11 of the best things to eat, drink and do in Waxhaw
Growing up in Waxhaw, I remember those rainy days where I would look up things to do in the area and sigh. The number one exciting thing to do was always visit the Museum of the Waxhaws (but you should still check it out!).
However, things have changed since then. We may be a tiny, ancient looking town, but over the past couple of years we have watched the ‘haw transform into quite the happenin’ place.
Here are 11 of the best things to eat, drink and do in Waxhaw:
Eat:
109 E North Main St., Waxhaw
This place is so good, they actually had to upgrade to a new, larger location. Just about every time I would visit their former location (every day) the line would almost be out to the road. The Waxhaw Creamery not only has a large variety of drool-worthy homemade ice cream flavors, but also serves Italian ices.
Pro Tip: Try the cookies and cream. It is not your typical vanilla ice cream with a crushed Oreo in it. The ice cream itself is Oreo flavored — as it should be.
401 E South Main St., Waxhaw
Emmet’s opened in Waxhaw this past January in a refurbished cotton mill. From chicken and waffles to a poke-stuffed avocado, this tapas-style dining experience features an eclectic menu. Emmet’s also has a full bar featuring a creative cocktail list and craft wine and beer.
Pro Tip: Sit outside on the patio to enjoy Emmet’s charming ambiance featuring twinkly lights and a fire.
112 East South Main St., Waxhaw
Bite into a delicious burger bigger than your face and cheer on the Panthers at this Waxhaw favorite. Maxwell’s will have you feeling right at home with their comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Maxwell’s is a pretty popular Waxhaw favorite, so there usually is at least a half-hour wait. Try stopping in for an early or late dinner!
318 E. South Main St., Waxhaw
This is the place where all your childhood (and adulthood) dreams come true. They’ve got cookie dough shakes, pies, pops, sandwiches — the cookie dough options are endless. This adorable little shop offers 20 flavors of cookie dough from basic chocolate chip to Samoa cookie. Currently Waxhaw and Concord are CDB’s only North Carolina locations; however, according to their website, a Charlotte location is coming soon.
Pro Tip: To all you chocolate lovers out there, I’ll do you a favor and help you out when you get there and become overwhelmed by the amount of options there are. Whatever you do, get the brownie batter — you’re welcome.
201 W South Main St., Waxhaw
Yes, believe it or not, we can get fancy over in Waxhaw. Le Cochon d’Or is a fairly new French restaurant opened by the owners of Aix en Provence in Myers Park, Bryan St. Clair and Patrick Garrivier. Le Cochon provides a cozy atmosphere as well as an authentic European food and drink menu.
Pro Tip: Dine with Le Cochon d’Or on Wednesday or Thursday to enjoy their live music.
Drink:
115 E North Main St., Waxhaw
Prior to Dreamchaser’s opening, Waxhaw’s closest brewery was 20 miles away. Homebrewer Neil Gimon and his wife Anita opened Dreamchaser’s in Waxhaw’s former volunteer fire department, providing a unique and spacious interior. Several of Dreamchaser’s beers are actually recipes from Neil’s 20 years of homebrewing.
Pro Tip: Check out Mingo (music bingo) every Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Do:
5213 Harkey Rd
Because the beach is so far away, Waxhaw decided to make their own. Cane Creek Park is a water-based recreation center that not only features a beach area but also offers camping areas, canoe and rowboat rentals, mini golf, mountain bike and horse trails and more. If you love the outdoors, Cane Creek Park is definitely worth checking out.
Pro Tip: Into fishing? This lake is home to some of the best largemouth bass fishing in the state as well as bluegill, crappie and catfish.
102 E South Main St., WaxhawLover of all things DIY? At this quirky little shop you can design your own jewelry with the shop’s variety of different beads. Might make a fun mother-daughter trip.
Pro Tip: Have a broken watch or broken jewelry? No need to get out the old toolbox, Bead Merchants does repairs.
101 W South Main St., Waxhaw
Old souls — this one is for you. Waxhaw Antique Mart resides in a big brick building and has been a local favorite since it opened in 2008. This store carries a wide variety of collectibles, furniture, art and more.
Pro Tip: Plan to spend a while in here — there is so much stuff you will want to see.
It may be summer, but if you are anything like me, you are already prepping for Christmas 2018. Waxhaw’s festival of lights might just be one of my favorite things about my little town. Starting Dec. 1, Waxhaw turns into a Christmas wonderland with its display of 500,000 lights, live nativity scene, carriage rides and more.
Pro Tip: Why not stop by Crossroads on your way into down town to grab a cup of their delicious hot chocolate to really give you the ultimate Christmas experience?
Photos: by Deanna Drogan
This story was originally published June 26, 2018 at 1:00 AM with the headline "11 of the best things to eat, drink and do in Waxhaw."