A new brewery has taken root in Western North Carolina that brings a different approach to the craft beer scene.  Sideways Farm & Brewery opened this past August in the rural Henderson County community of Etowah. Although surrounded by dozens of craft breweries in the towns of Hendersonville, Brevard and…

This Valentine’s Day snuggle up during a romantic weekend in the Sauratown Mountains at Hanging Rock State Park, undoubtedly the crowning jewel of Stokes County. This beautiful park offers something special for each sharing Valentine’s weekend together with campsite or cabin rentals. Visitors looking for a relaxing stroll or an…

Readying now for springtime, the City of Belmont in partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (DSBG) and the Belmont Tourism Development Authority (BTDA) announce a month-long citywide celebration of blossoming bulbs, art, community, and culture – Belmont Blooms.  The inaugural multi-week Belmont Blooms begins on March 27 with an electric…

How many times have you walked into a business with high expectations and were thoroughly surprised to have those expectations exceeded in every way? Webb Custom Kitchen in Historic Downtown Gastonia is such a venue. When you walk through the doors of this re-engineered 1927 Theater, you are surrounded by…

Outdoor adventures are just as FUN in the cooler 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…

You might know Goldsboro Wayne County as home to Pigs, Pickles and Planes – and whilst that’s not changing (we love a good ‘cue as much as ever), Goldsboro is poised for new, exciting developments in 2020. So, earmark a weekend, pack your stretchy pants (remember – so much bbq,…

The Granville experience is an alternative. An alternative to what you have. A yin, to the everyday yang. Yet this alternative is not far away, but in your own back yard – steps away. Granville County is not just a location, but a place where you can gather, relax, inhale/exhale,…

There are sunrises, and then there are Grandfather Mountain sunrises. And then there are Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day sunrises. Ring in an epic New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the first sunrise of 2020 — atop Grandfather Mountain. This special event will allow guests the rare opportunity to…

On the heels of engagement season, Hendersonville invites brides-to-be to plan their perfect day in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show on Saturday, March 21, brings together wedding venues, vendors and planners at Blue Ridge Community College for a one-stop wedding-planning shop. “Hendersonville is…

Winter roars in like a lion, but adventures, events and fun experiences are waiting to be had in Stokes County, North Carolina. A brisk winter hike along the trails of Hanging Rock State Park reveal views and natural beauty not normally experienced in summer months when trees and flora are…

There are plenty of reasons for Christmas cheer this season in Goldsboro Wayne County. Whether you’re looking for family fun, or a spot of festive retail therapy, check out some of the highlights of the Twelve Days of Christmas in Goldsboro! Jingle in the Park, December 6th and 7th. Kick…

Christmas is a time for family, friends and fellowship. And in Granville County it is a time to celebrate with neighbors and welcome guests from around the region. We have places to gather and unique stores and galleries at which to find that perfect gift. Merry Christmas…we hope to see…

To paraphrase the popular Andy Williams song, it’s the busiest time of the year. And in Gaston County, there’s a ton of fun stuff to do this Christmas season. Whether you’re young or old, new to the community or a lifelong resident, you’re sure to find something fun to do…

The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville invites you to delight in the spirit of the season with lights, Christmas carols, Main Street shopping and more. The Home for the Holidays event series includes more than 60 happenings from now through New Year’s Day. “Everyone has worked hard to put…

As the weather cools and the nights draw in, Goldsboro-Wayne County has got the main bases covered to ensure you make the most of the season this November – sports, shows, scenery and Scotch!  Be at one with Nature this November Whether you decide to walk, kayak, run, or just…

As the shopping season commences, the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville offers a plethora of options for buying something out of the ordinary. Forget the gift cards and mass-produced knickknacks. These local shops stock the handcrafted, unusual and thought-provoking. And they provide the warm customer service that makes spending…

Gaston County is an international destination for outdoors enthusiasts. Professional athletes and weekend warriors go to Gaston County to climb, ride, paddle, swim, zip, hike, and about any other activity you can think of. Rivers, mountains, parks, and Olympic training centers are all available for you to experience.  Almost every…

Leaves of yellow, auburn, red, and brown remain for your leaf peeping enjoyment. The season is still perfect to experience why Stokes County ROCKS your 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…

Do we dare say the Holidays are approaching? Okay, we understand that Thanksgiving is first, but we also know that now is the time to make sure you have your Christmas parties in-place. Granville County provides a number of beautiful and distinct venues to host your Holiday Gathering. Come explore…

The Ridgeline Trolley runs custom trips in the foothills and mountains of Burke County. Morganton is the county seat. The trolley was built in 1992 by the Chance Trolley Corp in Wichita, Kansas. Its early life was spent in Dayton, Ohio where it was called the “Wright Flyer.” Later, it…

Fall into a Stokes County State of Mind this October on the trails at Hanging Rock or along gently winding rural roads, leading to stunning views, and landscapes painted in the beautiful colors of autumn.  Fly through the trees by zipline, experience local bluegrass and flat foot dancing heritage, view…

How many places have you walked into a business with high expectations and were thoroughly surprised to have those expectations exceeded in every way? Webb Custom Kitchen in Historic Downtown Gastonia is such a venue. When you walk through the doors of this re-engineered 1927 Theater, you are surrounded by…

New season, new fun – is how Goldsboro, NC, feels about fall! Whether you’re a foodie, sports lover, theatre fan or like nothing better than a chance to pick the brains of some seriously impressive female leaders – look no further than Goldsboro, NC. For those foodies amongst us, the…

The state-of-the-art destination distillery at Southern Distilling Company has been a jewel in the crown of the Statesville region’s thriving craft beverage community since 2017, growing in popularity and gaining attention among locals and tourists alike.  However, there are big changes on the horizon for this craft distillery. Owners, Pete…

As the popularity of Hendersonville’s Main Street continues to attract a younger demographic, it was only a matter of time before this thriving Blue Ridge mountain getaway received its first rooftop experience. That time arrived Labor Day weekend as Shine restaurant debuted the city’s inaugural rooftop bar. The restaurant, which…

Summer is turning to fall which means one thing in Granville County…festivals and fun.  The Granville Haunt Farm is open weekends and is sure to add some fright to your Halloween.  The Chamber’s Fall Oyster Roast brings out the community.  And the success of the Tobacco Wood Brewery has spawned…

Carolina Craft Beverage Trail Post Cavendish steps outside the box and brings with it quirky events and Old World Beers. Would you not call a Game of Thrones event called “Winter is Coming” or an evening of Where are the Supers a little quirky?  The Cavendish Brewing Company is a…

Goldsboro, NC has been developing a burgeoning BBQ and Craft Beer scene over the past few years, and it’s one that has steadily been drawing attention, and visitors. Adding to the delicious Eastern NC Style BBQ at the legendary landmark that is Grady’s, are some more experimental styles of BBQ…

2019 marks the 45th continuous year of “Stokes Stomp Festival on the Dan”, the longest running North Carolina Arts and Music Festival held along the beautiful Dan River in Danbury. Stomp, the signature festival making the founding of local Stokes County Arts Council, is held each September on the second…

The Red Bull Pump Track World Championship heads to back to the USA – this time its Gaston County, North Carolina – in what is set to make for an epic day of pump track racing with some of the best riders in MTB and BMX ready to give it…

September 2, 2022 Head to Morganton this autumn for a unique way to view fall foliage. Once again, the Burke County Tourism Development Authority offers fall color tours aboard the Ridgeline Trolley. The tours begin in downtown Morganton and showcase spectacular fall color by traveling into the Blue Ridge Mountains…

The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville is the latest North Carolina region to receive federal recognition of its vineyards and wineries. This past July, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County became an American Viticultural Area, or AVA. Only regions that have distinctive soil, climate and elevation earn this…

The Granville experience is an alternative. An alternative to what you have. A yin, to the everyday yang. Yet this alternative is not far away, but in your own back yard – steps away. It is not a location, but a place. A place where you can gather, relax, inhale/exhale,…

Goldsboro, NC, Has The Tour For You. Goldsboro, NC, has got a busy calendar for you this Fall! Visit Goldsboro, Travel, and Tourism for Goldsboro, is running a Fall program of tours throughout September and October with something for everyone on the schedule. Read on to find the tour for…

Each Labor Day weekend for more than 70 years, Hendersonville and Henderson County have celebrated their place as the top apple-producing region in North Carolina. This year will be no exception as the North Carolina Apple Festival takes over downtown Hendersonville for four days, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Festival-goers…

As summer makes its last hoorah, settle into a Stokes County state of mind to watch as the rural tree line fades into beautiful autumn shades. As temperatures turn cooler, grass of green below your feet will lead to airwaves filled with sounds of good ole time blue grass, folk,…

Granville County is not like where you came from… we are “Uniquely Carolina”™ –  a Carolina that melds the endearing heart of hometown living with (individual) space, and easy accessibility – a rare fusion that allows you to define “experience” and “gathering” on your terms…. and compels you to come…

Join Anchored Soul for our 1st annual “Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie” in Belmont, NC! Whether you’re a concert-goer, fun-seeker, or paddler, we have something for you. To start off the event there are 7, 3.5, & 1-mile paddle races plus a kids race which you can participate in…

The Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill and the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria will be the venues for the Beech Mountain Throwback Music Weekend, August 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The family-friendly event takes place over three days. Friday and Saturday night performances at the Taproom are $10 each night…

The Beer Lab was an idea created from our R&D (Research & Drinking) Events at our original location, where we would unleash 7 new beers at a time and experiment with exotic ingredients, fruit, and yeast.  Limited by space constraints (storage, seating, taps) it was difficult to bring out new…

Situated atop a knoll outside Morganton with gorgeous views of the South Mountains is Silver Fork Winery. Owners Jennifer Foulides and Ed Wisnieski left corporate America behind in 2013 to move south and create a place to sip, nibble and relax. Silver Fork Winery is just that place. The wines…

Outdoor adventure abounds in the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The town’s location — surrounded by hills and valleys covered in old-growth forests with rivers and streams flowing throughout — makes it an ideal destination to escape the indoor confines and reconnect with nature. The French Broad…

Breathtaking views along scenic vistas at 2,579 feet in elevation can be found in the Piedmont of North Carolina along the Sauratown Mountain Range in Stokes County. Outdoor enthusiasts, in for a challenge, can achieve this elevation as they summit Moore’s Knob in Hanging Rock State Park. Hike the 4.3…

Gaston County has a wealth of parks with countless activities for all ages to enjoy that are fun, affordable, and right around the corner.   Gaston County Parks are much more than swings and picnic tables. Fourteen parks on the  Park Hop Scavenger Hunt. Park Hop is a fun and…

Summer is packed full of events in Goldsboro, NC, and whether you’re into music, the great outdoors, some alternative spooky ghost stories or just good old fashioned al fresco drinking and dining in the sun, Goldsboro has got your summer sorted. The annual Center Street Jams are back, and every…

Rivermen Brewing Company Our story started out on the creeks and rivers of the southeast. The four original partners of Rivermen Brewing Company met on various paddling trips and adventures, lots of beer was enjoyed and friendships formed. We all share a love of paddling, outdoor adventures and beer. Over…

Some of downtown Hendersonville’s most beloved residents return this spring. Twenty colorful bear statues take their places along Main Street for the annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk & Auction.  The bears start as blank, white forms, and local artists decorate them with creative designs. The bears appear in May and stay…

Not as well known and heavily traveled as the Catawba River, the South Fork River is an under-the-radar destination that you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Paddling the narrow South Fork River Blueway from Spencer Mountain to Cramerton is just the right amount of Class I-II whitewater to get…

Beat the heat this summer, feel the mountain breeze rushes past you on a zip line or mountain bike adventure in the great outdoors of Stokes County, North Carolina. Take to Hanging Rock State Park trails on two wheels along single track, rock ledge berms, fast flows, stream crossings, and…

With summer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan your escape to the mountains and waterways of Stokes County, NC!