| 101 Charlette Things to do |
1. Experience the best of Broadway musicals with the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Broadway Lights Series. The 2004- 2005 season included Tony Award-winning musical hits such as Hairspray, The Producers and MOVIN’ OUT.
(704) 372-1000
2. Catch the 2003 NFC Champion Carolina Panthers as they compete in their 11th NFL season in 2005 hoping to return to the prominence that led them to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Home games will include battles with NFC South rivals and Super Bowl champs New England Patriots.
(704) 358-7800
3. Experience the nation’s most comprehensive collection of contemporary studio craft at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, located in Center City. 2005 exhibits include MURANO: Glass from the Olnick Spanu Collection.
(704) 337-2000
4. Don’t miss the excitement as the NBA Charlotte Bobcats host their Southeast Division rivals and the league’s brightest stars in the new Charlotte Arena during the 2005- 2006 regular season.
(704) BOBCATS
5. Join the half-million people from all over the United States who visit Discovery Place, one of the top hands-on science centers in the nation, each year. Discovery Place will host the Dead Sea Scrolls February 16- May 17, 2006.
(704) 372-6261
6. The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge has evolved from a novelty to a showcase, a spring ritual of speed and daring resulting in yearly additions to the book of NASCAR lore. Catch the excitement as motorsports history is written at over 180 mph each May.
(704) 455-FANS
7. Visit the Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC). Through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual arts, performing arts and through innovative educational programs, the AACC preserves, promotes, and presents African-American culture to the nation.
(704) 374-1565
8. Enjoy America’s favorite past time at Knights Stadium. Catch the Charlotte Knights, Chicago White Sox affiliate, compete with the best teams of AAA minor-league baseball.
(704) 36-HOMER
9. Experience theatre “off the beaten path.” Valued for its edginess, relevance, daring, and artistic polish, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents critically acclaimed works such as Bat Boy, Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and tick, tick…Boom!
(704) 342-2251
10. Don’t miss the cuts, scrapes and power plays of minor league hockey! The ECHL Charlotte Checkers take the ice each October in the Queen City.
(704) 342-4423
11. Experience poetry in motion. Through a unique way of theatrical story-telling that employs original contemporary dance, theater, music, visual arts and multi-media, Moving Poets Theatre of Dance explores themes found in world literature.
(704) 527-MOVE
12. Fore! Now in its third year, the Wachovia Championship, hosted at Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club, is recognized by the national and international golf community as one of the top events on the PGA TOUR. Don’t miss a swing, May 2- 8, 2005.
(800) 945-0777
13. The North Carolina Dance Theatre reached new heights during the 2004-2005 season with its full-length ballet, Peter Pan. Don’t miss the dance company that played to sold-out audiences in New York’s internationally recognized Joyce Theatre.
(704) 372-0101
14. As a conclusion to Speed Week, Center City Charlotte’s motorsportsthemed celebration, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, home of NASCAR’s only 600-mile race, hosts the Coca-Cola 600 for the 46th year in 2005, a week after the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge.
(704) 455-FANS
15. Explore the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander homesite for a glimpse of living history. Docents, dressed in period attire, guide guests through exhibits chronicling the 18th- 20th centuries.
(704) 568-1774
16. Visit Levine Museum of the New South, an interactive history museum, and experience the nation’s most comprehensive interpretation of post- Civil War southern society with Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, the museum’s centerpiece.
(704) 333-1887
17. Once the location of the first branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum of Art is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American and pre-Columbian art, American and European ceramics, and cotemporary art and photography.
(704) 337-2000
18. Step inside The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place and be transported into movies such as Roar: Lions of the Kalahari, Bugs! and Forces of Nature.
(704) 372-6261
19. Nationally-acclaimed conductors Christof Perick and Albert-George Schram lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in its popular Classics and Pops series. The Pops series allows the Charlotte Symphony to play with special guests such as The Temptations and Bert Bacharach.
(704) 972-2000
20. Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through public education and the rehabilitation of injured, and orphaned raptors. Tour Carolina Raptor Center’s bird hospital and get a sneak peak at what happens behind the scenes, from patients’ initial exam to strengthening their wings in outdoor flight cages.
(704) 875-6521
21. Shop ‘til you drop at Concord Mills, one of the state’s leading tourist attractions. An amazing themed complex, Concord Mills offers 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues including a 24-screen AMC theatre, BASS Pro Shops Outdoor World and NASCAR SpeedPark.
(704) 979-5000
22. NoDa, Charlotte’s fringe art neighborhood, hosts a free Gallery Crawl every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Browse the area’s swanky galleries, enjoy a bite to eat and relaxto smooth music played by local street musicians.
(704) 334-1177
23. If you love flowers, you’re not going to want to miss this. Named one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens” in HGTV’s popular book, Flower Gardening, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a spectacular Visitor Pavilion and nine distinctly themed gardens.
(704) 825-4490
24. The Best of Hollywood Entertainment. Now Playing. Paramount’s Carowinds offers guests more than 105 action packed acres featuring more than 60 world-class rides, shows and Hollywood-themed attractions for all ages including roller coasters, water rides, a 13-acre water park – WaterWorks- and the new Nickolodeon Central kid’s area.
(704) 588-2600
25. Rock out with your favorite musical performers at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Charlotte’s only multimillion dollar, open-air music venue. Verizon brings the country’s hottest stars and music festivals to Charlotte.
(704) 549-5555
26. Visit the Charlotte Nature Museum, an urban science center that exhibits the animals and plants of the Piedmont including an ever-changing Butterfly Garden.
(704) 372-6261
27. Find inspiration with NarroWay Productions. Set in the beautiful 3,000-seat King’s Outdoor Arena, NarroWay offers dynamic Christian musicals and dinner theatre.
(803) 802-2300
28. The Light Factory is a nonprofit arts center dedicated to exhibition and education programs promoting the power of photography and film. The Light Factory offers classes throughout the year in SLR and digital photography and filmmaking.
(704) 333-9755
29. Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States (1799). Today, it features exhibits on gold, the geology of gold, mining technology, and equipment. Numerous locations feature historic mining machinery, and an area on Upper Hill has the chimney and restored foundations of the 1854 mill house.
(704) 721-GOLD
30. Opening in fall of 2005, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center. Reflecting an original approach to education, learning and the arts, the 106,000 square-foot facility will be an unprecedented resource for families, creating a synergy between educational drama experiences and the critical skills of reading unlike any in the country.
(704) 336-2725
31. Enjoy and relax with the serenity of Wing Haven, a unique part of Charlotte since its creation in 1927. The gardens and bird sanctuary, enclosed on all sides by brick walls, encompass three acres in the heart of a quiet residential neighborhood.
(704) 331-0664
32. Experience the Metrolina Expo Trade Center Antiques Show featuring 2,000 to 3,000 dealers from all over the world offering an array of quality antiques and collectible items; held three times a year.
(704) 596-4650
33. Feed your hunger at Fuel Pizza, winner of “Best Pizza” in Charlotte as voted on by the readers of Creative Loafing Magazine, at six area locations.
(704) 370-2755
34. Visit Charlotte’s Historic South End neighborhood. With its root in the 1850’s, Historic South End has become a nexus for creative expression and has become a vibrant retail and restaurant district.
(704) 377-9770
35. Travel back to the 19th century at Latta Plantation and Nature Preserve. Once a thriving cotton plantation, Latta Plantation is now a living history farm. Experience what life was like for yeoman farmers and slaves in the North Carolina backcountry during the 19th century. Visit the Latta Nature Preserve for an unspoiled look at the natural beauty of the Carolinas.
(704) 875-2312
36. Take a ride through Charlotte’s history as you board the Historic Charlotte Trolley Line. Begin at Atherton Mill in historic South End and ride through the heart of the Charlotte Convention Center and north towards the city’s entertainment district.
(704) 375-0850
37. Take a tour of Charlotte’s public artworks. The Arts & Science Council of Charlotte views public art as integral to a community's fabric by recognizing the potential of art to create livable cities and enrich the spirit and pride of its citizens. Visit www.artsandscience.org for a printable guide to Center City’s public artworks or stop into Visit Charlotte at Main Street.
(704) 331-2700
38. Take the family to NASCAR SpeedPark and renew sibling rivalry on five scaled race tracks. The premier track at NASCAR SpeedPark, Mini-Motor Speedway, features a quarter mile oval and 5/8 scale Nextel Cup style cars. Miniature golf is also available.
(704) 979-6770
39. Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center offers a 1/3 mile European-style road course and the very best of competition karting. Their competition karts are made in Italy by SODI Kart and within the facility these karts average at speeds of 35 mph. (704) 377-FAST
40. The Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) opened its doors in 1994 and today has emerged the premier motorsports entertainment company in the industry. RPDE students have several options in customizing their racing experience by choosing specific curriculum ranging from a Ride-Along to the Advanced Racing Experience.
(800) BE-PETTY
41. Visit the house that The Intimidator built. Dale Earnhardt, Inc., owning the teams of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip, opens its showroom and retail store to the public throughout the week.
(877) DEI-ZONE
42. The Hendrick Motorsports Museum lies nestled between the race shops of Hendrick Motorsports. The 15,000 square-foot museum and souvenir shop showcase almost two decades of HMS racing.
(704) 455-0382
43. Take a walking tour through Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward neighborhood and delight in the architecture of homes dating back to the 1800’s and appropriately called the “Grand Old Ladies.” Visit www.charlottecentercity. org for a printable guide or stop into Visit Charlotte at Main Street.
(704) 331-2700
44. Historic Brattonsville, in nearby McConnells, SC, is a 775-acre living history village that includes a Revolutionary War battlefield site. The site features 29 historic structures, which may be toured and are also used during living history programs where docents (costumed-interpreters) “relive the past” by demonstrating a variety of themed days.
803-684-2327
45. Travel a few miles north to the Bob Timberlake Gallery. From fine art reproductions to finely crafted furniture inspired by 18th century artisans; decorative accessories, to home finishings; to menswear. Everything that bears the Bob Timberlake name reflects all the comforts of home.
(800) 244-0095
46. The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasturelands of Piedmont, North Carolina. While visiting at the Lazy 5 Ranch you will have the opportunity to view over 750 animals from six different continents.
(704) 663-5100
47. As the chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup heats up, racing action returns to Lowe’s Motor Speedway as it hosts the UAW-GM Quality 500 in October. The fifth race out of the final ten for the NEXTEL Championship, the UAW-GM Quality 500 promises high-speed action and excitement.
(704) 455-FANS
48. Indulge at the #3 spa in North America as voted by Conde Nast, The Spa at Ballantyne Resort. Their specialties are the Ballantyne Facial Classic, Field Lavender Massage, Milk Whey Bath or Field Lavender Soak, Herbal Wraps, Spa Manicures, Pedicures, and hair design.
(704) 248-4141
49. Beat the heat…or cold at Ray’s Splash Planet, a 29,000 square foot indoor water park and fitness facility. The water park is loaded with fun features: a double-figure eight waterslide, water squirters, a lazy river, and tumble buckets.
(704) 432-4RAY
50. Cricket Arena, Charlotte’s original coliseum, opened in 1955 to serve as Charlotte’s major sports and entertainment facility, and houses a diverse range of entertainment events for all ages.
(704) 372-3600
51. Hungry? Experience a Charlotte tradition at Green’s Lunch and delight in the hotdog that has been voted the city’s favorite since 1926. A must have in the Charlotte area.
(704) 332-1786
52. Charlotte Shout is a month-long celebration of art, culture, and community, incorporating over 200 performances and events throughout the Charlotte region. Shout’s Culinary Arts Experience, a one-of-a-kind culinary extravaganza, headlines celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and interactive cooking demonstrations.
(704) 332-1800
53. Charlotte’s collection of 1,400 exquisitely manicured greens, expertly sculpted golf courses, come together to produce one of the most unique golfing experiences. For a complete list of the area’s 42 public golf courses call
(800) 722-1994
54. Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find the “perfect spot” among the over 175 parks operated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks & Recreation Department. Enjoy a day of hiking, playing, or championship Frisbee golf.
(704) 336-3854
55. Visit Plaza-Midwood, Charlotte's most diverse streetcar-era neighborhood. Its earliest avenues were platted in 1903 and its newest date from after the Second World War. Buildings range from turn-of-the-century factories and blue collar housing to the city's most prestigious country club and thriving nightspots.
(704) 376-8708
56. Practice your swing at the Dana Radar Golf School. Located at the Ballantyne Golf Resort, the Dana Radar Golf School was named to Golf Magazine’s prestigious “Top 25 Golf Schools” and features a nationally acclaimed team of PGA and LPGA instructors.
(704) 542-7635
57. Take a cultural excursion into learning at the Museum of York County. Permanent exhibitions include more than 200 full-mounted African animals as well as an outstanding collection of African artifacts.
(803) 329-2121
58. Imagine an arts and music festival featuring local and national artists, local and national musicians, and fun for the entire family! Art & Soul of South End showcases the Children’s Arts Festival, Antiques Fair and Tent Sale at Interiors Marketplace and Avenue of the Arts.
(704) 332-2227
59. The Taste of Charlotte culinary event draws over 50,000 people to Center City Charlotte to experience a wide array of beer and wine and fantastic food from 32 of the area’s hottest restaurants.
(704) 947-6590
60. Celebrate spring in the Piedmont countryside with the prestigious Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, the Charlotte area’s only horse racing event.
(704) 843-7070
61. For over half a century, Children's Theatre of Charlotte has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre, creating what one local critic called "the most technically imaginative and resourceful theatre productions in the region."
(704) 376-5745
62. Experience live music, an art gallery, and a latte at The Evening Muse. The Muse features original artists in a wide variety of genres touring at national, regional and local levels more than five nights a week.
(704) 376-3737
63. Held each October since 1991, the Public Library of Charlotte’s awardwinning Novello Festival of Reading is a celebration of reading and books including presentations by best selling authors, a street festival and other reading-related activities.
64. Get swept away in a southern winter wonderland. Holidays in the City is a month-long celebration of the holidays highlighting the city’s rich traditions and culture in countless events throughout Center City Charlotte.
(704) 332-2227
65. Why not visit the Y? Branches of the YMCA in and around Charlotte offer recreation, fitness and programs designed for the entire family.
(704) 716-6200
66. Savor the flavor of Shelton Vineyards, recently named to The Wine Report’s list of “50 Forbidden Wines.” The vineyard offers tours and delicious wines, including the awardwinning 2003 Shelton Vineyards Riesling.
(336) 366-4724
67. Shop with class and sophistication at SouthPark Mall. SouthPark proudly welcomes the second Nordstrom in the Carolinas and Neiman Marcus in the Fall of 2006! Stores include Anthropologie, Burberry, Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton.
(704) 364-4411
68. Ovens Auditorium hosts numerous traveling Broadway musicals, national touring comedy acts and celebrity musicians. Surrounded by its trademark fountains and rose gardens, Ovens Auditorium is truly among the finest of Charlotte’s landmarks.
(704) 372-3600
69. Money doesn’t grow on trees, but within Charlotte’s branch of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve Bank of Charlotte and 11 other Federal Reserve Banks nationwide, together with the Board of Governors in Washington D.C.,make up the Federal Reserve System, which is the nation's central bank.
(704) 358-2500
70. Visit the Southeast’s most complete collection of mammals at the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Gastonia. The 18th Century Backcountry Farm and Catawba Indian Village complete the educational journey.
(704) 866-6900
71. Visit the site of what was once Southern Railway Company's largest steam locomotive repair facility at the NC Transportation Museum. The site contains an authentic train depot, antique automobiles, and a 37 stall roundhouse that includes 25 locomotives and other exhibit areas.
(877) 628-6386
72. Experience firsthand why news never sleeps at the internationally recognized and award-winning The Charlotte Observer, located in Center City Charlotte. (704) 358-5795
73. Let your imagination soar at the Carolina Historic Aviation Commission Air Museum. Relive the country’s proudest moments with exhibits featuring aircraft from war and peacetime.
(704) 359-8442
74. The walls of the Sam Bass Gallery of Motorsports Art, located less than a lap away from Lowe's Motor Speedway's high-banked oval, are alive with vivid recollections of racing's most exciting and endearing events.
(704) 455-6915
75. Explore Lake Norman and enjoy the area’s best water recreation. Boating, swimming, and waterskiing are all possibilities, but the area also offers unique shops and restaurants you won’t want to miss.
(704) 892-1922
76. Part bistro, part nightclub, with two levels of dining and a DJ perched in between, Cosmos Café supplies both cuisine and décor of a continental appeal. Its Thirsty Camel Lounge is fabled for its weekly Martini Madness night.
(704) 372-3553
77. Central Piedmont Community College has hosted a Spring Literary Festival each year for the past thirteen years. With writers and visual artists ranging from novelists to landscaper painters to international poets and multicultural storytellers, CPCC brings a stunning array of talent to Charlotte.
(704) 330-6666
78. Relax on The Green, Center City Charlotte’s outdoor, novella-themed park, located across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center. Upscale restaurants and outdoor entertainment are all footsteps away.
(704) 331-2700
79. Cast a line or hunt for bargains at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the largest supplier of outdoor recreational products in the world, located at Concord Mills Mall.
(704) 979-2200
80. C’est bon! Experience Charlotte’s first French bistro, Bistro 100. A favorite among Blumenthal Center theatre goers, Bistro 100 offers exquisite French cuisine and a wine list which has won the coveted "Award of Excellence" in Wine Spectator Magazine for the past three years.
(704) 344-0515
81. Be coooool at Blue. Blue Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated restaurant that offers flavors from around the Mediterranean region, Charlotte’s finest jazz set against a mix of contemporary and old world finishes,and over 60 types of martinis.
(704) 927-2583
82. “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie…that’s amoré!” Fall in love with the areas best wood fired pizza slice at Brixx Woodfired Pizza.
(704) 347-2749
83. Looking for a two-steppin' kinda night? Coyote Joe’s attracts major country artists such as Merle Haggard and Tracy Byrd. If no big-ticket name is in town, a live country band kicks up its boot heels.
(704) 399-4946
84. Experience the collection of nationally renowned public artworks that adorn the Charlotte Convention Center, or attend a variety of tradeshows and conventions open to the public, including the Charlotte International Car Show and Mid Atlantic Boat Show.
(704) 339-6000
85. Celebrate nature’s splendor each spring as the Mint Museums host Charlotte’s Annual Home & Garden Tour. The tour features a splendid array of elegant homes and spectacular gardens located in some of Charlotte’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
(704) 337-2000
86. Interested in upscale shopping? Phillip’s Place, located in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, offers a wide variety of elegant gift boutiques, entertainment, and fine dining, including The Palm Restaurant.
(704) 714-7600
87. Experience NASCAR racing from a unique perspective at 5 OFF 5 ON. Home of the 2005 National Pit Crew Championship, 5 OFF 5 ON places guests along pit road as members of a stock car race team pit crew.
(704) 799-3869
88. View the black No. 3 GM Chevrolet driven by the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Richard Childress Racing Museum. In all, 47 vehicles are on display in the museum including all six of the No. 3 special paint scheme cars driven by Earnhardt in The Winston from 1995- 2000.
(800) 476-3389
89. Tickle your funny bone at The Comedy Zone, located in Charlotte’s north end entertainment district. The Comedy Zone welcomes national celebrities such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.
(704) 348-4242
90. Experience true role reversal with Chickspeare. Chickspeare presents innovative all-female productions of Shakespeare’s classics, including As You Like It, Macbeth, Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar.
(704) 258-3210
91. Bravo! Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas and entertains the region through the presentation of excellent Opera, Operetta, Musical Theatre and Education & Outreach Programs.
(704) 332-7177
92. Gitty up! Take a horseback ride at Latta Equestrian Center. Guided trail rides and individual and group riding lessons are available.
(704) 875-0808
93. A popular meal time favorite among conventioneers, guests and residents, Mimosa Grill provides an atmosphere of bold, timeless elegance and global cuisine with a Southern twist.
(704) 343-0700
94. Celebrate the state’s heritage of motorsports at the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Located in Mooresville, a.k.a. “Race City USA,” the Hall of Fame features various exhibits spanning all forms of motorsports present in North Carolina.
(704) 663-5331
95. If you’re a creative spirit you won’t want to miss the Hart Witzen Gallery. Part gallery, live performance venue, movie theater and artist studio, the Hart Witzen Gallery, located in the NoDa fringe arts neighborhood, exhibits cutting edge visual and performing arts.
(704) 334-1177
96. Experience a behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR with Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Over the Wall Tour, the only tour of its kind in the country to be offered at a NASCAR track.
(704) 455-FANS
97. Enjoy the historic elegance of the Van Landingham Estate (704) 334-8909, the Morehead Inn (704) 376-3357, or the Duke Mansion
(704) 714-4400.
98. The Charlotte Eagles men’s and women’s A-League professional soccer teams compete each year within theUnited Soccer League (USL).
(704) 841-8644
99. Visit the McColl Center for Visual Art. The Center supports an active artist in residence program and their works can be viewed by the public. The Center also offers lectures and artists forums.
(704) 332-5535
100. Explore the Duke Power Energy Explorium, located at McGuire Nuclear Station. The Energy Explorium features hands-on energy information exhibits, a Lake Norman movie, wildflower garden and onemile nature trail.
(704) 875-5600
101. Wind your way through Ribbon Walk, a 137-acre botanical forest and environmental education center featuring four walking trails, three large ponds, and free flowing creeks.
(704) 599-2600
