Stokes County, NC
Stokes County, North Carolina, has long been your mountains just down the road. Bordering with Virginia Stokes County has always been “your mountains just down the road.”
In contrast to the timeless beauty of the area, new to the region is the growing number of options for you to stay in the area and relax, recover and experience the man-made wonders in the area. The options open to you are growing at an exponential rate for dining, tastings, shopping, and lodging. We are going to introduce you to two of the newest additions to the craft beverage scene just down the road from the mountain, trail, or stream you have just conquered.
Midsummer Brewing is a new brewery in Westfield, NC, with 40 plus years of experience producing a broad range of craft beer. About 20 minutes east of Mt. Airy, you’ll find this welcoming, intimate production facility and taproom nestled in the woods. You’ll park in a lot just off the road and walk a path down the hill to the tasting room. When you see the tasting room and large green area to your left, you will feel like you are showing up at a family reunion, not a commercial brewery. Until you taste the beer. We never had beer this good at our family reunions.
The chances are good that when you walk in, you’ll be greeted by one of the three owner/brewers of Midsummer. Partners Jeff, Dwight, and Rich all share the responsibilities as brewers, servers, and bottle washers. This dynamic works well for all who walk through the door at the taproom. Each partner has a different style of beer they favor, so you will always find a variety of styles expertly crafted to try.
This is the first year that Midsummer is open to the public, and enhancements to the property are underway to accommodate the fans that are showing up. Fresh landscaping, an amphitheater, and additions to the indoor and outdoor service are in progress.
Pilot Mountain Vineyards in Pinnacle, NC., is also new. The winery is less than a year old, but the vineyard at 25 years old is one of the most mature in the state. In fact, the month of April Keri & Mark, the owners of Pilot Mountain Vineyards, will be celebrating the entire month.
Events range from “Craft & Sip,” Game Nights, The Cannoli Man, Wine & Cupcake Pairings from “Liv for Sweets.” Find more details on the vineyards website or Facebook page for special weekend wine tastings.
The 31 acres of vines produce eight varieties of grapes. The single varietals are dry and expertly crafted, and the blends are extraordinarily creative and well-executed. Keep an eye out for the new blends that are offered. They change often and sell quickly!
The tasting room is large and plenty of seating. You have lots of space if you want to bring a group or join a tour to the winery. A great variety of Ashe County Cheeses, Wisconsin sausage, and artisan crackers are available for purchase.
The pinnacle of your visit will be enjoying your wine and charcuterie outside on the porch or in the meadow. You’ll have a perfectly framed view of Pilot Mountain from anywhere on the property,
Midsummer and Pilot Mountain have many events throughout the year so check out the facebook pages and make plans to visit these new kids on the block.
The perfect mountain getaway, closer than you think. Experience hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and more. Enjoy a leisurely float down the Dan River by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or tube. www.hangingrock.com
