I’ve officially entered my early Christmas shopping era thanks to all the Target “pre–Black Friday deals.” The problem? I’ve already given Jamie a few of his gifts early… oops. We celebrated a sweet first birthday party this past weekend (complete with purple cupcake icing in everyone’s hair), went to our first Christmas market of the season, and for those keeping up on social media, we decided to embrace the mullet and save Jamie’s first haircut for another week.
Big shoutout to my husband, who had to work all weekend but came home Sunday and told me to “get lost.” So I did...straight to Steak 48 for a glass of wine and an hour of quiet bliss. Highly recommend.
This week, we’re playing on the turf at Ballantyne Bowl, talking about what’s saving us during cold and flu season, and sharing a big roundup of Charlotte restaurants to bookmark before Thanksgiving sneaks up. Here’s to simple weekends, good food, and sneaking in a little “me time” when we can.
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
November has been showing off lately with cool mornings, golden afternoons, and that little spark of holiday excitement starting to sneak in. If you’re looking for something simple and fun to do this week, here are a few easy ways to get out and play.
Some highlights:
Puppet Show at ImaginOn: A sweet, free morning outing for little ones under five. Expect giggles, songs, and plenty of storytime magic.
Little Learners at the Whitewater Center: Drop in for a “Thankful Every Day” craft and nature activity, a perfect blend of learning and outdoor time for preschoolers.
Sheepdog Trials & Dog Festival at Rural Hill: Watch the dogs at work, explore the vendors, and enjoy a full day of fall sunshine and fresh air.
Simple, happy, and very November, the kind of weekend that feels good in all the right ways.
Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.
If you haven’t been to Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill yet, this one’s a bit of a hidden gem. We spent the morning at the Crandall Bowles Children’s Farm, where Jamie got to see alpacas, goats, pigs, and a fluffy Highland cow up close. It was calm, not crowded, and felt like a deep breath away from the city. He started out a little unsure but quickly warmed up, grinning and pointing nonstop as he got to pet the alpacas and explore the garden. And the farm is just the start — the Greenway also has miles of trails, picnic spots, and even horseback riding and kayaking for families who want to make a full day of it.
Your kid-friendly restaurant, bakery, or café of the week.
Okay, I know. We just finished shaking glitter out of the carpet from Halloween, and here I am talking turkey. But if you’ve got family rolling into town or a crowd to feed, now’s the time to make your plan. Charlotte restaurants fill up faster than a bag of fun-sized candy bars on trick-or-treat night, and future you will thank present you for locking down those reservations early.
This week, instead of spotlighting one restaurant, I put together a Thanksgiving Dining Guide full of family-friendly picks across the city — from cozy brunch spots to group-ready dinner tables (and a few dessert detours, because balance). Whether you’re entertaining out-of-towners or just want a break from cooking, these are the places that make holiday dining easy and delicious.
Read the full guide here and start plotting your reservation strategy! Your hangry relatives will thank you.
💡 What We’re Learning
A quick tip, insight, or reflection from a local expert or parent.
Cold and flu season is officially here 😰 and we’re learning how much peace of mind comes from having help you can reach anytime. We started using Blueberry Pediatrics earlier this year, and it’s been such a game-changer. It was so helpful the first few times Jamie got sick, and even when he developed a heat rash while we were on vacation.
I was able to live message a pediatrician, send photos, and get responses within minutes - no waiting rooms or after-hours phone triages. We use MyChart all the time to message Jamie’s regular doctor, but this is different: it’s 24/7 and almost instant. Check out the time stamps on my screenshot!
It’s not sponsored, just something that’s truly helped us. If you want to try it, my referral code is here. When you sign up, Blueberry will send you a free medical kit with a thermometer, oxygen monitor, and ear scope everything you need to check in confidently from home.
For the first time, cold season feels a little less overwhelming, knowing help is just a message away.
📅 What We’re Looking Forward To
A sneak peek at upcoming events and seasonal fun around Charlotte.
Fort Mill Christmas Cookie Crawl
Friday, November 28 – Tuesday, December 30, 2025
The sweetest stroll of the season is back. The Fort Mill Christmas Cookie Crawl turns downtown into a sugar-dusted wonderland where families wander from shop to shop collecting cookies, sipping cocoa, and soaking up small-town holiday charm. Registration opens TODAY at 10am and spots go fast, so set a reminder and grab your place early.
Picture this: Christmas music in the air, twinkly lights on every corner, and little hands clutching their cookie tins like treasure. It’s festive, local, and completely free! A cozy December morning that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
Here’s to coffee you don’t have to reheat, smooth bedtimes, and a weekend that feels more fun than frantic. Enjoy this cozy stretch before the holidays, and if you find a new favorite spot, pass it on and spread the local love!
See you next Thursday, 💚 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. 🌱
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