Charlotte Queen’s Feast : Summer 2017 July 18, 2017

If you’re anything like us, you love a good meal, but you also love a good bargain! Hence why we are so excited that it’s time for Charlotte’s summer Queen’s Feast! From July 21^st through July 30^th, a number of Charlotte restaurants are offering amazing prix fix dinner menus for $30 or $35 per person – a steal!

While we can’t claim to have tried every restaurant on the list (although, that would be our lifelong goal), a few restaurants on the list have peaked our interest as “must try” during this summer’s restaurant week. We’ve compiled our list below, but we are certain all participating restaurants will offer an incredible dining experience. (FYI – here’s the full list).

• The Pump House : We recently dined at The Pump House for the first time after hearing so many rave reviews. Located in Rock Hill, The Pump House sits on the Catawba River, and the views truly cannot be beat. The dining experience is one-of-a-kind. Here, we want a traditional southern meal to accompany the stunning views of this southern state. We’d start, of course, with the Fried Green Tomatoes and pair it with an entrée of Shrimp & Anson Mills Grits, but anything you eat will be divine. For dessert, it’s a toss-up between the Cheerwine Chocolate Cake and the House-Made Peach Ice Cream. Can you think of a more “Carolina” meal?! ($30/person)

 

• 300 East : 300 East is one of our favorite Charlotte restaurants. From a delicious Sunday brunch to amazing daily drink specials, this place never disappoints. We are big proponents of dining at restaurants that offer an adult beverage, here a glass of wine, in their Restaurant Week special too. Our ideal dinner experience based on their Queen’s Feast menu? Start with a glass of Double Decker Pinot Grigio and their delicious Baked Marinated Vermont Goat Cheese followed by an entrée of Bronzed Sesame Salmon or Sweet Potato Ravioli. End on a sweet note with their NC Peach & Buttermilk Panna Cotta. Hello, perfect summer meal! ($35/person)

 

• Napa on Providence : Napa on Providence is not only aesthetically pleasing, but their food is always incredible. Their restaurant week menu is robust, so it makes it hard to choose just one item per course (perhaps you and a friend can split meals!). If we had to choose, though, we would start with the Shrimp and Lemon Gnocchi, which sounds perfectly refreshing. To indulge in a bit of “surf and turf,” our entrée of choice would have to be the Grilled Hanger Steak, which includes a side of roasted okra (yes please!). We’d end our meal the same way it began, with a touch of citrus, and choose the Meyer Lemon Meringue Cheesecake for dessert – nothing better! ($35/person)

 

• O-Ku Sushi : If you’re a sushi lover, you’ve got to try out one of Charlotte’s newest sushi spots, O-Ku. Located in Atherton Mills, this place is always buzzing with activity, and has been buzzing with rave reviews! We are partial to Edamame, so of course we would have to choose that as our app. For our second course, the South End Shrimp with chili paste, tomato confit, and crushed peanuts is speaking our food love language. Of course, because we are here for sushi, our final course would be a choice of two sushi rolls. That’s right, two! Our sushi-loving hearts are swooning over this deal. ($35/person)

 

• Paco’s Tacos & Tequila : Ok, so we admit this isn’t a traditional restaurant week pick because it’s invariably not much of a splurge meal, but hear us out. Mexican food ranks high on our list, and as we said, we can’t pass up a restaurant week deal that includes an adult beverage alongside tons of food (at Paco’s Tacos, this means four courses!). So, in addition to a house margarita, your first course is your choice between amazing guacamole and chili con queso, an admittedly tough choice. Next, you’ll have to choose between Paco’s delicious chopped salad or chicken tortilla soup. Because it’s 90+ degrees lately, we’re opting for the salad. For our main course, we have to go with the 3 Taco Plate. Not only do we love tacos, but it’s a fun way to try a variety of menu items. To stick to the Mexican cuisine, the tres leches cake is a no brainer for dessert. We cannot wait to indulge here! ($30/person)

Wherever you choose to dine, do not miss out on Queen’s Feast – there’s truly no better deal in town! Enjoy!

Summer To Do List : Pops in the Park May 15, 2017

Somehow, we are halfway through the month of May, and inching closer to summer with each passing day. Time truly flies when you’re having fun in Charlotte!

We thought today would be a great day to tell you all about one of our favorite early summer events here in town – Summer Pops in the Park!

image via Charlotte Symphony

Every Sunday in the month of June, as well as Saturday, July 1^st, the Charlotte Symphony hosts their annual summer series, and it is not to be missed! Located at the Symphony Park at Southpark, this family friendly event is the perfect end to your summer weekends.

What makes these events so fun is the fact that you, alongside your family and friends, are able to pack up a picnic basket, a blanket and some low-sitting lawn chairs, to bring with you! Enjoy your packed dinner, or a nosh from the variety of food truck vendors, and feel free to BYOB (but, please drink responsibly and do NOT drink and drive). What’s more fun than a picnic and live music?!

image via Charlotte Observer

Tickets are available for sale at each show until 9pm, but it is recommended that you purchase them in advance online. Tickets can be purchased either in a package, or for individual shows. Each show has a different theme, so if you can make all five, we more than encourage you to attend them all! The July 1^st concert is a Salute to America in honor of the Fourth of July, and will end with a bang (literally!) with an incredible fireworks finale!

image via Charlotte Symphony

Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to sit alongside your fellow Charlotte friends and neighbors to enjoy an enriching night made possible by talented artists from our very own community. Each Sunday is special and oh so enjoyable, and it is truly a summer bucket list item not to be missed here in the Queen City!

Enjoy!

Egg-citing Easter 2017 March 31, 2017

If you’re like us, you can’t believe that April is just a few short hours away – it’s remarkable how these first months of 2017 have flown by!

We are excited, though, for what that means for all of us in Charlotte. We’ve welcomed back spring, and nights where the sun doesn’t set until after 7:00pm. Mother Nature (fingers crossed!) appears to have officially ditched winter, and we are enjoying days filled with sunshine and warmth.

Also rapidly approaching is the Easter holiday! We at Bon Maison love all things that come with this season – from pastel décor to devouring tons of sweet candy to spending time with family and friends. We want you to enjoy your Easter season just as much, so below we’ve compiled a list of fun Easter events around Charlotte this season. So break out your bonnets, and get ready to enjoy!

• Easter Eggstravaganza 2017 at Lazy 5 Ranch : With Easter Egg Hunts on both April 8^th and April 15^th, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fun at Lazy 5 Ranch! If you’ve never been, it’s a must to see all of the animals up close and personal! The Easter Egg Hunts are broken out by agre group to keep things fair and fun for all, and there are tons of other activities, including a scavenger hunt, coloring contest and playtime with live bunnies! Food and drinks are available as well, but be sure to have cash as cards are not accepted.

• Visit with the Easter Bunny at Stonecrest : If your kiddos want some face-to-face time with the bunny himself, hop on over to Stonecrest Shopping Center on April 8^th. Not only will you be able to take some great pictures, but there will be crafts, cookies and punch for all to enjoy!

• Easter Egg Hunt at Nascar Speedpark : For the adventurous at heart, take a trip up to the Nascar Speedpark at Concord Mills on April 8^th to enjoy a free Easter Egg Hunt! There will be thousands of hidden eggs to find, and candy, toys and additional prizes to be won. Fun for the whole family, and can be followed up with shopping at the outlets!

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Historic Rosedale Plantation : On April 8^th from 10am – 1pm, the Rosedale Plantation will be hosting 3 separate Easter Egg Hunts! You’ll be apple to explore the beautiful gardens while your kids hunt for eggs filled with treats and educational prizes. Be sure to bring your baskets!

• Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at Ray’s Splash Planet : We are officially deeming this the most unique of the Egg Hunts for the year! Put on your suit, grab your bucket and strap on your googles for this water-filled hunt! $5 per person (up to age 12) includes event entry, swimming and egg hunt! The event is taking place on Thursday, April 13^th at 6:30pm, and is sure to be the best kickoff to your Easter weekend!

• Hodges Family Farm Second Annual Spring Fling : With events on both Friday, April 14^th and Saturday, April 15^th, this flexible schedule will hopefully allow everyone to join in on the fun! With a number of Easter Egg hunts for every age group, your kids are sure to have a blast and even hunt for a special gold or silver egg! In addition to the $5 Easter Egg Hunt, there will be Hay Rides, Yard Games, a Scavenger Hunt and farm animals to enjoy!

• Easter Hoppenings at Phillips Place : For fun on April 15^th, be sure to head over to Phillips Place where the Easter Bunny, a balloon artist and face paint await! The day is fun for the whole family and will provide a full afternoon of fun from 1pm – 3pm.

No matter what you choose to do, we wish you a Hoppy Easter!

The Luck of the Irish in Charlotte! March 7, 2017

While traditionally when you think of Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations, you may think of Chicago or Savannah, don’t look past the festivities right here in the Queen City! Charlotte boasts a robust calendar of Saint Patrick’s Day activities fit for the whole clan (get it?!), starting this weekend!

The Green River Revival Festival at the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a free day of family fun this Saturday, March 11^th (aside from a charge for parking). From Yoga at 9:30 am, to the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run, to a Cornhole Tournament at 2:00pm, there’s plenty of physical activity to get everyone moving and grooving. To top it off, there will be live music starting at 12:00pm, and the river itself will be dyed green at 1:00pm! While there, enjoy the many outdoor activities offered at the USNWC – from rafting to ziplining – this place has it all!

For the party enthusiasts, there’s Charlotte’s 17^th Annual Rich & Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. It may surprise you that this event is the world’s largest pub crawl – so it’s your chance to be a part of something quite monumental! By purchasing your $20 Rich & Bennett’s Pub Crawl t-shirt you’ll be eligible for free cover and drink specials at participating bars. The event kicks off at The Pub Crawl Party Lot (219 E 7^th Street) on Saturday, March 11^th at 12:00pm with food trucks and a DJ, and is sure to be a wild time with over 20,000 participants! Come adorned in your most festive attire!

On Saturday, March 11^th and Sunday, March 12^th, the Latta Plantation is hosting its Latta Celtic Festival. The festival features live music, food and beer vendors, arts and crafts vendors and historic Celtic Demonstrations. There’s story time and visits with farm animals for the kids, as well as a Saturday night music fundraiser for those with later bedtimes. Celebrate Celtic culture in a historic and beautiful setting!

The festivities end with the big shebang – the 21^st Annual Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Charlotte Goes Green Festival on Saturday, March 18^th. The parade, which begins at 11:00am, runs through uptown, starting at N. Tryon Street and 9^th Street (see parade map here). The parade is filled with Irish bagpipes and Irish dancers, as well as a multitude of floats from families and businesses across the region. You’ll see cheerleaders and drill teams, police and firemen and everything in between! In addition to the Parade, the adjoining family festival, which is located at S. Tryon Street between 3^rd Street and Stonewall Street, runs from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Not only does it feature performances by dancers and musicians, but it includes games and rides for children, a plethora of food and drink vendors (hello, green beer!) and many, many hand-crafted goods for purchase. Take the whole family and enjoy a day of fun!

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, remember that you don’t have to be green with envy at your friends traveling far and wide to revel in the fun because Charlotte has your holiday covered!

17 Must Do’s for Charlotteans in 2017 January 2, 2017

1. Bike, walk or run on the Sugar Creek Greenway : Start at the Metropolitan and make your way down to Freedom Park. Take advantage of Charlotte’s bike sharing program, too. The bikes have a large basket, perfect to fit an afternoon picnic!

2.Take a trip to the Carolinas Aviation Museum : Check out the wide array of planes and choppers, equipment and gadgets. Most notably, you’ll be able to see US Airways Flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson” plane flown by Captain Sully Sullenberg .

3. Explore nature at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden : Visit the local gardens at Daniel Stowe, and check out year-round beauty! With 380 acres of beautiful plants and land, HGTV has named this local spot one of the US’s “20 Great Gardens!”

4. Have an Olympic experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center : Whether you like rafting, paddle boarding, ziplining, walking trails or listening to live music, the USNWC has it all! Visit any time of the year for a fabulous, fun experience!

5. Brush up on history at the Levine Museum of the New South : Learn about the South’s rich, diverse history from the Civil War through today at this incredible Uptown Charlotte museum. Take the family for a full educational, interactive experience!

6. Hike your way up Crowder’s Mountain : Just about an hour outside of Charlotte, Crowder’s Mountain State Park offers incredible hiking and spectacular views of the Queen City. With varying difficulties and mileage, Crowder’s Mountain has trails for all!

7. Wind your way through Charlotte on a Brewery Tour : Charlotte’s brewery scene is booming, and there is no time like the present to check it out! From Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to Birdsong to Legion, and all those in between, Charlotte has a beer for anyone (over 21!). Just be sure to download the Uber app before heading out!

8. Shop and eat local at 7^th Street Public Market : Explore the 7^th Street Market to find a variety of local artisans, farmers and craftsmen selling delicious, affordable food every day of the week! Shop local, support local!

9. Take in the 21^st Annual Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade : Marching through the streets of Uptown, enjoy the Charlotte St. Patty’s Day parade whether you’re Irish or not! Enjoy native dancing, loads of street vendors and copious amounts of green beer! Don’t forget to bring the kids (and dogs!) as they are activities for all!

10. Test your driving skills at the NASCAR Hall of Fame : Charlotte is the proud home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, open since Spring of 2010, and filled with 150,000 square feet of NASCAR memorabilia and facts. From exhibits honoring the greats in the sport, to becoming a great yourself in the simulator, the Hall of Fame has something for everyone!

11. Check out the Charlotte Symphony at Summer Pops in the Park : Every Sunday in June, plus near the Fourth of July, the Charlotte Symphony rocks out at Symphony Park at Southpark! Grab a picnic basket and some friends (and a bottle of wine!), and post up to listen to the beautiful tunes of local artists!

12. Dine out during Charlotte Restaurant Week : Participate in Charlotte’s biannual restaurant week, Queen’s Fest! In January and July, participating restaurants come together and allow diners to enjoy a three course meal experience for just $30 – $35 each. A great opportunity to indulge in fine dining, without breaking the bank!

13. Cheer on our local teams – PanthersPanthers, Hornets, Knights, Checkers & Hounds! : Charlotte’s sport scene is incredible, and we are the proud home of NFL & NBA teams, as well as minor league baseball & hockey, and professional lacrosse! Share your Charlotte pride by rooting on the athletes who call the Queen City home!

14. Visit nearby Lakes Wylie & Norman : Few cities can say they are nestled right between two beautiful lakes, but Charlotte can! Whether you head south to Lake Wylie or north to Lake Norman, take a visit and enjoy the serenity of these beautiful waters!

15. Shop till you drop – and save – at the local outlet malls, Concord Mills & Charlotte Premium Outlets : Who doesn’t love a good shopping trip? And, who doesn’t love to save a pretty penny? Whether you’re off to Concord Mills or the Charlotte Premium Outlets, savor (and save!) in your shopping adventures at a multitude of fabulous stores.

16. Visit the Southern Shows  of Charlotte – the Southern Home & Garden Show, Southern Women’s Show, Southern Christmas Show, etc. : Charlotte is lucky enough to each year host a variety of “Southern Shows.”  From the Southern Home & Garden Show to begin the year in February, and the Southern Christmas Show to close the year in November, find an abundance of treasures and handmade treats from a host of unique vendors!

17. Fill your belly at Food Truck Friday : Food trucks have become a hot trend as of late, and Charlotte proudly hosts a weekly food truck festival in Plaza Midwood. Enjoy inspired, local eats in a fun, social setting!

Whatever you take part in this year, we hope you enjoy a 2017 filled with happiness and joy!

CHARLOTTE HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS October 21, 2016

Charlotte offers a plethora of paranormal activities for Halloween! Haunted Houses, from the fairly tame Scarowinds to the heart-pounding Haunted Mill, all your traditional favorite fear factor locations are waiting for you during October!

Charloteeans searching for suspense (without the screams) can also find frightful fun throughout the Charlotte area this month!

Blumenthal Arts presents THE ILLUSIONISTS October 21-23 at Oven’s Auditorium. Considered the world’s best magic show, seven magicians are prepared to awe and delight with their sophisticated art of deception!

Queen City Ghost Tours offers a historical scare, starting in Uptown Charlotte! Learn about ghostly visitors from the Revolutionary War to present-day, local haunted homes! Walking and driving tours are available.

Detectives of all ages will enjoy the Murder Mystery/Dinner –Evil Never Dies on October 22^nd. Intrigue and wine will dominate this whodunit evening at Cougar Run Winery! Help solve the mystery while enjoying a dinner catered by 2 Gals Kitchen.

Stretch your skeleton and move those muscles at the first annual Costume Dash on October 29^th. Dress in your Halloween costume and enjoy the fun run through South End! Costume contest, prizes, and after party at Draught Charlotte. Charitable sponsor is the American Cancer Society. NoDaWeen festival includes a Freaky 5K and a Pimp My Pumpkin competition. The 3^rd Annual Hound Dog Hustle is a way for you and your four-legged baby to enjoy the fall foliage! The 5k run/walk on Oct. 23^rd starts at 9:00 am and benefits the Carolina Bassett Hound Rescue. The Rescue saves homeless hounds from kill shelters.

Sophisticated spooks will find their inner fabulousness at The Duke Mansion’s Casino Party and Auction on October 28^th. Casino games, silent auction, dancing with delicious delectable created by executive Chef Harrison Booth. Midnight in the Garden at Historic Rosedale Planation offers an indoor and outdoor experience for all ghost busters! The Paranormal Grounds Investigation will be 6:30-8pm using technology in partnership with the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society. Real ghost stories and possible spirit contact continues in the Paranormal House Investigation, 9-11pM.

Halloween can be fun and educational! Plaza Midwood’s Fall Crawl Cankerworm Festival will be on Oct. 29^th, 9am-7pm. Tree banding supplies to get rid of those real-life creepy crawlies will be available from 9am-12pm. Enjoy the festivities including a costume parade, live music and libations from Birdsong Brewery. Dia De Los Muertos: Day of the Dead will be presented at the Levine Museum of the South on Sunday, November 1^st. Traditional foods, art and dances will have you transported to Mexico! Science on the Rocks Fright at the Museum will be at Discovery Place in Charlotte’s Uptown! This is an adult event with a live zombie dissection, live music, creepy crawly experiments and much more! October 21^st.

Fall is gorgeous in Charlotte. Enjoy outdoor Halloween festivities at Times Haunted Food Truck Festival on October 22^nd. Movies, food trucks, movies, and a costume contest will fill The Charlotte Open Air Market, 5471 Central Avenue. GUTS on October 22^nd at the BB&T Ballpark will be a pumpkin panic as carvers compete for the best jack lantern! A special “peoples choice” vote will have everyone cheering for his or her favorite! Benefits Make-A-wish foundation. Hall’s Family Farm is pumpkin picking fun for the entire family! Pumpkin Patch and hay rides ever day through October 31^st. Also catering to your little cowboys and cowgirls, Hodges Dairy Farm offers a child size maze, pony rides, farm animals for your little pumpkins. A short drive from Charlotte will have fall fun finders looking skyward! The Hot Air Balloon Fest featuring 50 hot air balloons, balloon flights, wine and craft beer tasting, kids zone and much more in Statesville! October 21-23rd

The Queen City s a hotbed for a heart-ponding, happy Halloween. Get on your ghoul on by running, riding, dancing, and eating your way through an October bursting with fun in Charlotte!

http://www.southcharlotteliving.com

 

 

 

 

CHARLOTTE HOPS WITH LOCAL BREWERIES October 7, 2016

Charlotte beer enthusiasts are satisfying their need for suds by flocking to one of many local breweries located throughout the Queen City. No matter your brew bias, Charlotte’s craft beer scene will make your hoppin’ stout and your barley pop!

Local breweries are offering special events during the fall months!

The 6^th Annual Brewer’s Ball will be in the heart of Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, October 15^th at Discovery Place. Favorite, top-rated restaurants, distilleries and breweries will be serving up hope for a cure for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Sample and sip while carousing silent and live auctions.

Sycamore Brewery presents Brisket and Brewery Fest on October 15th. The festivities will be 12pm -11pm at 2161 Hawkins Street. OooWee BBQ, Queen City Q and Spoons BBQ Food Truck will provide the brisket. Bluegrass bands will be Dear Brother, The Clyde’s, and Mountain Feist. Also at Sycamore on October 20th, Save A Paw’s Halloween Party! Save A Paw is dedicated to adoptions, prevention of animal abuse and promotion of rescue groups.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company  IPA release party will be on Saturday, October 15th. Souther State of Mind is a pale ale collaboration between Southern Tier and Sugar Creek. This family friendly event will include Live music, a chance to rub elbows with the brew team, Southern bbq and corn maze.

D9 Brewery will host the 2016 Seeing Is Believing fundraiser on October 16th. The watching party for the Panthers vs. Saints will have BBQ and brews to quench your thirst, fill your tummy and help prevent avoidable blindness! d9brewery.com

Matthews Chamber Fall Fest Craft Beer Crawl and Corn Hole Tournament will be held on October 22nd, 12pm-5pm. Saunter on out to Harley Davidson of Charlotte on Independence Boulevard for local craft beers, live music, food vendors and corn hole! Beers that only meet the Brewers Association of Craft Beer standards will be served. Proceeds benefit Matthews Free Clinic.

Charlotte Brews Cruise began in 2013 and is still a favorite! The cruise is a safe and relaxed way to sample local beers, explore and support local brewers! Public tours are Saturdays and private tours can be arranged for any day of the week. Discounts for designated drivers.

Charlotte offers the always fun, pedal-powered Trolley Pub to as a way to explore! The private tour tours are two hours and explore NoDa and Uptown breweries. The mixer tour is a per-person charge and the crawl includes NoDa breweries and restaurants. Family friendly tours are available!

Also pedal-powered, Uptown Bikes and Brews is a fun, bicycle tour! Cycle through some of Charlotte’s trendiest neighborhoods and sip some samples at local breweries including: Robot, Sycamore Brewery, Growler’s Pub and Triple C!

All About Beer Magazine at BB&T Ballpark will host Beer Quest on November 19th, 1-5pm. Beers will be presented in paths, separated by beer style for patrons to explore. Paths will include: Hoppy and Curious, Fizzy Yellow Greatness, The Dark Path and Not 4 Noobs.

The Queen City offers more than two-dozen unique, craft beer locations and each brew master is vying to be King of the quench! Drink and support local business by enjoying a peppery pint, grainy growler or smooth stein at Charlotte’s microbrewery and micro pub scene!

Try : Wooden Robot Brewery   Sycamore Brewing   Triple C Brewing Company    Sugar Creek Brewing Company    NoDa Brewing Company     Free Range Brewing Company                     Lenny Boy Brewing Company   Heist Brewery   Birdsong Brewing Company                              The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery    D9 Brewing Company    Bayne Brewing Company 

http://www.southcharlotteliving.com

 

 

 

 

HOT CHARLOTTE STAYS COOL August 5, 2016

Charlotte is a beautiful city, a lot in part due to its distinct change of seasons. There’s no dull monotony of too-long winters or never-ending heat in Charlotte! Queen Charlotte maintains her weather schedule with strict attention to detail, allowing her people to plan activities and wardrobes accordingly! The heat of summer is upon us and because Charlotte is so wonderfully located, cooling off ,in and out of the city, is a easy as (a frozen, peach) pie!

Ocean breezes are just a few hours drive from Charlotte! People all have their favorites, from Isle of Palms and Folly in the Charleston area to the sands of Cherry Grove and Litchfield in Myrtle beach. Charlotte locals can be seen with their OBX stickers swearing allegiance to the Outer Banks, while others have the HH for Hilton Head on their bumpers. Wilmington offers a charming, breezy beach opportunity at its popular Wrightsville and Carolina beaches. Dip your toes in the water, grab a cool drink and play to your heart’s content at one of the plethora of beaches just a very short trip from Charlotte!

Who doesn’t love the amazingly beautiful Carolina Mountains?! Always about ten degrees cooler than the metropolitan areas, the mountains are just a couple hours away. Blowing Rock is a two hour drive and a favorite for families! Ride the train at Tweetsie Railroad, and visit the mysterious winds of the Blowing Rock. Just up the road, past the city of Boone, swimming holes abound for those wanting an alternative to the cement ponds. Hebron Rock Colony is a natural rock formation about 20 minutes away from Boone. Large boulders, small waterfalls and multiple swimming holes can be found there. Trash Can Falls features cascading falls and a few jumps ranging from 15 to 30 feet high. The Falls are off 321, right past the Watauga River Bridge. Snake Pit is in the same vicinity as Trash Can. Snake Pit provides visitors with a large area to swim  and multiple flat boulders make it possible to sunbathe. Sliding Rock is literally a sliding rock! Slide down the smooth rock into the crisp, mountain water! Sliding rock is located just north of Brevard. Hooker Falls is in the DuPont State forest and offers a great tubing experience while listening to the peaceful sounds of a waterfall. Lake Lure offers sandy beaches with mountain views! Near Chimney Rock, hiking in the cool of the morning and splashing in the refreshing water in the afternoon is a heavenly way to enjoy summertime!

Stay in the gorgeous green of the Queen City and have some fun to escape the high summer temps! Charlotte is always regionally prepared for her seasons and offers cool summer activities to beat the heat! Parks in Charlotte most appropriately turn on the water during the warm sunny days of summer!

Romare Bearden Park is located in the heart of the city! Open, grass fields offered a casual play area (just recently spotted casually kicking balls on the grass were international soccer players from the 2016 International Champion Cup being played at Bank of America stadium) and a fountain/waterfall area for the kids to splash and play! Quiet gardens and benches are strategically located for peaceful relaxation! Latta Splash Park in Dilworth is located just in sight of the Charlotte skyline! The splash park is directly next to the playground area and makes this park especially convenient for the young families! Green, the Splash Park is Uptown at the popular The Green area. Art, statues and restaurants are all within this metropolitan, three-tiered lawn area! Towering fish fountains supply a steady stream of cold water for a romp in the splash area. Carolina Harbor Water Park at Carowinds offers all sorts of water activities from a six story high water slide to a Myrtle Turtle pre-school beach area!

Tastebuds have their own requisites during the summer! Satisfying that summer palate most likely includes something cool, creamy, bubbly and delicious! Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop in Southend offers custom made milkshakes, malts, New York Style egg creams and old fashioned ice cream sodas! Sit and share a milkshake at the very same counter as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black in in the movie SHALLOW HAL! Go local and fresh at the Elizabeth Creamery. Owned and operated by the lovely Kims, this mom and pop ice cream will have you loving your brain freeze! King of Pops are popsicles for the sophisticated palate! Tracking down the location of this frozen treat is a must for sweating Charlotteans! Yummy flavors range from white chocolate peppermint to peppermint mojito.

Mojito popsicles are delicious, but if you prefer to refresh with drinks in liquid form,Charlotte is home to over two dozen breweries with many more in the planning stages!  The Brewery Crawl in South End is the ticket to sampling several breweries in one night! Twelve stops allow you to hop the breweries, including tastings from Triple C Brewery (who welcomes your four-legged friends on the back patio) to The Unknown Brewing company. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery,Charlotte’s very first brewery, opened in 2009! Enjoy the outside Biergarten or dine in at the Brauhaus. Take a tour of the operations and events are always a part of the Olde Meck scene, everything from yoga to the upcoming LOSO BLOCK PARTY  includes a frosty, tall one!  Food Truck Friday in Charlotte now has more than 14 trucks, including the Sycamore Brewing Company.Grab a bite and wash it down with a cold brew!

Charlotte sizzles with summer cool downs just a short drive away or minutes down the road. Hop on the trolley, jump in the car or walk down the street to enjoy the advantageous centralization of a hopping city surrounded by beach and mountain escapes!

http://www.southcharlotteliving.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARLOTTE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE! June 28, 2016

 

Charlotte is lighting up with July 4th celebrations! Fireworks, parades, sports and fun are sure to bring in Independence Day with a Bang!

WBT Skyshow at the BB&T ballpark will begin with a street festival including a Ferris Wheel, kids activities and live entertainment. The Charlotte Knights will play the Pawtucket Red Sox with a tremendous fireworks display after the game!

Tega Cay Fourth of July Celebration will start on solid ground with a Land Parade. Water activities include a Canoe Joust and Boat Parade. A Fish Fry and Fireworks finish out the fun!

Lake Wylie will also offer a water fireworks show! Best views are TBones on the Lake, on the water near the Buster Boyd Bridge and from the parking lot near Rey Aztecka.

The USNWhite Water Center will celebrate July 3-4th with live music and fireworks.Bring the lawn chairs and picnic blankets!

The Charlotte Symphony will celebrate Fourth of July at Symphony Park in the Southpark area, on July 1st. Liberty Fanfare, Armed Forces Salute, This Land is Your Land, and America the Beautiful are among the beloved patriotic pieces the Symphony will present in celebration of Independence Day. Fireworks will light up the night for the encore!

Red, White and Boom will be on July 3rd. Join the fun in Old Town, in Rock Hill with a Kids Zone, food, free concert and fireworks!

The People’s Parade in Matthews invites everyone to a parade of bikes, scooters and wagons on July 2nd! Bike/wagon decorating begins at 5pm in front of Town Hall and decorations will be provided.
Parade begins at 5:30pm at Town Hall and activities at Stumptown Park begin at 6pm, concert at 7pm. Food vendors will be onsite.

Waxhaw 4th of July Celebration will be in downtown Waxhaw on Saturday, July 2nd! The parade begins at 10 a.m., the Beach party 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and fireworks display at dusk.

Patriotic runners can race for a cause and race for the fun on Fourth of July weekend!

Fourth of July Firecracker Run raises money for Common Heart Food Pantry! The race features a a 1K, Kids Firecracker Dash, two timed races and a patriotic costume contest. At the Village of Lake Park in Union County.

The Famous Toastery American 4 Miler presented by Novant Health supports local business offering made in America products. The running fun begins in Dilworth and ends at Famous Toastery-Dilworth.

Charlotte Firecracker 5k on July 3rd will take runners through the Olde Providence Neighborhood. After the race, live music will be provided at Windyrush Country Club.

Show your patriotism with a red, white and true blue celebration in Charlotte! Applaud your freedom and living in the USA by cherishing the moments with family and friends in the beautiful Queen City!

 

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CHARLOTTE CELEBRATES DAD! June 16, 2016

 

Charlotte is beautiful in June and offers the perfect setting for celebrating dad! Outdoor activities abound in the Queen City on Father’s Day weekend and your dad is sure to enjoy fun with the entire family!

Every member of the family can hit the golf course at Adventure Landing mini golf! Dads play free on Sunday, June 19th. Enjoy all the fun and games offered at the Pineville location!

Lake Norman is the most popular water destination for Charlotteans! On Friday, June 17th the Charlotte Symphony will perform its Summer Spirit Series in the idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Norman. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or enjoy the concessions as Dad sits back and enjoys movie scores as well as classical music. Boating dads can anchor in the Energy Explorium Cove. Also in the Lake Norman area, dads who love to race will have fun at the Race Pit Kart Racing.Dads race free on June 19th!

Ray’s Splash Planet offers fun in the sun while staying cool in the pool! Dads splash for free on Father’s Day at this exciting water park!

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is offering dads and families an especially masculine day in the gardens! Along with strolling the beautiful garden paths, dads can enjoy a classic car show, beer tasting and live music! Food trucks and hands-on activities for the family will also be available!

The National Whitewater Center offers all outdoor activities Father’s Day weekend, including The Brew Stash Bash on Saturday, the 18th! The Brew Dash Competitive Heat at 9:00am, followed by the Brew Stash Breakfast at 10:00am will begin the morning’s activities. Music, and regional and national craft beer tasting begins at 1:00pm.

Take me out to the ballgame! The Charlotte Knights will be playing the Indianapolis Indians on June 19th at the BB&T Ballpark. All dads are invited to a pre game catch on the fields!

Ride, splash, run and drive your way through a fantastically fun Father’s Day! Celebrate your dad in the great outdoors of the Queen City!

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