Holiday festivities
Downtown Salisbury Holiday Night Out – 5-9 p.m., Friday, Nov 23: Shops open late, Santa and the Grinch, carriage rides, live Victorian Voices, kids activites.
Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour begins – 6:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 23-Dec. 22. $20 adults, $15 children/seniors. Advance tickets at 800-332-2343, www.visitsalisburync.com or Visito’s Center, 204 E. Innes St.
Santa and the Grinch at the Bell Tower – 10 a.m.-noon, Nov 24: Downtown Presbyterian Bell Tower Park. Details 800-332-2343, visit.salisburync.com
Catawba’s 25th annual Service of Lessons and Carols – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29: The Catawba Singers and Chamber Singers in concert. Tickets required, concert is free. 704-637-4396. Held in Catawba’s Omwake-Dearborn Chapel.
Arc Festival of Trees – Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Friday 7-9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. F&M Trolley Barn, downtown, 704-637-1521, www.thearcofrowan. org
Community Voices of Praise 32nd Singing Christmas Tree – Saturday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m.: Two Singing Christmas Tree performances in a new location featuring choir, orchestra, handbells. Mt. Zion United Church of Christ, 1415 South Main St., China Grove. Free admission, nursery provided.
2012 Fulton Heights Holiday Home Tour – 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1: Fulton Heights Neighborhood Association suggests $10 donation: See Briefs page 2 for open house addresses.
Rowan County Concert Association hosts Tomaseen Foley’s ‘A Celtic Christmas – 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2: Individual tickets $20 adult, $5 student, available at Salisbury Belk, Rowan Visitors Bureau, Literary Bookpost, Keppel box office one hour prior to show. Held at Keppel Auditorium, Catawba College, 2300 W. Innes.
Lenoir-Rhyne University A Cappella Choir – 7:30 p.m., Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 3-4: Christmas concert at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Hickory. Free admission, offering taken. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive early for a seat.
PPT’s ‘Inspecting Carol: A Holiday Comedy’ – Dec. 6-9 and 12-15, 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee 2:30 p.m. 213 S. Main St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Piedmont Choral Society presents ‘Messiah’ – 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: The 50-voice Piedmont Choral Society under the direction of Dr. Jeff Price performs portions of Handel’s “Messiah” with orchestra, along with familiar carols and hymns. First Presbyterian Church, 201 Vance St., Kannapolis and again Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord. Reception follows the Sunday concert. Free. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail.com
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society’s 2012 Holiday Concert – 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7: “The Story of Christmas,” First United Church of Christ, 207 W. Horah St. The concert is free; bring new unwrapped toy for Rowan County Department of Children Services.
Santa and the Grinch Antique fire truck rides – 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec 8: Catch the fire truck ride at 126 E. Innes . Details 800-332-2343, visit.salisburync.com
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band’s eleventh Christmas concert – “Our Gift of Music – Your Gift of Food” 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, Living Water Church of God, 166 N. Little Texas Road, Kannapolis. Admission canned or boxed foods or peanut butter for Cooperative Christian Ministry. Children will be invited to play sleigh bells with the band during the carols. Info Jon Hutchinson, 704-425-3508, www.primetimeband.org
Gold Hill Historic home tour – 3-7 p.m., Saturday Dec. 8: Trolley transportation to each stop included, tickets available from Gold Hill Village merchants. $12, children under 6 free. Pay-by-mail info at goldhillmerchantsassociation@gmail.com
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House – 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, ticket info at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Salisbury Ecumenical Choir annual Glory of Christmas Concert – 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9: Ochestra, soloists and nearly 30 churches and organizations represented. Held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 131 W. Council St., under the direction of Dr. Phillip Burgess
Salisbury Symphony’s ‘Nutcracker’ production – Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15 (6:30 p.m.) and 16 (2:30 p.m.), Keppel Auditorium at Catawba College. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased at 704-637-4314 or salisburysymphony.org
Railwalk holiday studio celebration – 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 and 1-5 p.m. Sunday Dec. 2: Artists of Rail Walk Studios host open studio celebration, 409 N. Lee St. Refreshments, music while you shop for cut paper, creative textiles, fine oil paintings.
LGAC art and fine craft holiday show – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec.8 and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9: Handmade arts and fine crafts show and sale, Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-2787, salisburyartists@gmail.com, www.salisburyartists.com
Carolina Chamber Symphony Players ‘Swingle Bells’ – Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium inside Old Salem Visitor Center. Vocalist Martha Bassett with the Giannini Brass and the Jazzmas Trio. Tickets $18, www.carolinachambersymphony.org
Latta Plantation Christmas – Nov. 23-24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: See how Christmas was celebrated in the 1860s, meet a Victorian St. Nick. Free with regular site admission $7 adults, ages 5 and under free. 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
‘A Christmas Carol’ – The NCShakespeare Festival’s 35th annual professional production, at the High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., downtown High Point. Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. Opening night Friday, Dec. 14. Tickets start at $15. 336-841-2273, www.FestivalStage.org
Santa’s Workshop and Holiday Tea at The Garden – • Santa’s Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15, 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Sing-along, story time, a ride on the Garden Express tram, decorate cookies, more. Advance reservations required at 704-829-1252 • Holiday Tea, Sunday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16: Two different serving times, 1-2:15 p.m. and 2:45-4 p.m., take a break with a traditional English tea, includes admission to the Garden. Advance reservations at 704-829-1252. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont, www.dsbg.org/events.php
Music & more
Motel Soap performs at Cooper’s – 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24: Dinner reservations required at 704-754-4907.
Salisbury’s Moondance Orchestra – 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30: Vocalist Lonnie Carpenter backed by nine-piece band performing standards of the 50s, 60s and 70s. All ages welcome.Music starts 8 p.m., concessions available. Admission $10. Looking Glass Artists Center’s black box theatre, 405 N. Lee St.
Paleface and Bombadil – Ramseur Records Night at Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., featuring Paleface and Bombadil, Dec. 1. Doors open 7:30 p.m., music starts 8 p.m. Admission $5 in advance, $7 at door. Catawba College students just $1 with college ID. Tickets available at Tastebuds 106 N. Main St., Salisbury; Music N’ More at 706 Church St. N in Concord; and LGAC. For information contact salisburyartists@gmail.com or call 704-633-2787.
Jim Avett at the Davis Theater – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 6: Jim Avett, singer-songwriter and storyteller back by popular demand, $12. Davis Theatre, 65 Union St. S., Concord, 704-920-2753, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org, http://cabarrusartscouncil.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=489409
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center – • Scotty McCreery, Dec. 15 • Styx, Jan. 18, 2013 • Little Big Town Tornado Tour, March 2 • Celtic Woman, April 26. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Theater
PPT holiday comedy ‘Inspecting Carol’ – Box office opens 9 a.m., Monday, Nov 26; show dates Dec. 6-8 and 12-15 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9 2:30 p.m. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St. Adults $15, seniors/students $12. 704-633-5471, PiedmontPlayers.com
‘The Parchman Hour’ at the Davis Theatre – 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1: Drama filled with music and dance commemorates civil rights activists. Tickets $48 at www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org and 704-920-2753. The Davis Theatre , 65 Union Street S, downtown Concord.
‘The Fantasticks’ at the Hanesbrands Theatre – Through Dec. 2: No Rules Theatre Company at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Tickets $25 at 336-747-141 or www.NoRulesTheatre.org.
Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ at Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh – Nov. 29-Dec. 16; Dec. 2 is ‘Pay What You Can’ day. $25, except all tickets are $10 on Thursdays. Burning Coal Theatre Company, Murphey School autidorium, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.org
Old Courthouse Theatre’s22nd annual New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and Silent Auction – 7:30 p.m., fifth floor Ballroom at Charlotte Motor Speedway. $75/person or $150 /couple by Dec. 15. After Dec. 15 tickets $85/person or $170/couple. Price includes appetizers, dinner, desert, wine, champagne toast, party favors, deejay, and the Murder Mystery. Call OCT 704-788-2405or email info@oldcourthousetheatre.org. 49 Spring St. NW, Concord.
This & That
PPT set construction – 10 a.m.-4 p.m Saturday, Nov. 24: No experience required. Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., PiedmontPlayers.com
Dance to live music – 7-10 p.m. Thursday Nov. 29, Kannapolis Moose Lodge Family Life Center, 990 Old Beatty Ford Road, China Grove. $5 at the door, music by: DC & The Chosen Few.
Salisbury Ghost Walk’s evening investigation – 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30: Salisbury Wine Shop investigation features all three floors, special emphasis on the lower level “speak easy” in the 1930s. $25 includes wine tasting. Reservations required: 704-798-3102, salisburyghostwalk@yahoo.com. Group size limited to first 30 reservations with full payment.
Month long Miss Row Ann – Through November: Rowan Doll Society and Rowan Library China Grove present the doll display called Miss Row Ann, featuring 12 scenes using dolls and miniatures depicting actual places, events and people from Rowan County starting from the Revolutionary War through the early twentieth century. During
Literary Feast: A Dickens of a Christmas with Elliot Engel – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1: Rowan Public Library Foundation’s third annual Literary Feast at Civic Center with Dr. Elliott Engel and ‘A Dickens of a Christmas.’ Dinner buffet included. Tickets $50 through Nov. 21 at 704-216-8231.
Dance at J.F. Hurley Family YMCA – 7-10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1: Merry Christmas Big Band Dance. For older active adults, music to dance the evening away. $5 per pserson, bring a snack to share. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Full Moon Native American fire ceremony – 7 p.m., Friday, Nov 30: Jomeokee Native Circle hosts Full Moon Native American Fire Ceremony. OdinStone Labyrinth, 4825 Sliver Springs Road, Pfafftown.
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. – • 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Nov. 23: r&b/rock & roll/blues/funk with Sonny Skyyz & The Rainmakers, $5 cover • 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Nov. 24: Diane Hoffman Band’s southern soul and classic rock, $5 cover, also ask about special wine-and-music promotion • 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. – 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24: Motel Soap plays, dinner reservations required, 704-754-4907 • 8-11 p.m. every Tuesday: Open mic night. 704-754-4907.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. – 8 p.m. until, Friday, Nov. 23: Karaoke with Mark Tomei • 9 p.m. until, Saturday Nov. 24: Karaoke with Mark Tomei. 704-638-8996.
The Fuel Depot Bar and Grill, 2168 Statesville Blvd. – • Tuesday, Open Mic • Wednesday, World Tavern Poker • Thursday, 8 ball tournament, deejay/ karaoke with Cherokee • Friday jam session with Monkey Wrench (free).
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane – 9 p.m. until, Saturday Nov. 24: First time appearing, Tim Elliott and The Catfish Cherry Band. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. – Beach night karaoke and Bike Night 7-9 p.m. Mondays • Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays • Karaoke 7-close Friday-Saturdays. 704-642-0050.
Spencer Buffet, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer – 6 p.m., Wednesdays: karaoke. 704-633-1200.
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road – “Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. Mondays on the patio, full menu available, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
E.H. Montgomery General Store – Friday Night Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m.: Open jam for all acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., Charlotte – Friday, Nov. 23: Ellis Paul. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte – Friday, Nov. 23: After The Turkey Showcase with Analog Daze, Kevin Marshall Band, Dave Koons and The Koyotes • Saturday, Nov. 24: The Belmont Playboys, Aqualads and Phatlynx • CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte – • Friday, Nov. 23: Other People – Celebrating Grateful Dead Music at Thanksgiving. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte – Friday, Nov. 23: Levon Helm Tribute featuring The New Familiars • Saturday, 24: American Aquarium and Sons Of Bill. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Fundraisers
Salisbury Symphony goes for the gold – Support the Symphony by donating old, broken, unwanted gold jewelry by Dec. 2; donate the entire value for tax benefit or donate part of it and collect the balance. In partnership with Silver Showcase of Landis, 133 S. Central Ave. 704-202-6454 for information or appointment.
Classes
How to create a Mesh Angel – 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1: Piedmont Floral Galleries will demonstrate. Details at Piedmont Floral Galleries, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7739.
Copper Foil Classes – 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Tuesday, Dec. 18: All levels of experience. At Celestial Glasworks, 664 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, 704-796-2260.
Making a Native American style flute out of PVC – 10 a.m., Dec. 1: local flute maker and luthier Mark Beaver; hands-on workshop and playing pointers, materials provided. $25, register at www.TheTreehouseSpencerNC.weebly.com or email TheTreehouseSpencerNC@carolina.rr.com
Hand made Christmas card making class – 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 : Complete six handmade cards in one two-hour workshop. Supplies provided. $16 payable on arrival. Members $12. Includes Museum tour. Instructor Daphne Houghton. Advance registration required, 704-762-9359. Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer
Bring-your-own-vase floral design – 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $5 per class plus cost of flowers, call for reservations; instructor David Harrison, Harrison’s Florist, 1012 Holmes Ave. off Grove St. near RRMC, 704-636-4251.
Classes at Waterworks – 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882 to register. Information at www.waterworks.org • Women and Wine Series (age 21+), 6:30-9 p.m. Learn the basics of watercolor, pastel painting, collage in relaxed, non-stress class as you create your own unique masterpiece. Materials and wine provided. Instructor Phyllis Steimel. “Pastels and Hearty, Spicy Reds” on Nov. 29 – “Collage and Cabernet” on Dec. 6 – $30/session-members, $35/session-non-members
• Holiday Creations Childrens’ Workshops (age 4-10) 10 a.m.- noon. A Saturday morning filled with holiday cheer, exploring ins and outs of mixed media. Make a Thanksgiving place setting, construct your own holiday tree to trim with globally-inspired ornaments – “Trimming the Tree around the World” Dec. 1 – Instructor Ingrid Erickson. $25/session-members, $30/session-non-members
Mind aerobics art class – 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: An introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10 per two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
Zumba fitness – • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Christ United Methodist Church, Hwy 150 • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Singles
Piedmont Singles – 7:15 p.m., Fridays. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.
Film
Sidney Blackmer Film Fest at Rowan Public Library – • Sunday, Nov. 25: showing includes the short “Disorder in the Court” and two full-length films “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo” • Dec. 2: short featuring Suzanne, a television episode from Boris Karloff’s Thriller series “The Premature Burial,” the showing of Blackmer’s most remembered role as Roman Castevet in “Rosemary’s Baby.” Stanback Auditorium.
Pfeiffer University’s film appreciation series – Free monthly Friday evening film and discussion series by Pfeiffer Pfilm Society, in Pfeiffer University Theater, Administration Building, 3rd Floor, 48380 Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, 6-9 p.m., no reservation required. 704-463-3432 or pfilmsociety@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu • Dec. 7, Film Noir: The Maltese Falcon • Jan. 11, Japanese Animation: The Girl Who Leapt through Time • Feb. 15, Romance: Casablanca • March 15, B-Movie: A Hobo with a Shotgun • April 12, Documentary: Good Hair.
Auditions
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ auditions – 7-9 p.m., Dec. 9-10, registration 7-8 p.m. Audition consists of cold read from the script. Performance dates Feb. 7-24 24, 2013. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Call for writers
Lee Street Theater’s fifth annual Original 10-Minute Play Festival – Theme: “Hotel 6,” submissions must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2012. Peformance dates, May 15-18, 2013. For details contact info@leestreet.org or Hotel 6 page at www.leestreet.org
Call for models
Life Drawing Models – Waterworks Visual Arts Center seeks models for Life Drawing classes. Models must be at least 21 years old. All body types welcomed, female and male. Some experience is preferred, but not required. Download application at www.waterworks.org or pick up at the museum. Waterworks is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882.
Call for musicians
Open Bluegrass jam – Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, admission by donation. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.
Speakers and forums
J.F. Hurley Family Senior Lunch and Learn – 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28: ” Preventing Falls,” free but preregistration required, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca
Conceptual Artist Mel Chin at UNC-C – Award-winning conceptual artist Mel Chin speaks at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, Cone University Center, McKnight Hall. “For a Few Dollars More” addresses recent works and the value and intentions behind them. Free.
Art
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St. – “Embracing the Least of These: Photography of the Great Commission,” Nov. 9-Dec. 10, St John’s Art Gallery, Free. Open regular business hours and by appointment. 704-636-3431.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. – • Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 22-24; open Nov. 29 -30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday open studios, special prices, refreshments. Saturday, Dec. 1 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday, Dec 2 1-5 p.m. • Upcoming show, “A Sense of Place,” photography by Elizabeth McAdams. Dec. 6-Jan. 26, artist reception Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m. Regular hours Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. – • Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance opens Nov. 26, runs through Feb. 9, 2013 • Free admission, donations appreciated. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord – Two invitationals on display through Dec. 20: Hey Diddle Diddle featuring paintings, photographs, sculpture, wood rocking toys, whimsical mixed media; Shop Seagrove includes pieces by nine of the most prominent potteries in NC. Free admission. 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil. org
Local artist exhibit at SECCA – Frank Selby: Misunderstanding. Curated by Steven Matijcio. Through Feb. 10, 2013. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St. – Paleface art exhibit, American artist and musician originally from NYC and currently living in Concord. Gallery: noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. salisburyartists@ gmail.com. Looking Glass Artists Center, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-2787, www.salisburyartists.com
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte – 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte – $10 adults, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem – • “Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey” on view through Jan. 13, 2013. One of the most powerful and original artists of the 20th century created a cycle of collages and watercolors based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” • “Affinities: Pairings from the Collection” through Dec. 2. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Trips
YMCA sponsored trips – • Nov. 27: Tangelwood Light; leave at 3:30 p.m., supper then the lights; $15 transportation fee, supper on your own • Dec. 11: Christmas at Billy Graham’s Library, leave at 4 p.m. • Travel to Alaska 2013: Interested? Call Barbara Franklin • Buses leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca
YMCA trips to Broadway shows in Charlotte – • Les Miserables, Belk Theater, Feb. 12, $95 a seat, $40 deposit to hold. Pay in full by Dec. 15 • Wicked, Ovens Auditorium, March 13, $100 a seat, $40 deposit to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 2 • Lion King, Belk Theater, Sept. 1, $100 a seat, $40 deposit to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 10 • Orchestra seating for all shows. Sign up at front desk. Buses leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road – Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgrounds, family camping, picnic shelters, splash pad, petting zoo. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road – 26 acres of ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, shelters, playground, event center, walking trail. 704-216-7783.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla – Off NC Hwy 150 approximately 10 miles west of Salisbury. Features Kerr Mill, an 1823 grist mill.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road – Historic tours available by appointment: 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail – Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, continues into Cabarrus County. 704-267-9439.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1640 Dunn’s Mtn. Road – Trail walks, overlooks, see 120 miles in most directions, blacksmith shop display, Saturday-Sunday shuttle service, 704-216-7803.
Museums
NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer – • See www.nctrans.org for train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer – Current exhibit: A collection of hand-made miniatures by Terri Correll of Mooresville Miniatures Club, through the end of 2012. Correll will lead a miniature workshop on Saturday, Dec. 8. Details 704-762-9359, SpencerDollAndToyMuseum@gmail.com Museum features antique, vintage, modern collectible dolls, antique, vintage toys, train set, model tractor trailers, John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. – “Where’s The Fire?” Exhibit honoring the history of firefighting in Rowan County. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. – Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755-1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. – Victorian Christmas at the Hall House 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours, ticket info at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. – Sundays 2-4 p.m., special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove – Sundays 3-5 p.m. and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Free. Intersection of Weaver and Patterson Roads, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum – Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sundays. Operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. Free. 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., Kannapolis- Honors musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from North Carolina. In the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, admission free. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park – 19th century living history interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Free. 704-279-5674, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, near Locust – Museum, visitor center, underground mine tour, operating stamp mill, panning area. Museum is free, panning tickets $3. 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org/ reed/
Gregory Creek Homestead and trails, 1335 Museum Road, Statesville – Statesville’s heritage site open for special events and school field trips. Starting in January open once a month on Saturday. 704-873-4734, www.iredellmuseums.org.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville – The only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Free, open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem – House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville – See Latta holiday events page 4. Circa 1800 cotton plantation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte – • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Saturday: 1 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Where science amazes, educates and entertains. World Alive: aquarium, learning labs, rainforest • Think It Up: multi-sensory world of color, light, sound, creation • Project Build: explore the design behind everything from forts to pyramids to skyscrapers • Cool Stuff: learn the why of science • Discovery 3D Theatre: glasses required, the latest in digital filmmaking, state-of-the-art sound • See website for scheduled labs for kids, admission pricing. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road – $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte – $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two free, free parking. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead – NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Town Creek Mound between NC 73 and NC 731. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem – Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen, historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh – • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. 919-839-NCMA, www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh – • $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh – Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh -Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. Free general admission, cover charge for special exhibits and 3D Theater. 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham – Indoors: Sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, see 75+ animal species of Carolina wildlife • Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits. $14 adults, $10 children ages 3-12. Train and bungee rides small add’l cost. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. – Climbing Lobby, Amazing Library, Build it!, Surprise Garden, The Enchanted Forest, Animal Alphabet, Amazing Airways, more. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive – Hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. General admission includes admission to the Museum and Animal Discovery. $8 adults $8, $7 children ages 3-13. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. – Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families. Adults $8, children 12 months+ $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com