North Carolina Tourism

Charlotte, NC Visitors Guide

Of all of North Carolina's cities, you are unlikely to find another with as much diversity! Here you can find antiques or colonial history, Modern art museums or music, upscale dining like Mangione’s or old-style curb service burger joints like South 21 Drive In. You may choose one many chain hotels or you could stay at a B & B’s like Inn Uptown or visit Mrs. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast. There are plenty of great activities in Charlotte. So pack your bag, grab a camera, and come see us!

When it comes to art, Charlotte mustn’t be overlooked. At the Bank of America Corporate Center in downtown, you will see the frescoes of Ben Long, or you may want to visit the Mint Museum of Craft and Design. The Mint Museum showcases furniture designs by Randy Schull, glass sculptures by Harvey Littleton, and ceramic pieces by Michael Sherrill. At the Mint Museum of Art on Randolph Road, you will be delighted by NC pottery, American paintings and decorative arts. The Mint also has the largest and most inclusive collection of European ceramics in the country. Another interesting display is a collection of some of the original coins minted in North Carolina.

If you love activities and attractions that are in the great outdoors, then Charlotte has several to choose from. A particular favorite is the Carolina Raptor Center located at the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The center rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds of prey like owls, hawks, kestrels, and eagles. The Latta Plantation is also a great place for fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding. Also for the nature enthusiast, is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens is a 110 acre world class garden, abundant in magnificent fountains. At the University of North Carolina Charlotte Botanical Garden and Sculpture Garden there is a wide variety of flowers sure to delight.

For the historian, Charlotte has a walk through tour at the Fourth Ward Historic District. There is also the Hezekiah Alexander Home site and Charlotte Museum of Natural History. These two places show the early days of Charlotte, when the spirit of colonial rebellion was widespread. Other Charlotte museums include the Charlotte Trolley Museum, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Carolinas Historic Aviation Museum, the Backing Up Classics Auto Museum and the Museum of the Alphabet.

Of special interest to the kids is Discovery Place with its national-award winning, hands-on science and technology center. The Discovery Place has a 3 story rain forest, an opportunity to explore outer space, or learn about the human body. There is a state of the art planetarium and an Omnimax theatre. Also at Discovery Place, you can visit the Challenger Learning center, the Life Science Center and the Science Circus.

For other racing related fun check out the Richard Petty Experience, Joe Gibbs Racing, or Hendricks Motorsports and, of course, Lowes Motor Speedway.

If you love the performing arts, then Charlotte has many places to offer. For Broadway productions check out the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the NC Dance Theatre for modern and classical ballet or musical memories visit the Charlotte Philharmonic Society and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. For lots of laughs, check out the Comedy Zone located on North College Street.

There is shopping, playing, sports, and learning fun all awaiting you, so hurry on over to Charlotte to begin your great adventure!