Music, movies and merlot at Silver Fork Winery
Though you might spend a Saturday morning hiking, sightseeing or antiquing, by 2 p.m. it’s time to chill with a glass of wine, live music and spectacular views of the mountains. At the Silver Fork Winery in Morganton, area soloists, duos and combos bring the hills alive with the sounds of blues, rockabilly, jazz, R&B, classical and acoustic music. The entertainment provides a backdrop to the vineyard’s stars: nine varieties of whites, reds and rosés that can be sampled in the tasting room and purchased by the bottle. Pair a cabernet Franc or a chardonnay with food from the pop-up Farm to Fork Eatery that sets up shop on the grounds every weekend. On the last Saturday of June, July and August, stick around until sunset, when a wine-themed movie is shown on the big screen at the edge of the adjacent vineyard.
5000 Patton Road, Morganton, N.C. 828-391-8783, silverforkwinery.com.
Brevard Music Center
For music lovers with the luxury of a long summer break, this town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the place to cool off while relaxing to the strains of great music. The 180-acre Brevard Center is a cultural oasis, with one of the leading summer music institutes for performers and students from around the world. Beginning in late June, about 400 aspiring musicians work with renowned artists such as pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and violinist Joshua Bell, then showcase their finely honed skills with more than 80 public concerts. Look for performances that feature various styles, including classical, jazz, pop and opera.
349 Andante Lane, Brevard, N.C. 828-862-2100, brevardmusic.org, @brevardmusic.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino
Don’t just think of this gambling emporium as place for cards and slots. It also houses a 3,000-seat performance venue that attracts headliners from around the globe. Hank Williams Jr., Lady Antebellum and Reba McEntire have taken the stage in the past; upcoming shows this summer will feature country greats Willie Nelson, Chris Young, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith. But the lineup is diverse: Also look for performances by rock band Halestorm, comedian Gabriel Iglesias and the Chippendales. Audience members must be 21, and ticket prices vary by artist.
777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, N.C. 828-422-7777, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee-valley-river, @harrahscherokee.
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