143 February the Destination Magazine

We tell you where to go! Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find local & regional events, destinations and experiences in the Destination Magazine™ that will give you memories for a lifetime

The Destination Magazine™ is your guide to new destinations and experiences to discover on your own, or outings with friends and family. We hope you will find a new memorable experience every month in the Destination Magazine™.

We know we are on to something! Lisa

Contributing Photographers: Ledgends Gallery, Paul Newton, Lisa Jay, Sam Dean Cover: Lineville Falls, Burke County, NC

The list of events in this publication is compiled from various sources dates & times are tentative & subject to change. the Destination Magazine™ is published by

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.

Stokes GetawaysCounty

February is the season of LOVE for discovering why Stokes County is a perfect destination to celebrate or rekindle the love of your favorite things to do in North Carolina. Book a stay at one of many charming vacation rentals within a short drive of unique area offerings and events. At Luna’s Trail Farm and Event Center in Westfield, available suites overlook the Sauratown Mountains, perfect for warming up with your sweetheart viewing the sunrise over coffee from a private deck. Big Creek Lodge is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner on the 14th 6 pm -9 pm for $55 per person. Reservations are required for this luxurious four-course prix fixe menu by contacting lunastrail.com or 336-351-1414.

Valentine’s day is all about love; what better way to spend your Valentine’s with your loved one than enjoying a beautiful picturesque drive up to Pilot Mountain Vineyards to enjoy a Chef prepared meal? You can choose from four entrees: Coconut curry shrimp or chicken, bourbon chicken, or a vegetarian option with portobello mushrooms. All

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entrees come with basmati rice, mixed berry trifle with chantilly cream for dessert, and a glass of wine for $65 per couple. All the while, you are being serenaded by live music by Brad Ratledge for a romantic afternoon looking over the 31 acres and the magical backdrop of Pilot Mountain. Reservations Required call 336-488-4186 to book your romantic spot now for Sunday, February 12th, from 12 pm-5 pm.

Celebrate your love with the gift of Art! Stokes County Art Council has many beautiful paintings by Melody Hunter that will be exhibited until February 15, 2023, along with many other local artists and mediums.

The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. www.hangingrock.com

Romance For A Weekend Or A Lifetime

Wedding Weekend

Imagine

Make Your Valentines Plans Now

FARMHOUSE

Beautifully renovated modern farmhouse sits in the middle of Wag Valley’s 145-acre farm. Sit back and relax on either the front deck or the back porch enjoying solitude and connection to mother nature.

RETRO AIRSTREAM

Winter Hikes Are The Best In Burke County

Winter is the perfect time to come explore Burke County. With no obstruction from leaves, views of our waterways, lakes and mountains are so much more visible and exquisite. There will also not be as many people on the trails so you can spend as long as you like, taking in the views without feeling rushed or stressed to keep a certain pace. There are also less bugs, snakes, and other critters because they are hibernating for the winter. Lastly, with it not being as hot you don’t sweat as much so you can enjoy your trek even more! Below are some of our favorite winter hikes for you to explore next time you are in Burke County. Fonta Flora State Trail- This trail will eventually connect downtown Morganton to downtown Asheville but currently 18+ miles are completed around Lake James. The most popular trail head starts on highway 126 and hikes through a wooded area

near Lake James State Park. Normally during the warmer months the leaf cover makes it difficult to see the lake or surrounding mountains but this time of year there are many amazing views of both. It is an easy trail that is meant to do in segments so you can do as little or as much as you please. It is also a great beginning mountain bike trail.

Chestnut Knob Trail- This trail in South Mountain State Park is a moderate 5.3 miles out and back trail that is perfect for a day long hiking experience to burn off those holiday calories. It is a relatively steep trail but it is very defined with lots of trail blazes so it is easy to follow. The trail goes through the woods until you get to the top, but this time of year you are able to see so much more of the South Mountains as you are hiking.

Shortoff Mountain- This trail is a 5.5 mile out and back

trail in the Linville Gorge that overlooks Lake James. It is considered a moderate trail but has many switchbacks and climbs approximately 1,200ft. Although the top is a bald and has 360 degree views year round, the ascent up the mountain is covered in trees and obscures views of Lake James. This time of year hikers have more sustained views which makes the hike more engaging the entire way.

Loch Norman Highland Games

The Loch Norman Highland Games April 15-16, 2023 at Rural Hill is a family friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and so much more!

History Of The Games

Modern Scottish Festivals have their roots in the middle ages. We have reports of athletic competition (“Games”) at many times and places when people gathered together; fairs, military musters (“wapenschaws”), even funerals! Games which now feature track and field events, music, and dance have been held in the village of Ceres (in Fife) since shortly after the battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Scottish Games as we know them today began to develop in 1781 when the Highland Society of Falkirk sponsored prize money and trophies for competitions in dancing, piping, and athletics during the town’s Fall Fair. In 1818 a Games was presented in St. Fillan’s with piping, athletics, and dancing (including the Sword Dance for the first time). Within a few years Gatherings were being held at many towns throughout Scotland. Many of these Gatherings are still being held today.

As Scots immigrated to farflung lands they took their sport and culture with them. Tradition tells us that Games were held near Ellerbe, North Carolina in the late 1700s; most sources state that the first Games in the U.S. were presented by Scottish emigrants living in Boston in 1853. One source does state that the Boston Scots had been meeting for “traditional games” for several years before that. There is also a description of the “First Sportive Meet” of the Highland Society of New York in the Emigrant and Old Countryman of October 19, 1836 which gives

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some indication that regular competition took place during the first half of the 19th Century.

With the rise in intercollegiate athletics in the late 1800’s participation at Scottish Games went into a decline. Many events folded; the ones that survived refocused on their cultural heritage and expanded to become Festivals. Games and Festivals offer competition focused on traditional Scottish athletic events, dance and music; they have expanded to include “fun” competitions, non-competitive tests of skill and strength, and historical re-enactments.

The Scottish Games in the United States have grown because many people of Scottish descent still feel

the pull of their ancestral homeland and heritage. The Games provide a connection to that heritage. For many, going to the Games is like going home to a family reunion.

Celebrating more than 250 years in history…The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Historic Rural Hill Inc. and features annual events such as the Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, and the NC Brewers and Music Festival. Historic Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its education efforts. For more information on events or for financial support accepted securely online, please visit www.ruralhill.net.