Go. Play. See.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte in January
From seasonal pops to Optimist Hall's candy store
Grab a Cold Weather Treat at Popbar
Stop by Popbar’s NoDa or Camp North End location and warm up with a tasty winter treat. Order a hot chocolate on a stick with marshmallow or rainbow sprinkles ($4.50), or get in a keepsake Popbar mug ($7). You can also bring the kids to Camp North End on Thursday evenings for the Skyline Drive-in movie series and pre-order a family-sized Popbar treat for pick-up inside the Bunkhouse. The Dippin’ Kits ($12) come with strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, and cake pieces, and Poppin’ Popcorn ($8) is popcorn topped with pretzels, marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, and a drizzle of chocolate. Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave., pop-bar.com
Hit the Ice Rink
Head to the US National Whitewater Center for an afternoon of ice skating with the family. The cost is $20 per person and includes skate rental; snacks and hot beverages are also available for purchase. See the daily activity schedule online for hours and reserve a time slot through mid-February. US National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., usnwc.org
Celebrate Your American Girl
On Saturday, January 9 and Saturday, January 16, visit the American Girl Store in SouthPark Mall for the 2021 Girl of the Year Lunch. Bring your doll and enjoy a Girl of the Year-inspired meal that includes your choice of an entrée and a themed dessert. Each guest receives a special doll-sized giveaway and a fun craft. The cost is $32 per person, and the event is for girls ages 8 and up. For parties of four or more, a $50 deposit is required at the time of booking. Reserve your spot online. American Girl Store – SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd., americangirl.com
Get a Sugar Fix at Optimist Hall
Stop by Optimist Hall and treat the kids to something sweet at Collier Candy Company. Find a mix of new and vintage candy in the five-and-dime-inspired stall, which opened last month in the food hall area next to Zukku Sushi and Xiao Bao. Little ones can enjoy hard candy and chocolates, while adults can have a taste of nostalgia with classics like Charleston Chews, Bubble Gum Cigarettes and Cigars, and Chick-O-Sticks. 1115 N. Brevard St., optimisthall.com
