The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of beaches that encompasses Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and Cape Lookout. It’s roughly five and a half hours from Charlotte by car depending on which town…
CATCH SLEEPING BEAUTY ONSTAGE See the show that was shut down just hours before it was set to open in March 2020. Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy-Tailored Classic takes the stage at the Knight Theater through May 8. This family-friendly production…
Primland Resort is a two and a half hour drive from Charlotte and puts you in the heart of southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The last 20 minutes take you through some winding mountain roads (pack dramamine if the kiddos…
When our son Ben grew too large to be carried from his wheelchair to the beach, we wondered how we’d manage future trips to the shore. His favorite pastime is splashing at the ocean’s edge, and we didn’t want him…
GET YOUR SWEETS AND SNACK FIX Check out Sips & Dips, a new family-owned soda shop that opens April 2 at Promenade on Providence. Get customizable sodas, (think syrups, creams and fresh citrus garnishes), sparkling water refreshers with fresh fruit…
After two years of limited contact with extended family and friends, you’re probably overdue for a visit. If a beach vacation or mountain getaway is in your plans, consider these four destinations for a big group. Bald Head Island, North…
Myrtle Beach, also known as the Grand Strand, stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast and encompasses 14 different communities, each with their own identity and attractions. Kids can enjoy mini golf, pirate shows, and the beach boardwalk, while…
If a traditional family getaway isn’t in your plans this spring break, you can still have a week of fun and relaxation in your hometown. Below is a roundup of thematic staycations to help you ditch your day-to-day routine…
CATCH AN OUTDOOR LIGHT DISPLAY Visit the Rail Trail from March 4 - 20 and experience I Heart Rail Trail: Lights, an interactive light installation that returns to South End for the third consecutive year. For 16 days, the stretch…
Motorsports are part of the community in Charlotte, celebrated in local museums, the annual Speed Street Festival, and at nearby complexes like Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMAX Dragway. If fast cars and pit crews have piqued your children’s interest, it…
A-Town, Hotlanta, Hollywood of the South, the Big Peach. Atlanta has countless nicknames, and in North Carolina we often refer to it as “Charlotte’s big sister.” It has more people, traffic, shopping, and restaurants—like a bigger, flashier version of Charlotte.…
TAKE THE CAMP PASSPORT CHALLENGE Camp North End will host a Valentine’s-themed Camp Passport challenge February 1-28. Pick up a Camp Passport from any of the 16 participating businesses; if you purchase an item from eight of them throughout the month, you can redeem it for…
Q: OK, Molly. I found out from another mom that our sons were repeating some swear words they learned from some 4th graders on the school bus. Our boys, of course, think they’re hilarious because they know they’re saying something…
Whether you want to head outdoors into the crisp temperatures or prefer to stay cozy indoors, there are plenty of winter activities around Charlotte that will make both camps happy. Read on for our favorites. Ice Skate at the U.S.…
Nicknamed “The Rocket City,” Huntsville, Alabama is synonymous with U.S. space missions. It’s home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space & Rocket Center museum, which includes the US Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs. It’s also…
With colder weather and multiple teacher workdays on the horizon, having a few go-to plans in your back pocket can make the difference between fond memories and epic meltdowns. These 7 ideas will make time fly, keep kids engaged, and…
TOYS, GAMES, AND TRAINS EXHIBIT Take a day trip to the Kings Mountain Historical Museum and check out the 19th annual Toys, Games and Trains exhibit. See model train displays assembled by local “S” gaugers, railroad memorabilia, antique toys, and…
Winter break begins next week. If you're looking for ideas to combat the boredom or relieve some cabin fever, keep reading. We've got six local spots to entertain your kids—and out-of-town guests—over the holiday break. Grinchmas Date: Saturday, December 18…
There’s nothing quite like cozying up in a mountain lodge at the height of the holiday season. At just over two hours from Charlotte, Chetola Resort is a magical weekend getaway in Blowing Rock, a Rockwell-esque town off the Blue…
If you’re full up on trinkets, toys, and gift cards, consider giving your family an experience instead. View something beautiful together, learn a new skill, or have an outdoor adventure. Here are 15 ways to celebrate the season with kids…
CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS AT THE GARDEN Head to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a magical night of lights at Holidays at the Garden. Sing along to wintertime favorites at the topiary display, take in the twinkling cherry trees, grab a…
At just over an hour drive from Charlotte, Winston-Salem is an easy getaway if you find yourself with an unscheduled weekend ahead of the holiday season. Find seasonal festivals, fall foliage, holiday lights, and a mural-lined greenway. Leave the car…
Elizabeth City is a popular stop on the way to the Outer Banks in the summer months, but the waterfront town is also a great place for a family-friendly weekend trip in the fall. You’ll find cozy accommodations, a…
Earlier this summer, my husband and I hiked through the woods near Linville Falls, leaving our three boys at home. I felt the stress of the last 18 months melt away. School, jobs, extended family, health, and safety had been…
