From adventuring to adulting: Charlotte summers have changed a lot since I was a kid

The hardest part about being an adult (other than paying bills, proving that you’re worth something at work and dealing with taxes) is realizing that summer vacation no longer exists. Where are my two months off? My summer reading list? My healthy, tanned skin from hours and hours outdoors in the sun?

My Charlotte summers have changed a lot from when I was a kid here.

As a kid: Carowinds.

I was anxious but occasionally thrill-seeking. I’d go on adventures to Carowinds, screaming my way through rides on the drop tower, various roller coasters and, once upon a time, the log flume.

As an adult: Coffee.

I’m still anxious and occasionally thrill-seeking, but I now regard anything requiring a safety harness as a death machine. Rather, I seek thrills in the form of trying a new restaurant or coffee shop. Coming for you, ROOTS café and South End Grind.

As a kid: Tubing.

I loved the rush of water sports. While I was definitely more into tubing with friends on Lake Wylie or Lake Norman (bonus points to parents driving the boat while trying to flip us over in turbulent waters) I also frequently hoisted myself up on water skis until I’d gotten my fill of face planting in the wake.

As an adult: Floating.

I just can’t be bothered to go after that rush. If I’m invited out to the lake, give me a book, a patch of sunlight and something to float on. (That waterfront wine shop/bar Lake Norman Cottage has my name written all over it.)

Otherwise, I’ll see you at the U.S. National Whitewater Center where I can lazily paddle board on the Catawba or, better yet, sit in the grass at a nighttime concert without any worry of whiplash.

As a kid: Ice cream.

Hot summer nights had me craving ice cream that dripped down my arm to my elbow. Sweet cream with cookie dough at Marble Slab Creamery? TCBY swirl in a waffle cone? More sugar, more sugar.

As an adult: Wine.

Hot summer nights have me craving a sweet sunset. Best viewed from a $10 foldout chair at the Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops with a Tupperware full of watermelon and a plastic cup brimming with red wine. Maybe a little chocolate.

As a kid: Tennis.

I was in constant, competitive motion. I played tennis just about every day, competing in tournaments around the city from Raintree Swim & Racquet Club, to Park Road Park, to Olde Providence Racquet Club, to Carmel Country Club. (Oh, the days of struggling to be a well-rounded human child.)

As an adult: Yoga.

I’m so sick of competition. It’s summertime. I’ll just practice some yoga with a friend. And half the time, all I want to get better at is relaxing.

It’s true, my Charlotte summers have changed a lot from when I was a kid here. After thinking about it, they’re even better now.

This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 12:00 AM.