Family Fun and Reptile Wonders at Repticon Charlotte

Jay Tacey

Alright, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows—this time, we’re diving into the magic happening at Repticon Charlotte. I’m Jay Tacey, and I have to say, this lineup of vendors is something special. I wanna start with 2 Girls Geckos—Noelle and her daughter Aubrie, running things over in Rolesville. There’s a real warmth at their booth. Like, you can just see how much they love the animals—crested and gargoyle geckos with these wild patterns, dalmatians and harlequins. It’s not just breeding, they treat you like family—great for anyone just starting out.

Lisa Parker

Jay, I totally agree. I had the pleasure of chatting with them last show, and you feel that mom-and-daughter bond in their whole setup. They’re all about getting people excited, especially kids—and their gecko photos on social media just pull you in. If you’re looking for something unique, that’s a table you can’t skip.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and speaking of tables you can’t skip, AHP Exotics—Bill Albright and Katie Yates—are heavyweights in the southeast reptile scene. Bill’s got, what, three decades in the game? Their booth is stacked with variety. There’s captive-bred and some field-collected reptiles and amphibians, even arachnids. Plus, educational handling—they do a bit of everything, even for TV or photoshoots if you need it.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s what stands out to me too, Michael. As someone who’s designed lots of zoo and conservation projects, I can say: deep experience like that, you don’t find every day. AHP’s reputation is stellar, and their species list always has some surprises, so I’d encourage even seasoned hobbyists to stop by for a chat. If you’re looking for credibility in your next pet or project animal, Bill and Katie know their stuff.

Jay Tacey

Absolutely, and let’s not forget American Made Exotics. That’s Matt Shifflett over in Virginia, and the variety of ball python morphs at his table is just bananas—clowns, pieds, albinos, you name it. What I appreciate is, they reward repeat buyers, offer free shipping on hub holds, and stand by their health guarantees. It makes getting into more advanced morphs accessible, even if you’re new but curious. Their educational care sheets are a bonus if you want to learn beyond the basics.

Michael Arnold

Definitely, Jay. If you’re new and nervous, or want something more advanced and reliable, this group of vendors covers basically everything, and they make it approachable. That’s what’s so awesome about Repticon Charlotte—no matter your level, you’re covered!

Lisa Parker

Now, it’s not just about scaly critters at Charlotte—you’ve got some seriously fun and functional stuff for reptile keepers too. One booth you gotta see: Paiges Leashes. Yes, you heard right—leashes for reptiles, handmade by Paige here in North Carolina. These things fit geckos, dragons, even iguanas—so if you’re the kind of person who wants to take your bearded dragon for a stroll around the neighborhood... she’s got you! Fabrics, colors, everything’s customizable. Her booth’s always buzzing, parents testing sizes, critters doing practice walks under the table—it’s adorable.

Jay Tacey

I think what Paige is doing is more important than people realize. A proper harness means enrichment—and safety. And, well, you can make some family memories on those walks. Paige also brings her harnesses to the expo, so you get help finding the right size for even the pickiest lizard or chubby gecko.

Michael Arnold

Speaking of picky, I have to talk about Ferne’s Reptile Toppers—it’s a Charlotte original. If you have a tortoise or lizard that looks at salad like it’s the worst thing ever, these nutrient-packed toppers are a life saver. They’ve got all sorts of flavors—Blueberry Blitz, Strawberry Bananza. I hear they even have sample packs so you don’t have to commit before your pet gives you that “no way” look. Community reviews are super positive, especially with hard-to-feed species.

Lisa Parker

Yeah! And sometimes, those creative extras really save you. It’s all about knowing where to find the right solution—these vendors are always happy to help.

Michael Arnold

So, you’ve got your gecko harness and your salad topper—let’s talk hands-on learning. FrogDaddy is where I get stuck for, I dunno, thirty minutes every show? It’s sort of an amphibian wonderland, with dart frogs of every color, terrarium plants, emergency kits. Plus, they’ve got video guides and tutorials for kids. If you’re curious about starting with frogs, these folks are happy to point you to the right beginner species or explain setups step-by-step. It’s like getting a free course right at your local event.

Jay Tacey

I’ve gotta share this—when I was little, maybe eight or nine, I brought home my first dart frog after an expo, and I was absolutely hooked for life. Back then, there really wasn’t anyone to walk you through what a vivarium needed. Now, with vendors like FrogDaddy offering care guides and support at the booth, families can skip so many rookie mistakes. That hands-on help—it’s gold. At Charlotte, it’s that same vibe—every age and every question gets a real answer.

Guy Mc Farlane

It’s key for building confidence, especially with younger keepers or anyone new. And Big Dog Reptiles is right there too, pairing crested geckos with truly stunning bioactive enclosures. For families that want to take things to the next level—naturalistic habitats, live plants, microfauna—the Big Dog team sets you up with both the animal and the right home. Seeing those living terrariums inspires people to try something new and sustainable at home.

Lisa Parker

And kids light up around those setups. Sometimes parents come worried about keeping up with care, but when you see how vendors demystify it—talking you through every step, showing you how a little frog or gecko fits into a living world—you walk away wanting to try it. The whole show feels less intimidating, more inspiring.

Jay Tacey

Plus, it’s a reminder that these expos are engines for discovery. That experience—face to face, hands on—is what gets the next generation passionate about animals. All these vendors, really, are connectors for lifelong learning moments.

Guy Mc Farlane

The experience doesn’t end at the vendor tables—Repticon Charlotte really leans into learning and family involvement. There’s a full schedule of educational workshops led by vendors and regional reptile experts. Some focus on intro care and basic husbandry; others dig into habitat design or even conservation. For families, those workshops are a real opportunity—kids and adults get to ask questions, build a foundation before ever bringing an animal home.

Lisa Parker

And there’s so much for kids! You’ve got reptile handling stations, scavengers hunts with little prizes, and much more for the junior herpetologists. I always tell parents: let kids get involved at their own pace. These activities are designed so even the shyest kiddos can try something new in a safe, fun way.

Jay Tacey

One tip from my own zoo and expo days—when prepping kids for hands-on stuff, walk them around the tables first. Let them watch animals being gently handled, ask simple questions like, “What does he eat?” or “Where does she come from?” Vendors appreciate curiosity and they’ll remember a thoughtful kid long after the show ends.

Michael Arnold

And—can I add—don’t be afraid to talk to vendors yourself, parents. Ask about animal temperaments, what a good habitat looks like, or even what to watch out for when you get home. Don’t just focus on the sale—these events give you a direct line to decades of expertise, sometimes for free, which is wild to me. Always use the hand sanitizer stations and listen to the safety tips if you’re handling animals!

Guy Mc Farlane

Exactly—and bringing it full circle, that engagement is what leaves a lasting memory. It’s not just a marketplace—it’s hands-on, community-based animal education that grows with your family.

Lisa Parker

That’s the best part—seeing families walk out with new knowledge and a big grin, maybe a new lizard in a little box… it’s why we do this! I’d say if you’re anywhere near Charlotte this September 20th or 21st, you don’t wanna miss this expo.

Jay Tacey

So that’s a wrap for this episode. Thanks for joining us on our tour of Repticon Charlotte’s highlights. We’ll have more future episodes packed with show previews and behind-the-scenes stories coming up.

Michael Arnold

Always a pleasure, folks. Have fun, ask questions, and bring something home you can care for. See y’all next time!

Lisa Parker

Bye everyone! Hope to see you on the show floor. Maybe I’ll finally get that gecko harness for my kazoo...

Guy Mc Farlane

Take care, everyone. Thanks for listening—stay curious!