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Charlotte is located in the state of North Carolina and is nicknamed Queen City. This fast-growing city is rich in southern culture and has a population of nearly 600,000. Charlotte sits near the borders of North and South Carolina and is home to the Carolina Panthers football team. 

Things To Do In Charlotte

Lowe’s Motor Speedway is nearby and draws thousands each year for NASCAR and other racing events. Each year this city hosts the “Great Grapes Wine and Music Festival”. During the Civil War, this city was an important spot for the Confederate Army. Today it has a large banking commerce and a strong presence in the education and healthcare occupations. Here is a list of ten things to see and do while visiting this friendly city.

Discovery Place

Discovery Place has great interactive learning and discovery experiences for people of all ages. Here you can learn about chemistry, physics, machines, amateur radio, geology, weather, and wildlife in unique and creative ways. They have an IMAX Dome Theatre, Morphis Movie Ride Theatre, Puppet Place, and the Challenger Learning Center. Kid’s Place features hands-on learning for children. They can learn about dinosaurs, health, and nature. They also have an aquarium and a rainforest you can explore. Discovery Place hosts a variety of special events and has a gift shop. 

Paramount’s Carowinds

This park is 105 acres of family fun. They have twelve roller coasters along with other thrill rides, children’s rides, and a water park. Nickelodeon Central is especially for children. They have themed rides from many of Nickelodeon’s television shows. They also have costumed characters walking around to interact with the children. This park also has a variety of live shows and performances. They offer a wide range of food, games, and merchandise. 

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Here you can ride along with a professional instructor in a stock car that reaches speeds up to 150 miles per hour. You can experience the thrill of three non-stop laps or six laps including a pit stop. You can also drive the stock car yourself after going through safety and instruction courses. When you are finished you get a packet commemorating your experience. They have many different packages available and a full line of merchandise.

Reed Gold Mine

Mr John Reed found the first documented nugget of gold in the United States. He found a 17-pound gold nugget in a creek, which he at first thought was just another rock. Mr Reed’s gold mine helped North Carolina become the leading gold-producing area in the United State up until the gold rush in California in 1848. Today you can tour some of the old gold mines and view an exhibit of old mining equipment. Panning for gold is offered from April through October. They also have a picnic area, hiking area, a short film about the mine, and a gift shop.

Balloons Over Charlotte

This company offers balloon rides over southeast Charlotte and the Weddington Area. The average flight last about an hour and covers 15 miles. Refreshments are offered after the flight is over. All balloon pilots here have an FAA hot-air-balloon rating. There are two balloons used for flights. One can carry up to six people, while the other can accommodate up to ten. Flights are offered on clear days from April through October.

Ray’s Splash Planet

Ray’s Splash Planet is an indoor water park and fitness facility. The water park has a giant three-story water slide along with a few smaller ones. They have a leisurely inner tube ride, a current pool, and water guns situated around the facility. They have a beach-like entrance to their pool. They offer lap swimming or water ball games. The Fitness Center overlooks the water park. They offer aerobics and cardio workouts along with weight and resistance training.

Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center

This facility has a 1/3-mile track for Kart racing. These machines are small, sit low to the ground, and reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. You must be 16 with a valid driver’s license to participate. They also have a game room with billiard, X-box, and a snack area.

Levine Museum of the New South

This interactive experience details the history of the South from the Civil War to the present day. The people who have shaped the South are featured here including all races and all age groups. “Cotton Fields To Skyscrapers” is the featured exhibit of this museum. It has over 1,000 artefacts and various forms of documentation pertaining to the evolution of life in the southern states. They host many temporary exhibits, performances, lectures, and walking tours of Uptown Charlotte.

Historic Rosedale Plantation

This plantation house was built in 1815 by Archibald Frew. The house was once part of a 911-acre plantation. It has been beautifully restored and is considered a great example of architecture from the Federal period. Some of the original French wallpaper still hangs in a few of the rooms. You can take a 1.5-hour tour of the house and the surrounding gardens. Specialized tours offer a view of how life was for the children of the plantation and a special glimpse into the lives of the slaves. Tours are available on a limited basis, so be sure to contact them ahead of time for details.

McDowell Nature Center and Reserve

The objective of McDowell is to protect the native plant life and wildlife within its boundaries. The Nature Center has an array of wildlife, an exhibit hall, and a souvenir shop. Behind the Center is the Backyard Habitat which features a butterfly garden, a bird feeding station, and a pond. The rest of this 1108-acre area is the Preserve. Most of the Preserve is an untouched forest that eventually runs into the banks of Lake Wylie.

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