100 Things to do In Charlotte in 2020
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Have Some Fun
1 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
Dress in style for the annual event that takes place each April, showcasing the most athletic thoroughbreds as they compete. The Queen’s Cup offers breathtaking views of the Piedmont countryside and racecourse from Lawn Boxes, Hospitality Tents, or premium tailgating spots. Since 1996, the Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation has donated over $950,000 to local charities and beyond.
2 Checkers Games
Meet your friends and grab a hot dog at the Bojangles Coliseum to watch the area’s minor league professional ice hockey team. The multipurpose coliseum has 8,600 seats and is the perfect setting for some sports, drinks and fun. Checkers tickets can be purchased for individual games or the entire season.
3 Nascar Hall of Fame
The first Nascar Sprint Cup Series was held in Charlotte in June of 1949. North Carolina quickly grew to be the center of Nascar with its close proximity to most of the sports racing venues. The Nascar Hall of Fame, located in Second Ward of Uptown, celebrates that history and honors each of the major contributors to the sport. Learn something new here and make a day out of it by walking and exploring Uptown.
4 Knights Baseball Game
Get out your sunscreen to see Charlotte’s professional minor league baseball team, the Knights, play at the BB&T Ballpark. The ballpark is located right in Uptown and was the third sports building to be built in the area. Seeing the Knights play is a great opportunity to indulge in sportly competition and sunshine, with panoramic skyline views.
5 Trolley Pub Charlotte
Looking for a fresh way to tour the city? Look no further. Trolley Pub is an eco-friendly pedal bar for up to 14 people at a time. You’ll be laughing and singing along to music whether it’s for a special occasion or a town, pub, or dinner tour.
6 Heliventures
Venture out to tour Charlotte from a stunning aerial view. The Heliventures flight school is located only 30 minutes from Charlotte in Concord. See downtown, Lake Norman, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway from the air. For something extra special, book your tour for a sunset view.
The populous Queen City has a plethora of fun activities to take advantage of. From its culture to its sports, its outdoor recreation to its sights and activities, Charlotte has options.
You may find a new friend with a shared hobby or interest, connect with your community, get some sunshine or, dare we say it, forget about your phone. So go ahead and break up your routine in order to explore your backyard: There is utterly no reason to ever be bored in this city.
7 The Fillmore
Inspired by San Francisco’s legendary music venue, Fillmore Charlotte offers a unique ambience in a historic textile mill. Admire the red oak flooring, vintage posters, grand chandeliers, and cutting edge lighting and sound. The venue is located just outside of Uptown at the AvidXchange Music Factory.
8 Sea Life Aquarium
Discover something new at Sea Life Aquarium, which is located just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte in Concord. This interactive aquarium contains thousands of creatures and a 360-degree tunnel. Additionally, visitors can experience events, tours, talks, feeding times, and exhibits.
9 Panthers Game
Root on our professional football team at the Bank of America Stadium on a sunny, summer day. Cheer, relish in concessions, sport your Panthers colors, and enjoy the home of the infamous chant “Keep On Pounding.”
10 Coca Cola 600
Rev up your summer weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca Cola 600; the most challenging test of talent and machine. Originally the World 600, the Coca Cola 600 is an annual 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series points race. Tickets also include a salute to the military and pre-race concert.
11 Carolina BalloonFest
Appreciate years of aviation history with the Carolina BalloonFest, and event that has taken place since 1974. Over the years, the National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. has awarded over $500,000 of Carolina BalloonFest proceeds to dozens of nonprofit organizations. Enjoy a full weekend of mass ascensions, competitions, flights, live entertainment, local wine and crafts, kids zone, exhibits, activities, and artisan festival food.
12 Pinhouse
Relax in the trendy, laid back neighborhood of Plaza Midwood at Pinhouse, the sister taproom to Hoppin’. The two-story concept opened its doors just last summer and has 72 self-pour taps and four duckpin bowling lanes in the basement. The team has partnered with Chef Rob Masone, of Kre8 Twisted Eats, for a full-time food truck parked outside Tuesday-Sunday serving innovative eats, like their Bosshog mac and cheese egg rolls.
13 Hornets Games
Bust out the foam finger for Charlotte’s professional basketball team at Uptown’s Spectrum Center. The team name is derived from Charlotte’s resistance in the Revolutionary War; coining the city as “a veritable nest of hornets.” So get out of the house and be sure to wear your teal and gray.
14 Carowinds
Laugh and delight in the fun of a 407-acre amusement park located only 20 minutes outside of Uptown with portions in both North and South Carolina. This geographic location has made Carowinds a beloved source of happiness right at the heart of the Carolinas for over 45 years. Take pleasure in roller coasters, water entertainment, special events or shows, and food and beverages.
15 GoPro Motorplex
Feel the rush of go-karting at up to 55mph in speed at Mooresville’s world-class, outdoor, 11-turn turn-track. Whether you’d like to rent a kart or go for an event, GoPro Motorplex is the perfect place to buckle up for a dose of friendly competition or an adrenaline rush.
Get on the Water
Research shows that being around water (near, in, on, or under) can provide many advantages for our mind and body. Increasing overall sense of wellbeing and lowering stress, anxiety, heart and breathing rates are all examples of the effects of water. There’s a reason why aquatic therapists exist: Being near water promotes quality of conversation and makes people feel more creative. North Carolina’s landscape extends across three major topographical regions of the United States: the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Mountains.
Additionally, the state hosts many sounds, rivers and lakes and also borders the Atlantic ocean. All of this geographical variation makes our state a unique hub for all kinds of outdoor activities; especially those that are water-based. Lake Norman is the largest man-made body of freshwater in North Carolina and a source of various activities for locals and visitors alike. Fun fact: Images involving water also spark a more positive response than those without. So, bring your camera to one of these spots this summer because there is absolutely no downside to taking pleasure in this integral love for water - entirely and often.
16 USNWC
The only downside to the U.S. National Whitewater Center is that there are so many amazing options that you can’t fit it all into a single day. Cool off from the summer heat with whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, repelling, rock climbing and more. The Center is located on approximately 1,300 acres of land adjacent to the Catawba River.
17 Aloha Paddleboarding
Located around 40 minutes from Uptown, Lake Norman boasts Aloha Paddle Sports offering private lessons, rental, yoga on the water, kayaking, sunset, and even full moon paddle tours. Sign up conveniently with their online reservation option to make a splash and challenge yourself athletically.
18 Lake Norman Community Sailing
Voyage on an adventure with this recreational and competitive sailing club for youth and adults alike. Learn to sail, paddleboard, kayak, or race other sailors in Blythe Landing Park located on the south end of Lake Norman. Choose from a fleet of over 50 boats with a range from 420s, Optis, keelboats, Flying Scots, and Sunfish.
19 Carolina Grace
Climb aboard the largest yacht on Lake Norman, one whose roots go as far as Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Enjoy two bars, administrative offices, four bathrooms, and space for 150 guests. Carolina Grace is ready to book for corporate functions, private soirees and charity events but you may want to bring a swimsuit.
20 What’s Up Watersports
Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating work out, a cruise on the lake or a laid back paddle, What’s Up Watersports on Lake Norman is the place to get it all. Escape your everyday life on a kayak, paddleboard, jetski, or boat. Check real time availability on their website for your convenience.
21 Charlotte Cycleboats
Hop aboard Lake Norman’s first pedal-powered, eco-friendly party boat to have a water experience unlike any other. Reserve private or party cruises, the entire boat for up to 15 people, a two-hour chartered cruise, or individual tickets to an open party cruise. Book the 6:30 pm tour for view of the sunset as you drink and pedal the evening away.
22 Queen’s Landing
Turn your clock to lake time at this top-tier entertainment venue tucked away on the idyllic shore of Lake Norman. Whether you’d like to stay on land or get on the water, Queen’s Landing offers sightseeing, banquet rooms, boat rentals, wedding venues, weekend concerts, live music, a lakeside patio and more.
23 Swimming at Ramsey Creek Park
Grab your sunglasses, favorite swimsuit and sunscreen for a day on this 46-acre waterfront park at Lake Norman. Visitors are welcome to swim, boat, fish, picnic, hike, spend time with their dogs, play volleyball or horseshoes, let their kids enjoy the playground, and more. Kiss boredom goodbye with this soothing getaway.
24 Hello Sailor
Katy and Joe Kindred, the couple behind Davidson’s award-winning Kindred restaurant, bring you this lakeside spot with a Southern, fish-camp menu. Delight in fresh and fried favorites in a chic atmosphere on the picturesque Lake Norman. Their hush puppies are all the rage, and we recommend the Hamachi Poke appetizer, Bone-In Kansas City New York Strip, and the Lobster Roll.
25 Freedom Boat Club
Freedom Boat Club owns the boats and does all the work so that visitors can have fun and enjoy being on the water without any hassle. Membership grants you access to Lake Norman, Lake Wylie and North Harbor locations where you can fish, cruise, and explore with ease.
Rest Up
Getting sufficient rest prevents weight gain, increased length of illness and heart disease. Additionally, self care boosts your self esteem and turns your focus onto yourself in a healthy way. With so many duties and distractions in the world and our daily lives that pull us in different directions, this is vital.
We’ve rounded up some fantastic ways for you to get in touch with your mind and body whether it’s through a spa, stay-cation, or trip to the yoga studio. Close your eyes, breathe in, and forget about your surroundings and responsibilities for a while.
26 Salt Room Ritz Carlton
Breathe in the serenity in Uptown as warm lights behind walls of pink Himalayan salt blocks fill the air with salt which is a microbial believed to revitalize. The salt room is located in the Women’s Vitality Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton of Uptown. Don’t worry, there’s a Men’s Vitality Lounge, too.
27 Barry’s Bootcamp
Visit the colorful, historic neighborhood of South End to feel the burn and work up a sweat. Explore the Fuel Bar for shakes and snacks, an area for any grooming products you may need or a shop for clothing and merchandise. Each of the instructors will push you to be your very best - one is even training for the 2020 Olympics.
28 NC Yoga Bar
Looking to start yoga but feel intimidated? NC Yoga Bar is different in the way that they challenge the traditional yoga studio environment by meeting up weekly in popular Charlotte hangouts: McGill Rose Garden, The Mint Museum Uptown, The Space by Yoga Bar, Sycamore Brewing Co., Birdsong Brewing, and Sugar Creek Brewing.
29 Hilliard Studio Method
Venture into Myers Park which is known for high-end boutiques, sophisticated restaurants, gourmet groceries, and museums. Hilliard Studio Method started in 2007 between a mother daughter duo. Their method is Pilates that focuses on the core and they offer different levels of intensity for the beginner and expert alike.
30 Y2 Yoga
Get out to visit the neighborhood of Cotswold and enjoy a nontraditional approach to yoga at Y2 Yoga with heated or non-heated classes that drop the seriousness and play modern music. The enterprise is 12,000 square feet and boasts three practice studios, a spa, retail space, and other amenities.
31 Rooftop Pools
Can you think of a better combination? Get closer to the sun while in water at any of the following options in Uptown: Museum Tower, The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Place, Omni, Holiday Inn, Hyatt House, or Courtyard by Marriott. So, put a tropical drink on ice, lay back and enjoy; you deserve it.
32 Staycation at The Ivey’s
For those seeking a luxurious staycation, Ivey Hotel is your destination. There are over 40 custom-designed rooms featuring reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors, plush beds with Frette Italian linens, and a curated art collection throughout the hotel. All rooms contain thoughtful little luxuries and conveniences ranging from soft embroidered robes and slippers to lavish bath products and room service by 5Church Restaurant. After check-in, make your way to The Library Lounge for a wine and cheese welcome.
33 Ballantyne Hotel
The Ballantyne Hotel welcomes guests with endless leisure and recreational activities in a beautifully lavish setting. It features a collection of exquisitely designed rooms and amenities, elegant ballrooms, social spaces and outdoor venues. When you stay here, you can escape to the pools, spa or play golf or tennis. Guests can also enjoy the complimentary Ballantyne-area shuttle that is available for nearby dining and conveniences. Come and savor artfully presented, regionally inspired new American cuisine, and sample one of the Carolinas’ largest whiskey collections.
34 Burn Boot Camp
The Burn Boot Camp workout is designed to maximize your results in just 45 minutes with an average burn of 700 calories per camp. They skip the pre-registration and waiting lists so that you can get started as soon as you walk in the door. No matter the time of day, all Burn Boot Camp locations host camp times that are most convenient for you. Whether you need advice regarding nutrition, performance, lifestyle or weight loss, the Burn Boot Camp trainers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to help you reach your goals quickly and efficiently.
35 Om Yoga Lake Wylie
Om Yoga’s goal is to provide a nurturing environment for you to move, breathe, connect, and learn more about yoga. Om is an incredible place to practice yoga, as it is filled with teachers and students with a passion for sharing the tranquility, sense of community, and joy that yoga brings. They have a wide variety of class times to fit your needs, offering a variety of yoga specialties such as hot yoga, power yoga, deep stretch, prenatal yoga, kids yoga, and more. The relaxing ambiance provides a sanctuary from the daily pressures of a busy life. Check out their class schedule! There is no place like Om.
Take a Walk
Charlotte is one of the South’s fastest growing cities. Despite being a booming, constantly evolving metropolis, there’s an abundance of nature trails, botanical gardens, and green spaces. Whether you’re looking for an oasis or want to reconnect with nature, Charlotte has plenty of outdoor opportunities available. So take a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life and indulge in a relaxing stroll through one of the many nature reserves, public gardens, and trails.
36 Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is a large, 110 acre conservatory that contains a variety of lush gardens and tranquil walking trails. View a diverse array of orchids, perennials, and tropical plants.The garden is a whimsical space where guests are encouraged to relax and reconnect with nature.
37 Wing Haven
Wing Haven is a historic garden and bird refuge that has been providing visitors a natural oasis since 1927. Tucked away from the fast paced city, Wing Haven is abundant with Southern horticulture and a perfect habitat for local birds. Relax in one of their three tranquil gardens or attend one of the learning programs they offer weekly.
38 UNCC Botanical Gardens
The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is on a mission: Their goal is to inspire Charlotteans, young and old, to garner an appreciation for nature and local flora. Take a relaxing stroll through one of their three gardens, each of which are equipped with unique botanical displays. The Botanical Gardens also offer informational classes for those interested in refining their gardening skills.
39 Lake Norman State Park
Located on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman State Park is a popular destination for those interested in outdoor sporting activities. The park offers over 30.5 miles of mountain biking trails, and the park has an abundance of walking trails, a boat ramp, and ample spots to fish. Looking for a weekend getaway in the woods? During the warmer months, the park opens campgrounds to visitors so you can spend the night.
40 Jetton Park
Jetton Park is a 110 acre park located on the shores of Lake Norman. Get lost in the park's onsite garden, walk through one of their 1.5 mile nature trails, or picnic along the pristine banks of the lake. Jetton Park also has tennis courts, biking trails, and a sunning beach.
41 McGill Rose Garden
Nestled on the outskirts of NoDa, the McGill Rose Garden is one of Charlotte’s best kept secrets. Original owners Henry and Helen McGill opened the garden with the intention of beautifying the growing urban area. Over the years, Helen planted an impressive 500 rose bushes.The garden was sold to the city of Charlotte in 1975 and has been reserved as a public space ever since.
42 The Duke Mansion
Built in 1915, the Duke Mansion is a historic hotel that was once home to James Buchanan Duke. On the grounds of this famous landmark are over four acres of serene gardens and lush greenery. Reconnect with nature and learn about Charlotte’s rich history at the Duke Mansion; it’s the perfect spot for a weekend staycation.
43 Anne Springs Close Greenway
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a massive, 2,100 acre public park and nature preserve. Walk, bike, or horseback through the greenway’s 40-mile network of nature trails. Paddle or kayak your way through the park on one of the greenway’s many lakes. The park is also home to a range of native plants, animals, and historic buildings.
44 Rail Trail
The Rail Trail is a 3.5 mile public trail that intersects through Charlotte’s most energetic and cultural neighborhoods. As you stroll, you’ll discover aspects of the city you never knew existed. Stop by a brewery or cafe along the way, view outdoor works of art, or bring your canine friend on a much needed walk through the city.
45 Latta Plantation
Historically, the Latta Plantation operated as a cotton plantation. Today, the 1,343 acre estate is a living history farm and nature preserve. Take a step back in time and see how North Carolineans lived in the antebellum South. Experience the rich history through reenactments, guided tours, and workshops.
Get Cultured
Arts and culture have the unique power of taking large historical events and social concepts and breaking them down into raw emotions that reach audiences on a personal level. Charlotte values this illumination and how it can enrich our intrinsic emotional landscapes that ultimately affect how we interact with the world. Get out there and turn that light on in your mind and heart. Experience the past and look into the future with music, dance, art, or even science. You may just leave a little more inspired than you came in, or, hopefully, a lot more.
46 Charlotte Symphony
Founded in 1932, and led by renowned music director Christopher Warren-Green, the Charlotte Symphony employs 58 professional full-time orchestra musicians, serves two diverse youth orchestras, and also serves alongside many of the Charlotte community's ballet and opera productions. Core programming runs from September through May each season and includes Classical, Pops, Movie and Family series works. Charlotte Sympathy is deeply committed to the notion that music should be accessible to all and experienced in many forms.
47 Charlotte Ballet
Charlotte Ballet is known for its strong, artistic dancers and versatile repertoire of performances ranging from classical compositions such as The Nutcracker to bold and contemporary work. The company of 28 professional dancers annually presents six performance series in Charlotte typically spanning from October to May. Charlotte Ballet has received critical recognition nationally for excellence in programming, education and outreach and training. Charlotte Ballet’s mission is to provide new, professional, and artistic programming to diverse audiences of Charlotte and across the nation.
48 Bechtler Museum
Located in the heart of Charlotte’s Center City, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases a previously private collection of the Bechtler family from Zurich, Switzerland. Accumulated over 70 years, the collection features mid-20th-century modernism that was mostly unseen by an American audience including works by Miró, Giacometti, Calder and Warhol. The museum provides an experience that is inspiring, full of intellectual depth and historical significance.
49 Levine Museum of the New South
The Levine Museum presents educational exhibitions, both interactive and immersive, covering the history and cultures of the New South from the end of the Civil War to today. Covering an array of history from cotton fields to skyscrapers, Levine takes museumgoers on a journey of stories of the transformation of our southern economy. Temporary exhibitions focus on a variety of stories about Charlotte today and in the past. Their exhibits and programs foster empathy, ignite dialogue, and inspire action.
50 Shain Gallery
Located in the Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte, Shain Gallery is known as one of the finest contemporary art providers in the Southeast. Established in 1998 and owned by Sybil Godwin, the gallery represents over forty different nationally and regionally acclaimed artists. The gallery offers consultation and acquisition assistance, an annual schedule of exhibitions, and submissions. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or an experienced collector, Shain Gallery welcomes all.
51 LaCa Projects
Established in 2013, Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) Projects was created to provide a gateway for connecting contemporary Latin American artists. LaCa Project chose Charlotte as the perfect place to offer cross-cultural dialogue, provide a platform for artists and collectors, and foster an appreciation for the visually striking narrative of contemporary Latin American art. LaCa Projects mission is to serve as an influential local supporter of global culture, as well as a strong contributor to the arts at a national and international level.
52 Charlotte Murals
Charlotte’s art scene is increasingly growing and the creative culture is expanding. Charlotte murals help bring local and national artists together. These large-scale paintings increase artist exposure and catch the eyes of businesses and developers. Due to the value of investing in public art, you’ll see various places within the South End and Noda districts covered in murals as well as a number of apartment complexes. Murals are on the rise and there’s more to come. Ranging from bright and colorful portraits to serious political commentary, Charlotte’s murals represent the interconnectivity of the community and serves as a reminder of the different roles public art can serve.
53 Mint Museum Uptown & Randolph
Opened in 1936, the Mint Museum Randolph in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood was North Carolina’s first art museum. Within a beautiful park setting, these intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, and European and African art, among other collections. Filled with resources including a reference library of over 18,000 volumes, a theater for lectures and performances, the Mint Randolph is an oasis for your aesthetic and educational needs.
Located in the heart of Charlotte’s city center, the Mint Museum Uptown is a newer addition. This one houses an internationally renowned craft and design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European Art. Mint Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities that foster more community engagement and pure fun.
54 Opera Carolina
Opera Carolina has served the Charlotte region for over 70 years. Opera Carolina’s home base for Grand Opera performances is in the heart of Uptown Charlotte at the Belk and Knight Theaters. You can also spot Opera Carolina at local breweries, events, schools, churches and other out-of-the-box venues around the city. Committed to delivering Grand Opera performances throughout the community, Opera Carolinas is determined to enrich the lives of citizens from all walks of life and is deeply rooted in the history of the company. Performances occur throughout the year; Check the website for what’s new and coming soon.
55 Discovery Place
Discovery Place is a private non-profit education organization dedicated to inspiring exploration of science and the natural world through extraordinary exhibits and educational programs that inform, challenge and engage audiences of all ages. Through a network of four hands-on museums in three different cities including Discovery Place Science, Nature, Kids-Huntersville and Kids- Rockingham; Discovery Place aspires to be at the forefront of educational outreach programs and professional development for teachers. Discovery Place is a leader in STEM education in the Carolinas. Come explore at the Discovery Place!