Burke County, NC Burke 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…

Burke County, NC Valdese is excited to celebrate the summer with several events ranging from the annual Craft Market at the Old Rock School to the Summer Concert Series Kickoff Celebration! While 2020 was a quiet year for Valdese, the town is excited to welcome locals and visitors alike to…

Stokes County, NC Stokes County, North Carolina, has long been your mountains just down the road. Bordering with Virginia Stokes County has always been “your mountains just down the road.” In contrast to the timeless beauty of the area, new to the region is the growing number of options for…

Burke County, NC Spring is here and the adventures are waiting for you in Burke County! Enjoy spending time outdoors after a long winter of being cooped up inside by following streams, ridgelines or lakeshores to get to the perfect destination. Experience hiking in the cool weather, where the leaves…

Henderson County, NC Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend returns to Hendersonville this spring. The four-day event, April 15-18, celebrates the start of a new growing season, as apple blossoms emerge in the orchards and budbreak occurs in the vineyards. Participating wineries, cideries and tasting rooms offer nearly 60 happenings throughout…

Gaston County, NC After navigating the threat of Covid-19 for a year, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden reopened to the public on March 17. The Garden has operated under various scenarios over the past year, but with vaccinations increasing and the spread on the decline, the Garden will now open more…

Granville County, NC Did Covid put a halt to your wedding day plans? Do you still need a venue and reliable vendors? Do you want more space to safely say “I do”? If so, we invite you to be part of the Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour. Come see what this community just outside of the Triangle…

Burke County, NC The Catawba River is named for the Catawba Native American Tribe which translates to “the people of the river.”  This area was their home for more than 12,000 years prior to European exploration.  Now the Catawba River Valley is home to more than 2 million people who…

Henderson County, NC On your next trip to the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, consider an alternative form of transportation. Hop aboard the HVL Pedal & Brews pubcycle for a fun-filled cruise to downtown breweries and taprooms. After opening in late 2019, the pub tour business started strong in…

Stokes County, NC A diverse region of artists, agriculture, fine dining, and scenic beauty, Stokes County, North Carolina is 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 and bustle of…

Gaston County, NC Thinking that our destination’s outdoor brand could enjoy growth through greater consumer diversity, we reached out for BFCT’s help. In spring 2020, the Travel & Tourism team hosted Earl on a site visit so he could see first-hand what our potential guests would experience during a weekend…

Ghostface Brewing’s Scratch Kitchen Traveling for a living, we’re always looking for a cool place to grab a great meal. We found a new dining destination in Mooresville we have to share. Ghostface Brewing’s Scratch Kitchen is your local Gastropub focusing on local fresh ingredients made from well, scratch!  After…

Goldsboro, Wyane County, NC Most people visit museums to experience a place’s heritage, but in Goldsboro, our heritage is one you just have to taste to understand. For Goldsboro, Wayne County Barbeque is more than just food. It’s our heritage. No matter where you’re from or the color of your…

Hendersonville is known for many things year-round, apples in the fall, fairs and festivals throughout the spring and summer, and plenty of family fun during the holidays. But if you haven’t been to this Blue Ridge Mountain town in the winter, you’re missing one of its most peaceful and romantic…

Stokes County, NC This February, spend a little time closer than six feet apart, and cozy up with loved ones for Valentine’s Day, while staying safe and healthy in the great outdoors of Stokes County.  Home to over 40 unique vacation rentals ranging from an entire 15 person lodge at…

Snow tubing ranks among the easiest — and most fun — winter sports because it requires little preparation, equipment and skill. Just hop on a tube and whoosh down the hill. The Banner Elk area is an ideal tubing spot with four of the top places to snow tube in…

The Visit NC Farms Phone app, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time and Gaston County is now one of those places. Using cell phone technology, residents and…

Start your new year out with a healthy, fun and affordable trip to Beech Mountain. In the highest town in eastern America, the 5506’ altitude provides the perfect climate for outdoor activities year-round. Winter sports abound, with the Beech Mountain Ski Resort right in town. The slopes complex also contains…

There’s good news for skiers and snowboarders heading to Banner Elk this winter. Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort are participating in the national Ski Well, Be Well initiative to promote COVID-safe skiing. Both resorts follow protocols set forth by the National Ski Areas Association. Those include a face…

Stokes County, NC A diverse region of artists, agriculture, charming general stores, local eateries, and scenic beauty, Stokes County, North Carolina is a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Find your escape from the everyday hustle and bustle by distancing yourself from the crowds for a little…

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just two hours west of Charlotte and half an hour south of Asheville, Hendersonville maintains the small-town charm many search for in a mountain vacation — shopkeepers who say hello, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and back roads ripe for rambling rides through the countryside. For visitors…

Gaston County Travel & Tourism has created a free game pass to promote the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail experience and the eight individual businesses that are part of it in both Gaston and Cleveland counties. The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail derives its name from the Ridgeline Trail which connects Crowders…

Outdoor adventures are just as FUN in the colder winter temperatures of Stokes County. Locals say, “Winter is the best time for a relaxing, brisk hike to vistas of clear views for miles.” Take in the fresh, mountain air of the piedmont region at Hanging Rock State Park, helping to…

Christmas is a time for family and friends – and in Granville County, it’s also a time for maintaining the well-being of those around you while celebrating the season. The following provides a list of festivities taking place during the Holidays. Dec. 3 – Oxford Virtual Tree Lighting – Downtown Oxford…

Does the cold weather and daylight savings have you catching cabin fever? Well, what better cure for cabin fever then visiting a cabin in the mountains? A change of scenery and being outside in the mountain air is important for your mental and physical health.  Stay in one of Burke…

Looking to fill the stockings on your holiday gift list? Stuff them with nearly two dozen wineries, breweries and cideries. The Cheers! Trail Passport is a guide to 23 tasting rooms along this unique trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The trail features 11 breweries, six…

Conventions, Conferences, Culinary Creations, Creative Craft Beverages, & Chill. The city of Gastonia is the perfect urban trail head. In the heart of Gaston county, any direction you venture, you will find something new to discover & enjoy. As diverse as your destinations are in Gastonia, the choices for your…

Stokes County, NC As we all know, at this time, getting outside is the number one thing to do! Personally, hiking is one of my favorites, so; I caught up with one of my girlfriends who was up for the challenge. Aly & I met up at Hanging Rock State…

Winter may be a great time to stay inside and cuddle under some blankets in the warmth, but what happens when that dreaded cabin fever starts to creep up on you? Hiking can be exactly what you need to get your blood pumping and your sense of adventure peaking. Come…

Hendersonville invites brides-to-be to plan their Blue Ridge Mountain weddings at the Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show on Saturday, Nov. 14. The show, which was rescheduled from the spring due to COVID restrictions, brings together wedding venues, vendors and planners at Blue Ridge Community College for a one-stop…

Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail I  hope you had a chance to read part one of our story on theRidgeline Craft Beverage Trail. This is a two-day journey; and this month we highlight day two. If you missed day one, go to trailpost.craftpassport.app to catch up.  Cavendish Brewing Company On day…

Let The Camping Begin! Camping is always an adventure but seriously camping in a vineyard has got to be an all-time winner!  Being among the grapevines, on the mountainside, and in the rolling hills is just breathtaking! On October 17th Round Peak Vineyards will be hosting an all-time favorite The…

Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail features six of Gaston and Cleveland County’s breweries, distilleries and wineries. Each has its own unique feel and culture, which was our favorite part of this trail. It’s a great representation of what makes Gaston and Cleveland Counties so special.  Starting…

Fall means apple season in Hendersonville, North Carolina. This Blue Ridge Mountain town leads the state in apple production and consistently ranks among the top producers in the nation.  During a time when families are searching for safe, socially distanced, outdoor activities, U-pick apple orchards check all the boxes. Apple…

Stokes County, NC Now is the perfect time to plan a leaf peeping drive, with the windows down enjoying a kaleidoscopic show of vibrant auburn, yellow and red coloring in Stokes County, NC. Take the less traveled path on rural roadways where the only traffic jam you may encounter is…

You’ll have to be a little crafty yourself if you would like to explore as much of downtown Morganton as you can in two days. Once you start your walk you will be amazed to discover how many unique culinary and craft boutiques there are to enjoy. Chances are very…

Grey Blackwell was raised on a farm.  Even as he worked in corporate America as a graphic artist, the love of the land never left him.  His approach though, is a bit unique.  Grey now owns and runs one of the most popular Halloween haunted attractions in the state. Working…

Plan a weekend of kayaking in Gaston County, exploring the Catawba and Southfork River Blueways. We recommend staying at the brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites in Mt Holly/Belmont and renting boats at Suns Up Scuba in Cramerton. You can also rent at Tailrace Marina just be sure to check…

With everyone in North Carolina looking to get outdoors, we’d recommend looking to Granville County and four unique spaces in Creedmoor and Butner. Lake Rogers  The largest and most spectacular park in Creedmoor is located at Lake Rogers. Located on Highway 56, Lake Rogers is a shallow lake covering 175…

Some artwork exists for centuries. Yet some pieces are temporary. The Gallery at Flat Rock pairs lasting creations with fleeting ones for its fifth annual “Art in Bloom” exhibit, Sept. 26-27. Located just south of downtown Hendersonville, the gallery is known for its finely curated art and craft. The exhibit…

Maybe you’ve found a new love for outdoor adventure and the thrill of the hike this summer, while finding a way to pass the time and enjoy fresh mountain air. Step it up a notch and push yourself to go further with a local hiking challenge, asking participants to Conquer…

Sept 1, 2020Join us on the Ridgeline Trolley for the Fall Color Tour, hosted by Burke Country Tourism. Board the Trolley in Morganton, NC and enjoy the sights as you travel up scenic Highway 181 to Linville, NC. The Tour includes a box lunch that will be eaten at a…

Let The Camping Begin! Red Gates RV park and campground is located on a gently rolling meadowland with a 2-acre lake surrounded by a beautiful wooded area. It is only 5.5 miles away from historic downtown Hendersonville. Red Gates is a peaceful atmosphere for all campers. Bring your friends and…

On Gaston County’s eastern edge, along the Catawba River, lies a 1,300-acre playground. The nonprofit U.S. National Whitewater Center has one goal: to encourage people to get outdoors. The centerpiece is the largest manmade whitewater course in the world, where paddling novices as young as 8 years old navigate class…

Henderson County’s Crest of the Blue Ridge wine region is now home to six wine producers following the openings this summer of Marked Tree Vineyard and Stone Ashe Vineyard. Marked Tree sits at an elevation of 2,300 in a picturesque setting along the Eastern Continental Divide. A unique tasting room…

“Shake it like a Polaroid Picture”, post it on Social Media to claim bragging rights for finding some of the most photographed locations often seen when scrolling past or following local hashtags on Instagram. There’s a certain challenge in searching out and recreating the view of most popular selfie opportunities…

Let The Camping Begin! Camping is always an adventure but seriously camping in a vineyard has got to be an all-time winner!  Being among the grapevines, on the mountainside, and in the rolling hills is just breathtaking! On September 12th Round Peak Vineyards will be hosting an all-time favorite The…

Planned Getaways or Adventures ala-carte, Burke County North Carolina is your destination to distance yourself from ordinary weekends. Summer is the time to get outside and discover the foothills, the mountains, and the waterways in Burke County. We have put together itineraries of things we suggest doing during your visit….

In North Carolina, 7,000-acre Doughton Park is the setting of another historical mountain cabin and farmstead, as well as thirty miles of pleasant walking trails, some involving stream crossings. The historic Bluffs Restaurant, also located at Doughton Park, has undergone restoration and is scheduled to reopen in 2020 after 10…

Let The Camping Begin! It is never the wrong time to hit the road and go exploring. We packed up the Sylvan Sport GO™and hit the road. To where you ask? This time we headed to Grandfather Campground in Banner Elk. One of my many favorites.  With 32 Acres of…