Love 2 Travel With Kids

Monday, November 16, 2015

2015 National Gingerbread House Competition Dates in Asheville NC

2015 National Gingerbread Competition Dates and Times in Asheville NC

While some visit the mountains of North Carolina in autumn to enjoy the spectacular display of motley-colored leaves, visitors may find that all is not lost after the last leaf settles to the ground. The Omni Grove Park Inn is hosting its 23rd National Gingerbread House competition; visitors are invited to browse the entries November 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016 Sunday afternoons through Thursdays (9 a.m. through 9 p.m.), except holidays.

Visitors do not have to purchase overnight accommodations; however, a $10 parking fee is charged for guests who come only to view the gingerbread pieces. Half of parking fee proceeds is donated to several local non-profit charities. Those traveling in vehicles that seat more than 15 passengers should call 1-800-438-0050, ext. 1281 to make special arrangements for parking.

The gingerbread creations are made of entirely edible materials with at least 75% of the entry being gingerbread. Judging is based on appearance, creativity, difficulty, precision, and consistency of theme with age groups including child, youth, teen, and adult. Maps are available at the lobby desk; most entries are located on the main floor. A few entries will be on display at the Grove Arcade, located in downtown Asheville. See some previous entries for the competition on this YouTube video.

Those in the area might also consider touring Biltmore Estate and the NC Arboretum Light Show.

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Sunday, October 18, 2015

2015 Holiday Caravan Salisbury and Spencer Date and Time

Salisbury Spencer Holiday Caravan Christmas Parade 2015 Date and Time © Katrena

While many are making preparations for a big Thanksgiving dinner the day before the holiday, many folks in and around Rowan County, North Carolina are getting ready for and enjoying a parade. This parade is unique as the route travels down Spencer and then folks pack up and head to Salisbury to do it all again.

Christmas Parade in Spencer, NC © Katrena

The 56th annual Holiday Caravan will be Wednesday, November 25, 2015. It will begin in Spencer at 2:00 p.m. and in Salisbury at 3:00 p.m. The parade length for onlookers can vary greatly depending on the weather. I remember marching in nearly summer temperatures and also feeling like my fingers would freeze off back in my high school days at West Rowan. In my experience, the better the weather, the longer the parade.

Fun and Free Family Activities in Rowan County © Katrena

You can expect to see lots of school entries with marching bands, not only from Rowan County but some from other counties as well. A lot of dance schools will be stepping and tumbling too. Service vehicles, floats, churches, and beauty queens are sure to ride. We've seen clowns riding on unicycles and often a surprise or two. My family particularly likes to watch for the trolley, especially if Bryan is driving - he would have the "karaoke trolley" rides on Friday Nights Out some years. And of course, the go carts are always a big hit.

Free Fun Family Activities in November © Katrena

Those with entries in the parade may come by and hand out candy, so my kids always come prepared with bags. My kids tend to rate parades based on the loot collected. If the kids really want to rack up on the candy, I recommend the Cleveland Christmas parade. My kids say that one has the candy award hands down.

Christmas Parade in Salisbury, NC © Katrena

My family has always taken their chances at finding a place to enjoy and watch the parade; however, if you are interested in reserved seating, visit the Holiday Caravan page for more information.

When is the Holiday Caravan Christmas Parade © Katrena

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Start Time for Holiday Caravan Christmas Parade in Spencer and Salisbury NC © Katrena

Thanks so much for stopping by my Love 2 Travel with Kids blog - you might also want to visit my Travel NC With Kids blog if you are looking for fun things to do in North Carolina.

Christmas Parade in North Carolina Piedmont © Katrena

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Carowinds 2015 November Calendar

Carowinds November 2015 Schedule © Katrena

Looking for one more day to enjoy Carowinds? You'll have to act fast because the amusement park on the North Carolina and South Carolina borders will only be open one date in November 2015. This calendar is short and perhaps bittersweet for those who wish to ride those coasters throughout the Fall season. If you missed the boat this year, you might consider season passes for next year - the lowest prices are usually offered after the end of one season and before the new year begins.

Here is the calendar for Carowinds for November 2015:

Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 5:30 p.m.	Carowinds Closed
November 1	Carowinds closed all dates in November except November 1

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Information for this article was found on the Carowinds official web site and was correct on the date this article was published.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Carowinds 2015 October Calendar

Carowinds 2015 October Calendar © Katrena

Carowinds offers several daytime dates to enjoy the NC/SC amusement park before dark. They typically have some decorations up for SCarowinds, so you might want to steer clear of some areas if you have little ones who are easily frightened. However, the lines may be shorter as daylight hours become shorter and temperatures get cooler. Carowinds also offers some fun family-themed October activities at this time of year.

Here is the October 2015 daytime (not the nighttime SCarowinds) schedule for Carowinds:

Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 5:30 p.m.	Carowinds Closed
October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31	October 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

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Thanks for reading my Love 2 Travel With Kids article - if you are looking for the schedule for the entire year, bring-a-friend dates, and other fun family activities, check out my site map.

Information for this article was obtained from the Carowinds official web site and was correct on the date it was published.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Carowinds 2015 September Calendar

As school starts back into full swing, Carowinds cuts back on their schedule of open days, but folks can still enjoy the amusement park with perhaps some cooler temperatures and shorter lines. The hot item for the 2015 season is the giga coaster dubbed Fury 325.

Here is the 2015 September schedule for Carowinds:

Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 8 p.m.	Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 10 p.m.	Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 5:30 p.m.	Carowinds Closed
September 7, 12, 13, 20, 27	September 5, 6	September 19, 26	September 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30

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Find the entire 2015 Carowinds schedule and lots more articles at my Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Carowinds 2015 August Calendar

The Carowinds August 2015 schedule includes lots of days packed with opportunities to enjoy coasters, water rides and water park, and some air conditioned indoor shows. The Fury 325, a much anticipated giga coaster, is sure to attract lots of guests in 2015. You might find shorter lines as folks prepare to start back to the school grind in the South.

Here is the Carowinds schedule for August 2015:

Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 8 p.m.	Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 10 p.m.	Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 6 p.m.	Carowinds Closed
August 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 23, 30	August 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 22, 29	August 17, 18, 19, 20, 21	August 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31

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Find the entire Carowinds 2015 schedule and many more articles at my Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

The Carowinds schedule of dates and times was determined from the Carowinds official web site and was accurate at the time this article was published.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Carowinds 2015 July Calendar

The July 2015 Carowinds calendar is about as simple as it gets. The hours are the same on all days except one date. Those who are looking for a fun summer family activity might enjoy this amusement park that straddles the border of North Carolina and South Carolina.

If you have kids who are different heights who would be interested in different rides, it greatly helps to have two adults so that you can split the group for at least part of the time. It also helps to arrive before they open, or you may save money on one-day tickets by purchasing online or choosing to arrive after 4:00 p.m.

Here is the Carowinds schedule of dates and times for July 2015:

Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 10 p.m.	Carowinds Open @ 10 a.m. Close @ 11 p.m.
All dates in July except July 4	July 4

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Thanks so much for reading my travel blog! Visit my Love 2 Travel With Kids site map to see the entire 2015 Carowinds operating season times and dates, bring-a-friend dates and prices, and more.