Theater
St. Thomas Players presents “Pinocchio’s Sister” — 7:30 p.m., tonight through June 18 and 22-25, Florence Busby Corriher Theater at Catawba College, $10 (students $5 with ID) general seating, June 15 half-price night at the door. “Talk Back” night Wednesday, June 22 allows the audience to discuss the play with the author, call Center for Faith & the Arts at 704-647-0999 for details.
Old Courthouse Theatre presents “Comedy of Errors” — June 16-26: Summer Youth Production, directed by Andy Rassler. Tickets $15/$12/$10, call 704-788-2405 to reserve a seat. 49 Spring Street NW, NC, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Davidson Community Players present ‘Ragtime’ — June 16-26, $22, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. 704 892-7953, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
Matthews Playhouse presents “The Sound Of Music” — Through June26, adult tickets $17, Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews, 704-846-8343, www.matthewsplayhouse.com.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series— 4 p.m., Sunday, July 17: “Barbra’s Wedding” by Daniel Stern. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT black box theatre, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.
Carolina Actors Studio Theater presents “Neon Psalms” — June 16-July 16, Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances 8 p.m. It’s a sorry situation in an isolated trailer home in the desert of Boron, California. Luton Mears is obsessed with his turtles and Bonanza TV re-runs; his wife Patina is submerged in religion; and their grown daughter has moved back home and is on her way to establishing a bad reputation. New address: NODA@28 St., 2424 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC 28205. Reservations www.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
“Mamma Mia!”— Show runs one week only: July 26-31, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, tickets start at $30, BlumenthalArts.org, 704-372-1000.
Music & more
Union Street Live tonight — 6-9 p.m., Third Thursday, June 16: live music with Too Much Sylvia on the Historic Courthouse lawn. Free, www.concorddowntown. com, 704-784-4208.
David Mayfield Parade tonight atThe Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — 10:30 p.m., Thursday, June 16, $12, 704-372-1000. http://thedavidmayfieldparade.com, www.theeveningmuse. com.
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet at Stage Door Theater — 8 p.m., Friday June 17, $22 in advance; $25 DOS, www.CarolinaTix.org, 704-372-1000. Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, corner of 5th and College Streets, Charlotte.Downtown Davidson Concerts on the Green — 6-8 p.m., June 19: The Back Beat (Beatle’s tribute band), Village Green in front of the public library; bring friends, family, chairs, blanket, picnic. Free, family-oriented, rain or shine.
Piedmont Choral Society’s 8th annual Patriotic Benefit Concert — 3 p.m., Sunday, June 26: A concert consisting entirely of patriotic music. Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N., Concord. 704-699-6053.
The Wiggles! come to Charlotte — 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13: Anthony, Sam, Murray and Jeff at Time Warner Cable Arena, tickets start at $17.50, www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000.
Elvis Costello and The Imposters at the Blumenthal — July 16, tickets start at $34.50, Belk Theater at Blumenthal PerformingArts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000 or ww.carolinatix.org.
Die Roten Punkte in Charlotte — Change of dates: July 28-30 at Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. All tickets $34.50, on sale now at BlumenthalArts.org, 704-372-1000.
American Idols Live — 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28, Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte. Tickets $45/65. www.ticketmaster.com, www.aeglive.com, 800-745-3000.
Rascal Flatts at Verizon Amphitheatre — Friday, July 29, with Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, Justin Moore. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m., April 30 at LiveNation.com, The Hardee’s Thickburger Box Offices at the venues, Ticketmaster or charge by phone 800-745-3000.
Comedy
Lee Street Theatre’s “A Night of Improv”begins tonight — 7:30 p.m., June 16-18: Three evenings of “A Night of Improv Comedy” starring Now Are The Foxes!; Every show is different,Thursday is all-ages night with G-rated; Friday and Saturday shows may contain adult language and content. Doors open 6:45 p.m., admission $10, student ID $5, beer available. Black Box at the Looking Glass Artists Collective, 405 N. Lee Str., leestreettheatre@gmail.com.
“Charlotte Squawks” at the Booth Playhouse — Through June 25: Broadway meets Saturday Night Live meets Charlotte, with “7-Year Bit©#,” its latest edition. Area actors, singers, dancers parody pop culture, politics, sports and the Queen City. Tickets start at $29.50. 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte.
Martin Lawrence at Time Warner Cable Arena — one night only Aug. 18, tickets through ticketmaster.com, timewarnercablearena.com, the Life Lock Box Office at Time Warner Cable Arena, Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 800-745-3000. www.livenation.com/>.
This & That
Circus Train returns to Spencer — 7:30 p.m. every Saturday through July 30: Puppets, animals, songs, games, free snow cones at Library Park, 3rd Street in Spencer, sponsored by Spencer Central UMC for 13th year. Bring blanket or lawn chair, 704-636-4101.Faith 4th parade entry deadline tomorrow, June 17— Faith 4th parade is at 10 a.m., Monday, July 4: entry fee $25 (exemptions include Legion, Legion Auxiliary Post, Veteran organizations, military organizations. No late entries accpeted. Contact 704-279-2256.
Free concert and movie — 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 24: Piedmont Prime Time Community Band presents a pops concert including a children’s feature. Movie “Jaws” follows concert; bring a blanket or lawn chair, free admission, food concessions available. Village Park Amphitheatre, 700 West ‘C’ St., Kannapolis.
Art gallery and paranormal tours — Highland Avenue Art Gallery and More. Art gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday, noon -6 p.m. Paranormal tours Friday-Saturday 8:30-10 p.m., reservations required. 1031 Highland Avenue, 704-636-8134 to schedule tour.
Open mike night — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 25: Looking Glass Artist Collective hosts open mike night in their black box theater; all musicians invited to bring their instruments along with microphones if desired; photographer/musician David Lamanno will perform.No cover charge, beverages available.
Summer reading program at Rowan Public Library — Weekly programs through July 28, themed “One World, Many Stories.” Pre-registration at all library locations for children age 12 months to rising fifth-graders. www.rowanpubliclibrary.org, 704-216-8234.
Catawba’s Community Music program summer camps — Four-day camps and private lessons available, contact Erin Harper emharper@catawba.edu or 704-881-1565 for details, register at catawba.edu/communitymusic.
Concord Library teen summer reading program — 2 p.m., Saturday, June 18: Teen Games Day in the auditorium, Wii and board games provided • 2 p.m., Monday, June 20: “You Are What You Eat,” presented by the Science Museum from Discovery Place, open to rising 6th graders and up. Register for both at Concord Library, 27 Union St., N., 704-920-2054.
“Heart of the Artist” weekly discussions — 7 p.m. Tuesdays through June 21; written by Rory Nolan for artists by an artist, sponsored by Blackwelder Park Baptist Church Kannapolis, at Oak Tree Coffee Co. coffeehouse, Cannon Village.Contact Vic Daniel vdaniel@thepark.cc, 980-621-1256 www.thepark.cc.
Jenny Hubbard at Literary Bookpost, 110 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 21: “Pinocchio’s Sister” author will be at the Literary Boopost for reception and book signing of her novel “Paper Covers Rock.” www.literarybookpost.com, 704 630-9788, 110 S. Main St.
Salisbury Summer Ghost Walks — 7, 7:30, 8:30 p.m., Friday, June 24, adults $10, students $5, reservations/ information: boo@salisburyghostwalk or 704-642-1734.
Oakboro cruise-in’s eighth season — 5 p.m., fourth Friday, June 24. Burnout at 9:30 p.m. Food vendors, souvenir concessions will be set up. Downtown Oakboro, Hwy. 205 between Albemarle and Charlotte. Facebook, info@oakborocruisein.com, 704-467-4992. www.oakborocruisein.com.
56th Grandfather Mountain Highland Games– July 7-10, adult tickets $15 Thursday, $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and $15 Sunday. Tickets cover all activities in the meadows, which on Friday and Saturday last from early morning to midnight. $5 each day for children 5-12, children under five free. Available at the field on the day of the event. Get four-day tickets at www.gmhg.org. Adult 4-day passes $55 and children’s passes are $25.
Festivals
Black Mountain Center for the Arts’ fifth Art in Bloom — June 16-19: gallery exhibit of fine floral design. Preview party 6 p.m., June 16 offers first glimpse of designs and opportunity to meet the floral designers, includes buffet from local chefs, beverage bar, flower-infused desserts, live violin music. Tickets $30 with reservations recommended. On the three days after the Party, admission to the Art in Bloom exhibit is $5. Art in Bloom is a fundraiser for the non-profit Black Mountain Center for the Arts. 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, 828-669-0930. www.BlackMountainArts.org.
17th annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival this weekend — Saturday, June 18, Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson, Va., with the Boxcars, George Hamilton IV, April Verch Band, Eddie Pennington, Harris Brothers, Bobby Ingano, Wayne Henderson and Friends, children’s events, rain or shine, free parking. $10, children 12 and younger free. www.waynehenderson.org, www.dcr.virginia.gov/ state_parks/gra.shtml.
Fundraisers
Night Train band gives benefit concert — 6-10 p.m., Saturday, June 18, on the Zachary House grounds Cooleemee; admission $5, children under twelve free. Bring your lawn chairs, food concessions available. Proceeds go to Cooleemee Historical Association’s Mill House Museum renovations. 336-284-6040, www.nighttrainband.com.
Antique car, truck, tractor show — 4-6 p.m., Sunday, June 19 at Woodleaf UMC, no entrance fee for vehicles, People’s Choice trophies will be awarded. Hotdogs, chips and drinks for sale, proceeds go to Woodleaf UMC Health Ministry, 9000 Church St. Woodleaf, across from Woodleaf Elementary School. 704-278-1888 for information.
Dine-and-Donate fundraiser — 11a.m.-until, Saturday, June 25: benefits Hugh Harkey. Dine in or take out fish fry, delivery available for 10 or more plates, 704-278-0077. Woodleaf Community Building, 9025 Cool Springs Road, Woodleaf.
Poker Run at Hideaway Bar and Grill, Mooresville — Saturday, June 25 to benefit Sallie Unger and the Kidney Foundation. Last bike out at noon, ride ends at River City Bar and Grill, Mooresville. $15 per bike, raffle and 50/50 tickets available. Contact 704-609-9070.
Night Life
Benchwarmers. 113 E. Fisher St. — 7-10 p.m. every Friday: Handful of Dave. 704-639-0604.
Brick Street Tavern, 122 E. Fisher St. — Tuesdays: open mic, performers of all types welcome, sign up as you arrive; 9:30 p.m. Thursdays: plugged open mic night. www.thebrickstreettavern. com, 704-637-6047.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St., — Live music Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays starting at 8:30 p.m. 704-638-9647.
Fat Jack’s, 120 Military Ave., — 8 p.m. until, every Friday and Saturday night: karaoke with Mark Tomei. 704-638-8996.
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane — Friday, June 17: Deejay Dana Grubb. Coming Wednesday, June 29: Summer Beach Serie with Sea Cruz. Now open for lunch Saturday-Sunday. Memberships available, open Wed.-Sat. www.theboatandskiclub.com. 704-633-0251.
Philip’s Steak and Pasta House, 1504 Jake Alexander Blvd W. — 8 p.m. Mondays Karaoke; 8 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays: Live Team Trivia; 7 p.m. Wednesdays: Texas Hold ’Em Tournament Style, second game follows; 9 p.m. Saturdays: Karaoke with Cherokee. 704-637-8844.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7-9 p.m. tonight, June 16: Paul T karaoke performance. Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday, karaoke 7-close every Friday-Saturday. 704-642-0050.
Smitty’s North Rowan Bar-b-que 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 7-9 p.m., Thursdays: karaoke. 704-636-2122.The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, June 17: Divided By Four, $5 cover. 9 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Saturday, June 18: Justin Dionne, Andrew Hodges, percussionist Duggan Murphy, no cover. www.thebluevine. com. 704-797-0093.
E.H. Montgomery General Store — 7-9 p.m. Fridays: bluegrass jams. Historic Village of Gold Hill. www.HistoricGoldHill.com. 704-267-9439, 704-279-5674.
Old Stone Vino, 515 S. Main St., Kannapolis — 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays: guitarist, singer, songwriter Marty DeJarnette. Fridays, Saturdays: various artists. 704-938-2337.
Classes
Catawba College Community Music’s “A Tribute to the Stage” — 12:30-3 p.m., June 20-24: Week-long camp focuses on Broadway style singing techniques/choreography using music from various musicals; students 12-18, 30 spaces only, $100, instructor Dean Orbison, Catawba College Campus. Information/registration www.catawba.edu/communitymusic or 704-433-8015.
ARRRT week — 8:30 a.m.-12:30 June 27-July 1: Kids ages 8-12 reduce- reuse-recycle at Center for Faith & the Arts while creating works of art. Instructor: Crystle Lineberger, tuition: $30 includes materials and daily snack. Scholarships available. Information or to register, 704-647-0999 or faithart@bellsouth.net. 207 W. Harrison St. Oil classes the Old Master way — 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays: adult classes in oils, beginner or intermediate, learning the technique of the Masters of the 16th/17th centuries. $45 per session, 704-232-6000 for materials list, info, registration. Limited number of students. Patt’s studio, 409 N. Lee St., Rail Walk Arts District.
Creative painting workshops — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Ongoing series, beginning to intermediate, traditional oil painting. $200 includes eight sessions; ask about scholarships and sliding scales. Registration/materials list: 704-245-6456. Instructor James E. Taylor, Contemporary Realism Studio, 211 S. Main St.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center — Summer ARTventures:
Ages 4-5, 10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. • What’s In The Box – Each day children open a big box to discover instructions/materials for special art project. July 25-29 • Dr. Seuss and More – Students use paint and paper-craft to create many Seuss characters as well as learn songs and dance from “Seussical the Musical.” Aug. 1-5 • Little Pet Shop – Art activities to create favorite pets – cats and dogs. Aug. 8-12.
Grades 1-2 • Puppets on Parade – Students create and costume puppets. July 11-15, 2-4:15 p.m. • Create Your Own Theater – Learn the “secrets” of making marionette puppets using a variety of art media. July 18-22, 10:30-12:45 p.m.
Grades 6-8, 2-4:15 p.m • Drawing with Pen and Ink, August 1-5 • Break It! Mosaics, August 8-12.
Advanced Drawing/Painting Workshop – Grades 5-8 • June 27-July 1, 10:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. All-day workshop for students who have previously taken drawing and/or painting classes at WVAC. • www.waterworks.org for instructions/application. 704-636-1882 or stop Monday-Friday 10-5, Tuesday/ Thursday 10-7, Saturday 11-3.
Classes at LGAC — For kids: “Being Creative -LGAC” for children ages 8-14, June 25 through Aug. 20. Each class runs from 9-11:30 a.m., costs $8, limited to 10 participants. All materials are furnished unless otherwise noted. • June 25, Polymer Clay Bead Jewelry: Make beads from polymer clay, bake them, construct a piece of jewelry • July 2, Canvas Mosaic • July 9,Wearable Art: • July 16, Stamping Project.
For adults • Watercolor classes: instructor Cathy Benfield Matthews, no experience needed; choose Mondays 1-3 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m., or Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, $35 each 2 hour session or $180 for 6, materials provided except brushes; email salisburyartists@gmail.com to reserve your space, www.catsfreestyleart.com. Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-ARTS, www.salisburyartists.com.
Knitting and spinning — • Knitting socks, Saturdays, June 18 and 25, 2 sessions: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., experience knitting in the round necessary • 704-431-4527 to register for all classes. TranqWool Knitting Provisions, 310 Mocksville Ave.
Bring-your-own-vase floral design — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $15 per class plus cost of flowers, call for reservations; instructor David Harrison, Harrison’s Florist, 1012 Holmes Ave., off Grove St. near RRMC, 704-636-4251.
Free design demonstrations on special Saturday opening — 10:30 a.m. and noon, June 18: “Summer Flowers and Hanging Baskets;” free give-aways and light refreshments through 2 p.m. Piedmont Floral Galleries, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7739. www.piedmontfloralgalleries.com.
Second annual Chrismon open house — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 18: free give-aways and light refreshments. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7739, info@chrismons.com.
Singles
Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, June 17: Joyce Ingram on “that necessary little house out back.” Gloria Dei Lutheran Church behind CVS, Statesville Blvd. Covered dish, no joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Highlighters Dance Club — First and third Fridays, doors open 7 p.m., dancing 8-11 p.m., free line dance class 7:15 p.m. Open to singles 40 and over. $10 members; $12 guests. Join for $20 and get in free the first night of joining. Non-smoking, dressy casual. Free set ups provided, bring your own snacks. Information 704-536-5561. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Information 704-536-5561.
Film
Free film at Davis Theatre, Concord — 9 p.m., Friday, June 24: “Being the Diablo” presented by Modern Film Fest; chronicles Mickey McHaffey’s search for himself, from preacher to living homeless to being committed to a mental institution to dancing with Tarahurma Indians in Mexico’s Sierra Madre. Age suitability: teens and up. Davis Theatre, 65 Union Street S., downtown Concord, 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org.
Call for vendors
Biker Blue & BBQ Rally — Sept. 22-24: with a KCBS barbecue cook-off; vendor applications at www.bikerbluesbbqrally.com or Tilley’s Harley-Davidson, Salisbury. More info 704-638-6044.
Call for musicians
Open mike night — Saturday, June 25: Looking Glass Artist Collective hosts open mike night in the black box theater; all musicians invited to bring their instruments along with microphones if desired.
Piedmont Choral Society — Community singers invited to join the choral society for eighth annual Patriotic Benefit Concert Sunday, June 26. Rehearsals 7 p.m. Mondays, no audition or previous musical training needed, no cost. Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord, kayy2000@gmail. com or 704-699-6053.
Bluegrass musicians — Bluegrass jam open to all, Saturdays at Dixie’s Roasting Co., 102 S. Main St., China Grove. 704-857-9169.
Call for artists
Carolina Artist’s “The Real Carolina Artist’s 2011 Expo” — August 24-26, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave. Entry forms/information available there or by contacting carolinaartists@gmail.com. Deadline: mailed by Aug. 10. Big prizes, $100 first prizes and peoples choice.
Sipe’s Orchard Home Annual Bloomin’ Orchard Festival, Conover — Artists and craftpersons for festival Saturday, August 27, Sipe’s Orchard Home, 4431 County Home Road, Conover. Early bird registration rate by July 30, regular rate by Aug. 15, late rate by Aug. 20. Information/applications at www.sipesorchardhome. org/BloominVendor.html or 828-256-5056.
Art in the Shop — Seeking artists interested in showing at the 13th Annual Art in the Shop in Bethlehem, NC, Oct 1., encompassing bonsai, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, garden art. Quality original artwork and fine crafts only, no kits. Cost $40 by July 31, $50 Aug. 1-Sept. 15. 828-632-0106, www.artintheshop.net, blsinclair1@bellsouth.net.
Home and garden
Salisbury Symphony’s Festival of Summer Gardens — June 25 -26, tickets $12 in advance, $15 tour days. Perennial tour of eight country gardens and three historic gardens. Music by Salisbury Symphony Children’s Strings and local musicians. Sunday: Learn the art of planting in container gardens, learn from master gardeners and watch Plein Air artists at work. Lunch at Carolina Lily, $16, must be pre-ordered. Reserved tickets at Visitors Bureau, 704-638-3100, www.salisburysymphony. org, 704-603-4652 or 704-645-8300.
Art
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St.— Summer Exhibition “In The Details” features a variety of artist’s meticulous approaches, creating worlds in their artwork where every inch matters. Featured artists: woodcarver Dan Abernathy, fiber artist Nancy G. Cook, artist Michelle Heinz, clay artist Holden McCurry, artist Trena McNabb. R. Dean Crouch, our Dare to Imagine Award winner is also featured. Exhibition runs through Aug. 13. Admission is free. Hours are M-F, 10-5; Tues, Thursday 10-7, Saturday 11-3. 123 E. Liberty Street, 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org.
Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. —“Glimpses of Carolina” by Plein Air Carolina, a group of professional and amateur artists who meet each week to paint on location; “Plein Air” is a French term meaning “open air.” Free admission, runs through Saturday, July 30. The exhibit may be viewed each Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 409-413 N. Lee St., sforthofer@windstream.net, 704-657-8321
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — “North Carolina Pottery: Diversity and Traditions;” “Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman.” Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Admission $10 adults, , free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — “Attitude and Alchemy: The Metalwork of Gary Noffke;” “From New York to Corrymore: Robert Henri and Ireland.” Same hours, admission as above. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — Last weekend for “Trains That Passed in the Night,” the photograhs of O. Winston Link depicting the end of the steam railroading era, ends June 19•“Thomas Hart Benton, America’s Master Storyteller,” features large-scale oil masterpiece, “Bootleggers,” alongside three lithographs based on scenes the artist created for the mural program of the Missouri State Capitol Building that re-tell familiar stories. On view through July 31. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse. org.
Trips
Trip to Zimmerman Vineyard — Depart 9 a.m., June 29 from J.F. Hurley YMCA, Jake Alexander Blvd., cost $20 for transportation only, lunch on your own, wine tasting an extra $5 per person; contact Barbara Franklin for details, 704-636-0111.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgorunds, family camping, picnic shelters, splash pad, petting zoo. 704-216-7800. www.dannicholas.net.
Ellis Park, 3541 Old Mocksville Road — 26 acres of ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball court, shelters, playground, event center, walking trail. 704-216-7783.
Sloan Park, 550 Sloan Road, Mt. Ulla — Off NC Hwy 150 approximately 10 miles west of Salisbury.Features Kerr Mill, an 1823 grist mill.
Gold Hill Mines Historic Park 735 St. Stephens Church Road, Gold Hill — Historic tours available by appointment. Information about tours: 704-267-9439; rentals: 704-279-5777. www.HistoricGoldHill.com.
Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve, 1640 Dunn’s Mtn. Road — Trail walks, overlooks, see 120 miles in most directions, blacksmith shop display, Saturday-Sunday shuttle service, 704-216-7803.
Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock —June 24-26: stars of Nickelodeon’s animated preschool series, Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, visit Tweetsie. Open seven days a week. Tweetsie.com, call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874), Facebook, Twitter @TweetsieRR.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Train rides Saturday 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $6 adults, $5 children ages 3-12 and seniors ages 60 and up. Roundhouse Turntable rides at $1. Group rates available with advance notice. 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org.
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Current exhibit: “When We Fought Ourselves-1861-1865,” with local emphasis on Rowan County events • Join Rowan chapter of NC Museum of History’s prestigious Tar Heel Junior Historian Club, free membership, information 704-633-5946, tdcreel@carolina.rr.com. Museum hours Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contributions accepted. 704-633-5946. www.rowanmuseum.org.
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. — Exhibit of artifacts including photos and books of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755–1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. Additional artifacts added from the estate of the late Jo White Linn and from the William C. Coughenour family. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, museum members free. 704-633-5946.
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — 1820 house museum features furniture and decoratives from Hall family and others. Costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students, free to members of Historic Salisbury Foundation. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry —Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 adults, $1.50 students, museum members free. 704-633-5946.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — For special tours call 704-279-4979. Museum open Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call Ann Teague: 704-279-5783.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — Sundays 3-5 and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Intersection of Weaver, Patterson Roads. www.priceoffreedom.us, 704-857-7474.
China Grove Roller Mill Museum — Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of each month. Museum is operated by Historical Society of South Rowan. For special tours call 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com.
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A Street, Kannapolis — Honors musicians, singers, songwriters, producers from North Carolina. Located in the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Admission free, donations appreciated. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org.
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park — 19th century living history interpretations and educational tours weekends April-October, weekdays by appointment. Displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Village merchants and interpreters dressed in period costume weekends. Free admission. Rail trail. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439. www.HistoricGoldHill. com.
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 12 miles southeast of Concord — Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays, admission free,704-721-4653, reed@ncdcr. gov.
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville — The only North Carolina Historic Site associated with the French and Indian War (1754-1763) or Seven Years War. Free, open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs. org.
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 25: Learn about Charlotte’s gold mining history and pan for gold at the miner’s cabin; tour the circa 1800 plantation house and grounds, see rare and endangered breeds of historic livestock. Free with regular admission • Summer camp programs still registering. www.lattaplantation.org, click on summer camps. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $7 per person, ages 5 and under free. www.lattaplantation. org. 704-875-2312.
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815, excellent example backcountry NC federal period architecture. Originally part of 911-acre plantation. www.historicrose dale.
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — During June visit hands-on Explore More labs•Extended summer hours, May 30 to Sept. 5: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunda: noon–5 p.m. •Exhibition “Life, A Journey Through Time,” photographic celebration of the wonder of life on earth through the imagery of acclaimed National Geographic wildlife photographer Frans Lanting• 704-372-6261 or www.discoveryplace.org.
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m., Sunday, closed Monday. Admission $8 adults and children age one and older, children younger than age one are free. Discounts available for groups. discoveryplaceKIDS.org, 704-372-6261.Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, June 18: Down on the Farm. Meet farm friends up close including sheep, goats, a llama, mini horses, chickens, ducks, rabbits. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org for details. $6 ages 2 and older; younger than 2 free. Free parking. Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m.; closed Monday. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300 or www.oldsalem.org.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh — June 25-Nov. 6: Art inspires. Science educates. What happens when those roles are reversed – or combined? “Witness Our Expanding Oceans,” a comprehensive art and education exhibit created by artist Mary Edna Fraser and scientist Orrin Pilkey. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum admission is free. 919-733-7450. www.naturalsciences. org.