Triangle Family magazine March/April 2023

THE HOLDERNESS EFFECT

Penn and Kim on parenting, life and their amazing journey

WHERE TO CHEER ON NC’S TOP TEAMS

FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS

Welcome to the debut issue of Triangle Family magazine!

As a proud mom of three North Carolina natives, born and raised in Western Wake County, I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with you on your parenting journey in this incredible region.

My husband and I moved to the Triangle in 1997, settling first in Fuquay-Varina, then moving to Apex in 2000. Our sons have started their careers and live in their own homes. Our daughter just entered her senior year of college. Parenting has changed for us over the years, but our role as parents continues. It’s an unending odyssey we consider our primary purpose in life.

You may be familiar with Carolina Parent. I started reading it while pregnant with my first child, and from 2013–19, had the honor of serving as its editor. When Carolina Parent's publisher announced that November 2019 would be the last print issue of this valued resource, I resolved to help bring parenting media back to the region.

I joined Midtown and Cary Living (now 5 West) as executive editor in January 2020. Last fall, a partnership with the magazines’ parent company formed, kicking off plans to launch Triangle Family. When offered the opportunity to serve as its executive editor, I didn’t hesitate to accept it. Several of my Carolina Parent co-workers signed on to help out as well: Sean Byrne, Carolina Parent’s art director, and Janice Lewine, Carolina Parent’s associate editor, are working alongside me and an amazing group of graphic designers, section editors and writers to deliver this new magazine to you!

Our March/April issue focuses on family travel. It’s filled with fun destinations and, of course, parenting humor—starting with our cover story! Penn and Kim Holderness have been entertaining parents since 2013, when their popular “Christmas Jammies” YouTube video premiered. Ten years and hundreds of videos later, they are hosting their own podcast, have written a book, created a family game, and own a line of merchandise. Then there’s that amazing trip around the world they took in 2022. Don’t miss Melissa Wistehuff’s exclusive Q&A with this entertaining duo on page 12.

Janice Lewine takes you to 13 historically important—and fun—destinations across North Carolina, starting on page 22. And since the Tar Heel State is home to a vast variety of sports teams—from national franchises to college leagues—Kurt Dusterberg shares where you can experience the fun of the games on page 28. Wherever you’re headed, be sure to check out Mandy Howard’s ingenious family travel tips on page 34.

Beyond those stories, you’ll discover fun things to do around town, North Carolina movie sites, social media monitoring advice, college prep resources and more.

Thank you again for welcoming us into your parenting world. Triangle Family is committed to presenting accurate, entertaining and educational information to moms, dads, guardians and grandparents across the region. We strive to enrich your parenting experience during this ever-changing, always engaging journey, and hope you’ll consider us partners in navigating these precious and important years.

Beth Shugg, Executive Editor

Left to right: Penn Holderness, Melissa Wistehuff, Kim Holderness and Beth Shugg

PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens and Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Erica de Flamand-Shugg

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

CALENDAR, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

Janice Lewine

TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Melissa Wistehuff

HEALTH, WELLNESS AND YOUTH SPORTS EDITOR

Kurt Dusterberg

PARENTING, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT EDITOR

Mandy Howard

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

PHOTOGRAPHER

MASH Photography

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Melissa Wistehuff

SALES DIRECTOR

Sherry Braswell

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Morgan, Stefanie McClary and Paige Gunter

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana, Berry Media Group, DistribuTech.net

Triangle Family magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Triangle Family magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes the property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Triangle Family magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

6 print issues per year Available online at trianglefamilymag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road

Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

Phone: 919.782.4710

Fax: 919.782.4763

ON

Penn and Kim Holderness. Photo by MASH Photography. Styling by Denise Hutter.

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF (Photos courtesy of families,

Waverly (4) of Willow Spring glows with holiday happiness at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary.

Ian (10) of Raleigh takes aim at Drive Shack in Raleigh.

Avery (10) of Durham gets ready to cast a magic spell as part of Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill’s annual fairytale day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIINITY SCHOOL

unless noted)

Jack (4), Finn (2) and Tate (6 months) cheer on the Pack at a North Carolina State University football game.

YMCA FAMILIES ON! CHALLENGE

The YMCA Families On! Challenge takes place at the A.E. Finley YMCA in Raleigh on Saturday, May 6. The self-paced family fun run covers more than 2 miles and features 20-plus creative challenges. Participants will play in the mud, slide down a giant Slip ‘n Slide and more. Race heats begin at 9 a.m. and will run throughout the day. The event costs $15 for members and $20 for program participants. The YMCA is looking for volunteers for the event who are at least 16 years old. ymcatriangle.org/programs/family-programs/ymca-families-challenge

TAKE A SPRING FAMILY HIKE

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to get moving! If you’re up for a hike, there are plenty of trails around the Triangle to help your family shake off the winter blues. Take a hike on one of these trails.

Hemlock Bluffs in Cary offers several paths, including the 1.2-mile Chestnut Oak Loop Trail. The longest trail in the preserve winds through the upland forest with ridges, ravines and creeks. townofcary.org

Search for “Hemlock Bluffs”

Eno River State Park, located in Durham and Orange Counties, offers more than 20 trails, with several in the 1–2 mile range. All of them are rated easy or moderate. The park has five public access areas. ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-park

MAKE A SPLASH AT TAC

The Neuse River Greenway Trail in Raleigh offers scenic views of the river, winding boardwalk areas through wetlands, and historical sights. The Neuse River Trail is a segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

raleighnc.gov/neuse-river-greenway-trail

The Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary has partnered with USA Swimming’s Make a Splash initiative to save children’s lives through swim lessons. Eligible participants in the Triangle can register for lessons in a learn-to-swim program at a free or reduced rate. Swimmers must submit a free or reduced lunch eligibility letter from their school system to qualify. TAC also provides private and semi-private lessons. triangleaquatics.org/programs/make-a-splash triangleaquatics.org/programs/private-lessons

PHOTOS BY JENNY MIDGLEY

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF RALEIGH

CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM ENHANCES STUDENTS’ EXPOSURE TO THE ARTS

The Carolina Theatre of Durham recently embarked on its 26th year of its Arts Discovery Educational Series, which features high-quality performing arts, theater, dance, music and film for young audiences at an affordable cost. Upcoming shows include “Tales as Tall as the Sky” on March 21 at 9:45 and 11:20 a.m.; a performance by Paperhand Puppet Intervention April 5 at 9:45 a.m.; and “The Movement, An Acapella Musical” May 2 at 9:45 and 11:20 a.m. Shows are $8 per person. The Family Saturday Series features music from Uncle Devin, an award-winning drummer and percussionist who specializes in “Family Funk, on March 11 at 11 a.m.; and Gypsy Kathaa, who will perform a blend of flamenco and Kathak dance on April 8 at 11 a.m. Family Saturday Series shows are $5/person. 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham carolinatheatre.org

NEW LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTER COMING TO CARRBORO

Kids in Carrboro will soon have another facility in which to discover and learn. The Town of Carrboro recently began construction of The 203 Project, which will boast a new branch of the Orange County Library, a teen center, performance and multipurpose rooms, town facilities and a parking deck at 203 S. Greensboro Street in Carrboro’s downtown district. Set to open in the spring of 2024, the 50,000-square-foot development is a Town of Carrboro and Orange County government collaboration, and is estimated to cost $42 million. The facility will be accessible from various Chapel Hill Transit bus routes, a GoTriangle 405 route and the Libba Cotten Bikeway. It will also feature 70 bicycle parking spots. townofcarrboro.org/1151/the-203-project

NC VIRTUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL HONORED FOR QUALITY ONLINE LEARNING

The North Carolina Virtual Public School, which operates under the governance of the North Carolina State Board of Education and provides students across the state access to online courses in subject areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, world languages and more, was recognized in November for high quality online learning from Quality Matters. This international organization focuses on the quality assurance of digital teaching and learning offered by higher education and K–12 schools, and honored NCVPS with its Making a Difference for Students Award for demonstrating a commitment to ensuring high course quality and using different, but valuable, approaches to improving outcomes for students. NC Virtual Public School courses incorporate the latest technologies, and use learning management and collaborative software to maximize student interaction in each class. It has served more than 710,000 middle and high school students since its launch in 2007, and operates as a supplemental service to the public schools of North Carolina. ncvps.org and dpi.nc.gov

CENTER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS AWARDS NC SCHOOLS MORE THAN $74 MILLION IN GRANTS

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools announced in October that it was awarding 200 school districts and charter schools across the state more than $74.1 million in school safety grants for the 2022–23 school year. The funding will be used for safety equipment, school resource officers, training, and services for students in crisis in elementary, middle and charter schools across the state. High schools were eligible for funding other than for school resource officers. Awards are subject to all administrative and financial requirements, including timely submission of all financial and programmatic reports. Upon successful completion of the reports, the school resource officer funding will be extended automatically to the 2023–24 school year. All the school districts and charter schools that applied for School Safety Grants for the 2022–23 school year received funding. dpi.nc.gov

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM

PHOTO BY KLAUS VEDFELT/GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY JUSTIN PAGET/GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY SDI PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

GEORGIA MOM GOES VIRAL FOR RESPONSE TO TODDLER’S TANTRUM

Alivia Cromartie went viral recently for her creative tactic to stop a toddler’s meltdown in its tracks. In a TikTok video that has been viewed more than 15 million times, Cromartie can be seen running laps around her 18-month-old daughter, who is on the verge of a meltdown, reportedly because her meal was not ready. In the caption, Cromartie refers to the tactic as “zoomies,” named for the frenetic running that dogs display when they’re burning off excess energy. Not only does the trick calm the toddler, but it seems to be a great stress reliever and calorie-burner for Mom!

PHOTO BY DOBRILA VIGNJEVIC/GETTY IMAGES

GET AHEAD OF POLLEN ALLERGY WOES

While we may be spoiled by nearly year-round beautiful trees and flowers here in North Carolina, spring is when we pay the price. Doctors recommend that before pollen gathers, have an allergy response plan ready for you and your children. Consider washing clothes and changing air filters more frequently than usual, ensuring your child bathes every night, and keeping windows closed when pollen is at its worst. Also consider oral antihistamines, nose sprays, eye drops (if your child’s pediatrician recommends them) and allergy treatments prior to seeing the first symptoms of the season.

PHOTO BY SOLLINA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

SHORE UP SWIMMING SAFETY

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. For ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury, after motor vehicle crashes. Take these simple steps to stay safe when your child enters a pool or other body of water: Sign up for swim lessons early and often. If you are vacationing somewhere new, take time to check out fencing and safety around pools and bodies of water. Keep life jackets on hand. Make sure everyone in the family has a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket that fits them.

PHOTO BY FATCAMERA/GETTY IMAGES

ARE YOU THERE, NOSTALGIA? IT’S US, PARENTS OF TEENS

For many moms of a certain age, reading “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” by Judy Blume was a rite of passage. This classic preteen/teen novel, which approached the awkwardness of female maturity— from bras to periods—is being turned into a film starring Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams. Scheduled for release in late April, the movie will follow 11-year-old Margaret as her family moves from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey. Margaret must navigate questions about faith, family and friends, all at the edge of adolescence.

PHOTO BY CATHERINE DELAHAYE/GETTY IMAGES

HOPE SOARS FOR CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL NEEDS

Raleigh-based nonprofit Children’s Flight of Hope wants to increase its mission delivery by 35% in 2023. Founded by local pilot and businessman Al Wethington in 1991, the nonprofit began with a simple mission to provide free and safe flights for North Carolina children who needed critical special medical care only being offered at distant hospitals. Since its founding, Children’s Flight of Hope has partnered with commercial airlines and has expanded to serve families in 48 states and 32 countries. In 2022, the nonprofit provided 1,250 free flights for children and is looking to expand that number by over one-third in 2023.

PHOTO BY SANYASM/GETTY IMAGES

THIS PAGE: Penn and Kim Holderness pack for a family vacation. Photo by MASH Photography.

PAGE 13: Penn and Kim enjoy a coastal sunset. Photo courtesy of Holderness Family Productions.

HOLDERNESS THE EFFECT

Penn and Kim on parenting, life and their amazing journey

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Raleigh’s Kim and Penn Holderness first charmed parody-loving fans in 2013 with “Christmas Jammies,” a year-end wrap-up holiday greeting video to family and friends—which they performed in matching PJs with children Lola (then 6) and Penn Charles (then 3). “Christmas Jammies” was so popular, “Saturday Night Live” spoofed it in 2014.

Nine years and several hundred videos later, Penn and Kim own Holderness Family Productions—Kim is chief executive officer and Penn is chief creative officer. Their videos have garnered over a billion views, they produce a weekly podcast titled, “The Holderness Family” and they have written a book titled, “Everybody Fights—So Why Not Get Better at It?” They have also created a “Family Faceoff” board game and witty merch featuring T-shirt slogans such as “Doing the best I can,” “Currently Adulting,” “Pickleball Y’all” and “ADHD is awesome.” Lola (now 16) and Penn Charles (now 13) are active teens who love making video appearances when their schedule permits.

In 2021, life took a rather amazing turn for Kim and Penn. They made the cut to embark on a 22,000-mile race around the globe against 10 other teams of two on CBS’s “The Amazing Race.” Despite a year-and-a-half COVID production delay, Kim and Penn were first to cross the final finish line. With several million social media followers, the Holderness duo certainly had plenty of supporters. Understandably, their win was a huge hit—not only in North Carolina, but around the world.

Triangle Family ’s January photo shoot and interview with this entertaining couple revealed fun surprises and also confirmed what we already knew. Kim and Penn are exactly as they seem online: welcoming, funny and real. Getting to know them is like spending time with a good friend. Simply put, what you see is what you get.

How did your very first viral video, “Christmas Jammies,” come about?

Kim: We were not organized enough to send out Christmas cards that year (2013), and I had been working to build a social media management and video production company for other companies to hire. Penn was a news anchor; but after work, he would sit and edit the videos that I made for these companies. We had just gotten to the point that we were doing well enough for Penn to be able to quit his news job, and this “Christmas Jammies” video was a way to announce that to our friends and family. We never expected it to go viral!

Penn: It was an announcement about me quitting my job, but it was also, ‘Hey, if you want our services, this is what our videos look like!” We were hoping that local companies in the Triangle would see it and call us to do work for them. This was at the beginning of the world of “content creators,” but we only intended to be behind the scenes.

Kim: We had no idea that YouTube could be monetized … It was very much a happy accident that we went viral. It wasn’t until a few years later that we decided to stop doing work for other people and focus on building our own brand.

Do you have a favorite video?

Kim: Penn just did a video based on “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” because we love that movie so much. I thought that one turned out great.

Penn: Well, because you chose one of mine, I’ll say my favorite of yours is “90s Music vs. Today,” where she talks about how all the songs from the 1990s mean something different than what we thought as kids.

Kim: Oh yeah, that was a good one.

Penn, you’re a Durham native and were in “Show Choir.” Kim, you’re a Florida native and were a competitive dancer. What would young, creative Penn and Kim think of you now?

Penn: I’d be pretty psyched! I was pretty busy with my synthesizers and laying down hot tracks as a kid, so young Penn would be proud. I’ve always been creative and always loved music. I’d love to tell my younger self, “Wait till you see how you get there. It doesn’t make any sense! And you married a woman who supports your creative side.”

Kim: I always wanted to tell funny, uplifting stories on TV, like Jeanne Moos from CNN. I’m generally a risk-averse person, but I’m incapable of doing something that doesn’t make me feel good. I never knew that we would be successful, but I knew that it would feel right.

Kim, you made a video recently about being an introvert. Are you really an introvert?

Kim: Being an introvert, for me, means that I recharge by being home alone, on my couch—or with my family—in sweatpants, reading a book. At the end of a long day, I want to collapse into the couch. At the end of a long day for Penn—being an extrovert—he wants to go play tennis until midnight with his friends. He went to a hockey game recently with 20 friends, and that was recharging for him. But I would need a day to recover from that.

Penn: Here’s the thing, though. I think people just think that an extrovert is someone who is always fun and outgoing in public, and an introvert is shy and quiet. Kim’s not shy. She’s a ton of fun at parties, but it’s not how she recharges.

Kim: I sometimes get messages on Instagram from people saying that they saw me at the store but didn’t want to talk to me because they think I don’t like it when people come up to talk to me, and I’m like “No, that’s not the case!” I love going out. I love having girls’ nights with my friends. I just need a chill day after that to re-center.

Penn: I like peace and quiet, but if I get too much of it, I need to go find someone to talk to.

Kim: We went to the beach in December, which is such a nice, quiet time to go because there are no crowds. We were on a walk with one other person on the entire stretch of the beach, and I’m loving the peace and quiet, but Penn sees that one other person and goes over to start a 45-minute conversation with him, because he loves talking to people.

You have both been so open about ADHD, anxiety and other mental health issues. Why is it important to you to share this with your audience?

Kim: When I started talking about postpartum depression and anxiety—and I still have anxiety today—I got so many messages from people who said, “Oh my gosh, I thought it was just me.” It would have been so helpful to me, when I was suffering from postpartum issues, to see people openly talking about it, because I felt so broken in the beginning— like life was so easy for everyone else, and I was the only one struggling as a mother. I feel that the more people talk about it, the more we realize that life is hard for everybody.

Penn: As far as ADHD, the number of people diagnosed with a learning difference has gone up and up over the last few years. The main reason I want to talk about it is, for lack of a better word, it needs to be rebranded. The name itself is awful—it’s three bad words in a row. Imagine being a kid and someone tells you that you have a deficit, that you’re hyperactive and you have a disorder. To me, there are so many good things that come from a brain with ADHD … I do believe that adding humor to the topic of mental health reaches more people.

A hot topic for many parents of teens is social media. Since much of your life is centered around social media and YouTube, how do you manage parenting teens in such a social media–driven world?

Kim: First of all, every kid is different, and what every child is capable of processing is different. We waited until whatever the rules of each platform is, so age 13 for Instagram, for example. Our son has a gaming channel on YouTube, but we don’t allow comments. I think because they see us on social media, they don’t really have a desire to participate actively on it—they see it as a job. They don’t seem to view it as something new and exciting, because we’re doing it all day long.

Penn: I’m always worried that I’m going to screw up my kids, and things like social media are definitely a part of that. I was worried I was screwing up as a parent even before we started making videos. We can give advice to people on social media—or any other parenting advice— but we don’t know how, long-term, things will end up affecting them … We are the first generation of parents having to navigate the social media world with our kids, so we don’t have all the knowledge of how it will affect them.

Kim: We tell our kids all the time that we are doing the best we can with the resources we have. We may find out later that we were wrong about certain things, but they know that everything we do is out of love. They show us a lot of grace.

Penn: We’re a work in progress.

You’ve published a book called “Everybody Fights: So Why Not Get Better at It?” What made you want to write this particular book, and what makes you qualified to write it?

Kim: It was written in connection with our marriage counselor, Christopher Edmonston. It’s not meant for marriages in crisis, but for couples in a good marriage who want better communication. We did some marriage work—not because we were struggling in our marriage, but because there were conversations and fights we kept on having. When we worked through those, we learned that there were these magic words, and ways to get out of the common fight cycles. We also learned so much about each other while writing the book.

Penn: There are fights and arguments that couples have over and over that just don’t get fixed. The can just gets kicked down the road a little bit. There’s a respectful way to validate what the other person is saying about their needs while expressing your needs. Now we can argue, but leave it understanding each other better.

Where is your favorite spot in the Triangle for a date night?

Kim: Ooh! Probably Jolie.

Penn: I’d go back to Durham for that. M Sushi and Viceroy, for sure.

How did parenting life change for you all after “The Amazing Race?”

Penn: I think the most fun we had was during the six months leading up to the show—when we had to lie to our kids about the outcome. We couldn’t tell anyone about anything having to do with the show—particularly that we won—so we had fun making up stories. They’d try to get information out of us, so we made it fun.

Kim: The show started airing in January, and in February, we went to Disney World. It was not the Disney experience we all hoped for, because we were expecting family time. I felt bad because people were wanting pictures with us, but at Disney, you’re on a schedule and have to go, go, go. It was certainly more of a struggle.

Now that you’ve both traveled the world on “The Amazing Race,” what countries to you want to take your kids to?

Kim: We do have a dream to take them to some of our favorite locations from the race. We’re going to go to France and Switzerland first. I hope we get to see some of the places we went. It was a really special time.

Penn: When we were not actively racing, we were in a hotel room, so we weren’t able to venture out and sightsee.

Kim: We were in Lugano during one stop of the race, and it was probably the most beautiful city I’ve ever been in. We were doing a challenge where we had to carry wine bottles up these impossible stairs. I’m trucking up the stairs, sweaty, and I look over at these smartlydressed women sharing a plate of ravioli and a bottle of wine. I was so jealous, but I also had a moment where I wondered what in the world I was doing.

What is the one thing that you can never leave home without when packing for a trip?

Penn: Noise-canceling headphones for an airplane trip; but for a car trip, definitely our own pillows. PC (Penn Charles) likes to bring 14 pairs of shorts, and then just wear one the entire trip.

Kim: Lola is into skin care, so she always brings her skin care routine with her.

Where do you see yourselves in 10–20 years?

Kim: Hopefully on a beach somewhere! But I love creating, so I think we’ll still be doing something creative. I want to travel, so maybe we’ll be travel bloggers.

Penn: We’re getting close to the age that we can make some sort of “Fun Over 50” series.

Kim: You’re way closer than I am!

Learn more about the Holderness family and all of their adventures at theholdernessfamily.com.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Photo courtesy of Holderness Family Productions.

THIS PAGE, clockwise: Kim and Penn celebrate their win on "The Amazing Race." Penn and Kim's children, Penn Charles and Lola, join them for a celebration photo. Kim and Penn prepare to cross the finish line in Los Angeles.

Triangle Family would like to thank Denise Hutter, the stylist for Kim and Penn.

13

NC

Destinations That will

Broaden Your Child’s Mind

BY JANICE LEWINE

Kids love a good adventure— especially one that involves travel. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina boasts countless opportunities to discover nature, science, history and culture. For your next trip, consider these destinations across the Old North State where your kids will learn—and have fun.

*

Unless otherwise noted, venues are open year-round. Check the websites for operating hours and prices.

MOUNTAINS

Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village and “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama

Cherokee visitcherokeenc.com

Experience 13,000 years of Cherokee history through animation, life-size figures and artifacts at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. At the nearby Oconaluftee Indian Village, take a guided tour to the 1700s to discover Cherokee dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Meet Cherokee villagers as they hull canoes, weave baskets and even prepare for battle. “Unto These Hills” is a live production about the triumphs and tragedies of the Cherokee story. Performances take place nightly, May–August, at the Cherokee Mountainside Theatre (closed Sundays). Visit the website for venue locations.

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine

13780 Highway 226, Spruce Pine gemmountain.com

Discover your very own treasure in the flume mine at Gem Mountain, and have your emeralds, aquamarines, rubies and sapphires made into jewelry. Gem Mountain also features private mines where guides educate visitors on what gemstones to look for and how to use their tools. Gem Mountain is open March 1–December 31; mine trips end October 31.

Biltmore

One Lodge Street, Asheville biltmore.com

Experience America’s largest home, built in 1895 by George and Edith Vanderbilt. A self-guided visit to this luxurious chateau spans three floors and the basement, which includes an indoor pool and bowling alley. During the tour, discover stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests and employees through displays of clothing, artwork and furniture. Engaging, temporary exhibitions enlighten visitors of all ages. Active families can hike, bike, raft and enjoy horseback riding on the grounds.

Linville Caverns

19929 U.S. 221 North, Marion linvillecaverns.com

Inside the base of Humpback Mountain lies Linville Caverns, a subterranean world of active limestone. View nature’s awe-inspiring work featuring stalactite, stalagmite and flowstone formations, a “bottomless pool” that reaches a depth of more than 250 feet, and an underground stream containing native trout that are blind due to the lack of light. Linville Caverns is North Carolina’s only cavern system open for tours, which are 30 minutes in length.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

Address varies depending on each section

fs.usda.gov (search for Linville Gorge Wilderness)

Just around the bend from Linville Caverns is Linville Gorge Wilderness, a national forest that is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Virgin forests, three rivers, five species of rare plants, and silverbell, wild indigo, orchids and rhododendron dot the area. Animal lovers can view deer, turkey, vultures, hawks and owls in their native habitat. Easy, kid-friendly hikes abound, such as those leading to Linville Falls, Duggers Creek Falls and Wiseman’s View. You may need a vehicle with high clearance and/or all-wheel drive to access some of the more remote trails.

PHOTO AT TOP courtesy of Biltmore

PHOTOS AT BOTTOM LEFT courtesy of Beth Shugg and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

PIEDMONT

North Carolina Transportation Museum

1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer nctransportationmuseum.org

Formerly Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the Southeast, the North Carolina Transportation Museum houses passenger rail cars, locomotives, a full-size replica Wright Flyer, firetrucks, a restoration of the Piedmont Airlines’ Potomac Pacemaker DC-3, and an automotive exhibit. The Barber Junction Depot, an authentic train station built in 1898, serves as the museum’s visitor center.

North Carolina Zoo

4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro nczoo.org

With 500 developed acres, the NC Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, housing 1,700 animals of more than 250 species, primarily representing Africa and North America. See elephants, zebras and giraffes grazing in open fields, polar bears Payton and Anana swimming in icy waters, chimpanzees swinging from high branches, flamingos foraging for food, and other fascinating animals. Watch animal feedings and training sessions in “Meet the Keeper” encounters.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum

134 S. Elm Street, Greensboro sitinmovement.org

Old Salem Museums & Gardens

900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem oldsalem.org

Established in 1776, Old Salem shares the cultural history of the early South, with special emphasis on the Moravians in North Carolina, enslaved and free people of African descent, and indigenous peoples of the Southern Woodland. Tour the various buildings that enabled the village to thrive, including tradesmen’s workshops and the Doctor’s House, the Single Brothers’ House and the Boys’ School for ages 6–14. Play Colonial-style games and purchase Moravian baked goods at the historic Winkler Bakery. Learn about Moravians of African descent at the St. Philips African American Heritage Center before exploring St. Philips Moravian Church—the oldest standing African American church in the state.

The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is dedicated to the understanding and advancement of civil and human rights. It commemorates the sit-ins of the 1960s that began when four college students from North Carolina A&T State University occupied a whites-only lunch counter—acts that helped renew the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Housed inside the former Woolworth store where the first sit-in took place, the museum offers 35,000 square feet of exhibit space that includes the restored lunch counter in its original location, audio and video narratives, artifacts, interactive components and a captivating look at the A&T Four. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.

PHOTOS AT TOP AND RIGHT courtesy of Old Salem Museum and Visit Winston-Salem

COAST

Wright Brothers National Memorial

1401 National Park Drive, Manteo nps.gov/wrbr

Wilbur and Orville Wright’s dream of flight became a reality in 1903, when they achieved the first successful airplane flights in Kitty Hawk, changing our world forever. View the locations where their flights took off and landed, see their living quarters and touch artistic representations of the moment of the first flight. View interactive exhibits in the visitor center and see the impressive monument built in the Wright Brothers’ honor.

North Carolina Aquariums

900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach

1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores

374 Airport Road, Manteo

7223 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head ncaquariums.com

Explore North Carolina’s oceans, estuaries, rivers, streams and other aquatic environments at the North Carolina Aquariums in Kure Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Manteo and Nags Head. All four aquariums feature dive shows, live animal encounters and feeding programs. The smaller aquarium at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head features native fish species and fishing opportunities.

Battleship North Carolina

1 Battleship Road, Wilmington battleshipnc.com

Moored along the Cape Fear River since 1962, World War II’s most recognizable battleship beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision the daily life and fierce combat her crew faced in the Pacific. Learn about ship terminology and the inner workings of the vessel as you tour the galley, kitchen, staterooms, repair shops and sick bay. Through oral histories and mementos, discover the men who served their country during its greatest time of need.

“The Lost Colony”

1409 National Park Drive, Manteo thelostcolony.org

What happened to the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke?

Explore one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries that dates back to 1587, when a group of 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island. Witness the pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I and her court, and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. This 86-year-old outdoor musical offers a Native American cultural preshow performed by Indigenous cast members. The 2023 season runs June 2–August 26.

PHOTOS, BELOW: Battleship North Carolina; photo by Getty Images/Red Moon Rise.

The Wright Brothers Memorial; photo by Walter Bibikow/Getty Images.

Children gaze into an aquarium; photo courtesy of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

An actress from "The Lost Colony" portrays Queen Elizabeth I; photo by Cory Godwin.

Rooting Interest A

Cheer on North Carolina’s top teams, at home or on the road

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

If your family enjoys taking in live sporting events, you live in the right state. North Carolina offers plenty of variety. Name the sport, and you can buy a ticket to watch. And it’s not just major league sports. Across the state, there are sports of all sorts, played at all levels.

Most people know about the major league franchises. Raleigh boasts the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, while Charlotte is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer. But don’t overlook all the teams that play in developmental professional leagues or other competitive levels. Like their major league counterparts, many of these athletes are one step away from reaching the top of their sport.

For parents seeking affordable family entertainment, these teams and events offer major values. Tickets are usually a fraction of the cost of attending a major league event, the venues typically offer a nice variety of local food and drink options, and the seating is closer to the action. If you have a favorite player, there’s a good chance you can get a photo or an autograph of him or her. And if you already have a favorite school to root for, the best-kept secret for spectator experiences might be collegiate sports.

The next time your family has a little free time to travel the Old North State, consider visiting an arena or ballpark you’ve never seen. You might just catch a rising star in action and make a family memory.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CAROLINA MUDCATS

Minor and Collegiate League Baseball

There’s no better way to spend a summer evening than taking in a ballgame. From minor to collegiate leagues, North Carolina has plenty to offer.

Most minor league stadiums have been built during the past 25 years with an eye toward family amenities. These teams typically offer food and drink selections for both children and adults, and in-game entertainment keeps fans involved between innings. The Durham Bulls and Charlotte Knights play at the AAA level, where the players are just one step away from the major leagues.

There are also lower-level teams all over the state affiliated with major league baseball. To the casual fan, there’s little difference in the quality of play. You’ll find these affiliated teams in Asheville, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Hickory, Kannapolis, Kinston, Winston-Salem and Zebulon—home of Five County Stadium, where the Single-A Carolina Mudcats play.

Twelve more cities across North Carolina host independent or collegiate summer leagues that offer the same experience. One of them is the Oak City Gliders, part of the Old North State Baseball League, which is North Carolina’s largest summer collegiate league. The team was recently purchased by Triangle entrepreneur Philip Lin and will play 15–20 games this summer at a home field near Optimist Park on land owned by the City of Raleigh.

Just down the road, the Holly Springs Salamanders play in the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate wood-bat summer league. While not associated with Major League Baseball, the fan experience is nearly the same.

College Sports

The Triangle is home to four NCAA Division I schools: Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While those schools’ football and basketball programs are often in the national spotlight, the NCAA offers 30 more men’s and women’s team and individual sports—the so-called non-revenue sports. If you have an aspiring volleyball player, swimmer or gymnast at home, watching a high-level collegiate competition can inspire a child or teen to reach the next level of competition. Another plus: Some schools offer free admission to select games, particularly for children and recreational sports teams.

Beyond the Triangle, North Carolina is home to 18 Division I schools, including nearby Campbell University (Buies Creek) and Elon University (Elon).

AT TOP: Photo of a North Carolina Courage athlete signing autographs by Lewis Gettier/ North Carolina Courage.

AT LEFT: Photo of baseball athletes courtesy of USA Baseball.

ABOVE: Photo of fireworks at Five County Stadium courtesy of the Carolina Mudcats.

Soccer

As soccer continues to grow, so does the sport’s footprint in North Carolina. In addition to Charlotte FC, North Carolina FC plays in a third-level affiliated pro league at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The North Carolina Courage plays in the National Women’s Soccer League. In 2018, the Courage won the league title and the International Champions Cup, earning recognition as the best women’s team in the world. There are additional teams that play in a variety of tiers of organized soccer in Durham, Greensboro and High Point.

If you’re looking for the most successful college soccer program in the state, consider the UNC Tar Heels women’s program, which has won 21 NCAA national championships.

AT TOP: Photo of a North Carolina Courage athlete on the offense by Lewis Gettier/North Carolina Courage.

AT RIGHT, TOP: Photo of a NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway courtesy of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

AT RIGHT, BOTTOM: Photo of the Carolina Hurricanes by Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images.

Professional golf has a long history in North Carolina, including hosting the U.S. Open Championship, which will return to Pinehurst No. 2 in June 2024. The PGA Tour plays the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte in early May. The Wyndham Championship, a mainstay on the Tour for 84 years, is played in Greensboro at Sedgefield Country Club in August.

Cary’s Prestonwood Country Club hosts the SAS Championship on the PGA Tour Champions senior tour, and the REX Hospital Open is an early-June event on the PGA’s development tour played at Tournament Players Club (TPC) Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh.

Other Sports and Venues

The Charlotte Checkers play hockey in the American Hockey League, one step below the NHL, while the Carolina Thunderbirds (in Winston-Salem) and the Fayetteville Marksmen take the ice in lower-level leagues.

The Greensboro Swarm plays basketball in the G League, the minor-league development team for the Hornets. Players are called up directly from the G League to NBA teams.

The National Arena League is an eight-team circuit of indoor football teams. The Carolina Cobras play at the Greensboro Coliseum and the Fayetteville Mustangs play at Crown Coliseum. The league has a 14-game weekly schedule that begins in early April.

NASCAR racing, a staple of the North Carolina sports landscape, has two premier events, which both take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord. The Coca-Cola 600 happens Memorial Day weekend and the Bank of America ROVAL 400 takes place in October.

The Triangle is home to USA Baseball, the national governing body for organized baseball in the U.S. The organization’s National Training Complex in Cary trains national teams and hosts major national events at a variety of age levels.

The Greensboro Aquatic Center hosts events for USA Swimming and USA Diving, as well as college and national championship events.

Whatever sport your heart desires, North Carolina accommodates a place for it. Round up the family and head over to a field, arena or track where you can all enjoy as much of it as you like.

PAGE 32: Photo of a military flyover at Durham Bulls Athletic Park courtesy of the Durham Bulls.

THIS PAGE: Photo of the Carolina Hurricanes by Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images.

PHOTO BY UEW KREJCI/GETTY IMAGES

fortraveling*brilliant tips withkids

BY MANDY HOWARD

It was a beautiful day for a road trip. A Triangle mom—let’s call her, um, Schmandy—was confident in her ability to drive her three children—ages 4, 6 and 8—from Raleigh to her parent’s lake house in Michigan. All by herself.

As they crossed into West Virginia, it was time for lunch. Sliced grapes and three pieces of cold cheese pizza awaited them in the cooler. All three children loved cold pizza and sliced grapes. This mom was nailing the solo attempt.

Schmandy continued to drive as her kids passed the food around. It was then that the eagle-eyed food detectives determined that the pizza slices were not, in fact, identical. One had a ‘weird bump of cheese.’ Another was smaller—not by any visual means—but the child could “just tell.” The only acceptable slice had unfortunately already been ‘breathed on’ by the youngest child who, only after the offending breath, noticed his slice was also not acceptable for a reason he felt no need to explain rationally. Chaos ensued.

As this family drove through the mountains of West Virginia, with some troubling clouds on the horizon, the children fought over who should receive which slice of pizza for a solid 15 minutes. Then, as they all remember vividly and will likely tell their own children one day, they heard their mother use the F-bomb for the very first time. As in, “Just eat the *&^%-ing pizza.”

Granted, it was effective. The children were silent for the rest of the trip and ate their defective slices peacefully. But it certainly doesn’t go down in this mom’s proudest moments book.

I—er um, Schmandy—shares this with you now only because she wants to save you from the same fate. The pages of this debut issue of Triangle Family are packed with getaways, day trips and unforgettable family vacation ideas. But, you’ve got to get there somehow. So, whether you are traveling by plane, train or automobile, here are some of the best tips to keep your travelers (of every age) happy and occupied.

Traveling With Babies

Containment and contentment are keys to traveling with infants and babies

In the Air

• If you are nursing, wear the most nursingconvenient outfit you own and plan on nursing during takeoff and landing. It makes your baby content, plus nursing can help little ears adjust to altitude changes and avoid discomfort.

• If you are bottle-feeding, remember that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and food purees to be “medically necessary,” so they are allowed through security. Plan for delays and pack extra! And, again, plan a meal around takeoff.

• Just in case these soothing techniques don’t work, consider this tip from “Schmandy’s” cousin and nurse Laura Wray. “I make treat bags for the travelers around me, just in case. I include a little snack, ear plugs, gum and mints, and a little note that says, ‘Thank you for your patience!’”

On the Road

• Dress your littlest travelers in outfits and onesies that you wouldn’t mind trashing if necessary. A dreaded ‘poopsplosion’ could interrupt your trip, after all. The last thing you want to do is wash clothes at a gas station and travel with wet—and soiled—garments.

• In that vein, invest in waterproof liners for your car seats.

• For the littlest road trippers, local mom Heather Brosz White of Raleigh suggests leaving at bedtime or before the sun rises. Why? “They will sleep for a good portion and you’ll avoid much of the traffic.”

Traveling With Toddlers

Delight and distract your toddlers while traveling to maintain your sanity.

In the Air

• If you’ve got another adult with you and are taking advantage of the family preboard option, consider having one adult preboard—without the kids—with as much as they can carry. While they set up the seating area, the other adult stays with the kids in the airport and boards at the last minute. It can be 45 minutes from preboard to push back—don’t waste traveling patience before you need to!

• Sunita Murty-Gami of Raleigh says she always packs a “surprise pack” with random goodies. She includes stickers, wax paper, manipulatives, pipe cleaners, Wikki Stix, a doodle board, crayons, hand fidgets, and a treat or two. She suggests, “On the plane, wait until you see the kiddos get antsy. When the excitement of travel wears off—Voila! You’ve got a new thing for them to be interested in!”

On the Road

• New and random goodies serve road trips well, too. Before the trip, take the kids to the dollar store and let them buy five new items— from cheap toys to coloring books. The new items will hold their interest and no one will be heartbroken or upset when the items inevitably get lost on the road.

• To keep the goodies organized, consider investing in a travel tray for the car. Check out the Pillani Kids Travel Tray. This soft wraparound desk includes 14 pockets functionally designed to hold snacks, a drink, a tablet, dry-erase markers for the built-in erasable platform and more. The tray buckles in to keep everything in place and within reach of little hands.

ABOVE: Photo courtesy of Pillani

AT LEFT: Photo by Orbon Alija/Getty Images

Traveling With Grade Schoolers, Tweens and Teens

Knowing when to engage and when to let go are keys to easy travel with older kids.

In the Air

• Give kids bag-size parameters, but also let them have ownership of what will get them through the flight. For example, each kid gets a gallon Ziplock bag they can fill with certain snacks, but it has to last them the whole trip. In addition, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after the TSA check.

• Encourage photography. The kids are going to “Snap” anyway—encouage them to at least find an interesting backdrop. Explore the airports before takeoff and at layovers to see if there are any local art installations or sculptures featured in the airport. Who knows … maybe they’ll pause to read a little about the artwork and can get some education out of it!

• Pack neck pillows and relax Wi-Fi limitations. A plane is a pretty good place to relax screen time limits.

On the Road

• Have a built-in movie player? Try some nostalgia! Did your kids have a favorite Disney animated movie? Did they just adore the “Backyardigans”? Old DVDs can be picked up pretty cheap and can provide some pleasant fun for kids who think they’re too old for “that stuff.”

• Raleigh mom Jill Wiencek highly recommends Roadtrippers. The aptly named app provides tips and tricks for the “best road trip ever.” From unique places to visit and bizarre roadside attractions, to best gas prices on the way, and even an option to seek out specialized routes compatible to RV travel, this app can make any car ride an adventure.

• If all else fails with older kids and teens, try the “two cups” method. One is filled with change, the other is empty. If someone misbehaves, talks back or complains, a coin moves from the original full cup to the empty cup. The kicker? The kids get to split any money left in the original cup. Increase the value as kids get older. A cup of quarters can go a long way and it can also be a great investment in a parent’s sanity.

PHOTO BY SOLSTOCK /GETTY IMAGES

BLOCKBUSTER BACKDROPS

North Carolina sets the scene for Hollywood family fun

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

The Tar Heel State has lured many Hollywood location scouts in search of the perfect setting for bringing their director’s vision to life. These North Carolina towns offer a glimpse of movie magic and opportunities for family fun. Go for the nostalgia, but stick around to discover what made them worthy of a highlight reel.

MOUNTAIN MAGIC

“Dirty Dancing” (PG-13)

Lake Lure

The fictional Kellerman’s resort is the real-life Lake Lure, where fans of this film can reenact favorite scenes from the 1987 classic.

“Forrest Gump” (PG-13)

Linville

Tom Hanks shot part of his famous running scene on what is now called Forrest Gump Curve on Grandfather Mountain. (See opposite page photo.)

“The Fugitive” (PG-13)

Robbinsville

Harrison Ford leapt off the Cheoah Dam in an action scene for this flick, and the site of the train wreck during his character’s prison transport is located about an hour east of the dam.

“The Hunger Games” (PG-13)

Asheville, Black Mountain and Shelby

The first movie in the bestselling book trilogy was shot entirely in western North Carolina. The Henry River Mill Village near Asheville—abandoned since the 1970s—came back to life as Katniss’ home of District 12, and DuPont State Recreational Forest was used for much of the games’ forested setting.

PIEDMONT PICTURES

“Leatherheads” (PG-13)

Statesville and Spencer

The Historic Salisbury Foundation’s Depot and North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer both serve as backdrops for this George Clooney gem.

“The Color Purple” (PG-13)

Lilesville, Marshville and Wadesboro

This award-winning movie was primarily shot in Anson and Union counties.

Director Steven Spielberg approached a Lilesville homeowner in hopes of using his property for filming, perhaps due to its field of purple flowers growing in the front yard.

“Days of Thunder” (PG-13)

Concord

Charlotte Motor Speedway is the setting for much of this blockbuster hit, and City Chevrolet—the sponsor for Tom Cruise’s character—is a real-life dealership owned by Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick also supplied race cars for the movie.

“Patch Adams” (PG-13)

Chapel Hill and Asheville

In the summer of 1988, UNC–Chapel Hill’s campus was transformed into Virginia Medical University for Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams.

“Shallow Hal” (PG-13)

Charlotte

This comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Black was shot in and around the Charlotte area, with notable scenes filmed in Freedom Park.

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (PG-13)

Concord

Many of the scenes from this Will Farrell comedy were shot at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Ricky Bobby’s home can be seen on the shores of Lake Norman.

COASTAL CLASSICS

“Iron Man 3” (PG-13)

Wilmington

Many of this movie’s action scenes, including the helicopter and parachute sequences, were recorded just off the coast of Oak Island. The penultimate dockside battle scene between Iron Man and Aldrich Killian was shot under the towering cranes at the Port of Wilmington.

PHOTO BY FOTOSEARCH/GETTY IMAGES

“Muppets from Space” (G)

Wilmington

The exterior of the Muppet Boarding House is actually the Fennell-Crump House on North Seventh Street in Wilmington. Cape Doom, where Gonzo meets his alien family, was set at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

“Weekend at Bernie’s” (PG-13)

Wilmington

The Hamptons scenes were taped on Bald Head Island, and Bernie’s house was located at Fort Fisher. The ferry scenes were filmed on Wrightsville Beach. Old Baldy lighthouse (pictured below) takes center stage when one of the characters, Parker, is temporarily blinded.

For Parents’ Eyes Only

These R-rated movies were also filmed in North Carolina:

“Bull Durham” (R)

Durham

“The Conjuring” (R) Wilmington and Currie

“The Green Mile” (R) Blowing Rock

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” (R) Southport and Durham

“The Last of the Mohicans” (R) Chimney Rock

“Sleeping with the Enemy” (R) Wrightsville Beach

The 'Nicholas Sparks Effect'

An impressive 11 of North Carolina author Nicholas Sparks’ 21 bestselling novels have made it to the big screen, creating what is known as the “Nicholas Sparks Effect”—a tourism spike for the towns featured in his novels-turn-movies. These include:

“A Walk to Remember” (PG) New Bern

“Safe Haven” (PG-13) Southport

“The Choice” (PG-13) Wilmington

“The Longest Ride” (PG-13) Wilmington

“Nights in Rodanthe” (PG-13) Rodanthe

PHOTO BY PGIAM/GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY NINE OK/GETTY IMAGES

TRY THIS!

Want to have some fitness fun with your little ones? Here are a couple of physical challenges parents and children can do together.

Bear Crawls. Assume an all-fours position with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Lift up on your toes and raise your knees off the ground slightly, actively engaging your core muscles. Move your right hand and left foot forward simultaneously, followed by left hand and right foot, while keeping your back flat. Move forward and backward.

Monkey Bar Pullups. Grasp a playground monkey bar (or pullup bar) with arms shoulder width apart. Pull up as high as you can without your shoulders moving toward your ears. Squeeze your back muscles to pull your chin over the bar. Slowly straighten your arms until you achieve a hanging position.

SET THE BAR FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE WITH YOUR KIDS

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Some parents can’t wait to put a ball at their toddler’s feet. Others are content to let their children discover physical activities on their own. Either way, most kids will show some athletic interest as they grow. When that day comes, parents will play a pivotal role in what happens next.

Long before kids are confronted with organized sports, moms and dads can help them build a physical foundation for an active life. Once they’re walking and running, kicking a ball is a natural next step. Then it’s on to pedaling a bike.

“Just concentrate on getting their bodies moving and making sure it’s something that’s fun,” says Maddie Grace, a National Academy of Sports Medicine master trainer who works at Life Time in Apex and also works with clients privately. “When they’re really young, they’re not going to follow strict guidelines.”

With toddlers and preschool children, keep an eye on the activities that interest them. Even before they begin an organized sport, look for less-structured activities like tumbling, dancing, swimming, throwing and catching. Most recreational sports leagues for children begin around age 6–7. That allows parents plenty of time to help children gain strength and coordination. A playground is a great place to start.

“I’m a big fan of pullups,” Grace says. “If you can get a kid to play on the monkey bars, have them try to do pullups with you. Even if you can’t do a pullup, just do a dead hang and see who can

hang the longest, just keeping your posture upright.”

Grace suggests using sidewalk chalk for more than just outdoor artwork. Draw an agility ladder on the driveway and make up drills together. Stepping in and out of the squares quickly in different combinations is a great way to build coordination, not to mention keep Mom and Dad moving. Even if you never played an organized sport, you can help set an example for physical development with your own workout routine.

“Kids are totally fine to join Mom and Dad for home workouts at 9 or 10 years old,” Grace says. “That is completely safe. Don’t take it super seriously. You want to concentrate on good form. I would advise keeping it at a 15–20 minute workout. We’re doing it to create a habit for the rest of your life to maintain a healthy body.”

Even small weights can be worked into informal activities. “Kids can handle weights,” says Grace, who is in her seventh year as a trainer. “They’re doing a lot of jumping, hanging and pulling. That is, in fact, weight training. Your child is doing that all the time. They can handle picking up some 5-pound weights and doing squats or bicep curls. They’ve already progressed past that point.”

PHOTO BY CAIA IMAGE/GETTY IMAGES

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

10 online resources your student can tap into

BY JANICE LEWINE

Taking a college entrance exam is a rite of passage for many high school students. While quite a few colleges have adopted test-optional admissions policies, a strong SAT or ACT score still bears significant weight—and can even procure financial aid. While many students approach entrance exams with some degree of trepidation, online prep options can give students an edge. Here are 10 to check out.

College Board | collegeboard.org

This group administers the SAT and sends score reports to colleges. It also executes the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), a practice version of the SAT. The website provides free prep material, including practice questions and eight full-length SAT practice tests.

Kaplan | kaptest.com

Kaplan provides test prep, practice tests and private tutoring. Its programs include On Demand, Live Online, Live Online+ (featuring one-to-one tutoring), and Unlimited Prep for the SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT. Fees range from $119–$1,999, and special offers are available on the website. A mobile app called Brightspace Pulse is also available for Kaplan students.

ACT | act.org

In partnership with Kaplan, ACT is a mission-driven nonprofit that offers the ACT Self-Paced Course for $119; ACT Live Online for $549 (with teachers who offer study tips and answer questions in real time); ACT Tutoring sessions for $749; a free practice test and study guide; and a free trial. ACT also offers a mobile app.

Khan Academy | khanacademy.org

In collaboration with the College Board, Khan Academy hosts free lessons, strategies and practice tests for the math, reading and writing portions of the SAT. It also has a free mobile app. After setting up an account, users will receive alerts reminding them when their next lesson or practice test is.

Kranse Institute | kranse.com

The Kranse Institute incorporates 147 10-minute standalone videos that focus on strategies and shortcuts for the SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT, as opposed to the traditional review-and-memorize approach. Each course costs $499, and special offers are available. Students enrolled in the SAT prep course can also take advantage of a free mobile app.

Magoosh | magoosh.com

Magoosh offers a $129 12-month subscription for Premium, a self-paced course that features video lessons, practice questions and practice tests for the SAT and ACT. The Guided Study package offers everything included in Premium, plus live instruction, and costs $399. A seven-day trial and a free mobile app are also available.

Peterson’s | petersons.com

Peterson’s offers a full test prep library, which includes study guides and practice tests for the SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT. Rates are $39–$49 per month, with threeand six-month subscriptions offering live online tutoring. Free trials and a mobile app are available.

PrepScholar | prepscholar.com

PrepScholar is customized to students’ strengths and weaknesses. It provides online prep courses for the SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT for an entire year, starting at $397. Add-on options, including live classroom instruction for $895 or oneto-one tutoring for $995 and up, are also available. All courses offer a five-day trial.

Princeton Review | princetonreview.com

The Princeton Review provides online and in-person live programs, a self-paced ondemand course, intensives, and individual tutoring services for the SAT, ACT and PSAT/NMSQT ranging from $299–$2,199. Special offers are also available.

Erik the Red | erikthered.com

Designed by New Jersey–based math and physics tutor Erik Jacobsen, Ph.D., Erik the Red focuses exclusively on SAT and ACT math and features relevant facts, formulas, strategies and quizzes in free, downloadable PDFs.

PHOTO BY PEKIC/GETTY IMAGES

THE SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE

BY MANDY HOWARD

tween is generally defined as a child between the ages of 10 and 12. Most social media apps, including Instagram and TikTok, require users to be at least 13 years old. But you know your kids better than a social media app developer. And nothing in parenting is simple. Chances are, there’s already a rule-breaker in your home. According to a 2021 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital national poll on children’s health, one-third of children ages 7–9, and almost half of children ages 10–12, use social media apps. This is not a condemnation. Responsibility is rarely determined by age. You might have an incredibly mature 11-year-old whose dance team only communicates via Instagram. Alternatively, your 15-year-old may be prone to anxiety. So, let’s ignore the age part of the question and dive in a little deeper to understand the different viewpoints on this hot topic.

Social media can be a good source for obtaining important information, supportive connections and, of course, entertainment. When something makes our kids smile, it’s tempting to ignore the negatives. But a Google search combining “mental health,” “social media” and “teens” produced pretty clear data: Social media use increases the risk of depression and anxiety, especially in teens and young adults. A read through certain articles might make you want to ban social media entirely. But we get it. The reality sets in when you discover that your child’s band director, piano teacher, coach or school administrator uses social media to communicate vital messages. Back to square one.

Despite the possible downsides, it’s likely your child is already on, or will soon be getting on, some form of social media. So instead of fighting a losing battle, let’s consider ways to mitigate the risks.

1. Take it step by step. Social media should be viewed as a privilege requiring your permission. If your child wants access to social media for a specific reason, allow access only to the specific platform that is needed. Help your kids learn to handle it responsibly before you allow them to access additional apps.

A2. Watch the time. The Mayo Clinic acknowledges a 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds that found that spending more than three hours a day on social media put them at a heightened risk for mental health problems. Set a limit for your kids and stick to it.

3. Keep it out of the bedroom. This might be hard if the genie is already out of the bottle, so to speak. But it can also be life-changing. Create a family charging station outside of all bedrooms, and set a bedtime for technology as well. Sleep deprivation causes multiple health issues and is commonly associated with social media use.

4. Say the words. Drill these words into your kids’ brains: “Don’t take nude photos of yourself and don’t share inappropriate pictures of anyone, ever.” Is it an awkward conversation to have? Yes. Are your kids going to roll their eyes and say, “I’d never do that!” Absolutely, they will. And yet a study reported in April 2018 by JAMA Pediatrics of 12- to 17-year-olds revealed that nearly one in seven teens have sent a “sext.” Snapchat is a favorite medium

for inappropriate photos because images “disappear.” However, users have found ways to circumvent that feature. Kids need to know it’s not worth the risk, ever

5. Set an example. Whether you think they are or not, your kids are watching. Do you spend hours on social media? Is your mood or your self-worth affected by it? If your answer is yes, ask yourself, “Do I want the same for my kids?”

6. Talk about it. Most importantly, invite conversations with your kids about what they see, read and hear online. Follow them on their accounts and talk about the things they share. Chances are, they will mess up along the way.

7. Be present and available. Above all else, as you do your best to help your kids set boundaries, make sure they know they can talk to you and that nothing that happens online is bigger than your love for them.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, American Academy of Pediatrics and healthychildren.org.

PHOTO BY EMS FORSTER PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

Should you allow your tween to be on social media? The simple answer is no.

RALEIGH SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

March 11, 10 a.m.–noon

Downtown Raleigh

Celebrate all things Irish during the 39th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which features marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancing, festive floats and plenty of Irish cheer. raleighstpats.org

CARRBORO ANNUAL KITE FLY

March 12, 1–3 p.m.

Anderson Community Park

302 Highway 54 West, Carrboro

Go fly a kite in the blue skies over Carrboro! Spring is the perfect time to enjoy this colorful activity, which is sure to bring smiles to flyers of all ages. Take your own kite; a few will be available for those who don’t have one. carrbororec.org

ART IN BLOOM

March 15–19

North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

This popular floral fundraiser, presented by PNC Bank, is a five-day event featuring more than 30 imaginative floral arrangements and offering visitors a unique way to connect with art through floral interpretations of the museum’s latest acquisitions and visitor-favorite works. Purchase tickets online. ncartmuseum.org/bloom

TARHEEL BALLOON FESTIVAL

March 17–19, daily 7 a.m.–8 p.m.

The Barn at Lloyd’s Dairy

226 N. Lloyd’s Dairy Road, Efland

Up, up and away! Watch as balloonists soar with the clouds in the 2nd annual Tarheel Balloon Festival at Lloyd’s Dairy Farm, an 800-acre farm in Efland. Enjoy traveling balloon rides, tethered rides, and morning and evening glow events. Purchase tickets online.

facebook.com/tarheelballoonfestival

“FANCY NANCY: THE MUSICAL”

March 17–April 1

North Carolina Theatre

301 Pogue Street, Raleigh

Fancy Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda and Lionel are performing in “Deep Sea Dances.” Nancy is positive that she and Bree will be picked to be mermaids. When another girl wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary tree. Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn’t the one she wanted?

Tickets are $17 for adults and $13 for ages 12 and younger. A sensory-friendly performance takes place April 1 at 2 p.m. raleighlittletheatre.org

MONSTER JAM

March 18, 7 p.m.; March 19, 1 p.m.

PNC Arena

1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh

See world-class driver athletes and the most recognizable trucks tear up the dirt and compete in rivalries of speed and skill at PNC Arena. Enjoy driver interviews, a judges’ zone overview and giveaways one hour before the event begins. pncarena.com

SPRING FLING

March 25, 10 am.–noon

Ting Park

101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs

Welcome spring in Holly Springs at the Spring Fling, featuring games and activities for ages 8 and younger, inflatables and an egg hunt on the baseball field at noon. hollyspringsnc.us/360/spring-fling

PHOTO COURTESY OF T. PAYNE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART

PHOTO COURTESY OF T. PAYNE

LIVE YOUR DREAM AWARDS CELEBRATION

March 25, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

University Club

3100 Tower Boulevard, #1700, Durham

Celebrate this year’s recipients of Soroptimist International of Raleigh’s Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. The event is hosted by Soroptimist International of Raleigh, which provides women and girls access to education and the training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Hear from guest speaker Chasta Hamilton, founder and CEO of Stage Door Dance Productions and founder of the nonprofit Girls Geared For Greatness. Purchase tickets online. soroptimistraleigh.org

NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE FESTIVAL

April 1–30

Venues across North Carolina

Enjoy a monthlong celebration of science as the North Carolina Science Festival, now in its 13th year, showcases 200-plus in-person and virtual events taking place throughout the state. These fun and educational community-based events—hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses and organizations—celebrate the economic, educational and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. ncsciencefestival.org

CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVAL

April 22, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Page-Walker Arts & History Center and surrounding spaces

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary

Take part in a celebration of children and the colorful mosaic of cultures that make up the Triangle. Enjoy performances by local youth, games, make-and-take international crafts, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks and more. A community corner featuring child-focused businesses and services rounds out the event. Admission is free. Presented by ATA-NC and Sister Cities of Cary. townofcary.org

FESTIVAL OF LEGENDS

April 22, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; April 23, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Optimist Club Farm, 2908 Optimist Farm Road, Apex

The Festival of Legends celebrates 10 years of magic with live music, mythical monsters, proud knights, fairytale creatures, fantasy-inspired vendors and more. Tickets are $15 online, $18 at the gate. Children 12 and younger are admitted for free with a paying adult. festivaloflegends.com

SPRING DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

April 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary

Shop for unique gifts as Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival welcomes 170 juried artists and craftsmen. The event also features an Earth Day celebration for all ages with familyfriendly activities, live entertainment and local food vendors. townofcary.org

“JAMES CAMERON: CHALLENGING THE DEEP”

Through May 7

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh

Trace filmmaker James Cameron’s deep-sea voyages, including his record-breaking dive to the Mariana Trench, in an immersive exhibition that takes you into a deep-ocean environment using cinema-scale projections, artifacts and specimens from his expeditions. Explore the deepest ocean and discover the shipwrecks of the Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck. See original film props and costumes from “The Abyss” and “Titanic,” including the iconic Heart of the Ocean diamond. Tickets are $12–$16 online and free for museum members. naturalsciences.org

Be sure to check the websites for the events listed here before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE FESTIVAL

COME HUNGRY

New treats to taste, opportunities to learn and recipes to try

TASTE

Andy’s Frozen Custard

1115 Hatches Pond Lane, Morrisville

Coming soon: 3002 Leland Drive, Raleigh eatandys.com

Andy’s Frozen Custard—known for its creative and fresh frozen custards, cookies and shakes—is now offering a loyalty rewards program called the Yum Squad. In addition to enjoying a free Concrete after your first visit, Yum Squad members receive Andy’s latest news and seasonal menu updates.

TRY

Garbage Cookies

Makes 18-24 | Photo and recipe provided by Chef Sera Cuni of Cafe Root Cellar, Pittsboro

This recipe has all the tasty fun stuff kids love: cookies and candy! The Café Root Cellar staff also loves these cookies because they get to blend in whatever candy, chips or other items they might have available in the restaurant.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1¼ cups of sugar

• 1¼ cups of brown sugar

• 1 stick of butter

• 3 eggs

• 1 tablespoon of vanilla

Yellow Dog Bread Co.

219 E. Franklin Street, Raleigh yellowdogbread.com

Looking for unforgettable Easter treats that will make your kids’ eyes widen and mouths water? Yellow Dog Bread Co. offers giant bunny and egg cookies—or an assortment of mini Easter cookies, which include bunnies, sparkly carrots and expertly iced eggs. Hop fast! Orders fill quickly for seasonal offerings.

Asali Desserts & Café

107 Edinburgh S Drive, Suite 106-A, Cary asalievents.com

Let them eat cake—Easter cake pops, that is! Asali Desserts & Café in Cary can assist the Easter Bunny in filling the kids’ baskets with these colorful confections. Call 919.362.7882 to place an order.

• 3 cups of flour

• 1 cup of oatmeal

• ½ tablespoon of baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon of salt

Garbage Mix Ingredients

Kids can choose whatever they want to add to the dough as long as the mix equals 3½ cups!

• 1 cup of chocolate chips

• 1 cup of white chocolate

• ¼ cup of M&Ms

• ¼ cup of coconut

• ¼ cup of peanuts or other preferred nuts

• ¼ cup of butterscotch chips

• ¼ cup of sprinkles

• ¼ cup of pretzels or potato chips

LEARN

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugars together for 5 minutes or until the mixture takes on a light beige coloring. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and garbage mix until just combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (A nonstick baking mat can also be used.) Scoop cookies onto the baking sheet using a medium-sized ice cream scoop. Leave an inch between the cookies.

Bake the cookies until they are golden brown, but soft—about 12–18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Any remaining cookie dough can be scooped up and kept in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Sur La Table Bakeshop Camp | 4421 Six Forks Road, Raleigh | surlatable.com

If your child is a budding chef, check out Sur La Table’s summer offerings. Kids ages 12–17 can check out the Bakeshop camp, where they will learn how to make funnel cake cookies, French fruit tarts, homemade “choco” tacos, ice cream and much more.

Two-Sport Star

Cardinal Gibbons senior has two titles and a desire to give back

Will Zarnik is the rare high school athlete who has won state championships in two sports.

As a sophomore, he was a starting defensive midfielder for the Cardinal Gibbons High School lacrosse team when it defeated Hough High School 14–5 in the state finals. Zarnik added a second title in soccer last fall when the Crusaders won 1-0 against Weddington High School.

In a different family, that might seem remarkable. But not for the Zarniks. “It’s something I always grew up wanting and believing I would be able to do simply because I have an older brother who ended up winning four state championships in his high school career,” Zarnik says of his older brother, Jack, who graduated in 2018. “He ended up winning two for lacrosse and two for soccer. Always having that goal in front of me of winning as many state championships as possible has really helped me compete.”

Given a choice of sports, Zarnik has a clear preference. “I would definitely say lacrosse is my main sport,” he says. “Soccer is great and I’ve been playing for a while as well. I like to use soccer as kind of a break from lacrosse, and it’s great conditioning throughout the year.”

Zarnik will attend the United States Air Force Academy in the fall, where he will study chemical engineering and continue his lacrosse career. “We all get to take from this great country; we all get these freedoms and privileges that come with living in the United States,” he says. “Some of us do have to give, and I just want to be one of those people who gets the opportunity to give back to their country to protect these freedoms.”

Do you know a Good Sport who deserves recognition in our next issue?

Email editors@trianglefamilymag.com to share your news.

kind·ness /'kīn(d)nəs/ the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.

Corey (13) shows kindness to little brother Cashton (2) as they walk to the big game at Middle Creek Park in Apex with good friend Cassius (14). All three boys live in Fuquay-Varina.

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Photo by Moné Kinard