8 minute read
OUT & ABOUT
by Biz Well
Waxhaw has an abundance of fantastic attractions and activities for everyone. With seasonal events that highlight the best local treasures of the area and year-round quality attractions, a visit to Waxhaw will satisfy your need for fun.
Water Tower
This iconic 49,000 stainless-steel structure looms over the downtown area with it’s close proximity to the intersection of Hwy 75 and Hwy 16 and the railroad tracks that run through the center of town. The tank was built in 1940 and was the town’s water supply for many years until new ground water tanks were built. Now, many fun-filled events take place throughout the year under the water tower at Community Corner. It’s one of the most recognizable monuments of downtown Waxhaw.
116 McDonald Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173
R.J. Belk Building
Located directly across from the Pedestrian Bridge, this historic building was home of the Belk store from 1894 to 1938. This building has served many purposes after the Belk store closed. In 1970, the Belk family donated the building to the Waxhaw Woman’s Club and restorations were made. Currently, the Waxhaw Woman’s Club rents the building for community events, private parties, and special occasions.
200 E. South Main Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173 https://waxhawwomansclub.org
Military Wall of Honor
This all brick structure salutes the brave men and women who have defended the freedoms we enjoy. The annual Memorial Day, 9/11 Patriot Day, and Veteran’s Day celebrations take place here as well as other special activities throughout the year. The wall is maintained by the American Legion Auxiliary Post 208 Waxhaw. Veterans or their families are welcome to purchase a personalized brick with the veterans name, branch of service and dates of service.
100 E. North Main Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173 www.waxhawmilitarywall.webs.com
Duncan McDonald House
The Duncan McDonald House was built by Waxhaw's first postmaster in 1888 and now acts as a characteristic recreation venue. It is considered one of the oldest, if not the oldest, house in Waxhaw. At one time the town’s early switchboard was operated from this house. From senior citizen programming to events welcome center to historical showcase to rentable meeting space, this is a great place to visit!
115 N. McDonald Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173
Pedestrian Bridg
Sometimes a bridge is more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B. It can be a landmark like the pedestrian bridge located in the heart of downtown. This town icon was built in 1888 when the railroad company built a rail line to Atlanta. The original bridge was used for vehicle traffic up until 1941 when converted for pedestrian traffic only.The bridge was heavily reconstructed in 2008 in coordination with the Town of Waxhaw and CSX Transportation. Today, many people, young and old, climb the stairs to the top so they can stand on the wooden planks of the bridge and watch as a train passes under their feet.
Downtown Waxhaw
Museum of the Waxhaws
This museum is brimming with collections about the humble beginnings of the Land of the Waxhaws. Learn about the Waxhaw Indians and the European settlers who gave birth to this burgeoning community. Enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, artistic performances, historical reenactments, and group tours.
8215 Waxhaw Hwy. Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-843-1832 https://museumofthewaxhaws.org
Museum of the Alphabet
Come trace the history of writing and alphabets around the world. Discover who the translators were and how alphabets are still made today. Learn how important translation work still is. Almost 1/4 of our exhibits our completely new. Families will enjoy our treasure hunt. The Cardenas Building is located next door and features exhibits that tell the story of JAARS. Call 704-843-6066 to schedule group tours. Admission is free. 6403 Davis Road | Waxhaw, NC 28173
704-843-6045 | www.jaars.org/museum
Community Well and Jug
The well was originally dug circa 1900 to serve the trains and crews of the depot and remained in use until the 1920’s. The current well replica, built in 1989, commemorates Waxhaw’s original community well which once stood near this spot. The large clay urn was originally used at the Rodman-Heath Mill. The 1899 mill was the town’s leading employer and played a vital role in the town’s economy for many years. In the mid1980’s the jug was moved from the mill to the location of the current Dare Steele Memorial Garden. Around 2003 it was moved to its current downtown location near the well.
Downtown Waxhaw
This fun-filled destination offers so much to discover and explore. From one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques and restaurants to art galleries, a cigar bar, and craft beer taprooms, you will find plenty to do in downtown Waxhaw. Our friendly, thriving downtown pulses with things to do year-round. A variety of special events and festivals fill the streets with music, dancing, costumes, food, drink and people.
Historic District
The Waxhaw Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Residential architectural styles represented are Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, vernacular triple-A forms and Craftsman. Predominantly residential areas are located north and south of Main Street. In addition to the commercial and residential building types, outbuildings, churches, industrial buildings, a school and a water tower are also present in the district.
Waxhaw Farmers’ Market
Farm Fresh Finds! The Waxhaw Farmers’ Market provides a place for our neighbors to find homegrown produce, other fresh-off-the-farm products, and homemade crafts sold by the farmers and small business makers who produce them. Make this your Saturday morning destination. Seasonal children’s activities and music.
27283 Waxhaw Parkway | Waxhaw, NC 28173 www.waxhawfarmersmarket.org
Waxhaw Escape
Looking for a fun and unique activity to bring everyone together? Your group must solve fun and challenging puzzles before your time runs out. Clues are tricky, but no special skills or knowledge are required.
3901-E Providence Road | Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-256-1378 | https://waxhawescape.com
Make A Candle
Enjoy a unique fragrance experience where you can pour, mix and create your very own candle! Choose from a large variety of fragrances, enjoy a drink, and shop an extensive line of pre-poured candles, wax melts, bath & body care items, and essential oils and diffusers.
Waxhaw Candle Co.
113 W. South Main Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-681-5084 https://waxhawcandlecompany.com
Fused Glass and Tea Classes
This fun event includes creating a fused glass piece while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of tea of your choice, nibbling on chocolate covered strawberries, homemade scones and other tempting treats. No experience necessary. Hosted by Uptown Tea Shop and Eight Legs Gallery.
Inspire Your Creativity
Come by yourself or with a group to this DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom and charming home decor from raw materials.
AR Workshop Waxhaw
3905 Providence Road South | Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-967-4020 | www.arworkshop.com/waxhaw
Taprooms
Dreamchaser’s Brewery is an award winning craft brewery and taproom. Enjoy delicious craft beers at Union County’s first and Waxhaw’s only brewery! Bring your friends and family for events such as bingo, trivia, open mic nights, and food trucks.
115 E. South Main Street Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-843-7326 https://dreamchasersbrewery.com
Waxhaw Taphouse is a local taproom and beer garden with 24 taps and a focus on Carolina craft beers. Choose from IPAs, pale ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts, ciders, and many more. You'll always find friends to socialize with around a firepit, the bar, or a game of cornhole year round, indoors and outdoors.
110 McDonald Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-256-3955 | https://waxhawtaphouse.com
Cork & Ale is a wine bar, taproom and restaurant. Choose from 12 craft beers on tap or stock your fridge with the many choices in the bottle shop. Enjoy delicious dishes from small plates to entrées. Special events such as wine tastings and live music
113 E. South Main Street | Waxhaw, NC 28173 704-256-7757 | www.corkale.com
Movie Night Under The Water Tank
Meet us in the Community Corner under the water tank to watch a family-friendly movie. There will be food and drinks available to enjoy while you settle in for a movie night under the stars!
www.waxhaw.com/events
Wxw Sk8 Nights
Wxw Sk8 Nights are hosted at the Waxhaw Sk8 Park in April and September by the Parks & Recreation Department. This is a Skate Jam format. The skateboarding competition is free to compete in and we will be dishing out prizes and skate gear!
www.waxhaw.com/events