The Queen City is the jewelĀ of the South. Ā Charlotte, North Carolina offers all of the things you love and want in a big city while still maintainingĀ its small town charm and warmth. Ā The QC, as locals refer to Charlotte, refuses to fall into any category. While most people think of Charlotte as a banking city, Charlotte is so much more! The QC is the second largest banking city on the East Coast, cutting-edge tech start-ups, innovative energy businesses, national award-winning restaurants, a vibrant arts community, and some of the best weather you can get! All four seasons delivered with the rare snowfall that melts within 24 hours, Springs that bring the beautiful tree lined streets to life, Summer filled with blooms and festivals, and Falls that offer the beautiful autumn foliage in the nearby mountains. Ā Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. but somehow manages to retain the relaxed easy-going vibe that you’re looking for in a Southern getaway.
When you head to the QC here’s a list of my favorite things to do and places to eat~
What to do in Charlotte, NC
Victory Lane Indoor Karting Ā (eat here too)
Featured on Diner’s Drive In’s and Dives, Victory Lanes will give you a taste of why Charlotte loves NASCAR and promises to score you major happy kid points.
You will need a day to do WWC justice, take advantage of the ropes course, hikes and plentiful water sports. On summer weekends they have live music also.
Catch a Knights game
The minor league team in Charlotte is pretty big league! Check out the brand new stadium in the center of Uptown (our downtown) and take in some family friendly fun. The stadium is situated in the middle of a beautiful park that your kids can run and play in also. Most games feature some sort of give away or fireworks!
This library is so much more than just books. All programs and activities at ImaginOn are free, programs include story times, yoga, movies, hands-on learning activities and an entire floor dedicated to teens.
Discovery Place Nature/Freedom Park
Nestled in Freedom Park, Discovery Nature offers hands-on programming where children can get to know the critters of the piedmont area. The butterfly garden will delight your children! Right out of the nature center’s back doors, there is also a full outdoor play area and a path to Freedom Park. This park has a huge playground complete with an old train car for kids to run around in, a path around a lake and plenty of ducks to feed.
Where to Eat in Charlotte, NC
NoDa
There are too many great little eateries in this trendy part of town to pick just one! Wander the streets and pick one! Need some guidance? We love Haberdish and Cabo Fish Taco, grab gelato pop at PopBar.
A Charlotte institution, people line up early to get the best fried chicken in the city. There is no place to eat inside so grab your take out and eat in one of the nearby parks. Price’s has been featured on too many T.V. shows to list, trust us, if you want real southern fried chicken this is the best.
Want to sit down? Head to Pike’s Old Fashion Soda Shop, a former pharmacy, Pike’s has reinvented the space as an old fashion soda shop. The menu is filled with southern specialties and some of the best treats in the city; they also have a great brunch!
Head here for lunch! RuSan has the biggest sushi buffet you have ever seen, you will roll out happy and full. RuSan’s also keeps timers by all platters of sushi so you can be sure that they are fresh.
This is a small sample of what the QC has to offer, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much this sleepy (not so sleepy anymore) southern town has to offer. For more information on Charlotte or to plan your trip to the Queen City, check out Charlotte’s Got A Lot for ideas and events calendars. Our State, Charlotte on the Cheap and Scoop Charlotte are other great local resources for all things Charlotte.