Plan a Staycation: SOUTHEND

Unfortunately the weather this weekend is not looking too promising.  They are calling for thunderstorms all weekend so you may just want to rent some movies, have a floor picnic, and not go a place.  If you are up for a rainy adventure though, here is a plan for visiting the Southend area.  Make sure to bookmark these "staycation" pages so you can quickly reference them this summer.

• SOUTHEND

Southend is a great little area right outside of downtown.  The light rail runs right along this part of town so you can always park and ride to make things a little more interesting.

• Where to park
• There is plenty of public (free) parking in this area.  

• Where to eat
• Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop (1930 Camden Rd.) 
• Owen's Bagel Shop (2041 South Blvd)
• Rudino's Pizza (2000 South Blvd. Ste. 300)
• Luna's Living Market (2102 South Blvd.)
• Five Guys (2201 South Blvd)
• Noodles and Co. (2201 South Blvd)
• Common Market (1515 South Tryon St.)
• Phat Burrito (1537 Camden Rd.)

• What to see/do

The must stop on this staycation is the Atherton Market!  Its a great farmer's market with fresh produce, meats, vegetables, and plenty of local vendors.  There is also art and jewelry.  The market is open on Saturdays from 9-2 so you could stop in here first and then walk to one of the places listed above for lunch.  Luna's Living Market has been getting rave reviews for it's healthy but delicious food.  They have vegan and vegetarian selections as well as take-home treats.  Common Market is another great spot for sandwiches or their BOB Award-winning pimento cheese!  Big Ben Pub also relocated here to a great spot right next to the light rail tracks.  

After lunch you can take the kids for ice cream at long-time Charlotte staple, Mr. K's (open Sat. 10-4) located at 2107 South Blvd.  If you are looking for more hands-on activities check out these events:

• Lowes Build and Grow Clinics
• Offered at several locations but why not check out the store at 217 Iverson Way while in the Southend area.  Click on the link for sign-up information and clinic dates.
• Charlotte Art League
• Located at 1517 Camden Rd., this community art center is hosting Spring Fling Family Art Day this Saturday, May 14th.  Parents and kids can rotate through stations making take-home art projects.  Best part...its FREE!  Visit their website to sign up.

Plan a Staycation: DOWNTOWN

Last weekend we had our own mini-staycation.  It was great to do things around our own city and then be able to come home to our house instead of a hotel.  Even better was that there was no long drive or expensive flight, no packing, no meltdowns, and no bad airport food involved.  I encourage all of you to try it...plan a day to just hang out in a different part of the city than you usually would.  Go out to eat somewhere new or find a cool place for a picnic, whatever your budget allows.  Spend the day seeing our city in a new light and enjoying it like a tourist would.  May sound cheesy but I swear you will really appreciate the city we live in even more.  Each week I will feature an area of town and some things in which your family can do and see.

• DOWNTOWN

Charlotte is finally starting to see some life downtown when the work week is over.  Find a place to park and just get out and walk around.  You may catch a magic show or live music on the sidewalk.

• Where to park:
• Discovery Place parking garage
• Public pay lots
• Or, take the light rail and avoid the hassles of driving
• Where to eat:
• Newk's on 101 N. Tryon
• Panera on 8152 S. Tryon
• Villa Fransesca on 321 N. Caldwell St.
• Fuel Pizza on 500 S. College St
• Pinky's Westside Grill 1600 W. Morehead (not within walking distance)
• Burger Co. 1500 W. Morehead (not within walking distance)
• Nix Burger and Brew on 201 N. Tryon
• Chickadee's Cafe on 1617 Elizabeth Ave (not in walking distance)
• Basil Thai on 210 N. Church St.

There are plenty of options for eating from fast food to a nice restaurant depending what mood you, and your children, are in!

• What to see and do:
• The Firebird sculpture in front of the Bechtler Museum on 420 S. Tryon St. (free)
• The Green at 400 S. Tryon St. (free)
• Imagnion 300 E. 7th St. (free)
• Public library on 310 N. Tryon St.
• EpiCentre on 210 E. Trade St.
• Panther's Stadium
• Discovery Place (admission costs)
• Blumenthal (for list of performances click, here)
• Mint Museum (uptown)
• Bechtler Museum
• Imaginon
• Nascar Hall of Fame