Don’t tell the kids but summer is coming to an end. There are just a few weeks left to squeeze in all of the fun stuff you can before school starts. I know it’s hard to imagine right now, but we’ll be wearing sweaters before you know it. To help you make the most out of this time, we put together a list of fun things you can do with the family, some in town and some worth a little drive.
Friday nights at Camp North End
This is such an amazing space. It is 76 acres of repurposed factories of offices, art studios, restaurants, shops, and more. The first factory was built in 1924 by Ford to produce Model T and Model A cars. The Army built five more warehouses to do everything from repair typewriters to build missiles. Read more about the fascinating history here.
Don’t worry about cooking Friday night, instead take the family to Camp North End. There’s live music and so many restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Check out the website for more information and a full calendar of events.
Archery range in Davidson
At Fisher Farm just north of Charlotte you can channel your inner Katniss Everdeen (If you’ve never seen the Hunger Games, much of it was filmed around Charlotte. It’s a good reason to stay inside in the air-conditioning and watch it with the older kids.). This summer, equipment rentals and range time is FREE. That will change in the fall.
Never picked up a bow? Not to worry, there are trained staff members on hand to help. All levels are welcome, you just have to register for a time slot in advance. In the fall, they plan to offer classes and tournaments. Click here for more information and to make a reservation.
Carrigan Farms in Mooresville
If you’re looking for a cool spot to cool off, Carrigan Farms is THE place. Here you can swim in a deep, natural quarry. If you’re daring, take a turn on the rope swing. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can do that too. Open swim admission also includes catch-and-release fishing (bring your own gear).
You do have to make a reservation before going. Click here to learn more. There’s a farm-to-table restaurant as well as beer and wine for purchase. But note: once you’re there it’s CASH ONLY, and there is no ATM.
Sliding Rock in Brevard
Here you’ll find Mother Nature’s own thrill ride. It’s a 60-foot rock waterslide in the middle of the forest. Even when the temperature is hot, the water is cold! Eleven thousand gallons of water run over the Sliding Rock every minute. It does get crowded on the weekends, but trust us, this 20 second slide is worth the wait. If you don’t want to take the plunge yourself, watching other people ride Sliding Rock can be just as entertaining. Click here to learn more.
North Carolina Snorkel Tour
This is a great way to explore our state and sneak in some education without the kids even noticing. The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is an innovative project that links a set of publicly accessible river sites where people can safely snorkel. Each site has a sign showing the notable species found there and other information about the trail. There’s no fee to take part, you just have to bring your own snorkeling equipment. You just might see a Tangerine Darter or a Whitetail Shiner.
There are several kick-off events in August, including one at the Marion Greenway on the Catawba River August 2nd. Click here for more information.
Free Range Brewing
“You have a baby…. at a bar.” It’s not so passe anymore. Many breweries have spots where children can hang out and play while their adults kick back with a cold brew. That’s the case at Free Range Brewing in NoDa. They often have live music and trivia. Check out their Instagram or Facebook pages to find out what’s happening and when.
Discovery Place: Marvel Universe of Super Heroes
If you haven’t been to Discovery Place Uptown this summer, now is the time to go. The Marvel: Universe of Superheroes exhibition is there until September 7th, then it heads to Europe. You can see some of the most iconic costumes, props and art. Much of it has never been on public display before now. The exhibition tells Marvel’s story in comics, film and other media, celebrating 80 years of the pop culture phenomenon. There is an extra fee for the exhibition, on top of museum admission. But it’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s air conditioned. Click here to learn more.
So, be adventurous! Or, chill. Take a day trip! Or, stay close to home. Take advantage of these last weeks of summer to do what makes you happy. And, once the kids are settled back in school and you want to talk about finding your dream home, give us a call.