What are the best activities to do in Charlotte?
- Sarah Crosland
- Correspondent
- Charlotte, NC
Show up in Charlotte on a sunny day and you'll find a city that loves to be out and about. Nearby mountain trails and vineyard tours may tempt you to the road, but for those who prefer to stay nearby there are plenty of active pursuits in and around town.
If you want to take a close-up look at uptown sans car, you're in luck. Last year the city rolled out the state's first bike-share system and now you'll find B-Cycle bike stations spread throughout uptown. Check the website for specific locations, then grab a bike and hit the road to charming nearby neighborhoods like South End and Dilworth. Not in the mood for pedaling? Check out Charlotte NC Tours' Segway tour options. There are a variety of versions including ghost and history tours, but the two-hour Taste & Glide featuring brief tastings at local restaurants is a must for food fans.
Another new addition to the city's active scene is Ten Park Lanes, a recently restored retro bowling alley. Located on the bustling Montford Drive just south of town, this '60s-era spot offers friendly competition, as well as Southern fare and even a bar with moonshine on tap. Three patios flanking the space are perfect for relaxing post-game.
More in the mood for something under the sun? Go north to Lake Norman or south to Lake Wylie. Both lakes offer a variety of activities—especially during the warmer months. There are boat rentals and charters on both, as well as a few popular public swimming and fishing spots. But for something different, check out one of the Local Paddler stand-up paddleboarding classes that run May through October.
For a playful twist (and turn) head to Victory Lane Karting where adult karts go up to 40 mph on a track for eight-minute races. Located just north of town in Mooresville (read: NASCAR country), this is a great destination for an indoor adrenaline rush.
If you'd prefer a slightly more relaxed ride, check out the Latta Plantation Equestrian Center, also located north of town. Settle in for one of their trail rides on more than 16 miles of wooded terrain. The rides, which typically last 45 minutes to an hour, are slow and steady, offering a close up of North Carolina's wildlife on the gorgeous nature preserve. For a seriously picturesque version, opt for the Sunset Ride, which includes a ride as the sun sinks followed by a "Cowboy Dinner" around a barnside bonfire.
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5 hours agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Charlotte?
Easily one of the biggest draws to Charlotte is its racing scene and with that comes the attraction of the relatively new NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown. Filled with memorabilia from racing decades past, here is where you'll learn about the history of the sport. Not to be missed is one of the best features of the museum, Glory Road. This banked ramp simulating various racetracks also showcases 18 historic cars not to mention highlights 40 current and historic tracks.
Just a short walk from there is the Levine Center for the Arts, an impressive campus featuring five museums and theaters including the Mint Museum Uptown, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the John S. and James L. Knight Theater. Expect a vast array of revolving exhibits that range from Native American art to Broadway shows such as The Lion King.
If you’re willing to make the drive out of town, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, situated on 400 acres of pristine land. With over 24 activities (including riding the rapids or biking the trails), a restaurant, live music shows, and events including the Microbrew Cruise—a sunset paddle along the Catawba River followed by a fireside dinner with craft beer tastings from local breweries such as Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and NoDad Brewing Company—you’ll find plenty to do here.
For the shopping fanatic, a visit to SouthPark is a must. The main shopping destination in the city and state, SouthPark is anchored by SouthPark Mall, which features showrooms by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., St. John, Tory Burch, Hermes, and soon-to-be-opened Gucci. -
5 hours agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best activities to do in Charlotte?
Luckily for Charlotteans, the mild weather here allows for ample time to spend outdoors yearround. For those who love to get outside, an absolute must is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This 400-acre park just outside the city is a playground for the ultimate adventure lover. Ride the rapids in one of the 8-person whitewater rafting boats or opt for a single-person kayak. Afterwards, dry off and head to the Adventure Course where you’ll maneuver from one obstacle to another 20 feet in the air or opt for the Canyon Zip Line, each of which are 200 feet long.
A less active option is to take a stroll down Queens Road West in Myers Park, which boasts some of the most impressive homes and architecture in the South. Centuries-old oak trees tower over the sidewalk-lined streets providing a massive canopy, which allows for a comfortable walk even in the heat of the summer. A few turns off Queens Road West will bring you to the famous Duke Mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the impressive all-white home was built in 1915 and was tripled by its most famous owner James Buchanan Duke. Since then, The Duke Mansion has been home and host to leaders of the 20th century not to mention a popular venue for weddings and events. -
5 hours agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best hotels in Charlotte?
Depending on where you're staying, there are two fantastic options for lodging in Charlotte. If you're staying outside Uptown in the Ballantyne area, you can't go wrong with the Forbes Travel Guide-rated Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Located in the heart of Ballantyne on a public, championship PGA golf course, the traditionally-decorated Forbes Four Star hotel exudes Southern charm and hospitality not to mention a popular restaurant and bar. The Forbes Four Star Gallery Restaurant serves delicious contemporary American fare. For a more modern feel, head to the bar where the chic decor--sleek wood paneling, an illuminated bar, and comfy seating with sleek lines--couples well with the impressive Baucom’s Best Farms beef burger. This mouthwatering burger is layered with Guinness-soaked gruyere, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed onions, and served alongside hush puppies or sweet potato fries. A bonus: add foie gras for a most decadent entree.
If you’re in Uptown, book a room at the Forbes Four Star Ritz-Carlton Charlotte. This relatively new property is the most luxurious in Uptown boasting a cool, modern aesthetic and one of the most popular bars in the city. With the addition of Bar Cocoa—the premier dessert bar and chocolate bar in Charlotte--guests can sample housemade pasties, confections, French-style macarons, gelato, cakes, cupcakes, and even ultra-rich hot chocolate and chocolate-infused cocktails. Before dinner, head upstairs for a cocktail at Urban Sip. This sophisticated lounge offers a near-panoramic view of the city and a menu featuring a distinctive selection of wines by the glass, premium Scotches, tapas and artisanal cheeses. For dinner, make a reservation at BLT Steak, one of the city’s top steakhouses. -
6 hours agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best activities to do in Charlotte?
Luckily for Charlotteans, the mild weather here allows for ample time to spend outdoors yearround. For those who love to get outside, an absolute must is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This 400-acre park just outside the city is a playground for the ultimate adventure lover. Ride the rapids in one of the 8-person whitewater rafting boats or opt for a single-person kayak. Afterwards, dry off and head to the Adventure Course where you’ll maneuver from one obstacle to another 20 feet in the air or opt for the Canyon Zip Line, each of which are 200 feet long.
A less active option is to take a stroll down Queens Road West in Myers Park, which boasts some of the most impressive homes and architecture in the South. Centuries-old oak trees tower over the sidewalk-lined streets providing a massive canopy, which allows for a comfortable walk even in the heat of the summer. A few turns off Queens Road West will bring you to the famous Duke Mansion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the impressive all-white home was built in 1915 and was tripled by its most famous owner James Buchanan Duke. Since then, The Duke Mansion has been home and host to leaders of the 20th century not to mention a popular venue for weddings and events. -
6 hours agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Charlotte?
Easily one of the biggest draws to Charlotte is its racing scene and with that comes the attraction of the relatively new NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown. Filled with memorabilia from racing decades past, here is where you'll learn about the history of the sport. Not to be missed is one of the best features of the museum, Glory Road. This banked ramp simulating various racetracks also showcases 18 historic cars not to mention highlights 40 current and historic tracks.
Just a short walk from there is the Levine Center for the Arts, an impressive campus featuring five museums and theaters including the Mint Museum Uptown, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the John S. and James L. Knight Theater. Expect a vast array of revolving exhibits that range from Native American art to Broadway shows such as The Lion King.
If you’re willing to make the drive out of town, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, situated on 400 acres of pristine land. With over 24 activities (including riding the rapids or biking the trails), a restaurant, live music shows, and events including the Microbrew Cruise—a sunset paddle along the Catawba River followed by a fireside dinner with craft beer tastings from local breweries such as Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and NoDad Brewing Company—you’ll find plenty to do here.
For the shopping fanatic, a visit to SouthPark is a must. The main shopping destination in the city and state, SouthPark is anchored by SouthPark Mall, which features showrooms by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., St. John, Tory Burch, Hermes, and soon-to-be-opened Gucci. -
4 days agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Charlotte?
Charlotte is one of the most family-friendly cities in the South so it makes sense that restaurants often cater to the wee ones by offering kid-friendly menus and options. Here are three restaurants where tots, tweens, and ‘rents can all dine happily ever after.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
With three locations—one in Ballantyne, Dilworth, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport—parents can’t go wrong bringing the family here. In addition to the mouthwatering burgers made with a freshly ground custom beef blend made from hanger steak, chuck, and brisket, kids can gnosh on beef sliders, a trio of Bad Daddy’s delicious burgers topped with sautéed onions alongside an order or housemade sweet potato fries or tots. For the littlest members of the family, opt for the kids menu where choices include chicken tenders, kid sliders, a char grilled hot dog, or grilled cheese with a side of fries, tots, or fruit.
Big View Diner
This south Charlotte diner caters to families so much so that lines for breakfast on the weekends start forming just before 9 a.m. And with good reason—Big View’s dining room is large enough to accommodate large parties (consider requesting a private room for a rowdy crowd) and spacious enough to allow the little ones to roam without knocking into other tables and diners. Like a traditional diner, the menu is vast so there’s something that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Bonus: the kids love window shopping the pastry case at the front where housemade pies (try the banana cream; it’s to die for), cakes (an entire pecan pie dropped into a chocolate cake, oh my!), black and white cookies, and more are on display.
Dish
At this Plaza Midwood staple, kids and adults alike can dine on some of the city’s best soul food eats. Here, favorites such as the chicken and dumplings and meatloaf sliders are served alongside flaky, buttery biscuits, deviled eggs, and sweet iced tea, all of which are a huge hit for the kiddies (and their parents). Best of all are the dessert options—pies such as the bourbon sweet potato are housemade and popular with all ages. -
5 days agoBlake Miller answered the question:
What is the best time to visit Charlotte?
Though there isn't a bad time to visit the Queen City, the best times are spring and fall when the weather is mild and the heat isn't unbearable as it sometimes is during the peak of summer. Every May, travelers and residents alike flood the city to attend the PGA Tour's Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club where, in the past, ProAm ticket holders have watched as Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan teed off alongside Tiger Woods. Also in May is the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR's premier races held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In the fall, expect yet another NASCAR race with the Bank America 500 as well as the always popular Blues, Brews & BBQ festival, a delicious coupling of barbecue and beer. -
5 days agoBlake Miller answered the question:
Should visitors rent a car in Charlotte?
Absolutely. Charlotte is laid out much like its southern sister city, Atlanta, in that popular pockets of the city such as SouthPark, Dilworth, and Ballantyne are accessible only by car or bus transportation. That being said, there are other ways to navigate the city. For guests traveling by air, the city offers the hybrid electric Sprinter Bus, which runs a direct route from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Uptown, where you can access hotels such as aloft and the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte not to mention a slew of restaurants and nightlife options. Once in Uptown, you can hop aboard the LYNX Light Rail, which runs from Uptown to 485 making stops in between at destinations such as South End where the home décor scene is one not to miss. If the LYNX doesn’t get you where you need to be, consider hailing a cab or hopping aboard the (free!) Gold Rush Trolley, which makes stops along Tryon Street in Uptown and over to areas off of Morehead Street in Dilworth/South End. This latter area is a great place for walking as well as popping into stores such as Mrs. Howard and Max & Co., acclaimed designer Phoebe Howard's home store. -
5 days agoBlake Miller answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Charlotte?
SouthPark is the shopping Mecca of Charlotte. Here you'll find everything from luxury showrooms (read: Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Hermes, Tiffany & Co.) to large retail chains (Macy's, Williams Sonoma, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, lululemon). SouthPark Mall itself is the anchor of the shopping scene here but plan to explore the outskirts of the mall where local boutiques and jewelers have also set up shop. Storefronts such as Capitol (where the decor by famed interior designer Barrie Benson is just as impressive as the couture designer apparel and accessories inside); Bedside Manor (where you'll find luxury bed and bath linens among other home decor); and Paper Twist (where you'll scoop up luxury paper goods by Crane & Co. and accesories by Jonathan Adler) are definitely worth visiting while in town. -
On May 31Sarah Crosland answered the question:
What are the best wine bars in Charlotte?
Charlotte has a variety of neighborhood wine bars. In South Charlotte, look for Vintner Wine Market at the Aboretum for a large selection of wines, craft beer, and small plates. In SouthPark you’ll find the new J. Sams, where you can indulge in a glass of wine or one of their craft cocktails on the patio facing the center of the Piedmont Row Development. Or in Plaza Midwood, spend an evening in the edgy Gallery Twenty-Two where art adorns the walls and local beers also make an appearance. There are spots all over town for an evening spent sipping vino, but if you’re only going to hit one, here are the top three.
Urban Sip
This elegant wine and Scotch bar is located on the 14th floor of The Ritz-Carlton uptown. You’ll have skyline views and a swank setting served alongside some of the best wines in town.
Dolce Vita
In the mood to sit back, relax, and chat with your glass? Head to this relaxed NoDa wine bar where the windows open onto the sidewalk in warmer weather and acoustic musicians strum on many weekend nights.
Queen’s Corner
This wine bar on the second story of Whole Foods in SouthPark offers a self-serve Enomatic wine machine featuring 24 different wines to sample. Order one of the charcuterie and cheese plates downstairs and then enjoy alongside your wine in the cozy loft. -
On May 31Sarah Crosland answered the question:
What are the best coffee shops in Charlotte?
If you’re craving a cup of joe, you’re in luck. In addition to its numerous Starbucks and Caribou Coffees, Charlotte has several independent coffee shops offering freshly brewed—and often locally roasted—coffee.
Smelly Cat Coffee
This eclectic coffee shop has been a NoDa neighborhood staple for years. Across the street from the historic Neighborhood Theater, the shop features graffiti scrawled walls, bright colors, an indie soundtrack, and a variety of coffee drinks and pastries. Grab a cup and sit on the patio to check out the street’s always lively crowds.
Central Coffee
Located on Central Avenue, this coffee shop features a variety of drinks made from Joe Van Gogh beans roasted in Chapel Hill, NC. It’s a cozy spot, perfect for settling in with a warm mug for a chat. Plus, the shop recently launched it’s line of cold brewed coffees in both concentrate and by the bottle, both perfect for cooling down on a hot summer afternoon.
Dilworth Coffee
You can smell the freshly roasted beans before you’ve even walked in the door of this small, popular coffee shop. Coffee lines the walls and most mornings you’re hard pressed to find a table in the busy shop. Drinks like the Crème Brulee latte are perfect for indulging, but purists will love their authentic house blend. -
On May 31Sarah Crosland answered the question:
What are the best places for breakfast in Charlotte?
Whether you’re in the mood for down home style country cooking or an upscale Parisian brunch experience, Charlotte offers the full spectrum of breakfasts around town. Here are three spots, perfect for indulging in the early morning hours.
Zada Jane's Corner Cafe
This funky restaurant, located on a corner in the center of the eclectic Plaza Midwood neighborhood is a favorite among locals. On weekend mornings, the line often circles around the building with families waiting to be served its famed egg dishes and biscuits. Inside, you’ll find bright décor, colorful art, and mismatched coffee mugs. Build your own omelet or order one of their amusingly named options like Blazing Saddles, made with black beans, chipotle chick, pepper jack, and jalapenos.
Harvest Moon Grille
While this uptown restaurant located just off the lobby of the historic Dunhill Hotel is primarily known for its dedication to locally sourced food for lunch and dinner, its tasty breakfast may be the city’s best-kept secret. Farm-to-table offerings like The Full Moon Breakfast include house cured bacon, locally milled grits, and toast. But the best—and most decadent—choice on the menu is the biscuit and two eggs with gravy. The gravy is made with sausage sourced from the owner/chef’s own farm and it’s worth rising early for in the morning.
Café Monte
This large SouthPark restaurant bistro feels you've stumbled into a convivial Parisian café. Settle in at one of the round top tables and order a café au lait. Then indulge in elegant dishes like the Florentine omelette or the smoked ham crepes. For something even more savory, try one of the quiches. They’re light, fluffy, and filled with flavor. -
On May 31Sarah Crosland answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Charlotte?
Charlotte’s restaurant scene has grown rapidly in recent years, often following national trends. Recently, the city has seen an influx in spots focused on locally focused fare, creative dishes, and craft cocktails. The top new addition to this crowd is Block & Grinder.
This Providence Road spot is part restaurant, part wine store, part butcher shop, and does all three very well. If you’re stopping in for a shopping trip you’ll find a well curated selection of wines by the bottle (these can also be purchased by patrons of the restaurant) and one of the most impressive meat counters in town.
However, the restaurant and its inventive dishes tends to steal the spotlight. Start your meal at the small, L-shaped bar with tasty craft cocktails like the bright green basil smash. A charcuterie plate features rich offerings like a creamy pate topped in a fig compote alongside house cured sausages.
Entrees are elegant dishes ranging from rabbit over stone ground grits to a seared duck topped in a sweet cherry and brandy glace. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, opt for one of the decadent burgers like the shitake and gruyere topped with roasted shitake mushrooms, garlic aioli, and gruyere cheese.
One of the best times to visit Block & Grinder though may be for the restaurant’s Sunday brunch. Dishes like the Crawfish and grits and the corned beef hash with fried egg are prepared exceptionally well—and pair well with the restaurant’s house made bellinis or sriracha bloody marys. -
On May 31Sarah Crosland answered the question:
What are the most romantic restaurants in Charlotte?
Spending a romantic dining out evening in Charlotte isn’t hard. Many of the city’s restaurants set the scene with flickering candlelight, intimate seating, and cozy settings. Looking for the top spots to impress your date? Here are three you’ll want to consider.
McNinch House
This uptown restaurant’s hushed rooms are said to have been where some of the city’s biggest banking deals have gone down. But in the elegant historic mansion, diners are greeted warmly and given candlelit tables in rooms that feel like someone’s personal home. The fare, which has a French influence, is exquisitely served alongside an extensive wine list. And if all that’s not enough to set the mood, women are given a single-stem red rose as their parting gift each night.
Customshop
This cozy restaurant with its exposed brick walls and dark wood booths, is the perfect place for a glass of wine alongside some of its inventive fare. Dishes like housemade gnocchi and house sliced carpaccio are definitely musts from the entrée list, but this is also an excellent choice if you’re seeking a good spot to just go for dessert. The restaurant’s famed bread pudding is a gooey dessert stuffed with apples and walnuts and drenched in caramel. One warning: Sharing it might sound romantic, but you’ll probably want your own.
Zebra
This sophisticated French restaurant has been a staple in Charlotte’s fine dining scene for years. With a wine list featuring more than 900 bottles and a nightly tasting menu, it’s a favorite for special occasions—and those looking for impressively prepared fare in an intimate setting.
