#C5Checklist: 5 things you should do this week – Dec. 5-9
Let the first full week of December begin. Here are five ways to make the most of it:
(1) Say yes: To a coffee date
Coffee dates never get old, whether you’re meeting with a friend on a work break or your significant other to start your day. There’s something about holding a hot cup of coffee in your hands that makes you relax, makes conversation flow.
I finally made it to HEX Coffee at Good Bottle Co. in South End this past weekend on a coffee date and loved the smooth and steaming cup of Americano I ordered. It was also fun to browse the holiday-themed bottles of beer on the Good Bottle Co. side of the space while I waited for my coffee. Gift options for my sibling? I think yes.
Try it out at 125 Remount Road.
(2) Shop: Local items
The Sandbox is hosting an online HopeFULL Holiday Auction for holiday shopping, with proceeds supporting families of children with cancer or other life-altering illnesses. The auction ends Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.
And two shopping experiences open Dec. 9:
Brandshop is open Dec. 9-15, with 30 emerging brands in fashion, art and design to sift through, plus a speaker series to take part in. See the full schedule with times here. It’s located at the site of the future Tompkins Hall development, 340 E. 16th St.
VTGCLT Pop is open Dec. 9-21 with products from 77 local and regional vintage and handmade businesses, open to shoppers Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. See here for special events and guests. Latta Arcade, 320 S. Tryon St.
(3) Look: At holiday lights.
‘Tis the season for Christmas balls in neighborhoods around town. Hillside Avenue in Myers Park has been famous for the balls of chicken wire wrapped in holiday lights for more than five years now. The trend has since swept to Colonial Village, Dilworth and beyond. Go for a drive, and consider donating to Loaves & Fishes when you’re visiting Hillside Avenue.
And while you’re cruising, bonus points if you find a house illuminated by more replicas of Santa than this one in Dilworth:
(4) Listen: To festive tunes.
I’m still stuck on Michael Bublé’s holiday album, “Christmas.” But one way to take in some local seasonal tunes is through the Charlotte Symphony, which is set to present “Magic of Christmas” led by conductor Albert-George Schram starting Dec. 9. Expect performances by the Charlotte Symphony Chorus, the Children’s Choir of Community School of the Arts, Gospel singer Marsaisa Byrd and more on Dec. 9-10. 8 p.m., Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St.
You can also get tickets now for the first Tosco Music Holiday Party. It’s taking place Dec. 10 and featuring more than a dozen performers and singalongs, and Christmas carols, songs of Hanukkah and songs of Kwanzaa. 7:30 p.m., McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St.
(5) Sip: Something sweet
I highly recommend the Rock Quarry Riesling at the family owned Treehouse Vineyards the next time you have a chance to drive to Monroe. Tastings are $6 and you have a chance to taste your favorite wine (I picked the Riesling) blended into a wine slushie. There are plenty of muscadine wines, too, if that’s more your style.
You can stick around for a glass, or buy a bottle, once the tasting has wrapped up. Also on the calendar: Ugly Sweater Vest Treehouse Trivia on Dec. 9 from 7:30-9:30 p.m., 301 Bay St., Monroe.
It’s time to get festive.
Photos: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published December 4, 2016 at 8:00 PM with the headline "#C5Checklist: 5 things you should do this week – Dec. 5-9."