I truly cannot believe summer is almost over. I mean, really… I am in complete denial. A part of me is ready for Fall and for football season, but the other part of me truly hates cold weather and I never want the sunshine to go away. While Charlotte is a great city all the time, the Queen City really steps up it’s game in the summertime. There are so many things you simply cannot do in the winter that summertime in Charlotte allows you to experience. With that being said, here and the top 9 things to do in Charlotte before the end of the summer.
- Trolley Pub
This is THE MOST FUN THING EVER. Like, ever. I mean, seriously. My roommates and I love the trolley pub more than we love most things, and I am not exaggerating. We tell everyone we’ve ever met about the trolley pub and the great times we’ve had on trolley pubs (we’ve done it three times). Cannot get enough. 10/10 recommend. If you go, please invite us. We will cancel all plans in order to be in attendance. See you there.
2. Scooter around town (Bird/Lime)
#ScooterGangScooterGangScooterGang. These things zip around the QC like you’ve never seen before. I would honestly ride one of these to work if I could. JK, because, my hair. BUT, they are so so so much fun and are a quick, easy mode of transportation around CLT. They cost about a dollar ever fifteen minutes, so depending on where you’re going, it’s a pretty inexpensive way of getting around. The app is super easy to use, and there are tons of Birds/Lime scooters all around the city to choose from! If you haven’t tried renting one of these scooters, I highly recommend trying it out before the weather starts to cool down.
3. Visit rooftop bars
In honor of number three, I’m dishing on my top three favorite rooftop bars in the QC: City Lights, Merchant & Trade, and Fahrenheit. All three of these bars have great drink menus, with even better city views. My friends and I love to start out our girls nights with rooftop cocktails in the summertime, and these three bars never disappoint! While they are all open year-round, I strongly advise visiting any of these bars before the warm weather escapes us.
4. Hello, Sailor
This is a relatively new spot about 45 minutes outside of Uptown, up by the lake. My girlfriends and I went to check it out for my birthday a couple weeks ago, and we had the best time. The retro vibes inside the restaurant are adorable and absolutely perfect for the ‘gram. Outside, the photo opps continue with beautiful lake and sunset views. In addition to being picture perfect, Hello, Sailor offers delicious food and even better drinks! If you’re a fan of extravagant, carefully crafted cocktails, this is the place for you.
5. Explore the Charlotte Brewery Scene
Because Charlotte is such a huge beer town, the QC has turned me in to quite the craft beer snob. However, most of my favorite breweries are not my favorites because of their beer selection — they are my favorites because of their atmosphere. A few of my favorite outdoor breweries to visit in the summertime are: Sycamore, Unknown Brewing (one of the most underrated rooftop views in the city!), Legion, OMB, and recently, Brewers at 4001 Yancey.
6. Hike Crowders Mountain
Many of you may not know that I actually love to hike! I will say that hiking in the extreme summertime heat is not the best idea — so take this idea as something to save for when it cools down a bit, but make sure to go before it starts to freeze outside. Fall is the best time to hike, since it’s not too hot out and the breeze is extremely refreshing. Crowders is GORGEOUS in September/October, and I highly recommend checking it out if you live in the Charlotte area (it’s only about 30 minutes from Uptown!).
7. Vivace brunch
Vivace is hands down one of my favorite brunch spots in Charlotte. While there are plenty of amazing restaurants that serve a delicious brunch in the CLT area, you can’t beat the skyline views from the patio outside at Vivace, or the bottomless mimosas and three course meal for $30 a person. My friends and I LOVE a good Sunday Funday at Vivace, and have probably been there a few too many times at this point. If you haven’t been here for brunch, you NEED to go!
8. Knights Game
Couldn’t find any photos of these next two activities. Guess I’ll just need to go more often and take some! Anywho, I absolutely loveee the Knights stadium, but unfortunately I haven’t been to a game yet this season. Can you believe that?! What is wrong with me? I love a good hot dog/beer combo, and the Knights stadium is the perfect place to enjoy exactly that. Grab your girlfriends, significant others, coworkers, what have you! Enjoy a night out at the baseball stadium with an incredible view of the city at night.
9. White Water Center
Personally, I think the White Water Center is something that Charlotte residents take for granted. Living so close to such an incredible place is something most people don’t get to experience! While I must admit that I haven’t participated in any of the activities the WWC has to offer (I’ve mostly gone to hang out and drink beer… shocker), I’ve heard from friends that the activities are SO MUCH FUN and that everyone should experience them at some point. So, with that being said, add this to your End of Summer bucket list before it’s too late!
So there you have it — 9 things to do in Charlotte before the end of the summer. Have any of you been to any of these places/done any of these things already? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below — I would love to hear from you! I hope everyone has had an AMAZING summer so far, and that you make the most of the remaining time we have with this warm weather. Remember: you can shop all the above looks (***unless the photos are old!***) by following me on the LTK.it app, or by going here!
xo, Ashlen