CHECK OUT THE YIASOU THE GREEK FESTIVAL The Yiasou Greek Festival returns to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral September 5-7. Enjoy cultural exhibits, folk dancing, live music, and authentic Greek cuisine. The Kids Playland has rides, children’s activities, and…
Looking to take a breather from your family’s packed summer schedule? When you’re ready to log off, power down, and unplug, take a two and a half hour drive to southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and treat yourself to a…
Try one of these family hikes that make a great day trip from Charlotte.
The Autumn at Oz Festival has returned to Beech Mountain’s Land of Oz for three weekends in September for more than 30 years. This season marks 85 years since the MGM classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” was released. “It’s a…
Can’t swing the airfare for a cross country trip this summer? Not to worry. Charlotte is accessible to plenty of family-friendly destinations that are four hours or less by car. Whether you want to see some wild animals, go glamping,…
VISIT THE NEW SULLENBERGER AVIATION MUSEUM The Sullenberger Aviation Museum officially opens its doors on Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. Captain C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who maneuvered the famed “Miracle on the Hudson” landing, will be in Charlotte to celebrate…
Start the summer strong with a family road trip to South Carolina’s Old 96 District for its annual Festival of Flowers, which happens June 6-9. See more than 30 colorful topiaries designed in the form of cows, elephants, horses, and…
ENJOY FREE ADMISSION TO THE MINT MUSEUM Starting May 1, children in grades K-12 can enjoy free admission to both locations of the Mint Museum for an entire year with an adult admission. This opportunity was made possible through Mint…
If you’re looking for easily accessible, neurodivergent-friendly destinations for your family, here are three that are a short drive from Charlotte. GREENVILLE, SC With plenty of parks, trails, and museums, this pedestrian-friendly city has plenty to offer families for a…
Bring the kids, ditch the jet lag
MILES FROM CHARLOTTE: 668 TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours NONSTOP SERVICE ON: American Airlines We made it. The cold, gloomy months of winter are behind us and the days are finally getting longer. It’s time to trade those puffer jackets and…
Whether your family excels at pitching a tent or needs step-by-step instructions, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Bostic, North Carolina allows everyone to experience nature at their own pace. The 600-acre site has a range of accommodations including luxury…
VISIT CHARLOTTE SHOUT! This multi-week festival has returned to uptown and runs through April 14. See more than 200 installations, performances, events, and activations. Nearly all the events are outdoors, free, and open to the public. charlotteshout.com HEAD TO THE…
Pining for some mountain air but don’t have time for an extended road trip? Pack up the car with your puffy coats and hiking boots and head to Boone for one last dash of winter. Explore the trails at Grandfather…
For skiers, snowboarders, tubers, and snow-loving families, winter in Charlotte is more of a concept than a reality within the climate constraints of the Queen City. Well-schooled QC moms and dads, however, know mountains of seasonal outdoor fun are only…
If you ever wonder where you can take your neurodivergent child around Charlotte, well, wonder no more. I’ve done the research with my own children to save you time and narrow down the search for sensory, budget-friendly, and fun places…
Holiday-flavored components that add to the excitement at Great Wolf Lodge.
If a trip to Germany isn’t possible this season, head to Helen, a tiny town in northwest Georgia that goes big for the holidays. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte and attracts millions of tourists who flock to find a…
Pile the crew in the car and bring home a stunning North Carolina Christmas tree
The entrance to Barnsley Resort looks like a vintage postcard, flanked with stone pillars and manicured flower beds. A narrow, winding road takes you through rolling green fields lined with wooden fences, and the smell of charred hickory and smoked…
CELEBRATE FALL IN STATESVILLE Head to downtown Statesville on Saturday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Statesville Pumpkin Fest. Look for a classic car show; a kids’ zone with inflatables; live entertainment; food vendors; and beer, wine,…
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…
CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT OPTIMIST HALL Bring the family to Optimist Hall on Saturday, October 14 from 12 – 4 p.m. Enjoy live music, lawn games, and a seasonal flower cart, plus festive fall flavors from OH tenants. optimisthall.com TRICK…
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…
High Point, just 90 minutes north of Charlotte, is known as the furniture capital of the world. It’s also the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) on the East Coast, and the second in the country. Becoming a CAD means tourism,…
Nearby destinations for your next day trip or weekend getaway.
