Charlotte, North Carolina is a cultural melting pot and a city with a thriving racial diversity. Uptown, Charlotte is the city’s artistic center because it is home to museums like The Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum Of Modern Art. Did you know that it is also the second-largest banking hub in the United States? However, even if it is a major financial city, its people never forget how to celebrate and appreciate the local scene – the arts, extreme sports, and good soul food. Being home to the famous South End Brewery District, drinking out with the community is one of the things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina. NASCAR Hall of Fame, on the other hand, shows just how the city celebrates the popular American sport throughout the year. Know what to do in Charlotte, North Carolina using this guide.
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NASCAR Hall of Fame
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NASCAR is a must-visit destination for anyone who visits Charlotte. Travelers can find it at Uptown. Enthusiasts indulge themselves with a variety of jaw-dropping racecar exhibits known to be the best in the series. People also take a look at the high-tech race simulator at Glory Road’s banked ramp. Finally, knowing the race crew members’ stories and profiles with an on-site tour is another attraction tourists can opt for. Visiting NASCAR is a strong option to consider when looking into what to do in Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow the most celebrated drivers, crews, broadcasters, and all other major contributors to the association.
Freedom Park
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Measuring almost a hundred acres, Freedom Park offers wide recreational areas. The park provides modern forests and lush gardens. Furthermore, there are courts for tennis, volleyball, basketball, and batting cages open for the public. In addition, four ball fields and two playgrounds are available in the park for a family experience with the kids.
Moreover, the landscape is perfect for a leisure walk to appreciate the natural beauty of the park. People can set up a picnic near the seven-acre lake offering a gorgeous view for unwinding. Concerts and other outdoor events are held at Freedom Park. The Duke Mansion is the perfect place to stay in if you are anticipating an event or just want to be near nature while in the city.
Billy Graham Library
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One of the highest-ranking attractions in Charlotte is Billy Graham Library. William Franklin Graham Jr. is a prominent evangelical Christian proponent from the South. This is an excellent option for things to do in Charlotte, NC as a pilgrim. Known as one of the most visited pilgrimages in the United States, Billy Graham Library attracts religious people to pay their respects to the pastor. Pilgrims can walk around and discover where the famous evangelist grew up. Tour the Graham family home. Discover Graham’s personal library. Finally, rest in the Memorial Prayer Garden for relaxation. There is also a 1.5-hour tour that offers an organized visit to the property.
Uptown
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The bustling city center is exactly at Charlotte’s downtown. It is the center of the second-largest banking hub of the United States. Great modern architecture and thriving arts culture are the reasons why it is often busy. Known attractions like NASCAR, Mint Museum and Spectrum Center can be visited with a whole-day tour. Join the thrilling Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour. Through this, you can move around the city and discover hidden historical gems in a unique way.
Historic Rosedale Plantation
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Just like South Carolina, North Carolina in Charlotte offers a long history that dates back since 1768. Historic Rosedale Plantation is one of the oldest pieces of architecture in the city, being established during 1807. Now, it is still well-preserved to tell its story to the general public. Tourists and locals consider it a historical oasis near the busy and highly modernized Uptown. Tours, private events, and educational visits are done in the plantation as tree lovers visit the big old trees living longer than the city itself. Some enthusiasts even travel from far away just to attend the plantation’s Backyard Bird Count events.
Mint Museum
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Art lovers have Mint Museum as their first destination on their things to do in Charlotte. NC itinerary. Located in Uptown, it is a must-visit for classic and modern art enthusiasts. Not only is it the oldest museum in the southeast, but it also features the biggest art collection. The museum’s age allowed the successful collection of arts throughout centuries. Over 2,000 classic artifacts and pieces of art are seen in the exhibits. Patrons visit the building every year just to appreciate the design of the museum. Consider opting for the Charlotte: Markets, Museums, and Parks 1.5-Hour Segway Tour if immersing in the local scene and art culture is a priority.
Bechtler Museum of Modern art
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Proud of its architectural significance, just like the Mint, Bechtler Museum is known to possess intricacy in its exterior. The museum was designed by the well-known Swiss architect Mario Botta. It’s famous because it houses art from some of the world’s famous classical artists – Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti. A visit to the Bechtler Museum Of Modern Art is a must because high-value classical artworks are open for viewing by the public for the first time.
Discovery Place
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Museums around the world have unique identities and Discovery Place is one of its kind. This museum is an excellent option on what to do in Charlotte, NC because of the interactive experience it offers. Subsequently, visitors witness immersive exhibits. Enjoy events made for adults where they conduct scientific experiments and join themed activities. Groups of scientists and engineers in the museum work significantly hard to keep the general population engaged with science. Unlike other museums, it is hands-on in giving deeper inspiration for others to stay curious and be more proactive with discovering new things.
Lake Norman
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Families and friends will appreciate Lake Norman because it caters to all the water sports they love. The majestic lake attracted NASCAR superstars who bought their properties near the shoreline of the lake. It’s a stunning natural landscape.
Kayaking, fishing, and watersports take over the lake in favorable weather conditions. Just located on the outskirts of Charlotte, it gives people the option to take a little vacation from the city. Fun, relaxation, and beauty are all in just one place at Lake Norman.
South End Brewery District
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Lastly, one special way to end a dynamic trip to Charlotte is to visit the South End Brewery District. Spending the day figuring out what to do in Charlotte, NC requires a lot of energy. Because of that, sinking into the local culture is a way to refuel and to celebrate a successful journey. Food trucks, breweries, and cideries are all in a single neighborhood for visitors to drink and party in. At the same time, check out the cute shops and chill at lounging establishments!
Just So You Know:
- Uptown Charlotte sits higher in elevation in the city.
- King George III named Charlotte after his wife. Mecklenburg county is named after the German region the queen was born in.
- Charlotte is home to the top-ranked children’s museum in America because of the national attention it is getting.
- Charlotte is the first Family Dollar Location ever!
- Independent Square is a major historical site because it is where two historical major roads intersect namely Trade and Tyron.
Where to Stay:
- ⭐⭐⭐ Holiday Inn Express & Suites – The reception actively assists and provides guests with information on how to travel around the city conveniently. It’s a top pick for most because it is near NASCAR while still providing high-standard accommodation services. Notable amenities include air conditioning and private bathrooms.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Ivey’s Hotel – The mixture of classic and modern architecture to create this hotel is just unforgettable. Its style complements the location because it is just 100m away from the Mint Museum. The hotel features a library and a cocktail lounge that serves custom drinks for guests.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte – Travel in class and elegance with this five-star hotel. Above all, stay in the heart of Charlotte and get easy access to most of the city’s top attractions. An indoor pool, spa, and a breathtaking view are waiting for your stay.
- Also check out our 11 Best Hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina. For those traveling with pets, we also have Top 11 Pet Friendly Hotels In Charlotte, North Carolina.
Get Some Culture:
- Charlotte Film Festival – Attracting filmmakers around the world, Charlotte Film Festival is a big filmmaking event that is open for public participation. The festival features established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and attract enthusiasts and patrons of independent films. It is a weekend event that is full of visual aesthetics, representations, and above all, artistic expression.
- Charlotte AutoFair– Into old cars or any car that is out there? Charlotte AutoFair provides the public space to display car parts and restoration supplies. Because of the number of flea market merchants and enthusiasts, the auto fair is held at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Grab A Bite:
- The Thirsty Beaver Saloon– Live music nights, and a jukebox are to die for in The Thirsty Beaver Saloon. Locals and visitors love the place because it is conveniently located near the city center. They serve drinks spirits the southern style. It’s an excellent location to when you’re not sure what to do in Charlotte, NC.
- Mert’s Heart and Soul – Unlike the other common restaurants you can find in Charlotte, Mert’s is the most noteworthy of all. They serve authentic southern food and as a result, it is one of the most visited restaurants in the city.
