Here are 10 local ways to gift experiences in Charlotte this holiday season
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Your guide to holiday shopping in Charlotte
No need to fear supply chain delays – shop local.
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While it may be hard to believe, the holiday season is quickly approaching. With growing supply chain issues among us, now is the perfect time to reimagine traditional gift-giving by skipping the material items in favor of gifting experiences this Christmas season.
Not only will you place an unexpected smile on the receiver’s face when they get the gift of adventure, but you’re sure to get more than a smile when they get to engage in the experience. The fact that you’d be supporting local businesses is a bonus.
Here are 10 local ways to give experiences this year in Charlotte and keep your loved ones smiling well into the new year:
Actors Theatre of Charlotte
Location: 2132 Radcliffe Ave, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Myers Park
What to know: Hadley Theatre is the setting for the remainder of ATC’s season 33. Your gift of a Flex Pass allows guests to experience theatre with four flexible passes to the following shows — “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Ghosts of Bogotá,” “Hype Man” and “Becoming Dr. Ruth.”
Price range: Standard Flex 4 = $110, Premium Flex 4 = $135
AlphaMale Nail Care
Location: 5512 New Fashion Way Unit 1048, Charlotte, NC 28278
Neighborhood: Steele Creek
What to know: The men’s nail salon is also a Man Cave. Its comfortable atmosphere makes it easy for men to enjoy or start a self-care routine. Manicures, pedicures and various foot care packages are available.
Price range: $25-$225; VIP Membership is $199 annually
AR Workshop Pineville
Location: 322 Main St, Pineville, NC 28134
Neighborhood: Pineville
What to know: While AR Workshop Pineville offers various classes for you to give a loved one, the Holiday DIY to-go kits are an experience that can be done without having to leave home. There are a number of options that include youth projects, canvas pillow cover, porch signs and more.
Price range: $25-$75
The Foodie School
Location: 300 Springhill Farm Rd Suite 107, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Neighborhood: Fort Mill
What to know: The Foodie School is “where foodie dreams come true” and a place where you can create delicious food and learn tips and tricks from chefs. The gift certificate — foodie funds — may be just what the food-lover you know needs. The class types are Standard, SLICED! Live Cooking Competition, Standard Date Night and Premium Date Night. There’s also a $50 gift certificate option.
Price range: $50-$149
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Charlotte
Location: 7840 Lyles Ln NW, Concord, NC 28027
Neighborhood: Concord
What to know: iFly offers a gift that your loved ones are sure to remember. With options ranging from a single visit to return options, an indoor skydiving experience may be the gift that keeps on giving. iFly is currently offering holiday sales, where you can save up to 27 percent off your purchase.
Price range: $69.99-$352
Mint Museum
Location: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
Location: 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Eastover
What to know: A Mint membership could be a great gift for those who are inspired by and have a passion for the arts because it offers exclusive member discounts and benefits. Members enjoy general and special exhibition admission to both Mint locations, member-only invites to events, 10 percent discount on admission for member guests, 10 percent discount at the Museum Store and more. There are four membership levels with minimum donation amounts — Contributor, Supports, Signature and Champion.
Price range: $60-$500
Treehouse Vineyards
Location: 301 Bay St, Monroe, NC 28112
Neighborhood: Monroe
What to know: A date night at Treehouse Vineyards may be a great gift for a couple. The Date Night Treehouse sits 30 feet in the air, and the porch accommodates six guests. This gift comes with amazing views and is the perfect afternoon or evening getaway.
Price range: $25 per hour
Truist Field’s “Work from Home Plate”
Location: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
What to know: Work from Home Plate may be a great gift experience for baseball lovers or someone who needs a change of scenery. The chance to call Truist Field your office for the day means you get incredible views of Uptown and a suite comes with all your office needs. Suites are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price range: $120 per day, $500 per week
Trolly Pub Charlotte
Location: 2500 Dunavant St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Uptown
What to know: The Charlotte Mixer Tour is perfect for small groups or people who like meeting new people. The BYOB bar bike experience makes two to three stops, allowing for guests to customize the route. It’s a gift experience that combines socializing with a bit of “exercise” for tourists and locals.
Price range: $49
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Neighborhood: Moores Chapel
What to know: The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers many unforgettable experiences to give this holiday season for those who love the outdoors and adventure. Options include all access passes, single activity passes and adventure cards to private lessons, camps and more. Activities include mountain biking, ice skating, climbing, whitewater rafting and hiking.
Price range: Annual Pass: adult – $219, youth – $189; Two-Day Pass: adult – $114 youth – $94; Day Pass: adult – $64 youth – $54
This story was originally published November 4, 2021 at 6:15 AM.
