Best kept secrets!!!! (Charlotte, Gastonia, Hickory: buy, theatre, college)

[anifani821]

What's your "best kept secret" about this region?

It might be a restaurant, or a favorite state park, or a great little lake . . .

Might be a wonderful art gallery or museum . . .

Could be a theatre or a bookstore or an antiques shop . . .

So share your best kept secret!

I just found out there is a "real" Hanes outlet somewhere in Gastonia! So someone has been keeping that secret . . . now to figure out where it is.

One of my favorite spots is Bass Lake, near Blowing Rock. Delightful place to walk, lovely scenery.

What do you know about that the rest of us might enjoy discovering?

[pink caddy]

Leggs Hanes Bali Factory Outlet, 203 West Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28081 - Kudzu.com Profile

[getatag]

Cane Creek Park

Di-Di's Diner on 521 for lunch

JAAR's center Waxhaw

Union County AG center in Wingate

Peach Stand on the left going east on 74 before the Hamlet bypass. Best homemade peach ice cream in the world.

[InSouthPark]

Lazy 5 Ranch. Greatest hidden thing to do with a kid (or adult). I lived in Charlotte 9 years before I heard about the lazy 5 ranch!

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by johne482

Leggs Hanes Bali Factory Outlet, 203 West Ave, Kannapolis, NC 28081 - Kudzu.com Profile

Thanx, John! But no . . . this is an actual outlet attached to a factory (on-site) where the REAL bargains are, as in seconds . . .

In the past, b/f our textile factories basically shut down, locals knew where to go to get "real" factory outlet goods. These were typically "hole in the wall" type establishments or a room attached to the factory in some cases - where the "oops" type merchandise could be found for pennies on the dollar.

I patronized many of these out of the way places starting in the early 70s, while still in college. Back in the "good old days," I could get clothing as well as household goods literally for pennies on the dollar. These spots were not advertised in any way. If you didn't know someone who worked there or had a friend who told you where to go, you simply would never have known they existed.

One of my favorites was in Hickory, where I got top of the line goods, including short ends of designer fabric. After I moved to Kansas, I would fly into the Hickory airport specifically to stay an extra day b/f heading to Blowing Rock - just so I could buy household goods f/ my favorite factory outlet. This included everything from brand name goods to fabric - including Ralph Lauren items.

Those days are gone!

But I heard there is still a factory in operation in Gastonia (Hanes) and they have a warehouse or office type building where they sell goods at big mark down. I am curious to find out if this is one of the surviving "real" outlets.

[himain]

My friend just told me about the Lazy 5 ranch. I plan on going next weekend. Sounds awesome and I want to support the cause!

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by getatag

Cane Creek Park

Di-Di's Diner on 521 for lunch

JAAR's center Waxhaw

Union County AG center in Wingate

Peach Stand on the left going east on 74 before the Hamlet bypass. Best homemade peach ice cream in the world.

I have had the ice cream at the peach stand! You are right - outstanding!

But the rest of your "best kept secrets," sadly - have not tried. I have intended to check out Cane Creek Park for a long time and this reminded me to do it this summer!!!

Thanks so much!

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by InSouthPark

Lazy 5 Ranch. Greatest hidden thing to do with a kid (or adult). I lived in Charlotte 9 years before I heard about the lazy 5 ranch!

I only found out about it b/c my sister told me. I had no idea it was here.

[sophialee]

Wishbone Diner in Monroe, super tiny little place, been open about a year, best BLTs I've ever had, real mashed potatoes, good country fried steak, cheap prices.

Don't go when it's busy, and don't expect a fancy restaurant and you'll be happy.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by sophialee

Wishbone Diner in Monroe, super tiny little place, been open about a year, best BLTs I've ever had, real mashed potatoes, good country fried steak, cheap prices.

Don't go when it's busy, and don't expect a fancy restaurant and you'll be happy.

Thanx, SL! It sounds like my kind of place - LOVE country fried steak . . .