Theater
St. Thomas Players present “Almost, Maine” — 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 13, Florence Busby Corriher Theatre on the campus of Catawba College behind Keppel Auditorium. Tickets $10. www.stthomasplayers.org , 704-647-0999. Call Center for Faith & The Arts at 704-647-0999 for questions or group tickets. Email faithart@bellsouth.net.
Old Courthouse Theatre presents “On Golden Pond” — 8 p.m., Aug. 11-27; 2:30 p.m., Aug. 14, 21, 28, Tony award-winning play the basis for Oscar winning movie of the same name. Tickets $15/$12/ $10. Reserve seats 704-788-2405. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org . 704-788-2405.
Last weekend of “The Rocky Horror Show” at Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte — 7:30 p.m., Through Aug. 13, tickets begin at $24. Recommended for ages 16 and older. 650 E. Stonewall St., Charlotte. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org or 704-342-2251, ext. 21.
“Wonder Of The World” at Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh — 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Aug. 14. A woman discovers something disturbing in her husband’s sock drawer and sets out on a wacky journey of self-discovery, $10. Burning Coal Theatre Company, Murphey School, 224 Polk St., Raleigh, 919-834-4001, www.burningcoal.org
Carolina Actors Studio Theater presents “August: Osage County” — Aug. 25-Sept. 24; Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances at 8 p.m. New season opens in new theatre. A dark comedic drama – a booze-swilling, pill-popping evening of laugh-out-loud, cry-inside family dysfunction; winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award. New address: NODA@28 St., 2424 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC 28205. Reservations www.NCCAST.com, 704-455-8542.
Music & more
“Weekly Wine Down” at Old Stone Winery — 5-9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12: live music with Steve Brown, no cover charge. 6245 US Hwy. 52, 1 mile south of Granite Quarry. 704-279-0930, www.oldstonewines.com
Rocky River Vineyards Summer Concert Series — 7-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12: Exit 54 Band performing classic rock, country, beach. www.exit54band.com , come ready to dance. $20 admission includes glass of wine and refreshments. RSVP 704-781-5035. 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. www.rockyrivervineyards.com
Mary Chapin Carpenter at Knight Theater — Friday, Aug. 12: Five-time Grammy Award winner celebrates her latest album, The Age of Miracles. BlumenthalArts.org/ NTNTalk. Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, 704-379-1257, www.blumenthalarts.org .
‘The Legend Lives On’ at the New Blue Ridge Dinner Theater, off Hwy 16S, West Jefferson — Saturdays, Aug. 13 and 27, buffet 6 p.m., show 8 p.m.: Jimmy W. Johnson, the ‘Spirit of Elvis,’ appearing monthly. 336-246-2900, brdt.net , www.BlueRidgeDinnerTheater.com
Union Street Live next Thursday — 6-9 p.m., Third Thursday, Aug. 18: live music with the Craig Woolard Band on the Historic Courthouse lawn. Free, www.concorddowntown. com, 704-784-4208.
County Fairs
Cabarrus County Fair — Sept. 9-17,Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4759 Hwy 49 N. Concord. www.cabarruscounty.us/government/departments/fair
Rowan County Fair — 60th year, Sept. 19-24, between I-85 and Old Concord Road at 1560 1560 Julian Road. www.rowancountyfair.org/home
State Fair — Oct. 13-23, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, concerts, fireworks. www.ncstatefair.org/2011
Festivals
Town of Rockwell Saturday in the Park — 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20: door prizes, bounce house, face painting, pedal-tractor pull, salisbury-rowan symphony’s musical petting zoo, Oak Ridge Dental Arts and the tooth fairy, refreshments, entertainment by DC and the Chosen Few, George the Magician. Rockwell Park is off Salisbury Street, off 52, close to F&M Bank, across from Hardees.
Woodleaf Tomato Festival and Tomato Trot — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20: Tomato Festival features silent auction, tomato recipe cook-off, bake sale, live music and entertainment, Ms. Tomato Queen contest, L’il Tommy Toe and L’il Miss Mater and Litte Mater Sprout contests, parade at 10 a.m. Tomato Trot 5K Friday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. Details on Facebook or woodleaftomatofestival@yahoo.com. 885 Woodleaf Barber Road, Woodleaf, 704-224 5134.
18th Frank Liske Park Powwow — Friday-Saturday, Aug. 19-20: Traditional southern protocol powwow; Native American music, singing, dancing, crafts, food, contests, auction. Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Road, Concord, schedule, details www.frankliskepowwow.webs.com
30th Annual Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24: Arts and heritage festival, free admission, Hiddenite Church Road. www.hiddenitecenter.com or facebook, Friends of the Hiddenite Center.
Mooresville Ahlara Art Fair — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, October 8: second annual event featuring artists from all over the area, a showcase of affordable art from painters to potters to jewelers to photographers to woodworkers. Myrna Reiss 704-663-6343.
This & That
East Square ghost walk and investigation — 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, $15 per person •Original ghost walk: 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., adults $10, students $5. 130 W. Innes St., reservations/information 704-642-1734 boo@salisburyghostwalk.com “SlamCharlotte Poetry Slam” at the McGlohon — 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s McGlohon Theatre, tickets $10. 345 N. College St., Charlotte, 704-372-1000 or www.carolinatix.org
Local children’s authors participate in Cupcake Day — 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27: Decorate your own cupcake cone with two local authors who will share their most recently published stories, Cathy Eller and Dicy McCullough. $5 per person, Carolina Lily, 1375 Kern Carlton Road, 704 639-0033, www.carolinalily.com
NC Rowan County Anime Group — 1-6 p.m., Aug. 27: Membership drive, animation trivia contest, drawing for free comic books. Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Boulevard S. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCRowa Countyanime/
5K Tomato Trot — 6:15 p.m. registration, Friday, Aug. 19: 5 K evening run begins at 7:30 p.m., kicking off the Aug. 20 Woodleaf Tomato Festival. Register at Active.com or email tomatotrot@yahoo.com . Pre-registration $20, $25 day of race. Entertainment and awards from stage. 885 Woodleaf Barber Road, Woodleaf, 704-224 5134.
Art gallery and paranormal tours — Highland Avenue Art Gallery and More. Art gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday, noon -6 p.m. Paranormal tours Monday-Saturday 8:30-10 p.m., reservations required. 1031 Highland Ave., 704-636-8134 to schedule tour.
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.
Fundraisers
Sipe’s Orchard Home second annual Bloomin’ Orchard Festival, Hickory — 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27: Live entertainment, midway, ferris wheel, Irish step dancers, bi-plane kiddy ride, pony rides, striker bell, arts and crafts, children’s section; ends with 5:30 p.m. concert by Half Dozen Brass Band, grand finale 7:30 p.m. performance by Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park Troubadours. Since the 1940s, Sipe’s Orchard Home has been a safe and caring place for children; today, the Orchard serving children through a variety of programs. 4431 County Home Road, Conover. 828-256-5056 ext. 304, www.sipesorchardhome.org
Scarecrows for Charity — Through the month of September, local charities build scarecrows in the garden at Carolina Lily, visitors vote on their favorites, winning charity receives $500. Complementary contest on Facebook for additional $100. Carolina Lily, 1375 Kern Carlton Road, 704 639-0033, www.carolinalily.com
Sasha’s birthday party — 11 a.m.-4 p.m.,Saturday, Sept. 10: give-aways, drawings, prizes, birthday cake. A portion of day’s sales donated to Faithful Friends, also bring a bag of pet food, receive a gift from Sasha. 104 S. Main St., 704-637-0708, www.faithithfulfriendsnc.org
“A Night At The Opry” fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis — 7 p.m. Sept. 24, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 9275 Bringle Ferry Road.
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, Aug. 12: Deejay Eddie Harwood. Saturday, Aug. 13: Elks Poker Run. Wednesday, Aug. 17: Wednesday Summer Beach Series with Castaways. Now open for lunch Saturday-Sunday. Open Wed.-Sat. www.theboatandskiclub.com . 704-633-0251.

Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7-9 p.m. tonight, Aug. 11: Karaoke performance by Terry Mabry. Bike Night 6-9 p.m. every Monday; Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday; karaoke 7-close every Friday-Saturday. 704-642-0050.

The Shack, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — 7-p.m., Thursdays: karaoke. 704-637-0500.
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — 9 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug. 12: Divided by Four, $5 cover• 4-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13: Jessie Aiken in premier performance in the new junior singer/songwriter series, no charge• 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Aug. 13: David Myers & Big Break, no cover. www.thebluevine. com . 704-797-0093.
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Two nights of music. Saturday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: The Follow Me Tour featuring Arms of Mercy and Travis Hash. Sunday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m.: Rockin Blues and BBQ hosted by Destiny City, Kim Klaudt formerly with Mylon and Broken Heart along with Jeremy Vess, also The City Lights Band. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467. www.inntheloop.
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
Chrismon classes — Beginner, Thursday, Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Intermediate, Friday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon. Rufty’s Chrismon Shop, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7790 for reservations/information, info@chrismons.com
Bring-your-own-vase floral design summer special — 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, Summer price: $5 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.
Art Classes at Rail Walk Gallery — Oil painting, drawing instruction in the direct representational style for beginner and intermediate, studio and plein air (outdoors), small classes, framing and marketing tips, Tuesday or Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon or 1–3 p.m., $30 per session, price breaks on six classes. Also offering weekly figure drawing/painting sessions, live model, $5/hour, no instruction. Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. Contact Rachel Lee 704-202-4467 or hare369@live.com
Plein Air workshop — a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17: Instructor Robert Crum will lead the class at Morgan Ridge Vineyard, 486 John Morgan Road, Gold Hill. $120 for adults 18 and older at beginning or intermediate level. Supplies and easels to be provided by each painting participant who may work in oils or acrylics. Lunch provided by the vineyard owners. Register by e-mail: crum@robertcrumfineart.com or 704-310-0382.
Line dance classes — Absolute Beginner: 3:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 9 • Easy Beginner: 4:30 p.m., Aug. 4 • Intermediate: 5:30 p.m., Aug. 4 • 4 lessons per mo.,$12/month or $5/lesson. Call 704-633-7862 Rufty-Holmes Sr. Center or teacher Cheryl Kluttz, 704-633-3484.
Oil classes the Old Master way — 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays: adult classes in oils taught by Pat Legg, beginner or intermediate. $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.
Card Making Class at the Y — J.F. Hurley Family YMCA holds the Card-Making classes every other Thursday evening starting July 28, 6-8 p.m. Cost $10, all supplies included. Call Terri Dockins 704-636-0111. 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd.
Watercolor classes at LGAC — 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
SinglesPiedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 12: Moon Mullins, singer with a mean guitar. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church behind CVS, Statesville Blvd. Covered dish, no joining fee, donations appreciated. Contact Frances Ward 704-637-3241.
Zodiac Club — Aug. 12: Music by Delmonicos. Second and fourth Fridays, fifth Friday covered dish dinner, bring something to share. alternate fifth Fridays. Providing dances and social events for 41 years. Doors 7 p.m., band 8 p.m. Free soft drinks, water; snacks welcome. Covered dish dinner on fifth Friday dance night. $12 guests, $10 members, join for $20 with free admission on the night you join. American Legion Post 380, 4235 W. Tyvola Road, Charlotte, 704-752-8824, taylorbt@msn.com, www.charlottezodiacdanceclub.com
Film
Appalachian film fest — The ninth annual Appalachian Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the Feb. 25-26, 2012 festival. Entry forms and submission guidelines: www.appyfilmfest. com/pages/entries.htm or enter your work at www.withoutabox.com/ For questions concerning this year’s festival contact Christopher Lusher (Festival Director), 1-304-690-2500 or http://cdlusher@gmail.com
Auditions
Old Courthouse Theatre “The Women” auditions — 7-9 p.m., Aug. 15-16. By Clare Booth Luce. Acidic comedic commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of wealthy Manhattan socialites. Performance dates Sept. 29-Oct. 16. Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org .
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society auditions — By appointment, Sunday, Sept. 25, for musicians who want to be on the orchestra’s substitute list. Play a prepared piece of your choice, three to four standard orchestral excerpts, plus sight-reading. For suggestions of audition excerpts, contact music director David Hagy at dhagy@wfu.edu. Auditions will take place on the campus of Catawba College. For appointment, call 704-637-4314, email ljones@catawba.edu, or write Audition Information, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, P.O.Box 4264, Salisbury, North Carolina 28145. See www.salisburysymphony.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. Add’l info 704-638-6044.
Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — Saturday, Sept. 24: Hiddenite Center seeking regional vendors for arts, crafts, commercial items, food sales, public information booths. Applications/ fee scale 828-632-6966 or info@hiddenitecenter.com .
Asheboro 39th Fall Festival — Submit completed registration forms and fees to The Randolph Arts Guild, P.O. Box 1033, Asheboro, NC 27204-1033. Download forms at www.AsheboroFallFestival.com . Booth fee $50 until Aug. 31; until day of festival registration booth fee is $100 as space allows. Event dates Oct. 1-2, downtown Asheboro.
Call for musicians
Hiddenite Center Celebration of the Arts — 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24: call for performers for 30th annual unique arts and heritage festival which will offers four live music and dance performance stages for performers from different genres of entertainment including musicians, bands, dance groups. Call The Hiddenite Center at 828-632-6966, ask for Karen Walker or Allison Houchins. www.hiddenitecenter.com
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” — Aug. 24-26, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave., judge Jenn Selby. Entry forms/information available there or contact 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 — Seeking artists and craftpersons for festival Saturday, Aug. 27, Sipe’s Orchard Home, 4431 County Home Road, Conover. The Orchard serves children through a variety of programs. Regular registration rate by Aug. 15, late registration rate by Aug. 20. Information/applications at www.sipesorchardhome.org/BloominVendor.html or 828-256-5056.
23rd annual Gold Hill Founder’s Day seeks artists/ crafters/exhibitors — Events committee of the Historic Foundation now accepting applicants for arts, crafts and expanded heritage living exhibits. Event date: Saturday, Sept. 24. www.HistoricGoldHill.com, 704-267-9439, Facebook at Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina. To request application: vivian@historicgoldhill. com or 704-279-1630, 704-267-9439.
Artists sought for Art in the Shop — Art in the Shop is 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 accepted. 828-632-0106, www.artintheshop.net, blsinclair1@bellsouth.net.
Speakers and forums
All-day writing symposium — Saturday, Aug. 27, Yadkin Cultural Arts Center campus, with writer Suzy Barile and poet Alice Osborn; $65 by Aug. 20, manuscript review also available for additional $25. Sponsors: The Yadkin Arts Council, NC Writers’ Network. Download registration form at www.yadkinarts.org, direct questions to Suzy Barile, 704-546-7900.
Art
The Carolina Artists’ “The Real Carolina Artist’s 2011 Expo” — Aug. 24-26, Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave. Artists reception 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, judge Jenn Selby; purchase awards given by Penninger Distributing Company and Salisbury Wine Shop •Paint with the Carolina Artists as teachers on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m-noon; Thursday, Aug. 25, 2-4 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m. Bring your own art supplies, any medium. Register one week before class, 704-638-5275. Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King Ave.
Pottery 101 at 101 S. Main St. — “Functional Beauty,” a show featuring works by Sylvia Coppola, Brenda Roberts, Bill Stewart, three artists who work with function in mind while adding their own perspective. Gallery hours 10 a.m-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m-6 p.m. Saturday. 704-209-1632.
Looking Glass Artist Collective, 405 N. Lee St. — Member art show “Out of the Box” at the Black Box Theater runs through mid-Aug. Participating artists: Ann Cooper, Pamela Deal, Robin Harviel, Cathy Matthews, Norma Owen. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and during special events. salisburyartists@ gmail.com
Second Saturday Art Walk — Saturday, Aug. 13: participating Salisbury/Spencer aratistes adn galleries show works of local artists. Information and hours of operation, contact the individual galleries • Sponsored by Rowan Arts Council, 704-638-9887, www.rowanartcrawl.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St.— Last weekend for “In The Details,” a variety of artist’s meticulous approaches, creating worlds in their artwork where every inch matters. Exhibition runs through Aug. 13. Free admission, donations appreciated. Gallery hours Monday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 123 E. Liberty St., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
Brick Wall Gallery, The Depot at Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave., Concord — 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 14: Art Guild reception for new “Miniature Exhibit,” art that is 8 x 10 or smaller, in any medium. On display until Sept. 30. Reception is open to everyone and is free, with soft drinks, wine for adults, appetizers.
The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord — “Making Arrangements” on display Aug. 15-Oct. 6, new group exhibition features multiple kinds of “arrangements” such as updated still lifes, multiple works from a series by the same artists, wall configurations and pedestal groupings; includes work by Syad Ahmad of Salisbury. 704-920-ARTS (2787), www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
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 — Premier American art museum with masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart among its permanent collection. House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse. org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Aug. 19-Oct. 29: Two exhibits, “Wild Fire,” Alamance County stoneware past and present and “Remember Me as You Pass By,” NC ceramic grave markers. Reception 5:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 19. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org .
Trips
Bus Trip To Bedford, Va. — 8 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17: Bus leaves Rufty-Holmes Senior Center to see D-Day Memorial, monuments, gardens, dutch-treat lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, then Poplar Forest, the summer retreat of Thomas Jefferson. $65 per person includes transportation, admission to the sites, tips.Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. 1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., 704-216-7714, www.ruftyholmes.org
“West Side Story” — $85 includes orchestra center seating for performance Tuesday, Nov. 1, and transportation from YMCA to th e Blumenthal, Charlotte. First deposit $40 due now, final deposit due Sept. 29. Contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Steps of St. Paul and the Book of Revelation Alive Cruise — November 2011, contact Barbara Franklin, J.F. Hurley YMCA, for details, 704-636-0111.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd. — Paddle boats, miniature golf, miniature trains, carousel, gem mine, playgrounds, 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. Hiking and biking on rail trail. 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 — NC’s first theme park features live shows, amusement rides, concerts, a three-mile Wild West adventure behind Tweetsie’s historic steam locomotives. 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 — Thomas the Tank Engine visits Sept. 23-25, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Tickets now on sale 866-468-7630 or www.ticketweb.com/thomas or www.nctrans.org. Tickets are $19 weekends or $17 Fridays plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply). Museum members get $2 discount on weekend tickets •Museum open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 1–5 p.m., Sunday. Train ride schedule: Monday -Saturday 11 a.m. 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday: 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Admission fee includes train ride: adults $10, seniors (60+)/Military $8, children ages 3-12 $6, children 2 and under free. Admission only rates available too. Museum hours and train ride schedules are seasonal. 704-636-2889 or 877-NCTMFUN. www.nctrans.org
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — Exhibit updated: New view of Stoneman’s Raid on Salisbury added to “When We Fought Ourselves-1861-1865,”with local emphasis. Closer scale version of the Steven Wise diorama of events that took place along Grant’s Creek. 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. — New exhibit features 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. 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 and producers from North Carolina, more than 50 major inductee exhibits. 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 and weekdays by appointment. Interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Village merchants and interpreters dressed in period costume weekends. Free admission. 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. Part of Division of State Historic Sites, Office of Archives and History,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 and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs. org
Historic Latta Plantation, Sample Road, Huntersville — 10 a.m.-4p.m., Aug. 13-14: Live history lesson: see North and South battle it out across plantation grounds, see soldier camps, tour the plantation house and grounds, see drill and weapons demonstrations, see an 1860s ladies fashion show, watch the main battle at 2 p.m. each day. Admission $8 per person, ages 5 and under free. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the preservation of the historic site. 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.com
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, — During August •get a gigantically magnified look at items through the Scanning Electron Microscope, on loan from Appalachian State University, the microscope can display an image 30,000 times its normal size. •Extended summer hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;Sunday: noon–5 p.m. 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 for adults and children age one and older, children younger than age one and Members are free. Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. discoveryplaceKIDS.org , 704-372-6261.Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages 2 and older; younger than 2 and members are free. Parking is free. 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
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, closed Tuesday. Noon–5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday. First and third Friday of the month open until 9 p.m. $5 general admission, wheelchair accessible. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — 11 a.m. -3 p.m. drop-in, free, Aug. 13 Second Saturday event: See how potters in the 1700s and 1800s used liquid, colored clay to decorate pottery. Hal and Eleanor Pugh, owners of New Salem Pottery in Randleman, will demonstrate this slip decoration technique. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900 , Facebook or ncmuseumofhistory.org
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh — Through 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.919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham — $10.85 adult; $8.85 seniors 65 plus and military personnel with ID; $7.85 children age 3-12; free for children age two and younger. Train rides additional $2.50 per person, ornithopter rides $1. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. — Museum hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults and children. 336-723-9111 or childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro, 4301 Lawndale Drive — Home of the Animal Discovery Zoological Park featuring tigers, gibbons, wallabies, meerkats, lemurs and other unique animals, as well as the new OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. 336-288-3769, www.natsci.org
Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St. — Hands-on, interactive museum for children (infancy to 10 years of age) and families designed to inspire learning through play in a fun, energetic and safe environment. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com