1. Your Adrenaline Rush Is Less Than 30 Minutes From Downtown
The
U.S. National Whitewater Center has more thrills than you can get through in a day. Besides adventure sports like whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip lining and paddle boarding, you can catch a concert, go for a run, or bike or hike on the nature trails. Here, adventure doesn’t take a break.
2. Charlotte’s Basketball Team Has The Michael Jordan Stamp Of Approval
Charlotte is home to the
National Basketball Association’s Bobcats, owned by Michael Jordan. Previously, they were called the Hornets and are in the process of changing the name back for the 2014 season. Whatever you want to call them, it’s still super fun to catch the b-ball stars showing off their moves.
3. NASCAR Will Blow Your Mind--And Your Eardrums
If you’ve never been to a race, you’re not doing life right.
Charlotte Motor Speedway packs in 134,000 NASCAR fans during race weekend, and many people camp around the stadium for the weekend in order to take advantage of qualifying, dirt track racing and other fan experiences.
4. The Best Food Comes On Small Plates
Soul Gastrolounge’s wood and brick interior offers a cozy spot for a cocktail and a meal of small plates. Be sure to try the curried lamb skewers or the southern fried oysters Calabash style. Serving food until 2 AM, this is a good spot to hit as a first or last stop of the night.
5. Only The Rockingest Bands Play At The Fillmore
The Fillmore Charlotte attracts some of the hottest bands to the area. Housed in a converted textile mill, the walls are lined with vintage posters, the tiered floor makes it easy to see all the action on-stage and the famous chandeliers class things up. It’s part of the larger NC Music Factory, which houses several venues, bars and restaurants.
6. Don’t Listen To Your Mom, Running And Drinking Go Great Together
A running club, an abundance of food trucks and a new beer every Tuesday make
NoDa Brewing one of Charlotte’s coolest places to hang out. They even hold free brewery tours Monday through Saturday. Stop by the taproom for a pint or a growler.
7. You Can’t Get More Hipster Than A Moustache Bar
‘Stache House Bar & Lounge is an ode to the best facial hair around, hipsters and the art of a good cocktail. Sit back, relax and enjoy a proper drink or craft beer--and maybe learn a thing or two about how to curl your ‘stache.
8. Panther Pride Is The Real Deal
The National Football League’s
Carolina Panthers have called Charlotte home since 1993 when awarded the 29th franchise. On a typical fall Sunday when the Panthers are playing at home, the whole town is decked out in blue, black and white.
9. You Can Hang With A Miro
Spend an afternoon strolling among works of art from artists like Picasso, Miro, Calder and Hepburn at the
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The space opened its doors in 2010 and is home to more than 1,400 pieces of 20th century art. The museum showcases the collection of Andreas Bechtler and his family, compiled over 70 years.
10. Charlotte’s Sushi Is Simply The Best
Pair a vanilla avocado martini topped with elderflower foam with any of the handmade sushi rolls at
Pisces Sushi Bar and you’re in for a culinary treat. Charlotte Magazine named it the best sushi restaurant around, so you can’t go wrong with dinner here.
11. The Art Is In Mint Condition
The Mint Museum is dedicated to craft, design and all things artistic. Programs include “Taste of the Mint,” a small plate and beverage pairing plus a tour, art classes for families and bilingual storytime for kids. With it’s plentiful collection, there’s an exhibit for everyone here.
12. This Brewery Is Worth Singing About
Tired of the same old beer? This is your spot. With year-round and seasonal beers like a Jalapeno Pale Ale, Higher Ground IPA (a West Coast style) and Eat A Peach Pale Ale brewed with fresh peaches,
Birdsong Brewing Co. is sure to offer something new for your taste buds.
13. Find Out Who Grew That Radish You’re Eating
Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen is consistently on Charlotte Magazine’s list of best restaurants. Chef Jim Nobel opened the first location at Southpark with the second in the Uptown neighborhood opening in 2012. For the hard-core foodies, you can see the list of farmers on the company’s website.
14. Our Botanical Garden Has All The Beautiful Things
Beautiful fountains, beautiful flowers and beautiful buildings make a stroll through the
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden a must-do for visitors and residents alike. Go around the holidays for a light display or head over in the spring to watch the perennials bloom. Either way, you’re sure to discover something super gorgeous.
15. Get Fancied Up For A Night At The Fig
Located in the historic Lucas House in the Elizabeth neighborhood,
The Fig Tree Restaurant serves up seasonal menus. While this likely won’t be a daily stop, many in Charlotte agree it’s the spot for a special occasion and a guaranteed excellent meal.
16. Explore The World Without Leaving Downtown
Science is fun and at
Discovery Place, you’ll be sure to leave with a renewed sense of wonder about the world around you. Watch a 3D IMAX movie and get hands on with interactive exhibits. By combining art, science and all the senses, this place will delight visitors of any age.
17. Come For The Food, Stay For the Atmosphere
Those looking for a solid bar with good food should stop into
Providence Road Sundries. They’ve got a nice selection of beers, cozy exposed brick walls, a pool table and a stack of video games. Bring your friends for a casual night out.
18. It’s Not Your Grandma’s South
If you really want to know what it means to live down south in this day and age, head to the
Levine Museum of the New South to explore post Civil War history. The permanent exhibit explores the South’s evolution from “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers” as well as topics including race, education and reinvention.
19. Befriend Some Big, Big Birds
At the
Carolina Raptor Center just north of Charlotte, you can get up close and personal with bald eagles, hawks and vultures. This nonprofit is dedicated to education and holds camps and other events throughout the year.
20. Make The South End Your First Stop
Charlotte’s Historic
South End neighborhood bills itself as the “quirky cool” destination for art, shopping and dining. It hosts farmers markets, gallery crawls, food trucks, brewery tours and street festivals.
21. Eat All The Fried Green Tomatoes You Could Ever Want
While not started in Charlotte,
Tupelo Honey Cafe has quickly become a local favorite. Serving up dishes like southern popcorn (fried okra) and shrimp and grits, this is cooking for the New South.
22. Nothing Beats Our Brunswick Stew
No mention of Charlotte is complete without talking about barbecue. Old Hickory House BBQ has been around since 1957 and is known for serving up the best Brunswick stew around.
23. Who Needs Broadway When You’ve Got Blumenthal?
For the best in music, theatre and dance, check out the
Blumenthal Performing Arts. Upcoming shows include “Blue Man Group” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
