4th of July Banner, 2026
Back to school hacks

11 Best Back-to-School Hacks Our Readers Swear By

Getting back into the swing of things for a new school year is no joke. It is hard. The early mornings, the bus schedule, the lunch packing, the homework, the extracurricular sports, the chalkboard first day or school photos. It can be overwhelming, which is why we turned to the most knowledgeable group of people we know to ask for tips: our readers.

Leaf peeping rentals. Fall vacation rentals in Western North Carolina

Enjoy Fall Color Change at These Incredible Fall Vacation Homes in WNC

Looking for a mountain hideaway to gather your thoughts, witness the colors of fall pour over the mountainside, or just escape reality for a day or two? The mountains of North Carolina are famous for their dramatic shows during fall when the leaves change. There’s no better way to enjoy it, than with a hot cup of coffee in your jammies at sunrise. Here’s a list of vacation rentals where you can enjoy the fall colors.

Pineville Lake Park

Stunning Pineville Lake Park Offers a Full Day of Fun

Have you visited the absolutely beautiful Pineville Lake Park in Pineville, NC? With tons of playground space, a splash pad, and lovely grounds, a lake, and scenery, this is a park you don’t want to miss. Here’s what you’ll enjoy at Pineville Lake Park.

EBT and SNAP Discount and Free Admission in North Carolina

EBT & SNAP Discounts in North Carolina: Museums, Zoos, and More!

If your family has an EBT or SNAP card in North Carolina, you’ve got access to some pretty awesome discounts at places like museums, zoos, and gardens across the state. From free admission to steeply reduced ticket prices, these programs help families explore and learn together — without stretching your budget.

Boating on Lake Norman

A Relaxing Lake Norman Boat Day with Freedom Boat Club

Want to head out on the lake but don’t have a boat? If you’re dreaming of a sunny day on the water without the stress of boat ownership, we’ve got a great tip: Freedom Boat Club at Lake Norman makes lake life super easy and family-friendly.

Review of Camp Snoopy at Carowinds plus new ride information

Our Honest Review: Camp Snoopy at Carowinds is Worth it For Younger Kids

If you’ve got a little thrill-seeker in your crew or a kiddo ready to try their very first coaster, you’re going to want to head straight to Camp Snoopy at Carowinds. This family-friendly section of the park just got even better in 2025 with two brand-new rides, and we got to try them both, multiple […]

NC Zoo

Explore the NC Zoo: A Family Guide With Visitor Tips

Have you visited the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC? The NC Zoo is a premier destination for families seeking a memorable wildlife experience. Spanning over 2,600 acres, it holds the distinction of being the largest natural habitat zoo in North America, making it a must-visit attraction for animal lovers of all ages. We visited recently and have lots to share about this fun zoo. Read on for our experience and some Kidding Around tips for visiting the NC Zoo.

Parks in Charlotte NC, Great playgrounds in Charlotte, NC

The Best Playgrounds & Parks: Charlotte, NC

Are you looking for a great playground or park in Charlotte, NC? This area has a lot of really awesome places to play and explore. In fact, some of our favorite playgrounds ANYWHERE are located in and nearby Charlotte. Check out this growing park guide and don’t forget to let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorite parks!

Cherub's Cafe in Belmont, NC

Cherub’s Cafe: A special cafe in Belmont, NC

Have you visited Cherub’s Cafe in Belmont, NC? They offer a lot more than their large menu of delicious sandwiches and salads. Eating here and supporting this cafe is special because this cafe is a product of Holy Angels and their mission to provide meaningful employment to those with differing abilities. Read on to find out what that means and about their delicious menu offerings.

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