Holiday Day Trips from Charlotte (Winston-Salem, Asheville: wood floors, for sale, house)

[SunnyKayak]

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas5/9.gif (broken link)
I thought I would compose a list of places to visit for those who need to get out of the Charlotte area for a day trip and see a true North Carolina Holiday Season. Feel free to share your great ideas for a getaway for the holidays just for a day

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas3/4.gif (broken link) Lexington estimated time from Charlotte 1 hour

Bob Timberlake Gallery
If you are a fan of this native artwork then you will love this gallery.
The gallery showcases his early days to present furniture and home designs.
Decorted nicely for the holiday season it is worth the stop.
Bob Timberlake | Store Locations

Lexington Uptown
Welcome to Uptown Lexington - In The News still has it historic charm with shops with classic tin ceilings and some stores with original wood floors. Lots of great specialty shops from clothing, gifts, and unique candy at the Candy Factory. Also checkout the beautiful homes alone 3rd Street to fifth street from the 1920's era
Dont forget to pick up your bag of candy made in Lexington.
The Candy Factory, Uptown Lexington - Candies, Chocolate, Peppermints, Mallo Cups, Sugarfree, Nostalgic Candy, Retro Candy (http://www.sweettoothgifts.com/index.cfm - broken link)

If you hate fighting the mall and department store crowds stop in
Lanier Hardware
and Im sure you will find gifts you thought of and the unthinkable. I personally think they have more variety of items available than a Walmart. I never have shopped there and had to deal with a crowd.
I like heading back in the toy section and they still have toys we once grew up with for sale. There statement "If we don’t have it and we can’t get it, you don’t need it" Home

End your day and pick up some holiday cheer and view
Childress Vineyards
Nestled at the gateway of the Yadkin Valley, Childress Vineyards is planted on 65 acres of fertile farmland Childress Vineyards

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas3/4.gif (broken link) Winston Salem estimated travel time 1 to 1.5 hours

Old Salem
Moravian holiday events and performances in Winston-Salem (http://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/holiday/2007/moravian.html - broken link)
experience a 19th Century style Christmas in this moravian village
Dont forget to pick up authentic Moravian Cookies and experience a true candlelight tour Welcome to Old Salem -- find yourself in another time and place

Reynolda House Holiday Tours
Reynolda House
Visitors may tour 3 mansions: Reynolda House, Graylyn, and SECCA, as well as Reynolda Village and Reynolda Gardens. Each property will have entertainment amid beautiful holiday decorations. Transportation between venues provided

Hanes Mall
Once the states largest mall is also home to a working carousel on the lower level.
A great fun place to shop. I always seem to find more parking available near Sears.
Hanes Mall

Tanglewood Festival of Lights
This has to be best light display in the state. Well worth the trip.
Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights continues to be one of the largest and most spectacular light shows in the entire southeast. From storybook scenes to Holiday themes, over one hundred displays and over a million lights fill Tanglewood Park with the entire splendor and joy of the Holiday season Forsyth County > Tanglewood Park > Festival of Lights (http://www.forsyth.cc/tanglewood/fol_info.aspx - broken link)

http://bestsmileys.com/christmas3/4.gif (broken link) Asheville estimated time 2.5 to 3 hours

Biltmore House
America's largest home—will be brimming with more than 30 Christmas trees, holiday music, and miles of garland Christmas at Biltmore Estate, Asheville

Christmas Time in Victoria.
Smith McDowell House: Each room is decorated with boughs of magnolias, live trees and garland.
“Oh, Lord, Remember Me!” - Exhibit at the Smith-McDowell House Museum (http://www.wnchistory.org/museum/index.htm - broken link)

Polar Express
Enjoy a dinner train ride near Maggie Valley and experience the Polar Express
http://www.gsmr.com/Documents/07PolarExperss.pdf (broken link)

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[SunnyKayak]

Castle McCulloch Jamestown, North Carolina
November 30th - December 23rd
Approximate travel time from Charlotte One hour 20 to One Hour 45 Minutes.

Enjoy the old world beauty of this magnificent Castle adorned with timeless Christmas treasures.
Santa and Christmas Castle, Specialty Crafters, A Family Food Court, 1 hour inside and outside walk-thru show, 40 live singers/actors from around the world, Santa Photos, Elfland and more than 15 acres of lights, a 22ft. singing Christmas Tree. Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and oh so much more. Sunday evenings are designated as Family, Stroller and Walking-Impaired Nights, when the trail will be slightly altered to make a smoother walk/ride for those who may need a slightly easier trail.

From Charlotte:
Take 1-85 North to Exit 113 (Highway 62), turn left onto 62, then turn right onto Kersey Valley Road. Take Kersey Valley Road to Kivett Drive and turn right onto Kivett Drive. Castle Main Entrance is located approximately 1-block further on the left.

Festival Schedule:
North Carolina Public Festivals and Shows - Medieval Festivals, Renaissance Fairs, and more (http://www.castlemcculloch.com/festivals.asp?id=4 - broken link)

Video of the event
http://www.castlemcculloch.com/images/videos/christmas2006.wmv (broken link)