Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Itinerary
Image Aside Copy Module
US National Whitewater Center
First up is showcasing your adventurous side at the US National Whitewater Center, which offers everything from mountain biking and zip lining to hiking and climbing, all spread across a 1,300-acre outdoor playground. Of course, not to be missed is the whitewater rafting itself, including Class II, III and IV rapids. Grab lunch at River’s Edge and make sure to sit on the patio that overlooks the river for an incredible view.
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
After your outdoor adventure, switch gears and explore Great Wagon Road Distilling Company in NoDa, founded by Irish native Ollie Mulligan. His heritage shines through in Drumlish, a traditional Irish poitín, along with Salamander vodka and the award-winning Rúa single-malt whiskey. If beer is more your style, NoDa is packed with top-notch breweries like Divine Barrel, Salud Cerveceria, Wooden Robot, Protagonist, Heist and Free Range.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can find out more about the bootleggers of yore in addition to learning the history of motorsport. Afterward, see if any of Charlotte’s pro sports teams are home; the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte FC (MLS), Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and Charlotte Knights (MiLB) all play at various times throughout the year in Uptown
Merchant & Trade
Continue enjoying craft cocktails by visiting Merchant & Trade, a chic rooftop bar and restaurant above the Kimpton Tryon Park. Or order a smoked whiskey sour in a speakeasy-style atmosphere at The Cellar at Duckworth’s. Then, cap off your night with a live show at the Blumenthal and a stay at one of Uptown’s many stylish hotels.
The Asbury
Start your day with a delectable Southern brunch at The Asbury, and don’t skip out on the cast iron biscuits with seasonal jam. Now you’re ready for the 90-minute drive from Charlotte to the Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro area, where the latter town was the hub of moonshine-moving and also lauded as the birthplace of stock-car racing.
Call Family Distilleries
Call Family Distillers bears the name of one of the most famous bootleggers of the moonshine running era — Willie Clay Call, who was dubbed “The Uncatchable” by federal agents. Thankfully, you can now easily get your hands on one of Call’s moonshine the distillery offers, including Apple Pie, Cherry, Strawberry and the original 101 proof Uncatchable Sour Mash Moonshine.
Moravian Falls
On your way out of Wilkesboro, make it a point to visit Moravian Falls to take in the majesty of a 35-foot waterfall. Plus, many of the apples used for moonshine produced in Wilkes County were picked in nearby orchards, such as Perry Lowe, which offers fresh fruit and produce seasonally for your short trek to Blowing Rock.
Hellbender Bed and Beverage
The Blowing Rock itself is worth the visit (weather permitting), then it’s time to check into Hellbender Bed and Beverage, new to downtown Blowing Rock in 2020.
Blue Ridge Parkway
You have a wonderful and scenic trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway on your way to Asheville, a city exploding with creativity, culinary delights and cocktails galore. A couple pit stops include Grandfather Mountain, Museum of North Carolina Minerals and countless outlooks to take in nature's beauty.
12 Bones Smokehouse
Prior to your distillery tour, it’s wise to stop off for lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse, where the flavorful ribs are like none other (FYI, the Asheville location is closed weekends). Or grab a bite at White Duck Taco Shop, which offers an eclectic assortment of tacos, including banh mi, beef bulgogi and, yes, duck.
Asheville Distilling Company
It’s then on to Asheville Distilling Company, home to the Troy & Sons (named after Troy Ball, co-owner with her husband, Charlie, and her three sons) line of moonshine whiskey. The distillery’s blonde whiskey is made with corn grown in the hills of Western North Carolina, while the Oak Reserve has a smoother finish thanks to being aged in bourbon barrels. Then there’s what Asheville Distilling calls “the first true American moonshine,” the award-winning Troy & Sons Platinum.
Asheville Brewery Tours
Next, it’s time to discover more of Asheville’s scene. Craft beer reigns supreme in this city, and Wicked Weed, Burial, Green Man and Asheville Brewing are all worth paying a visit to and sampling their offerings — or you can schedule a tour via Asheville Brewery Tours or Asheville Brews Cruise.
LaZoom Comedy Bus
Tickle your funny bone by booking a historic city tour on the LaZoom Comedy Bus or take in live music at The Orange Peel.
Omni Grove Park Inn
It’s been a busy weekend of sightseeing, dining and distillery tours, and your final destination is a good one. Check in at The Omni Grove Park Inn for some much-needed rest and relaxation — but save time for one last cocktail at the Sunset Terrace to finish off your trip.
Please drink responsibly. Designate a driver.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
US National Whitewater Center
Stop 2
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
Stop 3
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Stop 4
Merchant & Trade
Stop 5
The Asbury
Stop 6
Call Family Distilleries
Stop 7
Moravian Falls
Stop 8
Hellbender Bed and Beverage
Stop 9
Blue Ridge Parkway
Stop 10
12 Bones Smokehouse
Stop 11
Asheville Distilling Company
Stop 12
Asheville Brewery Tours
Stop 13
LaZoom Comedy Bus
Stop 14