Things to do in Charlotte besides drinking

But some of my visitors aren’t exactly interested in taking Jose Cuervo shots before noon.

Take for instance, my mother.

When my mom came to visit for a long weekend I had to scrap my typical itinerary and think outside the wine box. Here are my six (sober) way to keep visitors entertained in Charlotte:

(1) Eat brunch at Tupelo Honey

Tupelo Honey is the best place for visitors, period. It’s homey and cute and, of course, non-southerners love the “biscuit before your meal” concept.

However, one thing I don’t love about Tupelo Honey? The wait. But after perusing their website I found out something that changed my life forever: They take online reservations.

(2) Do all the things at Park Road Shopping Center

Park Road Shopping Center has seriously upped their game lately. My mom and I spent a lot of money (ok, mostly her money) at Julie’s, Onward Reserve and Details Home Boutique. We then grabbed lunch at Cantina (you know we got that tableside guac) and we even treated ourselves to dessert at Va Da Vie Gelato. Clearly it was a successful afternoon.

(3) Eat dinner at Fahrenheit 

I’m going to come right out and say it: You don’t go to Fahrenheit for the food. Don’t get me wrong; the homemade chips with pimento cheese are delicious. But the real reason you go to Fahrenheit is for that killer view. We went as the sun was setting over the city and spent half our dinner taking photos out on the rooftop deck.

Parking can be tricky so I suggest using the hotel’s valet. Just be sure to get your ticket vouchered to save $3. Yes, I’m poor.

(4) Explore Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Have two hours to kill? There’s no better place for enjoyable loitering than Sleepy Poet. Personally, I could spend an entire day walking through the endless aisles of cool, old stuff. The booth with wall art made from old books is my personal favorite.

(5) Walk down Little Sugar Creek Greenway

I know what you’re thinking. Oh yeah, the greenway. Total yawn-fest. But I have to say, it was a delight. My mom kept commenting on the awesome view of Uptown, which I now realize I totally take for granted. And of course, we took advantage of the conveniently located Wendy’s across from Metropolitan for a quick pee break.

(6) Go on a walking ghost tour

Nighttime activities can be difficult when drinking’s not involved. Luckily, Carolina History and Haunts has the answer: A ghost tour. I’ll be honest; I’ve been on better ghost tours. But it’s not Charlotte’s fault that she isn’t as haunted as say, Gettysburg, PA. Overall, the tour is campy, cheap and really interesting if you enjoy history. Plus, now I know why I always seem to lose my purse/cellphone/shoes at Ri Ra’s around 2am: It’s haunted.