — Window Falls, Hidden Falls, Tory’s Den Falls, Upper Cascades, and Lower Cascades — can be found frozen in time — a majestic and awe-inspiring sight.

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 leads down to the Dan River for easy access.

After a day of play in the more comfortable late autumn air, venture out into the local downtown shops and galleries, to experience small town shopping and charm. The Town of Walnut Cove, is an antiquing destination, home to one of the largest two story Antique Malls in the area - The Just Plain Country Store.

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A little drive up the road is Dividing Line Antiques. Not only will you find the apparent antiques. Enjoy a glass of wine from the grapes grown on the property. The scenery and atmosphere are well worth the stop.

So many more to share, but this will get you in the right place, Eden, NC, for your Holiday shopping.