Things To Do
White Water Center
Our little taste of Heaven in Charlotte. Whitewater Center has outdoor activities for outdoor junkies like them right outside of the big city. From white water rafting, to zip lines, to kayaking or drinking a local beer on a trail hike or before mountain biking, whitewater has it all! They even recently added an off leash dog park on property where we would take Paisley every chance they had, dubbing the whitewater center the name “Paisley Park”.
Backstage Lounge
Where we had our first date. This cocktail bar is a speakeasy tucked inside Southbound in popular Southend in Charlotte. To enter, find a green exterior light on the side of the building. From there you will walk into a large wooden door and find a pay phone on the wall. The bartender will answer just long enough for you to tell them the password before unlocking the door. Enjoy an old fashioned or cosmo, our favorites and our drinks of choice at our first date. Be sure to check their instagram page before going to find the most up to date password as it changes sometimes on a daily basis.
Crowders Mountain
The closest mountain hike to Charlotte. On a clear day, you’ll even see the Charlotte Skyline from above! Very novice and enjoyable hike with wide walking trails and not much terrain to trek over.
Hawksbill Mountain
This is was always a special hike to Macey and the first time she took Nic, he knew that he wanted to be with her. We last hiked here just days before our engagement as Macey at one point told Nic that’s where she suspects he’ll propose. So in typical Lash fashion, he had to mess with her to throw her off. We joke about going back here all the time because Nic still has not been able to see the overlook on a nice day, 2/3 hikes we have done here it’s been too foggy and one time it was inaccessible due to Helene damage.
John Rock
This is where our proposal happened! Along this hike, you will catch spectacular views crossing over streams and rivers as you ascent to the top of the John Rock cliff face. Looking out from the overlook you will see Looking Glass Rock directly in front of you surrounded by the Appalachia mountains tucked back in Pisgah National Forest. Afterward, there are many breweries within a short drive for a post beer hike, their favorites are Sierra Nevada and Appalachian Mountain Brewing.
Beacon Heights
Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway viaduct, you will find Beacon Heights. This is a hike that we once hiked with Macey's mom then took Nic’s parents next time they were in town. After a 20 minute hike, you’ll find yourself on a breathtaking overlook seeing nothing but rolling mountains. This view truly gives you a look at why they are called the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterwards, swing over to downtown Blowing Rock and get a pitcher of Blue Moon at Town Tavern like we do with our families.