Charlotte’s Not Got This
Post by Ben - 7/11/2024
Charlotte’s got a lot, but it doesn’t got everything. Not everyone can live in one of the four letter neighborhoods (LoSoNoDaMoRaPlEnMe) full of cool breweries great for kids, and even if you do, you might still need to get out of the city for whatever. Here are four breweries and some cool activities to go with them on the outskirts of Charlotte.
Gastonia - Crowders Mountain State Park and Keepsake Brewery
It’s rare to see Gastonia at the top of any list, but this is a truly great combination for a weekend day out with the kids. Crowders is the closest (about 30 miles from center Charlotte) hikeable mountain near Charlotte and it’s a great place for kids who are experienced hikers or just starting to get on the trails. It’s free to hike and you can even get some real rock climbing and bouldering in here (that Inner Peaks membership is going to pay off). On your way home, stop by Keepsake Brewery, with it’s beautiful beer garden and delicious German style beers (great light choices after a hike), and you can even get a treat for the kids at Tony’s Ice Cream across the street. “Well, what a nice day in Gastonia,” you will say to your skeptical friends.
Pineville - Pineville Ice House and Middle James Brewing
Maybe your house has been taking a beating this summer while trying to keep kids cool and safe, so why not take them to a place where they can strap blades to their feet and really do some damage? Pineville Ice House (about 15 miles from Charlotte center) is an ice skating rink where you can spend a cool afternoon or evening. After that grab dinner and some beers at the super relaxed, ultra kid friendly Middle James Brewing. Plenty of room to run or sit inside if it’s still hot. And now you have an excuse to go all the way to Pineville to return that thing at REI.
Concord - Charlotte Motor Speedway and High Branch Brewing Co.
Have you ever been to the Speedway other than to see Christmas lights or get a COVID shot? Well, there are lots of things for adults and kids at Charlotte Motor Speedway (about 17 miles from Charlotte center) that are not races. They have a kids’ STEAM workshop for your little engineer and lots of racing stuff if you have a tiny speed demon. Before you go home, stop by Gibson Mill Market, a food court in an old mill (they are everywhere) with lots of food options to make every eater happy, and High Branch Brewing Co. downstairs to help parents chill out too.
University - Ikea or UNCC and Armored Cow Brewing
While not technically out of Charlotte, a trip to Ikea may happen to all of us. You could be lucky and be up there for cool, fun Niners game because you don’t need to spend your evenings with an allen wrench. Whatever your deal is, make a stop at Armored Cow Brewing. A dog and kid friendly spot in University with interesting (good) beer and a nice relaxed stop before heading home.
Keepsake and Crowders are a good time.
Biergartens in the fall make for some great moments.