We know you’re spending every afternoon at Sycamore Brewing. But when Mom and Dad (not to mention little brother and sister) come to town to check out your new place, this can’t be the only place you take them. Here are some quality spots to entertain that won’t make them worry about your health.

(1) Amelie’s

This is sure to impress your out-of-town parents. A+ decor and character. They’ll talk about it for weeks. Also a versatile any-time-of-day spot. I usually do breakfast here. Also three locations that are all pretty great (south Charlotte, Uptown and, of course, NoDa).

(2) Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Parents love old things. This place is open every day and worth a solid hour at least.

(3) Billy Graham Library + (4) Farmer’s Market

Talk about wholesome. Unless you’re not ready to get into the whole religion issue with them. This place is big and impressive. You can also pair with a trip to the Farmer’s Market right across the street. Also it’s kind of near Sleep Poet, so you can do all these in one reasonable trip.

(5) Four Mile Creek Greenway + Piper Glen

Solid walking path with an interesting lineup of birds. Pair with the Shops at Piper Glen. Starbucks and Jamba Juice for refreshment, then some cool shops like Gratefully, Danielle.

(6) Lake Norman + a northern town

Impressive views on the drive up I-77 (just pick a non-peak time). There’s a state park and they’re building the first public beach on the Mecklenburg side.

(6) Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

This is up in Concord Mills. Quality indoor thing to do. Plenty of outlet mall shopping close by + Bass Pro Shops for Dad.

(7) Levine Museum of the New South + (8) 7th Street Public Market

Good for history buffs. Pair with a trip to 7th Street Public Market. Ride the light rail up there for a Charlotte trifecta.

(9) Freedom Park

This is the Central Park of Charlotte and good for filling 45 minutes of walk time, plus the 20 minutes each way in transit. More if you do a picnic lunch or if there’s some kind of event going on. This is especially good if any children are in the mix. Of course in bad weather this is a dud.