Rocky Branch Park Revisited

In the short time since I first wrote about Rocky Branch Park, located about 25 minutes west of Uptown in Belmont, NC., this recreational destination -- already remarkable for a number of reasons -- has been renovated and transformed, making it even cooler and all the more worth a visit, especially if you enjoy trail riding. 

Last spring, the City of Belmont, the Town of Cramerton, Carolina Thread Trail, the Tarheel Traiblazers and Gaston County Schools created a remarkable partnership to develop the first inter-municipal park in our region. The result: An evolution of the 55-acre Rocky Branch Park, which now connects the Town of Cramerton and the City of Belmont and offers a beautiful, dynamic urban trail system (good for hikers, bikers, runners and walkers) in between. (Here's a park map.) 

The centerpiece of the newly designed park is a 1.25-mile natural surface greenway (part of the Carolina Thread Trail system), which runs from one end to the other. This hiker-prioritized gravel trail is easy and accessible to folks of all skill levels. 

Off to either side of the greenway trail are a number of biker-prioritized, single-track mountain biking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Our favorite is the Canopy Trail (green blazes), a 1.15-mile loop featuring jumps, boardwalks, berms and other relatively simple technical options. This loop is good for beginners, but fun for all ages. 

The entire park is shaded and, (bonus!) trailheads at either end are located near other fun destinations. In Belmont, you're a mile from historic downtown, full of fun shops and restaurants (including the Cotton Candy factory!). In Cramerton, it's a short hop to visit Goat Island, the River Link Greenway, Riverside Greenway and South Fork Catawba River Blueway. You could easily make a day of exploring your way from Cramerton to Belmont and back with plenty to do (and no driving!) in between. 

If it's been a while since you visited Rocky Branch Park, you'll be impressed by its transformation. And if you're visiting for the first time, I think you'll enjoy discovering a fun new place to play. 

Note: Before you go, please check the trail status on the Tarheel Trailblazers website and observe the open/closed entrance signs. Some of the trails within Rocky Branch Park are all-weather, but not all of them. Please be a good steward and don't damage the trails by riding on them when they are wet. 

How to get there:
The Belmont trailhead is located at 103 Sacco St, Belmont, NC 28012. The Cramerton trailhead is located at the Gaston County EMS Station (700 Eagle Rd, Belmont, NC 28012). Note: There are no restrooms at the trailhead; plan accordingly. 

McGill Rose Garden

Did you know there's a secret garden hiding directly between Uptown and NoDa? Here's a fun little urban excursion and some interesting local history.

In the 1950s, Henry McGill owned the Avant Fuel and Ice Company, located along North Davidson St., just past 12th St. This was the heart of an industrial area of Charlotte and Henry's wife Helen decided to punctuate the manufacturing backdrop with a splash of color and a dose of nature. She started by planting rose bushes along fences that bordered the street. Her garden grew, and so did the popularity of this urban oasis.

More than 500 rose bushes were planted and, on Mother's Day 1962, McGill Rose Garden was opened to the public (in my research, I learned that it remains a tradition for folks to travel to McGill Rose Garden to celebrate Mother's Day today).

In 1975, the Avant Fuel and Ice Company closed and the property, including the garden, was sold to the City of Charlotte to serve as a city park.

Now managed by a non-profit organization, the McGill Rose Garden remains free and open to the public and hosts a community area and venue for meetings and events.

Also on the grounds, you'll find Rosie's Coffee and Wine garden, a quaint little establishment, perfect for refreshments while enjoying the garden.

If you decide to visit, I suggest you make an outing of it with a few nearby stops. First, park at nearby Alexander Street Park, where you'll find ample free parking, a multi-purpose playing field, playground, tennis courts, a basketball court and restrooms. 

From there, jump on the stretch of Little Sugar Creek Greenway that runs from 12th St. to Cordelia Park for a bike ride or stroll. 

Then, stop at Pelican Ice a few blocks down North Davidson St. from McGill for a sweet treat you can enjoy at or on the short walk to the rose gardens. 

McGill Rose Garden is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Take a minute to check the website before you go, though, because sometimes the venue is closed for special events. You can see hours for Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden here. 

Charlotte is rich with history hiding in plain site. In this case, what a lovely opportunity to learn more about the city and quite literally stop and smell the roses. 

How to get there: 

McGill Rose garden is located at 940 N. Davidson St. Charlotte, NC, 28206. I recommend parking at nearby Alexander Street Park, located at 739 E. 12th Street., Charlotte, NC, 28206. 

Martha Rivers Park

Dear parents of young kids, here's a recreation destination that's sure to dazzle your little ones.

Martha Rivers Park in Gastonia, about 40 minutes west of uptown, is home to a 1-acre playground castle, complete with turrets, slides, ladders and bridges. It's got places to climb and places to hide. It also has swings and a sand pit for digging. Even the tiniest of visitors have their own designated play area.

The magical playground sits within a 58-acre park that also boasts playing fields and restroom facilities.

There are also about 2.5 miles of paved walking paths. We didn't take riding toys when we visited, but it occurred to me that this would make an excellent place to skate, rip-stick and scooter. (Here's a trail map.) 

In light of the pandemic, I recommend going on an off day at an off time. When we went on a Wednesday afternoon, there were only a handful of other friends there. (But none of them were wearing masks.)

Martha Rivers Park is open dawn til dusk year-round. 

I noted a Pelican SnoBalls within a short walking distance on the way out. It was closed for the season, but I'm already imagining a warm-weather outing to play at the castle and get a sweet treat. Magical, right?

How to get there:
Martha Rivers Park is located at 1515 Neal Hawkins Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056. The castle playground is at the center of the park, between ball fields. You can't miss it. 

Don't forget to pack:

• Water and snacks
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Riding toys and helmets

Murray's Mill Historic District

Here's a fun field trip. Ever heard of Murray's Mill Historic District? I hadn't either until I started poking around for some new trails and educational destinations to supplement our remote learning.

Murray's Mill historic site is located in Catawba, NC, a little under an hour north of uptown Charlotte. It's a pretty straight shot up NC-16 (Brookshire Freeway) a little past Denver, NC. This destination is compelling for a number of reasons.

First, the history. The original Murray's mill was built by William Murray in the nineteenth century. His son, John, replaced his father's mill in 1913, building the two-story structure and a waterwheel you can still see there today. Surrounding the mill are a number of other historic buildings, including a wheat house and the Murray family dwellings.

For $7, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds (during non-pandemic times, guided tours are an option).

The next draw: The 1890s general store. One of our favorite things to do when we're exploring the state -- particularly in rural mountain towns -- is to find old-fashioned general stores. The creakier the wooden floors, the better. The Murray & Minges General Store checks all the boxes for a fun, authentic old-timey shopping experience, including soda in glass bottes (from an antique Coca-Cola refrigerator) and bulk candy bins. We bought giant pinwheel lollipops to enjoy along our hike. 

Finally, the trail. The Murray's Mill Trail, a Carolina Thread Trail, is a 1.4-mile (one way) natural surface trail good for hiking. The mill is at the mid-way point of the trail. Take a right at the dam to follow the banks of the beautiful pond (while the CTT trail is technically out-and-back, you can also follow a footpath around the entire pond to return to the parking area. See this map.). This section of the trail is well marked with CTT blazes.

Or you can take a left just after the bridge across the road from the dam to take a wooded trek. This section is not as well marked and we found ourselves walking in circles a couple of times. That said, we found both ends of the Murray's Mill trail to be pleasant.

One other fun feature to mention is the StoryWalk (a children's book posted one page at a time along a short walking path) that begins and ends at the field just above the parking area. This is especially fun for tiny visitors.

If you've got kids who have been stuck in front of a screen all day and could use some fresh-air mental and physical stimulation, I think you'll find Murray's Mill to be a lovely afternoon field trip destination. Easy to get to, lots to do, and there's a Chick-fil-a on the way home Win, win, win, right?

How to get there: Parking for Murray's Mill Historic District is located at 1489 Murrays Mill Road, Catawba, NC 28609. From here, you can see the mill, take a tour, visit the general store or hike the trail.

Don't forget to pack: 

• Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers will do
• Some spending money: It's free to walk around, but just in case you want to do some shopping at the general store
• Bug spray: Particularly during warmer months
• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen: This area is partially shaded, but not entirely 

  

River Link Greenway

I've lived close to uptown Charlotte all my life and I wouldn't want it any other way. But if I had to move somewhere nearby, I think I'd consider Belmont, NC. This small town, less than 30 minutes west of Charlotte, is charming, accessible, and home to a number of our favorite outdoor destinations (see Seven Oaks Preserve, Goat Island and Rocky Branch Park).

The other day, we decided to do some more exploring in the area and found the River Link Greenway, a short but compelling stretch of the Carolina Thread Trail.

This smooth, flat, 0.7-mile (one way) out-and-back trail is paved from end-to-end, making it excellent for strollers, bikes, skates and scooters. It runs along the banks of the South Fork Catawba River and is tucked neatly behind a neighborhood development, though you wouldn't know it for most of your stroll.

The trail ends at an overlook (spoiler alert, there are no breathtaking views, but this is a nice place to sit a spell and enjoy nature). All along the way there are lots of opportunities to enjoy wildlife, including a bunch of turtles basking in the sun on the river.

A really cool feature of the River Link Greenway is its proximity to other connector trails, including the Goat Island Greenway, which is a short walk over the footbridge from the River Link Greenway trailhead parking lot. At the west end of the Goat Island Greenway, you can hop on the Riverside Greenway, and at the east end, the Stuart Cramer High School Trail.

All together, this is nearly five miles of trails, and that's not counting the South Fork Blueway, an approximately 10-mile stretch of the river for folks to paddle through more than 1,300 acres of land permanently protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy.

Another perk: Just on the other side of Goat Island is the quaint downtown Cramerton, where you can find a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

If you, like me, are partial to center city Charlotte, I'd invite you to take a field trip to Belmont. It's a lovely little community and its nearby greenway system is a good excuse to visit. Start with a stroll along the River Link Greenway and see what you can discover from there.

How to get there: The River Link Greenway trailhead is in the Goat Island Park and Greenway Belmont Access parking lot, which is located at 305 Greenwood Pl., Belmont, NC, 28012. There are no restroom facilities; plan accordingly.

Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers will do
• Water: Bring enough for during and after your trek; there are no facilities to refill nearby
• Bikes, scooters or other riding toys and a helmet: The paved trail is good for wheels
• Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses: The trail is partially shaded, but not completely
• Bug spray: Especially during warmer months

U.S. National Whitewater Center Dazzles and Delights

The verdict is in: The winter wonderland at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is every bit as cool as it sounds. This sprawling outdoor adventure center is fun on any given day of the year, offering everything from whitewater and flatwater paddling, to hiking and biking, to ropes courses and ziplines. But, with the new seasonal ice skating rink and lights display it's a particularly spectacular venue for some winter fun.

Unlike other commercial holiday pop-up attractions, the USNWC ice skating activity and lights display have a more enduring appeal. Nestled in the woods under an open sky against the backdrop of zipline towers and ropes courses, the rink offers a rustic vibe. With the wooden guardrails (devoid of billboard advertisements), the simple lights strung over the ice, the iconic Airstream refreshments truck, and glowing real-wood firepits, there's something decidedly different and more genuine about this winter sports experience. Kudos to the person on the concept planning team who made the refreshing decision to softly and subtly pipe in Mumford and Sons-genre music, rather than blasting sugar-sweet Christmas pop classics on repeat.

If you're considering a trip, here's what to expect.

The USNWC operates 365 days a year, with grounds and trails (weather permitting) open from dawn until dusk. There are dozens of activity options, many of which are available year-round (check the activity calendar for schedules). While some activities are free, like mountain biking and hiking, others require a pass. You can purchase single activity passes or all-access day passes. Activity costs vary.

A single-activity pass for ice skating costs $20, which includes skate rental. When you arrive, you'll be asked to fill out a waiver for each participant before you can purchase your pass, so plan in a few minutes for that.

The rink is located on the upper pond of the whitewater course. It offers 17,000 square feet of ice, featuring a skating track, a freestyle area, and a contained kids' space. The skate-up Airstream beverage cart, which serves hot and cold drinks, is located in the middle of the rink. Ice skating is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The light display is a half-mile walking trail through a series of nature-themed light installations by local artist Meredith Connelly. Designs include things like honeycombs, cocoons, crystals and mushrooms. The trailhead is adjacent to the skating rink. This activity is free and open to all ages. The lights run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

I would suggest timing your visit for late afternoon. Skate until the sun goes down, then take a hike on the light trail to end the evening. Magical.

The whole experience is well organized and staff are noticeably friendly and helpful. I highly recommend a visit.

How to get there: The U.S. National Whitewater Center is located at 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214. NOTE: It is free to visit the USNWC, but parking is $6 per car.

Don't forget to pack:

• $6 for parking
• Tall socks
• A childlike sense of glee and wonder

The Official blazeCLT Summer “Thrival” Guide

According to the public school calendar, we’re halfway through summer. Now what?

Maybe you’ve already taken your family vacation, the kids have been to camp, and you’ve visited all of your go-to entertainment destinations (. . . several times over).

Maybe you’re feeling fatigued or uninspired. Or maybe you’re eager to do Summertime Things as your schedule allows, to inject some sense of adventure into your typical year-round routine.

May I offer some suggestions?

Below are lists some of our favorite activities and outings – something for everyone (kids, no kids, grandkids, kids at heart. . .) for whatever free time you have (weekdays, weekends, before work, after work) – all in and around the Charlotte area.

Summer may be half over, but there’s still plenty of time for playing. Go ahead, try something new. Make the most of those open weekends, unscheduled evenings, yawning weekdays, and squishy lunch hours. Your next adventure is calling!

 

Fun-Sized Outings for Tiny Explorers

• Bike Playground!: Take your two-wheelers for a spin around this pint-sized cityscape.
• Village Park in Kannapolis: Features a double-decker carousel, miniature train rides, a sprayground and trails.
• Dan Nichols Park: All sorts of amusement park attractions (for only a dollar!) beautifully nestled in nature.
• Take a StoryWalk: Books in parks. Brilliant and fun!
• Veteran's Sprayground: Our favorite splash pad in town.
• The Cotton Candy Factory!: When's the last time you've been to a candy shop? Yum!

Urban Excursions

• Take the train to UNCC botanical gardens: Tour north Charlotte by train, and UNCC by foot.
• The Secret Garden: Explore this magical Charlotte gem at your leisure.
• Art Walk on the Rail Trail: Discover dozens of bright, quirky, and curious displays along the tracks.
• Bike Charlotte: Find a bike-friendly route near you, pump up your tires, and venture out.
• Queen City Treasure Hunt: Search for these Charlotte treasures hidden very much in plain site.

Discover and Learn

• Trail of History: Discover Charlotte's rich history. Great for exercise, exploration and education.
• Carolina Raptor Center: Fun trails, dozens of species, and the largest owl aviary in the Southeast.
• The Scheile Museum: Beautiful outdoor trails and compelling indoor exhibits.
• Reed Gold Mine: Full of history, fresh air, and (still!) a little bit of gold.

Hiking and Biking

• Seven Oaks Preserve: Gorgeous, peaceful trail by the lake. Great for bikes or boots.
• Colonel Frances Beaty Park: Our favorite mountain biking trails in town.
• Big Rock Nature Preserve: Check out Charlotte's greatest natural wonder.
• Evergreen Nature Preserve: Explore this quiet, green urban oasis, just a short drive from uptown.
• Purser-Hulsey Park: Take the clever, whimsical Painted Rock Trail to an enchanted forest. 
• Anne Springs Close Greenway: This giant preserve offers miles of trails, living history and a swinging bridge.
• Reedy Creek Nature Preserve: We like it for the hiking trails, nature center and multiple playgrounds.
• Mineral Springs: A beautiful trail along a creek, just outside of town.
• A hike back in time: Beautiful, mystical and moving.

Bonus recommendation:

• Rocky Face Mountain Rec Area: Start with a zipline at the quarry, take a hike on the trails, picnic on the mountain face.

 

 

Be Merry! 11 Solid Holiday Activities

So you want to get out of the house and do Holiday Things. Here are some of our tried and true annual favorites:

Visit the singing bears: You're never too old for holiday tunes sung by the animatronic Leanoard Bearstein symphony orchestra at Founders Hall uptown (100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202). Dare you not to hum along. . .

Marvel at the Ritz-Carlton gingerbread house: Just across the street from Founders Hall is the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte (201 E. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 20202), where you'll be amazed by a giant edible gingerbread house and trendy holiday decorations. Grab a sweet treat at Bar Cocoa while you're there.

Lace up some ice skates: Even if it's been a while (or never) since you've been on skates, this is such a quintessential wintery thing to do. This miniature pop-up skating rink is located on the Nascar Hall of Fame plaza (400 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, NC 20202). Who cares if you're hugging the wall the whole time. You're making memories. Besides, it's just fun to be out on the town -- especially with the bright lights strung overhead at night.

Go see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: If you go to just one live performance a year, make it this one at Children's Theatre of Charlotte (300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 20202). The young actors' talent is jaw-dropping. This musical is clever, funny and poignant. This is a whole-family outing; kids as young as three will be enthralled.

Visit the Charlotte Christmas Village: The aromas alone make this a worthy destination. This quaint market offers food and other vendors, plus activities, performances and special events throughout the season. Located at the corner of 7th St. and N. Tryon.

See the lights at McAdenville: And may I recommend you do it by foot; click here to learn how. It's worth the 30 minute drive to experience Christmastown USA .

Stroll through more lights at DSBG: Dubbed "A mile of a million lights," this display at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (6500 South New Hope Rd., Belmont, NC 28012) is impressive and fun for the whole family. This will get you in a twinkly spirit.

Pick out an ornament at Blackhawk Hardware: It's our annual tradition to have the kids select one ornament that represents something important to them that year. Here, you'll find the best, most exhaustive (hands down) collection to choose from. Located at Park Road Shopping Center (4101 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209). Bonus: Free popcorn!

Enjoy the Hillside light balls: While you're in the Park Rd. area, swing by this neighborhood display of lighted balls hanging from the highest branches of old growth trees on Hillside Ave. It really is magical and breathtaking. No surprise, I recommend you walk. Park at the Mellow Mushroom on Selwyn (2820 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209) for dinner and take a stroll when you're done. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate in the Loaves & Fishes bin.

If you're into neighborhood light displays, here's some suggestions of others around town.

Check out Gingerbread Lane: Peruse rows of homemade gingerbread houses and, for a $1 donation, vote for your favorite at the Ballantyne Hotel (10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277). Some are stunning, some are whimsical, and all make for an entertaining outing.

Decorate cookies for Santa: For the inevitable day you can't get out to play, you can't go wrong with decorating sugar cookies. Here's our favorite recipe:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 large eggs
• 5 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions
Beat the shortening, butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extract. Beat in the eggs.


Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix well.


Wrap the dough cling wrap (I usually make 3 or 4 balls) and refrigerate for at least one hour.


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Flour a work surface (consider covering it with cling wrap first for easy clean up) and roll the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.


Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden (don't let the edges get brown). Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before removing to a rack to cool completely.


Decorate using store-bought frosting and sprinkles or toppings OR dip the top side of the cookies in a homemade frosting glaze you can make by adding a spoonful or two of milk and a drop or two of food coloring to several cups of powdered sugar. Mix well until the glaze is no longer runny (add sugar or milk as needed to achieve the right consistency). Dry the cookies on a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Happy holidays!