As someone who almost got their degree in Linguistics, this is like an archaeological museum of the…read morewritten word and was such an incredibly pleasant surprise! Honestly, the caliber of content was fantastic and on par with the type of museum you would expect to find in a big metropolis. They do an excellent job of densely populating the small space with great displays and exhibits, each dedicated to a specific theme that is either historically/geographically based. Even though there is a lot of information to absorb, they do a wonderful job of making each section flow into one another and making sure each one is respectively distinct and specifically informational. I love the little quiz boxes they have spaced around to test your knowledge of how well you've been paying attention! There are also great pamphletsto give greater contextual information for certain displays. The 10min intro film to the Museum of the Alphabet is a must! You learn about the museum's origins and purpose and it gives you an idea of what to expect on your tour. It is a Christian-based foundation/mission, but as someone who is agnostic, I did not feel it was overtly religious at all, which I appreciated. They incorporate various relevant religions into the history and importance of certain languages, as well, and do an excellent job of perspective. I spent over an hour exploring this place and was just wowed with the massive history of the written word and the work a lot of these people do to preserve many oral-only languages of indigenous peoples who do not have a written language from becoming extinct from anthropological history! It's incredible how alphabets are still being created today. The Alphabet Tree at the entrance is so intricate and informative and traces back each language group to their origins, like ancestral genetics of languages; I was really fascinated by this one! Definitely worth checking out if you are in or near Waxhaw. It's also a great little quicktrip at 40mins or less drive from Charlotte and close enough to downtown Waxhaw to shop, eat, drink before or after. If you are a nerd (like me) and/or have an interest in linguistics, you will instantly be in heaven here. If you are just mildly curious, you will leave with a newfound and deep-seated appreciation for the written word! The staff here are great and super helpful, especially if you have any questions or need better/more in depth explanations for all or any of the exhibits. There is no admission charge, but a donation is highly encouraged with a jar by the registration logbook. Even if you donate just $5, you will easily get more than your money's worth.

I rarely give a five star rating, but in this case the Alphabet Museum is most likely the best of…read moreclass. It is simply amazingly detailed, and tied into the work that JAARS does, really stands out as something special. We have been here on at least three previous occasions, leaving with the feeling that is was just too much and we did not really understand what it was about. This visit we asked for a guide or guided tour so that our 11 year old granddaughter would appreciate it. This was the way to go, and we are so happy that we arranged for the guide. Arriving, early, we were met, saw a film on JAARS and were taken on a tour. For a small building they sure pack in a lot of displays, items and information. Am sorry that I do not remember our guide but she had done work in New Guinea and her two husbands, one deceased, were part of JAARS. So with our missionary, linguist-talented guide we spend at least two hours taking in the displays. Why a guide is important is that she gives meaning to what you are looking at as well as how it relates to JAARS. My wife and I were simply blown away, we know understood how it all pulled together and will be returning to further explore the displays. In essence, JAARS is an organization of pilots, linguists, cultural anthropologists and other supporting people who find and travel to isolated tribes around the world that do not have a written language. Tribes, traditionally, use oral history to record events and the tribe's story. JAARS linguists live with these peoples, listening to them talk and figuring out what words they use, along with how they are pronounced. Then they craft an alphabet for that language and create a dictionary. Ultimately, as this is a Christian-based organization, they translate the Bible into their language, teaching the people how to read their now written language while learning about the Bible. Fascinating! The displays are, in effect, history reports of various language groups and JAARS encounter with them. Artifacts, the language, photos bring their mission alive. Arrange a tour. Once you have an understanding of the displays, you will be back, better equipped to learn more. A must for children in school and for your adult friends and visitors.

This is the second location in South End for Lark & Key (and will be the only one after April…read more2011). The original location is in NoDa. The main owners, Duy Huynh and Sandy Snead, showcase their acrylic paintings and jewelry and offer their gallery to other artists and their works as well (e.g., pottery, paintings, jewelry and accessories). The employees are always friendly. I really enjoy stopping in and fantasizing about my next purchase! You can easily throw down a lot of cash in this place and it's worth every penny.

Nothing but love for Lark & Key. This hardwood-floored, vintage-feel art venue is one spiff joint…read more It's always relaxed, they always play music, and the art and creations are all simplistically chill. The owner is friendly and great to chat with plus she's quite helpful and knowledgeable about what she has on display. Prices are kinda high, as you'd expect for art (the cheapest thing I've found is a card for $5). But if I had a bit more to throw around I'd find myself here buying some nice hand made dining set or tea mugs instead of hitting some department store. They also sell artist original cards, small art prints, large paintings, hair bands, jewelry and such. It all matches a feel for the place that I can't quite pin down. A good one for sure.

A great place to get in touch with your creative side! There is something so satifying about making…read moreyour first cup or bowl from a ball of clay! The people there are friendly and supportive. A wonderful place to learn a new skill!

I get so much joy whenever I go into the rock Hill pottery center. New fine art is being created…read moreevery day at incredible prices for the quality. I highly recommend you visit Rock Hill pottery center. It will be the highlight of your visit!

Wow, I popped into this cute spot today. Waterfront and all things art and hippy and all things…read moreunique and artsy. Local and non local artist goods. Im insanely excited about this store and what it brings to this area. Judy is a kind artist and entrepreneur I am so thankful to have met and and give business too. Try it you'll like it.

This place is fantastic for both entertainment and shopping. Honestly, the name on this page should…read morebe updated to Divine Custom Framing & Eight Legs Gallery--and since Uptown Tea Shop is literally inside the same building, that should be mentioned too! .......My friend and I spent a perfectly fun, relaxing afternoon there yesterday making fused-glass trivet ornaments, drinking tea, and browsing all the amazing art. It's truly a hidden gem in Waxhaw, NC. .......Tip: If you want to do an activity, it's best to call and schedule ahead. They might be able to take walk-ins, but since it's a casual, artist-loft-style gallery, scheduling ensures you get the full experience. If you just want to browse the art and enjoy the tea shop, you can simply pop in during business hours. .....There's so much to do: painted pottery, clay work, paintings, fused glass--definitely check their calendar. .....Side note: Their summer camps are incredible. If you want your kids to have a truly artistic and fun experience, this is the place. Instead of coming home with random paper crafts, they create real works of art. My two kids attended three camps here, and five years later we still use the plates they painted and the mosaic trivets they made.....In a word: COOL. You have to check it out!

This, by far, was the most ultimate VIP experience that I purchased online. It definitely was worth…read moreevery penny. Soon, as we arrived, there was no guessing on my VIP experience. It was well organized by the whole entire staff. They were very friendly and all dressed in character. We received everything that was included in the package. I am so glad i picked this place for my first haunted experience. i definitely will be coming back next year. The parking was organized as well too. I highly recommend the ultimate vip experience. Everything is included except for the recording. we did pay extra for that. You can also purchase food too.

Such a fun experience, definitely worth the money, there is so much creativity put into this…read morehaunted trail, and so much to do while you wait for your time to go, I definitely recommend going before the season is over ! Me and my friends had a blast !

Great place to learn about the civil rights movement and all the citizens. This little town has so…read moremuch history to be learned.

Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. This paint is absolutely amazing! Simply Shabby sells…read morethe paint, waxes, brushes, fabric, etc. They are open Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm and Saturdays 10-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. You can find them at The Shoppes at Rivers Edge.