The Most Flavorful Community Service/Non-Profit in Charlotte

Goodwill - Wendover Rd

★★★★☆ 3.8 (5)

"I decided to do some thrifting during my lunch break and decided to stop by this location. Now the outside does look sketch, but they are in the process of remodeling this shopping center. It's right beside a family dollar and McDonalds. Once you make it inside, it's very different. Super clean, organized, and modern goodwill! Everything was in neat order, and they had plenty to choose from. They didn't have much in the shoe or purse department but definitely a lot in clothing. I didn't have much time to thoroughly go through everything. I made my way towards the back where they had all the household goods. They have a variety of lamps, tables, nightstands, and frames. They also have a huge selection of books. It's definitely a goodwill location you should visit. Don't be put off by how it looks on the outside. Definitely some good finds."

Matthews Help Center

★★★★☆ 4 (13)

"If I'm not mistaken clothing was organized by color and size and type. Jeans were definitely by size. Jewelry. Workout wear. Costumes (final sale). shoes. Really nice selection on all. Staff so nice. Got a great vintage-y bracelet for 4$. Parking out front. Donations accepted."

Goodwill - Monroe

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (7) • $

"The store is big, well lit, and clean. The parking is plentiful. Unfortunately, the merchandise balance in this store is heavy on the clothing. They have tons of clothing- especially women's clothing. The houseware section is limited. The furniture section is sparse. I didn't find anything that I needed and I left empty handed."

Cotton Candy Factory

★★★★★ 4.8 (13) • $

"This place was so simple, yet so fun! I felt like a kid walking in and I was astounded by the cotton candy flavors offered! You can even spin your own very large wand of original cotton candy!They have a massive gum ball machine in the front window of the shop that lines the quaint Main Street of downtown Belmont. I was expecting to see the stereotypical self serve scooping style bins of candy with clear bags nearby waiting to be filled. That wasn't really the case. This place focuses more on novelty candies and individually wrapped goodies. Some nostalgic and some trendy offerings are available.The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the product. It's a quick in and out experience, but I highly recommend it. Especially for cotton candy lovers! I will definitely be back! I want to try every flavor!"

Greater Matthews Habitat For Humanity Restore

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (11) • $

"Oh wow this is by far is the worst Habitat for Humanity store I've been to. It kinda reminded me of a junk shop. The items they had on display outdoors were not the best items to be on display. Once inside the store is small and the items seem to be on top of one another. I was able to find 3 or 4 pieces of glass that I could use for my flowers but there wasn't much more inside for a reasonable price. I had high hopes for this location but the items I saw on this trip really killed that. Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity Restore2447 E John StMatthews, NC 28105(Review 509 overall, 53 in 2021)"

Snowflake Village Christmas Trees

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Truly I can't say enough great things about our trip to Snowflake Village last weekend! We arrived about 5 mins before they opened and waited over in an apartment parking lot until they opened their entrance. They opened right on time and we went in to park. Shockingly there was only one other car there on a Saturday in December, which we were very happy about. We anticipated a big crowd.We parked and walked up to the front, they have a lot of signage all around that I think is more so for their busy times. I can imagine it gets hectic and this is how they keep folks organized and sane lol. Once you walk in there's decorations everywhere and so many photo opps. I kept saying to my boyfriend how cute it has to be at night with all the lights. They have all kinds of different size trees with different "bushyness". Each tree is tagged and labeled, they tell you once you find your dream tree simply remove the bottom half of the tag and bring it to a staff member.They then take your tree, give it a fresh cut and wrap it for travel. Then you jump in your car, follow a fun trivia trail right to where you pick it up. Again, this is more for busy days but it was fun lol. Then they load the tree into the car for you. We had a pick up truck so there was no need to tie it down but the car before them needed their tree tied down and the staff member helped him do that. Really great service!!! We purchased a gorgeous 8ft tree, the tree holder and a green tray to go under it all to catch water and pines. The pricing was very affordable, which also surprised me.I also loved that they have a prayer chapel where you can write a prayer and hang it on a tree. Very touching! The best part is your purchase helps to fund 30 different local charities and some goes to help Western NC too!!! This place was really special and such a fun time! My inner child was overjoyed and so fulfilled! I always have a fake tree at Christmas and this year something told me to go for the real thing. I'm so happy we chose Snowflake Village!! We had the best experience ever and will go back to them again and again. I highly recommend this spot if you're in the market for a real Christmas tree this year or in the future. Thank you so much to Kristi and Snowflake village for our beautiful tree and memories!!!"

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

★★★★★ 4.9 (63)

"This bridge, like many, apparently outlived its usefulness as a conveyance, but was turned into a sort of park. The greenery covering the area is quite robust and a lot of effort clearly went into designing and maintaining it. At one end, a spot for people to hang collars up to memorialize their dogs demonstrates that apparently visitors here like tiny yippy dogs a lot more than I do, but it is still a nice touch.When I visited, they were working on building a visitor center and parking was limited (one end is a separate business whose parking lot is devoted solely to that business as designated by numerous angry signs). However, a water fountain and portapotties were still available.This isn't a place where you'd spend an enormous amount of time, but it is well done and certainly worth a look, and there is no charge to cross."

Carolina Raptor Center

★★★★☆ 4.3 (76)

"Aesthetic: Incredible Raptor sanctuary with a wide variety of beautiful rescue birds to learn about. My Favorites: The informational shows were the best, I loved watching the raptors eat, fly, and interact with the crowd, they were the coolest! Experience: This is one of my new favorite places to enjoy in the Charlotte region. The workers were knowledgeable and excited to teach. The birds had interesting personalities, and some were hamming it up when we visited. The park is a great value for how much of an experience you get just walking around and learning. I highly recommend checking this center out if you have kids, need a fun date idea, or you just want to get away in nature and take a mini hike around the trail."

Sara's YMCA

"My son's early morning chess scrimmage landed me on this side of town with a few hours to fill. This was the closest YMCA according to Yelp, so I headed over for what turned out to be a great workout. This Y is pretty nice, very open and spacious and the staff at the front desk were so welcoming. The layout is pretty nice, most of the weight machines are downstairs and there is also like an area outside that you can workout. The cardio machines are upstairs, and this location is in a business park so the view from the treadmill is pretty nice. There is also an outside area upstairs for workouts......I enjoyed my experience here."

Goodwill - Denver

★★★★☆ 4.3 (4)

"I rarely shop her but at least twice a year, we go through our closet and take some of our gently used clothes to Goodwill. Been more lately since I went on a diet and lost some weight and nothing fits but before I buy replacements, time to clean out the closets and make room.My eldest son is a big fan of Goodwill, and I think half of his wardrobe came from Goodwill.It's a clean store, well organized and from what I can see, the quality of the merchandise is very good. Considering where we live, we live next to some high-income areas and that is reflected in the goods being offered.Looking to stretch your budget, this might be a good place to start."

Cakeable Cafe

★★★★★ 4.8 (5)

"Cakeable is an amazing organization doing such great things in the community. The hot chocolate and lemon muffins at the Cafe are amazing!! (I don't drink coffee but I heard it's amazing too). Definitely stop by and check it out!!"

GiGi's Playhouse - Charlotte

"I am a volunteer at Gigi's and I was disappointed to read the other review. That gentleman the review spoke of no longer works there. There are now two amazing and dedicated women who run the Charlotte playhouse. They are both staff amazing with families, participants and volunteers. Gigi's Playhouse is my happy place. I work with little ones all the way up to adult participants. There is a variety of classes available and more being added all the time. I personally tutor, teach a class called LMNOP (for the little ones) and attend events. There is something for everyone including pregnant women who may have just received a diagnosis. As a volunteer even if you'd rather just do things around the playhouse you can- but being around the participants will draw you right in! All the programs are of no cost to the participants and their families which is amazing. There are fundraisers and the staff gets a lot of grants. My favorite things is watching the parents connect as they attend classes with their children or family members and chat at events. Please go check it out for yourselves, or at least give them a call, and make your own judgement, you won't regret it."

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Mooresville

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (12) • $$

"As a shopper, you need to plan to come with time to really peruse. They generally do a good job of grouping together, but every once in a while that white whale item I am seeking is not where it belongs and is found after I gave up and was looking around for nothing in particular. As a donor, you simply drive around back with your items, a volunteer will come and get your item, give you a tax receipt and you drive off having helped bring more funds to an amazing community program to house those in need. Can't get better than that!Located right behind Wendy's at Norman Station, in the old Staples building. Check it out and think of them for your useable home related donations!"

Pioneer Springs Community School

"We are so thankful for a school and it's not traditional atmosphere. Sooo good for our child with ADHD with a large focus on being outside, up and moving around and their weekly social/emotional classes. Every child is encouraged to be their unique self!"

Bit of Hope Ranch

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Me and my family had a wonderful experience there. Amanda was knowledgeable and the animals looked fantastic. I would highly recommend anyone to take a lesson there or learn about horses from them they were fantastic."

First Tee Learning Center - Pineville

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"What a great facility for practicing all aspects of your golf game!They have a covered & heated driving range area where you hit off mats.They also have an outside driving range where you hit off natural grass.Both are lighted as they stay open until 9pmThere is also a dedicated chipping area.There is a dedicated putting area which is really exceptional. It's set up like a 18 hole putting green similar to a putt putt course.There is not a single flat area on the putting course, it's all swales and ridges so you will really be challenged.In addition they have two golf simulators you can rent by the half hour or hour.You can register for free membership to get your bucket of balls at a discount of $1.00.Interestingly most all the balls are Titlest range balls which is a plus.Inside there is an attendant who will rent the balls,There are 3 different size buckets, small, medium and large.The small gets you about 70 balls and runs $10.75They sell used and new clubs and golf bags.You can buy individuals clubs or a full set.They also sell golf apparel including shoes.You can get cold sodas and bottled water as well.This is a first class facility part of the First Tee Organization of Greater Charlotte.You'll find that on certain days/hours there will be a lot of youngsters practicing so you can ask the attendant about the best times to visit."

Goodwill - University

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 (10) • $

"This location has pretty good merchandise and clothes most of the time. I have found many household items for a great deal. I like kitchen gadgetry and unusual items. I find lots of that here. The clothing always depends on what has been donated but there's always several great finds if you are willing to dig. The prices are mostly fair. The employees are friendly. The parking lot is convenient. I enjoy shopping here."

Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas

"Great place to bring the students to prepare them for how to navigate the real world. The staff here are friendly and engage with the kids. Definitely will look into their summer camp programs."