Family Day Trips for Charlotteans to Cap Off the Summer
All are within two hours of the city
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GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
ASK A MOM: Swearing, skiing, and cultivating connections
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…
A Charlottean's Guide to Winter Outings
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.…
WEEKENDER: Huntsville, Alabama
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…
7 Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Month
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…
Healthy Family Meals for the New Year
When I was a kid, my mom made one dinner that catered primarily to my father's palate. Unless it was a special occasion, my mom didn’t ask my brothers and me what we were in the mood to eat, and…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
WEEKENDER: Mount Airy
It’s easy to zoom past Mount Airy, North Carolina as you drive up I-77 on your way to hit the ski slopes in West Virginia or view the autumn leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway. But consider pumping the brakes…
LILY BAKES: Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Lily Barnes is our 10-year-old resident kid baker. Each month she shares an original recipe that kids can make at home with their parents, plus a few behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to make your treat extra special. Here is Lily’s…
11 Holiday Meal Options in Charlotte
'Tis the season for hectic days and restless nights. Save yourself some added stress and pick up a heat-and-serve holiday meal. Order desserts and sides to accompany your homemade entrees, or go for the whole shebang with a full meal.…
6 Charlotte Activities to Keep Kids Busy Over Holiday Break
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…
ASK A MOM: Winter coats, bed wetting, and magical secrets
Q: How do you get a stubborn child to wear a jacket in Winter?—Name Withheld A: I have no idea. My 7-year-old surfer son, Hutch, pretends it’s summer NoMatterWhat. Even in the dead of December, or rainy days standing in…
THE MOM'S SPACE: Finding joy during the holidays
Why is finding joy so hard during the holidays? Well, let’s see…there’s the increased pressure and expectations from family. Grief from loss. Pain from past trauma. Anxiety from worrying. Stress from the never-ending to-do list. Exhaustion from all of it.…
HOLIDAY WEEKENDER: Chetola Resort
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…
15 Unique Gift Experiences for Your Family
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…
PARENT TO KNOW: Sarah Hayes Harkins
Professional dancer Sarah Hayes Harkins is currently performing her 14th season in Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker. But this year’s preparation has been a bit tougher than others. She and her husband Payton welcomed daughter Frankie in July. We caught up…
Charlotte's Best Residential Holiday Light Displays
Put the kids in their pajamas, pop some popcorn and make hot chocolate to go for a magical Christmas ride.
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
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…
Decorate, Eat, Repeat: The Best Holiday Cookie Kits for Kids
Skip the all-day cookie baking marathon and get to the fun stuff with these take and decorate cookie kits. Bake My Day Starting Friday, November 26, Bake My Day holiday cookie kits are available via Facebook or Instagram @bakemydayCLT. Each…
Best Holiday Gifts for Teachers
The holiday season is the perfect time to recognize teachers for everything they do for your kiddos. From foodies to plant lovers, we've a got gift idea for every educator on your list. Check out these 10 local spots. Paper…
11 Places to Find Thanksgiving Take-and-Bake Meals in Charlotte
Hectic and holidays go together like turkey and stuffing. This Thanksgiving, skip the long grocery lines, messy kitchen, and endless prep time and leave the cooking to someone else. Here are 11 local restaurants that can help you make this…
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 2021
From electric scooters and fidgets to cookie kits and activity boxes, we’ve got a round-up of the season’s best toys, treats, and games—and where to find them in Charlotte. We caught up with Dan Weiss, owner of Harper & Skyler’s…
WEEKENDER: Winston-Salem
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
CELEBRATE DIWALI AT OPTIMIST HALL Come to Botiwalla on Thursday, November 4 and celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights that marks India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The family-friendly evening includes traditional décor, lights, special menu…
