12 things we love about summers in the South

Fall might be around the corner but hold back your pumpkin spice lattes because we’re going to squeeze every last drop out of summer we can get.

We’ve still got a solid month left of hot temps, and we fully plan on capitalizing on that. Summer’s not over ’til we say it’s over.

Here are 12 things we love about summers in the South (specifically in Charlotte):

(1) Seeing a movie at the drive-in theater

Why we love it:  Seeing a movie at the drive-in theater in the summer feels super nostalgic and makes an otherwise indoor activity seem acceptable even when the weather is nice.

Where to go: Hound’s Drive-In in King’s Mountain. Shows start at dusk (8:30 pm). $15 per car load (cash only).

(2) Beating the heat while sipping sweet tea

Why we love it: No other drink says summertime in the South quite like an ice cold glass of sweet tea. It’s best enjoyed by a pool or on a front porch. Add in a rocking chair for effect. It even transitions perfectly into tailgating season.

Where to get it: Bojangles’ Legendary Iced Tea is legendary for a reason. Get it sweet and get it by the half gallon. Throw in some fresh fruit if you’re feeling fancy.

(3) Weekend trips to the Lowcountry

Why we love it: Lowcountry spots like Charleston, Savannah and Beaufort are all iconic southern summer weekend destinations. We love everything from the hanging Spanish moss to the colorful homes on Charleston’s Rainbow Row. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Lowcountry boil?

Where to go: Check out our travel guides for Charleston and Beaufort.

(4) Tubing down the Catawba River

Why we love it: A lazy ride down the Catawba is quintessential summer. Stock up a floating cooler, grab a few of your friends and you’re set all day.

Where to do it: Reserve a tube at Catawba River Outdoors and float down the river on a two-hour excursion that includes shuttle service, tube, life jacket and paddle.

Price: $20/tube, $10 for a floating cooler

(5) Pimento cheese on everything

Why we love it: Pimento cheese is a southern summer tradition. Whether you’re going out on the lake, having a picnic or just hanging out in your backyard you need pimento cheese. Put it on a sandwich, dip crackers into it or eat it by the spoonful. We won’t judge.

Where to get it: Bojangles’ is offering pimento cheese right now for a limited time only. You can add it to anything on the menu. Summer. Made.

(6) Cruising Lake Norman on the Catawba Queen Mississippi river boat 

Why we love it: Catawba Queen is an old school Mississippi river boat. It’s a fun way to spend an evening on the lake and enjoy a buffet-style dinner and drinks. I mean, honestly, what’s more southern than a Mississippi river boat?

Details: Dinner cruises sail Friday-Sunday. Check the schedule for exact dates and times.

(7) Swimming in the rock quarry at Carrigan Farms

Why we love it: It’s a natural spring-fed body of water that was discovered in the 1960s when mining for granite stone. Now you can swim in it. It’s a picturesque location and has that old school summer, watering hole vibe.

Swimming details: It’s $15/per person to swim at The Quarry (cash only). Check open swim days and times here.

(8) Having summer last basically 5 months instead of 3

Why we love it: In the South, temps stay in the 80’s and 90’s basically May through September, so it makes it feel like summer lasts longer and we are all for it.

Agenda guide: Go outside: 50 best outdoor activities within 2 hours of Charlotte

(9) Spending Saturday morning at the farmers market

Why we love it: Nothing makes us feel more wholesome and self righteous than a weekend trip to the farmers market. While other people are battling it out in the aisles at Publix and Harris Teeter, you’re calm and collect and perusing beautiful, fresh produce while supporting local farmers.

Where to go: 

• Kings Drive Farmers Market
• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
• NoDa Farmers Market
• South End Market

(10) Fishing at McDowell Nature Preserve

Why we love it: Fishing is a classic southern pastime. Sitting on a dock with your line in the water and a cold drink in hand sounds like the perfect afternoon. It doesn’t have to be summer but it helps.

Details: This 1,132-acre park is situated right on the banks of Lake Wylie, making it the perfect place to go fishing. There are multiple public fishing docks and you must have a fishing license.

(11) Spending the night in a treehouse at Treehouse Vineyards

Why we love it: It brings us back to summers as a kid catching fireflies in the backyard and then hiding out in your treehouse until your mom calls you inside — except now that you’re grown up you can drink wine in the treehouse and your mom won’t tell you it’s time for bed.

Overnight treehouse rentals: 

• ‘Horsefeathers Hideaway’ treehouse holds up to eight people. Starting from $175/night
• ‘Papa’s Dream’ treehouse is available for overnight stays only. Starting from $125/night

Agenda guide: You can stay overnight in a treehouse at this vineyard just 25 miles from Charlotte

(12) Wearing seersucker at a summer get-together

Why we love it: There’s something about that lightweight fabric with pastel and white stripes that really makes us want to wear a straw hat, bet on a horse race and yell things like “I do declare”. It’s a little cliche but we say lean into it.

Places to shop: Check out our boutique shopping guide to get yourself some seersucker or something equally as snazzy.

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(This content was created in partnership with Bojangles’.)