TOP 50 THINGS TO DO IN CHARLOTTE
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Culture & History
1. Shortly after the Civil War, Charlotte exemplified what the “New South” was to become. The Levine Museum of the New South is an interactive history museum that documents this through the timeless and award-winning “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers” exhibit - among others.
2. One of Charlotte’s skinniest landmarks at just 45 feet wide, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture packs a powerful punch hosting traveling and permanent works by prominent African-Americans. Look for oratory, concerts and lectures too.
3. Travel back in time at Historic Latta Plantation and Nature Preserve. Once a thriving cotton plantation, Latta Plantation is now a living history farm. Experience what life was like in the North Carolina backcountry during the 19th century and visit Latta Nature Preserve for a look at natural beauty in the Carolinas.
4. Don a derby and your finest green attire for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival. Filled with bagpipers, dancers, bands and vendors with traditional eats, the happenings in Center City serve up a little something Irish for everyone.
5. The Carolina Renaissance Festival brings together over 100 purveyors of crafts, good eats and spirits each October and November. After eating and drinking, be merry with 11 stages of music and comedy shows, jousting and a lively festival village with hundreds of costumed characters.
1. Shortly after the Civil War, Charlotte exemplified what the “New South” was to become. The Levine Museum of the New South is an interactive history museum that documents this through the timeless and award-winning “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers” exhibit - among others.
2. One of Charlotte’s skinniest landmarks at just 45 feet wide, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture packs a powerful punch hosting traveling and permanent works by prominent African-Americans. Look for oratory, concerts and lectures too.
3. Travel back in time at Historic Latta Plantation and Nature Preserve. Once a thriving cotton plantation, Latta Plantation is now a living history farm. Experience what life was like in the North Carolina backcountry during the 19th century and visit Latta Nature Preserve for a look at natural beauty in the Carolinas.
4. Don a derby and your finest green attire for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival. Filled with bagpipers, dancers, bands and vendors with traditional eats, the happenings in Center City serve up a little something Irish for everyone.
5. The Carolina Renaissance Festival brings together over 100 purveyors of crafts, good eats and spirits each October and November. After eating and drinking, be merry with 11 stages of music and comedy shows, jousting and a lively festival village with hundreds of costumed characters.
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The Arts
6. An astounding collection of mid-20th century modern art is housed at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, part of the Levine Center for the Arts. The terra cotta-tiled structure on South Tryon is a work of art itself filled with gems by notables such as Picasso, Calder, Warhol and more.
7. Once the location of the first branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum Randolph in Myers Park is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American and European decorative art, historic costumes and more.
8. Nationally acclaimed conductor Albert-George Schram and assistant conductor Roger Kalia lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in its popular Classics and Pops series. The Pops series brings together the Charlotte Symphony with special guests such as The Four Tops and Chris Botti each season.
9. The Charlotte Ballet reaches new heights with time-honored ballets.
10. Bravo! Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas and entertains the region through outstanding operas as well as education and outreach programs. Check out their programming at the new Knight Theater.
11. The Light Factory is a nonprofit arts center dedicated to exhibition and education programs promoting the power of photography and film. The Spirit Square facility offers classes throughout the year in SLR and digital photography as well as filmmaking.
12. Ovens Auditorium hosts traveling Broadway musicals, national touring comedy acts and popular musicians. Surrounded by its trademark fountains and rose gardens, Ovens Auditorium is truly among the finest of Charlotte landmarks.
8. A primary venue for the Charlotte Ballet (celebrating 40+ years in Charlotte!) and Opera Carolina, the Knight Theater is an intimate setting for artistic grandeur.
13. Each September, Freedom Park hosts Festival in the Park, bringing together more than 100,000 people to the spirited lanes of one of Charlotte’s most popular green spaces. The arts and crafts event touts more than 150 artists and nearly 1,000 entertainers. There’s also a hodgepodge of food vendors to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
14. CLT New Year's Eve returns each New Year’s Eve for a family-friendly celebration in Center City. Musicians, dancers, actors, artists and more fill the streets during the day, and the festivities end with a "crown drop" and a firework-filled finale at midnight.
The Arts
6. An astounding collection of mid-20th century modern art is housed at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, part of the Levine Center for the Arts. The terra cotta-tiled structure on South Tryon is a work of art itself filled with gems by notables such as Picasso, Calder, Warhol and more.
7. Once the location of the first branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum Randolph in Myers Park is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American and European decorative art, historic costumes and more.
8. Nationally acclaimed conductor Albert-George Schram and assistant conductor Roger Kalia lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in its popular Classics and Pops series. The Pops series brings together the Charlotte Symphony with special guests such as The Four Tops and Chris Botti each season.
9. The Charlotte Ballet reaches new heights with time-honored ballets.
10. Bravo! Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas and entertains the region through outstanding operas as well as education and outreach programs. Check out their programming at the new Knight Theater.
11. The Light Factory is a nonprofit arts center dedicated to exhibition and education programs promoting the power of photography and film. The Spirit Square facility offers classes throughout the year in SLR and digital photography as well as filmmaking.
12. Ovens Auditorium hosts traveling Broadway musicals, national touring comedy acts and popular musicians. Surrounded by its trademark fountains and rose gardens, Ovens Auditorium is truly among the finest of Charlotte landmarks.
8. A primary venue for the Charlotte Ballet (celebrating 40+ years in Charlotte!) and Opera Carolina, the Knight Theater is an intimate setting for artistic grandeur.
13. Each September, Freedom Park hosts Festival in the Park, bringing together more than 100,000 people to the spirited lanes of one of Charlotte’s most popular green spaces. The arts and crafts event touts more than 150 artists and nearly 1,000 entertainers. There’s also a hodgepodge of food vendors to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
14. CLT New Year's Eve returns each New Year’s Eve for a family-friendly celebration in Center City. Musicians, dancers, actors, artists and more fill the streets during the day, and the festivities end with a "crown drop" and a firework-filled finale at midnight.
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Entertainment & Nightlife
15. Paint the town red at Center City’s most coveted entertainment destination, the EpiCentre. A bevy of retailers, restaurants, nightlife and more fill the open-air corridors, including the 25,000-square-foot event venue called Rooftop 210.
16. Blend in with the locals at Charlotte’s largest post-work party, Alive After 5. The EpiCentre hosts multiple stages of live entertainment, outside bars and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.
17. Rock out with your favorite musical performers at PNC Music Pavillion, Charlotte’s open-air music venue attracting the nation’s hottest stars for amazing shows under the stars.
18. Two powerhouse venues in Center City put the ‘music’ in the NC Music Factory. The chandelier and red velvet-adorned Fillmore draws shows like Blues Traveler and BB King. Next door, the Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre features elevated lawn seating and a dramatic backdrop of the city skyline.
19. Bowling just got an upgrade. After picking up a spare, StrikeCity at the EpiCentre has more projection screens and plasmas than you can count and an Italian menu worthy of a taste test. Other features include dining room, three full bars, private event rooms, 18 bowling lanes and a world-class sports bar!
20. Savor live music or an art gallery ambiance at The Evening Muse. The Muse features original artists in a wide variety of genres. Or cross the street to take in more great live music at The Neighborhood Theatre.
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Food & Culinary
21. Work up an appetite for Charlotte Restaurant Week, a scrumptious sensation that entices thousands to dine like royalty. Held annually in January and July, the event features countless upscale establishments offering their best appetizers, entrées and desserts for the easy-on-the pocketbook price of just $30.
22. The Taste of Charlotte food festival draws more than 150,000 people to Center City each June to experience a wide array of family activities, live music and fantastic food from the area’s hottest restaurants.
23. Much to the surprise of wine aficionados, North Carolina is home to more than 100 wineries, ranking seventh in the nation’s wine production. The Yadkin Valley’s temperate climate lays claim to dozens including the Swan Creek Wine Trail, which encompasses estates like Laurel Gray Vineyards, Raffaldini Vineyards, Shadow Springs Vineyard, Dobbins Creek Vineyards and Windsor Run Cellars. Also in North Carolina, the Tuscan-inspired grounds of Childress Vineyards, owned by auto racing legend Richard Childress, are home to 72 acres of vineyards producing 11 varieties ranging from Malbecs to Chardonnays. Explore the Barrel Cave's cascading waterfall and wine casks.
24. Charlotte also has a growing brewery scene that will surely provide you with any beer that meets your fancy. Be sure to check out these local gems: NoDa Brewing Company, Sycamore Brewing, Triple C Brewing Co. & The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
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Sports & Recreation
25. Catch the NFL Carolina Panthers as they compete at Bank of America Stadium each fall.
26. Owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan, don’t miss the excitement of the NBA Charlotte Hornets as they host the league’s brightest stars at Time Warner Cable Arena.
27. Enjoy America’s favorite pastime at BB&T Ballpark. Catch the Charlotte Knights as they compete against the best AAA minor-league baseball teams. Don’t forget to say hello to their mascot, Homer.
28. Don’t miss the cuts, scrapes and power plays of minor league hockey! The AHL Charlotte Checkers take to the ice each October through April at Bojangles' Coliseum.
29. Experience one of the world’s most unique outdoor adventure attractions at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Complete with class III-IV rapids, hiking and biking trails, one of the country’s largest climbing surfaces and a 1,100-foot Mega Zip line, the facility draws everyone from Olympic-caliber athletes to nature novices. For an evening of leisurely paddling and beer tasting spring through fall, sign up for the U.S. National Whitewater Center’s monthly series, the Moonlight Micro Brews Cruise. Flatwater kayaking on the Catawba River is followed by dinner around a campfire and beer tastings from a different brewery each month. In summer, the weekly River Jam concert series offers another chance to take in outdoor live music and the Center’s laid-back vibe.
30. Home to sailboats, speedboats, pontoon boats and some impressive cruisers, Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in the Carolinas. From spirited tie-up parties bobbing along the shoreline to a selection of dockside watering holes perfect for a leisurely afternoon, this 34-mile-long lake can’t be beat.
31. Walk, bike or jog along Uptown’s scenic soon to be 19 mile Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Get a taste of Charlotte’s past along with some beautiful weather with the Trail of History series of bronze statues. The first statue pays homage to Captain James Jack, famous for carrying the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to the 1775 Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia.
32. Any way you slice it, Charlotte’s got plenty of stellar golf courses to choose from. More than 40 public and semi-private courses to be exact. Each early May, the Wells Fargo Championship returns to the breathtaking grounds of the private 50-year old Quail Hollow Club, attracting the best and brightest talent on the PGA Tour. The course will also host the PGA Championship in 2017.
33. Giddy up! Take a horseback ride at Latta Plantation Equestrian Center. Guided trail rides and individual and group riding lessons are available here.
34. Injecting some high-octane energy into Charlotte’s already substantial auto racing roots, the NASCAR Hall of Fame touts a feast for the senses to honor its heroes. Look for interactive exhibits like racing simulators and pit crew experiences in addition to unforgettable tributes to NASCAR’s legends.
35. Celebrate spring in the Piedmont countryside with the prestigious Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, every last Saturday in April during the Charlotte area’s only horse racing event. Sundress-clad ladies and seersucker-sporting gentlemen can be found enjoying the loads of festivities during the event’s races.
36. Charlotte Motor Speedway, home of NASCAR’s only 600-mile race, hosts the Coca-Cola 600 each Memorial Day weekend, a week after the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, a week after the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and also hosts the Bank of America 500 each October.
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Shopping & Spa
37. Find some of the most sought-after, luxurious brands around at SouthPark Mall. Highlights include department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus in addition to cult favorites like Michael Kors, Burberry, Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton.
38. Some of Charlotte’s best retail therapy can be found in open-air, pedestrian-friendly shopping centers with tranquil fountains, tree-lined sidewalks and inviting eateries. At Phillips Place in South Park for instance, discover high-end boutiques, hard-to-find labels and fun finds.
39. Shop ‘til you drop at Concord Mills and the Charlotte Premium Outlets a bargain hunter's paradise with deals as far as the eye can see. With 100+ outlet stores, you will be sure to satisfy your inner savvy shopper.
40. Indulge in the ultimate destination spa experience at The Spa at Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. The award-winning, full-service spa features a variety of natural and organic based treatments using ingredients indigenous to the Carolinas.
41. The Spa & Wellness Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Center City. Besides a full menu of rejuvenating spa services, there’s also a fitness center, pool and separate men’s and women’s lounges. This luxurious urban escape is good for the environment, too – the building is LEED-certified and offers “green” perks like free parking for hybrids.
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Attractions & Family Fun
42. Known as “the thrill capital of the Southeast,” Carowinds amusement park is packed with fun for all ages. For the biggest adrenaline rush, ride the 325 foot tall Fury 325 – the tallest and fastest gigacoaster in the world – and take a spin on the Intimidator, another one of the park’s tallest ride.
43. One of the Carolinas’ most visited attractions, Discovery Place features interactive science lab stations, deep sea aquariums, a digital 3-D theater and other wonder-inspiring elements.
44. Take the family to The Speedpark at Concord Mills and renew sibling rivalry on four scaled race tracks. The premier track at The Speedpark, the Superspeedway, features a quarter-mile oval and 5/8-scale Sprint Cup style cars. Four go-kart tracks, 18-hole minature golf course, 110 foot Fun Slide, bungee jump, spider web, concessions and party pavilion are also available.
45. Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center offers a 1/3-mile, European-style indoor road course with Sodi Honda specialty karts that average speeds of 45 mph.
46. Get swept away with natural beauty at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, featuring 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a spectacular Visitor Pavilion and a striking Orchid Conservatory.
47. Get up close and personal with giraffes, buffalos, zebras and more in your own private safari at the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville. Travel through the friendly confines of this 3.5-mile zoo in the comfort of your own vehicle or by horse-drawn wagon to check out more than 750 animals from six different continents.
48. The lush, three-tier lawn on The Green in Center City lays claim to quirky, novella-themed features, hopscotch paths and three towering fish fountains. Kids are regular fixtures here, but the park hosts a range of events throughout the year including outdoor Shakespeare performances and wine festivals.
49. One of the best ways to explore the city’s growing thoroughfares, the horse-drawn Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours “clip-clop” through city streets including Fourth Ward, featuring striking Victorian homes and an impressive tree canopy.
50. Themed tours by Charlotte NC Tours hit the high notes of the city’s food scene, haunted history, racing roots and artistic endeavors. On foot, bicycle or riding Segways, local experts dish out the inside scoop on the Queen City’s colorful character.
Attractions & Family Fun
42. Known as “the thrill capital of the Southeast,” Carowinds amusement park is packed with fun for all ages. For the biggest adrenaline rush, ride the 325 foot tall Fury 325 – the tallest and fastest gigacoaster in the world – and take a spin on the Intimidator, another one of the park’s tallest ride.
43. One of the Carolinas’ most visited attractions, Discovery Place features interactive science lab stations, deep sea aquariums, a digital 3-D theater and other wonder-inspiring elements.
44. Take the family to The Speedpark at Concord Mills and renew sibling rivalry on four scaled race tracks. The premier track at The Speedpark, the Superspeedway, features a quarter-mile oval and 5/8-scale Sprint Cup style cars. Four go-kart tracks, 18-hole minature golf course, 110 foot Fun Slide, bungee jump, spider web, concessions and party pavilion are also available.
45. Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center offers a 1/3-mile, European-style indoor road course with Sodi Honda specialty karts that average speeds of 45 mph.
46. Get swept away with natural beauty at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, featuring 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a spectacular Visitor Pavilion and a striking Orchid Conservatory.
47. Get up close and personal with giraffes, buffalos, zebras and more in your own private safari at the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville. Travel through the friendly confines of this 3.5-mile zoo in the comfort of your own vehicle or by horse-drawn wagon to check out more than 750 animals from six different continents.
48. The lush, three-tier lawn on The Green in Center City lays claim to quirky, novella-themed features, hopscotch paths and three towering fish fountains. Kids are regular fixtures here, but the park hosts a range of events throughout the year including outdoor Shakespeare performances and wine festivals.
49. One of the best ways to explore the city’s growing thoroughfares, the horse-drawn Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours “clip-clop” through city streets including Fourth Ward, featuring striking Victorian homes and an impressive tree canopy.
50. Themed tours by Charlotte NC Tours hit the high notes of the city’s food scene, haunted history, racing roots and artistic endeavors. On foot, bicycle or riding Segways, local experts dish out the inside scoop on the Queen City’s colorful character.
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