Charlotte Parent GPS 2014

2014 Readers’ Favorites 53 local places families love

KIDS IN THE CITY! A PARENT’S GUIDE TO LIVING HERE

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5 The Must-see in the QC

A rundown of Charlotte's top family-friendly attractions

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Why Charlotte-area communities are a great place to plant family roots

26 Charlotte's as Good

Jen Byrum

As Gold

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of Charlotte

The best in performing arts and more for kids and their parents

see…

A guide to Charlotte's golden history and landmarks

28 Charlotte Hornets Make a comeback

There's buzz about the return of Charlotte's original NBA team

31 2014 readers' favorites Local parents share their fave places to play, eat, shop and learn

36 get going in the great outdoors

Connecting the city's greenways, and best green spaces to play

39 what's New in Charlotte

Eight recent additions to experience as a family

Resource Listings 41 Attractions 42 Community Resources 45 Health and wellness 50 Youth Sports and Fitness

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on the cover: Noah Lunsford, 6, at BB&T Ballpark.

Photo by Melissa Stutts.

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Schedule a conversation with a doctor in one convenient click

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Making time for your health is easier than you think. With MyNovant.org, you can find one of our expert primary care providers in your area and make an appointment whenever it’s convenient for you. After your visit, you’ll have secure access to your personal health record and innovative tools to manage your health – online and on your time. It’s just one of the many ways Novant Health is personalizing healthcare to fit your needs.

Visit MyNovant.org anytime, day or night, to find a doctor and schedule an appointment.

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Photo by Patrick Schneider

From exciting NASCAR tracks, rushing whitewater rapids, captivating history and science museums and gorgeous gardens, there’s a lot for families to explore throughout the Charlotte area.

the

Must-see

IN The

QC

An inside look at some of Charlotte’s best attractions

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Clockwise from top left: The Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont; the U.S. National Whitewater Center; The EpiCentre uptown; Levine Museum of the New South; Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Orchid Conservatory photo courtesy of VisitNC.com; Rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center photo courtesy of VisitNC.com; Epicentre photo by Patrick Schneider; Levine Museum of the New South photo

Charlotte Motor Speedway Home to the Coca-Cola 600 in May and the Bank of America 500 in October, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the beating heart of NASCAR country. Built in 1959 by Bruton Smith, the 1.5-mile track surrounded by 140,000 seats entices many of the industry’s best to set up shop in Concord. Even when there is not a race in town, engines are always revving at the track with three driving schools operating on-site and the nearby zMAX Dragway, which hosts year-round races. 5555 Concord Pkwy., Concord, 704-455-3200. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Located on 380 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie, the gardens span 110 acres of rolling landscape. Be awed by the large visitor pavilion, with its stained-glass dome, fountains and canals, and nine themed gardens. The 8,000-square-foot Orchid Conservatory, designed like a living work of art, is dedicated to the display of orchids and tropical plants. Children’s imaginations can run free at Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Childrens Garden, scheduled to open October 2014. 6500 S. New Hope Road, 704-825-4490, dsbg.org.

Levine Museum of the New South This interactive history museum, focusing on the people and places from 1865 to today, includes a permanent installation, “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers,” which takes an in-depth look at the history of Charlotte as a New South city, and how it represents new ways of thinking about economic, political and cultural life in the post-Civil War South. Past exhibits include “We’ re Still Here: American Indians in the South” and “Sunrise to Sunset: Mill Towns of the Southern Piedmont.” 200 E. Seventh St., 704-333-1887, museumofthenewsouth.org.

EpiCentre Charlotte’s core of center-city entertainment, the EpiCentre is always abuzz with activity. Whether you’re interested in enjoying drinks with friends, a light bite to eat, an upscale dinner date or a little retail therapy, the EpiCentre’s 40 venues have it all, at any time of day. Bowling, a dine-in movie theater and monthly Kids Club Central events round out the family fun. 210 E. Trade St., 704-688-5980, epicentrenc.com.

U.S. National Whitewater Center Rookie rafters and hardcore kayakers alike flock to the man-made Class III and IV rapids at this first-rate facility, which is home to U.S. Olympic Trials. But rolling on the river is hardly the extent of the outdoor experience. Other adventures include challenging ropes courses, jagged climbing walls, a fly-wheel-assisted three-story jump, bike trails and a canopy zip-line tour of the Catawba River shoreline. After all the action, relax at the River’s Edge restaurant with a locally brewed beer and a basket of fried pickles while watching others brave the rapids. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., 704-391-3900, usnwc.org.

by Breanna Dobbins; Charlotte Motor Speedway photo by Patrick Schneider.

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Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman

14101 Stumptown Rd., Huntersville, NC ChristianMontessoriSchool.org 704-875-1801

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Carolinas Aviation Museum photo by Lowell Warner; NASCAR Hall of Fame photos by Streeter Lecka for Getty images.

Carolinas Aviation Museum This hangar-turned-museum, near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, houses a large collection of aircraft, helicopters and aviation equipment highlighting years of flight history. Best known for its exhibit of US Airways flight 1549, the “Miracle on the Hudson,” you’ll find items recovered, passenger videos, plus guest appearances from Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, who landed on the Hudson River in 2009.

4672 1st Flight Drive, 704-3598442, carolinasaviation.org.

NASCAR Hall of Fame This highly interactive museum does more than just immortalize racing’s greats (some of the more recent inductees include Rusty Wallace, Cotton Owens and Buck Baker), it gives you a behind-thescenes look at the entire world of racing. Feel the thrill in an iRacing Simulator or see how quickly you can jack up a car and change a tire in the pit challenge. 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., 704-654-4400, nascarhall.com.

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Discovery Place Daily programs, educational camps and IMAX films teach visitors of all ages about the wonders of nature, technology and the community.

Charlotte Nature Museum and the Discovery Place KIDS museum operate in conjunction with Discovery Place, offering multiple opportunities to experience the fun.

With interactive exhibits that make learning entertaining and engaging, this science museum is a long-time family favorite. 301 N. Tryon St., 704-372-6261, discoveryplace.org.

Discovery Place photo by Andreas Seibold; Nutcracker photo by Patrick Schneider.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Among the leading performing arts centers in the nation, the Blumenthal has served nearly 8 million theatergoers since it began in 1992.

Spanning three uptown locations, Blumenthal Performing Arts consists of six theaters, including the Belk, Knight and McGlohon.

With performances by renowned companies such as the Charlotte Symphony and Opera Carolina, comedians of various styles and family-friendly Broadway shows, Blumenthal Performing Arts is the cultural anchor of the Queen City.

130 N. Tryon St., 704-372-1000, blumenthalarts.org.

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Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

The best theatre, literature and programming for kids under one roof

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Theatre of Charlotte.

“The Reluctant Dragon” just happened to be the last main production for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 2013-2014 season, but like each of the shows before it, “we produced the most creative, professional, spectacular and touching theatre for our young audience,” says Burke.

Each year, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte mounts 15 professional adult productions for young people of all ages, with the curtain rising more than 600 times a year. Shows this past season included “Tarzan,” “Balloonacy,” “Miracle on 34th St.” and “Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood.”

The Junior League of Charlotte established

CharlotteParent.com

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in 1948 with its first plays being produced in local school auditoriums.

In 1971, it transferred into the city-owned former VFW club. In 2005, it moved again to its current location, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, which houses two theatre spaces — the McColl Family Theatre and the Wells Fargo Playhouse. It truly is a unique collaboration between the theatre and the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as it combines theatre, literature and programming for young people under one roof.

Burke says the organization’s relationship with the children’s library and its belief in creating a complete creative and

cultural experience for a child is what sets this company apart.

To that end, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte offers a wide range of education programs at ImaginOn, including summer camps for ages 3-18, and drama classes. Serious thespians may sign up for the School of Theatre Training and then go on to perform in On Stage.

The theatre is also home to the Tarradiddle Players, a professional touring company, that has traveled the Southeast performing for more than 1 million people. It even offers a special Preschool Tour now for preschool audiences, hoping to introduce a love of live performances to even the youngest children.

Photos courtesy of Children's Theatre of Charlotte

By Resa Goldberg

he dragon was 11-feet tall, 25-feet long, scaly and brown, and doubtfully breathed smoke puffs. No flourish of fire.

In less talented hands, he might have simply been a sideshow or an inanimate monster meant to be feared.

But under the direction of Adam Burke, the dragon came alive with the help of the puppet maker, a talented actor and great puppeteer who played him, as well as a videographer who created a shadow puppet world for certain parts of the show.

“If the audience doesn’t believe the puppet is alive then they won’t learn to love him and if they don’t learn to love him they won’t care if he lives or dies, explains Burke, artistic director at Children’s

More Arts for Families in Charlotte Introduce your child to the joy of live symphony at the Lollipops Family Concerts Series and musical petting zoo. charlottesymphony.org.

Join in special museum tours, scavenger hunts and art activities at Family Day at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. bechtler.org.

Take the kids to the Mint Museum on Sunday Funday each month to enjoy art projects and artist demonstrations. mintmuseum.org.

Sing along to songs like “California Dreaming” with amateur and professional musicians at Charlotte’s best-kept secret, John Tosco’s TOSCO Music Party. toscomusicparty.org.

Enjoy guided tours, family films and Sankofa Café, a story telling and hands-on art project at Family First at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. ganttcenter.org.

Check out Community School for the Arts for music and art classes, private lessons and summer arts camps. csarts.org.

He is learning more than just the fundamentals of the game.

Charlotte Children’s Choir invites youths from 8 to 18 to sing their hearts out through its training, concerts and tours. charlottechildrenschoir.org.

A holiday family favorite is Charlotte Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker. The dance company also performs other kid-centric ballets throughout the year. charlotteballet.org.

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Neighbors Next Door

The charm of Charlotte communities

Tree-lined streets, affordable housing options, an abundant job market, quality public, private and charter schools, plus all the amenities of a growing city, combine to make Charlotte, also fondly known as the Queen City or QC, a desirable area for kids to grow up, and a place parents enjoy raising their children. Each of Charlotte's neighborhoods, and its surrounding towns and communities, have their individual character and charm to suit a mix of residents.

In the following pages we outline a bit about Charlotte communities, starting with Central communities within the I-485 belt loop, and then those outside the loop – north, south, east and west from the city's uptown center.

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CENTRAL

COTSWOLD Larger lots with brick ranchstyle and split-level homes mix with new construction in Cotswold. Cotswold Village Shops houses retail stores to meet family needs, including a grocery store, pharmacy, toy store, yoga studio and pet store.

Many of Charlotte’s best private schools are clustered within five miles of Cotswold communities, and Cotswold IB Elementary and Randolph IB Middle schools are a draw for many families. Nearby Charlotte Swim and Racquet Club is known for its swim and dive teams, plus tennis clubs.

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Originally the brainchild of Edward Dilworth Latta in the 1890s, Dilworth was Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb. To attract residents and businesses to the area, Latta built 90-acre Latta Park. The community was constructed as a grid that centered on East Boulevard, welcoming families to the turn-of-the-century, colonial revival and Craftsman-style architecture. With its treelined streets, front porches and family-friendly sidewalks, it continues to thrive as one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Freedom Park is a year-round hub for outdoor activity and festivals, and Charlotte Nature Museum is also a family favorite. Shops and restaurants add to the area’s appeal, especially on East Boulevard, which has earned a reputation as being Charlotte’s boutique row.

CharlotteParent.com

MYERS PARK

NODA

Queens University anchors this prestigous neighborhood that boasts homes built in the Colonial-Revival style of the 1920s, and some of the city’s oldest, most gradiose trees along Queens Road. Myers Park High School, one of the city’s largest high schools, is also located in the heart of the community. Scoot over to Selwyn Avenue for a mix of casual and upscale dining and specialty shops, including the kid-favorite Mellow Mushroom. Or venture to Park Road Shopping Center, an outdoor shopping center for everything from a movie theater to locally owned hardware store and a whole lot in between.

This urban neighborhood continues to undergo a complex transition — the lifestyle of bohemian artists who reitalized the neighborhood remain present, but it is now joined by trendy restaurants and breweries, renovated mill houses, hip lofts and alluring bungalow homes retrofitted for the standards of modern living.

Highland Mills Montessori School, one of four montessori schools in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system, is located in NoDa. Be sure to try the tacos at Cabo Fish Taco and have pizza with the family at Revolution.

Clockwise from top left: Girl playing tennis, Bigstock; Queens University photos by Melissa Stutts; NODA photo

by Patrick Schneider; Latta Park, Dilworth.

DILWORTH

Clockwise from top left: Midwood Park photo by Breanna Dobbins; NASCAR Hall of Fame photo by Streeter Lecka for Getty images; Epicentre photo courtesy of VisitNC.com; Charlotte Symphony photo by Patrick Schneider.

PLAZA MIDWOOD

SOUTH END

SOUTHPARK

UPTOWN

Starting out as a 1920s streetcar suburb, Plaza Midwood was once home to some of the city’s earliest society elite (like the Van Landinghams) and its very first country club. Now this quirky area just northeast of uptown is famed for cozy streets lined with unique bungalows, eclectic boutiques and distinct dining.

Central Avenue touts the neighborhood’s hip retail and dining district. Bike under the green canopy of trees to Rita’s Italian Ice or play shuffleboard before brunch at Zada Janes.

For those who desire a peek into the past, the Van Landingham Estate still holds court at 2010 The Plaza and is now a popular event destination. Midwood Park, in the center of the neighborhood, is an easy walk for families and is complete with playground, small amphiteatre, tennis and basketball courts, and a ballfields.

With thriving textile factories up through the turn of the century, this community south of uptown boasted Charlotte’s first railroad line. Ease of access added to its growth spurt, as houses sprouted up along the tracks. South End underwent a dramatic revitalization in the 1990s. Since then, the neighborhood has emerged as one of the city’s fastestgrowing, most interesting areas.

Established art galleries, such as the Charlotte Art League, draw the area’s eccentric crowds, while staple eateries, such as Common Market, set the neighborhood abuzz.

Refurbished warehouses house flourishing retail hubs, the LYNX light rail line connects it to other areas with ease, and The Atherton Market hosts brings farm to table through its weekly farmers market.

Once the site of a 3,000-acre farm, south Charlotte’s chic Southpark neighborhood sharply contrasts any previous rural sentiment. SouthPark Mall and its wide range of highend retailers is the centerpiece of the many businesses, restaurants and residential areas that conjure an uptown feel.

Symphony Park, adjacent to the mall, hosts summer POPS concerts for all ages. The mini villages of Piedmont Row and Phillips Place provide a multitude of upscale shopping and living opportunities for those seeking quality and a little exclusivity. Enjoy a matinee movie with the kids at Phillips Place Stadium 10. The large homes of Foxcroft and gated Morrocroft communities cater to families who enjoy privacy with a bonus of easy access to all the area’s amenities.

Charlotte’s uptown, also called “center city,” consists of four numbered wards. In the last decade, people have flocked to the heart of the city to live, dine and play, thanks to revitalization efforts. First Ward is home to high- and low-rise housing, as well as ImaginOn, Time Warner Cable Arena, and the Levine Museum of the New South. The EpiCentre, a massive entertainment complex, spices up Second Ward. Third Ward is home to many museums, including the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. And finally, Fourth Ward blends restored Victorian homes, urban apartments and parks, and is where you find the family-favorite science center Discovery Place.

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Cornelius There's a reason that Cornelius' town logo features a sailboat.

With around 54 miles of shoreline on Lake Norman, Cornelius takes its water seriously. You'll spot pontoons and speedboats next to sailboats year round. There are opportunities to sail, fish, stand-up paddleboard and kayak. Cornelius also boasts several boutique shops and dockside dining. Homes range from comfortably priced subdivisions to mega-mansions in the millions that feature sweeping views of the water.

Featuring a 1.5-mile paved path that winds around scenic Lake Norman, a mini beach and shaded playground, Jetton Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family.

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Davidson

Huntersville

This little college town is the definition of charm, designed as a walking and biking community. Centered around Davidson College, one of the country's most prestigious liberal arts colleges, the school and community blend seamlessly. The college offers cultural opportunities, which include speakers and concerts; and college students teaching Spanish or tutoring are a common sight at Davidson Elementary. There's always something happening on the town green in front of Davidson’s Public Library.

Sunday evenings in late spring and summer, families pack picnics while kids run and everyone enjoys a great variety of musical acts on the town green. And Saturday mornings are lively at the Davidson Farmers Market, featuring locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and more, most produced by organic or sustainable methods.

Of the towns that make up the Lake Norman area, Huntersville is the largest in population, hovering around 45,000. With easy access to I-77, Huntersville commuters can quickly shoot into Charlotte.

Huntersville's quaint downtown is reminiscent of a simpler time, while Birkdale Village, located about a mile away, is a mixed-use community featuring upscale shops, restaurants, luxury apartments and singlefamily homes. On a summer's day, you're sure to hear happy screams from kids splashing in the fenced-in fountain area.

Discovery Place Kids children's museum is geared to children ages 7 and younger, and features developmentally appropriate experiences. Huntersville Park and Recreation offers a multitude of sports leagues and great parks and playgrounds throughout the area.

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Mooresville Located in Iredell County, Mooresville is also known as Race City, USA. Home to 60 NASCAR teams and racerelated businesses, much of the city's culture revolves around their stock-car racing history. A former mill town with bluecollar roots, housing varies from modest ranches built a half-century ago to waterfront mansions in The Point, a neighborhood that features the Donald Trump-owned Trump National Golf Club.

Every convenience is offered in Mooresville, from big-box stores to fast-food chains. Take a walk on the wild side at Lazy 5 Ranch. Ride in a horsedrawn wagon or drive your car through the animal park that features giraffes, zebras, emus, rhinos and more.

Left to Right: Jetton Park photo by Gary Black; Discovery Place Kids photo by Patrick Schneider; Lazy 5 Ranch photos courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.

NORTH

kids club central + movies + bowling + pizza + family events = an epic experience With over 45 venues including sidewalk cafes, family fun centers, elegant restaurants, shopping and a whole lot more, EPICENTRE offers everything you need to make a new family memory.

Our Kids Club Central program offers at least one family-friendly event a month with plenty of fun, games and prizes for kids of all ages. For more details, visit our website and look for the Kids Club tab.

For an epic time with your family, make EPICENTRE part of the equation.

Ios Greek Kitchen, Tin Roof Music CafĂŠ, Vida! Vida!, La Tagliatella, Fuji Hibachi, Studio Movie Grill, Strike City, and much more.

Fourth, Trade and College Streets. Uptown Charlotte. Within walking distance of everything else.

www.EPICENTRENC.com

EPICENTRENC

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Ballantyne

Indian Trail

An upscale neighborhood in south Charlotte, Ballantyne offers the suburban star treatment. The award-winning Ballantyne Country Club and great shopping and spa options represent the Ballantyne lifestyle. The residents of the numerous planned residential communities have made this popular neighborhood a highly coveted location, and education opportunities abound with Hawk Ridge Elementary, one of eight K-5 public schools in the area; and independent British American School for grades K-8. Shop, eat or see a movie at Stonecrest Shopping Center, and check out nearby Hall Family Farm for hayrides, strawberry picking and pumpkin patch activities.

Located in Union County, Indian Trail is a rapidly growing suburb, but preserves a community atmosphere.

Being just off Interstate 485 puts this town within easy range of uptown Charlotte, but allows residents to have the feeling of living in the country. Take in the great outdoors and enjoy community events including movie nights, festivals and musical concerts at Crossing Paths Park. Catch the Charlotte Checkers, the professional minor league ice hockey team, playing a preseason game at Extreme Ice Center. The facility features two ice rinks with programs for youth adult hockey, figure skating, broomball and curling.

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Fort Mill Just over the border, Fort Mill is situated along the Interstate 77 corridor in the most northern part of South Carolina. This community is one of the fastest growing in the state. A strong sense of community, high quality of life, and good schools are big contributing factors to the population boom.

Hike across a swinging bridge, through the woods or around the lake at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Relax and play at Steele Street Park, where covered picnic areas and a water spray park are family favorites.

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Lake Wylie/ Tega Cay Started in 1970s as a weekend getaway from Charlotte, Lake Wylie and Tega Cay have blossomed into full-time residential communities.

The city of Tega Cay parks department has incorporated 11 parks throughout the town with ample water and land activities suitable for families.

The most popular one is Windjammer Park. Catch a live musical concert at Runde Park during summer months. Rent a pontoon boat, kayaks, or jet skis at Lake Wylie Boat Rentals.

Clockwise from top left: The Ballantyne Hotel, photo by VisitNC.com; Boating on Lake Wylie, photo by Patrick Schneider; Family hiking, Bigstock; Strawberry picking at Wise Acres Organic Farm.

SOUTH

Clockwise from top Left: Festival in downtown Matthews, photo courtesy of Town of Matthews; Main Street Children's Museum, courtesy of Cultural and Heritage Museums of York County; Come See Me Festival in Rock Hill, photo courtesy of Come See Me Festival; James K. Polk Birthplace; Matthews Playhouse, photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse.

Pineville Matthews A small town with easy access to the big city, Matthews offers a variety of neighborhoods at different price points making it an appealing place to settle down and plant family roots.

In the beautiful downtown, stock up on weekly provisions at Matthews Community Farmer's Market. Learn about the early days of Matthews at the Matthews Heritage Museum. Spend an afternoon enjoying nature on foot or bike along the Four-Mile Creek Greenway that connects to Squirrel Lake Park. At night, catch a family-friendly performance at Matthews Playhouse.

Tucked in southern Mecklenburg County, Pineville is a quaint town on the outer edge of the Interstate 485 loop. Living here, residents have the best of both worlds – small town charm with the benefits of a larger city at their doorsteps, including Carolinas Medical Center Pineville and Carolina Place Mall. Birthplace of President James K. Polk, discover the significant events of his presidency at James K. Polk State Historic Site on the land once owned by Polk’s parents. On a nice day, go to Jack Hughes Memorial Park for sporting activities that include batting cages, a playground and walking trails.

During summer months, enjoy free entertainment at the Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Concert and Movie Series at Pineville Lake Park.

Rock Hill Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, South Carolina.

This growing community has responsibly implemented a family-oriented expansion.

There are top-notch city parks, plenty of nice residential neighborhoods, and a top performing school system.

Main Street Children’s Museum is a whimsical place where kids’ imaginations run wild and their creativity kicks into high gear. Have a picnic at Glencarin Gardens, a beautiful park with an inviting atmosphere, and where many of the annual 10-day Come-SeeMe Festival activities happen.

Meander along several miles of wooded trails along the scenic river at River Park. Don’t miss a concert under the stars at Old Town Amphitheater.

Waxhaw Tranquil wooded areas, gently rolling hills, and a small town atmosphere have newcomers flocking to Waxhaw. Visit the downtown area for shopping, dining, or a stroll across the iconic Overhead Pedestrian Bridge. Lots of family fun can be found at David G. Barnes Children’s Park. Hang out on the beach, go horseback riding, rent a cabin, or throw out a fishing line at Cane Creek Park.

And Andrew Jackson State Park combines history, art, and community activities while honoring the seventh President of the United States.

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SMALL SCHOOL. BIG WORLD. Charlotte Prep, where opportunity knows no boundaries.

WWW.CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG

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JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS TOUR

We host drop-in tours every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. - no appointment necessary!

clockwise from top left: Charlotte Motor Speedway, photo courtesy of VisitNC.com; UNC Charlotte campus, photo by Patrick Schneider and courtesy Visit Charlotte; and Mint Hill Madness.

EAST

Concord/ Kannapolis Many historic homes line South Union Street in downtown Concord, located northeast of Charlotte in Cabarrus County. Downtown Concord is a pedestrian-friendly historic shopping and business district, with newly developed suburbs and farms on the outskirts of town. The N.C. Research Campus and Village Park anchor downtown Kannapolis.

Surrounding neighborhoods are a mix of revitalized mill houses, older subdivisions and rural areas with new subdivisions.

Concord is also home to megamall Concord Mills and the Charlotte Motor Speedway where NASCAR reigns supreme.

harrisburg

University

About a 30-minute commute to uptown Charlotte, Harrisburg maintains a close-knit feel with many town gatherings happening at the Harrisburg Town Center. The small-town vibe and local businesses make it a great place to put down roots. Harrisburg also hosts one of the largest 4th of July parades in the region bringing in more than 50,000 visitors.

Anchored by the student population at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University area is an eclectic neighborhood northeast of center city. In the 1960s, visionaries saw past the area's farm fields and imagined a great university, complete with research facilities and places to live, work and play. Today, with its many hospitals and hotels, shops and attractions, such as the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, that vision is now the reality.

The city's greenway system also boasts one of the best trails in this area of the city, the Mallard Creek Greenway.

mint hill Mint Hill is a residential suburb east of Charlotte, near the Cabarrus County line. This allAmerican town hosts numerous community events and festivals throughout the year. Practice your swing on the softball field or one of the tennis courts at Wilgrove Park.

Monroe Due east of Charlotte is the city of Monroe and Union County.

Agriculture and aerospace are two of the most notable business bases for the area. It's an easier pace of life here, with easy proximity to Charlotte thanks to the I-485 outer beltway. Choose from urban residential, large plantationlike properties and historic renovations in downtown Monroe. The area is loaded with parks, including Cane Creek Park, a water-based recreation facility with 1,050 acres of land surrounding a 350-acre lake.

WEST

Belmont

Denver

A quick commute to the airport or Charlotte, this area offers housing options that are far more affordable than other areas. Belmont is a former mill town just across the Catawba River in Gaston County. Many of the bungalows that once housed mill workers have been converted into delightful homes to raise families. Belmont is home to the majestic Belmont Abbey College, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll through a worldclass garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden featuring an orchid conservatory and children’s garden (opening fall 2014). Attend one of the many family-based events at Stowe Park or take a hike along the newly opened Seven Oaks Preserve Trail.

Located in Lincoln County on the western shores of Lake Norman and about 30 minutes northwest of Charlotte lies the quiet suburb of Denver.

With neighborhoods located mainly off of Highway 16, recent growth has included waterfront enclaves with sprawling mansions, as well as more modest options. There are also golf course and tennis centers, including Cowan’s Ford Golf Club, that add to a laidback lifestyle. Denver residents have many restaurant options available, and can easily access the shopping and restaurants of Huntersville via Highway 73.

With access to less crowded areas of the lake, Denver is a hidden gem.

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The largest city in Gaston County, historic Gastonia was once the epicenter of the bustling mill industry. You can see remnants of the place’s past, with several mills converted into loft apartments near the downtown. New housing communities have joined the ranks of neighborhoods established a half-century ago (and mill homes that date back even further). The city has experienced steady growth over the last decade, evidenced in the revitalized downtown project, including Westfield Eastridge Mall. Gastonia was named an All-American City in 2010, and is home to the Gastonia Grizzlies baseball team. The Schiele Museum of Natural History aims to inspire a passion for science and the natural world in children and their parents, with displays of animals, flora, fauna and fossils and a Catawba Indian Village.

Scenic mountain trails that even young hikers can enjoy, in addition to a small lake with canoe rental, can be found at Crowders Mountain State Park in nearby Kings Mountain.

McAdenville Each holiday season, residents of the town decorate houses and landmarks with thousands of lights, resulting in one of the country's biggest light shows.

Known as Christmastown USA, visitors stroll or cruise in their cars down Main Street surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas. The town is the headquarters of Pharr Yarns, a yarn manufacturing plant. It is the town's largest employer and the seventh-largest employer in Gaston County. The town has seen recent revitalization with updates to hillside homes through the windy neighborhood streets that surround the town lake and the adjacent South Fork River.

Clockwise from top left: Belmont Abbey College, photo courtesy of VisitNC.com; Gastonia Grizzlies baseball, photo courtesy of Gastonia Grizzlies; Christmastown USA/McAdenville, photo courtesy of VisitNC.com.

Gastonia

U.S. National Whitewater Center, photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.

Mountain island lake Nestled along the Mecklenburg/Gaston County line is Mountain Island Lake, considerably quieter than its giant neighbor, Lake Norman. The bucolic area has seen considerable growth in recent years, resulting in new waterfront neighborhoods popping up next to older homes. Although the lake is accessible for boating and fishing, its primary purpose is to act as the source of drinking water for Mecklenburg and Gaston County residents. Less congested than other areas of Charlotte, the Mountain Island Lake area can provide a quick commute into parts of the city.

It is also nearby Northlake Mall, a premier shopping destination that includes anchor stores Belk and Dillards as well as an H&M and an AMC movie theater.

Mount holly Mount Holly is a small suburban town in Gaston County with a culturally and historically rich community.

It’s a neighborly place with small town character and historic downtown, set along the Catawba River. Zip lines, rock climbing, ropes courses, hikes, kayaking, and of course, whitewater rafting, make the U.S. National Whitewater Center a mustdo. For a sweet treat, head over to Queen Bee Bakery, known for their cupcakes and cookies.

The Charlotte Parent Education Guide provides the best in local education resources to help you make smart school decisions. Read it at CharlotteParent.com/ educationguide or download the app for iPad.

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Good as Gold

More than 200 years ago, 12-year-old Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound yellow rock on his family’s farm northeast of Charlotte. The rock was later determined to be gold and sold for a mere $3.24. His find was the start of the Carolina Gold Rush. Strike gold with your family by using this map as a guide to some of the area’s gold landmarks.

Trade and Tryon Streets Location: Uptown Charlotte by Independence Square.

Golden myth? Is there gold under the streets of Trade and Tryon? Could be! The streets of Trade and Tryon were built atop a previous gold-mining ground.

Fun fact: Three of the four bronze statues on the corners of Trade and Tryon represent transportation, commerce and industry, which all face the fourth statue that represents the future.

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GoldRush Trolley Buses Location: Uptown; connects to Center City Charlotte and the LYNX Blue Line.

When can you ride? Ride for free Monday-Friday from 6:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Fun fact: The trolley bus, which circles uptown every 12 minutes, gives a nod to Carolina Gold Rush history. Catch it at a bus stop in the uptown area.

XX X

Hugh McManaway Statue Location: Corner of Providence and Queens roads.

Why is it there? Born and raised in Myers Park, Hugh McManaway was know for directing traffic at the confusing intersection of Queens and Providence roads. The gold statue was put up in his memory.

Fun fact: Don’t be surprised if you see a bridal veil or other adornment on the statue, as it's tradition to decorate the statue for special occasions.

Reed Gold Mine Location: Reed Gold Mine, Midland.

What’s there to do? For $2, you can pan for gold just like they did during the Carolina Gold Rush of the 1800s.

Fun fact: By the end of year 1824, miners recovered an estimated yield of $100,000 in gold.

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Carolina Gold Rusher Location: Carowinds.

What is it? This wooden rollercoaster features two lift hills, two fun helixes, and a twist dive into a replicated mining tunnel.

Fun fact: It’s one of the four oldest roller coasters at Carowinds, and has been running for 41 years.

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Photo Credits: Gold Rush Trolley photo courtesy of Charlotte Area Transit System; Hugh McManaway statue, photo by Melissa Stutts; Reed Gold Mine photo courtesy of Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site; Carolina Gold Rusher photo courtesy of Carowinds.

Charlotte’s as

By Mikala Young

CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S SPEECH?

Visit www.childspeechlanguage.com

Your child will receive the utmost care, expertise and sensitivity from the speechlanguage pathologists at Child Language and Developmental Speech, PLLC. Through one-on-one intervention plans, we work to: 3 understand your child’s unique speech and language needs 3determine if your child has a speech or language delay 3offer you fun activities to do with your child to strengthen speech and language skills

For more information, call 704.845.0561 or visit www.childspeechlanguage.com “Not only did my son’s speech therapist help him with his speech difficulties, she was always knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly, patient with us.”

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Charlotte Hornets Make a Comeback The buzz about the local NBA team and its name

F

rom a distance, patches of purple and teal blurred, and “The Hive” buzzed in anticipation of the announcer introducing “YOUR Charlotte Hornets!”

The Hornets were pitted against the Chicago

Bulls on April 23, 1993 and it just happened to be Michael Jordan’s final game before his initial retirement to play baseball. It was touch and go. Larry Johnson poured on 31 points and finally, unbelievably, Alonzo Mourning blocked a Chicago shot at the buzzer for a 104-103 win.

“It was one of those moments that makes you a fan for life,” says Jon Martin, who attended that basketball game at 7 years old with his father.

“Even after all these years, the 1992-‘93 Hornets are probably my favorite sports team in history— LJ, Muggsy, Zo, the playoff win against Boston, the whole year was just magical.”

The original Hornets joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in

1988 and spent 14 seasons in Charlotte before being moved to New Orleans by former owner George Shinn in 2002. Two years later, Charlotte welcomed the newest expansion team, the Bobcats. After Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, ran that show for several years, Michael Jordan purchased a majority stake in the Bobcats in 2010.

That same year, George Shinn sold the Hornets franchise to the NBA. Two years ago, the league sold it to Tom Benson, who sought to change the name to the Pelicans, leaving the Hornets name once again available.

Subsequent polling showed that Charlotte fans

overwhelmingly supported the revival of the Hornets name, and Michael Jordan began the process of reclaiming the name. In May 2013, it was a done deal; and the Charlotte Hornets return to the hive for the 2014-2015 season.

Teal and purple are coming back and so will Hugo the Hornet, though he will be modernized with a more aggressive look.

"The Hornets name is very special to the city of Charlotte,” says Pete Guelli, EVP and chief sales and marketing officer for the Charlotte Bobcats. “The Hornets were Charlotte's first major professional sports team and were highly successful both on and off the floor. We are ecstatic to be bringing this hallowed name back to the city of Charlotte."

1989: Muggsy Bogues, No.1 of the Charlotte Hornets, stands with his teammates before an NBA game at Charlotte Coliseum.

Photo by Tim Defrisco/Getty Images.

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Ballantyne Country Club, photo courtesy of VisitNC.com.

By Resa Goldberg

More don’t-miss sports action On Carolina Panthers game days, kids can run football skills and drills and rev up to cheer on the team with the TopCats cheerleaders, mascot Sir Purr, and the PurrCussion drumline at Panthers in the Park at Romare Bearden Park. panthers.com.

The recently opened BB&T Ballpark brings Charlotte Knights baseball uptown. Fans 17 and younger can sign up for the Junior Knights Club and participate in Kids Run the Bases on Sunbelt Family Sundays. charlotteknights.com.

Chubby, mascot for the minor league hockey team the Charlotte Checkers, brings his game to the ice for family fun at Time Warner Cable Arena. Kids Club members get a free ticket to Chubby’s birthday party and free post-game skate rentals. gocheckers.com.

Walk the course with the kids at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club. The annual PGA golf tournament hosts youth exhibitions at the beginning of the week, and children under 12 get in free with a paying adult. wellsfargochampionship.com.

Major League Lacrosse expansion team the Charlotte Hounds invites kids to join the Junior Hounds program, and play at the Kids Zone at every Charlotte Hounds lacrosse home game at Memorial Stadium. charlottehounds.com.

NASCAR is an institution in the Charlotte area. Give the family a taste of racing during the Jack in the Box Summer Shootout Series with a full series of Legends Car and Bandolero racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

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Discover 7 counties to explore off I-77 in SC Kings Mountain National Military Park Revolutionary and Civil War sites Historic Homes • 10 State Parks Canoeing • Kayaking • Hiking Antiquing

Olde English District Market and Visitors Center Exit 65 off I-77 • 800-968-5909 OldeEnglishDistrict.com

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5/29/14 9:23:32 AM

We asked our readers for their favorites and they delivered. Now we share their favorites, so you can be in the know about some of the best places for families to play, eat, shop and learn, plus services that help make life a litle easier. The list is created by nominations from parents like you who recommend places and services based on their experiences.

Four ballots were posted on our website over the course of eight weeks. Readers wrote in their favorite for each category without any suggestion from us. Following are this year’s favorites as determined by more than 400 Charlotte Parent readers.

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Burgers

Mexican Food

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Azteca Mexican Restaurant

1626 East Blvd., 704-714-4888 baddaddysburgerbar.com Coffee Shop

Dilworth Coffee

1235 East Blvd., 704-358-8003 dilworthcoffee.com Date Night

131 Main Campers find their creative sides at YMCA Charlotte day camps, voted favorite place for summer day camp. Photo by A.P. Phillips.

ARTS AND CULTURE Children's Museum

Discovery Place

Family Restaurant

301 N. Tryon St., 704-372-6261

discoveryplace.org Live Theatre

Children's Theatre of Charlotte

ImaginOn, 300 E. Seventh St., 704-973-2800 ctcharlotte.org Cultural Museum

Mint Museum-Uptown

500 S. Tryon St., 704-337-2000 mintmuseum.org

DINING OUT Barbecue

Mac’s Speed Shop

• 2511 South Blvd., 704-5226227 • 2414 Sandy Porter Road, 704-504-8500 • 19601 Liverpool Pkwy., Cornelius, 704-892-3554 macspeedshop.com Brunch

Toast Cafe

• 2400 Park Road, 704-215-4166 • 101 N. Main St., Davidson, 704-655-2778 • 8430 Rea Road, 980-613-8343 toastcafeonline.com

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• 1315 East Blvd., 704-343-0131 • 9886 Rea Road, 704-544-0131 • 17830 N. Statesville Road, Cornelius, 704-896-0131 • 131-main.com

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Lupie’s Café

• 2718 Monroe Road, 704-374-1232 • 101 Statesville Road, Huntersville, 704-948-3959 lupiescafe.net Frozen Treat

sweetFrog

Multiple locations sweetfrogyogurt.com Girls Night Out

Vivace and 131 Main - tie

• 1100 Metropolitan Ave., No. 100, 704-370-7755 vivacecharlotte.com • 131 Main, see above Italian Food

Mama Ricotta’s

601 S. Kings Drive, 704-343-0148 mamaricottasrestaurant.com Kids Eat Free

McAlisters Deli

Multiple locations mcalistersdeli.com

CharlotteParent.com

Locations in Charlotte, Gastonia and Matthews aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com

Children's Theatre of Charlotte offers summer day camps for kids of all ages, and was voted favorite Live Theatre.

Photo courtesy of Children's Theatre.

Outdoor Dining With Kids

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza 7814 Fairview Road, 704-295-0707 brixxpizza.com Pizza

Pure Pizza

224 E. Seventh St., 980-2070037 purepizzaclt.com Vegetarian Eats

Luna’s Living Kitchen

2104 South Blvd., Suite 300, 704-333-0008 lunaslivingkitchen.com

EDUCATION + ENRICHMENT Arts/Music Class

Noah's Art of Blakeney

Blakeney Shopping Center, 9852 Rea Road, Suite C2, 704-542-2388 noahs-art.com/blakeney

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FAVOR

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ders’

RITES

Dance Lessons

Steps N Motion Dance Studio 8183 Ardrey Kell Road, 704-845-1180 stepsnmotion.com

Place to Learn a Second Language

PlaySpanish

Multiple locations, 704-4425616 playspanish.com

Equestrian Facility

Latta Equestrian Center

Preschool

6201 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704-992-1550 lattaequestriancenter.com

Ivybrook Academy • 873 Dave Gibson Blvd. Fort

Martial Arts Studio

Weddington, 704-845-2310 ivybrookacademy.com

Karate Charlotte

8173 Ardrey Kell Road, 704-846-0707 karatecharlotte.com

Private School

Charlotte Preparatory School

Mom-and-Tot Program

Music Together

11944 Pinnacle Point Lane, 704-449-6761 musictogetherofcharlotte.com Gymnastics

Southeastern Gymnastics

13601 Providence Road, Weddington, 704-847-0785 southeasterngymnastics.com

212 Boyce Road, 704-366-5994 charlotteprep.org Sports Program for Kids

Soccer Shots

YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Multiple locations, 704-716-6200 ymcacharlotte.org

8200 Tower Point Drive, 704-846-7946 14415 Reese Blvd., Huntersville

Tutoring Center

The Lazar Center of Learning and Achievement 5126 Park Road, Suite D, 704-726-8236 lazarcenter.com

Charlotte Preparatory School serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, and was voted favorite Private School. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Preparatory School.

OUT AND ABOUT Animal Attraction

Multiple locations, 704-8900988 soccershots.org/charlotte Summer Day camp

Swim Lessons

Little Otter Swim School

Mill, 803-802-2390

• 9801 Suzanne Court,

Lazy 5 Ranch

15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, 704-663-5100 lazy5ranch.com Botanical Garden

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, 704-825-4490 dsbg.org Family Daytrip

Riverbanks Zoo

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC, 803-779-8717 riverbanks.org Family Festival

South Carolina Strawberry Festival

Walter Y. Elisha Park, 345 N. White St., Fort Mill, SC, 803-547-2116 scstrawberryfestival.com Park/Playground A little extra tutoring goes a long way with the help of The Lazar Center of Learning and Achievement, voted favorite Tutoring Center. Photo courtesy of The Lazar Center of Learning and Achievement.

Freedom Park

1900 East Blvd., 704-432-4280 parkandrec.com CharlotteParent.com

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Dive into a world of science and extraordinary experiences; lie on a bed of nails, trek the tropics, get hands-on in the labs, or take a front row seat during a live science show, IMAX速 movie or digital 3D film.

301 N Tryon St | Charlotte, NC | 704.372.6261 | discoveryplace.org General DP Charlotte Parent ad-4 (kids globe).indd 1

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Bicycle Shop

Maternity Clothing Store

Toy Store

Trek Bicycle Store

Destination Maternity

Toys & Co.

• 10129 Perimeter Pkwy., 704-598-0056 • 12194 Johnston Road, Suite 110, 704-619-5802 • 124 Trade Court, Suite F, Mooresville, 704-663-8812 coolbreezecyclery.com Birthday Entertainer

Wish Upon a Star Children’s Parties

704-780-4300 wishuponastarparties.com Birthday Party Venue

Sports Connection

Toys & Co., voted favorite Toy Store, has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with toys galore to captivate young and old.

• 11611 Ardrey Kell Road • 10930 Granite Street • 8626 Hankins Road 704-583-1444 sportsconnectionnc.com Children's Clothing Store

Place to See Santa

Carolina Place Mall

11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., 704-543-9300 carolinaplace.com Place to Splash

Boomerang Bay at Carowinds and Ray's Splash Planet (tie) • 14523 Carowinds Blvd. carowinds.com • 215 N. Sycamore St., rayssplashplanet.com

SHOPPING + SERVICES Babysitter/Nanny Service

Purple Nanny

1101 W. First St., No. 129, 704-351-2100 purplenannycharlotte.com

The Children's Place Multiple locations childrensplace.com

Children’s Consignment Shop

Kid-to-Kid

• 3407 Pineville Matthews Road, Suite 600, 704-541-0049 kidtokid.com/charlotte • 9931-A Rose Commons Drive, Huntersville,704-947-5251 kidtokid.com/huntersville • 4211 Park Road, 704525-7500 kidtokid.com/parkroad

Place to Buy Baby Gear

Babies "R" Us

• 242 S. Sharon Amity Road, 704-365-7890 • 4217 Park Road, 704-527-1921 toysandco.com Veterinarian

Locations in Charlotte, Concord and Gastonia babiesrus.com

South Charlotte Animal Hospital

Place to Buy Sports Gear

Dick’s Sporting Goods Multiple locations dickssportinggoods.com

304 S. Polk St, Pineville, 704-889-7387 southcharlotteanimalhospital.com

Child's Haircut

Pigtails and Crewcuts

• 9935 Rea Road, Suite C, 704-541-3386 pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/ charlotte-blakeney • 310A S. Sharon Amity Road, 704-366-9050 pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/ charlotte-cotswold Place to Get Your Pooch Groomed

Pet Smart

Multiple locations petsmart.com

Kids as young as 3 can get in on the action with Soccer Shots, voted favorite Sports Program for Kids. Photo courtesy of Soccer Shots.

Children’s Shoe Store

Stride Rite

Multiple locations striderite.com

Baker/Cake Maker

Family Photographer

Wow Factor Cakes

Christi Falls Photography

2400 Park Road, 704-654-0598 charlotteweddingcakes.com

4716 Sharon Road, 704-552-8190 destinationmaternity.com

980-522-2933 christifalls.com

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Get Going in the Great Outdoors

By Resa Goldberg

C

harlotte is a great outdoor city most all year round. From tennis and golf to youth sports fields, swimming and skateboard parks, there is no shortage of places to play.

But did you know that the No. 1 requested amenity that residents want is paved walking and biking trails? According to a recent survey included in the 2014 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Master Plan, 73 percent of households want tree-lined greenways more than any other recreational service.

“The popularity of greenways stems from their accessibility, the events and festivals structured around them and our commitment to aligning their development with stream restoration so

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birds and wildlife can thrive,” says Gwen Cook, planner for the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department.

The county currently has 37 miles of paved greenways with another 165 planned. On the north side of town, find the Toby Creek Greenway, which crosses the UNC Charlotte campus and connects to Mallard Creek Greenway. The 1.6-mile path winds through a floodplain forest under a canopy of mature Sugarberry, Box Elder, Tulip Poplar and Sycamore trees. Look for many species of butterflies, squirrels and even coyotes.

Four Mile Creek, Lower McAlpine and McMullen Creek greenways connect on the south side of Charlotte between Rea Road and

CharlotteParent.com

Pineville-Matthews Road by nearly six miles of paved, gravel and boardwalk greenway. “I like to walk there with my kids or even with my 89-year-old father,” says south Charlotte resident Beth Winterfield.

There you will find the park system’s first documented Great Blue Heron rookery, as well as the American Redstart and the Scarlet Tanager. (Check parkandrec.com for temporary construction closings).

In midtown, there are three sections of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, totaling more than five miles of paved urban greenway. When complete, it will feature more than 19 miles of trails and connectors linking destinations from the north part of the county all the way to the South Carolina line.

There has been much talk about the Carolina Thread Trail, a proposed network of 500 miles of greenway that will reach 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens. Some trails will link with existing trails in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Department system. Thus far, more than 100 miles have opened, and many are natural surface trails. For example, take a walk on the Pharr Family Nature Trail in Midland along side the scenic Rocky River.

The property also includes a put-in point for canoes and kayaks. When complete, the entire system will provide alternative transportation, recreation, connectivity, health and wellness, and conservation corridors to people all over the region.

Photos of greenway courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte. Romare Bearden Park photo by Melissa Stutts.

During the hot summer days, kids can play under the three towering fish foundations that pour down streams of water at The Green located on Tryon Street uptown.

More Places to Play Outdoors

Hike, bike, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, zip line and explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which is home to the world’s largest manmade recirculating whitewater river. usnwc.org.

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve near UNC Charlotte boasts more than 10 miles of hiking trails, fishing, a nature center, disc golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, and a dog park. parkandrec.com.

Play at the NFL Play 60 KidZone or rent bikes to ride around the manmade 7-acre lake at Freedom Park in Dilworth. parkandrec.com.

Go for a hike on the trails, or canoe, kayak and fish on the banks of Mountain Island Lake at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.

Carolina Raptor Center, an education and rehabilitation facility for birds of prey, is also at the preserve. lattaplantation.org; carolinaraptorcenter.org.

Crowder’s Mountain State Park in Gaston County offers camping, hiking, rock climbing and canoeing and a Junior Rangers program for kids ages 6-12. ncparks.gov.

Top to bottom: Romare Bearden Park is Charlotte's newest uptown green space; Walk, run, bike or stroll along Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

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CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Cross the Bridge and discover all that’s waiting for you at MillBridge.

Come explore academic excellence for your child. ^ƚĂƌƚ ĞdžƉůŽƌŝŶŐ͗ ĐŚĂƌůŽƩ ĞĐŽƵŶƚƌLJĚĂLJ͘ŽƌŐ

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New homes from the $180s to the $400s in Waxhaw, NC

Learn more at MillBridge-NC.com

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5/28/14 11:04:34 AM

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Photo credits: Lost Hollow rendering courtesy of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Cooper Lunsford at Romare Bearden Park by Melissa Stutts; Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium by Poprock Photography; BB&T Ballpark by Odell Ballpark Design Associates; NFL Play 60 by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation; Boomerang Bay by Carowinds; Charlotte Invasion by Charlotte Invasion.

Lost Hollow Children get their own space in the new medievalthemed Lost Hollow garden and play space at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont. From Fireplace Cave to a fountain running through ancient ruins, a wicket thicket, the throne room and an overgrown aviary, it's a playground for the imagination. Opening fall 2014. dsbg.org.

Charlotte Hornets The buzz is back at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Charlotte's original NBA team the Hornets, which became the Charlotte Bobcats, returns to its original name and hive for the 2014-15 season.

Read more on page 28. nba.com/hornets.

What's New in BB&T Ballpark An added jewel to the QC crown, BB&T Ballpark on Mint Street is the new home for the Charlotte Knights baseball team.

It offers awesome views of the city's skyline plus family-friendly theme nights, Fireworks Fridays and a chance for kids to run the bases. charlotteknights.com.

Romare Bearden Park The park is a welcome green space uptown, located at the corner of South Church and Third streets. Family-friendly activities happen throughout the year, and kids can cool off in the summer running through the waterfall wall or play in the Childhood Muse Plaza with pipes that squirt a cool mist. parkandrec.com.

Sea Life Aquarium The centerpiece of this 36,000 square-foot aquarium is the 180-degree ocean tunnel that allows visitors to see sharks, rays and other fish swim right over their heads. Another highly anticipated attraction is the Giant Pacific octopus, the largest octopus species in the world. visitsealife.com/ charlotte-concord.

CHARLOTTE

NFL Play 60 KidZone Kids can scale mini-climbing walls, walk a balance rope, time themselves running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Play60 KidZone at Freedom Park. It's a hit on sunny afternoons year round. parkandrec.com.

Two Giant Slides at Boomerang Bay Surfer’s Swell, a slide that riders travel 263 feet before plunging into an angled wall that mimics the sensation of catching an ocean wave; and the Dorsal Fin Drop, a 351-foot slide that whirls riders in a curved tunnel and then blasts them into a bowl, amps up the thrill factor at the popular Carowinds waterpark. carowinds.com.

Charlotte Invasion This semi-professional women’s basketball team is part of the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League that includes former college players to former NWBL and WNBA players, and current international players. Catch a game at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center. charlotteinvasion.com.

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GO PLAY SEE

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GPS 2013

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Maximize the Learning, Reflect Christ United Faith Christian Academy is an academically rigorous Christ-centered college preparatory school for grades TK-12.

Maximize the Learning, Reflect Christ

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Now enrolling forcollege the 2014 -2015 school year

8617 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277

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May Not Represent Actual Size. Ads designed by Charlotte Parent are the property of Carolina Parenting Inc.

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6/2/14 11:26:00 AM

8617 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277

704.541.1742 • www.ufca.org

SMILE

Ad Proofs May Not Represent Actual Size. Ads designed by Charlotte Parent are the property of Carolina Parenting Inc.

When it comes to orthodontics, education, experience, and trust make a difference.

704-875-7999 223 Gilead Road Huntersville, NC 28078

40CLTPG_140700_MarcAllenOrtho.indd GPS 2014-2015 | CharlotteParent.com 1

Dr. Marc Allen and his highly trained team have engineered the only full green orthodontic office in NC and the second in the world from the stone exterior to the cleaning supplies used inside.

We will work with you to choose the treatment best suited to your needs.

MarcAllenOrtho.com

6/3/14 12:22:41 PM

Resource Listing

Resource Listings

attractions Gardens, Nature Centers and Zoos

Anne Springs Close Greenway 250 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill, SC 803-547-4575 ascgreenway.org Carolina Raptor Center 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-6521 carolinaraptorcenter.org Charlotte Nature Museum 1658 Sterling Road 704-372-6261 charlottenaturemuseum.org Cold Blooded Encounters 3513 Hwy. 74 W., Monroe 704-649-6296 coldbloodedencounters.com Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont 704-825-4490 dsbg.org

Lazy 5 Ranch photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.

Hollywild Animal Park 2325 Hampton Road, Wellford, S.C. 864-472-2038 hollywild.com Latta Plantation Nature Center 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-1391 parkandrec.com Lazy 5 Ranch 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville 704-663-5100 lazy5ranch.com McDowell Nature Center 15222 York Road 704-588-5224 parkandrec.com McGill Rose Garden 940 N. Davidson St. 704-333-6497 mcgillrosegarden.com

North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro 800-488-0444 nczoo.org

Bost Grist Mill 4701 Highway 200, Concord 704-782-1600 bostgristmill.com

Reedy Creek Nature Center 2900 Rocky River Road 704-432-6459 parkandrec.com

C. Grier Beam Truck Museum 111 N. Mountain St., Cherryville 704-435-3072 beamtruckmuseum.com

Riverbanks Zoo 500 Wildlife Pkwy.,Columbia, SC 803-779-8717 riverbanks.org

Carl J. McEwen Historic Village 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road 704-573-0726 minthillhistory.com

Sea Life Aquarium 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord 866-229-1573 visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord

Carolina’s Aviation Museum 4672 First Flight Drive 704-997-3770 carolinasaviation.org

Tiger World 4400 Cook Road, Rockwell 704-279-6363 tigerworld.us

Charlotte Museum of History 3400 Shamrock Drive 704-568-1774 charlottemuseum.org

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens 9201 University City Blvd.

704-687-0720 gardens.uncc.edu

Charlotte Trolley Powerhouse Museum 1507 Camden Road 704-375-0850 charlottetrolley.org

Wing Haven Gardens 248 Ridgewood Ave. 704-331-0664 winghavengardens.com Zootastic Park 448 Pilch Road, Troutman 888-966-0069 zootasticpark.com

Museums, Historic Sites and Science Centers

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200 bechtler.org Billy Graham Library 4330 Westmont Drive 704-401-3200 billygraham.org

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture 551 S. Tryon St. 704-547-3700 ganttcenter.org Heritage Farmstead 1335 Museum Road, Statesville 704-873-4734 iredellmuseums.org Historic Brattonsville 1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells, SC 803-684-2327 chmuseums.org/brattonsville Historic Rosedale 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-335-0325 historicrosedale.org ImaginOn 300 E. Seventh St. 704-416-4600 imaginon.org Hugh Torrance House and Store 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-875-3271 hughtorancehouseandstore.com Iredell Museum kids@play Signal Hill Mall, 1613 E. Broad St., Statesville 704-450-0756 iredellmuseums.org

Discovery Place 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261 discoveryplace.org Discovery Place KIDS 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-372-6261 discoveryplacekids.org Energy Explorium 13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville 980-875-5600 duke-energy.com Fort Dobbs 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville 704-873-5882 fortdobbs.org

Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville 704-875-2312 lattaplantation.org Levine Museum of the New South 200 E. Seventh St. 704-333-1887 museumofthenewsouth.org Lincoln County Museum of History 403 E. Main St., Lincolnton 704-748-9090 lincolncountyhistory.com

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RESOURCE LISTINGS Main Street Children’s Museum 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 803-327-6400 chmuseums.org Matthews Heritage Museum 232 N. Trade St., Matthews 704-708-4996 matthewsheritagemuseum.org Mint Museum Uptown: 500 S. Tryon St. Randolph: 2730 Randolph Road 704-337-2000 mintmuseum.org

Resource Listings

community resources

Museum of the Waxhaws 8215 Waxhaw Hwy., Waxhaw 704-843-1832 museumofthewaxhaws.com

NASCAR Hall of Fame 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

704-654-4400 nascarhall.com N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame 119 Knob Hill Road, Lakeside Park, Mooresville 704-663-5331 ncarhof.com N.C. Transportation Museum 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer 704-636-2889 nctrans.org President James K. Polk Historic Site 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville 704-889-7145 nchistoricsites.org/polk Reed Gold Mine 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland 704-721-4653 nchistoricsites.org/reed Schiele Museum of Natural History 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia 704-866-6900 schielemuseum.org Wells Fargo History Museum 401 S. Tryon St. 704-715-1866 wellsfargohistory.com

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FARMER'S MARKETS

Editor’s note: Check website or call for operating hours of each market.

7th Street Public Market 224 E. Seventh St. 7thstreetpublicmarket.com Atherton Mill and Market 2104 South Blvd. facebook.com/athertonmillandmarket Belmont Fresh Market N. Main Street, Belmont localharvest.org/ belmont-farmers-market-nc-M58853 The Bradford Store 15915 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville thebradfordstore.com Charlotte Regional Farmers Market 801 Yorkmont Road ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/ charlotte

Huntersville Growers Market 103 Maxwell St., Huntersville huntersville.org Josh’s Farmers Market 189 Williamson Road, Mooresville joshsfarmersmarket.com Kings Drive Farmers Market 939 S. Kings Drive 704-332-6366 ncfarmfresh.com The Market at Inman Farms 1101 Black Hwy., York, SC inmanfarmsyorksc.webs.com Matthews Community Farmers Market 188 N. Trade St., Matthews matthewsfarmersmarket.com

Davidson Farmers Market Main and Jackson streets, Davidson http://davidsonfarmersmarket.org

McAdenville Community Farmers Market 118 Wesleyan Drive, McAdenville visitgaston.org

Denver Farmers Market Rock Springs Elementary School, 3633 N.C. Higway 16, Denver lincolncountyfarmersmarket.com

Mecklenburg County Market 1515 Harding Place mecklenburgcountymarket.com

Gastonia Farmers Market 410 E. Long Ave., Gastonia gastoniafarmersmarket.com Go-go Fresco Multiple locations gogofresco.org

CharlotteParent.com

Meeting Street Market Elon Park Elementary School, 11425 Ardrey Kell Road meetingstreetmarket.com

Mint Hill Farmers Market 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill minthillhistory.com Mount Holly Farmers Market 130 S. Main St., Mount Holly mounthollyfarmersmarket.com Newell Farmers Market 1704 Rocky River Road facebook.com/pages/ Newell-Farmers-Marke Old Town Market 118 Caldwell St., Rock Hill, SC http://onlyinoldtown.com/market Piedmont Farmers Market, Inc The Concord Market 24 Market St., Concord piedmont-farmersmarket.com Piedmont Farmers Market 6960 Robinson Church Road, Harrisburg piedmont-farmersmarket.com Piedmont Farmers Market, Inc The Winecoff Market 518 Winecoff School Road, Kannapolis piedmont-farmersmarket.com Plaza Midwood Farmers Market 2007 Commonwealth Ave. 704-794-2033

Farmer's Market photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.

Museum of York County 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC 803-329-2121 chmuseums.org/myco

Educating Young Minds in a Fun Enviroment!

South Charlotte Baptist Academy Serving Pineville & Surrounding Communities since 2003!

Why choose South Charlotte Baptist Academy: -Small classes sizes 10:1 teacher/student ratio -Distinctively Christian Education -Extended Hours 7:30 am - 6:00 pm -Kindergarten thru grade 12 -Preschool K-3 & K-4 Half & full day programs

Mecklenburg County ·(704) 348-2181 Cabarrus County (704) 786-1024 Union County (704) 238-8800 Rowan County (704) 210-1008 Stanly County (704) 550-0103

www.findchildcarenc.com

“What a fantastic school. Loving and caring teachers. My daughter is scoring a year and a half above the national average in standardized tests. They are also learning to read and write cursive in preschool!

CLTPG_140700_ChildCareResources.indd Small class size too.” —Submitted by a parent

Now enrolling for the 2014/2015 School year!

6/3/14 Find hundreds of local education resources in our annual

9:50:24 AM

Education Guide.

Explore the digital edition at CharlotteParent.com/ EducationGuide.

South Charlotte Baptist Academy 12416 Lancaster Hwy. Pineville, NC 28134 704-544-7323 See more at: www.scbacademy.org

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RESOURCE LISTINGS Poplar Ridge Farm Stand 1619 Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road, Waxhaw poplarridgefarmnc.com Providence Produce Market 10636 Providence Road 704-321-7024 providenceproduce.com Shamrock Farmers Market 1501 Eastway Drive http://mcfvc.charmeck.org Sow Much Good 3400 Sunset Road 704-947-6842 sowmuchgood.org Union County Farmers Market 805 Skyway Drive, Monroe www.co.union.nc.us/LivingHere/ FarmersMarket.aspx Waxhaw Farmers Market 116 McDonald St., Waxhaw waxhawfarmersmarket.com

Local Libraries

Cabarrus County 704-920-2000 cabarruscounty.us/library

Charlotte Mecklenburg 704-416-0100 cmlibrary.org Gaston County 704-868-2164 gastonlibrary.org

Iredell County 704-878-3090 iredell.lib.nc.us

York County 803-684-3742 yorkcitysc.com/departments/recreation

Mooresville Public Library 704-664-2927 ci.mooresville.nc.us/225/Library

Note: Many towns and municipalities also have parks and recreation departments. Check online for more information regarding special events, classes and athletic leagues.

Monroe Library of the Union County Public Library 704-283-8184 union.lib.nc.us York County 803-981-5858 yclibrary.org

Parks and Recreation



Find programs and resources for children with special needs in our Exceptional Child Guide at CharlotteParent.com/ exceptional.

Cabarrus County 704-920-3350 cabarruscounty.us/parks



Gaston County 704-922-2160 gastongov.com/departments/ parks-recreation

4H 704-336-2082 mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu

Iredell County 704-878-3103 co.iredell.nc.us/departments/recreation/ Lincoln County 704-748-1518 lincolncounty.org Mecklenburg County 704-336-3854 parkandrec.com Union County 704-843-3919 co.union.nc.us/Divisions/ParksRecreation.aspx

Youth Organizations

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte 704-910-1301 bbbscharlotte.org Brown Athletic Division 704-750-9243 brownathleticdivision.org Boys and Girls Clubs xxCabarrus – 704-721-2582 bgclubcab.org xxGaston – 704-864-6171 bgcgreatergaston.org

xxGreater Charlotte – 704-714-4738 bgccharlotte.org xxYork – 803-324-7920 bgcyc.org Boy Scouts of America Mecklenburg County Council 704-333-5471 mccscouting.org Boy Scouts of America Piedmont Council/Gastonia 704-864-2694 piedmontcouncilbsa.org Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council 704-731-6500; hngirlscouts.org Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont 800-672-2148 girlscoutsp2p.org Girl Talk Foundation Inc. 704-335-5885 girltalkfoundationinc.com Right Moves for Youth 704-377-4425 rightmovesforyouth.org Time Out Youth 704-344-8335 timeoutyouth.org Y Guides 704-716-6282 yguides.org Young Life 704-334-0220 younglifecarolinasregion.younglife.org

Plan to stay awhile when you visit this kid-centric library uptown. The three-story facility offers an interactive play area and story times for toddlers, a dedicated library space for youth ages 11 and under, a puppet booth for guests to make their own puppet shows, a teen loft with a multimedia production studio, as well as two state-of-the-art theater spaces where Children’s Theatre of Charlotte performances come to life. Stop on your way in to play on the oversized typewriter key sculptures. 

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ImaginOn photo courtesy of VisitNC.com

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center

Resource Listings

health and wellness momapproved

DOCTORS See who local moms recommend as their favorite doctors in town in our Mom-Approved Docs list at CharlotteParent.com/favedocs.

Hospitals

Carolinas Healthcare System xxCarolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-2000 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc xxCarolinas Rehabilitation 877-734-2251 carolinashealthcare.org/ carolinas-rehab xxJeff Gordon Children’s Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center NorthEast 920 Church St. N., Concord 704-403-3000 carolinashealthcare.org/ childrens-services xxLevine Children’s Hospital – Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 levinechildrenshospital.org xxLincoln 433 McAlister Road, Lincolnton 980-212-2000 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc-lincoln xxMercy 2001 Vail Ave. 704-304-5000 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc-mercy xxNorthEast 920 Church St. North, Concord 704-403-3000 carolinashealthcare.org/ cmc-northeast xxPineville 10628 Park Road 704-667-1000 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc-pineville xxUnion 600 Hospital Drive, Monroe 704-993-3100 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc-union xxUniversity 8800 N. Tryon St. 704-863-6000 carolinashealthcare.org/cmc-university

Caromont Regional Medical Center 2525 Court Drive, Gastonia 704-834-2000 caromonthealth.org

Piedmont Medical Center 222 S. Herlong Ave., Rock Hill, SC 803-329-1234 piedmontmedicalcenter.com

Davis Regional Medical Center 218 Old Mocksville Road, Statesville 704-873-0281 davisregional.com

Arboretum Pediatrics 7800 Providence Road, Suite 203 704-512-2610 arboretumpeds.org

Iredell Memorial Hospital 557 Brookdale Drive, Statesville 704-873-5661 iredellmemorial.org

Ballantyne Pediatric Associates 14215 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Suite 130 704-384-1950 ballantynepediatricassociates.com

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center 171 Fairview Road, Mooresville 704-660-4000 lnrmc.com Novant Health xxHemby Children’s Hospital 200 Hawthorne Lane 704-384-4021 novanthealth.org/hemby xxHuntersville Medical Center 10030 Gilead Road, Huntersville 704-316-4000 novanthealth.org/huntersville xxMatthews Medical Center 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy.

704-384-6500 novanthealth.org xxPresbyterian Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Lane 704-384-4000 novanthealth.org/charlotte xxCharlotte Orthopedic Hospital Hospital 1901 Randolph Road 704-316-2000 novanthealth.org/orthopedic

PEDIATRICS

Ballantyne Pediatric Associates — Steelecroft 13557 Steelecroft Parkway, Suite 2200 704-316-1080 ballantynepediatricssteelecroft.com Cabarrus Pediatrics xx543 Jackson Park Road, Kannapolis, 704-403-7735 xx66 Lake Concord Road, Concord, 704-403-7720 cabarruspeds.org Carmel Pediatrics 7825 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 100 704-752-2000 carmelpediatricspa.com CaroMont Pediatric Partners xx209 Park St., Suite 500, Belmont, 704-829-0025 xx705 Summit Crossing Place, Gastonia, 704-671-6300 caromonthealth.org Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine 1994 Wellness Blvd., Suite 110, Monroe

704-384-8460 centerforchildmedicine.org Charlotte Pediatric Clinic xxBlakeney – 6235 Blakeney Park Drive, Suite 100, 704-512-5060 xxMatthews – 332 N. Trade St., Matthews, 704-512-6820 xxSouthpark – 4501 Cameron Valley Parkway, Suite 100, 704-367-7400 xxSteele Creek – 13640 Steelecroft Parkway, Suite 210, 704-512-6100 charlottepediatricclinic.org C.W. Williams Community Health Center xxWest Charlotte, 3333 Wilkinson Blvd. xxMidtown, 900 East Blvd.

704-393-7720 www.cwwilliams.org Child and Adolescent Medical Group Presbyterian Medical Plaza Monroe, 1994 Wellness Blvd., Monroe 704-384-8460 nhchildandadolescentmg.org Davidson Clinic 705 Griffith St., Suite 100, Davidson 704-801-7900 davidsonclinic.org Dilworth Pediatrics 1315 East Blvd., Suite 280 704-384-1866 dilworthpediatrics.com Eastover Pediatrics 517 S. Sharon Amity Road 704-384-8800 eastoverpediatrics.com Elizabeth Pediatrics 2630 E. Seventh St., Suite 101 704-384-1000 elizabethpediatrics.org

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RESOURCE LISTINGS Gastonia Children’s Clinic 2544 Court Drive, Suite C, Gastonia 704-867-5356 gastoniachildrensclinic.org Gilead Road Pediatrics and Internal Medicine 10030 Gilead Road, Suite 360, Huntersville 704-316-5635 nhgileadroadpedsandim.org Growing Up Pediatrics 8311 Magnolia Estates Drive, Suite E, Cornelius 704-895-9060 Harborside Pediatrics 133 Welton Way, Suite C, Mooresville 704-664-2552 Hickory Grove Pediatrics 2225 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., B 704-509-0933 Huntersville Pediatrics and Internal Medicine 17220 Northcross Drive, Suite 110, Huntersville 704-384-8720 huntersvillepedsandim.com

Indian Trail Pediatrics 6030 W. Highway 74, Suite F, Indian Trail 704-246-2900 indiantrailpediatrics.org

North Charlotte Pediatrics 416 McCullough Drive, Suite 140 704-717-3383 northcharlottepeds.com

Pineville Pediatrics 10700 Kettering Drive, Suite D 704-540-3036 pinevillepediatrics.com

Kids First Pediatrics 8169 Ardrey Kell Road 704-542-5540 charlottekidsfirstpediatrics.com

Northlake Children’s Associates 150 Professional Park Drive, Suite 400, Mooresville 704-663-5240 northlakechildren.com

Presbyterian Medical Plaza Pediatrics 8401 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 220 704-384-1570 medicalplazapediatrics.com

Lake Norman Pediatrics 656 Carpenter Ave., Mooresville 704-664-5133 lakenormanpediatrics.com

Palmetto Pediatrics 2450 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 803-327-5772 palmettopeds.org

Providence Pediatrics 14214 Ballantyne Lake Road, Suite 300 704-667-2600 providencepedsballantyne.org

Lakeshore Pediatric Center 275 Highway 16 N., Suite 103, Denver 704-489-8401 lakeshorepediatric.com

Pediatric Associates 3030 Randolph Road, Suite 102 704-512-4475 peds-associates.org

QC Kidz Pediatrics 6801 South Blvd., Suite E 704-643-7200 qckidzpediatrics.com

Matthews Children’s Clinic 1401 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite 100, Matthews 704-384-1080 matthewschildrensclinic.com

Piedmont Healthcare Pediatrics 129 Sherlock Road, Statesville 704-838-8245 piedmonthealthcare.com

Randolph Pediatrics xxCharlotte – 6324 Fairview Road, Suite 350 | 704-384-8600 xxSouth Ballantyne – 10508 Park Road, Suite 100 | 704-384-1440 nhrandolphpediatrics.org

Myers Park Pediatrics 1350 S. Kings Drive 704-446-1422 carolinashealthcare.org

Piedmont Pediatrics 1085 Northeast Gateway Court, Suite 290, Concord 704-403-4650 piedmontpeds.org

Riverbend Family Practice xx215 S. Main St., Mount Holly | 704-587-2400

SCHOOL

Can a change the WORLD? Yes! At Palisades Episcopal School, our students are changing the world.

They foster a strong moral compass.

They feed their intellectual curiosities.

They serve a greater purpose.

Drop In. Come Visit. Take a Tour.

See how your child can be a part of a life-changing educational journey. Grades JK-8th For more information, call 704-583-1825

www.pescharlotte.org 1 46CLTPG_140700_Palisades.indd GPS 2014-2015 | CharlotteParent.com

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RESOURCE LISTINGS carolinashealthcare.org/ riverbend-family-practice-mount-holly xx9908 Couloak Drive, Suite 202 | 704-801-3050 carolinashealthcare.org/ riverbend-family-practice-mt-island-lake Rock Hill Pediatric Associates xx1601 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, S.C. | 803-328-6281 xx704 Gold Hill Road, Suite 207, Fort Mill, S.C. | 803-802-5900 rockhillpediatrics.org Rocky River Pediatrics 5427 Highway 49S, Suite 103, Harrisburg 704-455-5565 rockyriverpeds.org Sharon Lakes Medical Associates 7701 Sharon Lakes Road, Suite R 704-643-8500 Snitz Pediatrics 2620 E. Seventh St., Suite 100 704-332-7141 snitzpediatrics.com South Charlotte Pediatrics 10410 Park Road, Suite 100 704-540-6860 southcharlottepediatrics.com

South Charlotte Primary Care Pediatrics 7030 Pineville-Matthews Road 704-667-4130 southcharlotteprimarycare.org South Providence Primary Care 11030 Golf Links Drive, Suite 100 704-384-1166 nhsouthprovidenceprimarycare.org Southend Pediatrics 325 Arlington Ave. Suite 510 704-774-3024 SouthLake Pediatrics xx9908 Couloak Drive, Suite 103 | 704-801-2025 xx9625 Northcross Center Court, Suite 201, Huntersville | 704-801-3097 southlkpeds.org SouthPark Pediatrics 4601 Park Road, Suite 100 704-522-6656 southparkpediatrics.net Starks Pediatrics at Mallard Creek 2315 W. Arbors Drive, Suite 115 704-717-2826 starkspediatrics.com

Suburban Pediatrics xx3396 Clover Leaf Parkway, Kannapolis | 704-403-7740 xx2101 Shiloh Church Road, Suite 101, Davidson | 704-439-3700 suburbanpeds.org Township Pediatrics of Matthews 201 E. Matthews St., Suite 100, Matthews 704-847-0572 townshippedsofmatthews.org Union Pediatrics 1653 Campus Park Drive, Suite A, Monroe 704-283-2000 unionpediatrics.org University Pediatrics xx101 W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite 1121 | 704-717-2000 xx5435 Prosperity Church Road, Suite 1500 | 704-863-9910 xx10545 Blair Road, Suite 3200, Mint Hill | 704-863-9550 universitypeds.org University Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 10320 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 120 704-384-0570 nhuniversityimandpeds.org

Walker Pediatrics 149 Providence Road 704-384-1056 walkerpediatrics.com

Pediatric Dentistry

Andrew Johnson Pediatric Dentistry xx2700 Coltsgate Road, Suite 204 xx420 Park St., Suite 101, Belmont 704-749-5700 andrewjohnsondds.com

Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry 12105 Copper Way, Suite 102 704-752-1900 ballantynepedo.com Bird Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 16607 Riverstone Way, Suite 300 704-544-5000 birddentistry.com Burrow and Case xx2711 Randolph Road, Suite 600 | 704-334-7202 xx7922 Rea Road, Suite A | 704-334-7204 charlotteorthodontists.com

SpongeBob™ SquarePants and Patrick™

K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs July 19 – 27

June 27–29, Appearances at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm © 2014 Viacom. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg

Shows at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm; Saturday evening show at 7 pm

Fireworks Extravaganza Friday, July 4

Riders In The Sky August 9 & 10

Park open until 9 pm, Fireworks at 9:30 pm

Performances at Noon & 3 pm

Cool Summer Nights July 5, 12, 19, 26

Railroad Heritage Weekend

Park open until 9 pm, See tweetsie.com for details

September 6 & 7

Cartoon Network’s Scooby-Doo™ and Shaggy™ July 11 – 13

Ghost Train® Halloween Festival

Appearances at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

Events subject to change

September 26–27, October 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24 –25, October 31–November 1, Open 7:30 pm–11:30 pm

Open April 11 to November 2 Complete schedule listed online 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Visit tweetsie.com or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874) Ride behind an Authentic Narrow-Gauge Steam Locomotive • Enjoy Live Shows & Amusement Park Rides • Pan for Gold • Deer Park Zoo • Gift Shops

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RESOURCE LISTINGS Carolina Kids Dentistry 5829 Phyliss Lane, Mint Hill 704-790-0590 ckdentistry.com Charles H. Crawford, Jr. Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry xx1236 Ebenezer Road, Suite 110, Rock Hill, S.C., | 803-324-7540 xx1686 W. Highway 160, Fort Mill, S.C., | 803-548-2333 drchuck4kids.com Charles W. Roberts Pediatric Dentistry 142 Professional Park Drive, Suite 200, Mooresville 704-664-5437 robertspediatricdentistry.com Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry xx10320 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 150, | 704-547-8438 xx411 Billingsley Road, Suite 106, | 704-377-3687 xx130 Harbour Place Drive, Suite 180, Davidson, | 704-896-8100 cltpediatricdentistry.com Clark Pediatric Dentistry 7810 Providence Road, Suite 100 704-543-3766 clarkpediatricdentistry.com

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Dentistry for Kids 10115 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Huntersville 704-948-8494 dentistryforkidsnc.com Eastfield Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 8631 Arbor Creek Drive, Suite D-3 704-875-9075 eastfieldpedoortho.com Eastover Pediatric Dentistry 2711 Randolph Road, Suite 201 704-372-0432 eastoverpediatricdentistry.com Kidz Dental Central 2620 Central Ave. 980-875-9158 kidzdentalcentral.com Kool Smiles 2349 Cherry Road, Suite 49, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-619-9642 mykoolsmiles.com Laxer, Long and Savage xx7820 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 200 xx1994 Wellness Blvd., Suite 200, Monroe

CharlotteParent.com

Marc Allen Orthodontics 223 Gilead Road 704-875-7999 marcallenortho.com

Selden Orthodontics and Dentistry xx10125 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Huntersville xx2325 W. Arbors Drive, Suite 106 704-992-1022 seldensmiles.com

Northeast Pediatric Dentistry 11223 Davinci Drive, Davidson 704-895-6445 npdsmiles.com

Southpark Children's Dentistry 5970 Fairview Road, Suite 120 704-895-6445 npdsmiles.com

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 1146 N. New Hope Road, Gastonia 704-865-6425 peddent.com

Steele Creek Pediatric Dentistry 13521 Steelecroft Parkway., Suite 100 704-714-5380 steelecreekpediatricdentistry.com

704-759-0000 laxerlongandsavage.com

Pediatric Dentistry of Matthews 1340 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite 201, Matthews 704-847-4717 pediatricdentistryofmatthews.com Pediatric Dentistry of South Charlotte 7741 Ballantyne Commons Parkway 704-845-0955 pediatricdentistryofsouthcharlotte.com

University Pediatric Dentistry 2325 W. Arbors Drive, Suite 104 704-688-1664 universitypediatricdentistrync.com Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry xxCharlotte – 11010 S. Tryon St., Suite 101 xxMint Hill – 7215 Lebanon Road, Suite F, Mint Hill xxWaxhaw – 2514 Cuthbertson Road, Suite B, Waxhaw 980-245-3451 youngandpolite.com

Faith

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

Tradition Academic Excellence

For over 80 years, Catholic Schools have provided a faith based education dedicated to academic excellence to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. Children learn in an environment where the teachings of Jesus are promoted and upheld as core values of both school CLTPG_140700_MonroeCrossingMall.indd and life.

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Admissions: (704) 370-3273 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 MACS admits students of any race, color, religion or ethnic origin

Visit one of our nine schools and see what a Catholic education can mean to your child.

Visit us at: www.charlottediocese.org/macs Charlotte Catholic High School Christ the King Catholic High School Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School St. Ann Catholic School St. Gabriel Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School St. Mark Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

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RESOURCE LISTINGS

Resource Listings

youth sports and fitness Proskills Basketball 704-288-1710 proskillsbasketball.com

Odyssey All Stars 704-732-0321 facebook.com/pages/Odyssey-All-Stars

Dana Radar Golf School 704-542-7635 danaradar.com

CoulOak Little League couloak.com

Yes I Can Basketball 704-442-1238 yesicanbasketball.com

Victory Cheerleading — Concord 704-795-2433 victorycheer.com

TGA of Charlotte 803-981-2199 playtga.com/charlotte

Davidson Youth Baseball Association 704-892-3349 facebook.com/playdyba

Carolina Elite Cheer and Tumble 704-764-2171 we-tumble.com

Cheerleading

White Lightning Tumble and Cheer 704-896-1090 whitelightningcheer.com

Championz Cheer and Dance — Matthews 704-821-2409 championzcheeranddance.com

Inner Peaks Climbing Center 704-844-6677 innerpeaks.com

Extreme Ice Center 704-882-1830 xicenter.com

Charlotte All Stars 704-786-1205 charlotteallstars.com

Charlotte Youth Cycling League charlotteyouthcycling.org

Cycling

Pineville Ice House 704-889-9000 pinevilleice.com

Charlotte Extreme Cheerleading 704-587-0426 charlotte-extreme.com

Greater Charlotte Youth Football 704-287-0628 greatercharlotteayf.com

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Activities League 704-336-2105 palcharlotte.org/index.html

Lake Norman Giants lkngiants.com

Kannapolis Dixie Youth Baseball kannapolisdyb.com Lake Norman Little League lakenormanlittleleague.org Myers Park Trinity Little League 704-332-3103 mptll.org Sardis Dixie Youth Baseball 704-236-3550 sardisbaseball.org

Basketball

Andy Poplin Basketball School 704-425-7896 eteamz.com/andypoplinbasketballschool Carolina Courts 704-882-1115 carolinacourts.com

International Sports Center 704-841-8407 internationalsportscenter.com

H.O.O.P.S. 704-277-4777 hoopscamps.com Nothing But Net Basketball 704-948-5839 nothingbutnetbasketball.org

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Glory Cheerleading Experience 704-968-5926 glorycheerleading.com

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Twist and Tuck 704-732-0926 twistandtuckgym.com

CharlotteParent.com

Climbing

Football

Piedmont Youth Football 704-506-3251 piedmontyouthfootball.com/ Pop Warner Little Panthers popwarnerlittlepanthers.org T3 Sports 704-634-6487 t3sports.org

Golf

The First Tee of Charlotte 704-348-2515 thefirstteecharlotte.org

Hockey

Charlotte Metro Hockey Association cmha.us

Lacrosse

Charlotte Youth Lacrosse Association 704-608-1126 charlotteyouthlacrosse.com Stick With Us stickwithus.org Turn and Burn Lacrosse tblax.com Xtreme Lacrosse xtremelacrosse.com

Martial Arts

Academy of Martial Arts 704-494-0800 amatkd.com Allison American Karate Academy 704-786-1696 allisonkarate.com

Photo courtesy of Soccer Shots.

Baseball

Challenge Baseball 704-423-0030 challengebaseball.com

RESOURCE LISTINGS King Tiger Tae Kwon Do 704-717-0903 kingtigercharlotte.com

ATA Martial Arts atacharlotte.com Black Belt USA 704-595-1945 blackbeltusa.net Carolina Stars Gymnastics and Karate 803-548-3441 carolinastarsgym.com

Kim School of Tae Kwon Do 704-332-7000 kimschooltaekwondo.com Lake Norman Tae Kwon Do 704-663-0001 lakenormantaekwondo.com

Charlotte Martial Arts Academy 704-333-4155 charlottemartialartsacademy.com

Leadership Martial Arts 704-532-3371 leadershipma.com

Dukes Martial Arts 704-796-8902 theblackwarrior.net

Martial Arts Carolina 704-847-2222 martialartscarolina.com

Eagle Tae Kwon Do Academy 704-541-9400 eagletkda.com

R.T. Berry School of Tae Kwon Do 704-658-0544 rtberry.com

Fight To Win Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 704-921-1028 ftwbrazilianjiujitsu.com

Sangrock Taekwondo Charlotte | 704-847-1099 Matthews | 704-814-9966 Wesley Chapel | 704-821-0829 sangrock.com

Karate Charlotte 704-846-0707 karatecharlotte.com

School of Family Martial Arts Charlotte | 704-531-5607 Denver | 704-591-5939 robertsummers.com

Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy 704-573-3830 scottshieldsma.com

Crews Recreation Center matthewsfun.org 704-708-4432 Dilworth Youth Sports Association dyaa.net

Taekwondo America 704-841-8747 tkd-nc.com

Town of Fort Mill Parks and Recreation 803-547-2273 fortmillsc.org

The Peaceful Dragon 704-504-8866 thepeacefuldragon.com

Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department 704-869-1020 cityofgastonia.com

US-K Martial Arts Charlotte | 704-540-4224 Fort Mill | 803-802-4999 tangsoo.com

Harrisburg Youth Athletics 704-455-5614 harrisburgnc.org/departments/ parksrecreation.aspx

Multisport

Bethel Athletic Association bethelathletics.org Breakaway Sports 704-918-1346 breakawaysports.info Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Activities League 704- 336-2105 palcharlotte.org Cornelius PARC 704-896-8823 cornelius.org

Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department 704-766-2220 huntersville.org/departments/ parksrecreation.aspx Huntersville Youth Athletic Association hyaasports.com

Services you need, people you trust.

OPEN PERSONAL& CONVENIENT ! # "

OPEN 365 DAYS

ONLINE CHECK-IN

ON-SITE X-RAYS

$ "

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RESOURCE LISTINGS Indian Trail Athletic Association Baseball | itaabaseball.com Soccer | itaasoccer.com Softball | itaasoftball.com Flag Football | itaaflagfootball.com Basketball | itaabasketball.com Lake Wylie Athletic Association Little League Baseball | eteamz.com/lwaa/ Soccer | eteamz.com/lwaasoccer/ Basketball | eteamz.com/lwaabasketball/ Lakeshore Youth Athletic Association lyaasports.org Levine Jewish Community Center 704-366-5007 charlottejcc.org Mallard Creek Optimist Club mallardcreekoptimist.com Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association 704-847-0752 marasports.org Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation parkandrec.com

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Mint Hill Athletic Association mhaa.us

SouthPark Youth Association spyasports.org

Odell Recreation Sports odellsports.com

Sports Connection 704-583-1444 sportsconnectionnc.com

Park Sharon Athletic Association 704-643-0016 parksharonsports.com Pineville United Methodist Church 704-889-2022 pinevilleumc.org Pineville-Ballantyne Athletic Association pcaasports.org Porter Ridge Athletic Association porterridgeaa.com SOAR Sports 704-814-1063 soarsports.com

Steele Creek Athletic Association scaasports.com Stewards of the Game stewardsofthegame.org Town of Davidson Parks and Recreation 704 892-3349 townofdavidson.recdesk.com Waxhaw Athletic Association waxhawathletics.org Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association 866-843-3264 wcwaa.org

South Charlotte Recreation Association southcharlotterec.com

YMCA Charlotte ymcacharlotte.org

South Iredell Athletic Association siaa.vicid.net

Charlotte Junior Rugby Association 980-322-5464 charlottejuniorrugby.com

CharlotteParent.com

Rugby

North Carolina Youth Rugby — Union ncyru.org

Running

Cross Country for Youth 704-634-4688 crosscountryforyouth.org Girls on the Run girlsontherun.org

Sailing

N.C. Community Sailing and Rowing 704-947-7245 nccsailrow.org

Soccer

Carolina Rapids Soccer Club 704-894-9995 carolinarapids.org Charlotte Junior Soccer Foundation 704-366-3030 charlottejuniorsoccer.org Charlotte Soccer Academy 704-708-4166 charlottesocceracademy.com

RESOURCE LISTINGS Charlotte United Futbol Club 704-583-8354 charlotteunited.com Soccer Shots soccershots.org/charlotte 704-890-0988 Strikers Soccer Center 704-948-6697 strikerssoccer.com Western United Soccer Club 980-216-4997 wuscsoccer.org

Softball

Char-Meck Girls Softball 704-847-0752 charmecksoftball.org Cornelius Lake Norman Youth Athletic Association corneliusncsoftball.org Davidson Youth Softball Association d-recs.org

NC Dixie Softball ncdixiesoftball.org North Meck Filly League nmflsoftball.org

Swim

Charlotte Aquatics 704-341-9673 charlotteaquatics.com Charlotte Swim and Racquet Club 704-364-8352 charlotteswim.com Mecklenburg Aquatic Club 704-846-5335 swimmaccarolina.org Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center 704-336-DIVE parkandrec.com/aquatics Nomad Aquatics and Fitness 740-949-1555 nomadaquatic.com

SouthPark Swim Club 704-554-6397 southparkstc.com Swim Charlotte 704-432-0237 swimcharlotte.com Team Charlotte teamcharlotteswimming.com

Tennis TGA of Charlotte 803-981-2199 playtga.com/charlotte

Volleyball

Carolina Juniors Volleyball 704-583-1444 carolinajuniors.com Carolina Storm Volleyball 704-763-7767 carolinastormvolleyball.com

Local Y Organizations Cannon Memorial YMCA Cabarrus County 704-939-9622 cannonymca.org Gaston County Family YMCA 704-865-8551 gastonymca.org Upper Palmetto YMCA 803-329-9622 upymca.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 ymcacharlotte.org YMCA of Northwest North Carolina 704-873-9622 ymcanwnc.org YWCA Central Carolinas 704-525-5770 ywcacentralcarolinas.org

Matthews Softball Association matthewssoftball.org

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advertiser index Alexander Youth Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

John Crosland School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Allegro Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Laxer Long and Savage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Arts and Science Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Levine Museum Of The New South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bounce Around Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Little Otter Swim School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

British American School of Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Lynnwood Equestrian Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Cannon School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Mama Ricotta's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Carolina Asthma and Allergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Marc Allen Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Carolina Kids Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Charlotte Care Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

MillBridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Charlotte Country Day School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Monroe Crossing Mall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

My Eye Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Charlotte Latin School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Nationwide Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Charlotte Preparatory School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Northeast Pediatric Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Child Care Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Novant Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Child Language and Developmental Speech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Olde English District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Children's Theatre of Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Palisades Episcopal School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Christian Montessori School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Party Pets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Countryside Montessori School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Play Spanish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Covenant Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Providence Day School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Cramerton Christian Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Soccer Shots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Davidson Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

South Charlotte Baptist Academy and Preschool. . . . . . . . . . . 43

Discovery Place Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

The Fletcher School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Discovery Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Trinity Episcopal School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

EpiCentre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Truliant Federal Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover

Family Allergy Asthma and Sinus Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tweetsie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Fast Med Urgent Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

United Faith Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Gaston Day School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Wish Upon A Star Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Young and Polite Children's Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture ����37

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CharlotteParent.com

Business Directory PARTIES

Wish Upon A St r Children’s Parties • Look-A-Likes

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PlaySpanish PlaySpanish Basic, combo, slide and sports bouncers, trackless trains, water slides, obstacle courses, interactive arenas, carnival games, concessions and more.

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LYNNWOOD EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Come to the barn and Party with the Ponies!

S P E C I A L P R E S E N T F O R T H E B I R T H D AY C H I L D !

In-House Vet • Boarding Facility • Girl Scout Horse Program Located off Doby’s Bridge Road, Fort Mill, SC (10 minutes from Ballantyne)

FUN FOR ALL AGES! INDOORS OR OUTDOORS! WEATHER PERMITTING GPSPG_140700_Lynnwood.indd 1CHILDREN’S

704-780-4300 """ " !

PlaySpanish Learn Spanish PlaySpanish GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO PlaySpanish Learn Spanish with us!

GET STARTED ON THE PATH TO PlaySpanish A SECOND LANGUAGE GET STARTED ON THE PATHTODAY TO

LynnwoodEquestrian.com

Supervised Ring Riding • Miniature Pet Pony & Donkey • Pizza, Drinks & Decorations

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We Come to YOU!

803-396-2025

Instruction

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A SECOND LANGUAGE GET STARTED ON THE PATHTODAY TO Instruction for Instruction forchildren children Instruction for children as young as sixfor months old.

Instruction children asLocations young months asInstruction youngasassix sixformonths old. old. children throughout the as Greater young as six months old.

Instruction for children as youngCharlotte as six monthsarea! old.

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Private & In-Home Ballantyne & Ballantyne & Uptown Studios Uptown Studios

invites you to Play Languages with Us!

SUMMER CAMPS THROUGH Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, THE END OF & AUGUST Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, Italian German French, Italian & German

WWW.PARTYPETS.ORG

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CharlotteParent.com

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GPS 2014-2015

55

Things

WE

Cane Creek Park near Union County for family reunions, camping, fishing, boating and swimming.

18. Driving through Myers Park and Eastover neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights.

2. Watching the kids

10. Bicycle-friendly greenways all around town.

19. A double scoop on a

Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find, a locally owned comic book store in Plaza-Midwood.

run and play around the fountain at Brixx Wood Fired Pizza at Foxcroft while sipping a cold beer with pizza on the patio.

3. Cooling off at the splash pad at Veteran’s Park in Plaza Midwood or Latta Park in Dilworth.

4. Feeding llamas and

about

charlotte

and beyond

Watusi cows on a safari adventure at Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville.

5. A round of disc golf

at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

6. Looking up at the T-Rex at the Schiele Museum of Natural History.

7. A walk from

Charlotte is

known for many things, but

sometimes local favorites don’t

make headlines.

The Charlotte

Metropolitan to Freedom Park on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

8. Shaved ice at Jack’s

Ice House, a little shack at the edge of a parking lot on Highway 521 near Ballantyne.

Parent staff

thinks these are

worth a mention.

56

GPS 2014-2015

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9.

CharlotteParent.com

11. Swimming at the sand bar at Mountain Island Lake.

12. The 40-yard dash and obstacle course at Freedom Park's Play60 KidZone.

13. Dinner at The Diamond Restaurant (think 1950s diner) in Plaza-Midwood.

14. Walking to the Little

Free Library on North Laurel Avenue in Elizabeth.

15. Riding bikes around

Colonial Park on Providence Road before going to Ben and Jerry’s for ice cream.

16. Simpson’s Farmer’s Market on Kings Drive.

17. Finding your way out of the Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill in the fall.

cone at Tony’s Ice Cream in downtown Gastonia.

20. Access to professional

and semi-professional football, baskeball, baseball and hockey teams in uptown Charlotte.

21. Mac-and-cheese and

jumbo fried shrimp at Cajun Yard Dog, a hole-inthe-wall restaurant with reasonably priced food, at the Arboretum.

22. Vietnamese food at

family-friendly Lang Van on Shamrock Avenue.

23. The homemade food, dancing and carnival rides at Yiasou Greek Festival each September.

24. A trip to the Charlotte Douglas Airport Overlook to watch airplanes take off and land. Go at night for an out-of-this-world adventure.

25. The people and city

pride that makes Charlotte a great place to live.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider and Visit Charlotte.

25

1. Browsing comics at

CharlotteParent.com

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GPS 2014-2015

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GPS 2014-2015

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CharlotteParent.com