As someone who almost got their degree in Linguistics, this is like an archaeological museum of the…read morewritten word and was such an incredibly pleasant surprise! Honestly, the caliber of content was fantastic and on par with the type of museum you would expect to find in a big metropolis. They do an excellent job of densely populating the small space with great displays and exhibits, each dedicated to a specific theme that is either historically/geographically based. Even though there is a lot of information to absorb, they do a wonderful job of making each section flow into one another and making sure each one is respectively distinct and specifically informational. I love the little quiz boxes they have spaced around to test your knowledge of how well you've been paying attention! There are also great pamphletsto give greater contextual information for certain displays. The 10min intro film to the Museum of the Alphabet is a must! You learn about the museum's origins and purpose and it gives you an idea of what to expect on your tour. It is a Christian-based foundation/mission, but as someone who is agnostic, I did not feel it was overtly religious at all, which I appreciated. They incorporate various relevant religions into the history and importance of certain languages, as well, and do an excellent job of perspective. I spent over an hour exploring this place and was just wowed with the massive history of the written word and the work a lot of these people do to preserve many oral-only languages of indigenous peoples who do not have a written language from becoming extinct from anthropological history! It's incredible how alphabets are still being created today. The Alphabet Tree at the entrance is so intricate and informative and traces back each language group to their origins, like ancestral genetics of languages; I was really fascinated by this one! Definitely worth checking out if you are in or near Waxhaw. It's also a great little quicktrip at 40mins or less drive from Charlotte and close enough to downtown Waxhaw to shop, eat, drink before or after. If you are a nerd (like me) and/or have an interest in linguistics, you will instantly be in heaven here. If you are just mildly curious, you will leave with a newfound and deep-seated appreciation for the written word! The staff here are great and super helpful, especially if you have any questions or need better/more in depth explanations for all or any of the exhibits. There is no admission charge, but a donation is highly encouraged with a jar by the registration logbook. Even if you donate just $5, you will easily get more than your money's worth.

I rarely give a five star rating, but in this case the Alphabet Museum is most likely the best of…read moreclass. It is simply amazingly detailed, and tied into the work that JAARS does, really stands out as something special. We have been here on at least three previous occasions, leaving with the feeling that is was just too much and we did not really understand what it was about. This visit we asked for a guide or guided tour so that our 11 year old granddaughter would appreciate it. This was the way to go, and we are so happy that we arranged for the guide. Arriving, early, we were met, saw a film on JAARS and were taken on a tour. For a small building they sure pack in a lot of displays, items and information. Am sorry that I do not remember our guide but she had done work in New Guinea and her two husbands, one deceased, were part of JAARS. So with our missionary, linguist-talented guide we spend at least two hours taking in the displays. Why a guide is important is that she gives meaning to what you are looking at as well as how it relates to JAARS. My wife and I were simply blown away, we know understood how it all pulled together and will be returning to further explore the displays. In essence, JAARS is an organization of pilots, linguists, cultural anthropologists and other supporting people who find and travel to isolated tribes around the world that do not have a written language. Tribes, traditionally, use oral history to record events and the tribe's story. JAARS linguists live with these peoples, listening to them talk and figuring out what words they use, along with how they are pronounced. Then they craft an alphabet for that language and create a dictionary. Ultimately, as this is a Christian-based organization, they translate the Bible into their language, teaching the people how to read their now written language while learning about the Bible. Fascinating! The displays are, in effect, history reports of various language groups and JAARS encounter with them. Artifacts, the language, photos bring their mission alive. Arrange a tour. Once you have an understanding of the displays, you will be back, better equipped to learn more. A must for children in school and for your adult friends and visitors.

After seeing several of his art pieces in town and at our B&B, Kilburnie at Craig Farm, my mother…read moreand I stopped on our way out town to return to California. We were met by his trusted 4-legged fur friend and after a quick phone call, were met at the door. He graciously let us in to his gallery and allowed us to freely peruse. We had great conversation, historical education all the while with the comfort and graciousness of an old friend. We bought 3 pieces and I will ordering a pineapple piece for sure (he collaborated with his customers for a shared vision). His gallery is part of the heart that is Lancaster, SC and a visit is highly recommended!

Wonderful art studio for our town. Encouraging of new artisans and really builds the community.read more

A great place to get in touch with your creative side! There is something so satifying about making…read moreyour first cup or bowl from a ball of clay! The people there are friendly and supportive. A wonderful place to learn a new skill!

I get so much joy whenever I go into the rock Hill pottery center. New fine art is being created…read moreevery day at incredible prices for the quality. I highly recommend you visit Rock Hill pottery center. It will be the highlight of your visit!

Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. This paint is absolutely amazing! Simply Shabby sells…read morethe paint, waxes, brushes, fabric, etc. They are open Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm and Saturdays 10-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. You can find them at The Shoppes at Rivers Edge.

Went to a wedding there recently and I was AMAZED! I've traveled a lot all over the world and…read morehonestly, I enjoyed it more than seeing the Eiffel Tower! Everything so authentic right down to the period antiques throughout the town! There are NO WORDS to express how dynamite every staff member was! The entire place is SPOTLESS! NO Litter, no trash left around. Just PURE FUN FOR EVERYONE! Going back tomorrow! And again and again and AGAIN!!! Love it. Thanks all!

Wildwood Ranch is a quaint family owned campground. it's absolutely adorable with a western town on…read morethe inside of it. If you are looking for the perfect camping getaway. Check them out. Located in Jonesville SC

I just left the library in Rock Hill. I just wanted to give a shout out to the lady who helped me…read morewith my account on my phone. She was in the department that was once the childrns area at the desk. I did not get her but she was patient and helpful. Thank you so much.

Was there for a pre school story time. Loved how…read moreinteractive Miss Z was to the children. I wish I was a kid again! The whole of the first level is for children. There is a story corner, multiple children's books and a corner for toys. They have blocks for building with little men and three computers which have activities complete with children's ear phones. Love love love!!

This is the second location in South End for Lark & Key (and will be the only one after April…read more2011). The original location is in NoDa. The main owners, Duy Huynh and Sandy Snead, showcase their acrylic paintings and jewelry and offer their gallery to other artists and their works as well (e.g., pottery, paintings, jewelry and accessories). The employees are always friendly. I really enjoy stopping in and fantasizing about my next purchase! You can easily throw down a lot of cash in this place and it's worth every penny.

Nothing but love for Lark & Key. This hardwood-floored, vintage-feel art venue is one spiff joint…read more It's always relaxed, they always play music, and the art and creations are all simplistically chill. The owner is friendly and great to chat with plus she's quite helpful and knowledgeable about what she has on display. Prices are kinda high, as you'd expect for art (the cheapest thing I've found is a card for $5). But if I had a bit more to throw around I'd find myself here buying some nice hand made dining set or tea mugs instead of hitting some department store. They also sell artist original cards, small art prints, large paintings, hair bands, jewelry and such. It all matches a feel for the place that I can't quite pin down. A good one for sure.

This is a very cool old building. Showtime Theater from Rock Hill put on a play here called…read moreSusical. If you get a chance to see one of there shows they are very well done. The play here was incredible. The kids in it were so good at acting and singing. The theater area was really good. The building itself is worth walking around and just marveling at how old it is. This building was originally built during the civil war. Its hard to imagine that you had large armies of Calvary riding past this old building 150 years ago, and now you're sitting there watching a play. Not entirely true because the building did burn and was rebuilt. BUT, still one of the coolest things around. They also have concerts here. I picked up a schedule and they have some good sounding stuff coming up over the next few months. Highly recommend a trip out here.