Seasonal Fun

WEEKENDER: Oak Island

Picture a classic family beach vacation: long stretches of sand full of seashells to collect, riding bikes—with bells and baskets!—to ice cream shops, playing putt-putt after a day of kite-flying, or a hammock nap with the sounds of the ocean…

Inexpensive DIY Birthday Party Themes

As my daughter’s 8th birthday approached, we started discussing what kind of party she wanted. I thought she might say bowling or gymnastics, but she asked for a Survivor-themed party. I wasn’t sure how execute that until I did a…

WEEKENDER: Ponte Vedra Beach

Known as “the jewel of the northeast coast,” Ponte Vedra Beach is an oceanfront retreat about 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville in northeast Florida. The area is synonymous with golf and home of the THE PLAYERS Championship, which is held…

WEEKENDER: East Fork Farm

East Fork Farm is in Marshall, NC, about three hours from Charlotte and 25 miles outside Asheville. The property spans 40 acres and is home to sheep, chickens, cows, and farm dogs that kids can see up close. A weekend…

Father's Day Activities in Charlotte: 2023

(©Hannah Nelson/Pexels) HeroesCon (June 16-18) Does dad like comics? He'll be in heaven at HeroesCon, where he can rub elbows directly with professionals and exhibitors. Family-friendly atmosphere. Visit website for hours and ticket info. Charlotte Convention Center.  Dierks Bentley (June…

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…

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…

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…