Happy Thanksgiving...

Brrrr...holiday season is now upon us, and it definitely feels like it outside. We hope you get to spend some blessed time with your family and/or friends this week. We are, as always, very thankful for your readership. There are sure to be LOTS of holiday activities happening over the next few weeks, and I'd love to hear about them all! Shoot me an email to queencitybuzz@gmail.com with the details of any events...getting ready to be busy, busy, busy in The QC!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, November 25

• Head to Founders Hall and welcome the Leonard Bearstein Symphony. The shows begin this morning at 10am, and go through December 27th. More info...
• Don't miss Nature Detectives - Animal Tracking this afternoon at 1:30 at the Latta Plantation Nature Center. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics More info...

Tuesday, November 26

• Lots of FREE Library Storytimes today at the area public libraries. More info...
• Head to the Mountatin Island library at 4:30pm for their Mountain Island Kids' Book Club. Today they will discuss The Mouse and The Motorcycle. More info...
• Don't want to cook for Thanksgiving? Check out Open Table to decide where to make a reservation for your family. More info...

Wednesday, November 27

• Imaginon offers a special place for Letters to Santa with stationary and a special mailbox. Available through December 22nd. More info.... They'll also offer a Letter to Soldiers box for all ages. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday - Thankful for Family with special activities at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Naomi Drennan Rec Center hosts their So Thankful "Thanksgiving Brunch" today 12-2pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Indiana Pacers More info...

Thursday, November 28 - Happy Thanksgiving!!

• Run off your turkey dinner before you even eat it at the Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot this morning. More info...
• Or lace up your shoes for the Running to Rescue 5K this morning in Davidson. More info...
• Bundle up (seriously, it's going to be COLD) for the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade stepping off this morning at 9:30am in uptown Charlotte. More info...
• The Buzz will be spending time with family today, but if you're up for scoring some shopping deals, here's what's open. More info...

Friday, November 29

• Get out and get some fresh air today at Plantation Christmas at Latta Plantation. Today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm. More info...
• The Santa Train kicks off this morning at the NC Transportation Museum. Weekends through December 22nd. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Gratitude Hikes  today at 10am and 2:30pm. More info...
• Learn all about Creatures of the Dark this morning at 11am at the Schiele Museum. More info...
• WBT Holiday on Ice is open through January 5th. Days and times of operation vary. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts their Walk Off the Turkey Hike this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• The Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Miracle on 34th Street. Shows continue through December 22nd. More info...
• Speedway Christmas continues and is open evenings, 6-10pm through December 30th. Tonight and tomorrow night there will be a special screening of Polar Express More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Milwaukee Bucks More info...

Saturday, November 30

• Don't miss Cotton: Bolls, Bales, Batts and Beyond today at Historic Brattonsville. 10am-4pm. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Vegetable Stamping with special activities today at 11am and 2pm.  More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Falling Leaves Mobile . More info...
• Head to Cornelius for the 6th annual 'Tawba Walk Music & Arts Festival today, 2-8pm. More info...
• Enjoy Cookies and Cocoa with Santa  beginning this evening at the NC Transportation Museum. More info...
• Matthews Ballet presents The Nutcracker with shows this weekend and next at Matthews Community Center. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Milwaukee Admirals More info...

Sunday, December 1

• Don't miss Grinch Day at Barnes & Noble - Morrison this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• The Schiele Museum presents Bear Tales & Other Grizzly Stories this afternoon at 1:30pm in their planetarium. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids this afternoon at 2pm to meet their Elf on the Shelf and write a letter to Santa. More info...
• The Charlotte Youth Ballet Dances The Nutcracker this afternoon at 3pm at Barnes & Noble - Arboretum. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts a Fitness Hike this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Milwaukee Admirals More info...

Save the Date:
December 2-26: Christmas Town USA More info...
December 4-7: Santa's Bag More info...
December 5-8: ChristmasVille More info...
December 7: ECW Annual Christmas Bazaar More info...
December 7: Breakfast with Santa More info...
December 7: Santa's Workshop More info...
December 7: Hometown Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting More info...
December 26: Schiele Science Show More info...
January 4: Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run More info...
April 25- June 1, 2014: Van Gogh Alive More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

It's On Y'all...

The Christmas Countdown that is. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY., at least one of my children asks "How many days until Christmas". I could answer in the thousands, and they'd still ask every day. We've already visited Santa at the mall. Last night we had dinner at Piedmont Row and marveled that all of the lights were up...wreaths, the center tree, the big tree in the Piedmont Natural Gas building. Today my four year old boy looked longingly at all of the ENORMOUS Christmas inflatables in Wal-Mart, and Christmas tree lots are starting to take shape on every corner! It's coming y'all...and fast...38, 37, 36, 35, 34...

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, November 18

• The Southern Christmas Show continues all this week at The Park Expo. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Budding Adventures this morning at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Cornelius Arts Center this week (Monday-Friday), 11am-1pm for their Fall Art Festival with Thanksgiving and Fall-themed crafts.More info...

Tuesday, November 19

• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to Winghaven Gardens for Furry Friends this morning, 10-11am. Please register. More info...
• Elementary age students are invited to the Steel Creek library this afternoon at 3pm for School-Age Stories: Let's Talk Turkey! More info...
• Tonight (and every Tuesday through December 17) head to Carolina Place Mall for their Pajama Party with Santa beginning at 6pm. More info...

Wednesday, November 20

• Imaginon offers a special place for Letters to Santa with stationary and a special mailbox. Available through December 22nd. More info.... They'll also offer a Letter to Soldiers box for all ages. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday - Thankful for Friends with special activities at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Today is a Homeschool Wednesday at the Museum of York County. The month's theme is Track It! 1-3pm. More info...
• Homeschoolers are also invited to the University City library at 1:30pm for Afternoon Adventures: Homeschool Rocks! More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Brooklyn Nets More info...

Thursday, November 21

• The McDowell Nature Center hosts a Homeschool Special: Sustainability today, 9am-2pm. Registration required. More info...
• Don't miss A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving today at the Tom Sykes Rec Center at 5:30pm. More info...
• Head to The Metropolitan for Lights Up! A Holiday Event, 6-8pm. More info...
• The Matthews Concert Band presents a FREE concert tonight at 7:30 at Fullwood Theater. More info...

Friday, November 22

• Head to Barnes & Noble at Morrison for Discovery Friday More info..., a special If You Give a Mouse a Cookie reading at 10am, More info..., and Storytime: The Day The Crayons Quit at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss Tigers, Pirates, and Princesses, Oh My! this morning at 11am at Barnes & Noble Arboretum.More info...
• The FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at Symphony Park is this evening beginning at 5pm. Tree will be lit at 7pm, and then a screen of Elf will be presented. More info...
• Barnes & Noble Arboretum hosts How Well Do You Know Harry? a Harry Potter trivia event today at 5pm. More info...
• WBT Holiday on Ice opens this afternoon at 5pm, and is open through January 5th. Days and times of operation vary. More info...
• Head to downtown Concord for the 15th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony complete with fireworks. The fun begins at 5:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the 5th Annual Miracle on Piedmont Row this evening 6-9pm. Lots of FREE fun for the whole family. More info...
• Barnes & Noble - Morrison hosts a special reading of Elf on the Shelf this evening at 7pm. More info...
• The Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Miracle on 34th Street. Shows begin tonight, and continue through December 22nd. More info...
• Lace up your shoes for the Eggnog Jog 5K this evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway under their Speedway Christmas lights. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Phoenix Suns More info...

Saturday, November 23

• Lace up your shoes for the Charlotte Checkers 5K & Fun Run this morning in uptown Charlotte. More info...
• Carolina Place Mall hosts the Corvette Angels Toy Drive and Car Show this morning at 8am. More info...
• This is the last weekend to experience the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Through Sunday. More info... 
• Today is Backcountry Harvest Day at the Schiele Museum. 10am-4pm. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Turkey Treats with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm.  More info...
• Don't miss the Elf on the Shelf Storytime and Adoption Event this morning at 11am at Barnes & Noble - Arboretum. More info...
• Imaginon is the place to be for the Charlotte Symphony Guild's Musical Petting Zoo today 11am-12:30pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Silly Turkey Hat . More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center to learn more about Family Outdoor Cooking today at 11am. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Paper Making this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Cornelius Food Truck Invitational this afternoon and evening. 3-8pm. More info...
• There's a family friendly comedy show featuring The Chuckleheads tonight at 6pm at The Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius. More info...
• Speedway Christmas begins this evening and is open evenings, 6-10pm through December 30th. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Rockford IceHogs More info...

Sunday, November 24

• Barnes & Noble Arboretum hosts Chanukah Storytime this morning at 11am. More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center today at 2pm for Give Thanks for the Birds. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Rockford IceHogs More info...

Save the Date:
November 25-December 27: Leonard Bearstein Symphony More info...
November 28: Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot More info...
November 29-December 22: A Railroad Christmas More info...
December 4-7: Santa's Bag More info...
December 7: ECW Annual Christmas Bazaar More info...
December 7: Breakfast with Santa More info...
April 25- June 1, 2014: Van Gogh Alive More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Mom To Mom Consign & a GIVEAWAY from Charlotte Warehouse Sale

I'm so excited to share about a new iPhone app that I have recently launched with my business partner and friend, Leigh Humphrey. The new Mom To Mom Consign app is available to download FREE in the Apple App Store. Mom To Mom Consign is a super easy way to buy or sell gently used children's clothing, toys, and gear, maternity-wear and more. The best part is that it can all be done right from your iPhone! The app is also compatible with the iPad and iPod Touch. We hope you'll take a look and do some shopping and selling...what an easy solution for holiday shopping for all the children in your life, or an easy way to make a little extra holiday cash (or BOTH). We're also on Facebook and Twitter, so follow us there to get the latest info about Mom To Mom Consign.

Find a little more info HERE

And if it's shopping for yourself you prefer (and who doesn't love an excuse for that), The Charlotte Warehouse Sale returns this week for their Fall & Winter event at The Shoppes at Davis Lake. The sale opens Thursday morning and goes through Saturday. The BEST part? Charlotte Warehouse Sale is giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky QCB reader!! Head to our Facebook Page, and enter by 9am Wednesday!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, November 11 - Veteran's Day

• CMS Schools are Out
• The Naomi Drenan Rec Center hosts a Veterans Day Celebration today 10am-12pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Parent & Tot Meet and Greet at Ray's Splash Planet today 10am-3pm. More info...
• The Mountain Island Library hosts a screening of Oz, The Great & Powerful this morning at 10:30am. More info..., and the Plaza Midwood library will show Black Beauty this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Celebrate Native American Heritage Month this afternoon at 1pm at the West Boulevard library. More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Nature Detectives: Vertebrate Investigations at 1:30pm.  More info...

Tuesday, November 12

• Independence library hosts Family Storytime: For Me, For You, For Later this morning at 10:30pm. More info...
• Ages 5 to 7 are invited to Winghaven Gardens for Autumn Art this afternoon, 3:30-4:30. Please register. More info...
• Today is a FREE Tuesday by Duke Energy at the Schiele Museum, 4-8pm. More info... 
• Elementary ages are invited to the Matthews library at 4pm for Story Explorers: Book Nuts. More info...

Wednesday, November 13

• Santa's Wonderland has opened at Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills through December 24th. Lots of family friendly and FREE activities. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday - Thankful for Community Members with special activities at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Enjoy Art Fusion: Journey to India this evening at the MINT Museum uptown. 6-9pm, and FREE. More info...

Thursday, November 14

• You're sure to get into the holiday spirit at the Southern Women's Show that kicks off today, and goes through the 24th at The Park Expo. More info...
• The Charlotte Warehouse Sale opens their doors this morning at 9 at The Shoppes at Davis Lake. Sale goes through Saturday. More info...
• Don't miss The Geek Fest today at CPCC, 9am-3pm. More info...
• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for the Muddy Boots Club: Exploration Day this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• Join the Nature Scavenger Hunt this afternoon at the McDowell Nature Center at 3:30pm. More info... 
• Ages to 8 to 11 are invited to the South County library at 4pm for Reader's Theater: Drama Rama. More info...

Friday, November 15

• Don't miss Family Storytime at Imaginon this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Have they been naughty or nice? Time to do Photos with Santa at Southpark Mall. Daily through December 24th. More info...
• Head to Barnes & Noble - Carolina Place for their Pajamarama Storytime this evening at 7pm. More info...
• Davidson Community Players present Narnia this evening at 7pm. Tickets are a steal at only $10. More info...

Saturday, November 16

• Lace up your shoes (or get out and support the runners) for Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts a Blackpowder Turkey Shoot Fundraiser today beginning at 10am. Activities for the whole family. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum hosts Turkey Talk this morning, 10am-1pm. More info...
• Don't miss Billy Jonas: Live in Concert with shows today and tomorrow at Children's Theatre of Charlotte. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts My Thanksgiving Plate with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm.  More info...
• The Schiele Museum hosts A-Maizing Corn today at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make an I Am Thankful Placemat . More info...
• The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art hosts a Family Day today, 1-4:30pm. FREE admission for kids & $4 for adults. More info...
• Discovery Place hosts Let's Talk Turkey this afternoon, 1:30-3:30pm at the uptown location. More info...
• Ages 8 to 11 are invited to the University City library for Afternoon Adventures: Who's the Real Red Riding Hood? at 2pm. More info...
• Head to Birkdale Village this evening for Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting, 6-8pm. More info...
• The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues today, and weekends through November 24th. More info... 

Sunday, November 17

• Head to the Museum of York County to celebrate America Recycles Day, this afternoon, 1-4pm. More info...
• Today is a Sunday FUNday at the Mint Museum's Uptown location. 1-4pm with FREE admission for children & members. More info...
• Learn all about Slimy Salamanders this afternoon at 2pm at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...

Save the Date:
November 22-January 5: Holiday on Ice More info...
November 23: Harvest Day More info...
November 29-December 22: A Railroad Christmas More info...
December 7: ECW Annual Christmas Bazaar More info...
April 25- June 1, 2014: Van Gogh Alive More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

QCB is TWO!

This post marks 2 years of The Queen City Buzz. In this month of giving thanks, I am very thankful for all of you who check in with the QCB on a weekly basis to find fun things to do around town with your family. The weekly calendar has been a joy to write for the past 2 years, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. Please continue to send me your events for publication, and continue to spread the word about The Queen City Buzz. We love being your place to "find fun" for your busy family!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, November 4

• Tickets for the Matthews Holiday Events are on sale now. These events ALWAYS sell out, so get your tix now! More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this morning at 10am for Budding Adventures. More info...
• Don't miss the Parent & Tot Meet and Greet at Ray's Splash Planet today 10am-3pm. More info...
• Take your little one (and your stroller) to the McDowell Nature Center this morning at 10:30am for Babes in the Woods. More info...
• Preschoolers are invited to the University City library this afternoon at 1:30 for Creating with Books. Please register. More info...

Tuesday, November 5

• Barnes & Noble - Morrison and Arboretum (More info...) hosts a Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck Book Release Party this afternoon at 4pm. More info..., and the Carolina Place location hosts theirs at 7pm. More info...
• Ages 6 to 14 are invited to the LEGO store at Concord Mills this afternoon at 5pm for their Monthly Mini-Build. FREE while supplies last. More info...
• Head to the Matthews library this evening at 7pm for Family Storytime. More info...

Wednesday, November 6

• Ready to get started on your holiday shopping? Head to the GOODNEWS Christmas Open House today 9am-4pm. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for Wonderful Wednesday - Thankful for Teachers with special activities at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• The Scaleybark library offers Learn, Connect, Play - Math Games this afternoon at 4pm. More info...
• Ages 9 to 13 are invited to Explore the Night Sky today at the Independence library at 5pm. More info...

Thursday, November 7

• Do not miss the For Every Season Consignment Sale that begins today in Fort Mill. They are partnering with Charlotte Warehouse Sale for even more awesome deals. More info...
• SANTA arrives at Concord Mills today...'tis the season!! More info...
• If you homeschool, head to the McDowell Nature Center at 10am for their Homeschool Special: Conservation Science. Please register. More info...
• Head to Imaginon for Family Storytime this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center also hosts Nature Creations this afternoon at 3:30pm. Please register. More info...

Friday, November 8

• Want to be a Young Environmentalist for Concord Mill's new SEA LIFE Aquarium opening next year? More info...
• November is National Novel Writing Month...celebrate with the Children's Writing Group at Mountain Island library this afternoon at 3:30pm. Please register. More info...
• Don't miss Dinner at Hogwarts this evening in Davidson. 5:00-7:15pm. More info...
• Head to Cornelius for their 2nd Friday Art Crawl, 5-9pm. More info...
• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center this evening for Stars & Dough Boys at 6:30pm. More info...
• Plan a date night or girls night out to the Charlotte Folk Society's FREE concert featuring The Stray Birds this evening at 7:30pm at the Great Aunt Stella Center. More info...

Saturday, November 9

• Lace up your shoes for The Thin Blue Line Run at the CMPD training facility. More info..., or the Dash for Down Syndrome in Blakeney. More info...
• The Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival is today and tomorrow, 8am-5pm. More info...
• The Gaston County Museum hosts their Preschool PREview Program - Turkey Time this morning, 10-11am. More info...
• Don't miss Wild & Wonderful Animals this morning at 10am at the Matthews Heritage Museum. More info...
• Head to Huntersville for Give Thanks - A Community Health Event today 10am-1pm. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts What's Cookin at Latta? today 10am-4pm. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Native American Headbands & Pilgrim Hats with special activities today at 11am and 2pm, and tomorrow at 2pm.  More info...
• Check out Lakeshore Learning's Free Crafts for Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Pilgrim Hat Pencil Holder. More info...
• Head to the Museum of York County for Astronomy Adventure Family Day today, 12-2pm. More info...
• Experience Turtles on the Twos this afternoon at 2:22pm at the Charlotte Nature Museum. More info...
• Elementary age students are invited to the Matthews library this afternoon at 3pm to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Please register. More info...
• Take the family to Thomas Street Tavern this afternoon for Go Wild! An Afternoon with Raptors. 3-6pm. More info...
• The Davidson Community Players present Narnia with shows today through November 17th. More info...
• Head to the UNC Charlotte Observatory this evening for their Star Party beginning at 7:30pm. More info...
• The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues today, and weekends through November 24th. More info... 

Sunday, November 10

• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Natural Beauty this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Check out Latta Plantation Nature Center's Tracks & Traces this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Oh Deer...It's Hunting Season this afternoon at 2:30pm. More info...
• Head to the Main Street Children's Museum this afternoon at 3pm for their OWL Book Club with Melinda Long. More info...

Save the Date:
November 11-15: Homeschool Days 2013 More info...
November 13: Homeschool Living History Day More info...
November 14-24: Southern Christmas Show More info...
November 16: Let's Talk Turkey More info...
November 16-17: Billy Jonas More info...
November 17: America Recycles Day More info...
November 23: Harvest Day More info...
November 29-December 22: A Railroad Christmas More info...
December 7: ECW Annual Christmas Bazaar More info...
April 25- June 1, 2014: Van Gogh Alive More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.