Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Itinerary
Image Aside Copy Module
Dennis Vineyards
Dennis Vineyards opened 20 years ago as the county’s first winery, so its staff is well-prepared to help you discover your favorite wine. A good starter is the light and refreshing Carlos in the Buff, made from skinless muscadines. The grapes, whose scuppernong variety is the state fruit, are a favorite of Dennis’ father-and-son owners and the vintners who followed. Toast their hard work on the porch that overlooks the vineyard.
Stony Mountains Vineyard
The mountain and lake views from Stony Mountain Vineyards’ deck or its rustic tasting room’s large windows will stop you in your tracks. Sample the family-owned winery’s European reds and whites along with unique blends such as Very “Beary” Red. Sharing a name with the owners’ dog, it’s a mix of blackberry and dry red wines that starts sweet and finishes clean.
Uwharrie Vineyards
Uwharrie Vineyards is Stanly County’s largest horticulture farm. Its smooth Noble Evening Pleasure, which is made from red muscadines, is sweet and dry, and you’ll taste summer in every sip of its peach wine. Browse the gift shop for more homegrown items such as pottery, crafts and art. Uwharrie is the first winery in the US to be named a Certified Audubon Cooperate Sanctuary, which acknowledges its commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.
Badin Road Drive-In
The Badin Road Drive-In — one of the few drive-in movie theaters left in NC — shows double features on both of its screens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. But the fun starts before the sun sets. There’s a children’s playground, and tailgating is popular with the regulars. If you’d rather buy than bring, the concession stand’s menu goes from burgers to pizza, and its milkshakes receive rave reviews. Tune into your car radio to watch the film, or rent a portable radio onsite if you plan to watch from a blanket on the grass.
Lake Tillery
Lake Tillery has its own gathering spot, the Sandbar. Launch your boat at one of three state access sites on the 5,000-acre lake or rent one from Lilly’s Bridge Marina. Then motor to the Uwharrie River’s mouth at the base of Morrow Mountain. Drop your anchor and enjoy the nautical camaraderie as you swim, fish, or let the warm sun and gentle waves rock you to a well-deserved nap.
Badin Lake
There’s more water to explore upstream at slightly larger Badin Lake. Its depths are the resting place for a World War II bomber and its crew, and you can learn all about it at Badin Historic Museum. The lake also is a popular fishing hole.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Interested in camping? Look to Morrow Mountain State Park. It offers two-bedroom cabins, 100-plus sites for RVs and tents, and a few primitive tent sites at the end of a 2-mile hike. Follow the 30-plus miles of hiking trails, from easy to rugged, to interesting sights, including stretches of brilliantly colored mountain laurel and a pre-historic Native American quarry. Learn more about them at the park’s Exhibit Hall and reconstructed mid-1800s homestead of Dr. Kron, the region’s first doctor. Rent a canoe from the park’s boathouse and paddle the Yadkin River, watching for soaring bald eagles. You’ll find the Piedmont’s best view of sunrises and sunsets by hiking or driving to Morrow Mountain’s summit, where there are picnic grounds.
This article was produced in partnership with Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Dennis Vineyards
Stop 2
Stony Mountains Vineyard
Stop 3
Uwharrie Vineyards
Stop 4
Badin Road Drive-In
Stop 5
Lake Tillery
Stop 6
Badin Lake
Stop 7