Music & more
Atlantic Groove Band coming to Fisher Street – Gates open 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6: Final concert in the 2012 Brick Street Live concert series season. Restaurants open late, held on East Fisher Street, tickets $5 at the gate or 704-637-5363, www.brickstreetlive.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/ brickstreetlive.
The Salisbury Swing Band – 7 p.m, Friday, Sept. 7: at Rocky River Vineyards’ fifth anniversary celebration, 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland. Under the direction of Dr. Steve Etters, featuring vocalist Lonnie Carpenter. 704-637-6155 Ext. 3200, www.salisburyswingband.com
Hoffman in Ashe County – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: Composer/pianist Marc Hoffman performs at “Tickling The Ivories” concert of piano music, Ashe County Civic Center. $12/adult, $5/students, 336-846-ARTS. 962 Mt. Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, www.ashecivic.com
Jazz Vespers – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, Chapel of St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Downtown Salisbury. Featuring the Larry Draughn Music Group. Free. Partnership between St. John’s and the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society. 704-636-3431. stjohns-salisbury.org
Charlotte Folk Society Gathering – 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14: Traditional African cultural music with The Healing Force. Free. Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. www.folksociety.org
Comedy
Now Are The Foxes presents ‘Comedy Apocalypse’ – Sept. 21-22: Salisbury’s very own improv comedy troupe performs improv comedy. All shows have possibility to contain adult content. Usually rated PG-13. 402 N. Lee St., 704-798-7768.
This & That
Downtown Salisbury Kids’ Night Out – 5-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7: Free, family-friendly event. Live music, downtown ghost walk (www.SalisburyGhostWalk. com), Salisbury sculpture show (www. SalisburySculpture. com), drum circle, carriage rides, trolley rides, classic car show, kids’ activities, puppet shows at the LGAC, United Way campaign kick-off, BB&T Sunset Run 5K & Kids’ Fun Run. 704-638-3100, www.visitsalisburync. com/calendar
2012 Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze opens – Friday, Sept. 7, open weekends through Nov. 4. Seven-acre corn maze in Huntersville is two+ miles of interconnecting paths. Also: 265 acres of historic site, hayrides,corn-hole,mini-mazes, picnic areas, hiking trails, pick a pumpkin (in October). Admission $10, ages 5-12 $7, children 4 and under free. www.ruralhill.net
Paranormal Investigation – Sept. 28: Looking Glass Black Box Theatre. Join with S.R. Paranormal from Lexington, NC to investigate this haunted theatre. $25 includes paranormal workshop, light refreshments, full investigation of the facility. Reservations required, space limited. 704-798-3102 to secure a reservation.
Board gaming night launch – 5-9 p.m., beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12: NC Rowan County Anime Group and the Comic Monstore host board gaming; Last Night on Earth, Wiz-Wars, etc. Free, open to all. Comic Monstore, 813 Jake Alexander Blvd. S., 704-636-0049. Anime Group http:\ groups.yahoo.com/group/NCRowanCountyanime/rca_aratist24@yahoo.com or Facebook.
Piedmont Players Theatre membership drive – 6-8:30 p.m., Sept. 10-12: Interested volunteers to help with this season’s drive call 704-633-5471 for more details. www.PiedmontPlayers. com
Open House for TranqWool Knitting Provisions’s move to Spencer – 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: Drop in for snacks, yarn tasting, a visit with Laura from Knitting on the Beach patterns. 516 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, 704-431-4527.
Kannapolis cruise-in – 3:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 8, 704-932-3808 or Facebook
Theater
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series ‘I Hate Hamlet’ – 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9: Comedy, this reading is rated PG-13. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main theater, 49 Spring Street NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthouse theatre.org
Festivals
Saving Grace Farm music festival – 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Sept. 8: GraceFest 2012. Tickets $15 at http://savinggracefarm.com, Critters, L.A. Murph’s, Tastebuds, Thread Shed or Saving Grace Farm. Vendors, silent auction, raffles,live entertainment including Yadkin River Theory, Big Break, Crucifixed, The Piedmont Boys, Bob & Dave Acoustic, Nadirah Dance. Free desserts, beverages, wine tastings, beer. Dinner available for purchase by Richard’s Barbecue. janna@savinggracefarm.com or 704-638-2339.
Gold Hill Founder’s Day – arts, crafts, heritage living exhibitors including antique tractors, hit & miss engines, etc.Event date Saturday Sept. 22. 704-267-9439, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, email vivian@historicgoldhill.com, 704-279-1630, 704-267-9439.
Cooleemee Textile Heritage Festival – 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29: On the Zachary House grounds, featuring Old Toys and discovering Our Heritage. Live music by The Textile Heritage Band. Also: Carolina Cornbread Contest with $200 first prize; no entrance fee; preregister by Sept. 14, 294-6040 or blinky1@yadtel.net
Rowan Museum’s GermanFest – 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: By reservation only, a celebration of Rowan’s early citizens in eastern Rowan County, on the grounds the 1766 Old Stone House. An evening of German food, regional music (New Dixie Pharoahs of Charlotte), lifestyle demonstrations of the colonial period, tours of the house, grounds, cemetery. $25 adults, $15 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com. The Old Stone House, one-half mile down Stone House Road, off Hwy 52 in Granite Quarry.
Biker Blues Rally – Sept. 20-22: Second annual Tilley Harley-Davidson Biker Blues BBQ Rally and Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off. Donnie Allison, grand marshall, BBQ, live blues, 1942 H-D WLA WWII Recon Scout display, tethered hot air balloon rides weather permitting, more. www.bikerbluesbbqrally. com, 704-638-6044
Night Life
The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St.- 9 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Sept. 7: R&B/rock/blues/funk band Sonny Skyyz & The Rainmakers, $5 Cover • 9:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: Live music TBA, no cover. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. – 9 p.m.-midnight every Tuesday: Open mic night. 704-754-4907.
DJ’s, 1502 W. Innes St. – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Live music. 704-638-9647, www.DJsRestaurant.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. – Friday Sept. 7, Saturday Sept. 8: Open jukebox, come enjoy your favorite songs for free. 704-638-8996.
The Fuel Depot Bar and Grill, 2168 Statesville Blvd. – • Tuesday, Open Mic • Wednesday, World Tavern Poker • Thursday, 8 ball tournament, deejay/ karaoke with Cherokee • Friday jam session with Monkey Wrench (free).
High Rock Boat & Ski Club, 257 Boat Club Lane – 8 p.m. until, Friday Sept. 7: Open jukebox, beach, country, rock & roll • 9 p.m. until, Saturday Sept. 8: Locked & Loaded Band. www.highrocklakerestaurant.com
Two nights of music at The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 – • 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 7: Arms of Mercy and Vital Cadence • 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: Elijahs Rain and Grace Abounds. Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467, inntheloop. blogspot.com
The Loft at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. – Friday, Sept. 7: J.R. Byrd. Doors open 9 p.m., for 18+. www.reverbnation.com/ venue/theloftbenchwarmers
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. – • Beach night karaoke and Bike Night 7-9 p.m. Mondays • Cruise-in 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays • Karaoke 7-close Friday-Saturdays. 704-642-0050.
Spencer Buffet, 1205 N. Salisbury Ave., Spencer – 6 p.m., Wednesdays: karaoke. 704-633-1200.
Tamarac Marina, Bringle Ferry Road – “Karaoke on the Lake” 6-9 p.m. Mondays on the patio, full menu available, nightly specials. 704 636-1918.
E.H. Montgomery General Store – Friday Night Bluegrass Jam 7-9 p.m.: Open jam for all acoustic musicians. Historic Village of Gold Hill, www.HistoricGoldHill. com, Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, 704-267-9439.
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte – Friday, Sept. 7: Leadville Social Club with Sy Arden • Saturday, Sept. 8: Pete Anderson with Mike Strauss Trio. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn. com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte – Friday, Sept. 7: Media Blackout featuring Eyes Of The Elders w/ BPL & Unknown Users • Saturday, Sept. 8: Incognito Mosquito. www.neighborhoodtheatre. com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte – Saturday, Sept. 8: School Of Rock, charlotte. schoolofrock.com. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Fundraisers
Center for the Environment – “Sundown on Easy Street,” 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14: Farm-fresh foods, live music by No 9 Coal, Eric & the DiMarzios at F&M Bank Trolley Barn. $45 each, $320 table sponsor (eight tickets at $40 per person). 704-637-4791, www.centerfortheenvironment.org
Dress up for Sasha’s Birthday Party – 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: annual fundraiser event for Faithful Friends no-kill animal sanctuary; games, contests, prizes, fun. Volunteers on hand with adoptable kittens and puppies. Free snacks, cookies, punch, birthday cake for Sasha. Bring cat or dog food for Faithful Friends and receive a free gift from Sasha. New this year: Come dressed as your favorite animal for a chance to win $50 gift certificate from Stitchin Post. www.spgifts.com or 704-636-4121.
Pflag’s 2012 Autumn Soirée – 6-10 p.m., Sept. 15: to benefit thescholarship foundation, co-sponsored by Food Lion, Looking Glass Artist Collective, at 405 N. Lee St.
Pop ‘n Jazz Concert and silent auction – 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: presented by Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society, Looking Glass Artist Center’s black box theater. .
Dawson’s Chiari 5K and Fun Run – 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: Kannapolis Middle School, $25 for 5K; $15 for Fun Run. To fund the surgical procedure for Dawson Parker Stegall, victim of Chiari, a brain abnormality. www.facebook.com/#!/HelpDawson
Classes
‘Life Out Loud’ – Book study and life coaching opportunity, part of the Looking Glass Artists Center Art of Living series; $20. To register call Michelle Jamison 704-433-1626.
Belly Dancing – Mondays – Sarah’s Treehouse upstairs, 506 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Wednesdays – Artemesia Artworks & Yoga Studio, 323 W. Harrison St., Salisbury. Full schedule at www.KalimaTribal.com or KalimaTribal@carolina.rr.com
Robert Crum art classes at Morgan Ridge – • Introduction to Mosaics: Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $160 • Mosaic Sidewalk Carpet, Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $180 • Plein Air Painting, Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $120. Description, registration at 704-310-0382, crum@robertcrumfineart.com, www.robertcrumfineart.com, www.facebook/robertcrum.com
Discovering Your Inner Wisdom Thru SoulCollage® – 1-5 p.m., Oct. 6: a playful way of accessing your inner wisdom through a simple process of cutting and pasting images from magazines. $55 includes all materials and light refreshments. Campbell Farm, China Grove. Preregister with Karen P. Campbell, seeds4change.karen@gmail.com, 704-857-7503. Register by Sept. 14 to save $5.
Bring-your-own-vase floral design – 2-3 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Designing fresh cut flowers, $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.
Fall adult classes at Pottery 101 – Weekly sessions through Oct. 24. 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday or 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday. $200 includes #25 bag of clay and 5 additional hours of studio time. Register at Pottery 101, 704-209-1632, pottery101nc@gmail.com, www.pottery-101.com
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer – 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: “My Dolly” hand made card making class: Complete six handmade cards in one two-hour workshop session. All supplies provided. $16, payable on arrival, includes museum tour. Instructor Daphne Houghton. Limited spaces, advance registration required: 704-762-9359.
Mind aerobics art class – 2-4 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, taught by artist Robert Toth: An introduction to drawing, pastel and sculpture. $10 per two-hour session. Rufty Holmes Senior Center, call 704-279-9301.
Floral Galleries fall open house – Saturday, Sept. 8: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Piedmont Floral Galleries, 280 Furniture Drive, 704-636-7739.
Creative Art Experiences for ages 5-18 – Art Lessons for children in your home, after school, evenings, weekends with Ingrid A. Erickson, K-12 Certified Art Educator and Artist. 413-884-4499 for appointment. Studio at Rail Walk Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. Email: ingridaerickson@yahoo.com with questions. Rail Walk Gallery, 409-413 North Lee St.
Shag dance classes – Mondays at Benchwarmers, 113 E. Fisher St. • Beginner 6:30 p.m. • Beginner II 7:15 p.m. • Intermediate/Advanced 8:15 p.m. $10/ person, no partner needed. Contact Tobitha at 704-202-9655 or Diane Harrington at 704-279-6168.
Zumba fitness – • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury in old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church in Salisbury • 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Christ United Methodist Church, Hwy 150, o2bamom@att.net for details • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, contact Gail Poulton, 704-633-9222, gailpoulton@bellsouth.net
Card Making at the Y – 6-8 p.m. every other Thursday, next class 6-8 p.m., Sept. 6. supplies included. J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd., 704-636-0111.
Film
Outreach and a movie – 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8: Iredell Choral Society and Horizon Church’s community outreach day and movie night, 316 Signal Hill Drive. Car wash, live music by local bands, dance presentations, face painting, bingo, food and craft vendors. 5 p.m.: screening of “Joyful Noise” (PG-13). Free admission, charge for some games and activities and the movie. www.iredellchoralsociety.webs.com or www.horizonchurch.net
Modern Film Fest at the Davis – Free screenings of independent films • Friday, September 7, 9 p.m., after Art Walk. “Wild Target,” a hitman whose attempt to retire may be thwarted by a beautiful thief. Rupert Grint, Emily Blount, Bill Nighy.
Auditions
Outreach Ministries’ ‘Dear Lord Gospel Stage Play’ – Actors, actresses and singers, bring a prepared song or monologue, headshot, acting resume. Only serious actors and actresses need apply. Auditions 1:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at Outreach Christian Ministries, 722 W. Horah St. contact Cassandra at 704-213-0423 or joshcc@aol.com
The Concert Choir – 7:30 p.m. Mondays: 36th season rehearsals for Mozart’s Requiem Mass; past and current singers invited. New singers require quick, informal audition to determine vocal range and section. St. John’s choir room. Dean Orbison 704-433-8015, Dave Redden 336-918-2111.
Concord Choral Academy – Now scheduling auditions/vocal placement interviews for children and youth (ages 7-20) to participate in three age-based choirs. Gary Shive, 704-786-7447 for more information. No preparation necessary. Cabarrus/Rowan County youth welcome. Choirs meet weekly at Calvary Lutheran Church, 950 Bradley St., Concord. Fall rehearsals begin Sept. 4. New singers accepted through the September. www.choralacademy.org
Lee Street Theatre’s ‘The Complete History of America (abridged)’ – 7 p.m., Sept. 17-18: three multitalented performers needed, of any age,race, genderAbility to play a musical instrument a plus.Any improv/vaudeville/circus skills a plus. Performance dates Nov. 7-10. Looking Glass Artist Center, 405 N. Lee St., info@leestreet.org
Hot Flash Players Performing Arts Company ‘Nunsense’ – 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10: be prepared to sing and read from the script. Show dates Nov. 1-4 and 8-10. Auditions at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parrish Hall, S. Main St., Lexington. 336-249-8618 for information and directions.
Old Courthouse Theatre ‘Ballyhoo’ – 7-9 p.m., Sept. 24-25: Auditions consist of cold read from the script. Seven actors and actresses needed. Show dates begin Nov. 2. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. 704-788-2405, www. oldcourthousetheatre.org
Call for cornbread
Cooleemee’s Carolina Cornbread Contest – Saturday, Sept. 29 during Textile Heritage Festival. No entrance fee, but call or email for form, return it by Friday, Sept. 14. Cash prizes. To register, call 294-6040 or email CHA at blinky1@yadtel.net
Call for submissions
Poetry, short stories, art, photography – Submissions accepted for Muse & Spirit, the tri-annual publication of The Center for Faith & the Arts. Written entries must be typed; submit original work or high quality digital image; for material to be returned, send addressed envelope with sufficient postage; format work as you want it printed. If submission has been published previously, send information so that credit can be published. Submit through e-mail or mail. Deadline for the October issue Sept. 15. Rolling submissions accepted for future issues. 704-647-0999, faithart@bellsouth.net
Writers and artists – Salisbury Writers and Artists Guild, Inc. (SWAG) accepting submissions for upcoming six-day Writers and Artists Festival, and Tabula Rasa, print and virtual literary arts anthology. Authors, teachers, performers, musicians, students, artists may submit poetry, memoir, fiction, nonfiction, photography, 10 minute plays, film by Nov. 1. Housed at Literary Bookpost, downtown Salisbury, www.SWAGNC.org
Call for vendors
Gold Hill Founder’s Day call for artists/crafters/exhibitors – Still accepting applicants for arts, crafts, heritage living exhibitors including antique tractors, hit & miss engines, etc. Event date Sept. 22. Facebook: Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina, email vivian@historicgoldhill.com, 704-279-1630, 704-267-9439.
Call for singers
Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society – 102nd season, rehearsals begin 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11. Non-audition choir open to singers age 16+, currently under the direction of Matthew Newton. SRCS presents three concerts plus small ensemble groups, soloists. Coburn Memorial UMC, 901 S. Church St., 919-812-0742 or www.Facebook.com/Salisbury. Rowan.Choral.Society
The Piedmont Choral Society – New members needed for 2012-2013 season: Old Fashioned Hymn Sing early November plus two presentations of portions of “Messiah,” along with traditional carols, early December. Monday rehearsals 7-8:30 p.m. begin Sept. 10 at Forest Hill UMC, 265 Union St. N., Concord. Previous voice training not required. 704-699-6053, kayy2000@gmail.com
Call for musicians
Piedmont Prime Time Community Band – Accepting new members through September for fall season. Needed: flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, percussion. Must be able to read music and attend rehearsals.Rehearsals 7-8:45 p.m. Thursdays, family life center of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, 2204 Summit Ave, Kannapolis. Jon Hutchinson, 704-425-3508, www.primetimeband. org
E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill – Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, Admission by donation. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.
Speakers and forums
Rowan History Club – 7 p.m., Sept. 11: “Before They Were Heroes at Kings Mountain” by noted Daniel Boone author, Randell Jones. Presented by Rowan History Club in roundtable format followed by Q and A. Free. Rowan Museum Messinger Room, 202 N. Main St., 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.rr.com
Focused Classics in Context Series – Sunday, Sept. 9, 12:30 p.m.: “Whose Fault Is It Anyway: Character and Causality in Romeo and Juliet,” by Dr. Bethany Sinnott, Catawba College (retired). Performance follows at 2 p.m., High Point Theatre Main Gallery. Catawba’s Dr. Bethany Sinnott, leads a NC Shakespeare Festival’s popular Classics in Context lecture series in conjunction with the company’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Talks typically take place before a scheduled performance of Romeo and Juliet.
Paula White at the Event Center – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19: Overcoming tragedy and finding restoration through Christ. Free. The Event Center, 315 Webb Road, 704-855-1218, www. theeventcenter.net
Home & garden
Emergency Prep: ‘Eatin’ High on the Hog When the Power Goes Out’ – Members of The Historical Cooking Guild of the Catawba Valley show how historical cooking methods can be utilized in modern emergencies. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, at the President James K. Polk Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. $20, advance registration & payment required, 18 years+. Register at thebulldoggess@yahoo.com
Art
Exhibition at The Galleries, 65 Union Street S., Concord – Through Oct. 4: “High 5: Fifth Anniversary Exhibition” features the return of 50 artists to The Galleries. Free. 704-920-2787, www.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org
Reunion exhibit held over at Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409-413 N. Lee St. – Through Sept. 29: Reunion Exhibit of artwork by current and former Rail Walk Artists. Gallery also returns to normal hours of Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 704-431-8964, www.railwalkgallery.com
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. – Artist lectures/demonstrations • Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Printmaking 101, Introduction to Original Printmaking; exhibiting artist and printmaker John D. Gall on basic printmaking methods, techniques.$5 members, $10 non-members • Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Journey of Printmaking, master printmaker and exhibiting artist David Faber on printmaking. $5 members, $10 non-members • Register at 704-636-1882. • Free museum admission. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m-7 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 704-636-1882, www.waterworks.org
UNC-Charlotte Center City’s Projective Eye Gallery – “E Pluribus Unum” on display through Nov. 1. Opening reception for the public 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15, UNC Charlotte Center City, 9201 University City Blvd., 704-687-8622.
Trips
Three days in Pigeon Forge – Motorcoach leaves from Davie County Senior Services, Mocksville, Nov. 13, returns Nov. 15. Attend Dixie Stampede, Country Tonight, Blackwood Bros. Breakfast Show, Titanic Museum. Reservations/info 336-753-6230.
Parks
Dan Nicholas Park, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road – 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 – Historic tours available by appointment: 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill.com
Gold Hill Rail Trail – Hiking, biking trail begins at Gold Hill Mines Historic Park, continues into Cabarrus County. 704-267-9439.
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 – Sept. 8-9: Railroad Heritage Weekend: experience history of steam locomotives and tour famous Tweetsie Railroad Train Shop, where steam locomotives from across the nation are repaired and restored. Cherokee dance and craft demonstrations on Saturday. NC’s first theme park features live shows, amusement rides, concerts, a three-mile Wild West steam locomotive adventure. Tweetsie.com, 877-893-3874.
Museums
N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer – • Tickets on sale for 2012 Autumn Train Excursions, Nov. 3: Appomattox, Va.; Nov. 4: Toccoa, Ga. • See www.nctrans.org for details, also for train ride schedule and admission information with and without train rides. 704-636-2889, 877-NCTMFUN, www.nctrans.org
Spencer Doll and Toy Museum, 108 4th St., Spencer – Museum features antique, vintage, modern collectible dolls, antique, vintage toys, train set, model tractor trailers, John Deere vehicles. Just steps from the NC Transportation Museum • 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. – Ends Sept. 16: Exhibit honoring life and service of Salisbury’s Elizabeth Hanford Dole: “Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Home town girl, public servant, world citizen.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Utzman-Chambers House, 116 S. Jackson St. – Artifacts of the late Honorable Spruce Macay (1755-1808), lawyer and Superior Court judge. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Old Stone House, Granite Quarry – Two-story Georgian stone house completed in 1766. Located on Old Stone House Road in Granite Quarry. 1-4 Saturday, Sunday, $3 for adults and $1.50 for students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum. org
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. – 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103.
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. – Special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free. Sundays 2-4 p.m. and by appointment.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove – Coming: Remembrance of 9/11: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, “Memories of Yesteryear,” bring restored farm equipment, vehicles to display, local groups present gospel and bluegrass, backyard barbecue sponsored by We Care Ministry of Oak Grove Baptist Church, China Grove. Call Bob Mault for details. Sundays 3-5 p.m. and by appointment. American war memorial dedicated to men and women of the armed services. Free. Intersection of Weaver and Patterson Roads, 704-857-7474, www.priceoffreedom.us
China Grove Roller Mill Museum – Guided tours 2-4 p.m. second Sundays.Operated by China Grove Historical Society 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., Kannapolis – Oct. 11: Most exclusive event of the year – 2012 Induction Ceremony, held at Gibson Mill Vintage Motor Club Events & Conference Center, 325 McGill Ave., Concord. $80 includes 6 p.m. cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment by inductees. 704-934-2320. Museum info: Honoring musicians, singers, songwriters and producers from North Carolina. In the renovated old Kannapolis Jailhouse Building. 10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, admission free. 704-934-2320, www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org
Historic Gold Hill,NC/Gold Hill Mines Historic Park – 19th century living history interpretative displays reflect life in the 1800s gold mining boom town. Free. 704-279-5674, 704-267-9439, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte – Beginning Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 fall hours take effect • Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Saturday: 1 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sunday: noon-5 p.m. 704-372-6261, www.discoveryplace.org
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road – $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Summer event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
One-time program at Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte – 5-9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15: Public operations temporarily suspended except for this one-time event; admission free, $5 fee for special tour of historic Hezekiah Alexander house. Public operations temporarily suspended while working toward a new operating model for the historic home and grounds. See www.charlottemuseum.org or write info@charlottemuseum.org 704-568-1774, www.charlottemuseum.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem – Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, award-winning historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh – • Rhythms of the Heart: The Illustration of Ashley Bryan through Aug. 19 • John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, ongoing • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh – • José Lerma The Credentialist, Through Sept. 2 • $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh – Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Admission free. Across from the State Capitol. 919-807-7900, ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh -Four floors of live animals, hands-on activities, programs: look at the natural world through NC’s geography, prehistoric past, geology, plants, animals. Free general admission, cover charge for special exhibits and 3D Theater. 919-733-7450, www.naturalsciences.org
NC Museum of Life and Science, 433 Murray Ave., Durham – Indoors: Sit inside a real Apollo Space Capsule, explore a full-scale Lunar Lander, touch a 13-foot tornado, see 75+ animal species of Carolina wildlife • Outdoors: Explore the Wild, a 6-acre outdoor science center expansion linking people with plants, animals, interactive exhibits. $14 adults, $10 children ages 3-12. Train and bungee rides small add’l cost. 919-220-5429, www.ncmls.org
Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. – Climbing Lobby, Amazing Library, Build it!, Surprise Garden, The Enchanted Forest, Animal Alphabet, Amazing Airways, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Factory, Food Lion Supermarket. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive – A hands-on science museum, animal discovery zoological park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater, NC’s only 40 foot digital dome experience. General admission includes admission to the Museum and Animal Discovery. $8 adults $8, $7 children ages 3-13. 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. Adults $8/ Children 12 months and older $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com
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