The Ultimate Charlotte Fall Shopping Guide
Locally sourced essentials (and a few nice-to-haves) to prepare you for fall season.
by Amanda Lea Oct 25, 2021
It’s that time of year again … when the warmth of summer transitions to the crispness of fall. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out our favorite layers and shop for some cozy newfinds. Here are a few more fall essentials from local Queen City businesses you should score for the colder months.
The Hobbyist
Neighborhood: Villa Heights
Nothing symbolizes the arrival of fall more than the pumpkin spice latte and it’s soon coming to neighborhood favorite, The Hobbyist. In addition to the PSL, visitors will be able to enjoy two sweetly spiced espresso drinks: the Maple Clove and Pecan Spice Lattes. Now offering farm-fresh produce, this is your Villa Heights one-stop-shop! Pick up local bread, eggs, milk, cheese and a variety of other options. Oh, and no need to set your alarm clock—coffee is served all day.
Paper Skyscraper
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Paper Skyscraper has been Charlotte's go-to gift shop for over 30 years and has all you need to satisfy your fall season senses. Whether it be fall-flavored popcorn or a fall-themed coffee mug, there are carefully curated items from 70 different vendors displayed throughout the 4,500 square-foot store.
Sycamore Brewing
Neighborhood: South End
Featuring a vast beer garden, Sycamore Brewing is a great outdoor spot for an afternoon of brews. For the seasonal beer enthusiasts, get ready to sip on the brewery’s Pumpkin Latte Blonde (5.8% ABV), brewed with real spices, vanilla and house-roasted coffee.
Catawba Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Belmont
Named after the Catawba River in western North Carolina, Catawba Brewing Co. has been a staple of the Belmont neighborhood since 2017. With outdoor seating and views of the Charlotte skyline, you and your crew are able to enjoy the White Zombie White Ale, a Halloween brew, all year long. For the true pumpkin heads, Catawba Brewing Co. releases their seasonal King Don’s Pumpkin Ale each year from August through October.
Hickory Furniture Mart
Neighborhood: Hickory, NC
If you are heading to the mountains to enjoy the fall foliage, stop by the Hickory Furniture Mart to shop North Carolina-made furniture and home accessories. The Fall After Market Sale is the most popular event of the season and takes place November 12-14. Customers can find high-quality, one of a kind pieces at a heavy discount. There’s no better time than now to make your home feel a little bit cozier–with items such as accent chairs and couches in warm tones like brown, bronze and gold.
Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio
Neighborhood: Oakhurst
If you are looking for that special piece to make your living space extra cozy this fall, Dressing Rooms Interior Studio is the premier choice for refurbished vintage furniture and decor in the Queen City. If you can’t make it to the store, shop online and find stunning pre-loved items to mix into your abode.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Area: West Charlotte
The U.S. National Whitewater Center has over 1,300 acres of land and that means there are plenty of opportunities to explore the trails for hiking, mountain biking and taking in the views of the changing fall colors.
There are also several trail runs and events slated for the fall calendar, like the upcoming Wild Vine Half Marathon and 5K (Nov. 6) and the Long Creek Adventure Race (Nov. 13). Or try the Paddle to Table Adventure dining events, which include a paddle trip on the Catawba River plus a three-course meal at the Ridge Pavilion.
The Sporting Gent
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Geared up and ready to go with the finest in sporting and lifestyle merchandise, The Sporting Gent is the ideal destination for the Southerner who loves the outdoors. If you need help planning a fishing or hunting trip this fall, the team at The Sporting Gent will help coordinate customized sporting adventures and mountain resort experiences for individuals and groups.
The Mint Museum Store
Neighborhood: Uptown
The Mint Museum offers a shopping experience that will make you forget you are in a museum gift shop. Every corner of the store is full of unique gifts, artwork, jewelry and books. Pick up a copy of the “Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook” by Ashley Strickland Freeman for some real southern comfort this chilly season or fall in love with one of the colorful hand blown glass pumpkins.
DUPP & SWAT
Area: Camp North End
Dupp & Swat is synonymous with Charlotte culture. For over 10 years, Dupp & Swat has been a watering hole for creatives across the city to find original art from local artisans, meet like-minded people and gain knowledge about the art culture community. When visiting, you will be captivated by the ever-changing collection of art and clothing on display, including the floor mural that spans the entire length of the space! Dupp & Swatt is also available to rent for private events, workshops, intimate concerts, and just about anything you may need a space for this fall.
Just a short ride from Uptown and with over 20,000 square feet of plant parent paradise, Oakdale Greenhouse is the largest retail greenhouse in Charlotte. Give your outdoor plants a head start this autumn by planting at the best time of year; when it’s cooler, plants have a chance to establish a strong root system before the summer heat strikes. Shop for cool-season veggies, mums, pansies and more to extend the beauty of your landscape. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, grab a few succulents from their large selection of planters ready to go.
Shades of Moss
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Shades of Moss takes the guesswork out of taking care of plants for new plant owners. As a community-based plant shop, they aim to not only provide customers with the best plants for their living space, but also educate through repotting sessions, DIY tutorials and plant swaps. Distinct classes to take from the shop this fall include plant styling and maintenance.
Moxie Mercantile
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood, Matthews
This boutique shop supports smaller makers and creators, filling the store with a curated collection of home goods, gifts and accessories. This season, find effortless fall fashions and accessories by OPHELIA & INDIGO. You can also get a head start on shopping for the holidays and pick out a unique gift for a friend or family member.
Sleepy Poet Antiques
Neighborhood: South End
If you’re on the lookout for quirky items to decorate your home this fall, look no further than Sleepy Poet Antiques. The new location is just down the road from where it’s resided on South Boulevard. for 13 years. With nearly 44,000 square feet of antiques, vintage decor and one of a kind finds, there are plenty of autumn offerings to leaf through. The newer space also promises more parking plus room for live music, food trucks and events. (Note: The grand opening is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 19.)
If you're visiting Charlotte for the first time, are a transplant to the area or are native, 704 Shop should be at the top of your list to rep the city. Owned by three Carolina natives, you too can feel pride for the city when sporting 704 Shop gear this season. The fall collection just dropped and it’s a collaboration with Cheerwine, the nostalgic drink of choice for Carolinians since 1917. The vintage imagery is on hats, hoodies, shorts and shirts. You can also find some fresh Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers gear.
Mimosa Nail Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
More than just a nail service, Mimosa Nail Bar has created an experience that encourages memories to be captured through Instagram pictures and fun boomerangs. Custom murals, neon lights, chandeliers, and plush furniture can be found everywhere – even in the bathroom! This fall, be sure to request an Apple Cider Mimosa and a Pumpkin Spice Pedicure – both very Insta-worthy.
Charlotte FC MLS Gear
Area: Online
“We are Charlotte FC. Welcome to the club.” is the moniker of the 30th Major League Soccer franchise awarded to the Queen City—in 2019. Visit the official MLS store for all of your fan gear including long sleeve T-shirts, striped knit scarfs plus more cozy gear to rep this autumn.
Vintage Supremacy
Online
Vintage Supremacy offers rare vintage Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets gear that you can rep all year long. Score hard-to-find graphic T-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and jackets to keep you looking fresh this season. If you see something you like, be sure to act quickly because these treasures go fast.
