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The Best Strawberry Farm in Gaston County

April 11, 2018 1 Comment

Lineberger’s is the Best Strawberry Farm in Gaston County🍓

Strawberries are in season from April to June, so now is the time plan a strawberry patch day! Looking for a place to pick strawberries this summer in Gaston County? Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm in Dallas, NC is the best strawberry farm in Gaston County!

If you live in a Gaston or Lincoln county town near Dallas, this is the best place to pick strawberries. Even Mecklenburg county residents enjoy visiting, as apparent from this raving Yelp review.

Why is Lineberger’s the best strawberry farm in Gaston County? For starters, this place is mostly all about strawberries. Even the logo has strawberries in it! Sure, other crops can be seasonally purchased here, but Lineberger’s most famous crop is strawberries.

Lineberger Farm Information

The strawberry farm typically opens up mid-April but strawberries can be purchased occasionally at the Gaston County Farmer’s Market. Strawberries are normally available to pick in the Spring and early summer.

Summer hours are 9 am-6:30 pm Monday through Friday, 9-5 on Saturdays, and 1-5 on Sundays at the Dallas farm. Please note that Lineberger’s is cash or personal check only.

Address: 906 Dallas Stanley Hwy Dallas, NC 28034
Phone: (704)-922-8688

Make memories from childhood to adulthood…

I have memories of visiting local farms during childhood that I will never forget! I remember picking strawberries in the summer and pumpkins in the fall.

Taking the quintessential strawberry patch or pumpkin patch photo easily becomes a family tradition. Plus, picking your own produce is much more memorable than going to the grocery store.

The best part of course is eating the strawberries on the way home. We always arrived home with a much lighter box than when we left.

To this day, I can often find a box of Lineberger’s strawberries in my dad’s car during the summer. I always know to check the fridge a couple of days after he visits Lineberger’s to enjoy some “fixed” strawberries.

“Fixed strawberries” is possibly a southern phrase that refers to strawberries drenched in sugar, eventually forming their own water. After the strawberries are coated in sugar for a while, the sugary, strawberry water fills the container.

Fixed strawberries are unimaginably delicious. They make a perfect topping for shortcakes, cheesecakes and other desserts. Or just eat them as they are. Yum!😍

If you don’t do anything else this summer, be sure to make time for a trip to Lineberger’s. Enjoy family memories and yummy strawberries. Without a doubt, you will not regret it!

Use leftover strawberries to make boozy strawberry lemonade slushies…

Light Up Your Christmas Spirit in Christmas Town USA

December 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

McAdenville, NC Christmas Town USA: An Early Tradition

Growing up next to McAdenville, NC, my childhood Christmas was not complete without a trip to see the Christmas lights. As a teenager, walking through the lights with best friends was a quintessential winter experience. However, as an adult, I drive right past the entrance, assuming it will always be there. Caught up in endless holiday errands, I always drive by and plan on going another time.

A Spontaneous Trip to Christmas Town Lightened the Mood

When I woke up this morning, I was facing major life stresses, such as my mom battling cancer and my husband losing his job. The whole day consisted of worrying and trying to find immediate solutions to impossible problems. I was certainly in no mood to think about Christmas.

And then, a milkshake craving happened. My husband remembered having a gift card balance to Zaxby’s, so we considered it fate to get out of the house for a bit. Driving down Franklin Boulevard, we remembered the McAdenville Christmas lights had started and decided that if the line wasn’t long, we would go.

For possibly the first time ever, there was a surprisingly short line and it felt meant to be to see the lights. We quickly switched lanes to enter Christmas Town USA, and the sounds of Christmas music and lights immediately brought smiles to our faces.

For just a moment, we forgot about all of our stresses in the world. Children greeted us, shouting “Merry Christmas” from their car to ours. Residents dressed as elves waved happily from their front porch. I had simply forgotten how much happiness is packed into this tiny town.

I realized that after living here for nearly 30 years, I have taken this magical place for granted. Even though I have been probably a hundred times as a child, it seems all the more important of a tradition as an adult. Life is good in Christmas Town.

What tradition puts you in the Christmas spirit?

McAdenville, NC Christmas Town Information

Head to the Christmas Town USA website for detailed information. I have highlighted some of the main information below:

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM

Cost:

FREE!💃

Fun Fact (Get the Camera Ready📷!):

“The largest and brightest tree on the tour of Christmas Town is located near the center of town on the lawn of Pharr Yarns Main Office. The tree is draped with more than 10,000 lights.” (SOURCE)

The Following Parking Lots are FREE:

Behind the McAdenville Baptist Church
On Poplar Street, behind the business area of town
Beside the lake in Christmas Town
Next to the McAdenville Elementary School

Tips (From a Local & From Christmas Town USA Site)

Walk. It’s just the best way to experience the beauty.
If the free lots are full, you can park at Burger King. I love going to get a hot coffee and walking from there. This is a bit of a longer walk so this may not be the best option for everyone.
Keep in mind, the lights are on a timer and will automatically shut off at closing.
Go on a weeknight (Monday-Thursday) for a better chance of no line.

Head to McDowell Nature Preserve ASAP to Bask In Fall Leaf Perfection

November 21, 2017 2 Comments

Looking for a place to enjoy fall leaves in the Charlotte area?

The Charlotte and Lake Wylie area are sporting some seriously beautiful fall leaves right now. My family and I went to the McDowell Nature Preserve last weekend, and we were treated to stunning scenery! The weather is absolutely prime for outdoor strolling, and the leaves around Lake Wylie consist of reds, oranges and yellows.

We walked around the Lake Wylie on the Kingfisher Trail and enjoyed a nice walk with the dogs. Even better, this is a free activity to enjoy! There are plenty of places to park and the trail has enough space for everyone. Also, there is no shortage of photo-worthy spots including benches by the water and more. We will definitely be back to McDowell Nature Preserve!

McDowell Nature Preserve Information:

Follow the signs for the Waterfront Deck once you arrive to see the same trails that I did. The address for the preserve is below…

Address:

15222 York Road
Charlotte, NC 28278

Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Camping:

This preserve is convenient to Charlotte but offers up vibes that feel away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Campers will love these Lake Wylie grounds! Pricing is $36 for county residents and $46 for non-county residents.

You can even rent a whole island for less than $200!

If you don’t like sharing your camping space, have no fear. Rent an entire island on the property, Copperhead Island, for only $134 if you are a Mecklenburg County resident. Non-county residents pay $210 – still a fantastic price for a whole island! Included with your rental is a shelter with an 80 person seating capacity, grills, restrooms, horseshoe pits and more. Head here for more information.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy the fall scenery in Charlotte?

Get up close with nature, donkeys and horses at the Anne Springs Greenway…

The Southern Christmas Show: An Enchanting Tradition

November 10, 2017 Leave a Comment

What is your Christmas Show story?🎄

For as long as I can remember, my mother, sister and I have made one of our holiday traditions attending the Southern Christmas Show. Before that, my mom and her mom went to the Christmas show together. Our family is not alone in this tradition – nearly all my friends from this area also attend yearly. The crowds have grown and the vendor list has changed over the years, but the excitement remains.

Thankfully, many Christmas Show favorites are still around from my childhood. The Doll House Room in Enchanted Village, beautifully decorated Christmas trees on Christmas tree lane and apple strudels are just a few of the things we always look forward to. We also have wonderful memories of vendors we miss too, such as The Original Gourd Lady.

Show Information:

November 9 – 19, 2017
Sundays – Tuesdays: 10am – 6pm
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 10am – 9pm
The Park Expo and Conference Center
800 Briar Creek Road
Charlotte, NC 28205

Our Favorite Christmas Show Traditions

Christmas Trees on Christmas Tree Lane and Interior Decor in Designer Rooms

As you walk into the show, you will be in the design awards area. Decked out Christmas trees and showrooms decorated by local designers will get you in the holiday mood!

Visiting the Doll House Room in Enchanted Village

Perhaps our favorite part of the show, the Doll House Room is such a magical experience. The incredible detail of doll house artists will blow your mind. Be prepared for close quarters due to the popularity of this exhibit!

Christmas Mouse

If you are looking for a specific ornament for someone, Christmas Mouse is the place to be! From musical instruments to sports teams, there is probably an ornament at this store. We always spend way too much in this store. Be sure and check for signs near the register for any ornament specials going on. This store stays very crowded!

Trains

We are always so excited to see the miniature trains in the little train village. This is definitely a fun spot for all ages!

Eating Apple Strudels

When you go down the ramp to get to the food vendors, you can already smell the deliciousness. Apple strudels are a food staple for us every year! We just can’t get enough.

Southern Christmas Show Tips:

Where to Get Discount Tickets:

The best deal on Southern Christmas Show tickets is at Harris Teeter. Pay $9.50 per adult ticket when you use your VIC card at participating Harris Teeter stores. Even if your store is not on the list, your store may have tickets available. The Belmont, NC Harris Teeter is not on the list but they do have tickets.

You can also get the $9.50 price if you are with a group of 20 or more. The next best price on tickets is with advance online purchase at $10 per adult ticket. Tickets are $12 at the door for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and free for children under 5.

Bring Cash:

Bring cash for parking (cash only) and some vendors that do not take cards. Most vendors, thankfully, do take cards though! Cash is also the best attempt at staying on budget at the Christmas Show. 😉

What to Wear to the Southern Christmas Show:

Practical Answer: I recommend comfortable clothes because there is a lot of walking if you want to see all of the vendors. After walking around in the crowds, the temperature tends to run kind of high. Some spots can be chilly though, such as eating areas. Layers are the best way to prepare for the changing temperatures.

*Photo Source: The Southern Christmas Show Facebook Page*

Alternative Answer: Many people wear very festive clothing – you may be surprised at some of the fun outfits you see! You might even get awarded for your festive outfit from an undercover elf! Undercover elves award $5 gift certificates to be used anywhere in the show to some lucky shoppers! Have you ever been awarded this honor?

Parking:

All I can say is be prepared to search. There is a drop off area, but finding a close spot is difficult. Parking is $8 cash only, or you can pay $18 for valet parking when available. See more information here.

Is this a tradition for your family or friends? Please share in the comments!

Photo Sources: The Southern Christmas Show Facebook Page, The Christmas Show Facebook Page, The Charlotte Observer site

Get your southern cooking on with this Homemade Chicken Casserole Recipe…

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Hosted An Amazing Chinese Lantern Festival

October 27, 2017 Leave a Comment

The Chinese Lantern Festival is my Favorite Daniel Stowe Event Yet!

Last night, I finally got to attend the Chinese Lantern Festival at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Let me just say that I am super proud that Belmont, NC is the host of such an amazing event! I highly recommend attending, even if you have already seen pictures. The quality of the event is on Disney level.

The festivals offers more than a whopping 800 lanterns that were handmade in Zigong, China. The lanterns traveled 9,000 miles to be shipped to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Some lanterns even have sound effects and movements, which make for fun videos!

Carve out some time to see the shows, Kung-Fu Show and Shadow Play. The shows are included with the price of the ticket but you may want to arrive early if you want a seated view.

~~There are currently only tickets left for the last day of the show- Sunday, October 29th.~~ I recommend buying tickets now because they sell out very fast! SOLD OUT:(

I decided to wait until last Wednesday to go because Gaston Outside was offering up a 30% discount for GO Month. Luckily, I was still awake at midnight Wednesday and was able to get tickets before they sold out.💃 You can still take advantage of several other GO Month discounts through tomorrow!

Chinese Lantern Festival Tips if you happen to read this before you go…

Arrive Early: You can get there as early as 5:30 but I suggest trying to arrive earlier for a better parking spot. If you don’t mind walking a bit, you can still park fairly close to the event arriving at 6 PM (when we arrived). By 7:30 PM, there were hardly any spots to be found, but you may be able to grab a closer spot as someone is leaving. If you need handicap parking, ask to be directed to the available spots when you pass the traffic guard.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Be prepared to wait in line for everything. The ticket line moves fast but if you are hungry, arrive early or be ready to wait a while on food. The beer and wine lines move quickly though! Navigating the event is crowded, but everyone is so excited that people are happy to get out of the way for pictures. Everyone was very polite that we encountered!

Best Photo Ops:
- On the way in: The entrance has really cool photo ops with an elephant display before you enter the exhibit. There is also a gorgeous Phoenix lantern before you redeem your tickets but you may have to get out of line to get good photos.
- Throughout the exhibit: Jellyfish (the tallest exhibit!), all of the water fountains with lanterns, the peacocks and the tiger. For kids: Dinosaurs and the African Migration scene towards the end.
- Before you leave: There is a fun postcard that is one of the least crowded spots. It was fairly easy to grab pictures and is a fantastic selfie spot! There is also a dragon that wasn’t too crowded but a fantastic photo op.

Other spots not to miss: The gorgeous light-covered arbors and the lanterns hanging from the rafters.

A few more DSBG Chinese Lantern Festival Pictures…

While you’re in Belmont:

Mid-October North Carolina Leaf Colors in Higher Elevations

October 17, 2017 Leave a Comment

Last Sunday, my family and I piled in the car to seek out North Carolina leaf colors in higher elevations. After some research, we decided the scenic drive to Mount Mitchell would give us the best chance of seeing fall leaves.

We really started seeing pops of color along the hairpin turning Buck Creek Road, although my motion sickness prevented me from seeing a lot of it. Luckily, we ended up on the Parkway which was much better since I could get out for fresh air at the overlooks.

The leaves definitely have a ways to go before showing off those North Carolina leaf colors we all love to see. Higher elevations such as Mount Mitchell do not have any color at all, so I recommend lower elevations. Hopefully I can get back to the mountains once more this season to see the leaves again before they are gone!

Check out my pictures of North Carolina leaf colors below to see the current colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway on the drive to Mount Mitchell. Are you planning a trip to the NC mountains soon? If so, see the links below the pictures for fall leaf reports and more.