Summer is just getting started!
We’re officially past the half year mark, which is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. But we’re extremely excited for the month of July because let’s face it, July is just an excuse to go to the beach, eat ice cream, and enjoy some sun in the fun with your friends and family. Who else wishes summer would never end? To celebrate our favorite season, we rounded up 59 spectacular things to do this month from spa days to getaways to cool events right in the city. Here we go!
1. Spend an enchanting night out at these lovely candlelight concerts
Have you ever experienced classical music while surrounded by a sea of flickering candlelight? If not, you’re in for a treat. These popular Candlelight concerts have been filling some of Charlotte’s most lovely venues with candlelit concerts perfect for a calm after dinner weekend event. From timeless classics like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to concerts dedicated to legends like Ray Charles and Adele. There’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
2-14. Treat your tastebuds to a variety of different cuisines at one of Camp North End’s eateries.
Eat, drink, and play at Charlotte’s innovative and creative hub known as Camp North End. From charcuteries, to vegetarian cuisine, to James-beard nominated chefs cooking Southern cuisine.
15. Catch an Indie movie at this new Arthouse cinema headed to Charlotte
If you ever feel the urge to experience a different time of movie, then head to IHP, or Independent Picture House, a new arthouse cinema here in Charlotte. They just opened their doors in June with a great setlist of indie, foreign, and artsy films you can watch. Check out their website for more information on what films are playing.
16. Visit Metalmorphosis, the shimmering mirrored sculpture here in Charlotte
The sculpture by Prague artist, David Cerny, is one you have to catch at the right moment to witness it in all it’s glory. For one, the sculpture is mobile! The pieces, when assembled, spin around creating strange shapes, forms, and perspectives of an eyeless and mouthless face until eventually coming together in perfect mirrored, shimmering harmony. But that’s when it’s assembled. Oftentimes, Metalmorphosis is under construction, like it was from January 2020 to December 2020. But we believe it’s up and running now, so don’t miss a chance to check it out!
17. Check out the sunflower fields
Head on over to Wise Acres to get a glimpse of the stunning and photo-worthy fields full of sunflowers, summer’s iconic flower. Reservations are also required if you want to see them, so make sure to book in advance!
18. Leave the kids behind for a night of adults-only immersive mini golf
The popular mini golf company, The Puttery, has landed in Charlotte this year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Enjoy a night out with friends, a well-deserved date night when the baby sitter is home, and much more at this immersive mini golf with multiple, themed courses, food, and of course, boozy beverages.
19-27. Take a historical BBQ tour around the state
Everyone knows about NC’s BBQ past and if you don’t, what better way to learn about this piece of history than through the food. Meaty, smokey, tender, delicious cuts of meat and filling sides await you. All you need to do is hop in your car and go. This handy guide includes local Charlotte BBQ joints and the ones a whiles away that are absolutely worth the drive. Pick your poison.
28-34. Cool off at a lake getaway adventure
There’s nothing like a lake adventure with family and friends, especially when the days becoming unbearably hot. Not too far from Charlotte are some amazing resorts where you can relax (or partake in some awesome sports like kayaking and rafting).
35-43. Get a scoop (or two or three) of ice cream
This doesn’t need much of an introduction. When it’s hot, what do you usually crave? For us, it’s a scoop of ice cream on top of a freshly made waffle cone, and so we had to create a top 5 list for you guys to give our favorite mom and pop shops a try. We’d highly recommend giving them all a try.
- Elizabeth Creamery
- Tony’s Ice Cream
- Cabarrus Creamery
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
44-54. Head to Lake Cornelius for a day lakeside and a delicious meal
Cornelius is definitely the place to go for lakefront eating, bars and breweries here in North Carolina. Here, you can enjoy some amazing waterside restaurants along the “coast” of Lake Norman after a fun-fueled day on the lake. What’s even better is that some of these bars have dock parking, so you can pull your boat right up to the docks, hop out, and enjoy a quick bite of some upscale American cuisine and cocktails.
55-59. Catch an outdoor movie at one of these outdoor venues
Outdoor movies and drive-ins are some of our favorite summer evening activities, and Charlotte’s got a few different venues you can enjoy them, from parks to breweries. Each has their own special day and movie set list.
[featured image by ohmysoulusa via instagram]