Absolutely gorgeous mine! You're free to explore on your own or get some tours set up and you're…read moreable to go and pan for some goal. Once done with the mine there's also some nearby nature trails that I suggest you check out!

I had researched places to see that are fairly close to Charlotte and this was one of the places I…read morefound. I figured my grandpa would appreciate it. He is a treasure hunter and prospector with an appreciation for mining shared by me. But I was hesitant to bring he and my grandma here due to the amount of walking and the stairs in the mine. We came anyhow and had a really good visit. We started in the museum. Just a gentle stroll learing about the history of the mine and gold mining in the region in general. Towards the end of the museum you learn about the modern uses of gold (i.e. space applications). There is also a 9 minute video which goes more into depth on the history of the mine as told by the reenactment. I didn't initially plan on sitting through that but it really was informative. After the video we made our way outside and down to the mine. I kept checking with my grandparents to see if they were ok to keep going. They insisted they were. So we entered the mine and into the cold damp darkness. It was AWESOME. As you trek deeper in, you find off shoots from the main tunnel. Each with its own stuff to see. There is one with a vertical shaft going all the way up to the surface. That is a cool perspective. Finally you reach the end and the those darned stairs. There are many of them and they are not all level. Do your best to hold on and climb your way out. Then you'll find yourself outside about half way up the hill. But wait. There's more. After you exit the mine you can still climb higher up the side of the hill. Up to the top of the shaft you saw from below and beyond. At the very top there is a big smoke stack. A chimney left over from the steam engine used during mining operations. It was an impressive site to behold. Now back down the hill side and back to the visitor center. Our visit was complete but there was more to see. There are more trails to explore. The park also offers gold panning for a small fee. We came across one small lad who was so excited that he found gold. He ran up to my grandpa to show off his treasure. None of us could actually see anything but if this kid found anything, it was the thrill of a life time. This park has that magical way about it.

Took my little one to the library today for the Charlotte Hornets Book Bus!…read more They had a cute little event for the kids to encourage them to read. It was fun and engaging for the kids. Hugo the hornets mascot came and entertained the children, he was available for pictures and for everyone that registered their child, they received a golden ticket and were able to get on the book bus to pick out a book that they could keep! This was a great event to kick off summer break!

Never will be back here again. Very pretty library, but I sat in the teenager are which had seats…read moreavailable. The adult section didn't. I was approached immediately and asked if I had a teenager with me. This has never in my life happened to me. I apologized and said I couldn't find sitting in the adult section. She looked at me funny and said "well" so I said I would go. I guess single people are not welcomed in any section not pertaining to adults. Won't ever be back here.

The North Carolina teen driving process felt overwhelming as someone coming from another state…read more Building Confidence Driving School helped improve my understanding of the NC process and made getting my son his driver's license much easier. DMV appointments are difficult to get and availability can be months out. However, my son was able to take the road test through the school which eliminated the waiting period. Angelo was a great instructor who was patient and easy to work with. He even took my son to the DMV to get his driver's license after they completed the road test. I'd definitely recommend Building Confidence Driving School to any parents of a teenager trying to obtain their license. The school will be there to help you and your teen meet the requirements process, while also helping you avoid the hassle that comes in dealing with the NCDMV.

I can NOT express enough how relieved and grateful I am to have found Building Confident Driving…read moreSchool. I ended up in a sticky situation with another establishment I had put multiple driving hours in with but due to their road vehicle no longer being available I had to quickly find another company to help me with my DMV road test. Not only did I ace my road test but their team was professional, very knowledgeable in the requirements (learner permits, non-owner car insurance, etc.) and held my hand through the entire process. Gratitude to Angelo and Lisa.,

As parents we have been grappling over what would be the best course for our child's education…read moresince they were born. Learning about the Scholars Academy and their virtual offerings seems like kismet. Dr. Laura Lowder has taken extensive time to explain the program and to answer all of our questions. We are so excited for our child to start kindergarten and to be part of the Scholars Academy.

Let me start by saying that we have been blown away by the support that we have received in…read moretransitioning our son, a former homeschooler to a virtual student at Scholars Academy. Dr. Lowder has went above and beyond to make this process as smooth and painless as possible. She has answered any question or concern that we have had with so much patience and empathy and we are beyond thankful. Our gifted child has struggled with burnout while homeschooled but we truly believe that Scholars Academy will open so many doors and opportunities for him to thrive and love to learn as he naturally does. It is so rare to find a school that focuses on the child as an individual and not just another number. If you are on the fence about enrolling, please don't be! Scholars Academy is a gem!

I stopped by this library a few weeks ago for a book sale and had the best time!! I arrived right…read moreat 9am when the sale started and it was jam packed! It's so nice to see I'm not the only bookie out here lol. The parking was easy and organized. The book sale itself was packed but they had so many wonderful volunteers helping to steer the crowd, it was pretty seamless. They even had volunteers walking around asking if they could take your books and put them on a table to hold for you so you could keep shopping comfortably. it was great! The library has multiple stories and was very clean and quiet. I will absolutely be back soon!!

I love everything about this library. They have lots of engaging events. The teen and children…read moreareas are great. They have a maker space area. The staff is always helpful and knowledgeable. It is very open, so you will need to book a study room if you are seeking a quiet space.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library district offers a number of very nice regional and special…read morelibrary settings: the South Park Regional, South County Regional, and the library collaboration with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte ... ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Seventh Street downtown to name just three. Each has specialties that make them individuals. The ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center collaboration between the library district and the Children's Theatre is a hands down wonder. While some libraries specialize in library things (games and toys) to engage kids and others specialize in library materials (books and puzzles), ImaginOn has it all ... including plays and story times. The library itself is free to enter, multi-story, newish, clean and easy to get to, with available parking that is free for 90 minutes with a stamped ticket. This facility absolutely had everything to stimulate kids of all ages ... probably 2 to 12 being the sweet spot. Do make a point of finding your way here for a visit someday ... you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended.

I love that the Mecklenburg libraries have story times for various ages throughout the week…read more We've been coming here since February and my toddler loves it. There is always some sort of craft, legos, toys and computers for her to play with/use. They also usually have monthly events and a theater. I prefer to download the CMLibrary app to keep up with events. We prefer to come here on the Saturday's but it's definitely more packed. It's about 40ish families at every session. They have a parking garage (under the library) which you can take the elevator directly into the library. They validate for 90 minutes. The issue is when it's full or days they have events parking can really be a pain. They may direct you to park at 7th street parking garage but they only validate after 5pm on weekdays or anytime on weekends.

As an educator, I am always so excited when I see other educators go beyond the classroom to help…read morechildren and families. For this #ThankfulThursday, my attention is turning to Dr. De'Shaunda Hampton and what she is doing at her company, Hampton Education Consulting Company (HECC), a #BlackOwned and #WomanOwned Business. I should disclose that Dr. Hampton is an acquaintance, however, her 25 years in education as a educator and administrator speaks volumes! This review is based solely on what I am witnessing her do to aid the children and community she has always served. When the pandemic hit this year, Dr. Hampton was already employed at the college level, and consulting and writing. However, she knew the children and families in Winston-Salem, NC would struggle with the new transitions in education, so she created HECC. Despite her continued grueling schedule with her work and family life, Dr. Hampton has managed to create a program through HECC that solves the issues students and parents now face, having to attend class virtually, without the assistance of in-person educators. HECC is able to teach Pre-K through 12, as well as assist college students and Adults. They do remediation, tutoring, day camp, and direct instruction. The highly rated software, MobyMax, is utilized to do pre-assessments and help determine how HECC can most assist students. Are you ready for another bonus? HECC is within FSA Eligibility guidelines because they offer Before and After School Care via the tutoring and remediation, Day Camp, and Whole Day programs. If your childcare or aftercare has closed due to COVID, Dependent Childcare FSA is now accepted at HECC! All CDC COVID-19 guidelines are strictly followed for students/parents who attend in-person lessons, and things are sanitized between classes. I have personally referred families to Hampton Education Consulting Company because I know that Dr. Hampton has a passion for education and a heart for children. Everyone has been thankful for the referrals and happy with the services. If you have a student current taking classes online, or you are taking classes yourself, and you want to ensure that you are performing at your highest level, I enthusiastically recommend Hampton Education Consulting Company to you. Make sure you let them know Kindra sent ya!

From the owner: HECC offers free education information and resources via our website to community members and…read moresupports parents with quality home and online instructional strategies that are standards based, aligned, grade and skill level appropriate, and designed to grow members. HECC also offers a range of paid services to PK-12 learners and adult college level scholars ranging from content support to academic remediation and tutoring. As well, lesson plan development, curriculum design, and coaching are offered to educators who need the additional support. Visit us or call for additional service descriptions and prices!

I visited A BCY Testing Solutions today to take a state exam. The location is super easy to locate…read morein the University/Boardwalk area. There is free parking onsite and the office is located downstairs in suite 150. I am disappointed at the reviews lieted here because the staff is amazing. Professionalism is top tier at this location. Many testers come in overly anxious because they are experiencing testing anxiety or overall nervousness associated with wanting to pass a serious exam. Raven does a great job explaining the process and getting you checked in to take the exam. She exudes great customer service and positivity. Brevin, is a complete goddess. He gives you that extra encouragement with a silent slash of diva that that you need to conquer the exam. Together they are running the site flawlessly while getting groups of people checked in and checked out quietly while others are testing. The room is standard to any other testing site, however the temperature is perfect not freezing but definitely not stuffy either. Some of these negative reviews must be written by people that want to blame the staff for their inability to pass their test!! Thank you Raven & Brevin for your encouragement.

Went here to take a state board test. When you first come in, you will have to press a button that…read moresays "Press for BCY Testing Solutions". Once you press the button, you will get a buzzing noise that will allow access into the building. You will go down the stairs/elevator to find a suite 150. The check in process was easy even though the room was filling up quickly. The people at the front desk were super friendly and willing to answer any questions and they moved the line fairly quickly. I didn't bring my phone or purse because my instructions for my test stated there wouldn't be an area to hold your belongings. They do provide lockers for you to keep your belongings in a safe area. There will be many different types of tests being taken, so the person next to you may not be taking the same test. There were people taking esthetics State boards, CDL, real estate licensing tests and many more. Overall, this was a very stress free visit!