10 things to do with your parents when they visit Charlotte -- other than drinking
This story was originally published by Alicia Thomas on May 12, 2017. It was updated by Sean Clark-Weis March 26, 2018.
Your parents finally picked a weekend and are coming to visit you here in Charlotte — how exciting!
“You don’t have to make any special plans,” they assure you. “Just show us what you’d do on a normal weekend.” … Which would be great, if you didn’t spend most Saturdays hopping from brewery to brewery, then power napping before going out on Saturday night, only to roll out of bed for boozy brunch to kick off your #SundayFunday.
Gulp.
So where should you take your parents when they come to visit so that they don’t leave thinking you’ve got a drinking problem? Don’t worry, there are plenty of fun, booze-free activities to choose from.
(1) Get adventurous at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Of course, the activities you choose will depend on how active (and outdoorsy) your parents are. If you’re looking for a low-key option, you can go kayaking or walk the trails. For something intermediate, you could try paddle boarding or a ropes course. And, of course, for the true thrill-seekers there’s always whitewater rafting, rock climbing and ziplining.
[Related: 10 free things you can do at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.]
(2) Shop around the local markets.
There are plenty of local vendors selling unique products at markets all over the city. You can head uptown to the 7th Street Public Market or down South Boulevard to Atherton Mil and Market. There’s a plethora of options at both to satisfy all types of tastes. Bonus: your parents can pick up souvenirs at either one.
There are also at least 8 urban Charlotte markets featuring local goods, food and drinks, from the People’s Market to Lincoln’s Haberdashery. Check out the complete list here.
Lincoln’s food is cool, but the wine selection is even bigger. Photo: Kathleen Purvis
(3) Find your zen with yoga and kombucha.
Show your parents how active and mindful you’ve become now that you’re an “adult” by taking them to yoga at Lenny Boy Brewing at 10 a.m. Saturday mornings. It costs $5, which gets you the 60-minute class itself plus a six-ounce pour of kombucha after you’re done. And kombucha isn’t just non-alcoholic, it’s also high in B-vitamins, probiotics and amino acids! Boom. Look at you being all healthy.
(4) Stop and smell the flowers.
Checking out the local flora is a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy nature and, of course, squeeze in some family photo opportunities to commemorate your parents’ trip. You can make your way to the University area to visit the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, drive out to Belmont to see the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, or hop over to NoDa to explore the McGill Rose Garden.
(5) Enjoy a good old fashioned ice cream cone.
Head to Two Scoops Creamery in Plaza Midwood or Golden Cow Creamery in South End or SouthPark — either way, you’re in for a delicious treat that will undoubtedly remind your ‘rents of when they used to take you out for ice cream as a kid. Nostalgia for the win.
(6) Head to an adult science fair to have fun learning.
Every third Friday of the month, Discovery Place throws its Science on the Rocks events, 21 and up events where adults can come in after-hours and watch some unique science experiments, while enjoying a nice cocktail. All these events are themed, so throw on your best costume to match the theme and you could possibly even win some prizes during the costume contest. The next event is in April and the theme is ‘Nerd Olympics’. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
(7) Get that old timey feel by watching a film at the local drive-in.
Hop in the car, head about an hour or so outside of Charlotte to Albermarle and catch a flick at Badin Road Drive-In Theater. Originally opened in 1948, before closing and then reopening in 1994, Badin is one of the most historic drive-ins in North Carolina. One admission ticket ($7) will give you the choice of watching either of the two screens, both showing newly released movies. It routinely has double and triple features, fun games and even a playground. Make sure to bring some dollar bills though, as Badin Road Drive-In is cash only.
(8) Teach them the history of your new home.
Charlotte Museum of History’s Instagram
What better way for your parents to understand the new place you call home than by experiencing its past at the Charlotte Museum of History. The museum is located on the grounds of the Alexander House, the oldest house in Mecklenburg County, which housed one of the framers of North Carolina’s 1776 Constitution and Bill of Rights. It puts a focus on the settlement of the area and ideas and events that led to the American Revolution. Your admission includes a guided tour of the Alexander House site and a self-guided tour of the galleries. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children 6-17.
(9) Listen to the symphony and have a picnic in the park.
Charlotte Symphony’s Instagram
If your parents come visit when it’s nice and warm outside, take them out to Symphony Park at SouthPark for the Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops series coming back in June. You can have your own picnic in the park while listening to the sounds of Broadway or John Williams of Star Wars fame, just to name a few concert choices. You can bring your own food and drink, beer and wine included, or purchase concession from Reid’s Fine Foods. Individual adult lawn tickets are $14 in advance or $16 on the day of the show.
(10) Introduce them to the local cuisine by eating all day.
If your parents are foodies or just love to eat, Charlotte offers a variety of different tours to get a great layout of the city’s food scene. Some of these tours include FEAST Food Tours, Tour De Food and Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours. These guided walking tours not only give you a taste of Charlotte, but also provide some context to the Queen City’s culinary history. It’s a great way to introduce your parents to a variety of the amazing chefs and restaurants in the city, even if you can’t get reservations at all of the locations.
Bonus activities, if you’ve still got time to kill: Check out Amelie’s, head to The Mint Museum, visit the local farmers markets, take them to afternoon tea at the Ballantyne Hotel, hit up Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, venture to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, or hike Crowders Mountain. Take your pick!
Photos: Alicia Thomas and Work For Your Beer
This story was originally published March 26, 2018 at 11:01 PM with the headline "10 things to do with your parents when they visit Charlotte -- other than drinking."