Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer staycation around the Queen City, luxury is a quick click away. | Photo via Airbnb
Whether you’re visiting Charlotte for the weekend or need an unforgettable staycation, we’ve compiled a list featuring 17 extraordinary rentals in the Queen City worthy of a trip for you, your partner, bestie, or the whole squad this year.
Many rental homes along Lake Norman and Lake Wylie provide plenty of space for the whole family’s lakeside retreat.
Mixed Level Pottery Wheel Class | 6-8:30 p.m. | MakerSpace Charlotte | $225 | Unleash your creativity in this six-week class for all skill levels.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Charlotte Area Chamber Holiday Drop In | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse SouthPark | Free | Meet members of the Chamber of Commerce over cocktails and small bites.
Gingerbread House Competition | 6-9 p.m. | Urban District Market | $25 per team | Create your best gingerbread house for a chance to win prizes.
Tipsy Tuesday Terrarium Workshop | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse, Huntersville | $33+ | Design a piece of botanical art while sipping on cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages.
Speed Dating for Ages 37-49 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Resident Culture South End | $32+ | Spend six minutes talking with the potential love of your life.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
You Drink, We Donate | 4-10 p.m. | The Chamber by Wooden Robot - NoDa | Cost of purchase | For every large beer purchase, $1 will go to The Bulb, a donation-based mobile farmers market.
Book Signing with Author Sarah Chapelle | 4-7 p.m. | That’s Novel Books | Cost of purchase | Get a signed copy of “Taylor Swift Style,” detailing decades of Taylor Swift’s wardrobe — a gift perfect for any Swiftie.
Miss Bennet: Christmas At Pemberley | 6:30 p.m. | Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius | $30-$40 | Be transported to Jane Austen’s Pemberley in this original “sequel” to Pride and Prejudice.
Initially operating on weekends, LaZoom plans to expand its schedule next spring. | Photos by Franzi Charen
LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours, an iconic “theater on wheels” from Asheville, is expanding to Charlotte on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Inspired by the Queen City’s vibrant mix of history and neighborhoods, founders Jimmy and Jen Lauzon are excited to bring LaZoom’s signature humor to our area.
Construction for a new Uptown hotel could start in 2025. The Beckworth Hotel will be in the former Johnston Building, as first reported by @JasonThomasCLT and @CLTDevelopment. The hotel is expected to have a Starbucks, restaurant, rooftop bar, and views of Romare Bearden Park.
Community
A golf simulator and updated lobby space are planned for 550 South. Cousins Properties recently announced renovations for the Uptown building. The project is part of a growing trend to revitalize office buildings in the city center. (The Charlotte Observer)
Eat
King of Fire Pizza is now open in Uptown. The restaurant will serve award-winning pizzas (with a gluten-free crust option), salads, and desserts. CLTtoday spoke with the team about their start as a food truck and hopes for the future.
Shop
Framebridge, a custom framing shop, opened its first NC and Charlotte-area stores in Myers Park (2839 Selwyn Ave.) and South End (1930 Camden Rd.). Shoppers will find a curated selection of frame styles + personalized recommendations.
Announced
Bank of America Stadium will host Minnesota and Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Jan. 3, 2025. This will be the first gridiron match-up for the Golden Gophers and Hokies. Tickets are on sale + the game can be streamed on ESPN.
Transit
A portion of Old Dowd Road near Charlotte Douglas International Airport has reopened. A new bridge near the airport overlook connects Old Dowd to Wilkinson Boulevard. The closure impacted CLT Douglas traffic. (WCNC)
Civic
There’s a push to get the Silver Line established. More than 900 people signed a petition wanting to see the rail line in east Charlotte and Matthews. The project is currently on pause as the general assembly needs to approve a sales tax referendum for necessary funding. (WCNC)
Job
Ever Home Plastics LLC is creating nearly 50 jobs in Salisbury. The subsidiary of Vacane Home Concepts Inc. is investing $3.6 million in the area with operations starting in January. (The Charlotte Observer)
Number
$65,165. That’s how much the 17th annual Runway 5K raised for Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College. The scholarships help promote careers in aviation. Since 2019, the Runway 5K has raised more than $226,000 in scholarship funds.
Sports
Cornelius native Nolan Hauser kicked the game-winning field goal for Clemson during the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. Miss the action? Catch the highlights and the biggest stories on the ACCwith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Got a cough that just won’t quit? It might be more than a nuisance. Learn what lingering coughs could mean, when to see a doctor, and tips for finding relief.*
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
Category
Sports
🏀 Alley-oop for Uptown
The Jumpman Invititational brings thousands of college hoops fans to the Spectrum Center. | Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation
They’re playin’ basketball. For the third straight year, some of the biggest teams in college basketball will face off during the Jumpman Invitational in Uptown.
The two-day competition will take over the Spectrum Center, starting Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Dec. 17
Florida vs. UNC (men) 7 p.m.
Michigan vs. Oklahoma (women) at 9:30 p.m.
Dec. 18
Florida vs. UNC (women) at 6:30 p.m.
Michigan vs. Oklahoma (men) at 9 p.m.
Tickets are on sale + watch at home via ESPN and ESPN 2.
The annual event is spearheaded by Charlotte Sports Foundation and Novant Health + comes on the heels of the inaugural Charlotte Invitational and Duke’s Mayo Classic.
“We’re thrilled to bring this unique event back to Charlotte, featuring electrifying matchups between four nationally prominent athletic programs and a one-of-a-kind player and fan experience,” said Danny Morrison, CSF’s executive director.
Fun fact: CSF events brought in nearly $80 million to the Queen City in 2023.
The Buy
The Buy
Slippers that are warm, cozy, and able to be worn indoors and outdoors (so you can run errands in your slippers — score). Try these faux fur-lined houseshoes on Amazon or go for the UGG Tasman slipper that started the trend.
In case you couldn’t tell, sports are a big deal in this city. On Friday night, four of the biggest names in tennis took the court for the inaugural Charlotte Invitational, the ACC Championship game took over Uptown on Saturday + the Jumpman Invitational is next week. I don’t know about you, but I can only imagine what’s ahead in 2025!
P.S. If you see Madison Keys around town, she might be looking for a new home.
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