Hanging Rock State Park Upper Cascades Hiking Trail in Danbury NC

Hiking Trails and Waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park ©Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury, North Carolina, offers a nice variety of small waterfalls with hiking trails that work well for those who wish to introduce kids to the world of hiking and the love of natural beauty. Hanging Rock does not have an entrance fee, and the parking lot and welcome center with bathroom facilities and a beautiful view is located conveniently nearby. Hearing the rush of water and seeing nature's beauty cascading in a rush of water at the trail's end can be thrilling for kids and adults!

Upper Cascades Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock in Danbury ©Katrena

The Upper Cascades Trail at Hanging Rock offers quick gratification as walkers only need to cross a road and hike 0.2 mile. Strollers, wheelchairs, and crutches do not work well on this trail as it is heavily graveled. No bathroom facilities are located along the trail, but this is a good one to try first with the kids as it is the shortest and is not a steep climb. A large rock along the side of the trail works well for a resting spot and photo opportunity.

Hike to Waterfall at Hanging Rock State Park in NC ©Katrena

The Upper Cascades trail ends with entrance to a large overlook of the Upper Cascades. My kids enjoyed the view long enough to discover that they could get close and personal with the waterfall itself by heading down the stairs from the overlook. Ah, the joy of splashing at the base of a waterfall! This area drew the kids like a magnet and would have probably held them there for an hour or longer. This can be a fun time of discovery and time together. You might want to pack extra clothes so that the kids can enjoy this deliciously beautiful and short hiking trail at Hanging Rock.

Upper Cascades Hiking Trail at Hanging Rock in Stokes County ©Katrena

Hanging Rock State Park is located in Stokes County, North Carolina and is one of my personal favorite parks in North Carolina. Visitors can easily spend a day or even several days at this park and enjoy active fun together. The hike to Upper Cascades is free, but the return can be priceless memories. You can also enjoy the lake with swimming available during summer months, a wide variety of hiking trails, other waterfalls, and a campground.

Fun Things to See and Do in North Carolina offers a nice overview of Hanging Rock State Park. See the Hanging Rock State Park web site for directions, a map of the park, and more. Find more of my articles and pictures at the Travel NC With Kids site map.

McAdenville NC – See an Entire Town Decked Out in Christmas Lights!

McAdenville Christmas Lights © Katrena

McAdenville, a small town in Gaston County, illuminates nearly the entire town for others to enjoy through self-guided riding or walking tours in December. This beautiful light show, featuring over 375 trees adorned with more than 450,000 red, green, and white lights along a 2-mile stretch near exit 22 on I-85 offers visitors a free Christmas light show each evening from December 1 through December 26 each year. Visitors can enjoy the lights between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 5:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Christmas Town USA in Gaston County NC © Katrena

Free Christmas Light Show in McAdenville NC © Katrena

Wait times are generally longer on weekends, but this can be a fun time to listen to Christmas music on the radio and share Christmas memories. Those who wish to walk through town may park in one of three locations for free:

• Behind McAdenville Baptist Church
• Behind the Village Restaurant on Main Street
• Parking lot beside the lake

Christmas Lights in North Carolina © Katrena

Christmas Lights Near Charlotte NC © Katrena

We took exit #27 going south on I-85 and came in from that direction on a busy weekend night. In hindsight, I would have stayed in the left lane on US 29-74 and turned left at the Burger King and simply walked through the town from there.

McAdenville Christmas Lights at the Lake © Katrena

Enjoy Christmas Lights and Music in McAdenville

The McAdenville light tradition began in 1956 when nine trees were lit at the suggestion of the McAdenville Men's Club and the December Christmas light show has grown throughout the years. The McAdenville Christmas trees range from six to ninety feet with each tree displaying between 500 and 5,000 red, white, and green lights to celebrate the traditional colors of the Christmas season.

See Houses Decorated with Christmas Lights © Katrena

Free Christmas Activities in Gaston County NC © Katrena

Preparations for the annual Christmas light show in McAdenville begin in August, and each year the winner of the McAdenville Elementary School contest gets the honor of turning the switch to kick off the light show on December 1.

Christmas Town USA in North Carolina

In addition to the lights, visitors can also see over 200 wreaths, a manger scene, Santa and reindeer, Old Man Winter, life-sized carolers, and an illuminated fountain at the lake. Riders may wish to open windows to hear the recorded music at the caroler display. Christmas carols also ring from the Pharr Family YMCA and the McAdenville Baptist Church.

Christmas Hayride in McAdenville with Santa © Katrena

Town with Tons of Christmas Lights © Katrena

The town has decided to add a Christmas Town Festival with entertainment slated for the first three Saturdays in December starting in 2011. Town residents also add to the quaint Christmas light show by decorating their doors and porches, and the atmosphere is bright and festive as McAdenville transforms itself into Christmas Town USA for the first 26 days of December each year. We saw several hayrides going through with Santa entertaining the crowd in back.

McAdenville Christmas Light Show in North Carolina © Katrena

Fun Family Activities for Christmas Break © Katrena

I have enjoyed driving through McAdenville to see this wonderful free Christmas light display several times, and each time has been such a treat for the adults and kids. What is particularly nice about this display is that it represents a cumulative effort of an entire town. See more information about McAdenville or Christmas Town USA at their official web site.

Readers may wish to learn about other fun family-friendly events in North Carolina as well!

Rowan Memorial Park Luminaries First Saturday in December

Christmas Luminaries in Rowan County Cemetery ©Katrena

Many people look to the holidays with mixed emotions, especially after the loss of someone close. Rowan Memorial Park in Salisbury, North Carolina offers a beautiful, simple way in which to celebrate the Christmas season with their annual luminary service at the cemetery.

Enjoy Beautiful Luminaries on First Saturday in December at Rowan Memorial Park ©Katrena

Each year on the first Saturday of December, Rowan Memorial Park becomes an amazing site as hundreds of luminaries light up the cemetery. They offer a short memorial service in the chapel behind the lake. The public is welcome to drive through to see the lights, to walk among the sites, and to attend the service. This event is free.

Christmas Memorial Service at Rowan Memorial Park ©Katrena

Cemeteries can be a place of quiet contemplation and often lack the hoopla that tends to accompany many of the commercialized Christmas celebrations. Much time is put into preparing and lighting the huge number of white bag luminaries at Rowan's cemetery located on Highway 601 just a few miles north of Catawba College.

Find Ways to Enjoy True Meaning of Christmas ©Katrena

Those who are driving through the Rowan County cemetery may wish to use parking lights only while slowly driving up and down the paved lanes. Those who wish to walk around the cemetery will find beautiful artwork, memorials, flowers, and may catch a glimpse of the ducks and geese at the pond. A few areas have benches.

Simple Way to Enjoy Christmas Season & Remember Loved Ones ©Katrena

The Rowan Memorial Park luminary service is offered at 6:00 p.m. on the first Saturday in December. This year's date is Saturday, December 3, 2011. Although the holidays may be bittersweet for many, this beautiful, serene sight may serve visitors well in setting the tone for a Christmas season that is focused on the people who are present and those who have left a wonderful legacy.

Christmas Candles at Rowan Memorial Park in Salisbury NC ©Katrena

Old Salem NC Holiday Open House Offers Great Christmas Sneak Peek!

Old Salem in Forsyth County NC Offers Look at Moravian Culture ©Katrena

Step Back in Time at Old Salem in Winston-Salem NC ©Katrena

Old Salem, located in the heart of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, provides a step back in time as visitors can get a glimpse of Moravian culture of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Salem Holiday Open House is held annually on the second Saturday in November.

Trinity Moravian Church Bell Choir at Old Salem Holiday Open House ©Katrena

Those who are in the Christmas mood before Thanksgiving may enjoy the annual Old Salem Holiday Open House. Many people enjoy this annual event as a festive way to begin the Christmas season as visitors can speak to artisans, hear Christmas stories and live music, try making Christmas crafts, sample goodies, and more.

Christmas at Old Salem – Learn About Candle Tea ©Katrena

Old Salem also offers a wide variety of Christmas activities, such as:

• Christmas candlelight tours
• Symphony music, featuring Christmas music from the 19th century to present day
• Puppet shows with a Christmas theme
• Candle tea, held the first two weekends of December and hosted by Home Moravian Church
• Soulful Christmas, which features Christmas carols with a Motown style

Catch Christmas Spirit at Old Salem Holiday Open House ©Katrena

Guests of Old Salem may wish to purchase tickets to gain entrance to the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and for a self-guided walking tour of Historic Old Salem, in which visitors gain entrance into several buildings to learn more about Moravian culture while speaking with costumed historians.

Learn About Handmade Crafts at Old Salem in Forsyth County ©Katrena

Guests of the Old Salem tour will see and interact with historical interpreters as they learn through this unique walking historical museum. Another choice for seeing Old Salem is with via a horse-drawn carriage. Riders have the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the area during this unique guided tour.

Old Salem Artisans & Artists Teach as They Work ©Katrena

The general public may also enjoy walking among the various historical landmarks of Old Salem. Shops offer a nice variety of items such as Moravian stars, handmade soap, and bakery items. The Winkler Bakery, located at 521 South Main Street contains a huge oven that is approximately 200 years old.

Old Salem Bakery Has Huge 200-year-old Wood Heated Stove ©Katrena

The oven is still heated with wood, and can hold up to 98 loaves of bread. Visitors can smell the wonderful aroma of fresh baked bread and other goodies and perhaps get a free sample while enjoying a glimpse of a working oven from many years gone by.

God's Acre at Old Salem Offers Serene Atmosphere ©Katrena

Another must-see item on any tour of Old Salem is God's Acre, the Moravian cemetery. Visitors may stroll along this neatly trimmed and tranquil piece of land while admiring the beauty of nature. This peaceful place seems many miles away from the hustle and bustle of Winston-Salem.

Old Salem Cemetery Seems to Have a Pot of Gold in Its Midst! ©Katrena

Breathtaking Autumn Beauty at Old Salem North Carolina ©Katrena

In mid-November, those who stroll a short way into the Old Salem cemetery will be met with an awesome sight: a majestic Gingko tree that resembles a huge pot of gold when Fall colors are at their peak. The sight of this old tree is beyond what a mere camera can capture.

Horse Drawn Buggy Tour of Old Salem NC ©Katrena

Salem College is located in the Old Salem district, and Home Moravian Church schedules regular times in which the sanctuary is open to the general public. Several of the buildings at Old Salem are on the National Historic Landmark list, and the meticulous records of the Moravian people of the area have helped to preserve much of the history in Old Salem.

Artist Practicing His Craft at Old Salem NC ©Katrena

Those in wheelchairs or with strollers may need to avoid several of the sidewalks in the area as they are brick sidewalks and may have areas that are not level. Artists may frequent the walkways as Old Salem offers quite a few picturesque scenes, such as the famous waterpump on the square.

Huge Tin Coffee Pot at Old Salem ©Katrena

Visitors who are traveling back to Business 40 may notice a huge tin coffee pot a couple of blocks before crossing over the freeway. The coffee pot is said to have the capacity of 740 gallons and is now located in a traffic island that links Main Street, Brookstown Avenue, and Old Salem Road. This interesting landmark was made by Moravian brothers who owned a tin shop and is said to symbolize the joining of Winston and Salem, two towns that later merged to become Winston-Salem, NC.

Visitors with children may also wish to visit the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, which is conveniently located between Old Salem and Business 40. Those who are traveling west on Business 40 may be able to catch a glimpse of the 31-foot Moravian star atop Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's North Tower on the left just a few miles from Old Salem.

Visit the Old Salem web site for a calendar of events, directions, history, and more.

Christmas Parades in Rowan County NC – 2011 Dates & Times

2011 Dates & Times for Christmas Parades in Rowan County NC ©Katrena

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, many people in Rowan County, North Carolina are looking for a fun family get-together in the form of a Christmas parade. Actually, many of them are called holiday parades now, but I'll go out on a limb and call them Christmas parades since many of the floats, songs, and messages center on Christmas.

South Rowan Parade Tuesday Before Thanksgiving ©Katrena

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The South Rowan Parade is the earliest Christmas parade I could find in Rowan County. It is held on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

• Landis start time at 3:00 p.m.
• China Grove start time at 4:00 p.m.

This is a Christmas parade with a hometown feel and lots of candy. Many of the floats are handmade and lots of kids from the area participate. This is a great way to kick off the start of the Thanksgiving school vacation!

Salisbury Spencer Christmas Parade Day Before Thanksgiving ©Katrena

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The 52nd Annual Holiday Caravan Parade in Spencer and Salisbury, North Carolina is the day before Thanksgiving and will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011.

• Spencer start time at 2:00 p.m.
• Salisbury start time at 3:00 p.m.

If you want to see the parade at the earliest possible time, choose an area on the first part of the parade route in Spencer. The sun is often getting low near the later portions of the parade, particularly in Salisbury, so you may wish to select an area facing the east on certain areas along the route to avoid having the sun in one's eyes on sunny portions of the parade viewing areas.

Cleveland Christmas Parade 1st Saturday in December ©Katrena

Saturday, December 3, 2011

The 40th Annual Cleveland Christmas Parade is the first Saturday in December and will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011.

• Start time at 2:00 p.m.

My kids and I particularly enjoy the Cleveland Christmas parade because my sister and mom were very instrumental in creating this annual event. The organizers allow live animals in the Cleveland Christmas Parade and many participants give out loads of candy – bring a large bag or bucket unless you have huge pockets. I've seen everything from someone dressed like Dolly Pardon driving a manure spreader to someone riding a bull. You never know what to expect at the Cleveland Christmas Parade!

Kannapolis Christmas Festival for 2011 ©Katrena

In case you are looking for the Kannapolis Christmas nighttime parade, sources indicate that Kannapolis will not host their annual Christmas parade in 2011; however, the town will host a Kannapolis Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Village Park with events, crafts, petting zoo, inflatables, singing bears and more. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m.. This special day will mark the beginning of the 2011 season of the Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express Train at Village Park.

Christmas Parades in Rowan County in 2011 ©Katrena

A parade can be a wonderful family activity and a great memory maker for years to come. Many people put loads of hours into working on float designs, practicing music or dance steps, etc. and quite a bit goes on behind the scenes to help a parade to be a fun, safe, and exciting time for all. Many of these Christmas parades continue through any kind of weather. I distinctly remember marching with the JROTC and with the marching band during some rough weather with frozen fingers...so plan to cheer and wave as participants go by and enjoy the time together.

Veterans Day Celebrations Abound in NC on November 11

Veterans Day Programs in NC - Celebration of Patriotism at a NC School ©Katrena

On November 11 at 11:00 a.m., many cities and towns across the United States will honor their veterans in ceremonies for Veterans Day.

Veterans Day celebrations are typically held near memorials or in prominent locations in town. This is a time to remember all of America's veterans who have served during times of war or peace.

How to Find a Veterans Day Celebration in North Carolina

Most cities offer a Veterans Day program, and these are typically held on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. Some programs may also be offered near that date and time. For example, if schools are dismissed for Veterans Day, they may hold a program before that date.

How to Find a Local Veterans Day Program in NC ©Katrena

Places one may check to find a Veterans Day program:

• A veterans organization, such as the VFW, American Legion, etc.
• A local newspaper – upcoming veterans programs may be highlighted before November 11
• A local Chamber of Commerce often has listings of programs scheduled for the community.
• Local schools may offer Veterans Day programs in which all veterans are invited to attend.

Veterans and their family members have often sacrificed more than anyone can fully realize. Attending a Veterans Day program as a family can show support to the troops and instill a rich sense of pride and heritage. Taking the time to speak with veterans who attend these programs can also be inspiring as many of these men and women still give back to their country in amazing and humble ways.

How to Honor Veterans ©Katrena

Today is 11/11/11. Thank you, veterans, for all that you have done and continue to do. And thank you to the families who also sacrificed much to help that happen. My father, now deceased, was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served as a Navy pilot for five years, and my step-father served in the Army in Vietnam. Many of my friends and family members are veterans. My sincere hope is that we will always remember and that veterans will feel the appreciation they deserve. This one is for all of you!

The Healing Force Offers Interactive Ways to Learn About Black Culture

The Healing Force from North Carolina - Combine Music & African Heritage ©Katrena

The Healing Force offers a fun and engaging way to learn about African American culture through song, rhythms, and stories as the group travels to areas all around the globe. This family from North Carolina includes a father called "Baba Joseph" Anderson, Mama Gail, a daughter named Sonji, and son Karim. They will pack up the drums, shekeres, and positive energy and provide a great hands-on learning experience about Afro-American culture in a wide variety of settings, from schools and libraries to zoos and festivals and everything in between.

Anderson Family Performing in Drum Circle in Mocksville NC ©Katrena

Engaging Program to Learn about African American Culture

I have had the privilege to enjoy three programs by The Healing Force to date. Each program has been unique, educational, and entertaining. The family is very welcoming from the start. They seek to make everyone welcome and encourage participants to join in the program. If you ever see this group, you will probably remember them for quite some time.

Fun Ways to Interact With Kids - Drum Circle Program at Davie County Library ©Katrena

Baba Joseph and Mama Gail studied in New York's National Black Theater and acted with the Afro-American Folkloric Troupe before developing their own full-time professional programs in 1990. The personalities of the entire family seem to be made for this type work as participants immediately feel welcome as they are invited to learn in a program offered by The Healing Force. They make many of their own instruments and seek to provide accurate information in their programs. The family has traveled to Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and many cities and towns in the United States.

Connect With Kids Through Rhythm & Song at Healing Force Drum Circle ©Katrena

I particularly like the way this group seeks to teach with hands-on experiences and interactions. Even the introductions are educational as they tell of their names and instruments that they are playing. They may speak of a country in Africa or a type of drum, ask questions that encourage the audience to think, and then invite everyone to repeat a key word or phrase back to them.

Teach Kids About Black Culture in Drum Circle Program by Healing Force ©Katrena

What is a Drum Circle?

In the drum circle, the group starts with background information about the names of the drums, why they make different sounds, and how to properly and safely play the instruments. They encourage a lot of feedback from the group, giving people time to digest what they are learning. They have a large number of various sized drums in the middle of the circle and then invite participants to select a drum to play. What fun!

Learn About African Drums and Heritage at Healing Force Educational Program ©Katrena

Drum circle participants learn to play rhythms by practicing and copying a rhythm played by The Healing Force. They begin with very simple rhythms and then work up to some more challenging ones with an eye on the ages and abilities within the group. If people miss a rhythm or beat, they encourage everyone to try again...in a nice and encouraging way. A motley group of strangers can quickly learn to connect through rhythms and songs like Funga.

Fun Educational Program on African American Heritage - Healing Force ©Katrena

A few participants might be invited to join The Healing Force and create their own rhythm for everyone to copy. The family provides lots of positive reinforcement for the group in this creative endeavor. My 7-year-old was invited to be the leader during one drum circle program, and she absolutely relished the moment!

Interactive Kids Programs With Traveling Performers in NC - The Healing Force ©Katrena

How to Combine Music and Education

The Healing Force also provides stories of African culture infused with music. The family encourages full participation through singing, answering questions, repeating words, and perhaps by playing a shekere. My family recently was surprised and delighted to see the group at a tribute to the late Jackie Torrence in Salisbury, NC. Mama Gail mentioned that she had known Jackie Torrence – I believe the great storyteller would have been proud of The Healing Force's performance that day.

Connect With Kids in Hands-on Cultural Drum Circle ©Katrena

Visit The Healing Force web site for their calendar, more information on the types and lengths of programs offered, and instruments they offer for sale. I have enjoyed every program I have attended by this group, think they are top notch, and would love to see more programs by them in the future. Find more creative ideas for family activities by visiting the Travel NC With Kids site map.

Everyone Welcome at Drum Circle in Davie County NC ©Katrena