In with 2016...and out with The Queen City Buzz

Happy almost 2016! It is with mixed emotions that I write and publish this post, as this will be the FINAL installment of The Queen City Buzz. It has been a wonderful 4 years of writing this blog each week, and I am so appreciative of your readership every week. The new year is bringing with it new opportunities for me and my family, and writing The Queen City Buzz each week will no longer be possible for me. I am thrilled to tell you that I will continue writing each week for Scoop Charlotte as part of their Family "Scoop". You can sign up to receive their weekly emails (published each Monday), and find a great list of fun family friendly things to do with the kids each week. The Queen City Buzz Facebook Page will still exist and I will post "must do" events there as well. Thank you for sticking with me...it has been a true pleasure!

Blessings,
Emily Cooper/The Buzz


Monday, December 28

• CMS is out for Winter Break...classes resume January 4th. 
• Winter Camps begin today at Discovery Place. Go one day, or sign up for them all! More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte is hosting Mini-Camps throughout the winter school break. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Twas the Night Before with shows through December 30th. More info...
• Check out Speedway Christmas  at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Definitely a "must-do" for the holidays. More info..
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers More info...

Tuesday, December 29

• Toddler Tuesdays are back at Sea Life Aquarium today (and every Tuesday), More info...
• Head to My Gym Charlotte for Winter Camp this week...three options for camp each day. More info...
• Enjoy Take a Break Game Days today and tomorrow at the Museum of York County, 10am-2pm. More info...
• A Kannapolis Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...

Wednesday, December 30

• Wee Wednesdays continue today at the Main Street Children's Museum at 10:30am. More info... 
• Don't miss Penguins today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Nature Museum's Wild Wednesday: Crumbs today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers More info...

Thursday, December 31

• Celebrate New Years at Noon today at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• Load up the car and head to Zootastic Park for their Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Tonight is the last night! More info...
• Holidays at the Garden is in full swing through January 3 at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. More info...
• Departing daily between now and January 3, don't miss Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. More info...
• Don't miss Sparkle & Glow New Years Eve at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden this evening, 6-9pm. More info...
• Ring in the new year at the family friendly CLT New Years Eve at Romare Bearden Park beginning at 6pm. More info...

Friday, January 1 - Happy New Year!

• Holiday on Ice  runs through January 3 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. More info...
• Tools of Stone is a not to miss demonstration today at the Schiele Museum at 10am. 
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center for their Evergreen Scavenger Hunt today at 1pm. More info...
• Don't miss Citizen Science Friday: Hawk Watch this afternoon at 1pm at the Charlotte Nature Museum. More info...

Saturday, January 2

• Panda-monium wraps up today at Discovery Place. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Nature Art this morning at 10am for all ages. More info...
• Ages 8 to 11 are invited to the McDowell Nature Center for Fire Building 101 this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Silly Slithering Snake. More info.
• Don't miss Hibernation Station events today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder More info...

Sunday, January 3

• Enjoy an afternoon at the Charlotte Nature Museum during their It's Raining Cats and Dogs event today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Hot Chocolate Bird Hike this afternoon at 2pm at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their Hibernation Station event today at 2pm. More info...
• Ages 6 and up are invited to the McDowell Nature Center for Beavers: Builders of the Forest at 3pm. More info...

Monday, January 4

• School's Back in Session!! We made it!!
• Ages 3 to 6 are invited to Nature Story Corner this morning at 10am at the Reedy Creek Nature Center.
  

Merry Christmas!!

It's Christmas week...I finally finished wrapping today, and I dropped the Christmas cards in the mailbox tonight...WooHoo! Heading to Polar Express in Bryson City tomorrow, and then back home to get ready for the Christmas fun. I hope you have a wonderful week filled with family and friends that remind you to be thankful for all the blessings we enjoy!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 21

• CMS is out for Winter Break...classes resume January 4th. 
• Winter Camps begin today at Discovery Place. Go one day, or sign up for them all! More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte is hosting Mini-Camps throughout the winter school break. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...
• The Polar Express Train Ride continues through tomorrow at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. More info...

Tuesday, December 22

• Toddler Tuesdays are back at Sea Life Aquarium today (and every Tuesday), More info...
• Don't miss Letters to Santa today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Ages 5 to 11 are invited to the South County library for Creating with Books at 2pm. Please register. More info...
• Christmas at the Library continues at the Billy Graham library through December 23rd. More info...

Wednesday, December 23

• Wee Wednesdays continue today at the Main Street Children's Museum at 10:30am. More info... 
• Celebrate Christmas today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Nature Museum's Wild Wednesday: Backyard Buddies today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Boston Celtics More info...

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

• Ages 3 and up are invited to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Family Hiking Club: Fire in the Forest this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• Load up the car and head to Zootastic Park for their Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Continues through December 31. More info...
• Holidays at the Garden is in full swing through January 3 at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. More info...
• Departing daily between now and January 3, don't miss Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. More info...

Friday, December 25 - Merry Christmas

• Holiday on Ice  runs through January 3 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. More info...
• The lights come are on in McAdenville for Christmas Town USA. Lights are on nightly through December 26th. More info...

Saturday, December 26

• Panda-monium begins today at Discovery Place and continues through January 2nd. More info...
• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum this morning at 10:15 for their Guided Nature Walk. More info...
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Happy New Year Glasses. More info.
• Don't miss Kwanzaa events today at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Check out the High Octane Holiday Movies at the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm today AND tomorrow. This weekend's movie is Frozen. More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Twas the Night Before with shows through December 30th. More info...
• A Kannapolis Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Memphis Grizzlies More info...

Sunday, December 27

• Enjoy an afternoon at the Charlotte Nature Museum during their Inside Safari event today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their Kwanzaa event today at 2pm. More info...
• Check out Speedway Christmas  at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Definitely a "must-do" for the holidays. More info..

Monday, December 28

• CMS is out for Winter Break...classes resume January 4th. 
• Winter Camps begin today at Discovery Place. Go one day, or sign up for them all! More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte is hosting Mini-Camps throughout the winter school break. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...
• Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers More info...

Save The Date:
December 31:  Sparkle & Glow New Years Eve @ Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
December 31:  CLT New Years Eve @ Romare Bearden Park

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

Last Week before "THE BREAK"

Here it is...the last week before schools are out for Winter Break. Last week to shop solo, to run errands solo, to go to the post office solo...you get the picture. Do me a favor this week...have a cup of coffee solo, watch some mindless TV solo, go for a walk solo, have lunch solo (or with a girlfriend). Do something for YOU before the craziness begins!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 14

• Ages 3 to 6 are invited to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for Budding Adventures this morning at 10am. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...
• A QCB favorite...Don't miss Drive Thru Christmas tonight and tomorrow night at Carmel Presbyterian Church. 6-8pm. More info...

Tuesday, December 15

• Toddler Tuesdays are back at Sea Life Aquarium today (and every Tuesday), More info...
• Winghaven Gardens hosts Storytime in the Secret Garden this morning at 10am. More info...
• Don't miss Letters to Santa today (and Thursday) at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Christmas at the Library begins today at the Billy Graham library, and continues through December 23rd. More info...
• The lights come on tonight in McAdenville for Christmas Town USA. Lights are on nightly through December 26th. More info...

Wednesday, December 16

• Wee Wednesdays continue today at the Main Street Children's Museum at 10:30am. More info... 
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Penguins today (and Friday) at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Nature Museum's Wild Wednesday: Holes, Burrows & Nest, Oh My! today at 12:30pm. More info...
• The Museum of York County hosts Homeschool Days: A Watery Trail of Mystery at 1pm. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...

Thursday, December 17

• Ages 3 and up are invited to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Family Hiking Club: Fire in the Forest this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• The Armour Street Theatre in Davidson is the place to be for their Christmas Belles show. Best for ages 10 and up. More info...
• Load up the car and head to Zootastic Park for their Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Continues through December 31. More info...
• Don't miss the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show this evening at 7pm at Phillips Place. More info...

Friday, December 18

• Holidays at the Garden is in full swing through January 3 at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. More info...
• Departing daily between now and January 3, don't miss Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. More info...
• Holiday on Ice  runs through January 3 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. More info...
• The Yule Log Parade & Ceremony happens today at 5:30pm in McAdenville. More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella with shows through December 20th. More info...
• The annual Christmastown Festival is tonight at 6pm at Legacy Park in McAdenville. More info...
• Tonight is Santa's Sleepover at the NASCAR Hall of Fame starting at 6:15pm. Please register. More info...

Saturday, December 19

• Don't miss Breakfast with Santa this morning at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 8-11am. Please register. More info...
• The Polar Express Train Ride continues at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. More info...
• Barnes & Noble Morrison hosts How to Catch Santa Storytime this morning at 10am. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their Polar Express event today at 11am and 2pm. More info....
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Cheerful Card Holders. More info.
• Check out the High Octane Holiday Movies at the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm today AND tomorrow. This weekend's movie is The Polar Express. More info...
• Discovery Place hosts Innovate 301: Brains are Sew Much Fun today at noon. More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Twas the Night Before with shows through December 30th. More info...
• A Kannapolis Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...
• Don't miss Dissection Series: Shark this afternoon at 4pm at Discovery Place. Supplies are limited and best for 10 and up. More info...

Sunday, December 20

• Enjoy an afternoon at the Charlotte Nature Museum during their Nesting is for the Birds event today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their The Polar Express event today at 2pm. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts a Family Campfire this afternoon at 3pm. More info...
• Check out Speedway Christmas  at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Definitely a "must-do" for the holidays. More info..

Monday, December 21

• CMS is out for Winter Break...classes resume January 4th. 
• Winter Camps begin today at Discovery Place. Go one day, or sign up for them all! More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte is hosting Mini-Camps throughout the winter school break. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...

Save The Date:

Through December 27: The Train to Christmas Town @ Belmont Train Station

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

Holiday Chaos...Taming the Beast

My Christmas cards haven't been ordered (or created on any photo website), the tree is halfway decorated, bins and boxes containing Christmas decor are scattered throughout the entire house right now. Nothing is wrapped, almost everything has been purchased (winning!!!), and nothing has been shipped to out of town friends and family. Coming back from a great weekend at the beach this afternoon I was fretting about everything that "had" to get done. Once home (and in my PJ pants and on the couch) I came across THIS FAVORITE ARTICLE on Facebook. Originally written in 2009, reposted last year, but SO, SO relevant all. the. time. I'm giving in and "giving up the show". It will get done...eventually!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 7

• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Nature Story Corner this morning at 10am. More info...
• Ages 2 1/2 to 6 are invited to Ray's Splash Planet this morning at 10:30 for their Christmas Sponge Painting (and swimming). Please register. More info...
• Check out the Creature Feature this morning at 10:30 at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• Don't miss Babes in the Woods this afternoon at 1:30pm at the McDowell Nature Center. A great way to explore the outdoors with your little one.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...

Tuesday, December 8

• Today is the day for the First Ward Park Dedication. Fun activities all day and a holiday light display turns on at 5:30pm. More info...
• Toddler Tuesdays are back at Sea Life Aquarium today (and every Tuesday), More info...
• Don't miss Letters to Santa today (and Thursday) at Discovery Place Kids at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Enjoy a FREE Tuesday sponsored by Duke Energy this afternoon at the Schiele Museum. 4-8pm. More info...
• Christmas at the Library begins today at the Billy Graham library, and continues through December 23rd. More info...
• The lights come on tonight in McAdenville for Christmas Town USA. Lights are on nightly through December 26th. More info...

Wednesday, December 9

• Wee Wednesdays continue today at the Main Street Children's Museum at 10:30am. More info... 
• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to the Mint Museum Randolph for their Mini-Masters Art Workshop: Treasure Hunt this morning at 10:30am. Registration required. More info...
• Discovery Place Kids hosts Penguins today (and Friday) at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Head to Pocket Park in Uptown for FREE Music on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1:30pm. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte Nature Museum's Wild Wednesday: Scatology at its Best today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Both locations of the MINT Museum (Uptown & Randolph) offer FREE Admission today and every Wednesday, 5-9pm. More info...
• Head to The Square (Trade & Tryon) uptown for the Uptown Menorah Lighting at 5pm. More info...

Thursday, December 10

• If you homeschool, check out Latta Plantation's A Home School Christmas today, 10am-2pm. More info...
• Ages 3 to 5 are invited to the Mint Museum Randolph for their Mini-Masters Art Workshop: Treasure Hunt this afternoon at 1:30pm. Registration required. More info...
• Load up the car and head to Zootastic Park for their Christmas Wonderland of Lights. Continues through December 31. More info...
• Don't miss the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show this evening (and on the 17th) at 7pm at Phillips Place. More info...

Friday, December 11

• Holidays at the Garden is in full swing through January 3 at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. More info...
• Departing daily between now and January 3, don't miss Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. More info...
• Holiday on Ice  runs through January 3 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza. More info...
• Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents Ella's Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella with shows through December 20th. More info...
• The Gaston County Museum hosts their Annual Holiday Open House this afternoon, 4-6pm. More info...

Saturday, December 12

• The Polar Express Train Ride continues at the NC Transportation Museum in Spencer. More info...
• Don't miss Bilingual Storytime & Music this morning at the Mint Museum Randolph at 11am. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their Hanukkah event today at 11am and 2pm. More info....
• Lakeshore Learning hosts their Free Crafts For Kids today 11am-3pm. Today the kids will make a Holiday Wreath. More info.
• Check out the High Octane Holiday Movies at the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm today AND tomorrow. This weekend's movie is A Christmas Carol. More info...
• Celebrate Winter this afternoon at the Schiele Museum of Natural History. 1-4pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Nature Museum hosts Envirocaching: Animal Signs this afternoon at 1pm. More info...
• The Schiele Museum hosts Colonial Christmas and Candlelighting this afternoon, 2-6pm. More info...
• A Kannapolis Christmas continues through December 30th. More info...
• Enjoy Christmas Candlelight Tours at Historic Brattonsville today, 3-9pm. More info...
• Don't miss A Huntersville Christmas this evening, 4-8pm in downtown Huntersville. More info...

Sunday, December 13

• Don't miss the Monthly Bird Walk this morning at 8am at the Charlotte Nature Museum. More info...
• Enjoy an afternoon at the Charlotte Nature Museum during their Scat event today at 12:30pm. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids for their Hanukkah event today at 2pm. More info...
• Check out Speedway Christmas  at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Definitely a "must-do" for the holidays. More info..

Monday, December 14

• Ages 3 to 6 are invited to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for Budding Adventures this morning at 10am. More info...
• The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra returns to Founders Hall with performances through December 31.More info...
• The new Body Worlds exhibit is now open at Discovery Place. Probably best for older elementary ages and up. More info...

Save The Date:

Through December 27: The Train to Christmas Town @ Belmont Train Station

December 18: Yule Log Parade & Ceremony & Christmas Town Festival @ McAdenville
December 18: Santa's Sleepover @ NASCAR Hall of Fame
December 19: Breakfast with Santa @ NASCAR Hall of Fame

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