10 things to do in Charlotte based on your vibe
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Mad Miles Run Club. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
If you can’t decide on what to do in Charlotte, try making a decision based on your vibe.
What’s happening: Charlotte has plenty of things to do and places to eat — with so many new openings, it can be hard to keep up.
- There’s no shortage of options, whether you’ve got the social bug or if you’re in the mood for something laid back and quiet.
Here are 10 things to do in Charlotte based on the mood you’re in.
Turn up at several clubs in one night if you’re a party animal.
You’re the life of the party so you’ve got to check out all of the local clubs, lounges and bars. There are a lot of options so try narrowing down your search based on your location. Here are a few spots in each neighborhood:
- South End— Broken Promises or RSVP South End
- Plaza Midwood— Eden of Plaza
- Uptown— Imperial, QC Social Lounge, Hive or Encore
- University— STATS, Harold’s or Fumée
Go deeper: 50 popular late night spots in Charlotte
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Volunteer at a local shelter if you’re an animal lover.
Local shelters are overcrowded. So if you can’t give a dog or cat a new home, try giving them your time.
Here are a few places to offer your help:
Go deeper: 12 places to volunteer with animals in Charlotte
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Learn a new skill if you act like the parent in the friend group.
You may prefer something chill and hands-on if you act like the mom in the friend group. Here are a couple of places to learn how to make something new.
- Book a workshop at Paddy Wax Candle Bar to make a candle you can take home.
- Get your hands dirty and create terrariums at Planthouse.
Bonus: You can sip on drinks at both of these place, in case you’re interested in turning things up a notch. Planthouse has a bar and Paddy Wax allows you to BYO wine or beer.
Go deeper: 16 BFF date ideas to get you out of your brunch funk
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Take the kids to Seoul Food Meat Company Mill District if you’re an actual parent.
Let your kids play on the playground or splash in the water when it’s warm out. Parents can enjoy karaoke plus a full menu of craft beer, soju cocktails, wine and mocktails.
Go deeper: 20+ family-friendly activities to check out this summer in Charlotte and beyond
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Take a leap from up to 100 feet in the air at the U.S. National Whitewater Center if you’re a daredevil.
You can jump using a belay system to simulate a free-fall experience before you are slowly lowered to the ground. You’ll want to wear something comfortable like a shirt with a midriff covered, shorts or pants and closed-toed shoes.
Go deeper: 13 ways to spend a day at the Whitewater Center
Challenge someone to a game of pickleball or miniature golf if you’re competitive.
Pickleball is taking over. So you’ll want to master the sport before Tipsy Pickle, Camp Pickle and Uptown pickleball courts open. If you haven’t tried it yet then schedule a rookie class at RALLY.
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Check out a food hall with options if you’re indecisive.
If you can’t decide on what to eat, head to Optimist Hall, 7th Street Market, or Urban District Market for lunch or dinner. You could also try Monarch Market if you’re interested in something new.
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Eat your way through every one of the city’s best restaurants if you’re a foodie.
If food is your love language, you’ll want to try the city’s cream of the crop. If you manage to try all 25 best restaurants in Charlotte, then you’ll have to start checking the hottest new restaurants off your list.
- Order from a takeout spot if you’re looking for a hidden gem.
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Break a sweat with a workout at Mad Miles Run Club if you’re a fitness guru.
If you’re committed to running, or you’re an aspiring fitness person, then add at least three days of cardio to your workout schedule. Mad Miles meets every week regardless of the weather. Find them at BeSocial in Plaza Midwood on Monday, Camp North End on Tuesday and Elizabeth Park on Saturday.
Go deeper: I hate running but I’ll exercise with Mad Miles Run Club
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Get some work done at a local coffee shop if you’re a workaholic.
Change your office once a week by visiting a new coffee shop. If you get lost in your workflow then here are a few places that also serve food:
Go deeper: The 25 best coffee shops for working remotely in Charlotte
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Still can’t decide on what to do? Find an event happening in the city this week or this weekend. Looking for seasonal things to do? Then check out our winter, fall, spring or summer guides.
