McAdvenville: A Christmas Tradition
We started our McAdvenville tradition when we were first married, so 2010. Honestly, maybe even before when we were dating. We’re so old we don’t remember. Ha! When Joel was a kid, he and his Mom and her friend would load their kids up and drive them through Christmastown USA. But their first stop in Belmont was Fish Camp. Yes maybe it’s a bit of an odd tradition, but that’s the beauty of traditions. They are unique and they are yours. Because this tradition included a meal of fried seafood and a salad bar with homemade ranch dressing, I knew early on this was a ritual I wanted to get behind. As a kid who spent a decent part of her childhood up north and in Florida, someone had to explain to me that Fish Camp really had nothing to do with camp. Just fish mostly. If you’re not from around here, Fish Camp is just a southern way to say a place that serves fried seafood platters with hushpuppies. They are simple places and usually more neighborhood/local joints and never fancy. Also part of this night when Joel was a kid (and the part he most remembers) is that his Mom and his friend’s Mom would let the kids pick out a bag of candy from the “wall of candy” at the restaurant. So first, fried seafood, then candy, then driving through the Christmas Lights! Seriously what is not to love?!
Since we have been doing this since the kids were babies, we adopted our tradition of walking not driving through McAdvenville when Caroline was an infant. Since then, every year we have parked and walked off our fried shrimp and salad bar with ranch while watching the Christmastown USA lights sparkle in the dark while feeling the cold air on our face.
We have only missed one year of this tradition and that was the year Jennings was diagnosed with leukemia (2017) and the twins were born which was around Christmastime. Each year, we have made the trek to Belmont for delicious but simple fried goodness and family memories. We probably can never top last year, because our friends arranged a beautiful black limousine for us, and even connected us with those who organize Christmastown so that Jennings could “turn on” the lights. It was a magical evening for my kids. It wasn’t the most magical for Joel and I, but that is never the point really when it comes to Christmas Magic is it? Jennings leukemia had relapsed in November and he was fresh out of a long and grueling month in the hospital. That year was yet another harsh reminder to us that we really don’t know how many Christmases we get with him. Our friends made that evening so very special and we will never forget it! In the limo ride home that night we got a 3rd blow of bad news in the short span of a couple weeks …that’s how life goes huh. Oh the highs and lows. I wish it could all just be truly magical! But to our children it was and that is all that will ever matter to us. Seeing Jennings turn those lights on was so fun and his smile brought so much joy because the weeks leading up to that had been so painful for him and for all of us.
This year we were incredibly grateful to carry on our tradition like a “normal family” with a healthy boy……no limo….just our normal dirty minivan. Fear still absolutely there. But not nearly as close and terrorizing. I am thankful for every single year we get to do this as a family.
Now that I’ve shared an in-depth history of our McAdvenville tradition- I want to help YOU experience Christmastown USA in the simple but sweet way that we do 😊
There are so many ways to bring tradition into your holidays. I have always felt that picking a few simple things and doing them consistently is the best approach rather than trying to make it to a long list of magical experiences. I spoke in my last post about “magic” and how to find it and the same applies here. The magic isn’t found in expectations of a magical evening or any expectations at all. It’s found in letting things unfold as they will and letting your children decide what is wonderful about the evening. They are so full of wonder and joy! (if they are little, I know the teen Moms are probably rolling their eyes at me right now thinking oh just wait!)
We usually leave Charlotte around 4pm and we ALWAYS go on a weeknight. Otherwise, traffic and crowds are even worse. Leaving around 4 gives us plenty of time to get to Fish Camp for an early dinner and plenty of time to let the kids browse the Wall of Candy. Every year we have gone to Twin Tops Fish Camp. Disclaimer: Twin Tops is a simple place. It’s a local family-owned Fish Camp. In earlier years of our visits, they had old fashioned costumed carolers which was really sweet. Some years we see them and some years we don’t! When we get there early on a weeknight we have never had to wait. Service is simple but good and generally quick enough for us! It’s nice to have a plate of fried seafood to scratch that coastal beach trip itch ……and somehow…over the years….that plate of fried food has made us feel the Christmas spirit…because that’s what traditions do. They evoke nostalgia and memories of years past and we long for them because we long for stability, consistency and that “feeling” we get from a sight, taste, sound or smell.
This year, we were sad to learn that Twin Tops was take out only. Thanks Covid after shocks. While we certainly don’t argue that it’s the best place in town, we were bummed because it’s our place. However, we found another great spot just down the street that honestly had us very pleased! Thank you Amber Jacks Seafood! Amber Jacks also had candy, the food was delicious and service was great. We may go back again!
After we have filled our bellies with fried food and tried our best to keep the children from squeezing out all the ketchup, spilling their drinks and running around, we head to the wall of candy where I let the kids pick out enough pieces of candy that feels indulgent but also an amount I won’t regret later! They are allowed to eat it as soon as we get in the car to head to McAdenville as well as on the way home. We make our way in the car to our parking spot- a Burger King just across from the entrance to McAdenville. This may be the first year we will go without a stroller! Wow, how time flies. The Burger King we park at is at the corner of Market & Wilkinson Blvd. If you’re coming after 6:00pm, don’t try to get their by Wilkinson Blvd though, you will get stuck in the drive through traffic. Follow Cramerton Mountain Road from South New Hope Road until you get to Market Street. You’ll see the Burger King there. There are other places to park too but we have always found a place there! You have to cross 4 lanes to walk over to the entrance but there is a crosswalk and usually Police Officers directing the McAdvenville traffic.
Here is the intersection where the Burger King is and where we park!
We love to see all the children popping their heads out of their sunroofs yelling “Merry Christmas” as we take our time strolling through. It seems that each year the town adds more lovely homes and therefore more twinkling lights. Homeowners add their own touches over the years too. Walking allows you to walk down streets otherwise blocked off by cars. Something about the children all bundled up, the (usually) biting cold and the twinkling lights usually makes me weep. It’s the weightiness of all the years piled up too…..all the ups and downs we’ve had…..getting to repeat this each year means the world. We don’t care if we’re in a limo or a dirty van, we’re together! This year we took a little more time because the kids are older and can handle a little more. Walking allows you to really enjoy each home owners decor and their specific theme and style. There are really so many sweet details you may not notice while driving through! Although we absolutely recommend driving opposed to NOT going to McAdvenville….just preferably on a weeknight! But walking is what we love and we enjoy taking in all the hard work that each homeowner puts in to prepare for the Christmas season.
If you really wanted to add some magic, you could absolutely bring a thermos of Hot Cocoa and some cups….but my kids have always been too small for that! Maybe someday!
Belmont is a good drive from Charlotte and one of the most common questions I have gotten about McAdvenville over the years is “is it worth it”?
I’ll be honest, the first time I went as a high schooler it was so hyped up in my mind based on what others had said, I was pretty disappointed. But over the years, I’ve really come to appreciate and love the beauty of McAdenville. It’s not Christmas Light Fight on ABC. It’s Classic Small Town Christmas. It’s simple & beautiful. Check out this great article for a comprehensive history and more beautiful photos of what to expect from Christmastown, USA.
This year brought new memories….and we are so thankful….wishing your family all the Christmas magic this year.
Leave your tips, McAdvenville memories or any questions in the comments section below!
<3 LP