With summer right around the corner, everyone is looking for adventures to take with friends or new places to explore. Whether you are a Charlotte native or just visiting the area for a bit, here is a list of things to keep you busy in the Queen City this summer!
1. Go Stargazing
Stargazing is a perfect activity for summer nights when the sky is clear. You can go with a group of friends for a fun group hangout or with a special someone for a romantic date!
2. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Going to a drive-in movie is a classic pastime and is a change from going to a traditional indoor theater. The Badin Drive-In is the closest theater of its kind to Charlotte if you are looking for a place to go. Tip: bringing a pick up truck or a car with a large trunk is ideal for this experience, but any vehicle with a working radio will do.
3. Take a Spontaneous Beach Trip
Since a number of beaches on the Carolina coast are only a few hours away, a day trip to the beach is never a bad idea. Myrtle Beach and Wrightsville Beach are both about three hours from the Queen City and have public beach access available. Plus, both have a lot of shops and restaurants to check out after you spend some time in the sand.
4. Watch the Fireworks in Uptown
If you plan on being in the city on Independence Day, the fireworks in Uptown are definitely a must see!
5. Get an Acai Bowl at Rico’s Acai
Acai bowls are a huge trend at the moment, and Rico’s Acai in Downtown makes them the best. This food truck is located at 510 S. College Street and is open every day of the week.
6. Take a Stroll Around NoDa
The NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte is known for is artsy atmosphere and unique shops. If you take a trip to the NoDa area, I recommend checking out Smelly Cat Coffee. Parking is free for customers, the coffee is great, and the space is one of a kind.
7. Visit the Mint museum
This art museum is located right in the heart of the city is a great way to spend an afternoon. Tickets are only $9 for students and the exhibits are always changing!
8. Go Antique Shopping
Antiquing is a super fun thing to do with your friends or family, because it is kind of like a treasure hunt! You never know what you are going to find, and even if you aren’t necessarily looking for anything, it can still be interesting to see what cool things you can find. Check out tha Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, Windwood Antiques, and Hidden Treasures.
9. Have a Picnic in Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a picturesque public park that is perfect for a summer picnic. There are also walking trails and bikes available to rent during your visit. Check out a local calendar to see if there are any events going on at the park that interest you as well!
10. Visit the National Whitewater center
The National Whitewater Center is must during the summer months in Charlotte. Go with a group of friends and make a whole day out of it! Along with whitewater rafting, the center has biking trails, zip lining, rock climbing, and rope courses to try.
11. Check out the 7th street public market
The 7th Street Public Market is a unique shopping center in the heart of the Queen City. It has an array of shops, restaurants, and coffee shops including Not Just Coffee, Local Loaf, and Zia Pia Imports that can keep you and your taste buds busy for a few hours.
12. Explore Lake Norman
If you are craving some time on the water but don’t want to make the drive to the beach, Lake Norman is the answer. My personal favorite way to enjoy the lake is to rent a boat for the day and stop to swim every once in a while!
13. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Amalie’s
If you are from Charlotte, you most likely have already heard of or been to Amalie’s French Bakery, but if not, you must go! Amalie’s has a variety of baked goods such as croissants, cookies, and my personal favorite, macaroons. The Uptown location is open 24 hours a day, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth at any time of the day!
14. Watch some baseball at a Knight’s game
With the new stadium in the city, a Knight’s baseball game is a fun summer event. Even if you aren’t the biggest baseball fan, it's always a good time with friends, and getting ice cream in helmet-shaped bowls will make you feel like a kid again!
