James Creek Cider House brings together the coziness of a crisp fall night and stargazing. The Cider House hosts ‘Stargazing on Tap’ on Nov. 7. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 172 U.S. 1 in Cameron, pairing hard cider with an evening of sky watching among the orchards. Admission is free, according to the event listing.
Visitors can look for stars, constellations, planets and other celestial sights visible in the November sky. No astronomy experience is required; families and friends are welcome. Organizers recommend dressing warmly and bringing a blanket or lawn chair. Viewing will depend on weather and sky conditions.
For owners David and Ann Marie Thornton, the connection between cider and the night sky predates the event. Their Stargazer Cider line takes its name from the skies above their orchards, giving the gathering a connection to the business itself.
The couple's cider story began with a desire to work more closely with the land. In January 2009, they planted 60 Southern heirloom apple trees on their Moore County farm, according to the company's history. Hard cider had been Ann Marie's preferred drink while the couple studied in London during college.
The initial trees flourished, encouraging the Thorntons to expand their farming operation. In December 2013, they purchased a Cameron farm to increase their apple acreage and establish commercial cider production.
Their orchard plantings include Southern varieties such as Grimes Golden, King David, Buckingham, Smokehouse and American Golden Russet. The farm's approach gives apples more than one destination. Attractive fruit can be sold for fresh eating, while other apples are crushed and pressed for cider.
That agricultural foundation remains central to James Creek's identity. The business makes traditional ciders using Southern heirloom apples, drawing on fruit grown in its orchards and at other North Carolina family farms.
After opening in 2016, the company added Stargazer, a separate line that explores modern cider styles alongside its traditional James Creek offerings.
Stargazer is a collection rather than a single flavor. Its celestial naming theme extends across a lineup that includes Big Dipper, a lightly sweet carbonated cider, and Mighty Hunter, a semidry carbonated cider.
Other offerings include Beehive Ginger, made with honey and ginger, and fruit combinations such as Gemini, featuring strawberry and rhubarb, and Bellatrix Blue, featuring blueberry wine. The range also includes barrel-aged selections, including Sirius and Solar Flare.
The November event announcement promises James Creek cider but does not identify specific varieties that will be poured. Visitors interested in a particular Stargazer selection can check with the cider house before attending.
For guests, the evening offers an opportunity to experience the orchard beyond its fruit and tasting menu. The same landscape that helped inspire a cider brand will provide the setting for looking upward, sharing a drink and spending time outdoors.
More information about Stargazing on Tap and the cider house is available at jamescreekciderhouse.com or by calling 910-245-9901. Guests should check for updates before traveling, especially if the forecast suggests clouds or rain.

(Photo courtesy of James Creek Cider House's Facebook page)