10 Fun Things To Do in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte has gone through many transitions throughout its history, but it has always maintained its southern tradition. It has a rich cultural history, its own unique art scene, and few places serve down south delicacies as well as the restaurants in Queen City. North Carolina’s largest city has a wealth of activities, entertainment options, and interesting sights.

It’s also one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.  Over the past decade it’s been a hot bed for the younger generations starting a family that would prefer a little more bang for their buck.  Those in more expensive cities like New York and San Francisco have flocked to Charlotte and continue to do so.

If you have a chance to visit or are new to the area, here are 10 fun things to do in Charlotte NC.

1. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Racing fans should definitely take a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte. Since opening in 2010, millions of visitors have come to see the many exhibits in this 150,000 square foot tribute to the heritage and history of NASCAR. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has interactive exhibits, racing artifacts, and a high tech theater that seats 278 guests. One of the highlights is Glory Road, which leads to the building’s second floor and has a display of historic cars and race tracks. There’s also a restaurant on-site and a gift shop, so you can take a piece of the action home with you.

2. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

Wing Haven looks as if it was taken from an old world fairy tale. This nonprofit bird sanctuary and garden was started in 1927, and in 2000 Wing Haven’s chaste tree was recognized as being the largest in the country. There’s an impressive variety of shrubs, flowers, and ornamental trees here, as well as an English sundial that dates back to 1705, statues and terra cotta artwork, and so many beautiful birds. Wing Haven is a great place to go if you enjoy nature, prefer an intimate setting, or want a few moments of peace and solitude. Educational programs and events as held here throughout the year. The admission fee is by donation, so you can be as generous as you’d like.

3. Romare Bearden Park

Romare Bearden Park was opened in 2013 and is a lush, 5.4 acre public area in center city. It’s named after the late award winning artist and songwriter Romare Bearden, who was born in Charlotte NC. This park has a lovely courtyard, two gardens, and an interactive area. The waterfalls here are nice to look at, and if you visit when night approaches you’ll see the falls lit with vivid and colorful lights. Romare Bearden Park is a nice place to have a picnic or attend one of the many music, arts, and cultural events held there during the year.

4. Old Mecklenburg Brewery

Charlotte doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its great craft beers, and Old Mecklenburg Brewery has some excellent house brews. There’s a garden on-site, and the tasting room and restaurant is reminiscent of a German beer hall. Some of the fresh beers here include the Southside Weiss, Mecktoberfest, Dunkel, and Capt. Jack — if you’re a beer aficionado you won’t want to miss the chance to stop here. Old Mecklenburg Brewery’s restaurant menu offers a nice selection of tasty accompaniments for their brews.

5. Levine Museum of the New South

Levine Museum of the New South is one of the city’s top museums and it showcases how life in North Carolina has been since America’s Civil War. Many think they know everything about the South’s history, but the Levine Museum puts so many different perspectives on display that you can’t help but think twice. Some of the exhibits include those that involve the south’s culinary history, noted writers and authors, folklore, and oral histories.

6. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

The weather in Charlotte NC is too nice not to enjoy, and McDowell Nature Preserve is one place where you can do just that. It’s largely undeveloped, and there’s on-site play areas, seven miles of trails, a lake, nature center, and a 56 site campground on the property. If you like fishing, boating, or canoeing, McDowell Nature Preserve offers rentals and there’s plenty of picnic areas that provide a great view of the lake. The nature center serves as a preserve where many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians thrive and can be watched in their natural habitats. There are also very rare and endangered plants being protected here, including the prairie dock, Georgia’s aster, and Schweinitz’s sunflower.

7. Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway is known for hosting major racing events, and you can definitely come here for that. However, Charlotte Motor Speedway also offers several driving schools and experiences that will put you behind the driver seat and provide an incredible thrill. The sessions and rides are fairly short, but when you’re zooming around the track you’ll have an unforgettable time — after all, you’ll be driving an actual NASCAR ride. If you don’t want to drive the cars, book a ride as a passenger for several exciting laps at top speed.

8. Charlotte NC Tours

Charlotte is one of the nation’s oldest cities, and its history is rumored to include paranormal activity. Taking a haunted tour of the area will give you insight into Charlotte’s past, and probably give you a little scare or two as well. Charlotte NC Tours offers haunted pub crawls, segway tours, and walking tours throughout some of the area’s most infamous and well-known sites. If you’re into the paranormal or simply want to do something that’s totally unique, this company’s tours are a great option.

9. Carolinas Aviation Museum

Right near Douglas International Airport is Carolinas Aviation Museum, which aims to preserve the nation’s aviation heritage and educate the public. There are over 50 aircraft on display as well as aviation artifacts, military artifacts and photos, and tons of interesting documentation. Many legacy carriers are also showcased here, and if you’re into science or technology at all, you’ll find plenty to entertain you for several hours.

10. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center hosts various types of performances and shows, from Broadway hits and musical theater to films and comedy acts. The building itself is notable and has interesting architecture and statues, and it holds six stages. Performances and events are held at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center all year, so you’re sure to find a show you’d like to see.