Scrooge’s Christmas Trolley Tour — 6:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. $20 adults, $15 children/seniors. Advance tickets at 800-332-2343, www.visitsalisburync.com or Visito’s Center, 204 E. Innes St.
Downtown Mocksville horse and buggy rides — Saturday, Dec. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 185 N. Main St./Station on Main, $7/5 and under free • Details 336-909-2263, www.historicdowntownmocksville.com
FUMC’s Fridays@First — Noon, Friday Dec. 21: Aaron Craven Jazz Trio. Free. First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., information at matthew@fumcsalisbury.org
Victorian Christmas at the Hall House — 1-4 p.m., Dec 8-23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, ticket info at 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org
Salisbury Art Station’s Holiday Open Art — Dec. 22. Drop-off your child anytime between 1-4 p.m., $15 per hour, second child discounts. Must register ahead of time at www.salisburyartstation.com, 704-754-0853. Located at the Salisbury Train Depot, 215 Depot St.
Sixth annual West Corinth Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree — Two performances • 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, • 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 23: A Christmas tradition in the Atwell township community. 110 Corinth Church Road, Mooresville, off Hwy 152 between China Grove and Mooresville. Free, open to the public, limited seating. Dean Orbison 704-433-8015.
Christmas in Swing Time with the Rowan Big Band All Stars — 7-9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30: Holiday Concert at Christ United Methodist Church Family Life Center, doors open 6:30 p.m. Love offering for Communities in Schools of Rowan. 3401 Mooresville Road.
New Year’s Eve at the Bell Tower — 11:30-12:30 p.m, Dec 31: Presbyterian Bell Tower, W. Innes St. Details 800-332-2343, visit.salisburync.com
Tickets available for OCT’s 22nd New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre — Held 7:30 p.m. in the fifth floor ballroom at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tickets are $75/person or $150 /couple by Dec. 15; After Dec. 15 $85/person or $170/couple. Includes appetizers, dinner, desert, wine, champagne toast, party favors, deejay for dancing; and the Murder Mystery. Table reservations: first reserved/first paid. Old Courthouse Theatre 704-788-2405, info@oldcourthousetheatre.org, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols at FUMC — 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols under the direction of Matthew M. Brown, accompanied by brass quintet, organ, harp, oboe, timpani. 217 S. Church St., matthew@fumcsalisbury.org, 704-636-3121, ext. 104.

‘A Tuff Shuffle – Backstage with Louis Armstrong’ — 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 28: one-man show featuring Danny Mullen (www.dannymullen.com), $10 at the door, LGAC black box theater, 405 N. Lee St., 704-633-2787, salisburyartist@gmail.com
Bon Jovi at Time Warner Cable Arena — Wednesday, March 5, Charlotte. Tickets start at $19.50. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
Eric Clapton with The Wallflowers in Raleigh — Wednesday, April 3, PNC Arena (formerly RBC Center). Tickets start at $45, on sale Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000
Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center — • KC and The Sunshine Band, Dec. 29 • Styx, Jan. 18, 2013 • Little Big Town Tornado Tour, March 2 • Celtic Woman, April 26. Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
‘One Night Of Queen’ at the Knight Theater — 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1: Premier Queen tribute band, “One Night Of Queen,” performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. Tickets start at $34.50. 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte.Tickets: 704-372-1000, www.carolinatix.org, www.blumenthalarts.org

Final four performances with Bob Paolino in ‘33 Variations’ — 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday matinee. Carolina Actors Studio, Charlotte. No late seating. CAST is located at 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 113, Charlotte. Reservations 704-455-8542, www.nccast.com
‘Wicked’ returns — Broadway’s biggest blockbuster returns to Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, March 13-31. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 7, at BlumenthalArts.org or 704-327-1000.
Old Courthouse Theatre’s Living Room Reading Series ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ — 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 27: the poignant story of Mrs. Watts, an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law. Mrs. Watts imagines that if she can get away and return to her old home in the town of Bountiful, she is sure to regain her strength, dignity and peace of mind. Free admission, 704-788-2405, OCT main theater, 49 Spring Street NW, Concord, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

Salisbury Symphony’s Big Band Bash — 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5: Salisbury Symphony’s fundraiser, featuring big band music, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, dancing. $75/ticket; free dance lessons for ticket holders. Hedrick Auditorium & Crystal Ballroom, Catawba College. 704-637-4314 or salisburysymphony.org

The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St. — • 8 p.m.-midnight, Friday, Dec 21: Customer Appreciation Christmas Party and End of the World Celebration with Gael Warning, $5 cover • 9-11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22: Americana/folk/blues with Chuck Johnson, no cover • Monday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Bash, $18/person or $30/couple, ticket-holders have guaranteed seat, doors open 8 p.m. Motel Soap plays 10 p.m.-1 a.m., some $15 SRO tickets available at 9:30 p.m. 704-797-0093, www.thebluevine.com
Cooper’s, The Gathering Place, 122 E. Fisher St. — 8-11 p.m. 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
ethos southern bistro and martini bar, 118 N. Main St. — 6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21: Jazz pianist/vocalist Marc Hoffman performs standards, ballads, originals and seasonal music • 6:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 22: Marc Hoffman. 704-639-2600, www.ethosdining.com
Fat Jack’s Pub, 120 Military Ave. — 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 — www.highrocklaker
The Inn, 1012 Mooresville Hwy 150 — Friday, Dec. 21: Heavenly Armored and Grey Light Falls • Closed Saturday, Dec. 22 • Free refreshments, air hockey, foosball, pool, wi-fi. Public invited to jam or schedule their group to perform. 704-213-1467.
Rick’s BBQ and Grill, 929 S. Main St. — 7 p.m., tonight, Dec. 20: Karaoke performance by Carol “Smiley” Tysinger and Larry Davis. 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. 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 Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., NoDa Arts District, Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 21: Natalie Royal, Charlotte Parrot, Marah: Acoustic with David Bielanko and Christine Smith • Saturday, Dec. 22: Bear Left. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.eveningmuse.com
The Double Door Inn, 1218 Charlottetown Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 21: The Pam Taylor Band End Of The World CD release party with Riyen Roots and The Family Tree Band • Saturday, Dec. 22: 39th anniversary party w/Federal Bureau of Rock & Roll. CarolinaTix, 704-372-1000, www.doubledoorinn.com
The Neighborhood Theatre, 511 East 36th St., Charlotte — • Friday, Dec. 21: Eyes of the Elders End of the World Party w/guests Nomadic. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
The Visulite, 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte — Friday, Dec. 21: Morisen Records 10 Year Anniversary Bash • Saturday, Dec. 22: Acoustic Syndicate. CarolinaTix, 704-358-9200, www.visulite.com
Stained glass classes — 6-8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 7 through Feb. 11: Six weeks of beginning class sessions, using the copper foil method, instructor Yolonda Shimpock, owner of Celestial Glasworks, 664 N.Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, 704-796-2260, www.celestialglasworks.com
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.
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.
Zumba fitness — • 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, First Baptist Church of Salisbury, old YMCA gym on Fulton St. • 6 p.m. Thursdays, $3 per person, St. Matthews Church Salisbury • J.F. Hurley Family YMCA’s aqua zumba, 10:15 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Art Classes with Patt — Adult (16+) art classes by local artist Patt Legg; studio located off Miller Road • noon-2 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays • OR 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. All classes are ongoing, 2 hrs. in length, pay as you go ($40/2 hrs.) Call for material costs, what to purchase, to sign up. 704-232-6000, 704-856-8869. See samples www.pattlegg.com/

Piedmont Singles — 7:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21: Bingo. 1908 Statesville Blvd., Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, no joining fee, donations appreciated, covered dish.

Pfeiffer University’s film appreciation series — Free monthly Friday evening film and discussion series by Pfeiffer Pfilm Society, in Pfeiffer University Theater, Administration Building, 3rd Floor, 48380 Hwy 52N, Misenheimer, 6-9 p.m., no reservation required. 704-463-3432 or pfilmsociety@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu • Jan. 11, Japanese Animation: The Girl Who Leapt through Time • Feb. 15, Romance: Casablanca • March 15, B-Movie: A Hobo with a Shotgun • April 12, Documentary: Good Hair.
Modern Film Fest at the Davis — Free screenings of independent films • Thursday, January 24, 2013, 7 p.m., The Trial. A capital case turns a small-town lawyer’s life around in this movie filmed in the Charlotte-metro area. Features Matthew Modine and Rance Howard. • Friday, February 22, 2013, 9 p.m., after Art Walk. Eyeborgs. An action thriller set in the near future filmed in the Winston-Salem area.• Thursday, March 21, 2013, 7 p.m. Short films.• Friday, April 12, 9 p.m., 2013, after Art Walk.Star Wars Uncut. Fans from around the world joined forces to create this truly different version of the popular film • Many of these films have not been rated by the MPAA. The arts council recommends that you research a film to determine whether it is appropriate for you. Information: 704-920-2787 or wwww.CabarrusArtsCouncil.org or www.modernfilmfest.com • Davis Theatre, 65 Union Street S., 704-920-2787.

PPT youth for ‘The Jack Tales’— By appointment only. Monday, Jan. 7 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time); Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 4 and 5 p.m. (25 slots per time). Call 704-633-5471. Show dates Feb. 19-March 2. Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St., 704-633-5471, www.piedmontplayers.com
Old Courthouse Youth Theatre ‘Charlotte’s Web’ — 4-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 5-6, 2013, for actors 2nd-8th grade: a full-length play adapted from the book by E.B. White. Visit OCYTNC.org for information on audition and to download audition forms and audition pack. 49 Spring St. SW, Concord. www.oldcourthousetheatre.org, youth@oldcourthousetheatre.org

Open Bluegrass jam — Bluegrass jam open to all acoustic musicians.Refreshments available, admission by donation. E.H. Montgomery General Store, Gold Hill. Every Friday night 7-9 p.m., 704-267-9439.

Disney historian George Taylor — 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 16: Disney Historian, internationally known Disney writer and pod-caster gives fascinating lecture on the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World. Free. Held at Morings Fine Art Center, 123 Sunset Ave., downtown Asheboro. Randolph Arts Guild, 336-629-0399, www.randolphartsguild.com .

Rail Walk Studios and Gallery, 409 N. Lee St. — “A Sense of Place,” a fine arts photography exhibition by Elizabeth McAdams. Photos of Salisbury, Gold Hill, Concord, Mt. Pleasant, Mocksville, Elkin. Through Jan. 26. Regular hours Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment 704-431-8964, 704-431-8964. www.railwalkgallery.com. Closed Dec. 27-29.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St. — • Art of Faiths – Religions of the World: Diversity and Tolerance, through Feb. 9. Seven contemporary artists express their personal relationships to their faiths in photographs, paintings, mixed media • Free admission, donations appreciated. 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
Local artist exhibit at SECCA — Frank Selby: Misunderstanding. Curated by Steven Matijcio. Through Feb. 10, 2013. Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, 750 Marguerite Drive, Winston-Salem. 336-725-1904, www.secca.org
Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., Charlotte — 704-337-2000, www.mintmuseum.org
Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte — $10 adults, free for members and children 5 and younger. Free on Tuesdays 5-9 p.m. 704-337-2000.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — • “Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey” on view through Jan. 13, 2013. One of the most powerful and original artists of the 20th century created a cycle of collages and watercolors based on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” • “The Armory Show: One Hundred Years Later,” celebrating 100th anniversary of the original groundbreaking New York City show. The work of American artists like George Bellows, Robert Henri and John Sloan was considered progressive, but the work of European artists like Paul Cézanne, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso and Paul Gauguin truly shocked exhibition visitors. Through June 23, 2013, will feature important works by Bellows, Henri and Sloan, along with Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, Alfred Maurer, Maurice Prendergast and others. Managing Curator Allison Slaby will present a gallery talk on the date of the Armory Show’s 100th anniversary, Feb. 17, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. reynoldahouse.org. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
The North Carolina Pottery Center, 233 E. Ave., Seagrove — Permanent exhibition: traces NC pottery from pre-historic Native American work through 21st century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 336-873-8430, www.ncpotterycenter.org

Community bus trip to Christmas City, McAdenville — Saturday, Dec. 22. Contact Brenda Cowan for details 704-633-9073.
Two trips to Obama inaugration — Hotel stay included; call Brenda Cowan, 704-633-9073.
YMCA trips to broadway shows — • Wicked, March 14, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 2 • Lion King, Sept. 1, $100 a seat, best seats $40 each to hold. Pay in full by Jan. 10 • Sign up at front desk. Buses leaves from J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, 828 W Jake Alexander Blvd. Louise Klaver, 704-636-0111, lklaver@ rowanymca.com

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.

NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer — • See www.nctrans.org 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 — Current exhibit: A collection of hand-made miniatures by Terri Correll of Mooresville Miniatures Club, through the end of 2012. 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. Wednesday-Saturday. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children. 704-762-9359, www.spencerdollandtoymuseum.com
Rowan Museum, 202 N. Main St. — “Where’s The Fire?” Exhibit honoring the history of firefighting in Rowan County; participating departments: Army Air National Guard, Rowan Fire Marshal Office, Rowan County Emergency Services, East Spencer, Woodleaf, Spencer, Bostian Heights, Mt. Mitchell, Cleveland, Faith, Ellis, South Salisbury, Franklin, Pooletown, Granite Quarry, City of Salisbury, Locke, Union, West Rowan, China Grove, Rockwell City, Rockwell Rural and Richfield/Misenheimer. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Contributions accepted. 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, perhaps best known for instructing our country’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson. Open 1-4 p.m. Saturday. $3 adults, $1.50 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com, www.rowanmuseum.org
Old Stone House (1766) Christmas Celebration, Granite Quarry — 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday,Dec. 29 and noon–4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30: 28th annual German Christmas Celebration with house decorated like pre-Revolutionary days, guides in period costumes, guests will learn and participate in crafts, musket firing, woodworking (benches, bowls, spoons), weaving, candle making, open fire cooking, music, children’s games, goats, chickens, more. $4 adults, $2 students. 704-633-5946, rowanmuseum@fibrant.com. The house is one half mile down Old Stone House Road off Highway 52 in Granite Quarry.
Dr. Josephus Hall House, 226 S. Jackson St. — Victorian Christmas at the Hall House, 1-4 p.m., Through Dec. 23: Saturday and Sunday tours of Dr. Josephus Hall House, ticket info 704-636-0103, www.historicsalisbury.org 1820 house museum, costumed docents provide tours. $3 adults, $1.50 students. For group tours, call HSF office, 704-636-0103, http://www.historicsalisbury.org/
Historic Rockwell Museum, 102 E. Main St. — Sundays 2-4 p.m., special tours and info 704-279-4979. Free.
Price of Freedom Museum, Old Patterson School building, China Grove — 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 Historical Society of South Rowan. Free. 704-433-3912. www.hist-society-srowan.com
NC Music Hall of Fame Museum, 109 West A St., Kannapolis — Honors 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, www.HistoricGoldHill. com
Reed Gold Mine historic site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, off Highway 200 near Locust — Southeastern Cabarrus County,12 miles southeast of Concord, at 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland, 704-721-4653, reed@ncdcr.gov. Panning not available until spring. Museum, visitor center, underground mine tour, operating stamp mill, free. 704-721-4653, www.nchistoricsites.org/ reed/
Gregory Creek Homestead and walking trails, 1335 Museum Road, Statesville — Statesville’s heritage site. 704-873-4734, www.iredellmuseums.org.
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). Free, open Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 704-873-5882, www.fortdobbs.org
Reynolda House Museum, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem — House, gardens and village feature public garden, dining, shopping,walking trails. 336-758-5150, reynoldahouse.org
Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville — Circa 1800 cotton plantation and living history farm with endangered breeds of historic livestock. The last remaining Catawba River Plantation open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, 5 and under free. 704-875-2312, lattaplantation.org
Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Civil War National Register Federal house circa 1815. historicrose dale.org
Discovery Place, Charlotte, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte — Winter Break Camps: Day-long camps weekdays Dec. 26–Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with supervised lunch noon-1 p.m. Full information about sessions at discoveryplace.org/events, 704-372-6261.
Discovery Place KIDS Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road — $8 adults, children age 1-13; children under age one free. Events and activities free with admission. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, discoveryplaceKIDS.org
Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte — $6 ages two and older, younger-than-two free, free parking. Event schedule at 704-372-6261, charlottenaturemuseum.org
Town Creek Indian Mound, Mount Gilead — NC’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Town Creek Mound between NC 73 and NC 731. 910-439-6802, towncreek@ncdcr.gov, www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org
Old Salem, Winston-Salem — Faithfully preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, craftsmen, historical garden and horticultural programs. $21 adults, $10 children. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org
NC Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh — • Free general admission. Charge for some concerts, films, classes, performances. 919-839-NCMA, www.ncartmuseum.org
Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh — • $5 general admission. 919-513-0946, camraleigh.org
NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh — New video series: “North Carolina, Long Story Shorts,” entertaining, educational, free. On-demand streaming video format at www.ncmuseumofhistory.org. Under “Education” link, click “Videos on Demand,” register, watch. Appropriate for all audiences. Explore more than 14,000 years of the state’s history. Free admission. 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, more. Adults and children over 1 year old: $7. 336-723-9111, childrensmuseumofws.org
Natural Science Center of Greensboro,4301 Lawndale Drive — 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+ $8. 336-574-2898, www.gcmuseum.com