145 April the Destination Magazine™

e tell you where to go! Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find local & regional events, destinations and experiences in the Destination Magazine™ that will give you memories for a lifetime

The Destination Magazine™ is your guide to new destinations and experiences to discover on your own, or outings with friends and family. We hope you will find a new memorable experience every month in the Destination Magazine™.

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers

Published by: Magic Table Media Group LLC

Business Development: Lisa Jay, Mariah McDowell, Sylvia Dalrymple

Creative: Andy Jay

Contributing Writers: Craig Distl, Leah Hughes, Allison Andrews, Tory Mabe, Ed Phillips, Tara Martin, Lindsey Pegg, Lisa Jay, Katherine Christie, Angela Allen, Cindy Adams

Contributing Photographers: Ledgends Gallery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean

Cover: Blowing Rock Draft House, Hickory 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 ©2023 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.

CRAFTMARKET C CRRAAFFT T M MAARRK K

Midsummer Brewing Is Now Twice AsNice

For my beer-lover friends, Midsummer Brewing has a new taproom up the road in Mount Airy that is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold brew with comfortable seating, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a long day or sit and kick back while enjoying a comedy night or while the significant other shops along Main street in downtown Mount Airy.

Midsummer Brewing has quickly become a staple in Stokes County and is well known for its English-styled Ales. With its unique selection of seasonal craft beers, ciders, and wine and an inviting atmosphere, The new Midsummer Brewing tasting room will become your favorite spot for a night out in Mount Airy and is the perfect place to gather with friends and have a party, where you and the family will have an unforgettable night. I would be surprised to see food served at the new location in two to three months, like tacos, flatbreads, etc.

Midsummer Brewing’s original location is in a quaint, quiet

wooded area in the heart of Stokes County. This microbrewery offers an array of craft beers that have become popular with locals and visitors alike. The original taproom is small and cozy with a large outside seating area. The drive alone to get out ro Westfield is one of my favorites; with its twists and turns, the scenery is impressive, seeing the trees budding and flowers blooming. We’ve seen several car clubs like mini coopers, corvettes, and mustangs of all ages cruising through the twisty curves. However, you now have two locations to choose from you don’t have to drive twisties for tasty taps. You can’t go wrong with that.

Midsummer Westfield

8544 NC 89 Hwy W

Westfield, NC 27053

Midsummer Mt. Airy

972 N Andy Griffith Pkwy

Mount Airy, NC 27030

The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think.

www.hangingrock.com

We’re EVENT-full!

SAVE THE DATE(s) for Statesville, NC in 2023

We are the best of all worlds. Come to Statesville and discover our events where we give you room to breathe. We are close enough, yet worlds away. We are city life and outdoor discovery. We are the wooded shores of Lake Norman, and scenic vistas of the Brushy Mountains. We are industry and agriculture. We are friends and neighbors, sharing in this authentic place.

Wine Walk

April 22, 2023

Downtown Statesville

Spend the afternoon tasting remarkable wines and exploring the fantastic shops, restaurants, and businesses in historic Downtown Statesville.

Muddy Dash

April 22, 2023

Moto40 MX Park

Get as muddy as possible as you navigate the obstacle course. Make sure to stick around after you make it through the finish line for the post-race celebration festival. This event includes food and beer vendors, live music, giveaways, photo-ops, and more!

Hops & Harmony Craft Brew Fest

May 20, 2023

Downtown Statesville

This event features local and regional craft beers and ciders along with remarkable live bands, right in the heart of Downtown Statesville.

All Which They Have Reduced To

Ashes

June 03, 2023

Fort Dobbs Historic Site

In June of 1760, a British army under Col. Archibald Montgomery attempted to invade the Cherokee’s homeland. While a few villages were destroyed, the army was forced to turn back with heavy casualties.

Art in the Park Festival

June 10, 2023

Martin Luther King Jr Park

Enjoy a lovely stroll through art-filled alleys at Martin Luther King Jr Park. Live music, food trucks, face painting, art displays and more!

Wild Goose Festival

July 13, 2023

Vanhoy Campground

The Wild Goose Festival is a Spirit, Music, and Arts Festival. But, it’s more than that too. It’s a place where all kinds of people come together, not only to hear great music and incredible speakers, but also to dive into lively conversations with thought leaders, writers, dreamers, artists, visionaries, social justice activists, peace-makers...the ones you’ll find on the official program, and the ones you might meet while just getting lunch or hanging out.

Iredell-Statesville Coin Club Show

August 12 - 13, 2023

Statesville Civic Center

The “North Carolina Numismatic Association” holds an annual convention. In addition to a bourse, where members and non-members alike can trade numismatic collectibles.

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Full Bloom Film Festival

September 7, 2023

Downtown Statesville

The festival is dedicated to bringing diverse quality cinema to Statesville, NC, a multifaceted art-conscious city in North America. Just north of Charlotte, NC, there is something for everyone.

Art Crawl

September 15, 2023

Downtown Statesville

The concept is simple - come downtown and walk from location to location, enjoy music, meet the artists and enjoy their work, and browse through the shops. The event showcases artists in different shops, restaurants, and businesses scattered throughout the heart of Downtown Statesville.

Carolina Jubilee

September 29, 2023

Carolina Farm Trust

A weekend of music and farm-to-festival food and beverage. The festival supports CFT’s work to foster an ecosystem of sustainable farming, reduce the environmental impact of the food we eat.

Fall Living History

September 30, 2023

Fort Dobbs Historic Site

A glimpse of what daily life was life for the garrison of Fort Dobbs through on-going displays of camp life, historic cooking, and scheduled musket firing demonstrations.

Hemp Stock Fall Festival

October 2023

Atkinson Acres Hemp Farm

Pick Your Own Hemp! This festival is free and open to the public. Proceeds from the event will benefit “The Magic of the Outdoors for Kids”

Carolina Balloonfest

October 20-22, 2023

Statesville Airport

The festival takes pride in its North Carolina based roots and is known as the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the country featuring hot air balloon morning competitions, mass ascensions, evening balloon glows, live entertainment on two stages,

NCGCA Gun Show

October 21-22, 2023

Statesville Civic Center

Shop hundreds of high quality dealers bringing you a wide selection of firearms and memorabilia.

Statesville Pumpkin Fest

November 04, 2023

Downtown Statesville

Downtown Statesville’s largest event annually, this event features a Corks, Taps & Barrels Garden, a Kid’s Zone, Classic Car Cruise-In, a variety of food options throughout the festival, and two entertainment stages featuring bands and local talent.

Military Timeline

November 11, 2023

Fort Dobbs Historic Site

Visit with soldiers and support personnel from hundreds of years of North Carolina history. The experiences of veterans of the Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, and other conflicts will be shared through living history displays and weapons firing demonstrations.

‘Tis The Season

December 01, 08, & 15, 2023

Downtown Statesville

Kick off the holidays in Downtown Statesville. The season officially begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, music, festive trolley rides, a few snowflakes, Santa {of course}, and more!

Winter On The Western Frontier

December 09, 2023

Fort Dobbs Historic Site

T his living history will give visitors a glimpse of what daily life was like for the garrison of Fort Dobbs as they prepared to spend winter in the fort in 1756. On-going displays of camp life and historic cooking will be offered, as well as weapons firing demonstrations.

We are Statesville, All American, yet uniquely North Carolina.

Old Crow Medicine Show, Saturday, April 22. Armfield Civic Center & Recreation Center Park. It is general admission lawn seating, with people encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks and beer & wine vendors will be on-site. No coolers allowed.

Tickets for the Old Crow Medicine Show are $30-$55 and available for purchase online. Gates open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m.

Fe ivities will include a Friday night criterium bike race, a Saturday morning 5k, ro wall, demon rations, classes, vendors, food, beer/wine garden as well as live music. e highlight of the weekend will be a performance by Old Crow Medicine Show.

Pilot Mountain Outdoor Adventure Festival & Expo

APRIL 21- 23 Friday at 4pm through 4pm Sunday

Loch Norman Highland Games Celebrating 29 Years!

On April 15th & 16th make your way to the Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill. The games are a family friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and so much more!

Highland Games are a unique mix of the sporting, the cultural, the music and the social. They comprise a program of field and track events, piping and Highland dancing competitions, and ‘heavy events’ like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber.

It’s said the Highland Games originate from Ireland in 2000 BC and that they crossed the water to Scotland with the fourth

and fifth century migrations of the Scotti into Dalriada (Argyll) and beyond and are one of the country’s oldest and most treasured traditions. We celebrate our Scottish Heritage at Loch Norman!

Celebrating more than 250 years in history…Rural Hill is the former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson. The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Historic Rural Hill Inc. and features annual events such as the Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, and the NC Brewers and Music Festival. Historic Rural Hill Inc. is a nonprofit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its education efforts. For more information on events please visit www.ruralhill.net.

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville,NC 704 875 3113

The Perfect Experience In Hickory, NC

Brew the perfect experience in Hickory, NC. With a rich history in cultivating craft brews, we have something for every craft beer enthusiast. Flavorful pints that pack a punch or grab a smooth cider or sour for a more laid-back style from our local breweries and bars on the Catawba Ale Trail.

Two of our long-time local and North Carolina favorite breweries include Olde Hickory Brewery and Blowing Rock Draft House. Olde Hickory Brewery (OHB) is the second oldest brewery in the State of North Carolina, opening its doors in 1994. You can find a large variety of OHB brews at their sister locations; Olde Hickory Station, and Olde Hickory Taproom. Blowing Rock Draft House offers 20 house-made beers on tap, delicious appetizers, pub food, and wood-fired pizzas. Like their Ale House in Blowing Rock, their chefs construct menus incorporating their craft brews into locally sourced ingredients to create a dining experience

unlike any other. They provide customers with a taste of the High Country, with a twist of the Foothills.

Catawba Valley Ale Trail is a collaboration with Discover Burke County to promote the breweries in the metro region. The area is home to many award-winning breweries that try to use as many local ingredients as possible and strive to give back to the earth

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Wedding Weekend

Imagine getting married with gorgeous mountains as your backdrop. Tie the knot anywhere and any way you want at Wag Valley. Our property is yours for the day to design the wedding of your dreams.

Romance For A Weekend Or A Lifetime Book Your Experience Now

FARMHOUSE

Beautifully renovated modern farmhouse sits in the middle of Wag Valley’s 145-acre farm. Sit back and relax on either the front deck or the back porch enjoying solitude and connection to mother nature.

RETRO AIRSTREAM

Romantic, private flashback to the 60s. But don’t let the vintage exterior of our 1962 Retro Airstream fool you. The luxurious interior was refurbished with modern décor to make your stay unforgeable.

when able. Their connection to the land around them and their desire to do good in their community really sets these breweries apart from your standard watering hole, and their delicious and creative beer makes visitors want to come back for more. We hope you discover new, creative beverages while enjoying the atmosphere of the Catawba River Valley Region.

The 19th Annual Hickory Hops Craft Beer & Music Festival in Downtown Hickory offers plenty for everyone, from inexperienced beer novices to hardened beer fest veterans looking for something

unusual. Join us on April 15, and explore over 35 craft breweries participating in this sampling event. All Tasting Tickets include a tasting glass that will be provided on the day of the event. The festival will also feature live music and will take place rain or shine. Grab a locally brewed pint at this highly anticipated spring festival!

Randy Marion KIA of Salisbury

Things StartingAreTo Bloom In Burke County

Things are starting to bloom in Burke County and now is the perfect time to visit! There are many great natural areas like Perry’s Berry’s Blueberry Farm and Winery, Silver Fork Winery, and our hiking trails that are best enjoyed when there are leaves (and fruit) on the vine.

Perry’s Berry’s Blueberry Farm is the perfect spring escape for people of all ages. When in season (June through August) guests can pick their own blueberries to make desserts back home or just enjoy off the vine. It is the perfect activity for children, parents and grandparents to all enjoy together. Throughout the year, Perrys Berrys serves wine, cider and ice cream made from their blueberries so that visitors

can still enjoy their beautiful mountain vistas on their blueberry farm near Lake James. They are currently open FridaySunday from 12pm-5pm but will extend their hours in June so check online to find the most up to date information.

Silver Fork Winery is a beautiful vineyard with views of the South Mountains from their tasting room. There are many grape varieties grown on their property that give you the feeling of being in Europe with the mountainous atmosphere and surrounding foliage. They

have lots of great special events as well as live music and movies most weekends throughout the summer. For more information on their wines and events calendar follow them on facebook.

Lastly, Apple Hill Orchard is a cute apple orchard in the South Mountains area South of Morganton. Although they are closed from January till July, this agritourism staple is worth putting on your North Carolina bucket list. Starting with peaches at the beginning of July and moving into Honey Crisp and other apple varieties, the pick your own is super fun for everyone. It is a great way to learn about different varieties of apples as well as teach children where their food comes

from. In addition to picking your own apples, they also have a farm store where you can purchase apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple butter, jams, meat and more. It is definitely worth the trip!

Pilot Mountain Outdoor Adventure Festival And Expo

Downtown Pilot Mountain will play host to the Pilot Mountain Outdoor Adventure Festival and Expo April 21-23, 2023. The weekend will kick off Friday at 4pm and run through 4pm on Sunday. Festivities will include a Friday night criterium bike race, a Saturday morning 5k, rock wall, demonstrations, classes, vendors, food, beer/wine garden as well as live music. The highlight of the weekend will be a performance by Old Crow Medicine Show. Information about the event as well as

concert tickets can be can be found on the Town of Pilot Mountain Website.

Nestled between Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park, with close proximity to Stone Mountain State Park, th e Town of Pilot Mountain could certainly be considered the basecamp for outdoor activity in Surry County. With a combined park visitat ion of over 3 million, outdoor recreation has begun to grow exponentially. Rock climbing, kayaking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and

much more await visitors to our area. The Pilot Mountain Outdoor Adventure Expo has been designed to showcase outdoor recreation businesses and manufacturers. It is our hope to increase awareness an d encourage economic growth.

Reconnect with nature and the small town charm reminiscent of older days by exploring our beautiful town. www.pilotmountainnc.org

Find Your Trail At Elkin’s NC Trail Days Festival

Join us this Spring for the fourth annual North Carolina Trail Days Festival, a multiday festival celebrating the great outdoors, the NC Mountains-toSea Trail (MST), and our local trails with activities and adventures all weekend long! The festival kicks off Thursday, June 1st, and runs through Sunday, June 4th.

This year’s 2023 festival, which coincides with National Trails Days, also celebrates what the State of North Carolina has declared as “The Year of the Trails”. This designation, along with our Festival’s inclusion of the surrounding Trail Towns such as Jonesville, Stone Mountain, and Pilot Mountain, make this year’s celebration an event not to miss.

Originally started four years ago as the brainchild of the Elkin Valley Trails Association (EVTA), our Festival celebrates the extensive hiking, rafting, running and horse back riding trails through our region in the western Foothills in the Yadkin Valley wine region of North

Carolina. Bring your bikes, boats and boots, to enjoy the weekend as a trail enthusiast on our many trails in the area.

We have plenty of exciting things for you to enjoy during the festival weekend…..including guided hikes, self-guided hikes, paddles, floats, documentary films on our Trails and Rivers in NC, a BBQ dinner, 5K races, an Arts and History Trail, outdoor-oriented exhibitors and non-profits, kid’s events, tons of live music, food trucks, beer and wine, and so much more!

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Even if you’ve enjoyed this Festival in the past years, come out and enjoy our new Trail additions and extensions, as well an another amazing opportunity to soak up the sun while sharing this Festival with fellow supporters and advocates of our great Trails in NC. To that point, we are officially opening a new Trail that weekend with the help of NC Dignitaries to help us cut the ribbon. This is a big deal!

With your participation, and that of our local town and neighbors, as well as ‘Explore Elkin’ which along with other generous supporters of our many of the Festival’s activities, continues to make this Festival an ongoing annual event.

SO- Blaze a Trail this Spring in Elkin, NC at our fourth annual North Carolina Trail Days Festival. The four-day event takes place June 1-4, 2023. We’ll see you there!

Elkin is at the confluence of three great trails...the NC Mountains to Sea Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Yadkin River Paddle Trail. www.nctraildays.com

Service Trucks

Spring Into Fun… Visit RoCo, NC

Does spring weather have you ready to pack your bags and hit the road for a fun-filled weekend adventure? Whether you are looking for a couples retreat or fun for the entire family, Rockingham County, NC is perfectly positioned to provide big fun rolled into a small timeframe. It’s time to find your flow in RoCo!

Why you will love RoCo: Rockingham County is the perfect blend of small town charm and outdoor adventures. Some of the first things you will notice once you arrive is the people are friendly, the shops are inviting, and the taps and grills have a way of speaking to your soul.

Things to do in RoCo: There is so much to do in Rockingham County it can be hard to decide what to do first. Might we suggest a movie under the stars at the Eden Drive In? Love to shop-check out one of the unique boutiques where you

will find a variety of one of a kind goods? For the foodies, we have you covered from cat head biscuits, pit cooked barbeque, delicious pizzerias, and locally brewed spirits and beer! Looking to explore the outdoors? Get your blood flowing on one of our many walking/hiking trails, biking trails, or blueways trails.

Where to stay in RoCo: Make reservations to spend the night camping under the stars, enjoying a historic downtown home, relaxing in a cozy hotel, or snuggling up in a cabin by the river or overlooking the vines.

Eden, NC Rocks

April 21-23, 2023

Supporting 2023 as the “Year of the Trail” in North Carolina. The Eden City Council proclaimed 2023 as the Year of the Trail in the City of Eden. This year, the city of Eden focuses on the trails to make it easier for locals and visitors to get outside and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Nestled in the Piedmont region of the state, Eden is an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Home to a host of excellent hiking trails whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an invigorating outdoor adventure.

One of Eden’s most popular hiking trails is the Smith River Greenway. Right next door to Reynolds Brewing. This hiking trail takes you through a mature hardwood forest with plenty of natural beauty. Along the way, you can spot various forms of wildlife, such as deer and wild turkeys.

There are several benches along the way, so you can take your time and soak in the views.

Matrimony Creek Nature Trail is a one-mile trail by a picturesque waterfall near the Historic Leaksville Mill. At the same time, the trail winds along with the creek for amazing views coming and going.

Looking to go paddling down the river? Let’s go! Grab your canoe or kayak for a beautiful floating experience down the Smith River to the Dan River boat access, or enjoy the Dan River to the Draper Boat landing. Keep an eye out for the otters swimming and playing along the banks. If you are a bird watcher, the heron, cardinals, and bluebirds will keep you in awe. In from out of town and looking for more trails? Rockingham county has a plethora of trails to choose from to explore and opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

For More information contact: Cindy Adams at 336-612-8049 or cadams@edennc.us or go to ExploreEdenNC.com

A Duet Of DestinationsDining For Delicious Drafts

Tobacco Wood Brewery has two of the state’s most exciting craft breweries in the Triangle. Located in Durham and Oxford, North Carolina. Founded in 2018 and is the first female veteran-owned brewery in NC. Tobacco Wood Brewery is dedicated to creating a unique taproom and beer garden experience that is

both educational and enjoyable. With an emphasis on local ingredients, creative brewing techniques, and an inviting atmosphere, Tobacco Wood Brewery has quickly become one of the most popular craft breweries in the region. Tobacco Wood Brewery’s commitment to quality starts with the

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Brewing Crafted Experiences

Hickory’s uniquely local vibe of craftsmanship and connectedness is what makes it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. In Hickory, the good life isn’t just about having a lot to do – it’s about how to experience it.

Downtown Hickory, NC

Novel Taproom

Showroom Hours

Week Days 9:00 - 7:00 Saturdays 9:00 - 6:00

Parts / Service Hours

Week Days 8:00 - 6:00 Saturdays 8:00 - 4:00

409 East Second Street, West Jefferson, NC 28694

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beer itself, ensuring every sip is as flavorful and enjoyable as possible. The quality doesn’t stop there. The food at both locations gets the same amount of attention to detail. My favorite in Oxford is the BBQ egg rolls or BBQ tacos that I tend to pair with the False Motivation, a New England/Hazy IPA. While in Durham, I go for the Angus burger or the carnivore flatbread and pair it with the Mini Moose, which has chocolate, maple, vanilla, and cinnamon notes on this medium-bodied, smooth stout.

The atmosphere of Tobacco Wood Brewery is unique, providing guests with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The taproom and beer garden is designed to be both cozy and inviting. The

knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions and advise on the various beers. Both locations offer a variety of events throughout the year from yoga, run club, music, trivia, crafty paint parties, and so much more.