Feature Image: Firebird, the Niki de Saint Phalle creation that stands in front of Uptown’s Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, has a nickname among Charlotteans: the Disco Chicken.
Wander through Charlotte’s many exhibits on culture, art, and science.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
This museum contains mid-20th-century modern art within 36,500 square feet.
Even the building itself, designed by architect Mario Botta, is a sight to see.
420 South Tryon Street
(704) 353-9200
bechtler.org
Billy Graham Library
One of the world’s most famous evangelists grew up on a farm near present-day Park
Road. Today, visit a center dedicated to his life and teachings.
4330 Westmont Drive
(704) 401-3200
billygrahamlibrary.org
Discovery Place Science
Whether you’re drawn to technologies of the future or fossils from the Cretaceous, this museum in Uptown has exhibits for scientists of all ages and interests.
301 North Tryon Street
(704) 372-6261
science.discoveryplace.org
Levine Museum of the New South
Permanent and temporary exhibits detail the South’s complicated culture and legacy since the Civil War, with a focus on Charlotte and the Piedmont
200 East Seventh Street
(704) 333-1887
museumofthenewsouth.org
Mint Museum
A former U.S. Mint branch became the state’s first art museum in 1936. Now, the museum has two locations: The Mint Museum Randolph contains art from around the world, as well as a reference library with more than 15,000 volumes; the modern Mint Museum Uptown includes a craft and design collection. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (Yeah, yeah, we know.)
Randolph: 2730 Randolph Road
Uptown: 500 South Tryon Street
(704) 337-2000
mintmuseum.org
Morrison Motor Car Museum
Motor enthusiasts find a haven in this museum in Concord, just a few miles outside of Charlotte. Be transported back in time with cars from the 1920s onward, including an entire row dedicated to Mustangs.
4545 Concord Parkway South
(704) 788-9500
morrisonmotorco.com
Amélie’s French Bakery and Café photograph by Tim Robison
Explore cuisine infused with an international flair.
Amélie’s French Bakery and Café
The original NoDa location is open 24/7, so getting your daily sweets fix is easy at any hour. The salted caramel brownie is legendary, but give the chocolate mousse cup a try, too —it’s a staff favorite.
2424 North Davidson Street
(704) 376-1781
ameliesfrenchbakery.com
The Cooking Pot
Authentic Nigerian cuisine is cooked by the owner, and the meals, which stay true to traditional techniques, will transport you to the country that inspired them.
5622 East Independence Boulevard, Suite 129
(704) 909-4000
Copper Modern Indian Cuisine
Located in the heart of Dilworth, this restaurant serves a modern interpretation of Indian food with all the classic spices.
311 East Boulevard
(704) 333-0063
copperrestaurant.com
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
A baking technique in the classic European style. Ingredients imported from Italy. Chefs with years of experience. The result? A delicious wood-fired pizza, baked in less than 90 seconds.
10620 Providence Road
(704) 846-8909
iniziopizza.com
Jasmine Grill
South Boulevard is a hotbed for a variety of international cuisine. Here, chef and owner Mohammad Khaled Mahrousa, who hails from Aleppo, Syria, serves up delicious Mediterranean food, including shawarma, which is meat cooked over a rotisserie spit.
5033 South Boulevard
(980) 207-1859
jasminegrillcharlotte.com
Lang Van Vietnamese
An entrance flanked by bamboo sets the scene for ginger tofu and yellow pancakes.
3019 Shamrock Drive
(704) 531-9525
Mama’s Caribbean Grill and Bar
Start with the jerk chicken, come back for the ackee and saltfish at this Jamaican restaurant in Plaza Midwood.
1504 Central Avenue
(704) 375-8414
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and Grocery
At this unassuming eatery in the back of a local grocery store, experience authentic food, a family-friendly atmosphere, and coffee poured out of a traditional jebena clay jug.
3113 North Sharon Amity Road
(704) 531-6221
Sabor Latin Street Grill
This locally owned joint with South and Central American flavors now has 10 locations, but the original restaurant in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood thrives on Taco Tuesdays.
415 Hawthorne Lane
(980) 237-0308
saborcharlotte.com
Wells Fargo History Museum and the Historic Rosedale Plantation photograph by Patrick Schneider
A look at the past to understand Charlotte’s present.
Carl J. McEwen Historic Village
In 1985, more than 20 residents signed a charter to preserve the history of Mint Hill. Fast-forward 30 years, and visitors can walk through a restored town — complete with a doctor’s office, schoolhouse, and country store.
7601 Matthews Mint Hill Road
(704) 573-0726
minthillhistory.com
Charlotte Museum of History
Begin at the museum and take a self-guided tour, or enjoy docent-led tours of the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, the oldest Revolutionary-era homestead in the county.
3500 Shamrock Drive
(704) 568-1774
charlottemuseum.org
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Named for Charlotte’s first black mayor, this multidisciplinary arts institution makes it a mission to preserve and celebrate African-American art, history, and culture. Built in what was once the Brooklyn neighborhood, a thriving African-American community in Charlotte, the center features fine art exhibitions from around the world.
551 South Tryon Street
(704) 547-3700
ganttcenter.org
Historic Fourth Ward
If you want to experience the leafiest, most old-school part of Uptown, take a Friends of the Fourth Ward walking tour and glide through the decades with views of Victorian houses, urban living spaces, and tree-lined streets.
(704) 331-2700
fofw.org/walkingtour
Historic Rosedale Plantation
Built in 1815, the plantation recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. Visit the oldest surviving frame house in the city to soak up antebellum history.
3427 North Tryon Street
(704) 335-0325
historicrosedale.org
President James K. Polk State Historic Site
Few people know that President Polk was born in Pineville, just outside of Charlotte. Created to recognize the significance of the 11th president, the site includes a film on Polk’s life, as well as exhibits on the Mexican-American War
and the annexation of California.
12031 Lancaster Highway
(704) 889-7145
nchistoricsites.org/polk
Wells Fargo History Museum
In two of the museum’s many exhibits, designed to make the history of the banking giant both fun and interactive, visitors can climb aboard a stagecoach and explore an underground mine tunnel.
401 South Tryon Street
(704) 715-1866
wellsfargohistory.com
Fahrenheit photograph by Logan Cyrus
Unwind with a drink, take a tour, and maybe even bring your dog.
204 North Kitchen and Cocktails
Ballantyne, Dilworth, Fourth Ward: all names of famous Charlotte neighborhoods — and cocktails at this modern eatery. Pair your drink with a twists on your favorite Southern food classics.
204 North Tryon Street
(704) 333-3747
Fahrenheit
Up on the 21st floor, above the Skye Condos in Uptown, is the perfect place to take in a view of the skyline, enjoy a great cocktail, and eat delicious food from Chef Rocco Whalen.
222 South Caldwell Street
(980) 237-6718
chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-charlotte
Lucky Dog Bark & Brew
Bring your canine companion to the only indoor/outdoor dog park in the area, which has plenty of weekly specials, as well as a sports bar for human counterparts.
2220 Thrift Road
(704) 333-4114
luckydogbarkandbrew.com
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
USA Today calls this the home of America’s Best Brewery Tour. Sit beneath 100-year-old oaks and mature pecan and hickory trees in the Southeast’s largest biergarten.
4150 Yancey Road
(704) 525-5644
oldemeckbrew.com
Resident Culture Brewing Company
A weekly food truck lineup and a pop-up bar make it easy to fill an afternoon with a visit
to this brewery.
2101 Central Avenue
(704) 333-1862
residentculturebrewing.com
Salud Beer Shop
A trip to NoDa isn’t complete without a visit to this shop, especially during the second week in December, when customers pucker up for Salud’s annual Sourfest.
3306 North Davidson Street
(980) 495-6612
saludbeershop.com
Seven Jars Distillery
For anyone who has ever wondered what the distilling process is like, Seven Jars’ guided tours include liquor tastings, plus a visit and tastings at the winery and brewery next door.
6148-B Brookshire Boulevard
(704) 919-0278
sevenjars.com
The Wine Loft
Feeling the need for red, white, or rosé?
This location serves about 60 selections by the glass, plus liquors and tapas.
2201 South Boulevard
(704) 919-0222
wineloftcharlotte.com
Carowinds photograph by Patrick Schneider
When the weather’s just right, get outside to find excitement or solitude.
Carolina Raptor Center
On 57 acres within Latta Nature Preserve in nearby Huntersville, visit eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, owls, and other avian species. Plenty of opportunities to learn about the raptors await.
6000 Sample Road
(704) 875-6521
carolinaraptorcenter.org
Carowinds
Located on the state line of the Carolinas, this amusement park has attracted thrill-seekers since it opened in 1973. It features world-class rides, live music and entertainment, dining options with authentic Carolina cuisine, and immersive seasonal events.
14523 Carowinds Boulevard
(704) 588-2600
carowinds.com
Food Truck Fridays
Established five years ago and hosted at Sycamore Brewing, this weekly event features a selection of award-winning food trucks and plenty of craft beer.
2161 Hawkins Street
facebook.com/FoodTruckFridaySouthend
Freedom Park
Come to walk around and gaze at the seven-acre lake in the middle of this park, and enjoy a lunch near the paved trails and volleyball courts.
1900 East Boulevard
(980) 314-1002
McDowell Nature Preserve
More than a thousand acres of preserved land border the banks of Lake Wylie, where visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, and hiking.
15222 York Road
(980) 314-1128
McGill Rose Garden
The care of a philanthropist and his wife helped roses sprout from the soil, transforming a former industrial site into a beautiful garden.
940 North Davidson Street
(704) 578-2072
Romare Bearden Park
Named for the artist and Charlotte native, this park has become an Uptown hangout since it opened in 2013.
300 South Church Street
(980) 314-1002
South End Gallery Crawl
Every first Friday of the month offers a late-night hop between galleries in the arts-rich South End.
southendclt.org
U.S. National Whitewater Center
This outdoor mecca offers rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and mountain biking, along with concerts and great food and beer.
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
(704) 391-3900
usnwc.org
Wing Haven
Two historic properties compose Wing Haven: Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary is rich in Southern horticulture and is a habitat for birds and wildlife, and the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden is the site of a renowned garden writer’s living laboratory.
260 Ridgewood Avenue
(704) 331-066
winghavengardens.org
Paper Skyscraper photograph by Tim Robison
Fill up your bags with unique clothing, gifts, and food.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Have a face-to-face conversation with local farmers and get a closer look at the origins of everyday foods at one of four regional farmers markets in the state.
1801 Yorkmont Road
(704) 357-1269
charlottefarmersmarket.com
Lunchbox Records
This independent record store in Plaza Midwood sells — and buys — hard-to-find music made to be listened to the old-fashioned way: on vinyl.
825 Central Avenue
(704) 331-0788
lunchboxrecords.com
Magnolia Emporium
This curated shop is constantly adding new vendors to its lineup, from fine art to interior design services.
307 Lincoln Street
(704) 248-6808
magnoliaemporium.com
NoDa Farmers Market
Only on Saturdays, grab a mimosa from the NoDa Company Store (the market is located on their back patio) before browsing an ever-changing inventory of local goods.
3221 Yadkin Avenue
(805) 459-5777
Ole Mason Jar
This menswear store, located in historic Brevard Court in Uptown, is the perfect place to shop for a trendy new wardrobe.
148 Brevard Court
(980) 202-2173
olemasonjar.com
Paper Skyscraper
Self-proclaimed as a place “designed to surprise and delight,” this bookstore and gift shop offers a unique shopping experience. Indulge in something quirky you never knew you needed, or grab a gift for a friend.
330 East Boulevard
(704) 333-7130
paperskyscraper.com
Park Road Books
Created in 1977, this independent bookstore has been a city icon for more than 40 years. The store also has multiple book clubs — for foodies, “geeks,” young adults, and everyone in between.
4139 Park Road
(704) 525-9239
parkroadbooks.com
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
At 55,000 square feet, this enormous antiques mall is filled with secret treasures. Dozens of vendors, each with unique collections, are waiting for antiques lovers to scoop up their finds.
4450 South Boulevard
(704) 529-6369
sleepypoetstuff.com
SouthPark Mall
This upscale mall opened in the 1970s and is still a hub for the SouthPark neighborhood that gave it its name. There are more than 150 stores inside, and plenty of other great places to shop and eat just down the street.
4400 Sharon Road
(704) 364-4411
Bank of America Stadium photograph by Charlottesgotalot.com
Throw a ball, drive a stock car, or watch the pros.
Bank of America Stadium
It’s the home of the Carolina Panthers, and it’s full for every home game. The outside is leafy and flowers abound, which leads some people to call it the “stadium in a park.”
800 South Mint Street
(704) 358-7000
panthers.com/stadium
Barefoot Archery
This sport isn’t just for fantasy movies and seasoned professionals. Barefoot’s facility allows anyone the chance to test their skills on the 20-yard, eight-lane range.
4410 Old Pineville Road
(704) 527-1110
barefootarchery.com
BB&T Ballpark
The home of the Charlotte Knights opened in 2014, and is a great place to watch some baseball, or gawk at the skyline beyond the outfield.
324 South Mint Street
(704) 274-8300
charlotteknights.com
Blackstone Shooting Sports
At the largest indoor shooting range in Charlotte, both experienced marksmen and newcomers to the sport can hone their skills in one of 27 lanes.
2001 Wilkinson Boulevard
(704) 414-6020
blackstoneshooting.com
Bojangles’ Coliseum
When it opened in 1955, this coliseum boasted the largest unsupported dome in the world. Today, it hosts the Charlotte Checkers hockey games, concerts, comedy shows, and high school graduations.
2700 East Independence Boulevard
(704) 372-3600
bojanglescoliseum.com
Charlotte Curling Association
Inspired by the 2010 Olympics, a local club now has its own dedicated curling facility, which is open to members and available for private events. You can also learn how to curl there. (Hint: It involves ice, heavy stones, and brooms.)
6525 Old Statesville Road
charlottecurling.com
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
This well-manicured greenway will eventually connect to more than 26 miles of trails, but for now, its most popular section, in Midtown, comes with a striking view of the Charlotte skyline.
mecknc.gov
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Celebrate North Carolina’s fastest sport by experiencing the history and heritage of NASCAR. As you enter the hall, walk up Glory Road to learn about the momentous events that led to the development of stock car racing.
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
(704) 654-4400
nascarhall.com
NASCAR Racing Experience
Want to experience the thrill of motorsports for yourself? Head out to Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord for a racing session, a solo drive, or a ride in the passenger seat while a professional takes the wheel.
6025 Victory Lane
(800) 237-3889
nascarracingexperience.com
Spectrum Center
Located in the center of the city, this arena is home to the Charlotte Hornets and will host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.
333 East Trade Street
(704) 688-9000
spectrumcentercharlotte.com
Topgolf
This high-tech experience is more than your average golf game. A complex complete with a driving range, a lounge with food and drinks, and even a rooftop terrace, this space is for golf lovers who want an above-par experience.
8024 Savoy Corporate Drive
(704) 612-4745
topgolf.com
Memories of spuds are firmly rooted in one chef’s mind, just like the Watauga County potatoes she once unearthed.
The poignant voices of gospel music seem to rise from the soil of eastern North Carolina. The genre’s lineage is as rooted to the land as the crops growing in its fields.
In winter, when the weather is just right, water turns ethereally symphonic — if you stop to listen.
Far away from the summer buzz, Corolla quietens into a sleepy, seaside village during the winter. Here, on this strip of sand, visitors find themselves immersed in the northernmost reaches of our state’s coast, where the coldest season is a chance to celebrate solitude.
