Joyce's Helping Hands

Fans of nature will gravitate to the outdoor beauty that lives at the UNC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens. This is where you will find several different varieties of plants and flowers that all make this place a truly captivating experience for the senses. You'll find several fine examples of rare species, as well. Plus, the two-story rain forest is something that no visitor to the garden should miss. This incredible slice of nature is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina, and if you are planning to take a group that has more than 10 people in it, you must schedule your visit.

You and your loved one have seen little of each other lately, and even less of the outside world! So make a romantic date to spend some quality time together while enjoying the natural surroundings of the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary. The gardens are lush and inviting, and walking along the trails or finding a spot on one of the benches will allow both of you to unwind as you breathe in the fresh air and take in the beauty of the scenery. Your commune with nature continues when you enter the bird sanctuary that houses several different types of fine feathered friends. Watch with your date, as the birds fly from one point to another, creating the perfect afternoon of relaxation, nature and even a dash of romance.

There's no excuse to not have all of your Christmas decorations in place this year thanks to the Southern Christmas Show that is held at the Park Expo and Conference Center. Every year, over 120,000 visitors walk through the doors looking for great decorating ideas for the holidays, and they find several at every turn! There are over 600 booths that offer an incredible variety of decorations, trees, ornaments, and lots more. This event has been voted the number one Christmas show in the nation, and when you experience all the activities and fun, it'll be easy to see why. .