Activities

With only a short amount of time in town you’ll want to make sure you know which attractions and activities you want to make a point of visiting. Listed below are some area attractions that you might want to visit while in town.

 

·        Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is located west of Charlotte a short drive to 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.

·        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 the 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 a IMAX Dome that shows movies on a giant 24 foot projection screen and makes you feel like you’re in the movie. Admission Fees to 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.

·        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.

·        SouthPark Mall: The SouthPark Mall is Charlotte’s premier 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.

·        Golf Club at Ballantyne Resort: This beautiful golf course is open to the public and offers spectacular greens. The staff is there to serve each golfer with anything he or she might need. Green fees including golf carts are $45 Monday-Thursday and $59 Friday-Sunday.

  

·        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.

·        Splash Food & Wine: Splash is a restaurant as well as a popular martini bar which makes it perfect for an adult only evening. The establishment offers dining accommodations and a relaxing lounge perfect for unwinding with friends and a good drink.

·        Concord Mills 24: Enjoy a movie at this 24 theatre movie complex. Of course you’ll also have to stop by the snack bar to stock up on goodies for the movie.