Hi Friend,

David and I snuck away last week for our very first trip without Jamie! We had a wonderful little Asheville getaway at the Grove Park Inn. We spent our days soaking in the spa, reading by the fire, getting massages, and eating room service in fluffy robes. It was blissfully quiet and just what we needed to feel like ourselves again.

And then, of course, we came home to a feverish, sniffly toddler who wanted nothing but snuggles. So much for easing back into real life! Still, there’s something sweet about swinging from mountain views to humidifiers...it’s the rhythm of this season, isn’t it?

Before we dive in, I just want to say thank you for being here and following along as The Charlotte Sprout finds its footing. This is still such a new little project, and not without a few hiccups - like last week’s email going out with the exact same subject line as the week before (oops!). That’s what happens when you try to schedule newsletters while on vacation, right? Thanks for your grace and support as this space grows.

I’m also working on holiday gift guides right now, filled with items our family personally owns, loves, and have put to the test. I’ll be sharing them soon on Instagram so make sure you’re following along there for updates and ideas!

🌱 What We’re Doing

Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.

🌳 Where We’re Playing

Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.

If you haven't checked out the CLT Airport Overlook yet, allow me to put it on your radar as a shockingly easy and delightful family outing. We spent a morning there and it was a total hit. My toddler Jamie ran straight to the F-4 Phantom II jet on display and was completely captivated by the planes taking off against the Charlotte skyline It’s a It’s a free, low-effort win with two separate, fenced-in playgrounds for different age groups, clean restrooms, and plenty of shady seating for a picnic. It wasn’t mobbed with people, so we got a great, uninterrupted view. Our full parent-tested guide inside has all the tips on parking, best times to go, and what to pack.

✈️ Read it here!

🍪 What We’re Eating: Thanksgiving Edition

I know Thanksgiving is all about home-cooked meals, but sometimes we all need a little help. Maybe you’re hosting a cousin who doesn’t eat turkey, a sister who’s gluten-free, or you just want a backup quart of gravy in the fridge in case things get crispy in the oven. Or maybe you’re heading to someone else’s house and want to bring a side that you didn’t personally burn.

This week, I’ve rounded up a few Charlotte spots that can make Thanksgiving a little easier, with restaurants that are open on the holiday and local favorites offering take-out sides, desserts, smoked turkeys, and family-style meals.

Even if you’re cooking at home, a little local help can make the week feel saner. We’ll be ordering a croissant box and French toast bake from Copain for the morning after Thanksgiving so there’s no thinking, no dishes, and we can break into the leftovers just a little bit later than usual.

🍗 Read the full list!

💡 What We’re Learning

A quick tip, insight, or reflection from a local expert or parent.

Surviving (and Enjoying) Thanksgiving Week with Little Ones Under 5

At our house this year, Thanksgiving morning begins like this: cinnamon rolls, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in our pajamas, and maybe a mimosa for the grown-ups. Then the pace picks up—tiny hands helping, routines stretching, and probably one meltdown before pie. We’re learning that things go much more smoothly when we move with our kids’ rhythms instead of against them.

Here are a few tips that early-childhood educators say work especially well for toddlers and preschoolers:

• Pack a “holiday kit” for the car or carry-on. Include a roll of painter’s tape (it becomes a little racetrack, sticker border, or artist’s edge in no time), a new busy book (Jamie LOVES this one), and one snack that feels special but won’t melt or crumble in the seat. When you’re moving between spaces, that little familiar stack helps tether the day.
• Give your little ones a “real job” during the big meal. Early-childhood blogs recommend even simple tasks help young children feel included and engaged. For example, let a toddler stack napkins, have the preschooler sprinkle salt on the green beans, or let them place stickers on cups for “assigned seats.” The participation alone helps reduce restlessness. 
• Keep the morning familiar. No matter how many guests arrive or travel hoops you jumped through, build in something predictable: the same breakfast routine (or in our case, cinnamon rolls in PJs), a favorite book or show, or a short walk outside. Experts point out that even young children benefit from a stable “start” when big gatherings stretch their attention. 
• Create a quiet “reset zone.” If the day gets overwhelming for your child (or you), carve out a small low-stimulus space: a cozy blanket, a few board books or audiobooks, maybe headphones on the car ride back. According to early-childhood research, moments of calm and pause help little ones process and reset.
• Introduce a simple visual tradition of gratitude. Make a “Gratitude Tree” with paper leaves where each child adds something they’re thankful for, a drawing or scribble is fine. It makes the concept of gratitude tangible for toddlers and preschoolers. 

Finally, let’s hold the image of the week: messy, joyful, imperfect. Dishes will get done eventually, sugar crashes will pass, the tiny hands that needed your help this year will need a little less next year. For now we’re choosing to slow down, say yes to extra whipped cream, and remember that this loud, beautiful chaos means we’re all together—and that’s the heart of Thanksgiving.

📅 What We’re Looking Forward To 

Since I’ve learned my lesson about trying to send out newsletters during time off, The Charlotte Sprout will land in your inbox next Friday (not Thursday) so we can all spend less time on our phones and more time eating pie.

💚 Emily
Founder, The Charlotte Sprout

P.S. If you try any of these spots, tag us on Instagram @charlottesprout! I love seeing your family adventures (and secretly judge how much better your kids behave in public than mine does).

Help The Sprout grow. If one idea made your week easier, please forward this email or tag @thecharlottesprout so more Charlotte parents can find us. 🌱