Under-the-radar places to stay, sip and savor for a staycation in Charlotte
The dog days of summer have arrived, but you don’t have to let them win. In fact, there’s a path to victory against the mid-summer slump, and that is a well-deserved staycation.
If we’re talking data, Trivago recently published some consumer research findings showing “a strong correlation between travel and well-being, with 78% of U.S. travelers affirming that regular vacations have a positive impact on their mental health.”
So, do the data justice and make vacation accessible right here in Charlotte’s backyard.
Whether your ideal staycation is a low-key solo stay in an eccentric Airbnb or a lavish hotel experience, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide is designed for you to pick and choose what suits your staycation fancy in Charlotte.
Where to stay
Hotel: A sweet escape, with room service and sweeping views
Book a weekend stay at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in the heart of uptown. The property has so much that you may not need to leave — evening social hour in the lobby, a fitness center and in-room yoga mats, along with Angeline’s restaurant downstairs and rooftop bar, Merchant & Trade, upstairs.
If you do want to leave the hotel, treat yourself to the Charlotte is Brew-tiful package and get to know the Queen City via a beer trail. This package includes two CLT 1-Day Brewery Passes to four participating breweries with special discounts, exclusive access to Tryon Park’s Craft Beer Map within five miles of the hotel, souvenir pint glasses and locally brewed welcome beers.
Rental property: Live the Charlotte life you don’t have for one night
If you’re rocking it in the suburbs but have always wondered what it’s like to spend a night in one of those dreamy uptown condos, now is your chance. This eccentric studio uptown or this sun-lit condo in Fourth Ward feel out of a movie set.
Now, if you’re an uptown loyalist, but are curious about a more artistic side of town, we’ve got you. Plaza Midwood has many cute, quaint rental properties, from this dreamy bungalow to this casual condo, that make a walk to Undercurrent Coffee for a latte or The Workman’s Friend for a pint all the more enticing. NoDa has some charming guest houses ideal for a solo-staycation, too.
Hidden gem micro-hotel: Where the lobby is a bar
Five rooms, each distinctly unique, make up the hidden Hotel Refuge on Central Avenue. This team has flipped “high design” on its head by letting eclectic art, unique textures and culturally-rich decor and design lead the way. It has the energy and feel of a hostel, but it’s distinctly refined, and luckily, the lobby is a moody listening bar called Lorem Ipsum.
What to do
Charlotte has a rich culture, and museums like the Mint Museum and The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture showcase the depth of what the city has to offer. The Charlotte Museum of History, Levine Museum of the New South and Historic Rosedale can offer a peek into Charlotte’s history
Plus, a stroll through a museum can be quite meditative.
Staycation is self-care, and what goes best with self-care? More self-care. Book a facial or massage at Toccare Day Spa or the Spa at Ballantyne.
Shop local. Spots like Paper Skyscraper, VisArt Video, the Culture Shop, The Sporting Gent, Thrift Pony and Good Postage are unique, locally-owned small businesses, ranging from thrifted clothes to elegant cardstock.
Immerse yourself in Charlotte’s nature, because it’s there folks. There’s a couple ways to do this: visit the Wing Haven bird sanctuary and garden or the McGill Rose garden (which also functions as a wine bar called Rosie’s, so grab a glass and take a stroll). It’s a bit far out from the city, but Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill is a sweeping 2100-acre naturescape, with lakes, trails, idyllic picnic spots and a proper escape from the city.
[INDULGE: Take care of yourself: 7 luxury spa experiences within a 3-hour drive of Charlotte.]
Where to eat
If your ideal staycation involves a night in, order one of Bird Pizzeria’s nationally-recognized pies (you may have to order it days in advance) and enjoy it at your evening residence. You can share it, but you also don’t have to — permission granted. Don’t miss the hot honey on one of Bird’s pies.
If you’re in the mood for a sceney spot, head to Yunta Nikkei. This high-energy restaurant is in the heart of South End, where everyone is everywhere. The food is a blend of Peruvian and Asian flavors; there’s sushi, ceviche, grilled octopus and more. Every Friday and Saturday, the resident DJ at Yunta brings an electric energy.
If you want an exceptional dinner in a less-busy part of town, head to the west side of Charlotte, where next-level restaurants are cropping up quickly. Maiz Agua Sal is Wesley Heights newest addition, and an ideal spot for a date night, a small family or a solo treat. The tortillas, made of heirloom masa, are fresh pressed; the cocktails are stunning; and the views of uptown are a lovely touch. Restaurant Constance is splurgier, but in the best way — the dishes are markedly seasonal, fresh and creative in a very intimate, light-filled space. Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday and enjoy 3 courses for $65.
Where to drink
Find where the Ramble Drinkery pop-up is popping up, and follow it wherever it goes. The staff won’t think it’s weird; they are unapologetically a “roaming drinkery.” The drinks are experimental and artful, fascinating the first-time sippers of Ramble.
Looking for elevated, classy, romance-inducing drinking vibes? The Green Room in South End is a very intimate, high-end cocktail bar, but not stuffy. Dilworth Tasting Room is an easy, breezy, beautiful patio for wine. Dot Dot Dot is a timeless, dark and dim speakeasy vibe in Park Road shopping center. The Crunkleton, with the comfiest bar seats, has some of the best old-fashioneds and whiskey drinks in town.
Feeling social? Head to the multi-story Sycamore Brewery in South End. This spot is no hidden gem; but it’s consistent with its lineup of beer and chock full of post-grads, run clubs and beer lovers.
While there’s clearly a myriad of eating, drinking and exploring to be had in Charlotte for a staycation, if it’s a simple good night’s rest outside of the typical day-to-day that you’re craving, Charlotte’s still got you covered. Happy staycation-ing!
