Truly I can't say enough great things about our trip to Snowflake Village last weekend! We arrived…read moreabout 5 mins before they opened and waited over in an apartment parking lot until they opened their entrance. They opened right on time and we went in to park. Shockingly there was only one other car there on a Saturday in December, which we were very happy about. We anticipated a big crowd. We parked and walked up to the front, they have a lot of signage all around that I think is more so for their busy times. I can imagine it gets hectic and this is how they keep folks organized and sane lol. Once you walk in there's decorations everywhere and so many photo opps. I kept saying to my boyfriend how cute it has to be at night with all the lights. They have all kinds of different size trees with different "bushyness". Each tree is tagged and labeled, they tell you once you find your dream tree simply remove the bottom half of the tag and bring it to a staff member. They then take your tree, give it a fresh cut and wrap it for travel. Then you jump in your car, follow a fun trivia trail right to where you pick it up. Again, this is more for busy days but it was fun lol. Then they load the tree into the car for you. We had a pick up truck so there was no need to tie it down but the car before them needed their tree tied down and the staff member helped him do that. Really great service!!! We purchased a gorgeous 8ft tree, the tree holder and a green tray to go under it all to catch water and pines. The pricing was very affordable, which also surprised me. I also loved that they have a prayer chapel where you can write a prayer and hang it on a tree. Very touching! The best part is your purchase helps to fund 30 different local charities and some goes to help Western NC too!!! This place was really special and such a fun time! My inner child was overjoyed and so fulfilled! I always have a fake tree at Christmas and this year something told me to go for the real thing. I'm so happy we chose Snowflake Village!! We had the best experience ever and will go back to them again and again. I highly recommend this spot if you're in the market for a real Christmas tree this year or in the future. Thank you so much to Kristi and Snowflake village for our beautiful tree and memories!!!

I get the cutest trees from here and everything about this place is nostalgic. This was my third…read moreyear buying here and I always get the perfect tree for my space. They also have all the accessories, wreaths, tree food, etc.. Easy parking and friendly staff are also a plus. Lastly, you can pick a charity that will benefit from some of the proceeds. Great local business!

Gosh, it was so hot when the day we visited. There was a heat wave with no breeze. There was as no…read moreair-conditioning anywhere; not even the gift shop had AC. The scenery is beautiful. It's very natural looking. The best part of the visit was the final show where the birds fly over you. The hostesses were also very entertaining.

What a fantastic facility specializing in the education, conservation, and rehabilitation of birds…read moreof prey/raptors. Well worth the visit!

We go here each year for our 5th grade field trips. They are great with these animals and do such a…read moregood job coordinating large groups. We will always recommend them to schools or families having birthday parties!

Bit of Hope Ranch is truly a place for everyone! From the moment you step onto the property, you…read morecan feel that this ranch was built with intention, compassion, and community at its core. I have loved my weekly time at the ranch. The ranch offers an incredible range of experiences--professional counseling services, traditional horse riding lessons, adaptive riding for individuals with special needs, and so many meaningful ways to volunteer. Whether you're working one-on-one with a special needs rider, painting fences, gardening, cleaning horse stalls, or helping behind the scenes, there is truly a place for every person and every ability level. The property itself is peaceful and welcoming. Home to 16 beautiful horses, a charming barnyard with the cutest goats, and a freshly stocked pond where counseling clients can fish during talk therapy sessions, the ranch blends nature and healing seamlessly. The open pastures, quiet trails, and natural spaces create an environment that encourages connection, reflection, and growth. For families and schools, their educational field trips are thoughtfully designed and aligned with North Carolina state education standards, making them both fun and academically meaningful. Students learn through hands-on experiences with animals, agriculture, and nature while meeting grade-appropriate learning objectives--something that truly sets this ranch apart. What makes Bit of Hope Ranch so special isn't just what they offer, but how they offer it. Every client, volunteer, student, and visitor is met with kindness, respect, and genuine care. Whether you're seeking therapy, riding lessons, a unique educational experience, or a way to give back, this ranch creates a space where people feel valued and supported. If you're looking for a place that changes lives--both human and horse--Bit of Hope Ranch is truly something special.

They do not allow friends of non residents. A 12 yr old boy was turned away and sitting outside…read morewhile his friend played ball. What a shame. Those are kids...doing the right things, staying out of trouble. And you guys made 1 sit outside for being a non resident friend? Shame on you

I have been living in Pineville for 12 years and this place has always been a staple here. Both of…read moremy youngest children...now 22 and 13 has gone here for Summer Camp, Cheerleading, Basketball and Karate. This center is all encompassing in our small Town. And let's not forget the lake with the amazing waterfall adjacent to it. In the Summers they have Friday Lights where you can watch Movies in the screen under the stars. What's also cool is our newly updated park and dog park!!! You can rent the spaces outside to have a function under the tents as well as renting out The Hut. All of this are wonderful perks in being a Pineville Resident. I remember when I moved out of the city limits(5 minutes from it. Lol) everyone said "there's nothing to do in Pineville" but that has changed dramatically and I'm so happy to have brought my Home in this Tiny Big Little Town

Beautiful large cemetery with gorgeous background of the city could walk around here all day. It's…read morea little bit hot today.

Writing this review is strange to me because I've never just walked into a cemetary just because…read more It's usually for a very unhappy reason, but I am so glad I explored. This was an adventure. Elmwood is a well-maintained cemetery. Seems like it's burial site for some well-to do Charlotteans. I saw so many names I'm familiar with. Including "Dunhill", which is the historic hotel I used to work for Uptown. Elmwood offered me it's own history lesson while also humbling me. It made me feel so grateful to be alive and able to admire this place from the land of the living, with all respect. If you ever need to get some mental or emotional clarity, take a walk in a cemetery. This was enjoyable.

Had the pleasure of visiting this location while volunteering with a couple of friends and cooking…read morebrunch for the families. Such a grand but homey house. All the employees were super welcoming and pleasant. 3 story house with plenty of rooms with private bathrooms, which is a huge plus for the families needing to stay here. They do offer shuttles to get you to and from the hospital. They have a huge family room, with crafts, games, and huge tvs for the families to be able to unwind. They have a library with plenty of puzzles and books to choose from. They have a laundry facility as well as a communal kitchen. Such a great visit, albeit a bit emotional just thinking of the reasons why families stay here but nonetheless, everything and everyone is bright and cheery!

A jewel in Charlotte's crown, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte is a critically…read morevital organization that assists families while they deal with a child's injury or illness. Ronald McDonald House enables families to remain as close as possible to their children when they need it most by giving the gift of togetherness.

I enjoyed my 2nd time going on a field trip to JA, this time the Finance Park for middle school…read morestudents. I had previously been to JA Biztown with an upper elementary montessori class (4-6 grades) where it simulates a town. JA Finance Park provides students a hands-on education in personal financial planning and career exploration. At the culmination of this teacher-led program, students participated in an on-site visit to the TowneBank Opportunity HQ, located in Camp North End. During this interactive simulation, students applied all they've learned to real-world experiences. The topics and concepts of JA Finance Park are intended to prompt students to begin thinking about and planning for their financial future. This program helps students build a foundation on which they can make intelligent financial decisions that last a lifetime, including decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit. Students received mentorship from corporate volunteers throughout the simulation. This is an awesome experience for children to see and feel how real life operates from a financial perspective and the choices they make. I definitely recommend!

Great place to bring the students to prepare them for how to navigate the real world. The staff…read morehere are friendly and engage with the kids. Definitely will look into their summer camp programs.

This small but mighty YMCA is a staple for Ballantyne…read more Group fitness. Hot yoga. Personal trainers. Outside stations. Sun deck for stretching. Pilates reformer. It has it all. Ample parking. The staff here is THE BEST. Great place to get mentally and physically fit.

Very professional staff, facility is well maintained and generally is not crowded. Great place to…read moreworkout.