Is there anything better than this time of year? It finally feels like fall, the leaves are absolutely showing off, and my heart is just so full. We walked with our little astronaut, Jamie, in our neighborhood Halloween parade and helped him trick-or-treat for the very first time. Watching him toddle around while my husband and I followed as his dutiful alien parents was a moment I’ll treasure forever.
That feeling of community inspired my family and friends to pool our funds and drop off 250 pounds of groceries and baby supplies at NourishUp this week. It was a small gesture, but a reminder of how much need exists right in our community, and how much we can help.
In that spirit, this week we’re sharing ways to give back, plus some cozy fun like a pumpkin-smashing party, a wonderful book festival, and the first twinkly lights - all with easy parking, of course!
A Quick Note on Why This Matters It’s sometimes hard to see the scale of need in our own backyard, so I wanted to share a few numbers that have stuck with me:
Nearly 140,000 people right here in Mecklenburg County rely on SNAP benefits each month.
With an average benefit of about $187 per person, that’s over $20 million in food assistance at risk - just for the month of November.
To put that into perspective, Nourish Up’s entire annual budget is $7.2 million, and they have already seen a 20% spike in pantry visits.
The math is stark, but our community is strong. If you’re able, please consider joining the give-back drive or simply sharing this information with a friend.
Your roundup of family-friendly events and activities happening this week.
November is serving big cozy energy and even bigger community fun. We’ve got a give-back drive, pumpkin-smashing joy, a beloved book festival, and a couple of easy wins for family dinner and playtime.
Let’s make some memories without overcomplicating the calendar. Some highlights:
Food and Wellness Drive at The Exchange at 36th: Donate groceries, baby food, formula, and wellness items like toilet paper, toothpaste, new unopened makeup, soap, feminine products, and deodorant.
EpicFest at ImaginOn: A free family celebration of reading with author fun, crafts, and plenty of wiggles welcome
Town of Davidson: Pumpkin Smash & Shoot: Bring your pumpkins (or use one of the provided extras) to launch, smash, or shoot. All pumpkins will be composted afterward.
Your featured park, playground, or indoor play spot.
We spent the dreamiest day at Wise Acre Farm, the kind where wood fired pizza, cider donuts, and baby goat giggles all happen in one place. Reservations are a must, and they unlock the full experience, including that pizza everyone talks about. Jamie went from chicken shy to chicken chasing, then conquered the wooded playground and suffered through a million family photos at the u-pick flower garden.
After, we popped next door to the Green House for Waxhaw Creamery ice cream and football watching under the trees, no reservations needed.
Your kid-friendly restaurant, bakery, or café of the week.
For a night out that feels adult but still welcomes kids, Postino at The Bowl at Ballantyne is perfect. Parents will love the shareable bruschetta board, while kids can enjoy The Picnic plate. Don't miss the happy hour before 5 p.m! It helps makes early dinners feel special.
Parking at The Bowl is easy; just scan the QR code to register, and many lots offer three hours free. This lets you relax and even visit the nearby playground afterward. It’s one of those rare places where grown-up conversation and crayons genuinely coexist.
A quick tip, insight, or reflection from a local expert or parent.
Charlotte Sprout’s Guide to Childcare in Charlotte
I pulled months of childcare research into two free resources for Charlotte families. My new guide to childcare in Charlotte breaks down real costs, North Carolina’s star ratings and ratios, how to read inspection reports, and the pros and cons of daycares, nannies, au pairs, preschools, and more.
Pair it with the Daycare Research Template, a Google Sheets tracker with space for tuition, drive times, licensing info, notes, and a gut check column, the exact tool I used to stay sane through tours and waitlists. If you’re in the thick of calls and callbacks, this is the shortcut I wish I had on day one.
The 4th Annual Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular is almost here, and we are ready for twinkly magic, cocoa in mittens, and that slow walk wonder that turns a weeknight into a memory. Plan a pajama friendly, stroller happy outing that will light up your little ones’ faces.
Wishing you easy parking, long naps, and moments you’ll talk about at bedtime. Have the best week, Charlotte, and if you try something from this list, tell a friend 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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