10 Staycation Ideas for a Weekend ‘Away’
Take some time off, relax and turn one of these hotel-based vacation ideas into your home away from home in Charlotte.
by Ashley Rossi
If you’re looking for a social distancing-approved vacation, consider staying at a hotel in the Queen City and safely (i.e. wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay six feet apart) explore a nearby restaurant. Bonus points for supporting the local economy. Here are 10 ideas for a Charlotte-based staycation to enjoy a weekend ‘away’ from your quarantine home.
Unwind at a Luxury Resort
For: Those in need of some pampering and Southern hospitality
Stay: You won’t have to leave the gorgeous grounds at The Ballantyne Hotel, which is located about 15 miles from Uptown. Enjoy a luxurious stay in one of the impeccably decorated rooms or suites at the hotel, or opt to stay in The Lodge for even more privacy.
COVID-19 Precautions: Social distancing measures are in place at the hotel, including mandatory mask wearing for employees, increased frequency of cleaning public areas, guest rooms remain vacant a minimum of 48 hours (based on occupancy), and plenty more. You can read more about their safety and well-being promise, here.
Dine: Gallery Restaurant and The Royal are both on-site and have outdoor dining options.
Play: The Golf Club at Ballantyne is open and booking tee times.
Indulge: Select packages are available at The Spa at Ballantyne.
A Parisian-Inspired, Downtown Sleepover
For: Those wanting to sleep in and brunch
Stay: Plan a weekend stay at Uptown’s swanky, The Ivey’s Hotel. With just 47 guest rooms, you’ll have no issues keeping to yourself while at the property. Allow yourself to be transported by the Parsian-inspired design and cozy library lounge.
COVID-19 Precautions: During the pandemic, the hotel has updated its cancellation policy, as well as enlisted robust safety and cleaning measures, which you can find, here.
Dine: 5Church Charlotte is located on-site and guests can even choose to have the meals as part of the room service menus.
Play: Grab a cocktail at Sophia’s Lounge, located on the property.
Indulge: The breakfast spread (featuring Amélie's French Bakery & Café) at the on-site Library Lounge.
The New, Buzzed-About Boutique Hotel
For: Power shoppers and pet-lovers
Stay: The brand new Canopy by Hilton Charlotte SouthPark is the first of the new Hilton chain to open in North Carolina. Discover its boutique-like amenities, all in a convenient SouthPark location. Plus, it’s pet-friendly (additional fee), so your pup can also have a change of scenery for a night.
COVID-19 Precautions: All Hilton properties are abiding by the guidelines outlined in the Hilton CleanStay program, which you can learn more about, here. Contactless check-in is an option at most locations when you book direct.
Dine: Stay on-site and dine at the Canopy Central Cafe & Bar.
Play: Hop on one of the complimentary Canopy bikes and explore the SouthPark area.
Indulge: Enjoy the complimentary evening tastings of local beer, wine and spirits at the hotel.
A Romantic Bed-and-Breakfast
For: Couples sans kids
Stay: Leave the kids at home and have a romantic stay at the historic Duke Mansion. With just 20 rooms on-site you’ll have plenty of privacy to explore the property and escape the city life, that’s just two miles away, that is.
COVID-19 Precautions: According to the website, the gardens and grounds are closed to the public, so only guests are allowed on the property.
Dine: Add the neighborhood restaurant package on to your stay and get a $50 voucher to a nearby restaurant.
Play: Book a luxury package for local wine, bar tickets, chocolate-covered strawberries and more surprises.
Indulge: Have a chef-prepared picnic for two in one of the allocated garden spaces (48-hour advance notice required).
History in the Middle of Uptown
For: Good food, art and design-lovers
Stay: Treat yourself to a weekend at The Dunhill, which recently underwent a renovation. Explore all that Uptown has to offer, or hit the snooze button and enjoy the comfort of your lavish hotel room.
COVID-19 Precautions: The hotel reopened on May 22 with enhanced sanitation and prevention protocols.
Dine: The Asbury, located on-site. Don’t miss the weekend brunch featuring brunch staples like cast iron biscuits and deviled eggs.
Play: You’re within walking distance to Truist Field, offering weekend Eat & Play Disc Golf events.
Indulge: Book a night in the Penthouse Suite, featuring original marble floors and panoramic views from the double balconies.
A Golf-Getaway
For: Those looking to get 54 holes in a weekend
Stay: Known for its convenient location to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort & Spa is also an ideal place to stay for another sport ... golf. The all-suite hotel in Concord offers plenty of space to unwind and socially distance on your staycation.
COVID-19 Precautions: Embassy Suites properties are part of the Hilton family of hotels, so the property is following rigorous guidelines under the Hilton CleanStay program.
Dine: Stonehouse Grille at the course, of course.
Play: At one of the top 100 courses in North Carolina, Rocky River Golf Club, located next door to the hotel.
Indulge: A post-golf massage at the property’s Spa Botanica.
Fun for the Whole Family
For: Those with kids, or kids at heart
Stay: Spend the weekend at nearby Great Wolf Lodge with the whole family. Thanks to well-implemented sanitation precautions, most activities and events are open as of late May. Kids are sure to appreciate the waterpark or ropes course, as well as the fun, themed tent or cabin sleeping areas.
COVID-19 Precautions: All Great Wolf Lodge properties are adhering by robust standards and implementing precautions to ensure a safe stay and experience. You can find out more details, here.
Dine: There are plenty of on-site dining options, like Hungry As A Wolf or Lodge Wood Fire Grill.
Play: At the outdoor pool area, Racoon Lagoon.
Indulge: Customized candy at the Great Wolf Candy Company.
A Lakeside Retreat
For: Those missing the beach
Stay: Set on the banks of Lake Wylie (about 25 minutes from Uptown) sits a small, private, tiny home community: Long Cove Resort. The private club is home to 33 individual vacation rental homes, an outdoor swimming pool, a marina and watersport rentals. Rentals range from a studio to two-bedroom cabins.
COVID-19 Precautions: Currently, access to grounds and gathering spaces is reserved only to members and registered guests.
Dine: On the 2,000 square foot Luna Patio overlooking the lake.
Play: In the water at the property’s own private beach, Sunset Beach.
Indulge: Snuggle up in your tiny home and enjoy binging shows on Netflix.
Bringing Back the Uptown Vibes
For: A girls weekend
Stay: The Kimpton Tryon Park is an ideal spot for an effortless staycation where you can enjoy all that the city has to offer. Elegant design and much-loved Kimpton standard amenities (in-room yoga mats, anyone?) make a stay here convenient, enjoyable and relaxing.
COVID-19 Precautions: The hotel is following strict cleaning and prevention procedures, as well as offering contactless interactions. Stay up to date with any amenity modifications, here.
Dine: On-site, at the popular, Italian-inspired Angeline’s for alfresco dining. If you go, reservations are strongly recommended.
Play: At the hotel’s 19th-floor rooftop bar, Merchant & Trade. (Note: Currently closed as of publication, but expected to re-open soon).
Indulge: With an in-room spa treatment.
A Modern-Day Hideaway
For: Unplugging and natural social distancing
Stay: Located about 90-minutes from Charlotte is the recently-opened Getaway Asheboro. This property features 30 different two- and four-person cabins scattered across an undisclosed location. The cabins are the perfect blend of rustic surroundings and modern convenience, with amenities like queen-sized beds, AC/Heat, private bathrooms and a two-burner stove.
COVID-19 Precautions: While Getaway’s Outposts are naturally designed for social distancing, the company is following enhanced cleaning procedures, employee trainings, and taking other precautions. You can learn more, here.
Dine: In your cabin’s mini-kitchen. Your cabin comes stocked with necessary supplies, so BYOI (bring your own ingredients).
Play: Hike nearby trails (like Purgatory Mountain Trailhead) or go zip-lining at Richland Creek’s Zip Line Canopy Tour, about a 10-minutes’ drive away; face masks are encouraged.
Indulge: S’more’s over an open flame, with your private fire pit.
