Possible Moonshine Cave Found Under Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway Grandstand
Wow, we learn something jaw dropping every day. But, nothing as unbelievable as a discovery made by crews in North Wilkesboro. ABC 11 reports a possible moonshine cave found under…
NORTH WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 21: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, lifts the All-Star Moonshine Still trophy in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)Wow, we learn something jaw dropping every day. But, nothing as unbelievable as a discovery made by crews in North Wilkesboro. ABC 11 reports a possible moonshine cave found under the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway Grandstand.
Moonshine Cave Found Might Confirm Longtime Rumors
Now, for many years whispers circulated about the site possibly housing a still. And, that would not surprise me given North Carolina's storied history of moonshining. In fact, my husband's family loves to tell stories of their own dabbling in the art of moonshining in the North Wilkesboro area in the 1900s. However, my mother-in-law likes to keep that on the down low. But, hearing that crews think a possible moonshine cave found its way to the light of day doesn't surprise me.
Possible Moonshine Cave Found
So, here's what happened last week that led to the unearthing of the possible moonshine cave found under the grandstand. Apparently, officials indicate what looks like a 700 foot moonshine cave found during an inspection and cleaning of the grandstand. According to ABC 11, after finding cracks in section 'N' toward turn 1 and working to repair damage, the massive cave became visible.
And, in a press release from Steve Swift, Senior Vice President of Operations and Development at Speedway Motorsports, Swift pointed out the space or possible moonshine cave found would have been a perfect location for production and hiding from prying eyes. However, an actual still is not present all these years later.
What's Next After The Moonshine Cave Discovery
But, what comes next? Well, NASCAR All-Star Race Week is coming in May. And, with 600 seats removed, staff will be working to get repairs completed in an area that Swift says are "some of the best views of the track."
North Carolina's History Of Moonshining
So, concerning the history of moonshining in North Carolina, it's rich with tall tales and plenty of legit and colorful stories. And, although we know North Carolina as the Tar Heel State, some often referred to it as 'The Moonshine Capital of the World.' Plus, 'american stories' tells us farmers and settlers reportedly used corn crops to make the high proof liquor early on.
North Carolina's remote areas were just the ticket for secret production of the illegal substance. And, the description of 'fiercely independent and resourceful' moonshiners describes my husband's family to a tee. And, of course, the practice reportedly continued in the state even after prohibition was repealed in 1933. As you might imagine, taxes and regulations became a bother many wanted to avoid.
Plus, the article from 'American Stories' even goes on to discuss the moonshine connection with NASCAR. After all, fast cars help when you need a quick getaway. And, anyone in this region is certainly familiar with Wilkes County native and NASCAR driver Junior Johnson, who spent time in prison for moonshining.
So, it's really not a stretch in North Wilkesboro to make a connection from a large cavernous space under the track to a possible moonshine cave found! It's pretty fascinating. So, we'll keep you posted on what unravels.
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer it's the perfect time to enjoy all of what Charlotte has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, day drink, watch the sunset or have a romantic nighttime skyline view a rooftop is a perfect place. And Charlotte has no shortage of places to do just that. Take a moment to enjoy the views, get that perfect Instagram picture, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. But to help you pick your next destination I've compiled a list of all the Charlotte Rooftop Bars.
Whether you want to be only a couple of stories up in your neighborhood or 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown there is something on this list for you. Family-friendly restaurants, 21 and up bars, breweries, tropical cocktails, gourmet food, or wings we've got you covered. Several are on the rooftops of Charlotte's best hotels, but you don't have to be a guest to visit. Uptown, South Park, Plaza Midwood, No-Da, Southend, and even Ballantyne are the neighborhoods these spots call home. Know of a rooftop bar I missed? Please let me know I'd love to check it out as well.
Just want to be outside and don't care as much about the view? Check out our list of 15 Outdoor Patios to visit.
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars
Aura
Address: 124 E. Stonewall Street
Follow the glow five stories high to the JW Marriott rooftop bar, a place inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself. The views reflecting off of our mirror-like facade are even more alluring with a drink in hand – whether it’s one of Aura’s signature botanical cocktails or your favorite pour.
Buho
Address:201 W. Trade Street
Much like the rooftop bars and lounges across South America, Búho Bar truly is a destination itself, with sultry music, stirring conversation and artfully crafted concoctions that capture the essence of a vibrant culture and modern city, and inspire new levels of urban elegance. Stay, sip a cocktail and abandon plans, if only for a little while.
The Chamber At Wooden Robot
Address: 416 E 36th St STE 100
Our new wood-aging facility in the heart of the NoDa neighborhood. Enjoy the views of our oak foeders and barrels while exploring our taproom, patio and rooftop biergarten. The Chamber features a rotating selection of draft and packaged beer, with a focus on farmhouse ales and sours.
Charlotte Beer Garden
Address: 1300 S Tryon St
Located in heart of Southend right on the edge of Uptown enjoy the largest selection of beers at any restaurant on their rooftop patio overlooking uptown.
Cloud Bar
Address: 555 South McDowell St
Surrounded by the lights of Charlotte’s skyline, Cloud Bar by David Burke is located on the rooftop of Le Méridien. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying uptown Charlotte’s best sunset view and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke.
Coaltranes
Address: 1518 Central Ave
Coaltranes is a South American-inspired rotisserie and char grill, with a focus on healthy. Enjoy local chicken, stuffed avocados, char grilled wings, freshly-made bowls, and many vegetarian options on their rooftop patio.
Coin Bar
Address: 132 E Trade Street
The Coin Bar provides guests a contemporary urban oasis with a stylish bar and grill. Double-sided LED television screens, each 22 feet wide by 12 feet high, some of the largest in the city, make the pool bar the destination of choice for any and all sports and entertainment happenings in the city. Come enjoy a cocktail poolside and take in stunning views of the Charlotte skyline.
Cordial
Address: 1824 Roxborough Rd
Cordial is a destination, but it's also an everyday spot. It's a bar where everyone belongs, and the bar belongs to everyone. We offer inventive cocktails for sipping, small plates for sharing, and plenty of good conversation—plus a stunning view of the Charlotte skyline from our spacious outdoor veranda.
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Devil's Logic
Address: 1426 E 4th Street
On the edge of Cherry and Elizabeth and a mile from Trade & Tryon, we’re ‘next door’ to the best of Charlotte. Drinks and food can be enjoyed from two outdoor patios, one elevated and with a clear view of uptown Charlotte!
Fairwood 226
Address: 226 Fairwood Ave,
TF226 has a bar-centric open air vibe with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Oh, & did we mention we have rooftop seating with amazing Uptown views?
Fahrenheit
Address: 222 South Caldwell St
Fahrenheit features amazing, unparalleled views of Uptown Charlotte and inventive new American cuisine.
Gin Mill
Address: 1423 S Tryon St
The Gin Mill is a Southend restaurant and sports bar with a rooftop patio. They have daily features and live music on the weekends!
Graham Street Pub
Address: 400 S Graham St
Graham Street Pub & Patio offers skyline views and an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and bites. Graham St. Pub and Patio, just blocks from Bank of America Stadium is a neighborhood bar with inside seating, a street-level patio, and a rooftop that overlooks Knights Stadium and the picturesque Queen City skyline.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 1320 S Church St Suite 400
The restaurant is also known for innovative cocktails featuring house made shrubs, sodas, barrel-aged cocktails and curated wine list. The restaurants midcentury nostalgic rustic yet refined design finds the balance between nature and modern, featuring a moss wall, lime washed brick, a walnut live edge bar, 48 seat dining room and a 30 seat roof top deck.
Merchant & Trade
Address: 303 S Church St
On the 19th floor, with panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte, Merchant + Trade is broken into four distinct zones – indoor bar, outdoor terrace, private terrace and the law.
Mizu
Address: 3100 Apex Drive
Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a refreshed take on live-fire cooking atop the Hyatt Centric in the heart of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood.
Novelty House
Address: 123 E 5th St Suite 500
Taking the energy of the 5th Street District vertical! Spend your evenings after work with us and enjoy craft cocktails, assorted champagnes, local beers and seltzers and more! That's not all! Enjoy views on all four sides of Binaco Tower, including Uptown's largest mural by local artist Alex Duncan.
Nuvole Rooftop 22
Address:220 E Trade Street
Twenty-two stories into the Charlotte skyline, Nuvolé is a rooftop bar and lounge that rises above expectations in every way. Here, just beneath the clouds, modern urban elegance meets natural beauty and fresh flavors intermingle with handcrafted cocktails. Pull up a seat at our sleek bar, share a variety of savory bites with friends, or just soak up the city views while enjoying your craft beer or wine — the perfect way to spend an evening in uptown Charlotte.
RH
Address:
The RH Rooftop Restaurant features an ingredient-driven menu accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Guests dine in a year-round skylit garden escape amidst trickling fountains, trellised London plane trees, and glimmering chandeliers.
Royal Tot
Address: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350
The Bird's nest is the upper deck at The Royal Tot! Here you'll enjoy a tropical experience but in a more relaxed, flippy floppies welcome kind of vibe. This area is walk-in only and complete with shade sails, individual fire pit tables, space heaters, and an unparalleled view of Uptown Charlotte.
The Waterman
Address: 2729 South Blvd Ste D
Ahoy! Welcome to The Waterman, where it’s easy to satisfy a craving for delicious, fresh seafood. Guests can belly on up after work at Happy Hour for a hearty fill of oysters (House Oysters are $1.5 Mon-Fri from 2-7PM), craft cocktails (we call them ‘boat drinks’ around here), or a cold beer (only the best here). For dinner, locals can enjoy fish camp-inspired dishes like The Waterman’s Platter or classic Fried Fish Sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the Uptown views from the rooftop bar ‘Topside’
Whiskey Warehouse
Address:1221 The Plaza
With a rooftop bar, a whiskey-forward cocktail program, and an endless roster of quality local beers, Whiskey Warehouse leaves little to be desired. The skyline view from the expansive string-light-clad rooftop earns this two-story bar/restaurant some serious street cred in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
Woody's Seafood Saloon
Address:
This is the second location of Woody's which is in the Ballantyne area. The first location? The Virgin Islands. The Shark Bites are said to be a must try and the cocktails will almost have you thinking you're in a tropical oasis instead of NC.
