In the past, travelers may have visited dream destinations only when celebrating a milestone — an anniversary, big birthday or graduation. After living through two years of a pandemic, however, some feel there is no need to wait for a special occasion to go to […]
According to the U.S. Travel Association, each year more than half of Americans leave vacation time on the table — hundreds of millions of unused days. Another study published in Nature found that people who change their scenery regularly tend to be happier. Despite the emotional benefits, […]
Many people are itching to fly overseas after more than a year of being careful and staying close to home. Guidelines are constantly changing, though, and you will need some preparation to ensure a safe, smooth journey. As of press time, countries like Switzerland, Denmark, […]
Hers is a story of continuous transformation: the only true way to survive. After more than 200 years of change, The Greenbrier Resort and Spa continues welcoming guests drawn by the luxury, relaxation, charm and beauty that defines her — while absorbing a rich history that made […]
On Fridays during spring, Carowinds Sales Director Marc Gran and his team invite local schools to participate in Youth Education Days. Students learn how the park uses everyday subjects taught in the classroom. Ballantyne Magazine partnered with Carowinds on its Marketing Day in May, when students entered a contest to creatively retheme one of the park’s existing rides and design a mock marketing campaign.
Gran shared more about the park’s educational efforts.
From “America’s Got Talent” to working with Fantasia, Charlotte musician and nonprofit founder Dennis Reed Jr. is enjoying the limelight.
The relationship between the United States and Cuba is complicated. Despite the tumultuous history between the two countries, it is undeniable that the Caribbean island shares a love for something made in the U.S.: jazz music. That’s one reason JazzArts Charlotte decided to kick off […]
Drive a little over an hour north from Charlotte to Catawba County and you’ll uncover a rare find — an oasis of relaxation and respite. The Spa at Rock Barn, often referred to as a hidden gem by those who work there, can curate and customize your next girls’ getaway, couples date or personal self-care day.
Day visitors can indulge in a European-style hydrotherapy circuit, including the saltwater main pool with tranquil underwater music. Soothe your tired muscles in the waterfalls or jacuzzis, and restore ailing joints in the salt cave, sauna and steam rooms. Massages, body and beauty treatments are also available. After dining on a nourishing poolside lunch, guests may build up the courage to brave the cold plunge pool.
“We have all the amenities to create a memorable day-spa experience, complete with services that promote health and wellness,” says spa director Flame Deal. “But it is our staff and customer service that will keep you coming back.” Deal has worked with the spa for 11 years after moving from New York City, where she managed restaurants and ran her own events company. Born in Tanzania, she later moved to Statesville with her American father and half-Chinese, half-Vietnamese mother. She believes her cultural background and upbringing helps her relate to people from all over the world. “Everyone has a story, and I try to connect with them and learn how we can meet their needs.”
My husband and I decided we needed to flip the script on travel last summer when our daughter told us she wanted to go to Bora Bora for her birthday — she was turning 8. I’m sure when I was her age, I couldn’t point out Bora Bora on a map, let alone think going for my birthday was a reasonable request. But not only can my daughter find the beautiful country on the globe
It’s the climb: The beauty of Dunn’s River Falls makes for a memorable excursion in Jamaica. For more Caribbean travel ideas, browse our guide. While cruising in the Caribbean last spring, my family and I booked an excursion to Dunn’s River Falls on our one-day stop in Jamaica. […]
A charming Bavarian town in North Georgia lights up for the holidays
If a trip to Germany isn’t possible this season, head to Helen, a tiny town in northwest Georgia that goes big for the holidays. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte and attracts millions of tourists who flock to find a bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Complete with buildings designed with European facades, Helen is best known for Oktoberfest events where revelers dress in lederhosen and dirndls, dance the polka, drink beer, and feast on German food. In December, this Alpine escape hosts a tree lighting, a Christmas parade, visits with Santa, and a traditional German Christkindlmarket. Spend a weekend in this charming mountain town and check off all the festivities your family would experience in the Old Country.
STAY
Most family-owned accommodations in Helen look like Swiss chalets. Helendorf Inn sits along the Chattahoochee River and is walking distance to more than 200 souvenir shops, restaurants, and Riverside Park where the town’s tree lighting takes place. Designated rooms are pet-friendly, and all rooms have a small fridge and microwave. Grab-and-go breakfast items are available in the lobby for all guests. For those craving a more secluded experience, rent a cabin in the woods surrounding Helen or in Unicoi State Park. For luxury amenities and lodging for families with teenagers, try Vallhalla Resort offering a rooftop bar, wine cellar, and spa that is located only a few minutes away from downtown Helen.
A first look at uptown’s new French-inspired restaurant. by Krisha Chachra | photographs by Justin Driscoll True to its name, Charlotte’s new uptown restaurant Coquette — which in French means playful, coy woman — flirts with combining modern French cuisine, exotic spices and southern flavors. Mornings at Coquette begin with […]
South Charlotte resident Joy Callaway always knew she wanted to write when she grew up, but she never imagined being a full-time novelist. “My brother and I weren’t really allowed to watch TV as kids,” says Callaway. “I filled my free time with writing plays, […]
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council was elected Vice Mayor of Blacksburg. She is a community advocate & connector and runs an event production organization that hosts the largest ongoing young and creative professionals mixer in Southwest Virginia called “Up on the Roof”. Krisha has worked with NRV Magazine (nrvmagazine.com) for a decade as the travel columnist and human-interest writer. She has visited over 45 countries in 6 continents and focuses her writing on people, culture and beautiful places. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Roanoke Times among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores. Email her at kchachra@aol.com
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