What to do with your out-of-town guests when they visit Charlotte for the holidays

So you’re hosting out-of-town family in Charlotte for the holidays this year, and you’re suddenly realizing how small your house is?

You’re not alone, and it doesn’t matter if you’re in an uptown studio apartment or a Ballantyne mansion — however much space you have, it’s not enough.

So after the holiday meal is eaten, the dishes are in the dishwasher and the tryptophan naps are taken, it’s time to treat the city like your backyard.

There’s plenty to do here that will impress your guests and keep everyone out of each other’s hair at the same time. Let’s get started:

But first, coffee.

The area is full of locally owned coffee shops that should make any Starbucks Rewards member green with envy. No shade to Starbucks — my dogs do love the drive-thru pup cups! — but there’s nothing like the creative and cozy atmosphere of an independent coffee house or a small, local chain. Some of our favorites at CharlotteFive include:

• Archive CLT in Washington Heights/West End
• Hex Coffee at Camp North End
• Cakeable Cafe in uptown
• Smelly Cat in NoDa

• Fly Kid Fly at The Bowl at Ballantyne

• Bitty & Beau’s in South End

• Summit Coffee’s Davidson location

It’s impossible to pick a personal favorite off that list, but the one I’ve frequented most over the years is Smelly Cat (shortened affectionally to “Smelly” by me and my friends who live in the neighborhood.) It offers the perfect ’90s-era coffee house vibes, as Kaleigh pointed out in a recent story. It probably doesn’t hurt that the name is a “Friends” reference! Pro tip: The coffee shop is a roaster, too, so make sure to pick up a bag of the Black Cat to take home.

We’ve got lots more recs on our website at CharlotteFive.com.

Home for the holidays

Whether your out-of-town guests are returning to Charlotte or seeing it for the first time, our area’s many holiday displays will make them feel at home here.

Drive through Speedway Christmas or go ice skating at Camp North Pole at Camp North End. Look for the most festively decorated houses or visit a pop-up holiday bar. With a Christmas coffee drink in hand (you didn’t skip step one, did you?) you’ll be warm and cozy for any holiday activities.

Check out our full holiday guide at CharlotteFive.com.

Go for a walk

If you’re tired, go for a walk. If you’re full, go for a walk. If you’re cranky ... you get the point.

Sure, it gets darker earlier these days and there’s a chill in the air, but our Carolina winters are mild. So if your guests are in from up north, for example, they’ll be thrilled. And if they’re visiting from Florida, maybe lend them a sweater.

Our local greenways continue to get more connected by the day, and you don’t have to be a workout fiend to enjoy time on them. There are lots of other things to do! Walk behind Park Road Shopping Center and stop at Amelie’s for a treat. Take some family photos on the bridge at Freedom Park. Stroll along the Rail Trail and point out your favorite hangout spots to your grandma. Wander through uptown and point out The Firebird statue, aka the Disco Chicken.

Wander through Fourth Ward, checking out the homes that are decorated for Christmas, then stop in for a pint at one of my favorites: Alexander Michael’s. If you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a set of a Hallmark holiday movie, that means you’re in the right place. You can also peek at what may be the smallest park in Charlotte on your way out. When you exit the restaurant, head to the right — it’s at the end of the street.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, check out the wellness section on our website, where we have guides to luxury gyms, spas within driving distances (if they are here through the weekend), studios offering heated exercise and even workouts where you can punch something. Surely there’s a family activity that fits your collective energy level.

Go for a movie

If all else fails, a couple of hours in the dark bonding over a holiday rom-com or action movie will surely make you happy for togetherness again, even if you do live in a cramped condo.

Take your family to Independent Picture House and then have a drink at Eighty-Eights after. Or grab a balcony seat at the newly renovated Gem Theatre in Kannapolis. We’ve got a full list of local movie theaters on our website if you’d like some other ideas.

And above all else — enjoy this time with family. It all goes by way too fast. Happy holidays.

This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

Melissa Oyler

The Charlotte Observer

Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga, weightlifting or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription