Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Located near the banks of Lake Wylie, this 380 acre garden is spectacular year round. Youll be engrossed with breathtaking gardens and fountains as far as the eye can see. Whether you want to experience nature in all its beauty with your family or sneak out for a little date night with bae, these botanical gardens are worth the trip.
Walk Around The Freedom Park
The 93 acres Freedom Park is situated around a 7-acre lake, about 3 miles from the heart of Charlottes downtown area.
The park features 4 baseball fields, batting cages, 12 tennis courts, 4 soccer fields.
Here youll find countless walking trails and 5 outdoor picnic spots with grills.
If youre tired from walking around, the park also has shade and sun garden beds with wide grass paths where you can rest and relax.
This 93-acre park located in Charlotte, North Carolina showcases free films and musical performances in the park pavilion during the summer season. Meanwhile, every September, the Freedom park hosts a five-day-long festival.
Score A Unique Souvenir At The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
Hidden out in the suburb of Collingwood lies 60,000 square feet of nostalgic treasures.
At the charming Sleepy Poet Antique Mall, youll find everything from antique furniture and vintage clothes, to vinyl records, cowboy boots, and precious jewelry if youre after a unique souvenir, this is the place to find it.
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Take A Segway Tour Of The City
Despite the occasional cobblestone street, rolling around on a Segway is a terrific, convenient, and ultimately fun way to tick off some of the citys main haunts.
Typically venturing through Uptown, led by a charismatic local, segway tours skirt past must-see landmarks like Trade & Tryon , exploring vibrant locales like Fourth Ward and the Arts District too.
Have Fun At Frankies Of Charlotte
Your classic low-key theme park with Bumper Cars, go-karts, a flashy arcade, and a handful of rides , Frankies amusement park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of town in nearby Huntersville.
Besides the main attractions, the family-friendly park also delivers some top-quality black-lit bowling and laser tag!
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Carolina History And Haunts Ghost Tour
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One of the top tourist attractions in Charlotte is the Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour.
This is an especially great activity for couples to do.
You can get an eerily exciting education on some of the more paranormal aspects of the city.
To wrap it in enough layers of creepiness, these tours take place on foot, and the light comes from candles.
Even on a warm night, you might find yourself feeling rather chilly.
There are great things to see and lore to be shared about Charlotte.
Getting scared like you do on the Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour is the kind of fun that you and everyone else in your group can love.
Tours last for approximately 90 minutes.
Its positively one of the most unique things to do in downtown Charlotte.
Address: Tours meet at 214, N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Top Stem Educator: The Schiele Museum Of Natural History
The Schiele Museum is a natural adventure waiting for you! Our mission is to inspire curiosity and understanding of science and the natural world through exceptional educational programs and exhibits. Permanent galleries feature Native Americans, North American wildlife and habitats including live animal displays, and an exhibit hall dedicated to the biodiversity of North Carolina. The planetarium offers a 360-degree immersive experience to discover the wonders of our universe. Go outside and explore the museums farm, nature trail, and Catawba Indian Village. Theres something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to The Schiele!
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Unleash Your Inner Einstein At Discovery Place Science
Nested in Freedom Park, Charlottes Discovery Place is one of the citys most popular family-friendly attractions, with both adults and kids enjoying this hands-on museum that celebrates all things science.
Explore everything from natural sciences to archaeology, wildlife to health care technology, and more! Youll find a variety of interactive exhibits as well as quizzes, videos, and simulations for every interest.
Enter A World Of Discovery
The Discovery Place museums take interactive to a new level. At Discovery Place Science, kids can create music with light beams, build PVC pipe structure or take in a show in the The Charlotte ObserverIMAX® Dome Theatre and Discovery 3D Theatre. Discovery Place Nature aims to inspire curiosity and a love of nature in young children with interactive activities to keep toddlers and kids engaged for hours. A favorite is the Butterfly Pavilion, where kids can see butterflies in all stages of growth. And in Huntersville and Rockingham, Discovery Place Kids conjures curiosity and activates the imagination through rich play experiences.
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How Do I Spend A Day In Charlotte Nc
Assuming you would like a detailed answer on how to spend a day in Charlotte, NC: There are many things to do in Charlotte, NC, so it really depends on what interests you. However, here is one possible itinerary for spending a day in the city. Start your day off by grabbing breakfast at one of Charlottes many popular breakfast spots, such as Amelies French Bakery or Sunflour Baking Company. After breakfast, take a stroll through one of Charlottes many parks, such as Freedom Park or Romare Bearden Park. If youre interested in learning more about the history of Charlotte, spend some time at the Levine Museum of the New South or the Charlotte Museum of History.
For a more hands-on experience, head to the Discovery Place Science Museum or the Charlotte Nature Museum. In the afternoon, grab lunch at one of Charlottes many delicious restaurants, such as the Midwood Smokehouse or the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar. After lunch, spend some time shopping at one of Charlottes many malls or shopping districts, such as the SouthPark Mall or the Charlotte Premium Outlets. End your day with dinner at one of Charlottes many fine dining establishments, such as the 5Church Charlotte or the Stagioni.
The Market At 7th Street
This popular Charlotte food hall is near the light rail train station and Lynx bus stop at 7th Street. The indoor vendors sell food and beverages. They also have a great selection of Charlotte-themed souvenirs.
James Beard Award-nominated chef, Greg Collier, has a spot named Uptown Yolk at The Market at 7th Street.
Try a latte or pressed juice, dine on pizza, dumplings, or popcorn, and pick up some cheese for a picnic in the adjacent First Ward Park. Then, at night, join a programming event, from wine tastings to Raclette cheese nights.
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Discovery Place Nature Museum And Freedom Park
Locals flock to Freedom Park because of the many outdoor activities and special events hosted there. Its definitely one of our top things to do in Charlotte with kids and a great place to let them get the wiggles out with the awesome playgrounds, multiple sports fields, and trails and paths highlighted by a large lake.
My highlight of Freedom Park is the unique, Charlotte-specific NFL Play60 KidZone. This play area, sponsored by the Carolina Panthers, features several football-based activities for kids to practice their running, climbing, and maneuvering skills.
No visit to Freedom Park is complete without heading to the Discovery Place Nature Museum located within the park. Its more than just a break from the outside elements it is a way to get up close to some of the local areas plants and small animals. The highlight of the museum is the nature playground located outside, Fort Wild. Kids explore their surroundings while letting their imaginations take them wherever they want to go.
Explore The Vibrant Area Of Fourth Ward
A charming suburb renowned for its decadent history and stunning old houses, Charlottes Fourth Ward is a modern-favorite neighborhood decorated with an eclectic past.
Take a free walking tour to see some of the most beautiful examples as well as other historic sites such as Fourth Ward Park, the Old Settlers Cemetery, the pink Overcarsh House, and The old St. Peters Hospital.
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Follow The Charlotte Liberty Walk
A free attraction for all ages, this self-guided walking tour in Uptown Charlotte features an interactive map that will take you to 19 of the citys most iconic statues and monuments, including the Battle of Charlotte Monument, the Ishmael Titus Marker, and the Queen Charlotte Statue.
The route is about a mile long and can be started anywhere on its loop just follow the interactive map on your website or join a guided walk.
See A Show Or A Museum At The Levine Center For The Arts
Your one-stop-shop for all things art, culture, and entertainment, the Levine Center is the umbrella organization that houses the likes of the Knight Theater, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center, and Uptowns Mint Museum.
If youre on the hunt for some indoor entertainment, check the Levine website and youll be sure to find something that suits your tastes.
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Explore The Mcdowell Nature Preserve
McDowell Nature Preserve is one of the centers operated by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, responsible for the conservation and management of Mecklenburg Countys biological and natural resources.
The center is dedicated to protecting the regions biodiversity and heritage for the benefit of future generations.
If you would like to experience a stunning urban escape, then McDowell Nature Preserve is one of the best places to be while in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Nature Preserve offers 1, 116 acres of tranquil space for your relaxation. There are a series of outdoor and recreational activities that you can choose from.
Those with North Carolina fishing license can fish in the central lakes.
The Nature Center has over 56 campsites and a shelter house with a bathhouse, laundry facilities, and playground if you want to remain in the Nature center beyond a single day.
There are hiking trails, picnic areas, geocaching, and much more additional attraction in the McDowell Nature Center. More so, there is room for padding, horseback, and Segway adventures.
Address: 15222 York Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28278
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Just in case youre not familiar with the term greenway its a strip of land set aside for recreation use. One of Charlottes best is the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, for sure. Spanning just around 19 miles when officially completed, its part of both the Carolina Thread Trail and Trail of History.
Whether you want to rent bikes, do some running or walking, or simply grab a bench and people watch, the path is beautiful no matter which section you choose to visit.
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Visit The Spectrum Center
Spectrum Center is GBAC Star Facility Accredited indoor arena located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the best things to do in Charlotte NC.
It is owned by the Charlotte city authority and managed by its primary tenant, the NBAs Charlotte Hornets.
The arena has a sitting capacity of 19,077 for NBA games. For college and other smaller games, the seating capacity can be expanded to 20,200.
The spectrum center is a top destination for basketball and concert lovers. The food and beer stand in this center are cheaper than other places like Panther Football Stadium.
The center facilities are top-notch, with a clean restroom, excellent restroom, and relaxed seat. The center is also very secured, and you dont have to worry much about losing your items.
Address: 333 East Trade Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, United States.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Charlotte is surrounded by natural beauty. Its easy to find hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and nature trails, all free. Head to nearby Lake Norman State Park for paddling. Just be aware: There are no horsepower or speed limits on the lake, so youll be sharing the waters with everything from power boats to pontoons to stand-up paddleboarding. Another option in Crowders Mountain State Park. Its all about the trails. The rugged terrain of Crowders Mountain lends itself to rock climbing and bouldering .
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Take A Stroll Through Freedom Park
For when the Downtown tourist crowds become a little too hot to handle, this seven-acre greenway set on the shores of a lake offers a much-needed breath of fresh air, dishing up a range of paved trails, tennis and volleyball courts, and picnic areas.
Dont forget to stop by the Charlotte Nature Museum while youre there!
Mark Our Words: Visit The Schiele Museum Of Natural History & Planetarium
Boasting a giant planetarium and an array of permanent and rotating indoor and outdoor exhibits, the Schiele Museum in Gastonia is absolutely unmissable, especially if traveling with kids.
With incredible displays including a dinosaur exhibit, narwhal room, plus outdoor wildlife areas, a farm, a Memorial Wildlife Garden, and a nature trail, not to mention the horror fiction themes about vampires, zombies, and alien invaders, its fair to say that this top-rated attraction truly does have it all.
With plenty of sights and attractions in Gastonia itself, it makes sense to spend the entire day there .
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Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
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One of the best of these is the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
This is one of the top places to visit if you live for live entertainment.
Not only does the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center host great events like The Bands Visit and CATS, but its also a very well-made venue.
The sound quality is excellent and the seats are arranged in a manner thats conducive to everyone being able to see whats going on.
An evening at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is one youll be glad you took in.
If youre looking for what to do related to culture in Charlotte, come to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
There could be things happening there this weekend, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
There are few activities as gratifying to experience as live theater, music, and more.
Address: 130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Go Wild At The Discovery Place Nature Museum
At the Discovery Place Nature Museum, youll find Charlotte kids activities like live encounters with animal ambassadors, and immersive interactive exhibits. You can check out live insects on Insect Alley, play in Fort Wild, go underground in the Big Backyard, and explore scenic trails and a nature pavilion with your family.
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Take An Electric Cart City Tour
Cant be bothered with a walking tour? On those humid summer days, we dont blame you.
For a completely different view of Charlotte, hop in an electric cart and take a two-hour tour to see both the citys high-trafficked and offbeat attractions.
With a friendly local guide at the wheel, youll get a look at Charlottes historic district and some of its many impressive skyscrapers while also learning about Charlottes culture and getting recommendations for secret entertainment and restaurants you might not read about online.
Smell The Roses At Glencairn Garden
Despite being over the state line in South Carolina, the blissful and serene Glencairn Gardens remains an easily accessible part of any Charlotte trip, located just 30 minutes away by car.
Guided tours of this 11-acre Rock Hill oasis are available every day of the week, with plenty of blooming flowers and relaxing fountains to enjoy.
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Visit The Nascar Hall Of Fame
Racing sport is super intriguing for fans who love racing or who want to try something new. Charlotte is not left out in providing such an amazing form of entertainment for its people and visitors.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a US organization for racing cars sport.
NASCAR Hall of Fame is one of the channels through which the city fulfil the fantasies of their race loving fans.
The 3.444-acre state of the art Hall of fame is a modern state of the art site set aside for the entertainment of race sports fans through interactive exhibitions including racing simulations.
Racing artifacts are also preserved and showcase in the center. The theater within the facility can hold up to 278 people. There are restaurants for visitors who wish to wine and dine while in the facilities.
The most memorable in the center is the hall of fame honoring outstanding NASCAR drivers, team owners, and crew members.
Aside from providing outstanding entertainment, the center is flashy and pleasing to the eye. It is a great way to ease stress and provide yourself or your loved ones a memorable experience while still in Charlotte, North Carolina.
If you are a race enthusiat, here is one of the best attractions in Charlotte NC to add to your checklist of things to do in Charlotte NC.
Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, United States
Grab A Bite At The Optimist Hall
This former plain-woven mill has been renovated into a food hall complemented by retail, and innovative office spaces. Located in the Optimist Park neighborhood, the 120-year-old textile mill has been transformed into one of the most unique projects in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
The Optimist Hall retains many of the propertys original antique elements including hardwood floors, 14-foot ceilings and authentic brick and beams industrial character interiors.
Dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and historic preservation of the heritage rooted in the industrialization of the southern states, the Optimist Hall brings the legacy of Charlottes rich history to its 21st-century full potential.
This is an ideal spot to grab a bite if you are looking for an authentic local experience.
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