Family Day Trips for Charlotteans to Cap Off the Summer
All are within two hours of the city
Most Recent
Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore House
To spend the holidays at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is to step back in time. The sights, the sounds, the smells all are reminiscent of the Gilded Age at the turn of the century. Each year, the Biltmore House is richly decorated in the holiday traditions set by George W. Vanderbilt, who first welcomed friends and family to his country retreat on Christmas Eve 1895. The bright tapestry of Christmas colors complement the rich oak paneling and European furnishings of the home.
Enchantment in Blowing Rock
From late November through the Christmas season, visitors to Blowing Rock, N.C. and Chetola Resort will feel as if they have stepped into a fairy tale.
Butter-Basted Lemon and Lime Turkey
A chilled lemon and lime butter, placed under the skin, adds a zesty twist to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and solves the problem of dry breast meat. You’ll need to dispense with your rings, gird your loins and push that citrus butter up under the skin. It is a little fiddly (the butter will break up), and you may not like the slimy sensation, but it’s well worth it. To help the big day go smoothly, make the butter ahead. Let the kids help mix the butter, lemon and lime zest together,
How to Nurture an Attitude of Gratitude
Thanksgiving may get short shrift in retail stores or the media, but you can nurture thankfulness this month and year-round in your children’s hearts and minds.
Ages & Stages: Pregnancy: Expecting the Best This Holiday Season
The holidays have always been a time of anticipation and expectation — whether it’s remembering a family awaiting the birth of a small child long ago, or bubbly children anticipating Hanukkah gifts or Santa Claus — the season is a natural time to be expecting a bundle of joy. Follow these tips to be sure you’re expecting the best holiday season ever!
Just Next Door: McAdenville
McAdenville, N.C. — known as Christmas Town, USA — lights up each year to entertain and delight families from all over the area. Located in Gaston County just west of Charlotte, this small textile town, population* 619, hosts more than 600,000 visitors annually from Dec. 1-26 for the Christmas Lights celebration.
December Musings: Seasonal tips, family traditions and ideas
Charlotte Parent staffers share traditions and tips to make the holidays joyful.
Great Gifts for the Grown-Ups
It can be hard to shop for folks older than 9, but adults like gifts too. Here are some they'll love!
Home for the Holidays: Being Mom in Your Mom's House
Nigel Bronson is an inquisitive and enthusiastic 2-year-old who likes to run and explore. His mom thinks that’s just fine; if he falls, he learns to slow down. "With a child, it’s better they learn through experience," explained Courtney Bronson of Charlotte. "I can say, ‘No, Nigel. Stop Nigel, don’t do that,’ but Nigel is going to do it until he learns there are consequences to it. I’d rather he learn that than to continually holler and go after him."
What Do Teachers Want?
Holiday gift lists grow as our families do, thanks to the teachers, coaches, choir directors, dance instructors, bus drivers and others who enrich our children’s lives. What do they really want?
12 Ways to Say 'I Love You' to Kids
It’s fun to find creative ways to show our kids we love them. Here are some ideas for sharing the love on Feb. 14 — and all through the year.
Take a Time-Out for Love
Even if you can only spare a weekend away or a simple dinner-and-a-movie night out, a brief parental "time out" might be just the thing to clear your mind and revitalize your relationship, which is good for the entire family.
8 Earth Day Activities for Kids
If you haven’t introduced your child to celebrating the global day that is set aside for appreciating the environment, there is no better time than the present to start.
7 Tips for Family Farmers' Market Fun
Farmers’ market outings are fun (and educational) for kids
Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed for Mom
A step-by-step guide for dads and kids to make the perfect breakfast in bed for Mom on Mother's Day.
Campfire Cooking
Learn about cooking outdoors over the campfire and try out these two new recipes.
10 Activities Under $10
A list of fun, family ideas and activities in the month of June for $10 and under.
Fox on Fatherhood: Coach John Fox Talks Family and Sports
John Fox's thoughts about family life — on the field and off.
Five Ideas for Father's Day
Great ideas on how to say "you're special" to your dad.
Par for Pop: Local Golf Course Listing
Get out on the course with Dad. Here's a list of golf courses in the Charlotte area. Father's Day or any day is a good time for Dad and the kids to be together.
National Backyard Camping
There's a special night designated for backyard camping. Check out what to do, where to register and how to make your night outdoors a memorable one.
5 Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes
Great costume ideas for those parents who want to put their own touch on a special outfit.
Rookie Dad: Halloween — What’s In It for Us Parents?
Our resident dad shares why he loves Halloween and how parents can help get everyone in the spirit.
Homemade is Best
Special costumes can be made at home with a little elbow grease and ingenuity. Read about how it can be done and find resources brimming with great ideas.
