Backstage Country

LISTEN LIVE

These Are Some Of The Coolest Heated Patios In North Carolina

Just because it is getting colder in the Tar Heel State, it does not mean you have to give up outside dining. These are some of the coolest heated patios…

(Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images)

Just because it is getting colder in the Tar Heel State, it does not mean you have to give up outside dining. These are some of the coolest heated patios in North Carolina. Many restaurants keep outdoor dining an option but some really go over and beyond to keep their customers comfortable.

According to the Charlotte Observer, you can find everything from igloos to illuminated tents in the Queen City. Their study reveals the establishments in Charlotte that really go over and beyond with their outdoor accommodations.

I will start with one I am familiar with. Camp North End in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's always a fun place to go and eat outside. I am cold natured and I can still enjoy the patio at Camp North End.  You will find the area at 300 Camp Road with several places to eat. It is especially fun there right now. For the winter season it is transformed into Camp North Pole just for the season. After a little ice skating, warm up in an igloo or by a fire pit at "The Lodge".

The Charlotte Observer also names The Goodyear House as one of the coolest heated patios in North Carolina.  You can't go wrong with American Cuisine. Check out this place at 3032 North Davidson. It is already known for its fun patio space. Treat yourself to an igloo or festive tent through February. Reservations are recommended.

State of Confusion also makes the list among some of the coolest heated patios in North Carolina. The igloos are on a first come first serve basis. Grab your friends and enjoy a seasonal cocktail in this cool yet very cozy spot.

These are some of the coolest heated patios in North Carolina. To get the whole list, check it out here in the Charlotte Observer.

7 Charlotte Restaurants with Christmas Day Reservations Available

Do you have plans for Christmas Day this year? Well, tons of people are planning for their holiday dinner this year. Sometimes we want to be able to travel to a special family member's house or go out of town to visit those we don't see often. But, what about those who may not want to cook their own food? Some families don't have a lot of people to gather around a table and would rather have a small, quaint dinner. Then there are those larger families who just prefer not to cook at all.

Well, there are a few Charlotte restaurants that are allowing you to book your reservation for Christmas Day now. A few fine dining restaurants and some casual spots are allowing you to dine in on Christmas Day. You never know how busy times may get, so you may want to book your reservation early. Check out the full list below of some of the Charlotte restaurants open on Christmas Day. You can book your Christmas Day reservations NOW.

Chima Steakhouse

Starting off with a pretty popular local eatery in the Uptown area of Charlotte. Chima Steakhouse has a few Christmas Day reservations available for those not wanting to cook their own food for the holidays. Enjoy tons of food options such as seafood salad, a chima burger, lamb chops, chicken skewers, and more all on Christmas Day.

Dean's Italian Steakhouse

Here is another steakhouse that you may want to check out for Christmas Day. Dean's Italian Steakhouse is another elegant steakhouse that has reservations opened that day. Enjoy elegant and classic flavors such as prime steaks, homemade pastas, salads, and sweet Italian desserts. Sit dine and enjoy small talk over a plate of food you didn't have to sweat to make and enjoy the special holiday.

204 North Kitchen & Cocktails

Up next is a spot pretty special to my heart, it's 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails in Uptown Charlotte. This is one of the first restaurants I tried when I first moved to Charlotte and the food is quite amazing. You have so many tasty small plate options, entrees, special cocktails, desserts, and a great ambiance to enjoy.

McCormick & Schmick's

Head to McCormick & Schmick's that has multiple locations in the Charlotte area with reservations available. If you're looking for some great seafood to enjoy Christmas Day (like me) then this might be a perfect option for you. Enjoy beer battered fish & chips, buttermilk fried shrimp, crab cake sandwich, oysters, calamari, and more. 

STK Steakhouse

Sounds like the steakhouses are where you need to be this Christmas, maybe? Now, we're talking about STK Steakhouse up next. Some may have already tried out this spot and others have been looking for the chance to give it a taste. Well, Christmas Day might be a good starter. Enjoy options like short rib, salmon, ribeye, lamb rack, and more.

Caroline's Oyster Bar

More seafood, but an oyster bar is a great place to go. Caroline Oyster's Bar is bringing coastal seafood to Charlotte to enjoy on the patio or in the dining room. Reservations are open for Christmas Day so you can grab a great bite to eat. Enjoy BBQ shrimp, oyster Rockefeller, pimento fritters, wagyu burger, scallops, fish and chips, and more!

Gyu-Kaku

Ever had Japanese BBQ for Christmas dinner? Not I, but if you're looking for somewhere to go then you might have a spot to check out. Gyu-Kaku is serving up Japanese BBQ to help those who don't want to cook for Christmas Day. Enjoy options such as miso soup, dumplings, spicy tofu, and tons of BBQ meat options.

Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.