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...
The turn in the temperature signals a new season on Grandfather Mountain — and the return of a bargain allowing unlimited access to the park for six months. The Secret Season Pass allows holders unlimited, six-month access to the park November 2019 through April 2020. An individual Secret Season Pass...
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...
The third weekend in February is Beech Mountain’s 9th Annual Retro 80’s celebration, which has been named one of the Top Twenty Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. From Thursday, February 20th through Sunday, February 23rd, 2020, visitors can take a trip down memory lane to the...
Haze Gray Vineyards, which draws its name from the color of U.S. naval ships, opened its winery and tasting room on Dec. 19. Owners Deane and Becky Muhlenberg have long-standing military ties, including Deane’s three-decade career as a Navy flight officer. The Muhlenbergs relocated to Surry County three years ago...
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...
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...
An invigorating winter getaway awaits in the mile-high elevations surrounding Banner Elk. This town in the North Carolina mountains offers the chance to get outdoors with hiking and exploring at Grandfather Mountain, as well as snowtubing at nearby ski resorts. One of the biggest winter attractions in the area is...
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,...
Think Mayberry only exists in a television show? Think again. Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina, invites folks to visit the real-life place that inspired the fictional Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show. Visitors to Mount Airy can choose from several Mayberry attractions and activities. The most popular...
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,...
Where the foothills just begin to ripple towards the Blue Ridge Mountains sits Veronét Vineyards & Winery. Only 30 minutes west of the hustle & bustle of uptown Charlotte you will find the charming town of Kings Mountain, home to our tucked away estate. Nestled on a quiet drive, our...
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...
Enjoy yourself, reward yourself. The Carolina Craft Passport is a reward program to nudge you to get off the well-worn path and experience boutique craft beverage destinations across the State of North Carolina. Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville are all well-known craft beverage destinations. But did you know that award-winning wines, spirits,...
There is no better venue than a home. The second-best venue is a place that feels like home. Your friends, your family, complete strangers… digging their feet into lush carpet, being introduced to incredible wine, and cozying up like a family by the lake. Not everyone in Lake Norman has...
Ok ladies and gentlemen, with February being a cold month and not much to do, why not come to an indoor Brewfest featuring six regional breweries that will awaken your sleepy taste buds. Angry Troll, Skull Camp Brewing and New Serum Brewing, to name a few. Live music from Whiskey...
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...
The Bold Rock Mills River Cidery opened in October 2015 and is nestled in some of North Carolina’s most fertile farmland just 20 minutes from Downtown Asheville. Visit to learn about the process behind our cider crafted from locally sourced Henderson County apples and enjoy expansive views of the production...
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...
From choose and cut Christmas tree hunting to a magical family weekend to enjoying the holidays nestled between two ski resorts, the North Carolina mountain town of Banner Elk is an ideal place this December. The month starts with people flocking to the many tree farms raising beautiful Fraser fir...
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...
Enjoy the holiday’s pleasures a little too much? Stuffed to the gills from all those parties? Determined that this is the year to make a change for the better? Why not come out to Rural Hill and start 2020 off right with First Footin’ our annual walk and celebration of...
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...
Just a few hours’ drive from most metropolitan areas in North Carolina, Beech Mountain is a year-round vacation destination with the added benefit of a ski resort right in town. This premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts sits at an elevation of 5506 feet, making it the highest town in...
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...
TRAIL POST Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard is located in Fallston, NC. The vineyard is planted in the fertile soil of the rolling hills in Cleveland County. The vineyard takes its name from the Buffalo Creek that slowly winds through the property and the Baker family name that represents over 100...
A fun-filled festival running November 8-10 featuring the United States Border Collie Handlers’ Association, Carolina Dock Dogs, dog sports demonstrations, and more! 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...
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...
In the Village of Fairhaven shop an extensive array of craft vendors offering home décor, jewelry, clothing of renaissance and medieval fashion, blown and torched glass, handmade art and pottery. Think of Fairhaven as a medieval mall. There are also activities for children of all ages including people-powered amusement rides...
Many folks across the state have heard of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley wine country, but it can be daunting to decipher the best way to visit this federally-recognized American Viticultural Area that is home to more than 40 wineries. Fortunately, the wineries in Surry County make it easy to visit...
In a nod to nostalgic Main Street Americana, Pilot View Vintage Market is a picker’s dream. The charm of the past and contemporary quality come together in the last breath of autumn at what has become one of the Carolinas’ fastest growing collection of vintage vendors. Nestled in historic Downtown...
Polo. Live Music. Hot Air Balloons. Fashion. Food. Drinks. Vendors. This event isn’t just a polo match or balloon festival, it’s a networking and social destination drawing thousands on November 1st & 2nd. Kid and pet friendly, bring the entire family. Come on out and enjoy a gorgeous day of...
Carolina Craft Beverage Trail Post Located at the crossroads of I-77 & I-40 in Statesville n.c. Southern Distilling is Making Tasty Products for Happy People!™. Now serving craft cocktails, locally brewed beers and regional wines. Truly a grain-to-glass distillery, Southern Distilling Company is deeply rooted in heritage matched with boundless...
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...
Banner Elk’s 42nd annual Woolly Worm Festival draws people from near and far to this Blue Ridge Mountain town for two days of racing woollybear caterpillars. This year’s festival takes place Oct. 19-20. “We have a lot of people who come to Banner Elk in the fall to look at...
Jousting is given a 21st Century roar of approval at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Jousting is now, as it was 500 years ago, a merrie sport; a make-believe pageant of Sir Galahads and Sir Lancelots, of villainous Black Knights versus the virtuous Red Knights, mounted on thundering steeds, plumes waving,...
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...
One of the best things about my job and life is that at any given moment, I can pack a bag and head out in any direction. The beauty here in N.C. is incredible and I love getting “lost” in my backyard... so to speak. This time, we headed towards...
