Buffalo Beals

Buffalo Beals is a small animal park in Catawba County. I was unsure of just what we'd find, but we were all pleasantly surprised. As we drove along the entrance, we saw a large fenced in field with several varieties of goat, as well as some furry little critters that I just have no idea of!
We met a man (The owner, I think) and he told us a bit about the park and gave us directions. The admission fee was $6 for adults,children 12 - 3 are $4 and children 3 and under are free. We also purchased a bag of carrots, and two bags of grain feed for the animals at $1 each.
We walked past the fenced are with the sheep, goats, and other critters who very apparently know the sound of a shaking food bag. They all came to the fence to greet us. Many of them would eat the feed out of our hands, leaving a slobbery "thank you." We continued along, where we saw a crane, talking parrot, who would say "hello" as we passed and a large ostrich. We then met two camels, both of which loved eating the grain from our hands, but were a little over eager and decided to nibble on my entire hand. After wiping off the large amounts of camel slobber, which by the way, is as disgusting as it sounds, we arrived at the young giraffe. He was adorable, and the recipient of most of our carrots. I just couldn't say no to those huge "puppy dog" eyes. He (we're calling him he because I thought it rude to take a peek "under the hood") had the most amazing tongue, it would come out and wrap around the carrots. I was finally pulled away from my new giraffe BFF and we came upon a little black monkey. I wish I remembered what kind he was, because he was beautiful. I handed him several carrots and he crunched away. They also have a babboon, and a chimpanzee named J.R. as well as several other monkeys. Unfortunately I can't remember what kinds they were. We kept walking, seeing emus, zebras, bison, llamas, a wolf, several varieties of deer and two different kangaroos.
We couldn't have been more surprised at the number of different animals and how well they were kept. Around half way down the trail, they have restrooms, a playground and picnic shelters if you want to make a day trip out of your animal adventure. We will absolutely be going back! A big two thumbs up to Buffalo Beals!

The Sports Page - Mooresville (return visit)

After much deliberation on our part, we decided to once again visit The Sports Page in Mooresville. This time, Sunday afternoon. We were seated immediately, the restaurant was already quite busy with the after church crowd. Our server was right there and got our drink orders. She was wonderful. We placed our order and watched the crowds. Our food arrived promptly, and was delicious. The small grilled grouper salad was huge! I can't imagine anyone being able to finish a large! The grouper was perfect! I had a chicken sandwich. It was great. I am so happy to report that we had a fantastic experience this time around. I was skeptical going into the restaurant, seeing as how it was so much busier than the previous visit, but thrilled to say it was a great experience. Thank you, Sports Page!