Outdoors

Don't Miss These Summer 2023 Charlotte Festivals

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival May 20 More than 60 beer, 40 bourbon, and countless barbecue purveyors descend upon Ballantyne's Backyard for this 16th annual affair. All participants receive a souvenir glass, plus access to seminars with brew masters, master…

WEEKENDER: Black Mountain

As Asheville’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, so does the cost of a weekend visit. You can access many of the same things you go to Asheville for—the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor activities, good food and drink, art—without…

Summer Camp Countdown

Everyone knows to send bathing suits and bug spray, but what else do you need to purchase before sending your child off to sleepaway camp? The first year my daughter went to sleepaway camp, I couldn’t imagine her being away…

9 Family Campgrounds Near Charlotte

McDowell Nature Preserve Bring the kids to McDowell Nature Preserve for relaxation with a side of education. McDowell Nature Preserve borders Lake Wylie and lies approximately 30 minutes from the heart of Charlotte. Despite lake proximity, there is no lake…

SPRING BREAK WEEKENDER: Key West

The two-by-four-mile island on the Florida Keys’ southernmost point is a bit of a departure from pristine resort towns like Palm Beach or Seaside. Pastel, conch-style houses dot the narrow streets where roosters are free to roam, and colorful murals…

Easter Egg Hunts in Charlotte: 2023

From events on church lawns to community-wide eggstravaganzas, there are plenty of sites to hunt for Easter eggs this spring. Many of them also include visits from the Easter Bunny. So get hoppin', and don't forget your Easter basket! March…

SPRING TRAVEL: Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Virginia’s Blue Ridge encompasses the city of Roanoke and its surrounding communities, which include the city of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, and Roanoke County. Roanoke remains so historically intact that it’s easy to imagine the city 100 years ago. Locally…

Beyond Soccer and Baseball

When Donna Meyer's two sons were little, she tried getting them involved in every sport available in her town. "They were very active kids,” she says. “I knew all the benefits they would get from playing sports, from physical exercise…

​​WEEKENDER: Reynolds Lake Oconee

Avid golfers flock to Reynolds Lake Oconee for its championship courses, but the gated resort community 85 miles east of Atlanta is also a great weekend destination for families with kids in tow. The property has 11 onsite dining options,…

Where to Skate in Charlotte: 2023

Whether you want to glide across the ice or race across the boards, visit these spots for roller and ice skating in the Queen City. Roller Skating Frye's Roller Rink Open for matinee and evening skating, this rink offers a…

WEEKENDER: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is often called the "gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," and it sees more than 11 million visitors each year. It’s home to Tennessee’s only ski resort and puts you just a few miles from Dollywood and the…