Dream Vacations

Stress seems to be inescapable these days, and if tension from work and other commitments have both of you on edge, then it's time for a couple's massage treatment at Modern Salon and Spa. The professionals there will ensure that you are completely relaxed as they melt the strain from your muscles. There are various types of treatments available, and one of the friendly staffers will help select the best treatment for you and your honey as you forget about everything but each other on this highly relaxing, romantic date.

Charlotte's Festival in the Park takes place every September in Freedom Park and offers locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the spirit of the city in a variety of ways. There's live music, great food, and a large selection of arts and crafts created by local artisans that truly capture the spirit of the area. There are also several displays of art from local, regional and even nationally recognized talents. Just be prepared for a long walk into the park, as parking spaces are at a premium and often the only one you'll find is relatively far away - just look at the walk as a chance to enjoy the scenery and bond with fellow festival-goers.

There's nothing ordinary about the Mint Museum UPTOWN. This venue is not only an artistic forum of creative expression for area artists, it also happens to be an internationally-renowned museum, recognized for its high standards in the fields of craft and design as well as its outstanding collections of American, contemporary and European art. The exhibits are stunning, and you will no doubt want to learn as much as you can about each piece. To that end, there is a cell phone audio tour of the museum that offers you incredible insight about each piece that you can take in at your own pace. The museum is located within the Levine Center for the Arts, and attractive shopping and dining destinations are in close proximity. Don't forget to check out the museum shop's awesome selection of pottery, glass, wood, and jewelry that will surely make an excellent addition to your own personal collection.

The Belk Theater is the busiest venue located within the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, as the Belk welcomes various types of artists and entertainment from all over the world to its stage. Their appearances put smiles on the faces of the numerous audience members who have come to expect the best from the Belk. The Charlotte Repertory Theatre and the North Carolina Dance Theatre occupy a space on the performance schedule every year. Other groups that also take the stage here include the Carolina Voices and various productions from the Carolinas Concert Association, all of which perform under the theater's wondrous 2,400 lights that are custom built right into its ceiling.