A sprawling city with an abundance of activities—Charlotte is anything but basic. As North Carolina’s commercial hub, the city booms with ever-growing businesses, flourishing sports franchises, and a contemporary culinary scene that’s mouth-watering, to say the least. With so much to offer to people of all interests, who wouldn’t want to plan a vacation in Charlotte? From seasonal festivals to year-round events, there’s always something going on in town. Consider yourself a history buff? Head to Mint Museum Uptown. Care to indulge in retail therapy? Check out the hottest trends at SouthPark. Feeling lucky? Venture out to nearby towns like Kings Mountain to hit a local casino. Whatever your preferences may be, Charlotte is the right place for a fun getaway, whether it be a girls’ trip, family vacay, or a solo adventure.
Find the Right Accommodation
Where you’ll be spending the night could actually make or break your vacation. Picture this: you’re a homebody planning to see only an attraction or two during the day—you’re not really keen on the idea of having too much on your plate. For such cases, we recommend staying at a luxury hotel, where you’ll have every amenity imaginable for a comfortable stay. Hotels like Comfort Suites Northlake, Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown, and Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel are wonderful options for a luxurious and pleasant experience. On the other hand, you could always rely on Airbnbs in Charlotte if you’re looking for affordable choices or unique lodging.
Engage in Fun Activities
What’s a fun getaway without an itinerary full of fun things to do? That’s right, you’re not going to be taking Instagram selfies during your vacation—you’re going to engage in a whole lot of activities and actually enjoy your time. Are you an auto racing fanatic? We recommend paying a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. With interactive exhibits featuring the history and legacy of NASCAR, going on a tour of this popular attraction will have you raving for days. But, if you consider yourself a more active person, the Whitewater Center is where you need to go. This outdoor sports hub offers more than 30 recreational activities including kayaking, rafting, climbing, mountain biking, and more. However, if you’re visiting with your family, we highly suggest planning a full day at Carowinds, a 407-acre amusement park that you just can’t miss.
Look Past Tourist Attractions
When planning a vacation itinerary, most people fill their schedules with tourist attractions. And true, you can’t visit Charlotte without checking out the local landmarks and icons—but, you’ll also have to look beyond these places. You’ll soon discover that this vibrant city is jam-packed with hidden gems that offer unparalleled experiences. One of these places is Big Rock Nature Preserve. This under-the-radar wildlife habitat is where you’ll encounter strange, large rock formations surrounded by unusual artifacts like stone tools, musket balls, and pieces of cooking pots. Another hidden spot to visit is the Common Market. Also an unconventional destination, this place is a convenience store, deli, and bar in one location—essentially a one-stop shop. But one place that will truly blow your mind is Wing Haven. This garden and bird sanctuary is an outdoor paradise decorated with landscaped greenery and verdant pathways that look straight out of a fairytale.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
If you don’t plan on trying new food when vacationing in Charlotte, then you’re not going to have an authentic experience. So, come with an open mind, because your taste buds are going to thank you, a lot. Seafood lovers can head straight to Sea Level NC. This charming, farm-to-fork restaurant serves the most delectable mussels and oysters you’ll ever have—order the Seven Flavor Squid and you’ll have a hard time stopping yourself. Those following the vegan diet will find themselves spoiled for choice at Sanctuary Bistro. The plant-based eatery offers appetizing meals such as Butternut Squash Fried Ravioli, Root Vegetable Curry, and Roasted and Smothered Cauliflower. Nevertheless, if you’re always craving good, old-fashioned American fare, nothing beats the burgers at Bocado Bar and Diner. Opt for the classic Bocado Burger Stack and you’ll never have burgers from anywhere else.
At the end of the day, a memorable vacation depends on your choices—where you decide to stay, what you decide to do, where you decide to go, and what you decide to eat. And if you know where to look, you’ll realize that there’s more to Charlotte than just museums and galleries; exciting adventures await!