issue 045 december 2014 dashboards and saddlebags the destination magazine™

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The Destination Magazine™

Issue 45

We Tell You Where To Go!

Choose And Cut A Tree From America’s Christmas Tree Capital Page 20

Your Destination Magazine

Renovations, Upgrades and Free Lessons this Winter at BMRFirst Footin’

Do You Want to Build a Snowman in Jackson County?

Tailgate Carolina Style, Carolina Made

Along The Way

How Does Santa Do It? Practice!

Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™2

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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: Bill Russ VisitNC.comThe 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 21Page 19

Page 22 Page 28

We know we are on to

something!

DECEMBER 2014

Issue 45

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers

CONTENTSUnique Destinations Less Than 200 Miles From Home 6

Renovations, Upgrades and Free Lessons this Winter at BMR 19

Choose And Cut A Tree From America’s Christmas Tree Capital 20

First Footin’ 21

Do You Want to Build a Snowman in Jackson County? 22

Tailgate Carolina Style, Carolina Made 24

Along The Way 26

How Does Santa Do It? Practice! 28

We Tel l you where to go! Whet her you a re a long

time resident or new to the area, you’ll find destinations here that w i l l have you say ing “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.

So, i f you are looking for new 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.

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Unique Destinations Less Than 200 Miles From Home Cherokee Lights and Legends Nov 28, 2014 – Jan 3, Cherokee Indians Fairgrounds, 545 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC 28719. Cherokee Lights and Legends features a custom-designed light show by Holiday Artisans designed to ref lec t Cherokee s tories that were t radit ionally told during the winter months. There will also be synthetic ice skating, carnival rides, a holiday bazaar featuring local craftsmen, local food vendors and, of course, Santa Claus. There will also be live nightly entertainment. The annual holiday celebration will be held Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00pm – 9:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00-10:00pm through January 3, 2015. The event will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will open longer hours on New Year’s Eve from 5:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. and will feature New Year’s Eve fireworks. [email protected]

High Country Choose and Cut Nov 28 – Dec 24, Visitor Information Center, 1700 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607. Start a new family tradition! Visit one of our area Christmas tree farms, choose a tree, and the farmer will cut it, bale it and tie it to your car. Many area farms also offer hot cocoa, hayrides, gif t shops, live music and more. [email protected]

Christmas Town USA Tree Lighting Ceremony Monday, Dec 1, 115 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012. Join friends, neighbors, colleagues and holiday lovers in lighting historic downtown Belmont’s Christmas tree. www.cityofbelmont.org

Weinhnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) Thursday, Dec 4, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217. OMB is having its 5th annual German-style Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) star ting Thursday, December 4th and continuing through Saturday,

Continued On Page 8


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December 6th (4 to 9pm Thursday and Friday, 2pm to 10pm Saturday). For those of you not familiar with this traditional holiday market, it occurs in the weeks leading up to Christmas throughout Germany. Each town square is transformed into a marketplace where baked goods, crafts and gifts are offered for sale. People stroll around in the evenings and shop while enjoying good beer, Glüh wein (spiced, hot red wine) and food. We’ll be creating such an atmosphere right here in our brand new biergarten! www.oldemeckbrew.com

Santa on the Chimney Sat, December 6, 11am – 2pm at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, plus meet live crit ters. This rappelling Santa was recently ranked as one of the “8 Most Extreme Santas in the World” by Buzzfeed. Win a Free Climb with Santa’s Elves! www.chimneyrockpark.com/events/

7th Annual Community Nativity Festival December 4-6, 4:30pm – 8:30pm The Church of Jesus Chris t of Lat ter-Day Saint s, 7036 McIlwaine Road Huntersville, NC 28078. Visit the festival daily from 4:30 - 8:30pm with musical performances nightly from 6 - 8:30pm. View more than 400 nativity sets. Dress in costume for a family photo. Crafts for kids. This family-friendly event welcomes people of all faiths. www.nativityfestival.com

Christmas in Davidson Thu, December 4-6, 6pm – 9pm 216 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036. Downtown Davidson is transformed into a magical Christmas Wonderland as area businesses and the Town of Davidson present three evenings of enter tainment, refreshments and special event s sure to enter tain everyone of all ages. www.christmasindavidson.com

Continued From Page 6


Destinations

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Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries Fri, December 5, 5pm – 9pm 42 Front Street Dillsboro, NC 28725. Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents it s annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Horse and buggy rides available each night from 5-8 pm (cost + tips). Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa at Town Hall. Information: call 800-962-1911. www.visitdillsboro.org

Foothills Arts Council Open Air Art Market Fri, December 5, 5pm – 9pm 129 Church St, Elkin, NC 28621. The Open Air Art Market opens up in the garden at the Foothills Arts Council, with tents of fine artists from across the state, local wineries, food, live music, fire pit, S’mores and more! New this year we will have artists inside the house and on the porch. A great place to find that unique gift for those special someones on your list and to get in the holiday spirit. www.foothillsartscouncil.org

Vineyards of Swan Creek Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec 6, 450 Groce Rd, Ronda, NC 28670. Join each of the Vineyards of Swan Creek as we celebrate the holiday season. Throughout the weekend at


Destinations

Raffaldini Vineyards enjoy a complimentary sample of our signature holiday peppermint chocolate wine-infused brownie and mulled apple cider. Additionally, we will have many gif ts ideas available for your holiday shopping convenience! Check with each vineyard for specific event details. For a map of participating vineyards and directions, please visit www.swancreekvineyards.com

Valdese Christmas Parade Sat, December 6, 10am – 11am Main St E, Valdese, NC 28690. A small town Christmas Parade that will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. Marching bands, floats, fun and of course Santa Claus always stops by to say “Hello!” www.townofvaldese.com

32nd Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade Sat, December 6, 1pm – 3pm 216 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036. The parade begins in Davidson and travels Hwy. 115 to Mt. Zion Church in Cornelius. The show will go on rain or shine! www.ci.davidson.nc.us

Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla Sat, December 6, 6pm – 11pm Snow’s Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin Carolina Beach, NC 28428. Fishing boats and pleasure craf ts electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. A unique coastal tradition sure to please the hearts of all. www.pleasureislandoflights.com/christmas-flotilla.html

2014 National Poinsettia Open House Sun, December 7, 12:30pm – 4:30pm Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse Inc., 1088 W Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021. We are planning to do poinsettia trials again and host an open house. We are one of two greenhouses in the state to hold poinsettia trials. The information gathered each year helps the national poinsettia breeders decide which poinsettias they will release to the market next year. www.mitchellsnurseryandgreenhouse.com

Annual Appalachian Christmas Celebration Friday, Dec 12, Stuar t Auditorium, North Lakeshore Dr Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. Come to the mountains at Lake Junaluska to celebrate Christmas with your group of loved ones and enjoy a weekend of music, crafts, and more. Experience the beauty of Lake Junaluska, while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas featuring the Lake Junaluska Singers. www.lakejunaluska.com

Santa on the Chimney Sat, December 13, 11am – 2pm Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys with multiple 200-foot rappels! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, plus meet live critters. www.chimneyrockpark.com

Continued On Page 12



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Winter on the Western Frontier at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Sat, December 13, 10am – 4pm For t Dobbs State Historic Site 438 For t Dobbs Road Statesville, NC 28625. Set on an open hilltop, the military post at Ft . Dobbs was a cold, lonely place to spend the winter. Learn how the provincial soldiers stationed there deal wi th the har sh season and celebrate the Advent o f Chr is tmas. www.for tdobbs.org

Violins and Vines at Adagio Vineyards Sat, December 13, 2pm – 4pm Adagio Vineyards 139 Benge Rd Elkin, NC 28621. Adagio Vineyards will present a monthly series of violin performances, Violins and Vines, featuring Susan Perkins of Salem College of Music Faculty and Dr. Jan Wahl of Adagio Vineyards playing one of her handcrafted violins. Music is 2-4pm. www.adagiovineyards.com

St ate sv i l l e Chr i s tma s Pa rade Sun, December 14, 3pm – 4pm 112 S Cen te r S t , S t a t e sv i l l e , NC 28677. The 2014 S t a t e sv i l l e Christmas Parade, sponsored by the 30th Masonic District will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 3pm in Downtown Statesville. www.downtownstatesvillenc.org

Continued From


Destinations

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Appalachian Ski Mountain’s New Year ’s Celebration Wednesday, D e c 3 1 , A p p a l a c h i a n S k i M o un t a in , 9 4 0 S k i M o un t a in Rd, Blowing Rock , NC 28605. Torchlight skiing and f ireworks! B r e a k f a s t s e l e c t i o n s s e r v e d i n t h e r e s t a u r a n t , m o o n l i g h t i c e s k a t i n g , a n d f a m i l y f u n ! www.appskimtn.com

M t . O l i ve ’s N e w Ye a r P i c k l e D r o p W e d , D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 5 : 3 0 p m – 7: 3 0 p m C o r n e r o f Cucumber & Vine Mount Olive, NC 28365. The 14th annual New Ye a r ’s E v e P i c k l e D r o p ! T h e New Year’s Eve Pickle descends down the f lagpole at the stroke o f 7 p .m. midnigh t – t ha t ’s 7 o’clock EST, which also happens t o b e m i d n i g h t G r e e n w i c h Mean Time. ( That way, we are o f f icial, we shout Happy New Year! - and we don’t have to stay up un t i l midnigh t .) Enjoy l ive mus ic and f r e e r e f r e shm e n t s , i n c lu d in g M t . O l i v e p i c k l e s ! www.mtolivepickles.com

F i r s t F o o t i n ’ Wa l k a n d Tr a i l R u n T h u r s d a y , J a n 1 , 2 0 15 His toric Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Join the staf f and friends of Historic Ru r a l H i l l i n H u n t e r s v i l l e a t 11:00 New Year ’s Day for Fir s t Footin’ - a 2.25 mile hike around the farm’s pasture and wooded property. Along the way staf f and volunteers will stop at interesting points of historic significance and tell stories of the history of Major John Davidson and Rural Hill ’s historic farmland. First Footin’ is Historic Rural Hill’s version of the Scot tish tradition of Hogmanay, or Scot tish New Year’s. Custom

Continued On Page 14


Destinations

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has it that farmers would encircle their proper ty with friends and neighbors to inspect the borders and bring about good luck for the coming year. Be sure to stick around for the serving of a community meal, free to all who are in at tendance. www.ruralhill.net /Calendar.asp

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. ht tp: //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



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of the finest Plymouth & Dodge muscle cars you are likely to see. A journeyman machinist/engineer by trade, Mike fell in love with Mopars in the mid 1960’s. After watching drag racing legend Dick Landy race a 1965 Super Stock Dodge, Mike vowed that he would one day own, build and work on Mopar muscle cars! Fast forward to 2014 and Creations By Gemza vehicles have graced the covers of many national magazines including Muscle Car Review & Mopar Action. Mike Gemza says he credits the company’s success to running his business with honesty & integrity, the way he remembers local businesses as a kid. Gemza’s latest restoration was a 1970 Hemi Superbird 4 Speed. Mopar Action Magazine awarded it a “Certified Reference Restoration” for which others are to be judged by. It doesn’t get any better than that!

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A summer of improvements has set the stage for a winter of top-notch

skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain Resort.

The resort continued its recent trend with summertime upgrades both on and off the slopes. On the slopes, a half dozen SMI Super PoleCat snow guns have been added, bringing to 46 the resort’s total of these high-tech guns. The PoleCats – along with dozens of smaller guns – provide the resort with the best snowmaking capability in its 47-year history.

Also on the slopes, the lighting system for night skiing has been upgraded, while an aging J-bar beginner lift has been replaced by a new Magic Carpet conveyer lift.

Off the slopes, the resort continued to focus on amenities by completely renovating the View Haus cafeteria, adding a Burton Learn-to-Ride Center for snowboarders, partnering with Rossignol on a new fleet of ski rental equipment, and expanding teaching programs across the board for skiing and snowboarding.

The View Haus, a focal point with its Bavarian turret, received an interior redesign with a mountain lodge decor. The project replaced all carpet, tables, chairs, railings, added state-of-the-art lighting, plus renovated bathrooms with automated fixtures.

The Burton Learn-to-Ride Center in the ski village offers expert half-day and full-day snowboard lessons for juniors and adults, a first for the resort. The center also allows boarders to upgrade their rentals to the latest technology available.

As a bonus this winter, free lessons will be given to everyone age eight and older who rents ski or snowboard equipment Monday through Thursday, excluding holiday periods.

“People are seeing that we’re truly invested in making this one of the top ski resorts in the Southeast,” Costin said. “ All these upgrades are steps in that direction.”

Renovations, Upgrades and Free Lessons this Winter at BMR


Choose And Cut A Tree From America’s Christmas Tree CapitalIn 2012, the official White House Christmas tree for the 12th

time is from North Carolina, an honor no other state can match. Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has donated its Grand Champion tree to be the White House Christmas tree. No other state can match North Carolina’s total. In fact, no other state can surpass the number of winners (seven) from Ashe County alone. Choosing your own Christmas tree from a tree farm is a popular and memorable holiday experience for families visiting North Carolina. And now more families are making a vacation of it. The state offers more than 70 Chr istmas t ree farms and many offer cabins for overnight s t ay s a s we l l a s Ch r i s t m a s -t h e m e d c r a f t s a n d g i f t s , hot cocoa or c ider, cook ie s , hayr ides, and other act iv it ies as well as spectacular views. In a typical year, North Carolina harvests around 5 million trees at 1,600 tree farms, making it the most prolific tree-producing state in the east.

#68

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.


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Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ruralhill.net

First Footin’Join the staff and friends of Historic

Rural Hill in Huntersville at 11am New Year’s Day for First Footin’ - a 2.25 mile hike around the farm’s pasture and wooded property. Along the way staff and volunteers will stop at interesting points of historic significance and tell stories of the history of Major John Davidson and Rural Hill’s historic farmland. First Footin’ is Historic Rural Hill’s version of the Scottish tradition of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year’s. Custom has it that farmers would encircle their property with friends and neighbors to inspect the borders and bring about good luck for the coming year. Be sure to stick around for the serving of a community meal, free to all who are in attendance. Historic Rural Hill dates back to 1765, when John Davidson, the American born son of

Scottish immigrants settled here to start a home for his young family. For those seeking a little more challenge in their New Year’s holiday, take part in the First Footin’ Five Miler trail race, which features a double loop of the challenging trails at Rural Hill. Featuring a near-equal portion of technical ground and soft pastureland, the race includes two challenging climbs and expansive views of the Rural Hill property. While the walk is free, all proceeds from the trail race are used for the advancement of the mission of Historic Rural Hill, a non-profit organization that provides educational programming for thousands of students and families annually.


For more information on winter events and activities, visit www.mountainloversnc.com.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman in Jackson County?The winter months are booming

in Jackson County, NC. From Thanksgiving to New Years, visitors migrate to the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire to enjoy twinkling lights, a village tree lighting, holiday music, s’mores and more. With an abundance of holiday festivals and events taking place this winter, there is holiday magic for everyone in Jackson County!

Residents and visitors won’t want to miss Santa and Mrs. Claus during Christmas on the Green at The Village Green in Cashiers, the Festival of Trees, Elf Village at Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Tree Farm in Glenville or the Hard Candy Christmas Show, an art show filled with more than 100 vendors selling Christmas trees, crafts, holiday gifts and more, held at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University.

On the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree? The search begins and ends in Jackson County, where visitors can choose and cut their own Fraser firs for the holidays. To find this iconic holiday centerpiece, look no further than Adrian Fowler Tree Farm, Grandy Mountain Farm and Landscaping, Hutch’s Mountain Trees LLC, Moss Tree Farm Inc., Tom Sawyer Tree Farm, Buck Knob Farm or Long Hollow Tree Farm.

During the first two weekends of December, visitors to Dillsboro will be transported to a winter wonderland. The town’s streets will come alive with 2,500 lights and luminaries, carolers, horse and buggy rides and festive treats.

For t he outdoor- lover, sk ie r s , snowboarders and tubers can hit the slopes at Ski Sapphire Valley. Sapphire Valley boasts a Norman Rockwell setting perfect for families looking for a safe, relaxing vacation. The resort is nestled in one of the most scenic corners of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the closest ski resort to Atlanta offering big-city residents the quickest chance for a winter-mountain getaway. Near the end of the season, visitors can participate in a one-of-a-kind Outhouse Race, where outhouses on skis will be raced down the hills at the resort. All proceeds from the event benefit local charities.

http://www.villagegreencashiersnc.com/events/christmas-on-green.php

http://mountainlovers.com/pages/AnnualEvents1/

http://www.tomsawyerchristmastreefarm.com/elf-village/

http://www.tomsawyerchristmastreefarm.com/elf-village/

http://www.mountainartisans.net/Show_Schedule.htm

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http://jacksoncountytrees.com/retail/


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Tailgate Carolina Style, Carolina MadeWhile football may be the main

at t ract ion, a brag-wor thy tailgate is the only way to properly prepare for any big game. Whether cheering on your alma mater or the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, we have your guide to game days in North Carolina, from cold drinks to stylish looks.

While drinks may be the lifeblood of a tailgate, the backbone is the food.

Because tailgating is an all-day, high-energy event, always begin with hearty appetizers like a cheese-smothered, spicy sausage dip made with Neese’s Sausage of Greensboro paired with deviled eggs topped with Texas Pete, bottled in Winston-Salem. These are easy appetizers to make ahead for optimal tailgate enjoyment.

For a main course, you can’t go wrong with the ubiquitous Carolina Burger, slathered in chili and slaw (Note: All-the-way is the only way to eat these). If chili and slaw aren’t enough, add a few Mt. Olive pickle chips for a crisp bite and North Carolina authenticity.

And of course, you can’t mention game day in North Carolina without mentioning barbecue. If out east watching the East Carolina Pirates

play, try the nationally acclaimed barbecue capital of the world, known by most as Skylight Inn of Ayden, serving up peppery, vinegar-based ‘cue. Around the Triangle, try Allen & Son of Chapel Hill for chopped, hickory-smoked hog with the tangy taste of Eastern-style barbecue, and around Tr iad, drop by any Lexington establishment for the rich, woodsy taste of Western-style barbecue (Smiley’s Lexington BBQ and Lexington Bar-B-Q Center are noteworthy options).

Update your tailgate game by splurging on North Carolina beers. Asheville, named Beer City USA for four years strait, bottles famed Highland Brewing Company beers sold in grocery stores across the state, with popular picks like the crisp, citrus finish of the St. Terese’s Pale Ale or the chocolaty, robust Black Mocha Stout, silver medal winner at the World Beer Festival.

For an authentic taste of the Tar Heel state, try something else we’re known for: moonshine. Assign a mixologist at your tailgate to serve up a signature craft cocktail flaunting the hues of your team colors, like a Bloody Mary mixed with Madison’s Catdaddy Moonshine for Wolfpack fans. Top of


the Hill offers a Carolina Whiskey that mixes a mean Manhattan, an amber-hued sipper to complement the Old Gold and Black of a Demon Deacon tailgate.

Younger t a i lgate r s c an s ip on North Carolina-native Sun Drop or Cheerwine, which are always best enjoyed in their original glass bottles for added charm.

The anatomy of a tailgate is simple: good drinks, good food and good clothes make a good time. Whether or not your team dominates the game, you can always dominate the tailgate.

Blair Rumley Cofield is a graduate of University of North Carolina with a degree in Southern Studies. She lives in Raleigh and restricts her barbecue intake to eastern-style only. –VisitNC.com


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How Does Santa Do It? Practice!Watch Santa Claus ready himself

for clambering down chimneys across the world as he practices climbing one of the most famous chimneys of all, Chimney Rock! Watch him scale the 315-foot Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world on Christmas Eve. USA Today named Chimney Rock one of the top 10 places to catch up with Santa. Come and see why!

Saturday, December 6th & 13th from 11am to 2pm, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see live critters. Annual Passholders are invited to a special holiday sale with 25% off their total retail purchase both days at Cliff Dwellers Gifts, which will be providing entertainment, artist demonstrations and refreshments. There is no additional cost with paid Park admission.

Mr. Claus will rappel from the top of Chimney Rock about every 30-45 minutes while spectators gather in front of Cli f f Dwellers Gift s (parking area) for live holiday music, refreshments and kids’ activities. Santa will be available in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for photo opportunities. Mrs. Claus will serve delicious cookies and hot cocoa. Park mascot Grady the Groundhog or other live critters will make an appearance, and an educational display of animal skins and skulls will be on display by a State Park Ranger.

Each weekend, one lucky guest will win free two-hour rock climbing

l e s s on s fo r t wo w i t h S a n t a ’s professional helpers, Fox Mountain Guides. The winner of each drawing will be announced at 1:30pm and you must be present to win. Chimney Rock was named one of “10 great places to catch up with Santa” and one of the 10 Best High Places in the World by USA Today.

New this year are performances by the Lake Lure Classical Academy’s fifth grade chorus, a group of 40 children, and their rock ‘n’ roll band. On December 14 only, the choir will perform at Noon, followed by the rock ‘n’ roll band comprised of high school and middle school students at 1pm.

Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville in the Hickory Nut Gorge on Highway 64/74-A. The Park is the focal point of the developing Chimney Rock State Park. RomanticAsheville.com

Photo: RomanticAsheville.com


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