Travel NC With Kids

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

2014 Tanglewood Festival of Lights Throwback Dates

Tanglewood Festival of Lights Throwback Nights in 2014

If you enjoy Tanglewood's Christmas light show but do not enjoy the long lines, consider visiting the Forsyth County park on a themed Throwback night. These nights are early in the season and offer shorter lines. Much shorter. My family has waited nearly two hours to see the lights in the busier part of the season several years ago, but our wait was less than ten minutes on a Throwback Night in November.

Wearing clothing that depicts the theme is encouraged but not required for entry.
Here are the 2014 dates and themes:

2014 Throwback Dates	Theme
Monday, November 24 Tuesday, November 25	Favorite Sports Team
Monday, December 1 Tuesday, December 2	Santa Hats

Another great benefit of the Throwback nights is the discounted price. If you have a tight budget, this is a great deal for a fun holiday activity that folks of all ages can enjoy.
Here are the 2014 rates for Throwback nights only:

Type of Vehicle	2014 Throwback Price
Family: Car, Van, or Truck	$5.00
Commercial: Van, Limo, or Mini-bus	$15.00
Motorcoach or Bus	$65.00

In case you're wondering, no, Tanglewood is not paying me to write this article. I'm simply a mom who is always on the lookout for inexpensive entertainment in and near North Carolina. Although Christmas is not all about lights and gifts for us, this light show is a fun time to get together with the family and make some fun memories and perhaps purchase a few items to support local vendors.

Thanks so much for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog. I try to post information that people may find helpful and useful. Feel free to share your own experiences at Tanglewood Festival of Lights in the comment section below.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center in Rowan County

Dan Nicholas Park Nature Center © Katrena

Perhaps you have been marooned along a riverbed amidst rattlesnakes and copperheads under the watchful eye of a kestrel. Or maybe you have simply entered the nature center at Dan Nicholas Park. If you haven't visited this Rowan County park at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road in several years, you might recognize the building nestled behind the totem pole. I can remember a time when it was a large, open room with snakes in the middle and turtles at the back with a back door that led to the tiny bear habitat. The turtles now have a much larger habitat outdoors, and the bears have much more room to move in their habitat designed to look like a rock quarry.

Free Parks and Nature Centers in NC © H.W.

If you enter the Dan Nicholas nature center today, you might catch your breath as you see quite a transformation. The snakes are still there, but the cages rest amidst artificial vegetation. An aquarium houses several fish of various sizes and types. You might see a few frogs or even a chipmunk living out in this building.

Fun Family Activities in Rowan County © Katrena

If someone had led me into the nature center blindfolded for the first time after it was re-designed, I would be hard pressed to guess where I might be standing, even though I have visited the park for many years. Friendly staff members are willing to answer questions about the various animals native to North Carolina. They might hold a snake or bring out an animal from the back room that is not native to the state.

Learn About Animals at Dan Nicholas © Katrena

When we visited Dan Nicholas Park today, a lady who was also visiting remarked about how nice the nature center looked. I agree. One thing that makes this nature center particularly inviting to a family on a tight budget is that there is no admission charge. There is no admission charge for entry into the park, although guests might choose to purchase tickets for the carousel, paddle boats, miniature golf, train ride, Rowan Wildlife Adventures, gem mine, or items from one of the stores.

Free Nature Center in Piedmont of NC © Katrena

Another visitor at the park was speaking with a child who asked her something about Dan Nicholas and the lady mentioned that she had been coming to the park forever. This is a park that several generations of my family have enjoyed over the years. If you are looking for a family-friendly, affordable park in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, I would definitely put this one on the list. They seem to have something for everyone.

Park with Snakes and Aquarium Close to Salisbury NC © Katrena

Thanks so much for reading my Travel NC With Kids blog. Feel free to share your own adventures at Dan Nicholas Park in the comment section below. Visit the Dan Nicholas official web site for hours, directions, prices, and more.

Friday, August 8, 2014

2014 Autumn at Oz Dates – Beech Mountain Yellow Brick Road Awaits!

Autumn at Oz 2014 Dates © Katrena

This yellow brick road is not in Kansas but can be found in the mountain region of North Carolina. If you have a favorite scene or character from the Wizard of Oz, chances are that you will be able to find them atop Beech Mountain.

Professor Marvel at Autumn at Oz at Beech Mountain © Katrena

Autumn at Oz only happens one weekend each year, and the 2014 dates are scheduled for October 4 and 5. This unique, family friendly activity transports folks into what seems to be another land, full of captivating characters and props to resemble the popular movie.

Beech Mountain Autumn at Oz © Katrena

Many visitors return year after year, and quite a few of the characters and people working with the program have returned to entertain everyone numerous times as well. This event tends to sell out every year; ordering tickets in advance is essential if you have your heart set on visiting Autumn at Oz. They do not offer an alternate date for weather – this family-friendly activity has been held in the snow, fog, rain, and beautiful sunny days. You are pretty sure to see a twister while visiting, but it's nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

Fun Things to do near Boone, NC © Katrena

The yellow brick road is uneven with steps in various places, so this activity would not work for someone who must travel by wheelchair or stroller. Ensure that everyone is wearing comfortable walking shoes - you might need rubber soles or snow chains on the ruby slipper! I would advise carefully checking the weather forecast for the area and while packing extra layers as appropriate. Be prepared with some strong arms if you are planning to carry a little one. Ensure your camera is fully charged with lots of memory – this place is brimming with photo opportunities. I've been known to take over 100 pictures while enjoying Autumn at Oz.

Land of Oz in North Carolina Mountains © Katrena

Tickets include a time for arrival. You may arrive early, but you cannot travel to the mountain's peak until your designated time. According to my sources, in 2014 they plan to open the ski lift again, which should help relieve some congestion for traveling up and down the mountain. Ski lift riders must be at least 36 inches tall, and there is a $5.00 charge for riding the lift this year. The bus shuttle is included with the ticket price.

Uncle Henry in Autumn at Oz in Beech Mountain © Katrena

Once you complete the ascent, you'll quickly discover a world atop the mountain that feels as if you have been transported to another time and place. You will walk through various scenes based on the movie with an opportunity to speak with various characters from those scenes.

Wizard of Oz Museum at Beech Mountain © Katrena

Before entering Dorothy's house, take a few moments to walk through the museum that features some vintage items from the original movie and quite a few Wizard of Oz items, including some from the days of the original Beech Mountain Oz that featured a balloon ride to the top of the mountain. My family traveled to this magical place in the early 1970s, but I was too young to remember that trip. My mom has told some great stories about our Oz visit back then and came with us on our first visit with the most recent generation.

Vintage Items from Land of Oz in North Carolina © Katrena

Another small Wizard of Oz museum lies at the end of the yellow brick road as well. It features a quilt with a Wizard of Oz theme and several costumes and decorations used years ago at Beech Mountain that have been preserved over the years.

Munchkin Land at Autumn at Oz © Katrena

I have been impressed with the friendly attitudes of the characters at Autumn at Oz. Thousands of people enjoy this once-a-year event, and the characters and associates somehow manage to keep smiles on their faces even if their teeth were almost chattering! Several of them have taken a few moments to talk about their experiences, such as Mrs. Gulch who once played the part of Dorothy in years past. One year I believe a dog traveled from Florida to play the part of Toto – note that pets are not allowed at this event.

Wicked Witch of the West on Yellow Brick Road in Beech Mountain © Katrena

My family has dressed up as various characters from the movie. Many guests often go all out with a motley assortment of costumes based on the Wizard of Oz movie adapted from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book by L. Frank Baum. My kids have enjoyed Autumn at Oz a couple of times and are already asking to go back again this year.

Get Your Picture Made with Dorothy and Wizard of Oz Characters © Katrena

Autumn at Oz official site - order tickets and find more info at this link
North Carolina's Land of Oz article by Our State - you might wish to take the time to read comments by readers as some include pictures from the 1970s Land of Oz
Land of Oz in Beech Mountain NC – There Really is a Yellow Brick Road!
Wizard of Oz Scavenger Hunt – something to play at home before visiting

Thanks so much for reading Travel NC With Kids. I hope you enjoy my articles and pictures.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Meet Oz Characters © Katrena

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Is There a Pot of Gold at the End of Jake Alexander Blvd in Salisbury, NC?

Sunflower Field in Salisbury NC © Katrena

Those who are searching for beauty while traveling may be surprised by unexpected places without signs, touring brochures, or even admission fees. While visiting many places in and outside of North Carolina, there are those moments when our family simply has to gaze in amazement, whether the unexpected treat is a double rainbow arching above the trees or an albino squirrel munching on a nut.

Beautiful Sunflower Field in NC © Katrena

One such unsung, beautiful place is a sunflower field in Salisbury, North Carolina in Rowan County. Local folks traveling between Salisbury and Mocksville will miss the field entirely if they take the shortcut. It is worth the extra mile to drive out to the light. Driving down Jake Alexander, head past the bowling alley and past the old Salisbury Mall and McDonald's and keep going straight.

Rowan County Sunflowers © Katrena

The field lies on the right just before the road ends. Some days, you might see a lone farmer wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He works the field by hand, one row at a time, walking and spraying his field that is appreciated by numerous birds and a few in-the-know motorists. You won't see this farmer on a tractor or toting fancy equipment. I cannot imagine the number of hours he puts into his field each year.

Sunflower Field on Jake Alexander Blvd © Katrena

The sunflower field tends to peak in mid-July as the flowers adorn their attire of yellow and brown beauty. Our family has driven this road for many years. The kids know the shortcut is never an option in July because we would miss seeing the pot of gold at the end of Jake Alexander!

Beautiful Places in North Carolina © Katrena

Additional places to see in and near Salisbury, NC:

Thanks for reading Travel NC With Kids!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University - Plants Galore!

Reynolda Gardens, located at 100 Reynolda Village in Winston-Salem, North Carolina greets visitors with beautiful plants before visitors even enter the building. The parking lot has a beautiful area that begs for photos as soon as guests arrive...and the beauty has just begun! Touring the gardens is free of charge and open to the public.

Upon entering Reynolda Gardens' Garden Boutique, you will find all sorts of items, from topiaries to decorative doormats to figurines to pillows. The small shop is inviting and air conditioned, a great benefit on those North Carolina summer days that feel as if they could melt a lump of coal.

The boutique has a back door that leads directly into the greenhouses. These greenhouses are brimming with a beautiful array of flowers. Some are large and flowing while others are tiny, dainty, and hanging. I could easily spend an hour in the greenhouse, exploring the various plants.

The gardens lie on the back side of the greenhouse. You might catch a glimpse of parts of the garden from the greenhouse windows, but you really have to walk out there to appreciate all the small details. We visited on an incredibly hot day, and I saw two gardeners working in that heat - kudos to them because many people would have been begging for mercy and an air conditioner on a day approaching 100 degrees F.

The gardens are manicured and feature various plants pleasantly arranged in a way that visitors can enjoy the beauty of each section. The purple coneflowers and other plants near the front give way to a nice vegetable garden in the middle area. This was a great opportunity for my 6-year-old to learn more about vegetables since we do not have a garden at home. Beyond the vegetables lie more flowers with a nice sized rose garden at the back.

The various sections have several shaded areas with benches that lend themselves well to quite contemplation, watching for birds, or simply enjoying nature. If you are walking around the edges of the garden, make sure to walk up the center path as well. A water garden with goldfish and water lilies awaits!

Reynolda Gardens is a great place to enjoy plants, flowers, and a bit of down time from a rushed routine. Each season holds different gems within its borders. You might also purchase tickets to tour the house or walk around at the various shops at Reynolda Village while you are there.

Additional articles:

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Towns with Strange Names in North Carolina

North Carolina Towns with Unusual and Quirky Names

If one were to ask someone who lives here what makes North Carolina interesting and unique, the responses would probably be as wide and filling as my great-grandmother's dinner table where folks could easily feast for a week on the abundance of good food. Perhaps we are known for our barbecue or the Biltmore Estate. A few people might argue about whether or not we were first in flight. As the story goes, that historic flight did take place on our coast, but most folks around here probably know not too many native North Carolinians were named Orville and Wilbur, right? The younger generation might tune in to hear how well some folks from NC sing while nature lovers might be impressed with our synchronous lightening bugs (that's fireflies for those of you not from around these parts).

My family has visited quite a few wonderful places in North Carolina, each unique and many memorable. Someone who does a lot of traveling might look for a variety of destinations in North Carolina, but a few souls looking for a challenge might want to drive to uniquely named Tarheel destinations just to say they have been there. I remember when my family went on a quest to visit an interesting spot in Virginia...and I think it was only a spot where two roads crossed, but we could officially say we had been there by the end of the day! Quite a few towns in NC might make you smile or leave a person scratching her head.

Here are some of my favorites (town names are in blue):

Welcome to North Carolina - Whynot stay a spell? We are tickled as Toast that you decided to travel to our fine state this Millennium. Although it is true that we are in the United States of America, you might find Egypt, Cuba, Bolivia, and Peru within our borders. What? Were you expecting to see Pot Neck and Possomtrot in this Southern town? Perhaps you were looking for Blackbeard's Seven Devils and The Black Cat? If you are searching for these places, be careful not to get a Tick Bite, especially if you see the Lizard Lick. You probably should be aware that the Elf with the Black Ankle just might ride an Old Ford to Burnt Chimney Corner. Some people find life here very comfortable and may prefer Loafers Glory to Nags Head. I'll keep this post Brief, and I hope it gave you a bit of a Chuckle!

Have you been to any places in North Carolina that feature an unusual name? Feel free to comment below.

Additional articles (also with rather unique names!):

Thanks so much for reading my article. Find more of my articles at Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.

2014 Gem Theatre $1 Movie Schedule in Kannapolis

2014 $1 Movies at Gem Theatre in Kannapolis - Photo by Nicholas Perrault III

The Gem Theatre, located at 111 W. First Street in Kannapolis, North Carolina, is chock full of great history and fun times. My kids particularly like the upstairs balcony, where patrons can enjoy the area's oldest single-screen movie theatre from up above!

Summer months mean discounted summer camp rates at the Gem Theatre. On certain Tuesdays, the theatre will feature a movie at a discounted rate of $1.00/person at the 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. show times. If you have a group of more than ten people, check the Gem Theatre web site for details regarding discounted snacks. Here's the 2014 schedule:

$1 Movies at Gem Theatre in Kannapolis	2014 Summer Shows at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
June 17	How to Train Your Dragon
June 24	Rio
July 1	Turbo
July 8	The Croods
July 15	We Bought a Zoo
July 22	Epic
July 29	Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3
August 5	Rio 2
August 12	The Lego Movie
August 19	The Nut Job

Thanks so much for reading my article! I'd love to have you visit my blogs any time at:

Travel NC With Kids
Love 2 Travel With Kids
Wildflower Bouquets (this site also includes free, printable scavenger hunts)