Itinerary

Day 1

The day begins at Metrolina Greenhouses. Take a behind-the-scenes walking tour of the largest single-site heated greenhouse in the United States. With over 100 acres of heated greenhouses, it’s as large as six football fields and everything happens by machine. Containers are filled with soil. Seeds are planted, then watered and transported, producing over 70 million seedlings a year. Four product lines (spring bedding plants, summer annuals, fall mums/pansies and poinsettias) give a colorful visit any time of the year. Don't forget to wear your best walking shoes. (1 1/2 to 2 hours) Tour is free.

Your next stop is Concord Mills Mall, a shopping and entertainment destination featuring over 200 stores. Check out the new stores and bargains galore. For the lunch break (not covered), eat a light snack, because your next stop will be a culinary delight.

After the lunch break a new adventure awaits. Pick your partners, choose a team name and get ready to compete in a new Scavenger Hunt at the mall. The winning team takes home the prize. (2 hours) Tour is free.

Next, you’ll be able to fill up your tank near the fast lane when you head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a culinary demonstration and tasting of all items presented. Speedway Club Chef will captivate you as different dishes selected from one of five themed menu choices are prepared: Carolina BBQ, Jazz them Blues – a taste of the Bayou, Holidays Made Easy (groups choice of holiday), Celebration of Desserts, or Home Cocktail Parties. Each participant will be able to take the recipes home. (2 hours). Cost is $500 for 30 people. If there are more than 30 in the group, add $16.66 per additional person.

Once you’re full, head over to Historic Downtown Concord for a guided tour of Memorial Gardens. A master gardener will take you on a walking tour of this three-acre garden, entwined through the 200-year-old cemetery of the First Presbyterian Church. Witness one of North Carolina's hidden treasures in spring when 14,000 tulips and bulbs bloom in every color and shape. Add azaleas, dogwoods, flowering cherries, rare and unusual plants, winding paths, rock gardens and more to make this a magical place any time of the year. (1 hour) Free.

Time permitting, stroll through the quaint "All American" town of Concord. With one-of-a-kind shopping, coffee houses, antiques, and more, there is something to please everyone. Dinner will be at Emma's for a taste of Carolina cuisine, where home-style meals satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. (1 to 1 1/2 hours) Cost will vary depending on the menu.

Day 2

Today you will discover nature that surrounds you with tips and techniques in butterfly gardening and how to attract birds to your backyard. Melody Wilkes from A Walk in the Woods, LLC will present an EcoWild program on luring wildlife to your backyard. Learn about butterfly host plants, nectar plants, bird’s nest boxes, feeding stations and other ways to win over desirable wildlife. Live animal demonstrations are included in the program, along with a slide show and many hands-on educational items. (1 to 1 1/2 hours) Cost is $3.50 per person (minimum charge of $150) plus a $25 travel fee.

After the presentation, there will be plenty of time to visit the charming shops of Cannon Village. Wander around the colonial-style village and find something that will catch your eye — from home furnishings to gardening to culinary resources. (Time varies depending on your schedule) Free.

Now that you've worked up an appetite, make your way to Carolina Lily - at the Farm. Enjoy a delicious luncheon served beneath centuries-old magnolias in a beautiful cottage-style garden. The menu varies using the available fruits of the season. Choose either a Tea Party-in-a-Hat, served in a decorated garden hat, or Picnic-in-a- Pot, served in a decorated flowerpot. Each guest takes home their hat or pot as a special gift. (1 to 2 hours) Cost is $15 per person, inclusive.

Thanks for visiting. Come back to Cabarrus County and see us again soon.