The paved trail that marks the beginning of the hike to Waterrock Knob looks harmless enough… but you’ll be glad for an opportunity to stop and take in the views when you realize it’s a steep climb (412 feet) to the summit. Located at Milepost 451.2, Waterrock Knob is the...
Surry County, North Carolina Join us this Spring for the second annual NC Trail Days June 4-6, a multi-day festival celebrating the great outdoors, the NC Mountains to Sea Trail, and our local trails with activities and adventures all weekend! The Festival is held every first weekend in June in...
Avery County, North Carolina Dream of a treasure hunt, to be done at your leisure from the comfort of your own car, which leads past timeless works of art, on quiet mountain backroads. The Avery County Quilt Trail is such a dream, brought to life and headquartered at the Beech...
The new Surry County Four Rivers Map provides locations for all paddling access points in the county, as well as stream details and parking info for each access point.
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...
City of Eden, Rockingham County, NC Get ready girls! Uptown Eden is set to host a fun and memorable day of deals, dining and drinks!! The newly revitalized uptown area in Eden will keep you busy for the day and into the evening and have you wanting to come back...
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...
City of Eden, Rockingham County, NC You can enjoy a savory charcuterie board in Uptown Eden, the best pizza you can find or a hamburger and fries at one of our nostalgic drive-in restaurants. And if coffee and dessert is all you’re looking for the best can be found right...
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...
Carolina Craft Passport Trail Post Interaction with others who share your enthusiasm for discovering new places and trying new things is a big part of getting out and supporting craft producers across the region. But needlessly interacting with somebody isn’t cool, like having to hand your phone to somebody to...
Local artists are putting Mocksville on the map one paint stroke at a time! Mocksville is just west of the Yadkin River, a day trip to see the massive “Running of the Horses” Mural. While the horses running reflects the past, the Day and Night themes are reflected with the...
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...
Carolina Craft Passport Trail Post Happy New Year! We hope that during 2021 you get a chance to take care of yourself, and step back from the stress of the time. Relax, explore, reboot. We suggest discovering boutique craft beverage producers across the state responsibly and supporting small communities while...
The 43rd annual Woolly Worm Festival may have been canceled this year due to COVID-19, but you can’t keep a good worm down. Previously scheduled for Oct. 17-18, the festival sees approximately 20,000 attendees visit Banner Elk in Avery County to witness a big prediction from the smallest of prognosticators. ...
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...
The Yadkin Valley’s newest vineyard showcases wine, mountain views and sunsets on 70 acres bordering the Fisher River. Melissa Hayes and husband, Christian Krobisch, opened Serre Vineyards in September. The Charlotte couple fell in love with NC wine while touring vineyards statewide, spurring them to start their own. The centerpiece...
Are you ready for the “12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN DAVIDSON”? YES, Christmas in Davidson is happening this year but it will be different. Now you have 12 days to enjoy this magical event! The elves have been hard at work creating new ways for you and your family to...
In the midst of a global pandemic, Eden’s historic downtown, now called Uptown Eden, has flourished. Starting in 2019 with entrepreneurs opening new stores and solidified with Carpino Investments purchasing and renovating historic buildings, Uptown Eden is coming alive. Julie Stanton opened Southern Julep, an apparel, jewelry accessories and gift...
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...
Carolina Craft Passport Trail Post This is the time of year that we usually look forward to or dread spending time with our families. This year is going to be just slightly different. But that does not mean that it has to be bad. You can still get out and...
Our 2020 Wheels Through Time Raffle Bike is this beautiful 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead hand-built by the team in the Wheels Through Time restoration shop. This year’s masterpiece is powered by an all original 1939 61c.i. OHV Knucklehead engine mated to a genuine H-D 4-speed transmission, making it one of smoothest...
There is something about a treehouse that brings out the child in everyone. Maybe it’s the sense of adventure it invokes. Maybe it’s the imperfect lines of the structure mixed with quirky wall hangings. Or maybe it’s the offer of a place to dream. Whatever the reason, the family treehouse...
Fall weather is great for many things with the fresh, crisp air, a perfect time to grab your golf clubs and hit the green. Another great way to have fun and make a difference at the same time is to join in the fun for Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids...
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...
For Jeremy and Krystle Stamps, The Wisdom Table is an education opportunity. Located on Main Street in downtown Elkin, the expansive bottle shop and bar serve as a classroom where North Carolina’s growing wine scene is the subject of choice. Opened in July 2020, The Wisdom Table came out of...
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...
