Lake Wylie Magazine

I have a secret. I've lived in South Carolina for seven years and have yet to visit Charlotte. Really visit Charlotte. And then I saw an ad for Charlotte NC Tours. Time for secrets was at an end.

A self-taught artist's "Secret Garden" is on display at Fort Mill's BacInTyme.

The first Mecklenburg County nature center and the 1,115-acre Steele Creek land preserve it sits on celebrated 25 years of bringing folks back to nature Saturday by - naturally - showing off its greenest features. The McDowell Nature Center in Steele Creek celebrated its 25th anniversary with hikes, hay rides and live animals.

If you're a wine lover and fortunate enough to find yourself in Rome, there's an attraction you won't want to miss. It's not one you'll find in the guide books. Enoteca Costantini located in the Piazza Cavour is an experience. It's more that just a wine and spirits shop.

US Airways recently started daily nonstop service between Charlotte and Rome. Getting to Italy has now become much more convenient from our area with no connecting flights.

The dollar has rallied recently against the Euro making European travel more affordable. With this in mind, we decided to take the opportunity and visit the Italian countryside around Tuscany, including Orvieto and Montepulciano, which was featured in the Twilight Saga film, "New Moon."

Tega Cay’s second annual Kids’ Safety Day at Walmart was sponsored by the city’s Public Safety Committee. Hundreds of children were treated to a bicycle rodeo sponsored by Piedmont Medical Center. They also enjoyed educational experiences that included the Tega Cay Fire Department’s smoke house training; learning about water pollution, boat safety, sun protection, snakes and reptiles, and a chance to interact with the city’s K-9 dog.

The other day some friends were talking about Carowinds. They waxed poetic about the rides: the thrill of going fast, the screaming drops, hanging upside down and spinning in circles. I got queasy just hearing their stories. I lost my love for rides, but their stories made me wonder: Can a non-thrill seeker enjoy Carowinds?

For children who like animals, it was a dream come true: They had a chance to ride a horse or pet a bunny. They could pal around with a squealing pig and a miniature pony and feed ducks – all at a petting zoo fundraiser recently held for Dream Equine Therapy Center in York.

Ah, the Fourth of July and the highlight of summer at Lake Wylie are here. There will be children having a great time at Camp Thunderbird and making memories that will last a lifetime. The lake and vicinity will be a buzz with activity from early morning to late night. It is a day and season of friends, family, picnics, fun, relaxation, recreation, and making memories. There are endless opportunities for boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, relaxing, golfing and exploring. Here are just a few opportunities and ideas for Fourth of July and summer fun throughout the season:

Piano and guitar students, including CJ Dellinger of Lake Wylie performing a guitar duet with instructor Dan Barnaba and Justin Klazinga of Charlotte performing a memorized piano solo of Joanne Marie's School of Piano gave two recitals June 5 at Winthrop University in Rock Hill.