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We moved to Mint Hill 2 1/2 weeks ago and want to leave our charming little town for an afternoon/evening out (we're sick of unpacking). There's 3 of us- 2 parents and an 8 year old who's interested in everything. We hit Discovery place last week. We're looking for some other things to do. We don't mind a little drive. I'd love to hear your suggestions.
The Whitewater Center is great fun! They have hiking trails, bike trails, whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing walls, zip lines... or, if you just want to sit & watch watercraft go by, you can eat on the deck of the River's Edge Bar & Grill and do so! There's a $5 charge for parking, and trails are free, the other activities require a purchased pass.
Here are things a short drive from Charlotte we've enjoyed:
Lazy 5 Ranch - It's a drive-through animal park with giraffes, zebras, watusis, goats, ostriches... We've gone with a group several times, so we've used the "hayride", I've never just driven through. The animals are very well cared-for. It's in Mooresville, about a 45 minute drive from Charlotte.
Biltmore Estate - Lovely mansion built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. I thought I wouldn't enjoy touring a mansion, but it is exquisite, and you get a feel for George's sense of beauty. The gardens are *amazing*, they would be beautiful this time of year. This is in Asheville, so it's more of a day or weekend trip.
Carolina Raptor Center - Dedicated to the preservation & rehabilitation of raptors/birds of prey. They have programs where you can meet owls, eagles, hawks, falcons and other birds, or you can just visit & take a self-guided tour on their nature trail. It's in Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, which is also a wonderful place to visit. Latta Plantation is a living history farm & 1800s cotton plantation. You can tour the home & farm. The Nature Preserve (http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/InsideTheDepartment/Divisions/StewardshipServices/NaturePreserves/Pages/Latta.aspx#history - broken link) has hiking trails, a backyard garden habitat, fishing, horseback trails, a nature center. It's right on Mountain Island Lake, in the northwestern part of the county.
There's lots more, but I need to get to work! Welcome to the area!!
Hiddenite is a Emerald mine in Hiddenite, NC off of I40-Went there on Mother's Day had a great time being outdoors-found some cool stones. Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville is my all time favorite-we take everyone who visits us there!!
Charlotte Knights in Ft. Mill, right off of I-77. Fan Fest in on 4/2, an exhibition game with the UNCC Baseball team on 4/5 & opening day is 4/7. They have fireworks every Sat. night. General admission is $8 a ticket.
The Whitewater Center is great fun! They have hiking trails, bike trails, whitewater rafting, kayaking, climbing walls, zip lines... or, if you just want to sit & watch watercraft go by, you can eat on the deck of the River's Edge Bar & Grill and do so! There's a $5 charge for parking, and trails are free, the other activities require a purchased pass.
Dang! CharlotteGal beat me to it!
We just went over there for the first time 2 weeks ago and I cannot wait to go again!!! Oh, and, if you have a dog, it's dog friendly, too!!!
A link to some pix I took while we were over there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lzaras/sets/72157626127568059/ (broken link)
Last edited by LakesideAnnie; 03-24-2011 at 09:36 AM..
Reason: added link to photos.
I agree with the White Water idea. However, don't bring the dog if you want to zip line or kayak as a family...someone will have to sit out with the pooch!
Another idea? Head up to Davidson. It is a cute little town. You can get ice cream, throw a frisbee around on the grass right there in town and visit the little bookstore. It is a nice place to just relax and people watch. But with an 8 year old, you will want the frisbee!!
Freedom Park is also a great place to let him play (go to the playground with the 'train') and to walk and picnic as a family.
Finally, as soon as it opens head to a Knights game (local AAA baseball team). It is fun, cheap and very, very family oriented!
Finally, as soon as it opens head to a Knights game (local AAA baseball team). It is fun, cheap and very, very family oriented!
There's also a really great playground at the stadium - my youngest doesn't care to sit & watch the game at all, so I'd hang out with him on the playground when he was younger. It seems like it was really big, but I might remember it that way 'cause he was quite small the last time we went!
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