Activities

Activities and attractions are often what draw people to a certain vacation destination. Charlotte certainly has its fair share of fun and exciting things to do. The following are some of the favorite attractions in and activities located in Charlotte.

·        Lowe’s Motor Speedway: Visit the NASCAR race track and watch a race, take a tour, or even participate in a driving experience. Tickets for NASCAR races can cost anywhere from $40 to $400. The tours offered at the track give visitors an up close and personal look at areas that are usually off limits to bystanders. Tours cost $5. For those that have always wanted to experience what it feels like to be a NASCAR driver there are driving experiences available. The driving experiences range in price from $75 for a ride along with an instructor to over $3,000 for an instructional course on driving and the opportunity to actually drive an actual NASCAR car.

·        Paramount’s Carowinds Theme Park: Carowinds has fun for everyone located inside its 150 acres. New this year is a water park called Boomerang Bay Water Park and Resort. The park has thrill rides, family rides, water rides, live shows, and Nickelodeon Central. There is even a camp ground located with in the park. Admission prices range from $28 to $50 for either one or two day tickets.

·        Discovery Place: The Discovery Place is one of the best science centers in the country. There are a wide variety of exhibits to explore such as Kids Place where children under 6 can explore interactive exhibits that teach them about health, dinosaurs, and nature. There is also Our Living Planet, Geo Center, an Aquarium, Einstein’s Corner, Life Center, and Machine Shop to name a few. Discovery Place also features an IMAX Dome that shows movies on a giant 24 foot projection screen and makes you feel like you’re actually in the movie. Admission Fees into Discovery Place are as follows: Discovery Halls admission $8.50 adult’s ages 14-59, $7.50 for Seniors and children ages 2-13, children 2 and under are free. IMAX Dome admission $7.50 adults ages 14-59, $7 for seniors and children 2-13, children under 2 free. IMAX Dome and Discovery Halls admission $14 adults ages 14-59, $12 for seniors and children 2-13, children 2 and under are free.

·        Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is located west of Charlotte a short drive in the town of Belmont. The gardens feature 450 acres of plants that are divided into separate areas and gardens. Currently the Botanical Garden is expanding with a glass enclosed conservatory for exotics and there are also plans for auditorium, Asian garden, rose pergola, waterfall, and restaurant. The Botanical Gardens are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has an admission fee of $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $4 for children 4-12. Children under 4 are free.

·        SouthPark Mall: The SouthPark Mall is Charlotte’s premiere mall offering several high end retailers. Stores located in the mall are Neimen Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, BeBe, Victoria’s Secret, Coach, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Hollister & Co. , and Brooks Brothers just to name a few. There are also several places to eat with in the mall.

·        Concord Mills Mall: This outlet mall boats over 200 premium outlet stores. It is located near the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Concord Mills is actually North Carolinas biggest tourist attraction. Stores located with in the mall are Nike, Old Navy, Circuit City, Bass Pro Shop, Nautica, and Burlington Coat Factory. Located with in the mall as well is a 24 screen AMC movie theatre.

·        Charlotte Golf Links: This is one of the best golf courses Charlotte has to offer. Green fees including golf cart are $35 Monday-Thursday, $39 Fridays and $49 on weekends.

·        Sports: Charlotte is home to several professional sporting teams such as the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Bobcats (NBA expansion team), Charlotte Sting (WNBA), and the Charlotte Eagles (United Soccer League). Ticket prices for professional sporting events range from $30 to $80 for regular seating.

·        Carolina Pavillion: This 22 theatre movie complex is a great way to spend the evening. Be sure to stop by the snack bar for a tub of popcorn.

·        Southend Brewery and Smokehouse: This is a great place to spend a night with friends talking and watching whatever big game is on that night. Southend Brewery has several beers on tap from light ales to darker ones so that every taste will be satisfied. They also offer a full bar that serves up cocktails for those non beer drinkers. Several big screen TV’s make game night an experience not to be missed. They also serve from a full menu with appetizers, salads, pizzas, and entrees. Prices range from $4 to $19.