New to Charlotte? Our Top 5 Suggestions on Must-Do Activities
If you’re new here, welcome to the Queen City. Charlotte was named for the queen consort of England during its founding, and the city offers unparalleled opportunities to eat, drink and be merry like the kings and queens of old.
Whether you’re just moving to Charlotte or you’ve been here for decades, you can’t go wrong with any of these fun and fabulous adventures around the Charlotte community.
While accessibility to different activities and venues may change over time because of the impact of COVID-19, Charlotte remains a wonderful town with temperate weather and a multitude of outdoor activities to explore. We’ve pulled together a few of our favorites:
Charlotte’s Glorious Green Spaces
Breathtaking scenery and the ability to be outdoors year-round to enjoy it? There’s so much to love about Charlotte’s greenspaces. In the areas surrounding Charlotte, there are more than 52 miles of developed greenway trails.
Looking for a way to increase your knowledge while soaking in outdoor beauty? Consider a stroll through the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Prefer a more urban exploration? You can explore the city’s downtown delights on the Skyline Trail (and maybe map out the best view and location for your new office, too!).
And, while we mentioned greenspaces, green isn’t the only way we’d describe Charlotte’s trails either. Mid-fall – typically around the first week of November – is peak leaf peeping time, where you can enjoy the beauty of autumn foliage as you explore your new city.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Ready to raft? If water fun ranks high on your list, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a must-do for exploration.
You and your family can enjoy a wide variety of adventurous outdoor activities at the Center’s 1,300 acre preserve. From kayaking to rafting to stand up paddle boarding, you have a full slate of outdoor activities at your disposal.
And, if you prefer your adventures to be a bit drier, the Center still has you covered, as you can rent mountain bikes, zipline over the glorious scenery or take a family hike. With more than 30 different outdoor activities, you’re certain to make the U.S. National Whitewater Center a regular favorite on your excursion list.
Tee Up for an Afternoon of Fun on Charlotte’s Golf Courses
What’s next on the list? More green spaces and more walking (or carting, if you prefer). Charlotte is a golfer’s delight, with more than 40 courses in the vicinity.
- Want to play the best course in the area? Members at the Carmel Country Club have that privilege, as the club hosts an award-winning one.
- Looking for the longest course? You’ll get a workout on the Harry L. Jones Sr. course, which boasts more than 7,000 yards of green at an affordable price.
- Ready to share your love of golf with your favorite junior golfer? The Rocky River Golf Club has family-friendly options so you can tee up with your golf-ready kids.
And, if you’re not big on the great outdoors, or if you’re on little one watch for the afternoon, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Funtasticks, a miniature golf course with other family-friendly activities like go-karting, bumper boats and arcade games.
Taste the Charlotte Difference with FEAST Food Tours
The culinary scene is Charlotte is a delight for the senses. FEAST Food Tours gives you a sampling of some of the very best options around the city, as well as offering insight into the flavors of Charlotte itself. The tours sometimes center on specific neighborhoods so you can get to know certain areas of the city.
Even during COVID, there are some ingenious options available to sample your favorite flavors. To continue sharing their love of food and culinary expertise, FEAST has put together curated packages and virtual experiences for epicures in the area.
Imbibe Local Flavors and Culture at Charlotte’s Breweries
You could drink your way across town with the number of breweries available and ready to serve. During non-COVID times, you have your choice of cruising, busing, trolleying, biking and more to get from brewery to brewery via guided tours.
Because of the pandemic, there may be fewer organized group activities, but there are still plenty of tasty beverages on offer across the city. Some breweries even host their own tastings or have outdoor biergartens where you can more safely social distance.
Check out some of the 30+ local breweries and the myriad offerings available at each (HopCulture ranks their top five here). If you’re still house shopping or planning your move, you may be able to capture some of the flavor of different neighborhoods as well as of different brews while you enjoy your beverages.
While we can go on for days telling you everything we love about Charlotte, the best way to get to know the city is really to experience it for yourself. Dive right in and find the neighborhood, home and activities that are perfect for your lifestyle.
If you need help getting settled, give us a call and let us get you moved in and ready to explore.
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Photo by Clay Banks.
