Live music and go-cart fun return as businesses begin to reopen around Charlotte

The wet weather isn’t dampening the reopening of these Charlotte business venues after being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Live music returns at restaurants such as Dilworth Neighborhood Grille starting Friday night and at one of uptown’s newest music clubs, Middle C Jazz.

As businesses slowly start reopening under N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper’s modified stay-at-home order amid the COVID-19 crisis, here are a few new options, including a stroll to see spring flowers, a place to take the family for putt-putt, and go-carting for children and adults.

Middle C Jazz

300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte

The music club opened Nov. 2, and co-owner Larry Farber said it had the best weekend in four months right before having to close in March because of the virus.

He called it a “jolt” to the business and to Charlotte’s live music scene.

Thursday’s reopening, Farber said, is “very much like a soft opening.”

The capacity will be kept at 25%, below the 50% allowed by the state order, to keep customers, the bands and employees safe.

“It not about the money right now, it’s about the venue being safe,” Farber said.

Thursday and Friday performances are by Robyn Springer Quartet and Saturday by Rhythm4U Band.

For now, the kitchen menu will be limited, with about three items and a full bar. “As weeks evolve, we’ll gradually increase the menu back to where it was when we closed in March,” Farber said.

The Paycheck Protection Program loan, Farber said, helped him keep 11 full-time workers. “We knew we wouldn’t open for some time.”

During the last couple months, Middle C has livestreamed shows. Farber said they will soon unveil a new, “sophisticated” livestreaming option for people vulnerable to the virus or uncomfortable coming out.

Along with enhanced cleaning practices, workers will wear masks and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings. Don’t have one? Middle C has branded face masks available for purchase.

To keep performers and audience safe, Plexiglas has been added at the stage and sound board, with cones around the microphone for social distancing following health experts’ advice.

“Having music in our lives is as important as nourishing our bodies,” Farber said.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont opened Thursday for members only with limited hours. The garden will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Members should reserve a free ticket online that will help monitor attendance.

“This methodical start will allow us to reopen safely and thoughtfully,” said Executive Director Patrick Larkin. “We realize people really need to get out in nature to help with healing and restoration, so we’re committed to helping them do that.”

Once the garden evaluates the flow of visitors, a schedule and date for opening to the wider public will be announced.

Larkin said that, despite the rain Thursday, many members came out, including individuals, older couples and families.

“It was great to see this cross-section of our membership taking advantage of the reopening,” Larkin said.

Some other notable changes guests will see are doors propped open, no furniture in the garden and a one-way directional loop through the garden.

Guests are asked to wear masks and to social distance.

Some areas remain closed, including the orchid conservatory, Lost Hollow children’s garden, the gift shop and the restrooms in the entry building.

Because the garden has only a skeleton crew after laying off 80% of staff in mid-March, guests also are being asked to take trash with them.

The majority of the garden’s revenue comes from admissions, and from weddings and other special events.

“It has taken a toll on the garden, and that’s why we want to get people back in the garden quickly,” Larkin said.

Funtasticks

10400 Cadillac St., Pineville

Formerly Adventure Landing Charlotte, the mini-golf and go-karts are open noon to 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Equipment is sanitized after each use, floor markers designate social distancing, gatherings are limited and customers can bring their own putter and ball to use. Employees are wearings masks and gloves.

“We usually just see one or two families every so often so it’s pretty spaced out,” said Hayley Ringer, sales coordinator for Funtasticks.

The go-karts, the park’s most popular attraction, alternate using the double lanes, Ringer said.

The inside arcade remains closed. But bookings for parties are available for future dates, Ringer said.

This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 7:47 PM.