Charlotte Celebrates Brewing Brilliance and the Spooky Season
Charlotteans, gather around! It’s that time of the year again when we can raise our glasses to celebrate locally brewed beer and gear up for some thrilling scares. This past weekend, two of our favorite breweries in the city brought home some shiny medals from the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. Isn’t that just fantastic news?
Cheers to Local Breweries!
Oh, who doesn’t love a good beer? According to reports, Pilot Brewing Co. and Resident Culture have turned heads and raised mugs with their award-winning brews. Pilot Brewing snagged a Gold medal for its delightful Pub Ale, while Resident Culture triumphed with Gold in the Pale Non-Alcohol Beer category for their brilliantly crafted NARC IPA. Quite the achievement, right?
This year’s competition was fiercer than ever, with almost 2,000 entries from all across the United States, including some ciders. So, it’s safe to say that when you taste these local brews, you’re sipping on award-winning craftsmanship!
From Pints to Frights
Now, speaking of local faves, the fall season is swiftly approaching, and we all know that means the arrival of spooky activities! Get ready, thrill-seekers, because October is creeping up, and Charlotte is brimming with haunted attractions just waiting to be explored. Let’s save the scary stories for another time—this is about all the fun we can have!
Scarrigan Farms: A Spooky Paradise
First up on our haunted adventure list is Scarrigan Farms. This sprawling 200+ acre farm transforms into an eerie walking trail filled with all sorts of frightening fun! Kicking off on the last weekend of September and running through until November 1st, this 40-minute experience is not for the faint of heart. It’s rated scary enough that people under 12 are advised to sit this one out. Just make sure to book your spot online because this place is likely to be packed with people craving a good scare!
The 13th Acre: A Chilling Selection
Another gem to check out is The 13th Acre, located just outside Charlotte. This haunted trail starts on September 20th and lasts until Halloween night. The name may already send shivers down your spine, and the experience doesn’t disappoint! Expect chilling encounters with all sorts of unknown creatures lurking among the trails.
Hickory Grove Haunted Trail: Classic Scares
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Hickory Grove Haunted Trail in Gastonia. This classic has been scaring folks for over 30 years. With so much happening at this location, you’ll want to stay sharp and alert. They’re open all throughout October, so there’s no excuse not to get spooked!
For the Brave: Booger Jim’s Hollow
If you’re feeling brave, take a drive to Booger Jim’s Hollow in Blacksburg, SC. It’s just a short hour’s drive from Charlotte and offers a haunted house and chilling trails. This one unleashes a legend with its spooktacular scares rooted in local folklore. It kicks off its terrifying season the last weekend of September and runs until November 2nd.
SCarowinds: Family-Friendly Frights
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option, then SCarowinds is the place to be! Open on select nights from September 13th through October 29th, the park offers a fun blend of roller coasters and Halloween festivities, complete with unexpected scares lurking around corners. Plus, they provide No Boo necklaces for those who want to experience the rides with minimal fright!
A Maze of Terror in China Grove
Lastly, if you’re heading to China Grove, make sure to explore the Maze of Terror. With a blend of indoor and outdoor adventures, haunted hayrides, and a spooky corn maze, this spot promises to deliver chills and thrills for everyone. It opens the last weekend of September and is a must-see for all thrill-seekers!
So there you have it, Charlotte! Whether you’re raising a toast to our incredible breweries or gearing up for a spooky night out, there’s no shortage of fun activities this season. Cheers to a thrilling fall!
