Things To Do
US National Whitewater Center Drive
If you’re all about active, outdoor epicness, then look no further! This recreation park sits on 1,100 acres along the Catawba River, offering high-octane activities for all ages and abilities. Once you’re done mountain biking, kayaking and zip-lining your way through the designated courses, you can relax with a spot of yoga or a drink aboard the Microbrews Cruise.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Want to slow down for an afternoon and enjoy some fresh air? Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located on 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands and lakefront property in Belmont, North Carolina. It's a must for any gardener, birder or one who simply loves flowers.
Discovery Place Science
Arts/Culture11 Things to See and Do in Charlotte, North Carolina ADVERTISEMENT 2. Discovery Place A rainy day in Charlotte is often more fun than a sunny day. Not just for kids; Discovery Place boasts a “hands on” learning experience, aquarium, rainforest and an IMAX theater. Fire up your imagination as you discover exhibits showcasing everything from aliens to bugs to dinosaurs to space travel. Explore different eco-systems, build mock structures or throw caution to the wind and create your own lab experiment. Just remember; exhibits and IMAX movies change on a regular basis so check the website before heading over.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
For any NASCAR fan, Charlotte is the destination to visit. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is considered to be the home track of NASCAR and with 2000 acres of speedways, drag racing and a clay oval; it is the awe-inspiring fan destination. If you happen to visit during The Charlotte Auto Fair; you will be part of one of the nation’s largest car shows. For the ultimate adventurer be sure to indulge in the NASCAR racing experience where you can drive real NASCAR cars on the same tracks as the pros
7th Street Public Market
Located just a stone’s throw away from the Levine Museum is the 7th Street Public Market. Open 7 days a week and with free parking up to ninety minutes this is a must stop. The Market has a mission to celebrate the food of the Carolinas and is focused on supporting local farmers. With vendors offering up everything from the best cup of coffee in town to seafood, deli meats and local wines; there is truly something for everyone. You can also find unique gifts at the local gift and craft table. Honorable mention goes out to the gourmet popcorn stand that serves up unique flavours with free samples. Visiting this market will make you feel like a member of the community here in Charlotte.
Carowinds Amusement Park
What’s a visit to a vibrant city like Charlotte complete without a trip to an amusement park? Carowinds is a 398 acre parks that sits right on the border between North and South Carolina. In fact, there is a line that runs through the park and you can jump between states as many times as you want. Besides the obvious thrilling coasters and rides; the park offers a 20 acre water park inside that is included with admission. Planet Snoopy is an all-day adventure for the kids but don’t forget that stroller, you will need it! Keep your eyes peeled in 2015 for the addition of the tallest and fastest giga coaster in the world with speeds expected to reach 95 miles per hour.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
One of my favorite spots in all of Charlotte! Latta Plantation is the counties largest nature preserve protecting over 1,343 acres of natural communities. Interested in discovering over 25 species of raptors? Head over to the Carolina Raptor Center and follow the ¾ mile trail to discover who these raptors are. If you are a horse enthusiast, the Equestrian Center offers guided horseback rides along the trails. Craving some education? Visit the Historic Latta Plantation; a circa 1800 cotton plantation and living working farm. Take a self-guided tour around the yards and head inside for a guided tour through the house where you can learn the history of the land. Spend the day wandering the 16 miles of trail, hop into a canoe on the lake or try your hand at fishing.
SouthPark Mall
What is a trip without some shopping? From outlet malls to upscale boutiques; Charlotte is the perfect place for a little retail therapy. First on the list is Southpark Mall, the oldest mall in the city flaunting stores such as Macy’s, Tiffany and Nordstrom.
Triple C Brewing Company
Charlotte is known for its passion for local food, wine and beer and it comes as no surprise that breweries are popping up everywhere. Triple C Brewery caught our eye as a must visit, not just for the amazing beer but they offer up free tastings, live music sessions and regular food truck visits. One of the newest breweries, they have become popular for their small batch brewing. Make sure to visit on a Thursday where every week a small-batch beer is rolled out only in the taproom. Once you have this select beer you will never have it again. The one time batches are exactly that, one time only and will never be repeated. For the beer enthusiasts, this brewery is a real winner.
Good Food on Montford
One word: Amazing! This is a fun culinary experience and shouldn't be missed. Small plates and tapas.
Carolina History & Haunts
On this historic, ghostly walking tour in uptown Charlotte, you'll be guided by lantern light, listening to the stories and haunts of local history. Explore the sites where some of Uptown's departed inhabitants are said to still linger. See some of Charlotte's famous and sometimes infamous landmarks, and learn how the ghostly past has shaped the city of Charlotte today.
Kid Cashew
Easily our favorite restaurant in town! We went here for one of our first dates and knew we were going to end up together forever. We recommend the local trout and pistachio beet salad.
Concord Mills Boulevard
The largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Carolina. Home to more than 200 stores paired with unique family dining and entertainment options all under one roof. A 24 Screen AMC/IMAX Theatre, Sea-Life Aquarium, Dave & Busters and The Concord Speed Park!
NoDa
NoDa is Charlotte’s historic arts and entertainment district – a neighborhood where the people are as diverse as the art, live music, craft beers, restaurants, custom gifts and tattoos you will find here. NoDa is dedicated to promoting the arts, living eco-friendly lifestyles, supporting small businesses, encouraging diversity and aiding fellow charities. http://noda.org/