Where to you go .... (Charlotte, Winston-Salem: coupon, house, theater)

[Mariwithani]

My sons & I will be visiting North Caroline for about 8 days in mid-December. We would love to experience the true flavor of NC; not visit all the tourist spots.

So, would you please let us know you & your families favorite spots? Where do you take your out-of-town visitors? Where do you go for great BBQ and sweet potatoe pie? What diner has the grits, collard greens and Southern fried chicken that's to die for? What annual Christmas events does your family take in? Where is that little local theater that puts on the best Christmas Carol every year? Well, you get the idea. And, last but not least, what Bible-preaching church should we attend on Sunday?

We are open to hear from all regions of NC. We will review your suggestions to help plan our trip. Thank you so much, Mari :-D

[erineieio]

For BBQ, try any diner in Lexington for the red slaw and ketchup based BBQ... then for a different twist on BBQ, head east for vinegar based BBQ.

Even though it's a usual tourist stop, Builtmore House in Asheville is a great place to visit! There's also the lights festival in Tanglewood (Clemmons/Winston-Salem) if you've got an evening free.

Hope that you have a great visit to NC!

[erineieio]

I was looking at an NC magazine while waiting on an oil change & found a few more interesting ideas for you...

~ Moravian Love Feast / Candle Tea (Old Salem in Winston-Salem or any of the neighboring moravian churches in that area)
The web-site for Old Salem is www.oldsalem.org and there's even a coupon if you'd like to take the tour of the town, etc. There's plenty to do and see for free too. The love feasts / candle teas are free. Go early, the churches fill up fast!



~ 20th Annual Return to Bethlehem (http://www.abccm.org/events.html (broken link))
December 7-10 Thurs. & Fri.: 6-8:30; Saturday: 2-8:30; Sunday 2-6
Groce United Methodist, 954 Tunnel Rd.
Special "journey of the heart" that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Return to Bethlehem is a live action drama, taking you through the experience of the exotic little town's marketplace as it was on the day Christ was born. The production features a cast in authentic costumes, live animals and a story that will instill the Christmas spirit in your heart.



~ Polar Express or Polar Express Dining Train (http://www.polarexpressride.com/) in many cities across NC
Get on Board! Next Stop: The North Pole!
Take The Polar Express™ train ride at a railroad near you.
Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, and the run-away hit movie starring Tom Hanks produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., and coordinated by Rail Events, Inc., this classic holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride to the North Pole.
“All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with cocoa and cookies served on board the train, followed by a reading of The Polar Express™ by Chris Van Allsburg.
Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own jingle bell, just like in the story. There will be caroling on board the train as your trip returns to the depot. This is a holiday ride the entire family will enjoy.

[friendnc]

Visit Biltomre Estate in Asheville. VERY beautiful at Christmas.

Also visit McAdenville (Between Charlotte and Gastonia on I-85). It's a little colonial-type town where the whole town lights up for Christmas. It's very beautiful and it's free.

As far as church, my church (First Assembly) here in Concord (NE of Charlotte on I-85) would be happy to have you (Sun. 9:15 & 11am and 6pm). On Fri. 12/8 7pm, Sat. 12/9 3 & 7pm amd Su. 12/10 3 & 7pm we're having a huge Christmas production "Four Tickets to Christmas". It's free and you'll LOVE it. Saw the preview last week and it was great!

[ForeverAStudent]

If you're into random road trip- type things-
While in Lexington, hop over to Thomasville, ask anyone in Lexington, but basically you take 109 over there. In downtown Thomasville, there is a like 15 ft tall chair. It's just funny to me because it's placed so randomly in the middle of the town square. But, yeah, it's like a 15 min. drive (give or take) from Lexington.

[MariGirl]

Old Salem (Winston-Salem area) is really lovely at Christmastime.