You Haven’t Lived Until You’ve Experienced This One Incredible Lake In Charlotte
Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, offers a variety of recreational activities and scenic beauty just a short drive from Charlotte.
Lake Norman is the largest man-made body of water in North Carolina and is only about a 40 minute drive north of Charlotte. A popular spot for Charlotteans in the summer, Lake Norman can make you feel like you're on an extravagant vacation when in reality you're really only a few miles from home.
Fed by the Catawba River, Lake Norman offers more than 520 miles of shoreline and has a surface area of more than 50 square miles. If you live in the city, but love being on the water, you must visit this lake as soon as you can - you'll be stunned by its beauty and will fall in love with the endless activities it offers throughout the year.
Lake Norman spans four counties and has led to the creation of 11 settlements that include Cornelius, Huntersville, Davidson, and Mooresville.
One of the only lakes in North Carolina that allows lake side building, Lake Norman is a desirable place to own a home if you want to be away from the city and live on a gorgeous body of water. There are tons of marinas, public docks and boat slips that make it easy for residents to own boats all throughout the year. The All Seasons Marina in Mooresville is an awesome spot that has over 200 slips, trailer storage and trailer boat storage.
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There is nothing more serene then being out on the lake and enjoying the peaceful scenery around you.
There are tons of wild animals, birds, reptiles and fish who live at the lake and any given day you might see a bald eagle or catch a local fish when out exploring the water.
On a summer day, the lake will be hopping with activity and eager lake goers ready to sail, jetski, swim or just hang out on a dock.
If you don't own a boat, but like the idea of it, you can even join a boat share program where you pay a monthly fee to share a boat with others and take it out on the weekends that work for you.
Water skiing and jetskiing are also popular activities you can take part in on Lake Norman.
Cocktail Cove is a hot spot for many regulars who head out and meet up with friends each weekend. Everyone is so friendly, you can often hop from boat to boat to meet new people and experience a new party.
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If you're a nature lover, Lake Norman State Park is also a great place to visit.
Lake Norman State Park offers hiking, camping and a public beach all with the beautiful view of the lake present at all times. If you like to sleep under the stars, there's nothing better than pitching your tent here and falling asleep to the soft lapping of the lake hitting the shore.
If you are looking for a romantic evening, you can book a dinner cruise through The Lady of the Lake where you can enjoy a wonderful meal and a beautiful scene with your loved one.
One of the most prestigious neighborhoods near the lake, the properties are stunning with lakeside views, amazing pools, hot tubs and more. You'll feel like you're on an exotic tropical vacation if you rent one of these properties and you'll enjoy every minute of it.
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A Greg Norman Golf Course at the Trump National Golf Club is a big draw for seasoned golfers.
Forget the cookie-cutter hotels – unique vacation rentals are the getaways of today that we adore. Below are 12 of the best places to stay in Texas, one for each month of the year. From homes with private river access to a cabin on an actual Christmas tree farm, these magnificent getaways in Texas will make your year memorable. So, don’t miss out on these incredible destinations this year! They’re our picks for the best vacation destinations in Texas and we bet you’re going to love them all.
Log cabins make the ultimate cozy winter getaway, and this one near Tyler is no exception. Sleeping up to four guests, it's the perfect Piney Woods escape when you need to slow down and recharge - you may even see some snow!
February is the month of romance, and this secluded tiny house in the trees is ideal for couples looking to spend some quality time together. The cottage itself is only 288 square feet, but the spacious deck is the real selling point here.
3. March - Coach’s Quarters on the Creek (Lacy-Lakeview)
Spring has sprung, and the world is beginning to wake up again. Revel in the sounds of nature emerging from a long winter's rest when you stay in this rustic treehouse overlooking White Rock Creek. The home sleeps up to five guests in three bedrooms.
4. April - Waldrip Cabin, Romantic & Tranquil (Fredericksburg)
April is peak wildflower season in the Texas Hill Country, and Fredericksburg has some of the best blooms in the area. This lovely, 370-square-foot home accommodates two guests, and it's just a short distance from the iconic Willow City Loop.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, and this luxury home is the perfect place to set up camp for the weekend. It's incredibly spacious, featuring three bedrooms and two full baths, and boasts amenities such as a private swimming pool, outdoor shower, picnic table and chairs, BBQ grilling area, and wraparound balcony.
Summer is for road-tripping, and there's no place like the Texas Hill Country when you want to discover something new. Use this charming - and affordable - Airstream that sleeps two as your base camp while you explore everything the area has to offer.
The whole family (and some friends, too!) can stay in this massive, 4,000-square-foot home with 150 feet of private river frontage. With a firepit for s'mores, BBQ griddle, yard games, and more, it would be the perfect destination for a July 4 get-together.
8. August - Lake House on Lake Belton (Bell County)
Live the lake life at this three-bedroom stylish home overlooking the beautiful Lake Belton. The sunsets are incredible, making it ideal for a summertime vacay.
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9. September - Lake Travis Luxury Houseboat (Travis County)
We can't imagine a better way to say sayonara to summer than a houseboat getaway on one of the "coolest houseboats in Austin." Located in a commercial marina on Lake Travis, this luxury floating home sleeps up to eight guests and features a wealth of indoor and outdoor amenities.
10. October - Lorna’s Ghost Town Cabin (Study Butte-Terlingua)
Celebrate "spooky season" in the best way possible by spending the night in a bonafide ghost town in Texas. There's nothing haunting about Lorna's Ghost Town Cabin - but the mountain views are so incredible, it's borderline scary.
Anyone who thinks Texas doesn't have fall foliage needs to pay a visit to Palestine. Bird Cottage is the perfect autumn escape, surrounded by vibrant leaves and boasting a cozy ambiance.
12. December - Tiny House on the Christmas Tree Farm (Brazoria County)
Is there anything more idyllic than spending the night on an actual Christmas tree farm? Located on Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm near Houston, that's exactly what this rustic, two-person tiny house offers. Take a walk through the trees and breathe in the fresh scent of pine needles as you feel the holiday spirit wash over you.
What do you think about these getaways in Texas? Have you ever stayed at any of these awesome spots? If not, don't hesitate to visit the Vrbo listings to start planning your next getaway. We guarantee that your new favorite vacation destination in Texas is waiting for you!
Wintertime in Missouri promises so many magical moments - from the peaceful silence after the first snowfall to strolling down snow-dusted Main Streets as we go Christmas shopping. While we might not all love the return of the cold and the snow, we can all likely agree that winter in Missouri offers a ton of fun and plenty of memorable moments, even if we're just curled up under our favorite blanket, watching the snow fall outside. When you're ready for adventure, here are some of the best things to do in Missouri in winter.
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Holiday Events In Missouri
Certainly one of the highlights of winter, the holiday season is usually jam-packed with things to do. While Christmas shopping, cooking, baking, and decorating can fill up much of our time, we sometimes need to slow down and soak up the season with family and friends. Get in the holiday spirit with one of the best walk-thru or drive-thru Christmas light displays in Missouri, and bring the whole family to one of the best Christmas festivals in Missouri. Here are some holiday events in Missouri to help get you started.
1. Winter Wonderland
Location: St. Louis
Popularity: Extremely popular, expect crowds, especially 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Price: Family vehicle $20
Make the car toasty; turn up the Christmas carols, and slowly drive through the Winter Wonderland of Tilles Park in St. Louis. The beloved drive-thru Christmas lights display in Missouri has been a staple since 1987. Marvel at the more than one million lights and 100 Christmas light displays as you drive through light tunnels and past beloved holiday characters. Tickets can be purchased in advance. Winter Wonderland runs daily, except on Christmas Eve, from late November through December 30. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2. Christmas Lights In The Park
Location: Moberly
Popularity: Popular. Expect a wait, especially on weekends.
Price: Free
Start a new tradition with a drive through Christmas Lights in the Park at Rothwell Park in Moberly. The free event offers an idyllic way to get into the Christmas spirit as you wind your way past more than 100 Christmas displays and thousands of dazzling lights. Christmas Lights in the Park kicks off the season with a tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 26, 2023. The drive-thru light display in Missouri will run on select nights through Dec. 23. Donations to Altrusa, the event's sponsor, are welcome.
3. Santa’s Magical Kingdom
Location: Eureka
Popularity: Can get really busy, especially on the weekends
Price: $35 (family vehicle); $45 (passenger van, transport van, small bus)
Pile the whole family in the car for a magical Christmastime adventure at Santa's Magical Kingdom. The drive-thru Christmas lights display in Missouri boasts millions of twinkling lights, a tunnel of lights, and a lights waterfall. Keep the magic going after your drive by heading into Jellystone Park for more holiday fun. Santa's on hand to listen to Christmas wishes; visit Kringle's Store, and indulge in a seasonal treat. Climb aboard a wagon ride, too. Santa's Magical Kingdom runs from mid-November through early January. Hours vary depending on the day and the time of the season.
4. Powell Gardens
Location: Kingsville
Popularity: Can get extremely busy during the weekend
Price: $8-$16. Children four and younger are free.
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Bundle up for a stroll through the Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens, an epic annual event that runs from mid-November through the end of December. Whether you're starting or continuing a beloved Christmastime tradition, take your time as you meander through light tunnels and past glittering Christmas trees. Powell Gardens lights up from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
5. Silver Dollar City
Location: Branson
Popularity: Extremely popular, especially on the weekends
Price: Tickets start at $89. Additional activities and events may cost extra.
Step into a winter wonderland of millions of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal entertainment at An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. Boasting more than 6.5 million lights, Silver Dollar City promises a ton of fun - visits with Santa, a Christmas parade, family-friendly entertainment, and delicious food. An Old Time Christmas runs from early November through the end of December. Hours vary depending on the day.
6. Grant’s Farm
Location: St. Louis
Popularity: Can get quite busy
Price: Ranges from $12-$29+
Make the most of the merry season with a visit to Grant's Farm in St. Louis. Whether you decide to drive through or walk through the farm that's aglow with more than one million lights, you're sure to get into the Christmas spirit. You can book a carriage ride that will take you on a magical journey to see the lights or warm up next to your very own VIP fire pit. Or how about surprising the kiddos with breakfast with Santa? Grant's Farm's Christmas celebration runs from late November through late December. (The drive-thru Christmas lights display in St. Louis, Missouri, however, only runs through mid-December.)
Christmas Towns In Missouri
Because the Christmas season is usually quite short compared to all there is to do, we have to carefully plan our calendars, so we don't miss out on any of the many Christmas events and activities in Missouri. If you have a free day or even a weekend, plan a getaway to one of these enchanting Christmas towns in Missouri, where you'll feel as though you've stepped back through the pages of time. (You'll even find some of the best free things to do in Missouri in winter in these picturesque towns.)
7. Hannibal
Location: Hannibal
Popularity: Can get busy
Price: $2 admission to the Festival of Trees
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Journey back through time with a Christmastime visit to <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/trip-ideas/missouri/old-fashioned-christmas-town-mo/" target="_blank">Hannibal. The charming small town in Missouri hosts the Victorian Festival of Christmas in Historic Downtown Hannibal, an epic holiday celebration that runs the first three weekends of December. (Events are also held on Small Business Saturday at the end of November.) Festivities include living windows, carriage rides, and a Festival of Trees. Earmark some time, too, to explore the historic downtown, where you can do a bit of Christmas shopping and indulge in a delicious meal.
8. Branson
Location: Branson
Popularity: Can get very busy, depending on the attraction
Price: Varies
With its jam-packed schedule of activities and events, Branson just might deserve the title of the Christmas Capital of Missouri. Visit Silver Dollar City for its epic Old Time Christmas celebration (and more than 6.5 million lights). Follow one of the town's drive-thru light displays, like Shepherd of the Hills' Trail of Lights. Go Christmas shopping in the historic downtown, or ride the Polar Express with Santa (and the Branson Scenic Railway).
9. Independence
Location: Independence
Popularity: Can get busy during the holidays
Price: Varies, depending on activity. Admission to Vaile Mansion ranges from $5-$10.
Celebrate the Christmas season with a visit to the bustling town of Independence. Get into the holiday spirit with a tour of Vaile Mansion, which gets all decked out for the Christmas season. Tours are offered from late November through the end of December. Put on your hiking shoes for the Annual Winter Solstice Torch Lit Hike in early December, and walk around town to admire the Christmas decorations.
Outdoor Activities
Some of the best Missouri winter activities offer us the chance to enjoy the fresh air and the freshly fallen snow (if we're lucky). Missouri boasts some of the best sledding hills - can you say Art Hill at Forest Park in St. Louis - and epic snow tubing parks that will transform those cold and snowy days in Missouri into action-packed adventures. Here are just a few of the best family things to do in Missouri in winter.
Billed as the largest ice skating rink in the Midwest with 27,600 square feet, <a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/missouri/largest-ice-skating-rink-mo/" target="_blank">Steinberg Ice Skating Rink is the place to go for a day of fun gliding around the ice. The rink offers all-day skating. Take a break to warm up near the firepit, and recharge with a hot drink and a snack. Skating lessons are also available. The rink is generally open seasonally from mid-November through early March. (From May through October, the rink offers roller skating.)
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11. Summit Rink
Location: Lee’s Summit
Popularity: Can get busy
Price: $11/$8 for Lee's Summit residents; skate rental $3
Glide around the rink at Summit Ice. The 8,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink also features fire pits and a patio with plenty of seating. When you need a breather, grab a bite to eat from the concession stand and relax on the patio. It's certainly one of the best cheap things to do in Missouri in winter. Summit Ice generally opens in mid-November.
12. Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Location: Eureka
Popularity: Two-hour sessions are offered to prevent overcrowding.
Price: Tickets are not yet on sale for the season.
Bundle up for one of the best family things to do in Missouri in winter when you go snow tubing at<a href="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/stays/missouri/longest-snow-tubing-run-mo/" target="_blank">Polar Plunge Tubing Park at Hidden Valley Ski Resort. Tickets are sold in two-hour sessions, so you can zip down the hill as many times as you want. Catch your breath as the conveyor belt takes you back to the top to do it all over again. If you need more of a break, warm up by one of the roaring fire pits.
13. Snow Creek Ski Area
Location: Weston
Popularity: Extremely popular. Buy tickets in advance as they often sell out on the weekends and holidays.
Price: Tickets are not yet on sale for the season.
Get ready for a day of fast-paced fun at Snow Creek, where you can go snow tubing or skiing. Timed tickets can be purchased in advance for your rides down the 700-foot hill. Go up the conveyor belt, and go back down again...and again. Skiing is also popular at this winter park. The season typically begins in mid-December.
Winter Getaways
While most people count down the days until their summer vacations, there's something so enchanting and tranquil about a winter getaway. Escaping to a cozy cabin or a lively resort the whole family will love adds an extra bit of magic to the season. Here are some of the best winter getaways in Missouri.
14. River of Life Farm
Location: Dora
Popularity: Can get busy
Price: Starting at $259
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For one of the most romantic things to do in Missouri in winter, plan a getaway to River of Life Farm, where you can stay cozy in one of its treehouses or cabins. The Missouri resort offers a variety of accommodations for two to six guests. When you're not staying warm in your home-away-from-home, explore the farm on one of the snow-dusted hiking trails, or go stargazing. (River of Life Farm boasts some of the best stargazing in Missouri.)
15. Fair Winds Cabin Resort
Location: Cherryville
Popularity: Can get busy
Price: Starting at $159
Check into a charming cabin for a winter getaway at Fair Winds Cabin Resort. All cabins promise luxury with some featuring a fireplace or a Jacuzzi. If it's not too cold, sit on the rocking chair on the front porch and watch the snowfall.
16. Grand Country Resort
Location: Branson
Popularity: Popular
Price: Rates start at around $200 per night
Treat the whole family to a blast of summer in the middle of winter with a visit to Grand Country Resort in Branson. While the snow's falling outside, stand under a tipping bucket or float in the crystal-clear pool. The resort offers a full menu of family-friendly amenities, including bowling, a movie theater, laser tag, and indoor go-karts. Dig into some of the best food in Branson, too, at this resort that has a buffet, a pizza joint, and a restaurant that grills all of the favorites, including burgers.
What are your favorite things to do in Missouri in winter? Let us know in the comments! On the hunt for more free things to do in Missouri in winter? How about going on a refreshing winter hike? Check out the best winter hikes in Missouri then, for more hikes, stop by AllTrails.
