The Essential Day Trip Guide to Waxhaw, North Carolina

Sharing your ultimate day-trip travel guide to Waxhaw, North Carolina, a charming town just 45 minutes from Charlotte

How on earth did it take me four years to get to Waxhaw? It’s only forty-five minutes from Charlotte…

Well, considering I moved here at the end of 2019 and then you-know-what happened in 2020, I suppose I know the reason why.

But now that I’ve made the trip, I can honestly say shame on my past self – now I know better.

Looking for more great day trips from Charlotte? Find them all in one place in my guide: Essential Day Trips from Charlotte

Because this sweet town of just 20,000 people is well worth a visit: it’s easy to reach from Charlotte and offers more than a day’s worth of things to see, do, and eat for people of all ages.

A tidy downtown (with free parking!) makes a great home base for the day, though a car is essential for reaching Waxhaw and for exploring a couple of other spots in the guide below.

Unlike many of our region’s small towns, the businesses of Waxhaw don’t completely shutter on Sundays – if you happen to visit on the seventh day of the week, you’ll still find many of Main Street’s businesses are open (though likely with reduced hours). But for the chance to explore as much of the town as possible, I recommend coming on a Saturday or the first Friday of the month.

No matter when you decide to visit, I find it’s always helpful to learn a little about your destination’s history beforehand:

ABOUT WAXHAW

A view of downtown Waxhaw — Even today, Waxhaw’s commerce is still centered around the railroad – just in a slightly different way

The town of Waxhaw is located approximately twenty miles south of Charlotte and just three miles from the South Carolina border. Chartered in 1889 and named after an indigenous tribe that once lived in the area, Waxhaw’s growth over the coming decades stemmed from cotton farming and the introduction of the railroad (a common thread here in the Piedmont).

Today’s Waxhaw offers a small-town atmosphere centered around the town’s picturesque Main Street lined with historic buildings, local restaurants, and cute boutiques. Just one day in the city makes it clear why this is one of the region’s most sought-after places to live in the Charlotte metro. Ready to explore?

THINGS TO DO IN WAXHAW

A historic brick building in Waxhaw — One of the first branches of the Belk chain of department stores was located in Waxhaw – and it’s just one stop on the town’s historic walking tour

Downtown Walking Tour

What greater introduction to Waxhaw is there than the Downtown Walking Tour? This self-guided tour walks visitors down a path navigating the town’s landmarks, placing history right at your feet. With iconic stops like the old post office, the Rodman-Heath Cotton Mill, and one of the original Belk stores, it’s an excellent way to dive deeper into this destination.

→Downtown Walking Tour

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The Storefront Theatre

I bet you’ve never experienced theatre like this before! The Storefront Theatre is a reader’s theatre, which means there are no sets, no costumes, and no props – just actors conveying a story through their words and their voices.

Shows are held intermittently, but it’s worth scheduling your Waxhaw visit around one if you’re able. Michael and I had the chance to experience the theatre’s eleventh annual performance of “We Like Short Shorts,” a juried compilation of ten-minute plays, and we can’t stop talking about how powerful each play was despite its length and lack of visuals. Topics were as diverse as funeral crashing, getting into Heaven, and speed dating, and you never knew what would come next.

The Storefront Theatre’s incredibly talented actors brought each wonderfully crafted story to life, instantly drawing us in for all ten plays. I think it’s safe to say we’ll be back next year (rumor has it, it will be a “Best Of” edition!).

→The Storefront Theatre // 8215 Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Exterior of Mule Barn Mercantile with vintage sign in front — Formerly a stable, Mule Barn Mercantile is now filled with antiques and handmade local goods

Two images: Alyssa trying on a black top in a fitting room and a checkout counter at Sweet Repeats in Waxhaw — Sweet Repeats is Waxhaw’s oldest resale shop

Alyssa looks at antique items at Waxhaw Antique Mart — You could easily spend an hour or more walking through a maze of antiques and vintage finds at Waxhaw Antique Mart

Two images: One of a display of clothing at Second Chance Boutique in Waxhaw, and Alyssa trying on a jumpsuit — Waxhaw’s Second Chance Boutique carries racks and racks of secondhand clothing (except for this jumpsuit – it went home with me!)

A display of yarn for sale at Tangles Knitting on Main — Tangles Knitting on Main is full of fiber-related goodness, from yarn to notions

Waxhaw Shops & Boutiques

Visitors to Waxhaw can really shop to their heart’s content – especially those who have a knack for finding secondhand and antique gems.

For avid thrifters, two Waxhaw boutiques come to mind: Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point, which aids abuse victims and provides community education on identifying situations of abuse, and Sweet Repeats Resale and Boutique, Waxhaw’s oldest resale boutique. Both shops carry gently used clothing for all genders and ages as well as a curated selection of housewares, all at a reasonable price. I found a new-to-me addition to my wardrobe at each, and I can’t wait to hear what you find!

Prefer your housewares a little… older? A labyrinth of fun vintage and antique finds awaits you at Waxhaw Antique Mart – it’s a bit like perusing the shelves of time, decade by decade. And if you’re not tired of hunting for treasure, Mule Barn Mercantile is just around the corner and down the block. Once the W H Collins Livery Stable, today the shop is brimming with antique and artisan-made items. There’s even a blacksmith shop, where you can watch metal take shape by fire on the first Saturday of each month.

If you’re anything like me (i.e. you can’t step foot in a town without visiting its local yarn shop), you’ll make a beeline for Tangles Knitting On Main. This downtown yarn shop has been putting yarn on the needles and hooks of locals for fifteen years and even offers classes for those new to fiber crafts. Perhaps it’s time to start your next project?

→Mule Barn Mercantile // 121 S Broome St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
→Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point // 1201 N Broome St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
→Sweet Repeats Resale and Boutique // 615 W South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
→Tangles Knitting On Main // 200 W North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173
→Waxhaw Antique Mart // 101 W South Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Steps lead to the Waxhaw Overhead Bridge — The Waxhaw Overhead Bridge was once a bridge for automobiles, but now is pedestrian-only

Two images: a close up of the steps of the Waxhaw Overhead Bridge which reads "Welcome to Waxhaw" and the view of the train tracks from the top of the bridge — Families gather for a bit of trainspotting from a unique vantage point on Waxhaw Overhead Bridge

Alyssa stands on a suspension bridge on the NC/SC border — This 180-foot suspension bridge is a unique way to cross state lines

Four images of scenes from the Carolina Thread Trail and Suspension Bridge — The suspension bridge is part of the Carolina Thread Trail network

Traverse Waxhaw’s Bridges

The tiny town of Waxhaw is home to not one, but two now-iconic bridges. Once a bridge for automobiles, the Waxhaw Overhead Bridge is now a pedestrian-only bridge connecting North Main Street with South Main Street. Time your visit right, and you just might get to watch a train pass below you – you’ll spot crowds waiting on the bridge hoping to do the same!

The Carolina Thread Trail Suspension Bridge just might be the most unique way to cross the border into South Carolina. The easiest way to access this 180-foot-long suspension bridge from Waxhaw is at Harvey Clay Nesbit Park. Follow the Carolina Thread Trail signs for about a half-mile, and get ready for a thrilling, moving journey across the border. Just be kind to your fellow crossing mates and don’t run and jump and bounce them about – the heart-stopping shaking is far less fun when you’re not the one doing it (speaking from experience – thanks Michael).

→Carolina Thread Trail Suspension Bridge // 516 Jude Ln, Waxhaw, NC 28173
→Waxhaw Overhead Bridge // Waxhaw, NC 28173

WAXHAW FOOD + DRINK

Alyssa turns to walk into Virtuoso in Waxhaw — Just moments after taking this photo the line was out the door

Four images of the pastries and bread on offer at Virtuoso — Many bakeries excel at only bread or pastry, not both – but Virtuoso is the rare exception

Virtuoso Breadworks

Is there anything better than great bread?

Virtuoso Breadworks rises early to serve up expertly crafted sourdough loaves, gorgeously laminated pastries, and creative cookies. Arrive early for the best selection (a cruffin is a must, as is a souvenir loaf – trust me, your future self will be glad you did!) plus a cup of coffee from one of Charlotte’s favorite roasters, Enderly.

→Virtuoso Breadworks // 205 Salem St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Vera’s Kitchen

For classic American diner favorites with a Mexican twist, Vera’s Kitchen is the place to go for breakfast in Waxhaw/ This family-owned spot opened in late 2022, and walking through the door feels a lot like coming home.

Breakfast and lunch are served all day, meaning you can have a plate of birria at 6:30 a.m. or an omelet at 2:30 p.m. Michael and I split the difference, ordering from both sides of the menu. The birria quesadilla stole the show, but the side of beans accompanying the huevos rancheros wasn’t far behind. Whatever you do, don’t skip the salsa – it’s not spicy, but it’s packed with flavor.

→Vera's Kitchen // 203 N Broome St D, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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The exterior of Mary O'Neill's in Waxhaw and a reuben — Mary O’Neill’s is an excellent stop for a pub lunch

Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub

Some days you just need hearty pub fare, and Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub is there to answer the call on those days. The menu features all your Irish pub favorites (bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips) plus your favorite pub dishes from this side of the pond (burgers, wings, and nachos).

Pours are excellent – yes, Guinness is here, but so are some local options – and portions are generous. The house specialty reuben was hearty enough for two mildly hungry people to share!

→Mary O'Neill's Irish Pub // 116 W North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Waxhaw Tap House

If you haven’t had your fill of beer at Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub, be sure to head to Waxhaw Tap House for another local pint (and honestly, even if you’re all beered out, the beer garden is still a lovely place to relax!).

Check the calendar before you go to see if a fun event is on the schedule like karaoke, trivia, and more. With tickets to The Storefront Theatre, we had to scoot before the evening’s band started playing, but I got in some good knitting time over a pint from Petty Thieves.

→Waxhaw Tap House // 110 McDonald St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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Waxhaw Creamery

Have a sweet tooth? Waxhaw Creamery is ready to satiate it! This scoop shop dishes up buckets of handmade ice cream and Italian ice to locals and tourists alike.

Pistachio is always my litmus test when it comes to finding a good creamery (Is it unnaturally green? Does it taste like pistachio, or is that just almond extract?), and this shop meets my high standards. With large, whole pieces of roasted pistachios and a lovely, dense chew, the quality is top-notch. Unlike with cheaper ice creams which incorporate a lot of air, you might want to order a smaller size scoop than you’re used to. I found that a kiddie cup was more than enough!

→Waxhaw Creamery // 109 E North Main St, Waxhaw, NC 28173

WITH MORE TIME IN WAXHAW

A shelf of produce and grains for sale at Provisions on Main — More time in Waxhaw means more time for meals at places like Provisions on Main

More time than just a day in Waxhaw? Lucky you!

It’s the perfect opportunity to see if the Waxhaw Farmers Market is open for the weekend (the market doesn’t operate every weekend in the colder months, so check the calendar before you go!) to pick up fresh, seasonal produce. If the weather is nice, you could easily spend the afternoon fishing, playing minigolf, or taking a pedal boat out at Cane Creek Park.

But best of all, you can check out more of Waxhaw’s food and drink scene, from elevated small plates at Emmet’s Social Table and Cork & Ale to international fare at Hacienda El Rey or Bistro D’Antonio. As always, if you happen to make it to any of these places before I do, would you leave a comment and let us know your take on it?

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING WAXHAW

At just 45 minutes away from Charlotte, Waxhaw is an ideal town for an easy day trip. Though our tiny family doesn’t include kids, Michael and I spotted many families of all sizes enjoying Waxhaw, and the town offers so many things for travelers of all ages to do.

From fun outings in nature to strolling through shelves of antique finds, there’s a little bit of everything here. I hope you take the time to visit soon!

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Questions for you

What are some of your favorite regional day trips?

What else would you add to this list?