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The Destination Magazine™
Issue 46
We Tell You Where To Go!
A Nationally Recognized Treasure Just Up the Road Page 14
Culinary Culture Communities
Fonta Flora Is Back On The Map
Road to Nowhere and Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains
Find More Than 1,000 Furniture Lines Under One Roof
Best New Whisky of 2013 Born in the Cradle of Moonshine
Five Finds in the Foothills
Challenging Rides and Good Times in Southwest Virginia
The Best Crap In The South
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™2
DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 3
Off Interstate 77 at Exit 33117 Trade Court - Mooresville
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™4
Produced by: Photodude.net LLCSales: Lisa Jay, Steven ShoberContributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Jim Stallard, Project 543, Visit NC, Craig Distl, RomanticAsheville.com, Blair Rumley CofieldContributing Photographers: PhotodudeART.com, Bill Russ, Paul Newton, RomanticAsheville.comCover: Johanna Stern
The list of events in this publication is compiled from various sources dates & times are tentative & subject to change. Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™ is published by Photodude.net LLC 369 Dovefield Drive Summerfield, NC 27358 (704) 706-2365 www.DashboardsandSaddlebags.com ©2014 All rights reserved. Photodude.net LLC Publisher, 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.
Page 19Page 14
Page 21 Page 24
We know we are on to
something!
JANUARY 2015
Issue 46
Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers
CONTENTSUnique Destinations Less Than 200 Miles From Home 6
A Nationally Recognized Treasure Just Up the Road 14
Road to Nowhere and Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains 16
Fonta Flora Is Back On The Map 19
Find More Than 1,000 Furniture Lines Under One Roof 20
Best New Whisky of 2013 Born in the Cradle of Moonshine 21
Five Finds in the Foothills 22
Challenging Rides and Good Times in Southwest Virginia 24
Along The Way 26
The Best Crap In The South 28
We Tell you where to go! Whether you are a long time resident or new to
the area, you’ll find destinations here that will have you saying “I never knew that was there.”
We a re ve r y s e lec t ive o f ou r market ing partners as wel l as ou r e d i t or i a l c on t e n t . I f we cannot be proud of the content submitted to us we will not put it in Dashboards and Saddlebags Magazine, period.
I f y o u a r e l o o k i n g f o r n e w destinations to explore on your own, or ideas for things to do with friends and family you will find something new each month in your destination magazine.
DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 5
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Destinations
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All parents paying for college: What’s it doing to your retirement plans? Learn the answer & solve the problem. Reach out to us.
Unique Destinations Less Than 200 Miles From Home WinterFest Jan 10 – 12, Beech Mountain, NC, Enjoy a full slate of events that will please snow lovers and music lovers with ever-popular Cardboard Box Derby, the WinterFest Rail Jam, live music and much more. www.romanticasheville.com/beech_mountain_ski.htm
Grand Opening of Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Sun, January 11, 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604. The celebration will highlight tastings and brewery tours, complemented by live music from Dr. Bacon. Following the grand opening, If Birds Could Fly will play at 5pm in the Beech Tree Bar and Grille! The grand opening is being held in conjunction with the Beech Mountain Resort ’s annual Winterfest Weekend www.beechmountainresort.com
The 16th Annual Freeze Your Balls Of f Scooter Rally Fri Jan 16th - Sun Jan 18th. Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub - 427 West Main Street , Durham, NC 27701. Hosted by the Incriminators Scooter Club, which advocates for keeping vintage scooters in use, the Freeze Your Balls Off Scooter Rally is a wintry celebration of the Incriminators’ favored mode of transpor tation. It includes rides for those with their own two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, and more are welcomed as well) in addition to dance par ties, musical per formances, bar meet-ups, and other events. freezeyourballsof f.wordpress.com
Signature Series Blending Party at Round Peak Vineyards! Sat Jan 17th 2015 Round Peak Vineyards - 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Come out for the Signature Series Blending Par ty at Round Peak Vineyards! Create your own uniqure case of wine! Sample from 8 of our best 2013 red wines, then play mad scientist until you create your perfect blend! Two sessions, 11-3 pm or 3-7 pm. Limited seating, reservations required. www.roundpeak.com.
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™8
Destinations
Mooresville’s Coolest ExportMOORESVILLE ICE CREAM PARLOR186 N Broad St, Mooresville, NC 28115 (704) 664-5456 ~ www.deluxe1924.com
The 150th Anniversary of the Bat tle of Fort Fisher Sat Jan 17th - Sun Jan 18 th.Fo r t F i she r His to r ic Museum, 1610 Sou th Fo r t Fisher Boulevard, Kure Beach, NC 28449. This year’s anniversary celebration is truly unique and will begin Nor th Carolina’s of f icial 2015 commemoration of the momentous event s that brought the Civil War to an end 150 years ago. The Civil War Sesquicentennial observance will focus on the struggle to capture and defend the for t during the at tack of January 5, 1865. Some of the highlights for the weekend include a re-creation of the January 1865 Union at tack on For t Fisher with hundreds of Civil War living history actors, the unveiling of a new museum exhibit , an “above the scenes” tour and more. www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com
7th Annual Cold Stroke Classic 9:30am - 5pm Sat Jan 17th. Blockade Runner Beach Resor t - 275 Waynick Boulevard, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. Coastal Urge’s 7th Annual Cold Stroke Classic will be held on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway of f Wrightsville Beach. With 2 divisions, paddlers can opt to do the 3.5-mile Recreational course or the 7-mile Elite course. Cash prizes will be spread across the top f inishers in each division. See website for fur ther details. Throughout the day, there will be an exhibitor’s expo open to the public with free demos. www.coldstrokeclassic.com
Four Seasons Winter Wine Tasting Dinner 6pm - 9pm Sat Jan 17th. Raf faldini - 450 Groce Road, Ronda, NC 28670. Join vineyard owner Jay Raf faldini for the next wine tasting dinner held at our beautiful Tuscan-style Villa Raf faldini. We have created the per fect menu to feature four seasonal food courses alongside four specially-chosen Raf faldini wines to embody the winter months. Classical music will be per formed by a violinist soloist during the evening to enhance your dining pleasure, and Jay Raf faldini will provide culinary and wine descriptions for each course. www.Raf faldini.com
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Destinations
Antique Car Restoration
Complete Turnkey Hot Rods
Custom Motorcycles
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Custom Body FabricationMooresville NC 704 363 0722
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Continued On Page 9
Blowing Rock Winter fe s t Thu Jan 22nd. Main S t ree t , Blowing Rock , NC 28605. Don’t h ibe rnate . . . ce leb ra te! Enjoy t he fun s id e o f w in t e r w i t h eve n t s t ha t inc lud e t h e Po la r P lunge in Che tola Lake, Chilly Chili Cook- Of f, WinterFeas t , WinterPaws D o g S h o w, W in t e r Fa s h i o n S h o w, k i d s a c t i v i t e s a n d m o r e ! www.blowingrockwinter fest.com
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Thu Jan 22nd - Sun Jan 25th. Variouse Locaions - 20 Commerce St reet Asheville, NC 28801. I t ’s lucky number 13 for the Asheville Fringe Ar ts Festival! This true Asheville oddity has been happening for 13 years, of fering local and imported per forming ar t is t s the oppor tunity to create and showcase new, unique work. The Asheville Fringe provides ar tists with opportunities to explore the ar tistic edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring new, innovative per formances to culturally adventurous audiences. Every year, the fes t ival features a varie t y of ar t is t s, including actors, dancers, installation ar tists and theatre companies, Butoh dance, puppet r y, alternat ive theat re, modern dance, and per formance ar t. www.ashevillefringe.org
5th Annual Jolly Skull Beer Festival 2:30pm - 6pm Sat Jan 24th. Greenville Convention Center - 303 Greenville Boulevard Southwest,
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™10
Destinations
Greenville, NC 27834.The festival will focus on 60+ American craf t and regional micro breweries with over 150 beers being of fered. www.beerarmy.org /jollyskull /
8th Annual Winter Warmer Beer Festival 3pm - 7pm Sat Jan 24th. US Cellular Center - 87 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801. We are “movin’ on up” for 2015’s event - the festival will be held on the main arena level of the Civic Center, allowing for a handful more breweries and more elbow room, but the same unique int imate feel, providing qualit y food, music and tast ings that the “repeat o f fende r s” have come to expec t !Admiss ion: $45+ pe r pe r son www.ashevillebeer fest.com
Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival Fri Jan 30th - Sun Feb 1st. 503 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. Friday Night: Grand Tasting - Pick your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers of fer their best for sampling and sale! Indulge yourself in the delicious abundance of hors d’oevres and relax to live music per formed by The Schoolboys while shopping ar tisan exhibits. The Grand Tasting will preview the Marketplace (held on Saturday & Sunday) and guests will experience a few special surprises that will ensure a light and ef fervescent evening. Enjoy enter tainment , food demonstrations, raf f les and of course more chocolate all overlooking the gorgeous Cape Fear River front! wilmingtonwineandchocolatefestival.com
Queen City Brewers Festival Sat Jan 31st. Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlot te, NC 28205. Roughly 2,000 at tendees will enjoy unlimited beer and food samples. Brewers are encouraged to bring one “super” f lavor or style of beer especially for QCBF, as the Super Bowl takes place the following day. Works by local ar tist s and live music will be on hand during each of the two tasting sessions: 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. www.qcbrewfest.com
Sixth Annual Yadkin Winter Reds Food & Pairing Event Sat Jan 31st - Sun Feb 1st. Enjoy a weekend of wonderful wine and food in Yadkin County. Looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, then come visit Yadkin County and enjoy the annual Yadkin Winter Reds. This is a great oppor tunity for you to visit Yadkin County wineries and taste the excellent wines that are being produced. www.visityadkin.com
3 5 t h A n n u a l N C J a z z F e s t i v a l F r i F e b 6 t h - S u n F e b 8 t h . H i l t o n R i v e r s i d e H o t e l , 3 01 Wa t e r S t r e e t W i l m i n g t o n N C 28401. This is one of the largest t radit ional jazz fest ivals in the Sou theas t and a Top 20 Event . To see a full l i s t o f musicians and ac t ivi t ie s please see the websi te. www.ncjazz fes t ival.com
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DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 11
Farmer Supply and Western Wear carries everything the name implies and a whole lot more! Come in often to see our latest inventory to outfi t you and your horses from head to hoof.♞ACCESSORIES♞CHILDREN’S CLOTHING ♞CHILDREN’S BOOTS♞WOMEN’S CLOTHING♞MEN’S CLOTHING♞BOOTS FOR WOMEN♞BOOTS FOR MEN
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Destinations
11th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge 8:30am - 10am Sat Feb 14th. Memorial Bell Tower, North Carolina State University, North Campus, 2011 Hillsborough Street , Raleigh, NC 27607. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical f itness and gastrointest inal for t itude. What s tar ted as a challenge among 10 friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University. www.krispykremechallenge.com
2nd Annual All Ale to the Queen - Beer Carnival Sat Feb 28th. A “one of a kind” event and a “must do” for craf t beer lovers in the region. All Ale to the Queen – Beer Carnival takes a dif ferent approach by focusing on the unique aspects of beer, with a lit tle WOW factor mixed in. At tendees can expect outrageous fun at this event including music f rom DJ Allen Rockhouse, amazing aerial per formers from Aerial Charlot te, Hula Hooping from the Beer City Hoopers, belly dancers, jugglers, contact ball per formers, costumes and more. This is what makes the Beer Carnival a must see. And of course, a Beer Carnival wouldn’t be a Beer Carnival without a King and Queen Competition. www.allaletothequeen.com
Complete listings of all the events are available at Dashboardsandsaddlebags.com
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A Nationally Recognized Treasure Just Up the RoadNumber one Park in the state
and chosen one of top twenty most stunning parks in the
USA according to USA Today.
Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County was selected as the North Carolina 2012 Park of the Year by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
With hiking trails, vacation cabins, interpretive nature programs, picnic areas, water fal ls and pr iceless panoramas of the piedmont plateau, Hanging Rock lends an endless list of activities no matter what your interests. Cast a line out into the lake or simply relax by the shore, plan a picnic with your family or explore the surrounding mountains, whatever type of adventure you choose you’re sure to learn something new about North Carolina’s grand landscape.
Photos by Johanna Stern
DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 15
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™16
Road to Nowhere and Waterfalls in the Great Smoky MountainsThe Road to Nowhere i s a
quick eight-mile drive outside Bryson City. Before you go,
have breakfast and coffee with the locals at the Everett Street Diner or at Mountain Perks, both on the way to Nowhere.
After breakfast, head straight up Everett Street out of Bryson City and don’t make any turns. On the map, it’s called Lakeview Drive, but the road signs are marked Fontana Road. You’ll pass Swain County High School and eventually see a sign that reads, “You have entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” You’ll also see a more intriguing sign:
“The Road to Nowhere – A Promise Broken.” The road ends at a barrier with the tunnel beyond.
The road got its name from a dispute in the 1930s and 40s when Swain County gave up the majority of its private land so the federal government could create Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People had to move, family cemeteries were cut off, and the former road was buried beneath the waters of the lake. The federal government made an agreement with Swain County to build a new road along the lake’s north shore, but environmental
issues stopped construction. With no resolution, now decades later, the road still goes nowhere.
Deep Creek WaterfallsNow that you’ve gotten a taste of the serenity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, turn around and go see some beautiful and relaxing waterfalls. From the Road to Nowhere, make your way back to town and take a left on Depot Street. Follow the signs to Deep Creek Campground, making sure to follow West Deep Creek Road.
Three miles after leaving the center of town, you’ll come to the Deep Creek entrance to the Park. Well-marked trail signs lead you to three waterfalls: Juney Whank, Indian Creek and Toms Branch. The Juney Whank and Indian Creek trails have moderate slopes, while Toms Branch is the closest to the trailhead.
The Road to Nowhere is a real road in Bryson City that ends at a tunnel in-side Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you want to venture farther, you have to do it by foot. When you’re finished exploring, visit waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and get a taste of small town mountain life.
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Bryson CityAfter your hike, park in town and walk to any one of Bryson City’s great lunch spots such as Jimmy Mac’s on Main Street, The Filling Station on Everett Street, or Anthony’s on Depot Street.
Spend the afternoon browsing the shops and galleries of Everett, Main and Depot streets. You’ll find stores full of antiques, artwork and crafts. Tour working artists’ studios at Elizabeth Ellison Watercolors and Heath Creations Studio and Gallery or see work from mountain artisans at The Cottage Craftsman.
Finish off your in-town day with d inner at Pa squa l ino’s It a l i an Restaurant or The Station Restaurant, both on Everett Street.
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™18
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Fonta Flora Is Back On The MapFor over a century and a half,
the rural hamlet of Fonta Flora (first known as Linville) lay
snugly at the mouth of the rugged Linville Gorge in Burke County, North Carolina. After the construction of Lake James in the early twentieth century, the hamlet and the name disappeared from the area. Following renewed local interest in the 1960s, perhaps spurred on by the unusual name, much lore was resurrected concerning its great beauty, fertility, racial harmony and myster ious origins. This lost community is where one of the most unique and quaint water’n holes in Western North Carolina draws its name.
Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy (the study of fermentation) to create a menagerie of rustic and savory libations. With an emphasis on seasonal f lora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Fonta Flora utilizes local artists to help conceptualize the notion that fermentation is yet another medium for creating art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer yields a sustainable product filled with culture from our very own community.
Fonta Flora Brewery317 N Green StMorganton, NC, 28655FontaFlora.com
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™20
Find More Than 1,000 Furniture Lines Under One RoofAfurniture shopping experience that is definitely unique
to North Carolina, Hickory Furniture Mart in Hickory is a mix of factory outlets, custom showrooms and private
galleries with more than a thousand manufacturers on display in one place and discounts of up to 80 percent off retail. Each year, more than 500,000 visitors come to the Hickory Furniture Mart from nearly all 50 states and several other countries, drawn by North Carolina’s history as the nation’s furniture manufacturing c a p i t a l a n d b y t h e M a r t ’ s reputation for quality, variety a n d p r i c e . T h e M a r t a l s o features several sales events throughout the year as well as its annual Furniture Festival dur ing t he l a s t weekend in July. The Mart is also home to the Catawba Valley Furniture Museum and offer group tours of the facility. Visitors can also take advantage of shop and stay packages featur ing lodg ings as well as a personal shopper program.
#29
Project 543 tells the story of unique spots across North Carolina we hope will become some of your favorite places. Why 543? Because that’s the number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the mountains, and is traditionally considered to be the width of our state. The entries in this project are in no particular order, and we’ll add to them each week. Check in often to find inspiration for your next trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.
2220 US Highway 70 SE Hickory, North Carolina 28602 www.hickoryfurniture.com
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7774 Hudson Chapel Road Catawba NC 828-241-2044
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The Defiant way is not bound by barrels or recipes or tradition. The best ingredients, Mother Nature and our intuition, guide
the distilling crew. Only four parts and nothing more, create the Defiant experience – Premium American white oak, toasted to perfection; specially cultured yeast, selected by Ferris; two-row, premium brewer’s barley; and pure water from the aquifer under the distillery. At the core of the evolution are oak spirals. The American white oak spirals used are made from premium cuts of wood. They are more efficient than barrels, and create a much smoother finish.
Enjoy a guided tour and culminate your visit with a sampling of Defiant Whisky; bring a camera to capture photos of the distillery and our breathtaking surroundings.
Blue Ridge Distilling Co. 228 Redbud Lane Bostic, NC www.DefiantWhisky.com
Best New Whisky of 2013 Born in the Cradle of Moonshine
“For a single malt whisky aged for only 60 days,
Defiant is indeed revolutionary.”-whiskeyreviewer.com
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™22
Five Finds in the FoothillsWhat could be better than
rolling topography and gently curving roads in the
North Carolina foothills?
How about rolling topography and gently curving roads leading to five wineries?
For your next getaway, make an excursion to Burke County, a scenic region where wineries are taking root in the foothills soil.
A good starting point is Lake James Cellars, about 15 minutes west of Morganton in Glen Alpine. It’s a short jaunt out U.S. 70 to the winery, located in a refurbished textile mill. And the peaceful little town of Glen Alpine provides a great setting.
At Lake James Cellars, folks can taste from a selection of 8-10 wines and learn the story of how Mike and Betty Fowler started making wine years ago in the cellar of their Lake James home. The wines became so popular with
family and friends that the Fowlers decide to go at it full time.
Since that time, the wines have won numerous awards. And a neat thing about Lake James Cellars is that it includes an antique mall with relics from more than 20 antique dealers.
Journey another 15 minutes or so westward on country roads along the southern perimeter of Lake James and you’ll come to the town of Nebo. Once you’ve found Nebo, head southeast a few miles to South Creek Winery.
The winery and vineyards are situated in a bucolic setting on a century-old farm. Wine tastings take place in the Italian Renaissance farmhouse or on the large outdoor patio.
Owners James and Mary Rowley produce Bordeaux-style wines in a place “where people gather and become friends.”
Continued On Page 30
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™24
Challenging Rides and Good Times in Southwest VirginiaDon’t mi s s the Southwest
Virginia Trails this year! Back of the Dragon is an
unforgettable driving excursion across three mountains at elevations up to 3500 feet. The route is available anytime. Go to www.backofthedragon.com for full information.
This trail is part of a larger set of trail loops called Claw of the Dragon, which stretches from Wytheville to Galax to Marion Virginia. Many loops are near major Interstates 77 and 81. These loops range from 62 to 224 miles and feature everything from challenging mountain roads to pastoral farmland.
The Southwest Virginia mountains are unparalleled in their beauty, and include famous Whitetop Mountain, one of the highest points in the state.
Other attractions in Wytheville include the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, West Wind Winery, Beagle
Ridge Herb Farm, and Big Walker Mountain scenic byway with BW Country Store featuring live music Saturday and Sunday May – October. www.VisitWytheville.com
The Marion area is home to the restored Lincoln Theatre, where the nationally syndicated “Song of the Mountains” public TV show is filmed. Hungry Mother State Park features one of the area’s best lakes, while the Museum of the Middle Appalachians i n c l u d e s a Wo o l y M a m m o t h d i splay and archeolog ica l s ite. www.visitvirginiamountains.com.
Galax is one of the major stops along The Crooked Road, featuring old time and bluegrass music at the Rex Theatre and the Old Fiddlers’ Convention in August. www.visitgalax.com.
Great shopping, dining and lodging choices abound throughout the region.
DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 25
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Photos from
Along the Wayfind thousands more photos at DashboardsandSaddlebags.com
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Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™28
Celebrating 4 Years
The Best Crap In The SouthThe Depot is a tourist destination
for “P icker s” of ant ique furniture, household items and
mementos from the past. Folks drive in from across the region, and from as far away as New York and Florida, to explore the Depot’s huge 88,000 square feet sales floor.
The Depot has quickly become the largest and most popular antique mall in the Southeastern United States.
Gibson Mill had buzzed with activity for decades, becoming a place of employment for generations of proud families in the Cabarrus County area. For 100 years, the historic plant produced fine American-made bedding until the shifting global economy changed the way business was conducted. Manufacturing went overseas to China and India, and the once proud plant was shuttered.
Around the back of the mill is AutoBarn Classic Cars and Collector Car Storage & Sales. The AutoBarn was started by a couple of Charlotte, NC car collectors who share the same passion as you. Whether you’re buying a car, selling a car, or need a project car, we handle all the paperwork, phone calls, emails, and negotiations regarding your deal. For more information visit www.autobarnclassiccars.com.
The Depot At Gibson Mill 325 McGill Ave., NW, Concord, NC 28026 704-787-9351 www.depotgibsonmill.com
ELLIE’S DINERNow Open!
Daily Specials and Soups
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Who is YOUR Client?
Male 49%Female 51%Ages 18-34 12.5%Ages 35-54 43.4%Age 55+ 44.1%Household income of $100K+ 44.2%Home Value $200K-$499K 43.8%Home Value $500K+ 16.8%
Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™30
A short four-mile drive southeast along the country roads of western Burke County takes you to one of North Carolina’s newest wineries. Silver Fork Winery opened in April 2014 on 32 acres at the confluence of Silver Creek and White Fork Creek.
Three years ago, Owners Jen Foulides and Ed Wisnieski relocated to North Carolina to open a winery. The land they selected already had several varietals of viniferia grapes grown by the previous owner.
In its first season, Silver Fork features seven var iet a l s, w ith the most popular being the oak-aged Reserve chardonnay and the Four Dog Red blended table wine. The rustic winery is also home to a regular schedule of events, from live music to movies under the stars.
Upon departing Silver Fork, skirt the northwest edge of South Mountains State Park and head eastward into Morganton. From there, continue eastbound and down on U.S. 70 to Valdese.
Valdese, a neat little town founded by Italian immigrants, is home to Waldensian Heritage Winery. The Waldensians came from the western piedmont of Italy to the western piedmont of North Carolina, bringing centuries of winemaking expertise.
Located a couple miles north of Valdese, a neat aspect of this winery is there are no paid workers. Production, distribution, marketing and tours are handled by volunteers.
Continue eastward from Valdese on U.S. 70 and you wind up in Hildebran, the easternmost town in Burke County. Since 2007, Hildebran has been home to Raintree Cellars.
Raintree is another winery that began as a hobby and evolved into a full-fledged operation. Ed Yoder creates more than 20 wines at Raintree, many of which carry unique names. Some of Ed’s more colorful wines are: Golden Globe, Big Dog, Torpedo Juice, Oldie Lodie and Blue Jay.
– Craig Distl
Five Finds Continued From Page 30
For complete info on visiting Burke County, go to DiscoverBurkeCounty.com or call (888) 462-2921.
DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365 31
325 McGill Ave. NW Concord, NC 28026
704-787-9351www.depotgibsonmill.comMon-Sat 10-7• Sunday 1-6
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Come visit the largest antique mall in the South
88,000 Square Feet • Over 625 BoothsComfortably Air Conditioned
Where the OLD is the NEW NEW
Ellie’s Diner NOW OPEN
Gibson Mill.indd 1 8/18/14 2:03 PM