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The 49 best places to visit for arts and culture in Charlotte
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedSep 29, 2025
Updated • updatedSep 29, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city that beautifully blends its rich history with a thriving arts and culture scene. From the roar of NASCAR engines to the serene beauty of art museums, this city offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every taste. Whether you're a fan of contemporary art, a history buff, or someone looking to enjoy a day outdoors, Charlotte has something special waiting for you. The city's cultural landscape is dotted with unique venues that celebrate both local and national talent, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the creative spirit of the South.
As you wander through Charlotte, you'll discover a mix of well-known institutions and hidden gems that showcase the city's artistic flair. The NASCAR Hall of Fame invites racing enthusiasts to dive into the thrilling world of stock car racing, while the Billy Graham Library offers a reflective space to learn about one of the most influential figures in American history. For those seeking interactive fun, Discovery Place Science and Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville provide engaging experiences for families. With so much to see and do, Charlotte beckons you to explore its artistic treasures and cultural landmarks.
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We scoured through the internet and read through 26 reputable sites and blogs like Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these: 
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Museum
Auditorium
Specialty Museums
The NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte is a must-visit for race fans and history buffs alike. The museum pays homage to stock car racing with interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art theater, and the Hall of Fame featuring plaques honoring inductees. Visitors can trace NASCAR's evolution from dirt tracks to super-speedways and view artifacts like the first helmet with a radio, iconic uniforms, and historic trophies.
As a motorsport fan, this place is a must see. Absolutely fantastic and full of awesomeness. I had the tour and was given the pleasure of David - a man who knows pretty much everything about MASCARAS history. I cannot offer enough superlatives about him - what an amazing fellow and hopefully he remains at NHoF for a long time! I will be back to visit again!!
Ron W — Google review
I just spent 3hrs in there and it was GREAT! I could have spent even longer, so if you want to see & do everything the NASCAR Hall of Fame has to offer, plan for the whole day. If you’re already a fan, you’ll learn stuff you didn’t know & for those new to NASCAR, you’ll come out of there knowledgeable in our sport. How it first began, along with Junior Johnson’s moonshine days, interactive experiences, to getting to feel the pavement from numerous different tracks. Depending on what ticket you buy, you get a lanyard with your own hard card, unlimited times in the simulator, and more! Don’t worry about lunch, The Pit Stop Cafe has an awesome BBQ sandwich I’d recommend. Upon leaving, you’ll go through The Gear Shop, where you’ll find a variety of options for a fantastic souvenir. An amazing set-up from floor to floor, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sorry no drinks allowed inside. Enjoy!
Visited North Carolina for the first time from California for Hendrick training and decided to stop by the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Definitely worth it.
The museum has 4 levels packed with history, information, and legendary cars. The layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace and really soak in the sport’s heritage. The simulator experience was the highlight — super fun and surprisingly realistic.
Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in Charlotte. A great mix of history and hands-on fun. 🏁🚗💨
We had a wonderful time at our company sponsored event! The simulator was very cool and the place was nice with plenty of things to see. John was awesome, checking in and making conversation with us regularly. He was so fun to talk to and so genuine! Highly recommend!
Only struggle we had was finding the entrance since we originally entered Buffalo Wild Wings but that’s a super small blip. Great experience overall.
We traveled all the way from Hungary, and visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte was absolutely worth it! The exhibits, the atmosphere, and the passion for racing are beyond amazing. You can truly feel the heart and history of NASCAR in every detail. A dream come true for any fan unforgettable experience!
An awesome museum with the actual cars and other memorabilia. Handling a stationery simulator was an experience. Great fun. Nicely laid out. They have a combo with lunch and that was great too. Parking was next door. Reasonable rates. Go see it!
Great exhibits, lots to keep everyone entertained. Videos, memorabilia, and hands on exhibits. We happened to be there on a race day and got to join the fun of the watch party with enthusiasts. Great fun.
We had a blast! I upgraded to the combo package with the souvenir lanyard and photo, as well as the driving simulator. There is a ton of history here and is well worth the experience for those who are fans and who aren’t fans alike! There is a replica car hauler that you can walk through as well as a place to try your hand at what the pit crews do! A must see in Charlotte! They also have a parking garage there on site at the HOF connected to the convention center.
400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Science museum
Aquarium
Indoor playground
Movie theater
Planetarium
Discovery Place Science, located in Uptown Charlotte, is a captivating science and technology museum that offers interactive exhibits, an aquarium, rainforest experience, and an IMAX theater. Established in 1946 by teacher Laura Owens, the museum has evolved through various relocations and renovations while maintaining its commitment to inspiring and educating students and teachers in STEM fields. With additional locations in Freedom Park, Huntersville, and Rockingham, N.C.
I had an amazing time at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte! This museum is full of interactive exhibits that make science fun and engaging for all ages. We got to touch a snake and sea stars, which was an unforgettable experience! On the third floor, there’s a creative space where you can build your own projects using boxes and tape—perfect for those who love hands-on creativity and solving scientific puzzles.
The second floor felt like stepping into a tropical fairy tale, with beautiful birds flying around in a lush rainforest setting. The aquarium section was also a nice surprise, and the live science demonstrations were fascinating. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the visit even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re visiting with kids or just love science and creativity, this place is definitely worth a visit. Highly recommend!
Gaukhar R — Google review
Lots of cool things, kept my 16-year-old and my seven-year-old attention and captivated the space was clean. Staff was helpful and friendly parking was OK. You also get a 25% off pass for your parking ticket. I’m assuming if you pay online I paid online. I don’t know how we got the 25% off at the counter, but it was offered m
Discovery Place science is a great place. I had a great time. I had a blast. It’s definitely worth the money even parking isn’t that back either I would highly recommend this location. Please check it out. Take your children. They will run around and have fun for hours. It’s a lot of activities. Never a dull moment. Well worth the money Time and loud noises lol I’m definitely going back to visit again
I was a little disappointed with this science museum. There was one area that was closed for a new exhibit that was coming (I know that this takes place at times), but I felt that this was geared more to children rather than people of all ages. When their main exhibit area is closed there is not much for an adult to do there. It is a well kept and informative place though.
Great museum, in my opinion one of the best ones I've ever been too. Right when you walk in the frogs are incredible. I didn't even know there were that many types of frogs! The next part was more old artifacts that were super cool. Some of them scared me, spiders got something scary bout them. The top floor was really interactive for kids, with a real bed of nails you can lay on. A chair you sit on and pull yourself into the sky. If your in Charlotte, this is another must see attraction.
Really fun experience! Here visiting and it was raining so was needing something indoors. My daughter would have stayed here for 4-5 hrs if we had the time! We spent 2.5hrs and it flew by because it was so interesting and hands on. Tons of experiences and stations to do hands on things!
My only complaint was the parking. There is a garage but is $17 for 2hrs or $30 for the day. That’s ridiculous when we already spent $72 for 2 adults and 1 child to enter. Parking should be included. We parked down the road in a lot that was $15 for the day and less than 5 minute walk.
Otherwise was a blast! Could be a full day if you added in imax and lunch nearby.
Fantastic place to spend a day with your kids. There are countless handson experiences they can do, from playing with water, magnets, gears, building toy cars, playing music with different objects like pans. There are 3 floors full of exitement and open imagination for the kids. They have an aquarium section with lots of different species and one area where they can touch starfishs and sea urchins. Lots of interesting stuff for the little ones and the no so little as well. The dining options are really good and in the healthier side with fun names and shapes for the kids, like the “spaceadilla” with a rocket shape.
We didnt had the chance to go into the IMAX shows but it was a great day at the museum. You can save $5 per person when you buy your tickets online.
Very interesting and educational for children and their parents! We had a wonderful time with the whole family! We'll be happy to come back!
168 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
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Modern art museum
Museums
Art museum
Located in Uptown, Charlotte, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is housed in an elegant 4-story building that boasts natural light. The museum showcases mid-20th-century modern art and is part of the Levine Center for the Arts. Visitors can also explore nearby parks such as Romare Bearden Park for stunning city views and charming waterfalls.
I’m really glad I decided to visit the Museum of Modern Art. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly welcomed by a friendly staff member at the front desk. She kindly explained which galleries were open and what I could explore.
Since it was Sunday, I was lucky enough to get in for free—definitely a nice surprise! However, the fourth floor was unfortunately closed, which was a bit disappointing, as I would have loved to see the full exhibition.
Despite that, I truly enjoyed my visit. The museum has a great selection of modern art, and the atmosphere is inspiring. If you appreciate contemporary art, this place is definitely worth checking out. I’ll definitely come back again to see what I missed!
Volodymyr B — Google review
Enjoyed our visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art! We visited on a Wednesday and the entrance was free.
“Every Wednesday from 5–9 PM, enjoy free admission and live entertainment at four rotating venues: The Mint Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B.”
Collection: The museum's collection primarily comes from the Bechtler family, who donated over 1,400 works by major figures of 20th-century modernism, including artists such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Alberto Giacometti, and Andy Warhol.
Wow, this museum was pretty dope. I love how quiet and peaceful it was. They have 2 floors of amazing art. They offer u coffee and water. 10 bucks a person.
The museum if featuring the work of Icelandic artist Hildur Asgeirsdottir Jonsson, born 1963 she works mainly with silk threads and dyes. The museum is a 36,500-square-foot building with space dedicated to the exhibition of mid-20th-century modern art. I, found out from one of the staff, that it is part of the new Levine Center for the Arts in Uptown. The museum building itself is an impressive architectural piece designed by architect Mario Botta. Look up Botto for more on the inspiration behind this building! Leave me a comment below, if you like my post!
“Do not leave for tomorrow, what you can do today!”
This is such a cool spot downtown to take a break and see some art. It is a smaller museum than some but still a gem in the city. A joy to behold!
Was very happy to see multiple Picasso pieces. Admission was very reasonable. As with anything in that part of town, parking is far from ideal.
Our visit was 17 February 2024 after my Hot Chocolate 5K Run. Although sunny outside it was breezy and cold. We went to this museum, which was good. Some unique works, with 4 floors, stairs & elevator. Staff were helpful, polite, and pleasant. Spent about 45 minutes and loved the big mirror statue outside. Something different.
Just wanted to share a quick note about our incredible day at the art museum today! Thanks to Maggie, our tour guide, we had a truly engaging and fun experience. Maggie was incredibly knowledgeable about all the artwork, and she shared fascinating stories about the artists and their creations. The kids were completely captivated, and it was wonderful to see them learn and be inspired. If you're looking for a fantastic family outing, I highly recommend the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. You won't be disappointed!
420 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Museum
Art center
Art gallery
Community center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is a modern institution that celebrates the rich history and art of African-Americans. Located in Uptown, it's surrounded by parks offering great photo opportunities and unique experiences like Romare Bearden Park with its stunning city views and charming waterfalls. The center is part of the vibrant arts scene in the area, alongside theaters at Blumenthal Performing Arts complex and galleries like Goodyear Arts and LaCa Projects.
If you ever need a cultural event, please visit this museum. They curate events ranging from art exhibits, fashion shows, and yoga classes to hip hop talks. The staff is super friendly and the space is absolutely gorgeous. This museum is apex to Charlotte. Love it here!
S. H — Google review
This place was amazing. The singing and dancing, then crafts for my 9 year old for Juneteenth, was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the artwork. I loved the exhibits and artwork 🥰
I was there to celebrate the "Chop Shop" exhibition opening, where my husband's, among many other talented artists, work was being featured. It's a beautiful building and a huge space, and I was honored to be a witness to such an occasion. Thank you again to all those people who made this happen.
If you are in Charlotte, check out this museum. Students do receive student discounts. You can walk through different installations and rooms. They also have a room in which some of the artists explain the concepts behind their work. They do have multiple floors to visit, and it is a great way to connect and learn about Black history while visiting Charlotte.
Outstanding Establishment With A Great Opportunity To Learn About Culture. Me And My Family Were Overwhelmed With Joy Of Witnessing Such An Outstanding Combination Of Great African American Art, Thanks For The Ultimate Establishment, We Greatly Appreciate This.
So much talent on display. Great place to see art. The young lady that worked there was a bit stiff...but....we still enjoyed the museum.
Nice clean museum with modern day art collection. The people were nice that helped us. Their instructions on were to start and go was very helpful. The art exhibits was ok. I was expecting a little more historical art to go with modern collection. It seem more politically driven style art of expression. You really have to have a taste for this style. It's not a historical art museum for African American culture......not even an expression more individual thought.
We, The President Divas 💜 enjoyed ourselves. Yearly Trip July 2025 take a tour, will not be disappointed.
551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
expensive
Art museum
Museums
Arts organization
Specialty Museums
The Mint Museum – Uptown is a renowned museum in Charlotte's Levine Center for the Arts, showcasing international art and offering live performances and educational programs for all ages. It houses the internationally-acclaimed Mint Museum of Craft + Design, along with impressive collections of American, contemporary, and European art. The facility features expansive galleries and various visitor amenities such as learning spaces, shops, and dining areas.
Although I have lived in Charlotte three separate times and have visited many times while not living there, I had never been to the Mint Museum until this week. I was pleasantly surprised. Their Contemporary Art gallery is pretty impressive. There are so many works that I simply loved. I’ll be back to visit the collection again.
The one thing the museum absolutely has to do is print a purchasable guide / catalog of its permanent collection. Not having one is a lost revenue opportunity.
Michael C — Google review
If you simply want to give something new a try and you're curious to learn more about art. Without a doubt, you should visit the Mint Museum. I visited on a Wednesday when entrance was free. Learning about various cultures and both local & global artists is a pleasant way to broaden your horizons. If you come, you won't be let down.
I really enjoy the different exhibits of the mint museum has to offer.
More recently I've been to the Annie Leibowitz exhibit. That was fantastic and really was neat to get a glimpse into the Rolling Stone photographer and overall landscape and people photographer.
And then just a couple weeks ago I went to a really funky cool event for local designers with a '70s '80s and '90s dance party with fashion show pop-ups.
What a cool way to get people to come to the museum!
And also I learned that they're doing this really neat event through August where every Wednesday is wine night in the gift shop, as if I needed another reason to go to the gift shop.
I really enjoy getting to see art. I really enjoy the layout of the mint museum and I look forward to seeing many new exhibits there this year and in the future.
It's a definite must go to if you need a little art in your life!
This is one of the best art museum we have visited. Beautiful paintings, sculptures and modern art are displayed in different levels. We totally loved the entire experience and the information available for each painting or art. This is a must see place if you are visiting the city.
Excellent experience. They always have something going on! This time went for exhibits and wine and for a whole fashion show! I really love it here!
Was a nice experience overall, the mint museum contains all styles of art works of different time and themes, the architecture design is aesthetical as well. It was not easy to find parking, but one of the good things is that it opens until late so you would have enough time to visit.
Wonderful art museum featuring local artists. Two floors of modern and contemporary collections. Also a variety of love sculptured artwork. Visited here for a private event, but I definitely would visit again.
Had an amazing time check out my tik tok stylesbybeck came for a Wednesday night event and boy a time was had. I would definitely be back the exhibition were amazing
at Levine Center for the Arts, 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
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History museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Levine Museum of the New South in Uptown Charlotte offers an engaging exploration of post-Civil War Southern history and the people who drove social change. The museum's current exhibition, "Charlotte: Moving Forward, Looking Back," delves into the city's evolution from its early settlement to modern times. Through interactive exhibits and diverse family-friendly programs, visitors can learn about Charlotte's transformation from a trading village to a thriving financial center and its journey towards becoming a multicultural city.
Visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales was an enriching experience! The museum offers an incredible variety of artworks that span from classical pieces to contemporary Australian and international artists. The Indigenous Australian art section was particularly eye-opening, giving me deeper insight into the culture and history of the land.
The layout of the museum is beautiful, and the space is filled with natural light, making it a pleasant place to explore. The staff were welcoming, and the free admission was a great bonus! I highly recommend this museum to any tourists visiting Sydney—it’s a great way to immerse yourself in Australian culture and art.
AN G — Google review
This is a small elegant museum, free to enter. It captures the history and evolution of Charlotte and North Carolina pretty well. It's a single floor, takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend on each topic. Lots of images, maps, explanation of milestone moments for the city and the state that shaped it over centuries. The two key events I remember from visit are Charlotte's role in ending segregation and the city became the a leader in banking world. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Charlotte for the first time.
The exhibits of the history of Charlotte were interesting especially during the civil rights era in the mid 20th century. Although the museum was small, at least admission was free.
Wonderful afternoon learning about Charlotte's history. Free museum that accepts donations. Historical and Educational. Spent about 90 at the museum. Close to many restraunts, shops, stadiums, parking, hotels, and the airport is 8 minutes away.
I loved my visit.
An exceptionally informative and educational exhibition of Charlotte’s history, present and future. Entry is free, however donations are recommended. Plan to spend at least an hour to cover material. Must see for any Charlotte resident or visitor to connect to the city and understand the evolution of Charlotte.
This was a very interesting and informative spot for me to find by chance when I was looking to get out of the rain. I read through almost all of the exhibit and found everything to be quite interesting. There was a board to leave a personal comment on which I thought was a great idea and very helpful after such an emotional exhibit. Thank you and I have recommended you to other friends and family.
I’m happy I came here! I recently moved to Charlotte and I didn’t know the rich history behind this bustling city. I think all Charlotte natives or new Charlotte residents should come here for a history lesson. So good. The front desk staff was very inviting and the parking is validated if you park in the parking garage.
The museum is well done. The layout is fantastic and I love all the different recreations of stores, barber shops and letting you really walk into them. Lots of good information and creative ways for you to interact with the exhibits, I would highly recommend!
401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Museum
Book store
Cafe
Library
The Billy Graham Library, located just a few miles from where the renowned religious leader grew up in Charlotte, is a sprawling 20-acre site that offers visitors a glimpse into his life and legacy. The library features Graham's original family home, which has been meticulously restored using 80% of its original materials, as well as his extensive personal book collection of nearly 4,000 titles.
A Powerful and Inspiring Experience
The Billy Graham Library is a beautifully curated, self-guided journey through the life and ministry of a man who said “yes” to God—and let that surrender shape a global impact for the Kingdom. My husband and I were deeply moved by how powerfully it illustrates what God can do through one life fully yielded to Him.
We had read that two hours would be enough time, but we gave ourselves three and a half and still didn’t get to see everything. Unfortunately, we missed the house tour and didn’t have time to browse the store as we had hoped.
The food at the Dairy Barn was great—we just wish we had made it back in time to try the milkshakes!
As we prepare to enter full-time missions ourselves, this afternoon spent exploring Billy Graham’s legacy was incredibly meaningful and encouraging. One of the highlights was Barbara taking a moment to pray for us at the end of our visit. That meant so much.
The entire team was warm, welcoming, and clearly committed to excellence. Thank you for creating such an impactful experience.
Rachael T — Google review
Amazing place!!!! I love Billy Graham and I am so glad I got the opportunity to visit his library. You can sense the presence of God there, all the staff are SO WARM and FRIENDLY. The tour and experience is well organized and laid out. I would gladly come back again and again.
Glory to God for blessing us with such a man and his ministry. And to all who put this together to honour his legacy which points us all to Jesus. And it’s totally free!
This is a must see! The Billy Graham Library is truly a special place. The Journey of Faith museum experience is so well done it beautifully captures the history of Billy Graham’s life and ministry. Walking through, you can see how God used his obedience and faith to impact millions around the world. Every exhibit is meaningful, and the storytelling is powerful and personal.
I visited years ago and wow, that have really done a pronominal job.
Be sure and check out his childhood home, which has been carefully preserved, as well as the quiet, peaceful gravesite it’s a moving reminder of a life well lived.
A great tip: take a little time to sit on the back porch with a good book and just soak in the atmosphere. The setting itself is peaceful and welcoming, making the entire visit feel uplifting.
Also spend some time in the gift shop as well as the cafe. The food on the cafe is really good and reasonably priced.
I left encouraged, inspired, and grateful for the reminder of how God can use one life surrendered to Him and reach so many,
What a neat place! I think they moved Billy Graham’s home four miles to this location, which is pretty amazing, Rick. The people there are super friendly. I don’t know if I would call it just a library or more of an experience. It begins with a visit to the main library, where friendly staff introduce you to the site and give a short tour via videos about Millard and his evangelistic movement. At the end, of course, you get a call from Billy encouraging you to give your life to the Lord, which is a nice touch. However, some people might find it odd if they just happen across the place. The house is well maintained, although you can’t go upstairs. There are a couple of pieces of furniture that were actually in the Graham household, while everything else is period-appropriate.
Beautiful experience! I would visit again and would love to take my kids. This is a great reminder of our purpose as followers of Christ, to spread the gospel. Each exhibit is amazing and great way to share his life and all his accomplishments.
We visited the museum several weekends in a row because we really enjoyed the tours and the walking areas. We gained a lot of positive emotions and inspiration from the life story of Billy Graham. His home is a work of art in itself, and we enjoyed every corner of it.
Had an Amazing time. Such a fun, peaceful place. Billy's story is unmatched. Staff are all friendly and even offer to pray for you. Prices aren't terrible and there is food on site(and ice cream)
Visiting the Billy Graham Library was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The atmosphere is filled with peace, love, and God’s presence. A truly beautiful place that touches the heart and soul.
4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA•
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Art center
Theaters
The Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is the main venue for various local arts organizations, including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Opera Carolina. Opened in 1992, this 2,118-seat theater boasts top-notch lighting and sound systems as well as exceptional acoustics. Visitors can look forward to a diverse lineup of performances throughout the year, including Broadway musicals from the PNC Broadway Lights Series.
We had a wonderful evening at the Belk Theater in Charlotte! My husband and I came to see Ain’t Too Proud to Beg and were blown away by the performance—the talent, music, and energy were unforgettable. The theater itself is beautiful, with comfortable seating and great acoustics. One thing we really appreciated was that drinks and snacks were allowed during the show—it made the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. From the friendly staff to the seamless entry process, everything ran smoothly. We can’t wait to come back for another performance!
Dana D — Google review
My mother, 3 daughters, and I went to see Wicked. It was wonderful seats and a beautiful theater. My husband and I along with 2 of our friends went in the spring to see The Thorne!! Wow, oh wow.. it was amazing. I dont believe it matters where you sit the seats are awesome. The few steps you go down to get to the lower seats are easily accessible, but they also have a small elevator which holds 3 people or a wheelchair and 1 person comfortably. The parking is really close by, but it is a madhouse to get out. You need to know how to drive in back to back traffic.
I had the privilege of seeing‘Immediate Family’ last night at the Booth Theatre (1st time at this venue). I must say that I was entirely enthused with the performance as well as the atmosphere. It was an intimate setting and the acoustics and view were outstanding. I will definitely be returning in the near future. Thanks for the hospitality, you all do an awesome job with your duties and I love it.
Beautiful theater. Seating is spectacular even in the balcony. Acoustics are good.
Rick at the box office was super helpful and generous to us, with 5 last minute tickets a few minutes before the show!!
Great venue for theatrical performances! Had a wonderful experience at the final stage performance of Wicked. Lots of excitement in the lobby, friendly staff (concessions, souvenirs, seating attendants). Remarkable, talented performers and orchestra. Stage sets were fantastic. Bravo!
Beautiful theater. The staff is very organized for any events that I have been to there. Would be a 5 but seats can be a little uncomfortable after a while. Certain rows do not have much leg room.
Went and saw Beetlejuice here. The musical was good. Pretty decent size theatre. Only problem is it is downtown. Gets very busy in downtown Charlotte. Overall, I had a good experience. Would definitely go again.
I love this theater. Very intimate. Every seat is excellent. People are very professional and friendly. Everyone is willing to assist you.
130 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Art museum
Museums
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Charlotte, The Mint Museum – Randolph stands as a beacon of international art and culture. This remarkable institution invites visitors to immerse themselves in an extensive collection that spans American art, contemporary pieces, and decorative arts from around the globe. As you wander through its thoughtfully curated galleries, you'll encounter a diverse array of stunning artworks including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and furniture.
Lovely winter day filled with 2 hours of art. There was a 50% off holiday themed items in the museum gift shop. There was also jewelry for sale that went along with the jewelry exhibit, very cool. The photography exhibit was inspired. The nicest surprise was all the pieces from Peru, such a beautiful collection.
Erika J — Google review
Nice small museum near the hearth of Charlotte. Quick walk around and enjoy the park after for a picnic. Bank of America account holders have certain days free admission 😊😊 you’re welcome 😊👍
My husband and I got married at the Mint Museum on Randolph on May 10, 2025 and had a great experience! We were looking for a laid back, elegant venue to get married and this was the perfect place! Our wedding was totally outdoors, on the front terrace and front lawn and turned out more beautiful than I had imagined! Alison was great to work with and always provided us with the information we needed in a timely manner. The event ran smoothly and we had the best time! Would highly recommend touring if you’re engaged and looking for venues! -all photos were taken by The Nelsons Photo
My family and I were genuinely excited to visit the original Mint Museum, but our experience was sadly tainted by what felt like clear racial profiling. From the moment we arrived, we were followed closely by a security guard named Muhammad. Not just monitored—from gallery to gallery, he trailed us so persistently and obviously that it made us feel targeted and uncomfortable in a space that should be welcoming to all.
Eventually, I asked him to take a photo of us just to break the awkward tension. No one should have to “prove” their innocence or comfort a security guard in order to enjoy art with their family.
As a Black family, we’re tired of being treated with suspicion instead of respect. We came to enjoy culture, not be surveilled like criminals. This kind of experience is not unique to us, and that’s exactly the problem. Racial profiling—subtle or not—is unacceptable.
We hope the Mint Museum reflects on this and makes serious changes to ensure that all visitors, regardless of race, feel equally welcome and respected.
We came here as one of our stops on a day trip to Charlotte. There was plenty of parking. We purchased a membership when we were there as it was a money saver after the second time we go. There was quite a variety of exhibits, and it's an easy walk through. You can take as much or as little time as you want to enjoy this museum. Highly recommend!
An incredible museum. The skateboard and Puerto Rico Christian displays were particularly amazing. Highly recommend!
As a Charlotte native I’ve been to this museum countless times as a child on field trips, but it definitely hits different as an adult when you can actually appreciate the art in front of you. I had the pleasure to attend a special ticketed event showcasing NC wines and chefs. It was truly an amazing experience and so much fun. Each winery had a special dish paired with their wines and everything married so well. And while sipping, got to walk around the museum exploring the exhibits. Whether you go just for a regular visit or for a special event, I think anyone will enjoy this beautiful museum.
I attended wild Wednesday with my children on 6/25/25, expecting a safe, inclusive experience like any parent would. Instead, I was racially profiled and followed around by a staff member who is darker than me. I was approached/questioned/treated in a way that was clearly different from how others were being treated, and the only thing that set me apart was the color of my skin.
This experience was not only upsetting for me but confusing and heartbreaking for my children to witness. What was supposed to be a fun, positive family outing turned into a moment that reminded us how far we still have to go when it comes to equality and basic respect.
Events for children should reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, and kindness. I hope the organizers and staff take this seriously and provide anti-bias training to prevent this from happening to anyone else. No family should be made to feel like they don’t belong.
2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA•
Museum
Historical landmark
History museum
The Charlotte Museum of History offers a variety of experiences for history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore restored Colonial home and grounds through docent-led or cell-phone-guided tours. The museum also hosts 'Thursdays at the Museum' events, featuring programs on rotating historic topics such as Scotch-Irish history and Outlander. Additionally, visitors can learn about the Catawba Indians, early settlers, and the shaping of modern-day Charlotte in exhibits focused on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
Went here for the Bridgerton Ball and it was great! Easy to park, we didn’t wait too long, and there were plenty of interesting nooks and crannies. I would love to come back and have a museum day here. Katy Werlin is the artist who made these incredible historical gowns.
Samhitha M — Google review
The Charlotte Museum of History was a really cool surprise, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I went with some family visiting from out of town and we all ended up spending way more time there than planned. The exhibits are well done and the staff was super knowledgeable, especially during the tour of the old Hezeiah Alexander house. You can tell they really care about preserving local history. It’s a great way to learn more about Charlotte’s roots, and honestly I’d go back again just to catch the parts I missed the first time.
We were absolutely delighted by our visit here! The lady was sooo helpful when we arrived. She explained every indoor area of the museum as well as outdoors. We took our time and enjoyed every written, material, informative video presentations, and outdoor exploration of the museum! Everything is expertly arranged. A history buff's dream.
If you are a history buff, this is a must see location. Well orchestrated self guided tour using your smartphone. Reasonably priced. Well maintained. Very nice and enthusiastic staff.
Thoroughly enjoyed the docent tour of the 1774 Rock House and impressed by the restoration of the Siloam School! Interesting rotating exhibits and events. The Museum is also a great meeting / event venue!
Great exhibits and interesting information. Staff was incredibly nice
The Charlotte Museum of History in Eastern Charlotte was a great learning experience about the history of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina. You can allocate 2 hours to the museum, if you want to explore everything in detail. Their last admission is at 4pm every day when they’re open, so be mindful of that.
There are mainly two sections to the museum—the first part is the outside where you can find the Hezekiah Alexander’s Rock House, the kitchen, and the spring house, including a few other structures. I appreciated that over the years, the museum has tried to maintain the originality of the structures both from outside as well as inside. The Rock House is the oldest building in the Mecklenburg County! I didn’t know that. It’s an easy walk to explore all the areas outside. There’s the freedom bell too which makes for a good photo spot. There’s a bit of history to the bell as well.
The inside of the museum is spread across two floors with the lower floor having pictures related to Charlotte history over the years, an auditorium(for events I presume), and other significant artifacts and dioramas showcasing the events and people that shaped Charlotte.
The second floor had a cartoon exhibit, and a section called “Charlotte Gems” which showcased the important people in Charlotte’s history. It was an enriching experience to learn about both. Cartooning indeed can be quite powerful drawing inspiration from the world affairs, and in turn influencing the masses it reaches to. The exhibit shed light on the prominent cartoon artists of Charlotte.
I wish there was more information in the museum about the slaves and the Native American people who shaped Charlotte, but the information is scant, not because it’s the museum’s fault, but there’s literally scant information available about them. For instance, the information about the slaves is only available through the writings of Hezekiah, who owned them. As accurate as those writings may be, they still cannot completely capture their lives. The museum continues to try and uncover new information about Charlotte’s history, which is wonderful.
Overall, I highly recommend the museum in case you’re a history buff like me, and even if you aren’t, you still can find something of interest here.
The staff is polite, and does their best to help. There’s a discount available for students, seniors and children. In case you want to do a rock house tour, that’s available too for an additional fee. Check out their website for the latest prices.
We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and the museum wasn’t busy. There’s a big parking lot outside, so parking shouldn’t be a problem.
The museum is very nice and clean. I thought the staff was very friendly and personable. Although I loved the items and information inside, I feel it needs to be expanded a bit more. I also would have loved a more in-depth look inside the historic buildings. Whether it be through photographs or specific windows to look inside. Hopefully, that gets added in the future. Overall, it was a quiet and nice experience. It has a lot of potential. They do offer military discounts to active duty members, which is nice.
3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA•
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Park
Conference center
Hiking area
Ice skating rink
Nestled just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. This expansive recreation complex boasts the world's largest man-made river, perfect for thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking experiences. Beyond water sports, visitors can explore 12 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails or test their skills at one of the nation's largest outdoor climbing facilities.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. is an absolute gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're rafting through exhilarating Class IV rapids or unwinding with yoga by the river, this place offers something for every adventurer. The trails are beautifully maintained, the climbing walls are world-class, and the vibe is pure energy and nature. Staff are knowledgeable and safety focused, and the food options are surprisingly great for a recreation center. It’s the kind of place where you can challenge yourself, connect with others, and leave feeling completely recharged. Highly recommend spending a full day here you won’t regret it!
Paul L — Google review
What very fun and active place! This was my first time ever zip lining and white water rafting and I had a ball! The staff was so helpful! Orientation was a breeze! The food was down right delicious and the live band in the evening was great! Such a great atmosphere for everyone and all ages!
Such a wide variety of active adventures here. Various levels of whitewater rafting and kayaking , flat water kayak and stand up paddle boarding, zip lines, suspension bridges… good food and good beer… great staff. All staff we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable. We went one day and decided to buy an annual pass.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an awesome, phenomenal place! I highly recommend it, especially for families. It is well worth the visit and the drive.
Activities and Facilities
This place offers so much more than just the water activities. You can find:
• Zip lines
• Whitewater kayaking and rafting
• Mountain biking
• A massive rock climbing wall that hangs out over a pool
• Two or three bars on location serving draft beer
• A conference center and plenty of open space.
We were here for four days for the slalom kayaking and national kayaking cross competitions, and it was a blast. My son is having just as much fun on his second visit as he did the first time.
Value and Recommendation
The season pass is 100% affordable, making it a fantastic value if you're local to the Charlotte area.
If you are in Charlotte, you absolutely have to check this place out. We will definitely be coming back again!
Super cool Place to just enter for a $12 parking fee and take a walk. Have a picnic, even bring your dogs in for a walk. They have an area down the street. That's off-leash, very cool place. You can spend the money to get on kayaks or rafts and ride on the white water rafting pool,/ Area rock, climbing over pools. Stand up paddle boarding in a completely different area off of the river creek. Super cool area Super cool place, whenever in the Charlotte area. I highly recommend this for you. The kids, the wife, the son, the cousin, the daughter, the aunt, everyone is welcome. Very nice and friendly atmosphere go now
First time experiencing white water rafting and such a blast! We held a quick conference there in the morning at their lodge meeting center and then stayed for lunch and white water rafting! Definitely a wet, wild and exhilarating time was had by all. Definitely a must do if you're in the Charlotte area!
What an awesome place! We came for a few hours and wished we'd planned on taking the whole day. We managed to pack in Rafting, climbing, hitting up the dog park and a really tasty late lunch. And there was so much more to do. BUT this is also a great place to come and just relax. You only have to pay to park if you just want to come and relax in the beautiful park-like setting. And then if you are feeling like having some adventure time, you can a'la cart activities or buy a day pass OR get a yearly pass which is a steal. And it should be said that we were really impressed with the staff. Everyone was not only very nice, but also professional. We wish we had not waited so long to come out and enjoy this wonderful place.
Great time here! Started out as a company rafting trip.... A couple of us stayed all day. Highly recommend doing the day pass just know that you have to pay extra for the tall zip lines on top of it. (They didn't disclose this)
The big zips were worth it! Recommend the top line to ropes bridges to bottom zip over the rapids.
The biggest issues that we had were miscommunication on the employees part. It seemed like everybody we talked to had only been working there two months or less.... There's no consistency between which year from one employee to the next regarding where to go or what to do. Prime example was calling 2 months ahead of time to schedule the company rafting trip and specifically asking about the rodeo option for multiple people. We were told at that time that you could show up day of and get in. They were not worried about reservations ahead of time as it probably wouldn't be too busy. Let me show up the day of and they tell us that they don't do it on weekends 🙄.
Our guide made up for it as there was only four of us in the big boat and he read the people perfectly and made sure we did the most extreme he could to make it fun!
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214, USA•
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Water park
Theme Parks
Carowinds is a seasonal amusement park located on the border of North and South Carolina, just southwest of Charlotte. It offers a variety of world-class rides, including 13 roller coasters and attractions for all ages in Planet Snoopy. The park also features the Harbor Waterpark for summer fun and the new aviation-themed section called Aeronautica Landing with five immersive attractions.
It was a nice amusement park and water park. There are not many rides for little kids, but they have some great rollercoaster ridesplan on bringing quite a bit of money. I was lucky im 65, so I only paid 19.99 to get in. I bought a refillable drink cup for the day, which cost me 21.97. A small box of popcorn was 8.35.. parking is 35.00 vip parking is 45.00. The one good thing they did was because of the high heat, we went 4th of July weekend was any food place or drink stand you could get a free cup of water. No outside food is supposed to be allowed, but they don't check bags, so you can bring in chips or something. They are a cashless place, so have a credit or debit card with you. Also, you walk through a metal detector. You must have an ID with you. They check for someone over 21 with kids, although he asked a single guy in front of me for his, so just have it ready. There are plenty of rest rooms with no lines for the womens room, that is, people just don't like to flush the toilet, so that's something to watch for. It's a nice park, though, and I can see me going back there again.
Ingrid H — Google review
Had an awesome day! Even with the July heat, the shaded lines, fans, and free water kept us going from open to close!
I highly recommend the premium dining plan. By the time you buy 2 meals and a drink you’ve basically paid for the plan. Then, you get to eat every 90 minutes and drink every 15 minutes.
Going on a weekday will give you the ability to ride basically all of the rides multiple times!
The staff was awesome, kind, and helpful answering any questions we had.
Looking for a fun activity for the family that is outdoors and away from screens? This is a great option! We brought a big group our church and had a blast as well!
Overall, I’d highly recommend this amusement park if you’re into thrilling rides, good food, and a great time with friends and family!
The park is spotless, with well-organized entry controls, and the variety of roller coasters is fantastic — each one feels like a completely different experience. I managed to ride almost all of them! They have great promotions, plenty of food spots, drink stations, and souvenir shops spread throughout the park. The staff is super friendly, and the park itself is huge, full of history, and perfect for a full day of fun.
Wow wow wow …I never thought I would be able to take these thunderstorm rides haha. We really enjoyed them and we found all we needed in the park:fun, food, smiles and most importantly collected memories 💪🏻🫂🥰
Updated review 10/10/2025 for Scarowinds attractions. Would give zero stars if it was an option. Person at the Scarowinds ticketing booth sold us the express passes telling us that it was once for The Conjuring experience and unlimited for the rest of the scare zones. When we got to The Conjuring experience, there was at least 500 people in line already. We told the employee at the entrance to the line that we had the express pass. She said that the Conjuring did not have an express lane. She said they told that to people at the beginning of the park and it was wrong information. Paid $60+ each for 3 useless express passes sold as "for the main experience."
This review was 2 months earlier.
Great park. Has gotten alot better lately. I remember a few years ago it used to be empty and rides broke down alot. Didn't have any of that this time. Visited July 5th 2025 with family, and we had a great time. Relaxed by the water park after doing some of the roller coasters.
Great amusement park. Big high thrill rides. Smaller rides for kids. Events year round. Awesome water park. Crowds and higher prices are to be expected. Scarowinds is a great time too.
Very nice park , clean and everything seems to be well maintained. All the employees I encountered were very nice and seemed to do their jobs well.
All the food we tried while there was very good from brisket to pulled pork and chicken tenders.
I was impressed with Fury 325 and Copperhead Strike . Both are great rides . We came on a Sunday, a very hot day and the park overall was not very busy or at least imo it wasn't, though I'm used to Cedar Point type busy 😅😅. Overall great experience at this park.
Rides were fun. Went early on a Saturday morning and luckily lines were not awful. Fury325 is very intense and also a very smooth. Thunder Striker is just as smooth, intense as well but not quite as terrifying 😆. Other coasters were great. Need to remember I'm too old for Carolina Cyclone, it beat me up. I don't ride Hurler anymore for that same reason. First time on Copperhead Strike - very fun coaster! Afterburn is still one of my favorite coasters of all time; it is really a fun ride!!
Overpriced food was very low quality. $65 for two slices of pizza which came with a garlic bread knot. And 2 medium fountain drinks. Just excessive. I think a different food & bev model would work out better for the park. I'm sure it is challenging to manage that aspect but still, the quality should at least be satisfactory at those exorbitant prices.
Arts organization
Shopping
Art center
Art gallery
Located in Charlotte's Uptown area, the McColl Center for Art and Innovation is a renowned contemporary art gallery and studio workspace. It offers over 30,000 square feet of space, including 5,000 square feet for rotating public art exhibitions. The center provides nine individual art studios for regional artists participating in its artist-in-residency program. Additionally, common-use spaces are available, such as a large-scale sculpture studio.
A wonderful art gallery and studio space for the creatives in the Queen City. With thoughtful exhibits that showcase eclectic voices and artists with stories to tell. On the edge of the Queen City within the 277 loop, the McColl has a parking lot with some street parking nearby. Walkable from the Lite Rail and next to the VAPA center.
TuxedoKat I — Google review
Very good place! Lots of interesting art works! Very comfortable, there are several large elevators and air conditioning inside. I recommend!
Beautiful building with history. The art is amazing and the staff are the greatest! Friendly, welcoming, and helpful.
First time at the McColl Center for Charlotte Zinefest. It's an amazing space and there was a live printing demonstration going on in the basement. Check their schedule for other activities!
My friend and I performed at this center for a childrens arts festival in august of 2022. I was 14 at the time and they were 13. We were hired by Morgan Miles and both drove an hour from home to perform for this event. It was clarified that we both WOULD in fact be getting paid for our THREE HOUR performance. Afterwards it was revealed to us that we actually would be paid in visa gift cards. Neither of us had much experience at the time and did not realize that this was not standard by any means. She told us that she "mailed the giftcards out" but never got ethier of our addresses. When asked further about the matter neither of us ever got a response Ive attached photos of us performing at the center and of our messages. I crossed out my friends name and face for their privacy. IF YOU TRULY SUPPORT YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTS DO NOT SUPPORT THIS CENTER. WE WERE BOTH UNPAID FOR MORE THEN 3 HOURS OF WORK.
Edit: James Milton, the operations director reached out to my friend and I and eagerly compensated us both for this event and apologized sincerely to both of us. He also assured us that the people who had originally mislead us were no longer working at the center. Beacuse of these actions my opinion on the McColl center has changed drastically as James has also assured us both that the McColl center strives to support artists of all ages.
Great places are created by great people. And so it is with McColl. I had the opportunity to be partner of a visiting artist and participate in the life of the McColl Center. Numerous events, performances, exhibitions, very interesting studios and, above all, people! It's worth taking a moment to get to know the program of events, because the art and culture in Uptown seems to be holding up very well! Thank you very much for your hospitality and greetings to the whole team!
A wonderful experience and great place for private events. Each art room provides a wonderful space for Creatives to do what they are gifted to do.
The McColl Center is the perfect event space! My organization has hosted two events in this space, and it's always been great. The staff are professional and flexible, wanting to ensure you have everything you need for a successful event. We look forward to using the McColl Center again in the future!
721 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC, offers a captivating journey through the history and technology of aviation. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of commercial, military, and civil aircraft as well as aviation artifacts and memorabilia. The museum features interactive displays, educational information about aviation, and hands-on activities for an engaging learning experience for visitors of all ages.
I am not overly interested in planes but this Museum was pretty interesting. If you have a kid who is 6-10 who likes planes this is a great choice. They have tablets that you can hold up to a plan that gives you icons to tap and they will give you all kinds of information about the plan. They also have about 4 mock airplanes cockpits that kids can ride in with no charge. There is also a really nice display and movie about the Miracle on the Hudson. I think we spent about 2 hours going through. Word of warning if you are taking kids, the entrance is through the gift shop.
Heather L — Google review
Very interesting museum featuring Sully's plane that went into the Hudson River. The short video about the water landing was very interesting. Saw some of the real passengers sharing their experiences. The rest of the museum had several different kinds of planes and helicopters. Passenger and military. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and there were several people there enjoying the museum.
Fantastic experience at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum! Our 4- and 8-year-olds had the best time exploring cockpits, trying simulators, and even earning their little pilot licenses. A perfect mix of play and learning. Highly recommend a visit!
This is a small aviation museum that's near the Charlotte airport. There is no shuttle from the airport to the museum, you must arrange your own transportation. There is a free parking lot.
The museum is divided into two buildings with some aircraft outside. The total display is modest in size.
The main hangar features what would be the main attraction, their US Airways flight that crashed into the Hudson after a bird strike. For aviation enthusiasts, I'd argue a better attraction is the D-558-1 (of which, two survive). Unfortunately, the D-558-1 is elevated above the floor on a wall making the top of the aircraft difficult/impossible to see. There is no catwalk or elevated position to see the upper half of this historic aircraft unfortunately. They have other aircraft suspended from the ceiling, again, not allowing you to see the canopy, cockpit, or top of the aircraft. This is disappointing.
There is no food available onsite.
This place is a must-visit for anyone even remotely interested in aviation, history, or just incredible stories of human resilience and engineering. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum was an absolute highlight of our trip.
Walking through and seeing all the old planes — both commercial and military — was amazing, but the centerpiece is obviously the actual plane that Captain “Sully” Sullenberger landed in the Hudson River. Standing in front of it, reading the stories, and hearing the firsthand accounts from passengers on that flight… it gave the whole visit an emotional weight that really sticks with you.
What really stood out beyond the exhibits were the guides and staff — every single one of them was friendly, engaging, and seriously knowledgeable. You could tell they love what they do, and it makes the experience that much more immersive.
Now, my stepfather is a huge history buff, especially when it comes to anything military-related, and let’s just say… it took some convincing to get him to leave. Between the military aircraft, the historical timelines, and the detail in the exhibits, this place was everything he could’ve hoped for — and I had a blast too.
Whether you're an aviation nerd, a fan of heroic stories, or just looking for something memorable and meaningful to experience in Charlotte, this place delivers.
Overall, it was a great experience with many interesting exhibits. I learned a lot about the history of different planes (military and civilian), as well as the history of the Charlotte airport and aviation in North Carolina.
It was cool to see the Wright Flyer replica, as well as a C-130 and the "Miracle on The Hudson" plane.
They also have many interactive exhibits, such as flight simulators (in the cockpit of a plane) that you can use and screens that you click through to learn more about topics such as the stories of individuals in aviation (military and civilian).
So this museum appeals to multiple interests:
-Military history and aviation technology
-The history of civilian aviation in general
-The economic development of Charlotte
-Getting hands-on experience (the flight simulators and the Honeywell-sponsored craft room).
We were deciding between this museum and the Museum of Illusions, since we only had a few hours. And I'm glad we chose this one.
As a side note, the ticket price shown here on Google Maps is $18. But at the museum, that is the before-tax price for children. The cost for adults is $25.50. They have discounts for military, education professionals, seniors, etc. But it may be good to check the online price before you go (unlike me). You could also potentially get the multi-museum package for 1 or 2 days if you have the time and interest to visit multiple places.
Great way to spend a few hours if you’re interested in aviation and history. Good variety of planes and helicopters on display. Good information about the history of aviation in the Charlotte area over the last century. The displays are informative and well done. There are a few hands on exhibits including a flight simulator. Lots of volunteers are there to answer questions and use the technology. The video on the crash is well done and takes only about 15 minutes. They say allow an hour and a half but if you have a lot of interest in the subject I would double that. There is an onsite gift shop and a lunch counter.
The google reviews do not do this place justice . It is absolutely stunning inside and out . So much to do and look at . You are allowed to sit inside some jet cockpits and also a commercial Boeing full cockpit which was awesome. There are planes too to bottom and the vibe inside is sick like an arcade or movie theater . My kids 13 and 6 loved it especially the plane game simulators and so did I . It never felt crowded at any point . The price is definitely work it and I would come back again
4108 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC 28208, USA•
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
Spectrum Center, located in Uptown Charlotte, is a versatile venue that serves as the home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and the AHL's Checkers. Since its opening in 2005 as the Charlotte Bobcats Arena, it has been a hub for basketball events, hosting not only NBA games but also college tournaments and football games. In addition to sports, it is a popular concert destination featuring performances by top artists. The arena also offers art exhibits and food galleries for visitors to enjoy.
My wife and I came here for the Brooks and Dunn Neon Moon concert. Stayed in a sponsored suite. Staff very friendly, attentive and accommodating. Very well laid out and food was very good. They even had.my favorite beer. It was a great time.
CSFY, L — Google review
Great venue right in the heart of Uptown! Entry was smooth, and the sound system was top-notch. Whether you're here for a concert or a Hornets game, the energy is amazing.
The new renovation Spectrum Center is great. My husband and I attended for the first game of the Hornets. The place is spacious with lots of eating selections. I found the personnel to be very friendly also. I liked the refillable popcorn and drinks. I will definitely do that again. Unfortunately we didn't like the pizza. It was cold and not flavorful. The restroom was small (about 6 or 8 stalls). I expected it to be bigger. But they did have multiple ones in the area. In addition they were clean. We can't wait to go back.
Came here for the Billie Eilish concert on the 20th. Never been to a concert in a stadium. Not my favorite thing in the world. Felt very far from the stage. The sound quality was great and the seating was fairly comfortable Other than having to stand every time someone wanted to leave/enter the row of seats. Security was great and friendly. But man were the food and drinks expensive as hell. In all a good stadium though regardless of how well concerts are held.
March Madness in Charlotte. Man what can you say about the Acc mens basketball tournament? It is everything you would expect and more. We attended the 2025 tourney at the Spectrum Center and had a blast. The venue was electric!! We stayed at the JW Marriott and walked 2 blocks to access the light rail right to the Spectrum Center.
Plenty of food and drink options all within easy access
The ushers were super friendly and helpful a great event at a great venue
If you get a chance to go go
We attended the Billie Eilish show on 10/20. Very long line, but it moved quickly. Easy entrance into the venue (as long as you've followed the rules), the employees were polite, although a few didn't know how to answer certain questions (like where I could fill up my water bottle, or where I could find/purchase medical needs). Very clean, including the restrooms. Ample (paid) parking very close to the venue, which was much appreciated. We were in the Upper Section, so had to rely on the screens for better viewing. Wires, lights, and speakers obstructed our view and that was VERY disappointing. Other than that, we would attend another show here.
The Disturbed concert at Spectrum Center was absolutely awesome! Even from the balcony, the sound and energy were incredible. Everything was well organized — had an amazing time!
Great concert venue for sold out Laney Wilson concert. Wife and I enjoyed our comgortable seats and easy access to facilities.
333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
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Children's library
Museums
Children's theater
Library
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center is a vibrant and imaginative space designed to engage children in education, arts, culture, and multimedia. This 102,000-square-foot facility offers a variety of library, audiovisual, and performing arts studios for the youth of Charlotte.
We had the chance to visit the library and discuss what they are providing to encourage children in the community
Amin M — Google review
Parking here is a scam. Came for summer camp play. Was charged $20 for 2 hours. 90 min was supposed to validated and then $5 per half hour. Was overcharged and they wouldn’t let me out unless I paid the full 20. Took pics of the signs and will be disputing the charge.
This is a gem in the city. You can make a day of it. Take the train with your child, come here to this fabulous free library and go around the corner for lunch. Our toddler loved it here. It’s nice, clean, free and fun. What an amazing place for children.
One of the most beautifully designed libraries we have ever been to. A lot of interactive set up for kids. Now they are having an famous art inspired hall exhibit set up on the ground floor, which is so fun for our toddler. They also have regular story times. All the designs here are super kids friendly and oriented.
This is an awesome place! The kids were thrilled running around to check out all the activities and exhibits. Wish we lived closer to be able to take advantage of being able to check out books.
Side note: there are two pokemon gyms reachable from inside and the park across the road is full of pokestops
Lots of books for kids and teenagers, fun small play area kind outside.
This entrance is free unless you want to get some books etc.
Lot of science activities for kids like magnets, books along with other play stuff.
Definitely recommend going here, if you wanted to go during busy time I would recommend going by train as the station was literally next door.
You can find plenty of things for your kids to do here. It’s not a typical library, it gets loud in here but it’s a really good place for your kids to have fun. Your first glimpse of entertainment comes on the sidewalk entrance.
Our family absolutely loves this library. There is something for kids of all ages, birth to 17. They have a variety of programs, story time, book clubs, etc. The architecture is inviting and beautiful. Almost everything is interactive and educational. It's also an excellent location in the heart of uptown with ample green space, restaurants, museums, and train stop nearby.
300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Garden
Historical landmark
Historic Rosedale is a well-preserved piece of history located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally part of a 911-acre plantation, the house and its gardens are now open for tours and events. The property sits on approximately eight and a half acres of beautiful grounds with century-old trees that provide a glimpse into life in the South during the 1900s. Built in 1815 by Archibald Frew, the house is celebrated for its Federal period architecture.
We went to a local theatre concert that was held on the back lawn. The setting was great for this, you could walk the gardens but couldn't go inside the house. The gardens are amazing. Worth visiting just to see them!
Several years back, we came here for the Victorian Funeral event, which was great fun. That time we did see the inside of the house. Definitely worth visiting!
Mary F — Google review
Plantation home built in 1815 on N Tryon St just past E Sugar Creek Rd. The tickets were $15/adult for 1 hr guided tour. There used to be between 25-30 slaves working here according to the docent. Enjoyed looking around!
My seven-year-old loves visiting historic homes, so today we decided to visit Historic Rosedale. Our tour guide, Margaret, was wonderful - she was extremely knowledgeable, informative, and kept my son’s attention the entire time. The grounds are absolutely beautiful this time of year with all the spring flowers; I highly recommend visiting in April!
One of the oldest homes in Charlotte provides a window into the life on a plantation in the early 1800s. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and is eager to share a wealth of information about the plantation. I recommend an hour in addition to the tour to walk around the property and to see the blacksmith workshop.
This is an amazing historic gem, not far from uptown Charlotte. Easy parking. Great for a peaceful walk through their gardens, watching a blacksmith demonstration, and browsing their gift shop (small but nice). They have holiday events throughout the year, and home and garden tours, including Haunted History tours and candelight Christmas tours. Nice wedding venue, and site for graduation photos. School tours are offered. Opportunities for docents, and volunteers to help in the gardens, and more.. Check website for hours and tour costs. Highly recommend a visit to this place!
What a wonderful place to visit. Totally worth your time. The tour we had was very informative. I can't change history but I sure can learn from it. The gardens are beautiful
I really enjoyed my time there. Very informative and historic. I would definitely check this out if you are visiting the area. The tour guide was very good and answered all questions.
Nestled in the city limits, stands a piece of exquisite history. Historic Rosedale offers educational tours, antique beauty, serene gardens with a glimpse into another time.
The history speaks of those that were a part of Rosedale and ALL are honored.
3427 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206, USA•
Ballet school
Dance school
Charlotte Ballet is a celebrated dance company that has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1970 as the North Carolina Dance Theater. This esteemed organization is committed to showcasing both innovative new works and cherished classics, offering a diverse repertoire that includes everything from Tchaikovsky's beloved "The Nutcracker" to contemporary pieces like Christopher Stuart's "DISPERSAL.
A Realm of Existence was extraordinary. While Charlotte Ballet delivered an exemplary performance of Johan Inger’s Walking Mad, an innovative exploration of relational barriers, I want to focus on the original works.
Dos y Dos y Dos presented one of the most vulnerable expressions of dance I have ever witnessed. From the opening ripples to the powerful finale, the raw emotion captured in their movements felt otherworldly. The subtle messaging conveyed a raw yet refined sexuality, striking a careful balance between intense desire and tasteful restraint.
Cloudless showcased an intimate expression of gentleness and seamless movement. At times, it felt as if the two dancers were one, their synchronization so flawless that the audience hesitated to applaud, needing a moment to process the experience.
Initially, PACOPEPEPLUTO appeared to be performed in the nude, with only a skin-colored G-string and careful hand placement maintaining modesty. I am not generally a fan of burlesque or cheap tricks, so I braced myself. Gradually, the piece quickly revealed its true nature of awe and wit. The first movement displayed incredible strength, each muscle fiber articulated through the choreography, showcasing the raw power of ballet. As the subsequent dancers introduced playful elements, the performance transformed, eliciting bursts of laughter from the audience.
I have loved the direction Alejandro Cerrudo has taken the company. His leadership brings a refreshing sense of collaboration and creativity. I especially appreciate how he partners with his dancers, setting aside ego to foster innovation. This approach not only strengthens the artistic integrity of the company but also cultivates a unique environment where dancers can express themselves fully. The blend of vulnerability, strength, and humor throughout the program was inspiring.
I look forward to seeing more original works and the continued evolution of the Charlotte Ballet under his guidance.
Michael-Paul J — Google review
Though my wife is more of a ballet person than I am, neither of us knew what to expect from this 1973 Las Vegas take on "Carmen," but WOW! We we hooked from the very beginning.
The color, the drama, the dancing, the music—everything was just stunning. The performers were amazing to watch, and the way they told the story through movement was so powerful and clear, even for someone like me who’s not a big ballet guy.
It was bold, emotional, and visually gorgeous. We left the theater genuinely impressed and already talking about what we want to see next. Huge kudos to Charlotte Ballet for an unforgettable night.
Wow I am totally shocked.... I had the worst experience let's begin.... I registered my daughter, I set up her account in the portal and took her to the open house and placement class. When we walked in, yes we were greeted and everyone was sweet but offered NO info they took my daughters up to the classes let them dance and gave them prizes but THATS it.... as we saw other little girls being placed and had numbers on them, I asked the ladies would my daughter receive a number and where and when she could begin that's when I begin to get weird vibes as if my daughter wasn't their choice. I told the ladies that I purchased her leotards and shoes already and they're eyebrows were raised.... I guess I seemed to excited for nothing...I begin to ask questions and they had me feel a form out I notified them that we were already in the system and they claimed they would email us on Monday I had no email as me and my daughter waited. 2 days passed and nothing so I called and a lady picked up and redirected my call to who was over the placement and I got her voicemail... I left a message and needless to say she never contacted me back. I knew what I felt deep down when I was there I should have never got my or my daughters hopes up. I lived in huntersville and my daughter went to piedmont school of dance where she was enrolled easily and had the best experience and took classes every Monday since I moved near uptown my experience with the ballet scene has been horrible
I recently volunteered at the Charlotte Ballet for the current performance of 'Breaking Boundaries.' As a first-time volunteer, it felt good to be among friendly and well-organized staff. I look forward to volunteering in the future.
The performance was simply incredible! A must see for sure! The upper level of the venue has a display of artwork from local artists which is amazing to share with the public.
The location was easy to find. The surrounding streets where there is limited parking is well-lit at nighttime so you feel safe getting to your car.
This location and venue is definitely a 5/5.
Have been coming here for adult ballet for two years now.. it is such an elevated and sophisticated program, and my instructor Lauren is so present and intentional with her students. So glad to see there is now a Ballet II and that the classes are growing. Couldn’t recommend enough!
I grew up dancing here from 8-16 years old and cannot express what a strong and positive impact the teachers and fellow dancers here have had on me. What started as a fun, silly extracurricular to keep me active became a lifelong passion at Charlotte Ballet Academy. I would never had pursued a professional dance career and believed in myself if the teachers at the Academy hadn’t believed in and motivated me until I believed in myself too!
I love everything Charlotte Ballet does. Incredible talent, top notch set design and innovative performances.
Truly, I am shocked at some of these reviews. We have had nothing but a supportive experience. I am not necessarily a helicopter mom, but I am a protective mom. From experience, this studio respects parent concerns, addresses them promptly and professionally (no matter what they are), and follows up. I have met several leaders, managers, directors, the academy experience manager and they are such a pleasure. Each and every one of them. Any time I had a question about my daughter, they found an answer. All these comments about money, I mean, can you really put a price on that? Access to your child? Healthy body positivity in a world that can go astray so quickly? Phone numbers and emails for people to check on your child's progress and well-being? A portal with 24/7 access? If this is what you want, then Charlotte Ballet is for you. If it comes down to money and you can compromise the rest then I totally get it. Again, I'm surprised at anything less than 5 stars.
701 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Mentioned on
Educational institution
Garden
Nature & Parks
Bird watching area
Event venue
Wing Haven is a charming enclosed-brick garden and bird sanctuary in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established between 1927 and 1930 by Elizabeth Clarkson, it was designed to provide nesting sites, food, and water for birds and wildlife. The serene spot offers ambling pathways, landscaped greens, flowers, fountains, and various bird species. It's an ideal place for bird enthusiasts or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. Additionally, visitors can enjoy educational programs and purchase plants from the gardens.
Beautiful place with a lovely story. I really loved walking around and getting to see all the different types of plants and flowers. My daughter loved it so much from her field trip last week that she wanted us all to see it.
Courtney W — Google review
I honestly cannot believe that I haven't reviewed this place before now because I've been there so many times that I have lost count. This is one of the best little pockets of nature and beauty in Charlotte city that I have ever visited. I have bought several of my own plants from here from the nursery when they do their sales. I have considered volunteering from how much I love going here, this is one of my favorite nature sanctuaries in Charlotte and if it ever goes away I might actually cry. I usually forget to take pictures when I visit so I have included the picture of a fern that I have taken as well as the information chart for the roses that I bought from the nursery which are growing amazingly in my yard.
What a wonderful little place with outdoor gardens. I’m sure it’s beautiful in spring when all the plants bloom. The outdoor area is great, offering plenty of space and shade during hot days. You can’t beat it if you just want to look at a garden and visit home and go to Noah’s Carolina, which is good for kids and adults, especially when you're tired. It works out well. They also have another small 1-acre plot down the road that is free with your paid admission.
This is a cute little place to visit. The fee is $10 per person and they take credit card or cash. We were greeted by a lovely lady and she told us about the gardens.
We received our map and started out exploring. We did not see too many flowers or birds at the time we went, but the place is beautiful and peaceful. There are benches along the path to sit if you need to.
A few things to note: I use a cane and the pavement bricks are uneven in certain places and since it had rained earlier, it was very slick. Also, it would really not be good for walkers or wheelchairs in my opinion. There are 3 steps to get into the house with handrails. I am sure if you let them know they can let you in the side gate, so you do not have to walk the steps.
A nice place to visit if you are in Charlotte and have a few hours.
Inspiring experience coupled with beautiful and natural gardens. The documentary film is well worth the watch.
The gardens dont seem to be maintained. Weeds and not many blooms. We did come in the fall so its towards the end of growing season but it was quite disappointing. Also, with the name Bird Sanctuary, you'd think there would be birds. But...nope. I bet it would be a pretty walk through earlier in the season.
It was a very beautiful garden, very peaceful and even talked to other nice visitors. Going into the houses and gardens were like walking back in time. They really work hard to make this place a wonderful experience. Lots of history and make sure to ask the wonderful ladies questions and listen to what they have to say about the gardens it's very interesting. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping, we even saw a bunny. Be sure to walk 10 houses down to view the other gardens, they will tell you all about it.
Gardens are magical places; very peaceful and quiet with the exception of the beautiful sound coming from the birds & the wind moving through the leaves.
In 1926 the Clarksons moved from Texas to Charlotte, they purchased a house with no trees, so they decided to make a garden and put food for the birds, and suddenly all kinds of species started visiting their place.
It made me cry seeing the video of the couple who left a wonderful place to visit and
spend time at. Their love for birds & all sorts of creatures still remains in that garden. It’s a spectacular place to visit for both adults and children.
248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209, USA•
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Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historical place
Historical landmark
Historic Sites
Located just outside of Charlotte, the President James K. Polk State Historic Site is a 150-acre farm that preserves the childhood property of the 11th United States President. The site features reconstructions of a log house, kitchen, and barn furnished with period-appropriate items to showcase the typical lifestyle of 19th-century North Carolinians. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting President Polk's life and career while learning about the history of North Carolina.
Worth a visit if you are in the area. The museum is small but lots to read and there is also a small movie that plays. When we went a big group had just left and no one else was with us but they played the movie just for us. It's a nice short movie about president polk and his life. Then outside you have the houses recreated based on original ones. They were not open. The kitchen gardens was nice with a lot of herbs, and plants. There were a few picnic tables too. There is a cemetery with a few members from Polk family. We spent about an hour in this place and leant a lot. The restrooms are clean. Plenty of parking but we went during a weekday. No entrance fee to visit. There are tours on some days that have a fee
Sanjeeta P — Google review
Small museum with movie about the life of James K Polk. While I appreciated the effort to commemorate his birthplace, nothing is original to the farm that he grew up on. Worth a quick visit if you happen to be in the area.
James K. Polk's boyhood home in Pineville, North Carolina, is now a state historic site commemorating the birthplace of the 11th U.S. president. Born on November 2, 1795, Polk spent the first 11 years of his life on a 150-acre farm owned by his father, Samuel Polk, along Little Sugar Creek. The original log cabin where he was born no longer exists, but reconstructed buildings on the site represent what the homestead likely looked like in the late 18th century.
The site includes replicas of a log cabin, kitchen, and outbuildings, built using local materials and historic records to reflect the Polks' prosperous farming lifestyle. The museum on-site highlights Polk's early life, political career, and key events during his presidency, such as the Mexican-American War and the annexation of California. The property also features a monument erected in 1904 marking Polk's birthplace.
Historic replica of President Polk's birthplace. Little Sugar Greenway has a very nice paved trail/walkway.
A wonderful little gem for history lovers! This site offers a concise and well-presented look at the 11th President, James K. Polk. The lush, well-maintained grounds, complete with wildflowers and a greenway, make for a pleasant visit. Plus, the staff couldn't be more courteous.
Ps: Free parking for those interested in Little Sugar Creek Greenway (gates close at 5).
A small but comprehensive museum that takes about 30 minutes if watching the video. Missed the tour of the re-created farm buildings and gardens, but one house was open to all and there was a cooking demonstration happening inside. Museum docents were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
We only stopped by because the museum was on the bike path we were riding on, but so happy we stumbled upon this hidden gem!
What an amazing historical site in this area. Came here today to get some old photos of an 1800’s kitchen for a project. The employees were very helpful.
I went on the tour which only cost $2.00 and worth way more. It wasn’t under an hour but I learned so much about life back in Polk’s time.
Highly recommend.
Decent museum, historical film on the half hour, and a couple of buildings to see. I'd recommend checking for when they have events or stop by while using the Greenway which passes through.
12031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville, NC 28134, USA•
Orchestra
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra offers a season of performances from September to May, featuring a variety of shows including pop concert series and traditional performances. The orchestra's diverse repertoire aims to appeal to different audiences, with the pops series specifically designed to attract those who may not typically attend orchestral events. The recent music of John Williams performance was particularly memorable, evoking nostalgia and showcasing the conductor's expertise in bringing beloved movie scores to life.
Recently had the honor of seeing them perform with my daughter’s 5th grade class. The show they put on was amazing and the conductor was incredible with the audience! We’re blessed to have such a talented group right here in Charlotte!
Julia M — Google review
Attended the "Movies" outdoor performance: The orchestra was superb!
Was 1 hour in length. They played 7 pieces each from a different movie: How to Train Your Dragon, Star Trek, Star Wars, a Tango piece, Back to the Future, Avengers and LOTR.
The first 6ish rows are reserved. You bring own food or enjoy a couple of food truck options. There is bag check & ticket purchase/stamping. It was packed (late June). I'd suggest if not paying for VIP/reserved spots, come over an hour early to sit in "front". In the "back" is a bit quiet but could hear and we had a bush (at least) in our view so just closed our eyes listening. You bring your own seating/blankets.
I suggest being mindful of weather and knats (warm-ish day but sun set was enjoyable). This is a good casual date night. Could add battery candles & pack a picnic!
Would prefer less talking/commentary. Paid ~$15/person. Very casual; people chatting, on phones during, moving around and some nature noises like birds/planes. There is ample parking since at mall and easy to exit!
Great Orchestra featuring fine musicianship. At $49,000 per year, non-titled, Underpaid and likely underfunded for the services they provide.
That, however, is not the issue here. About 13 years back, they took my work product and may have appropriated a percentage of it without payment or proper attribution. If that happened, they participated in the same misconduct that compromised the careers of Mozart and others.
In this case, the appearance of impropriety was sufficient to have me redirect a $250,000 bequest elsewhere. To their former and present management, I say this:. IF any of these concerns is genuine, you cost yourselves about $16,000 for every hour I spent on the project + $1,000 annually. Deborah Borda should do as well. Moral of the story: 501(c) (3) money only requires a bad excuse to walk away, not a good explanation.....Oh .... and education 'ain't free.
The Charlotte Symphony was a wonderful experience. My wife and I attended the performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah at the Belk theater and the performance was amazing. The theater has great acoustics and the sound was perfect. Everyone involved with the event did a fantastic job and I could see they enjoyed show casing their craft. If you have an opportunity to see any shows there you will definitely enjoy yourself.
I went recently for the music of John Williams and I was definitely not disappointed. They orchestra brought back a lot of memories as they took us on a journey through some of my favorite movies. The conductors knowledge of the movies and the fun they had with the Star Wars characters were nice touches to a great evening. Can’t wait to go again.
Love coming here for a date night. I prefer the balcony seating, however, there aren’t any bad seats in the house from the times I’ve went. Saw last nights pop concert series performance of “John Williams Unlimited.” Tend to go to the more traditional performances, but I enjoyed the brief explanations before the pieces. I think the Charlotte pops series helps encourage people that may not otherwise come out and experience the orchestra! The orchestra did a fantastic job on these technical pieces. They even had Star Wars characters dresses up before the show and on stage during the performance. It is the most fun I’ve had at an orchestra in some time! I will attending more pop series in the future. My boyfriend who did not grow up playing in orchestra also really appreciated it!
It is such a treasure to have the symphony connected to our community and to experience such incredible performances in our Queen City! From the Pops, to the Movie Series, the Charlotte Symphony presents exceptional musical experiences, and it is always a treat to attend! 🎶
I recommend that you wait until the week before a concert to purchase your tickets. You might not get the seat of your choosing but you'll pay WAY LESS!!! I wanted to go see The Machine this weekend for a 4th time with a few friends. The day the cheapest tickets went on sale, they were over $100. They dropped every few weeks and are now $26 plus fees. It really rubs me the wrong way as tickets for this band have never exceeded $20 for the times I've been able to catch their shows. They do a fantastic job but the symphony is going to drive us out from seeing this concert due to expensive pricing!!
128 S Tryon St #350, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Arts organization
Opera house
Orchestra
Theater production
Opera Carolina is a renowned organization that stages performances from October to April. The classic plays are often held at Theatre Charlotte, with shows running from Thursday to Sunday. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is another venue for their outstanding productions. Recently, the performance of Madame Butterfly received high praise for Maestro Mena's excellent orchestral rendition and the wonderful performances by the opera singers and cast members. Opera Carolina is highly recommended for those seeking top-notch opera experiences outside of New York City.
Opera Carolina delivers exceptional performances with outstanding vocal talent and breathtaking productions. The orchestra is phenomenal, and the artistic direction is truly inspiring.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a top-tier opera experience! Bravo! 👏🎭🎶
Stefania M — Google review
Customer service is difficult to reach. I purchased a 3 show season pass. They cancelled one of the shows months ago and I have not been able to reach anyone about getting a refund. It’s looking like my only recourse is to dispute the charges with my bank. If you decide to make a purchase you may wish to buy each ticket individually and I would not use cash or its equivalents.
Hate to do this, because the one performance we saw (La Traviata in 2022) was excellent - but the customer service is horrific.
It is impossible to reach anyone on the phone, whether to buy a season ticket (something you can only do by phone for some reason), or deal with an existing ticket.
Earlier this year, my wife came down with Covid the morning before a performance and NO ONE could be reached to arrange an exchange for a different performance.
I researched two email addresses of Opera staff, but neither one bothered to respond to my email.
I feel sorry for the artists and backstage crew who work so hard to put on excellent performances, only to lose attendance because it's so difficult to deal with the process of buying a ticket.
Ok, looked at tickets and are they really hundreds and thousands of $$$$ to see Andrea Bocelli? I guess the place is only fir the rich
This company works humsn beings into survival mode and then reprimands them for poorly producing. I’m ashamed to ever have been apart.
We were really looking forward to seeing Porgy & Bess, tonight, Tuesday, 01/24. Imagine our disappointment when Summertime, the opening song that 90% of us KNOW, was incomprehensible. As it turned out, almost ALL of the female voices were SO high that you could not understand the words. Not to mention the fact that the orchestra played over everyone’s voice but Porgy. We felt bad for the performers who undoubtedly worked hard preparing for the show. Someone, a Director, an Arranger, SOMEONE took this troupe down the wrong path. 😥
Just saw madame butterfly and it was superb , maestro Mena and the orchestra rendition was excellent and all the opera singers and the little boy were wonderful.. strongly recommend it don’t miss out !!
This organization puts on some of the best Operas outside of NYC.
1600 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA•
Children's museum
Museums
Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is a children's museum located in Huntersville, North Carolina. It offers interactive exhibits and live shows designed to engage young minds in learning through play. The museum features themed areas focused on healthy habits, natural sciences, and creative spaces. Children can explore various career ideas, participate in hands-on activities like building with blocks and Legos, and even experience being part of a show at Town Center.
Amazing play museum for kids! I brought my 1.5 year old and she had a great time exploring all the different play areas. I appreciated that they had smocks for the kids to wear when playing with the water station. Great way to spend the day!
Elizabeth S — Google review
Awesome for kids under 8 years! It has 2 levels - lots of stimulating play structures, indoor playground, water play, legos, and play pretend areas ( super market, kitchen, farm, sea underwater, car mechanic etc). Huge creative arts & craft room, magic and lab experiment shoes throughout the day. The staff are super friendly. There is a cafe /snack room with vending machines and nursing room for moms!! Get the annual membership! So worth the price - especially if you have multiple kids!!
We love coming to discovery place for our toddler to get some playtime in and it’s especially great for rainy days or when it’s very hot outside. They constantly sanitize different areas throughout the day and have little shows in the stage area to entertain the kids. Plenty of areas for different interests in play styles. Some areas can get messy but it’s up to the parents to help children learn to clean up after they are done playing. So it’s to be expected that it’s a tad messy in some cases. Also some of the displays didn’t have the pieces like the apples in the farm area or the foam blocks in the construction area. That could be due to cleaning those pieces, maybe missing, or maybe those displays weren’t working correctly anymore. Appreciated the area for snack time and having a variety of options for kids and parents. Regardless overall they have plenty of spaces for kids to explore and play.
The attention to detail in this place is like no other! I mean look at all the ingredients. I wish I got more photos but I was truly an awe. They had apple and corn picking, a pizza restaurant, water tables, a car shop, arts and craft. It was incredible. Would totally go again if I was in the area
Fun for all ages!! My 2 and 9 year olds had a blast! Staff was friendly and constantly walking around interacting with kids and cleaning up.
It has been over a year and a half since I have been to discovery place kids in Huntersville . The yearly membership has increased from ard $120 to over $200.
It is dingy, dirty and rundown. I would not reccomend returning until after the rennovations scheduled to begin in 2027.
We had an amazing time here today. Lots of fun things for kiddos to do. Huge safety concern about the stairs on the second floor though. Theres no gate preventing small children from bolting and falling down them. Today my 2 year old along with another 2 year old almost fell down those steps. Small children run so fast you can sneeze and they are off in another location. Hopefully this issue can be fixed. Dont feel safe taking mine there again until then.
It’s a good place for kids, just don’t understand why parents that don’t really play need to pay more 🤦🏻♀️ also I think they could improve on putting more stuff.
105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA•
Temporarily Closed
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
History museum
Latta Place Historic Site is a well-preserved 19th-century cotton plantation listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers daily tours and educational programs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of plantation life, from planters to yeoman farmers and slaves. The site features guides dressed in authentic period costumes and hosts regular events and festivals. Additionally, it provides insights into the stories of enslaved people who lived there during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Spent about an hour here walking around the different aviaries. Lots of interesting and rare birds you would not normally see. I would recommend bringing some water on a warm day, as you'll be walking around for at least an hour or so. There is also a gift shop with souvenirs, as well as different drinks to buy.
Matthew H — Google review
Great hiking, biking, horse riding trails along the water with a kayak boat let in. Have seen a lot of folks fishing here. Nice area for a picnic.
Easy drop off for kayaks enough parking if you come Early. Beautiful place to relax and enjoy a day in the sun. You can swim or just go fishing.
The house tour was very interesting; the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the plantation. Getting to walk through the parlor and bed chambers of the house and explore the grounds was a great experience! It made me feel what life was like in the 1800s. Something unique and fun was seeing the plantation animals. There were sheep just grazing on grass right next to you. There were turkeys, chickens, pigs, a cow, a horse and mule near the barn and fields. Highly recommend visiting for some local history!
This is a wonderful nature preserve with beautiful long and well maintained hiking trails. I typically take my dogs for a hike and let them cool off in the crisp cool water of mountain island lake. The cove trail seems to be the least travelled. If you are looking for a wonderful spot to catch the sunset with the backdrop over the lake, I recommend taking Buzzard rock trail to the overlook.
I come here often and I always get to enjoy the nature trails as well as the fishing grounds. I've attended numerous birthday party events for the little ones. They have a field big enough for festivities to take place. Overall a great park hands down!
Awesome place to visit. A window into the past.
Walk or ride horses over miles of paths. Or check out the buildings, house, kitchen farmhouse, barn Raptor house. Some of these have a separate entrance fee.
Just so much to see and do. Nearly 1500 acres of woods, farmland and nature trails to enjoy.
Very well-maintained and well-preserved plantation and grounds. Very friendly staff and tour guides. Prices are expensive for paid tours. The plantation house tour, though informative, was too short for the cost. Otherwise, everything was great and recommended for those who've never been to an authentuc, early 1800's plantation and late-1700's cabin.
5225 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA•
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Hiking area
Nature & Parks
Historical landmark
Hiking Trails
The Little Sugar Creek Greenway offers 19 miles of paved paths for hiking and biking, following the charming creek through the heart of the city. With connections to parks and picturesque views, this popular greenway spans 30 kilometers when completed. The project, conceived in 1968, aims to restore natural areas while revitalizing urban spaces along the sparkling stream.
It's truly incredible to have a nature trail that runs directly under and through an entire city. You might expect to see polluted waters or scattered trash, but instead, it's remarkably well-maintained. Every few steps reveals something new: a statue, an information board, a scenic overlook. Each one is worth pausing to admire.
I highly recommend it for everyone, whether you're walking with a stroller, riding a bike, or bringing your dog along. It's clean, welcoming, and thoughtfully cared for.
Michael H — Google review
I went in the mid afternoon, and it was not busy. The trail is paved and there are not a ton of views along the way, but there are some really pretty flowers, the creek is nice, And I think there were some basketball and or tennis courts and playgrounds nearby.
Nice park, cool little trail. I did the 11 - 14 mile section and felt very safe, quaint, clean and friendly. I wanted to go all the way to freedom park but the weather looked dicey
This is a wonderful hike running from Cordelia Park right up to i-485, essentially traversing the city of Charlotte. What’s wonderful is that you can choose to hike a part of it with multiple entrances(and parking is available at those entrances) and still be rewarded for the spectacular views of the Queen City.
We did the part of the hike near Metropolitan avenue in uptown Charlotte on a precariously sunny Saturday morning. This section of the hike begins near Metropolitan avenue, and some street parking is available near the entrance.
The hike itself is quite easy, and along the hike you’ll find various plants, statues of people who contributed to the growth of Charlotte and also about the sculptors who designed those statues. It was quite intriguing to know about Charlotte’s history. The Little Sugar Creek runs alongside the trail and is a nice companion on the hike. It was good to read about the preservation efforts ongoing for the creatures in the creek.
It’s a well-maintained trail and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a hike or a run or a bike ride in Charlotte.
This review refers to the Greenway section next to the Atrium healthcare.
This last puzzle of the greenway has been under construction for a couple of years finally opened last month. You hear the birds chirping and the life going on at different pace while you are surrounded by greenery and gentle flowing creek. There are construction workers going over the bridges and people biking along the pathway. You will see the massive expansion of Atrium healthcare under construction. After a while, you do not get any sense of being in the center of the city as the traffic dies down. The sounds and sites of urban Charlotte fadeaway as you walk past the Atrium Health medical center and enter the freedom park area. Overall it is a great natural asset accessible for all of uptown and neighborhoods.
Had a great time on the Greenway It is a very pleasant and beautiful walk Really well maintained and landscaped Our favorite was the brook under the bridge and small waterfalls scattered on the side
We bought a couple Velotric e-bikes and searched for a fun place to ride in Charlotte, Little Sugar creek allows us to go from the beginning trail head right into the City of Charlotte. The bike trails are all smooth pavement, from one end and into the city round trip is 36 miles, so much exploring and fun. Highly recommend
Amazing trail, we will be back!
Great for bikes and scooters, just be mindful of your surroundings as many people walk here.
1133 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA•
Auditorium
Sights & Landmarks
Arena
Concert hall
Bojangles Coliseum is a historic venue in Charlotte, dating back to 1955. It has a cozy and humble atmosphere, offering a variety of entertainment options. The arena has a seating capacity of 8,600 and hosts live rock music, comedy acts, sporting events, and family-friendly shows like musicals. Home to the Charlotte Checkers hockey team since 1992, the coliseum also plays an active role in the community by contributing to various charitable causes.
We visited the Coliseum to see Disney on Ice.
The parking and entry to the building was easy as could be. Finding our seats was honestly just as fast and easy. Every staff member we encountered were as friendly as they were helpful.
Everything was clean and orderly. I can’t say I see this often at stadiums with such a large crowd entering and leaving at the same time.
Charli V — Google review
We visited yesterday to see Cirque du Soleil. Parking was very easy as they have many attendants helping in the parking lot. The arena is an older building so it’s not fancy by any means, but plenty of food vendors, attendants to help and everyone was very friendly. The popcorn we bought came in the boxes and it was stale, so we definately recommend getting the popcorn from the actually stand.
The show was amazing and really any seat in the house is great because the way the stage is set up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We went to the Bojangles Coliseum to watch one of our favorite hockey teams play, and as always, it was an awesome experience! The arena is clean, well-organized, and easy to get around. The staff was friendly and helpful from the moment we walked in, and the seating setup gives everyone a great view of the ice no matter where you sit.
Of course, being at the Bojangles Coliseum, we had to grab some Bojangles — the food was hot and fresh, and the sweet tea and drinks were perfect. The atmosphere during the game was exciting and family-friendly, and you can really tell the facility is well taken care of.
We had a great time overall and will definitely be back soon for another game. Highly recommend catching an event here if you get the chance!
First time being at this location for a concert. Arrived super early to avoid the traffic that can happen off independence. Parking was super easy to navigate (I think since we arrived super early) and were able to get parking right in front. They started letting people enter around 7 pm, and even though huge lines gathered in the front, the moment they opened the doors, the lines moved quickly and efficiently. The lines inside to get drinks or food also were LONG, but they did move quickly. The only ones where you were stuck in a bit were the bathroom lines. Those you were in there for a while, but everyone was trying to move quickly. Overall, it was a great experience here. Security and staff were wonderful, and everything was easy to locate and no confusion.
Had a fabulous time with the family for the Cirque du Soleil: OVO event. Parking was fabulous and the Bojangles Coliseum staff were friendly and accommodating
It was my daughter's graduation. I wasn't thrilled. I've had a better experience going to concerts, etc here. But this was a mess! From arrival to leaving. You have people coming from out of town and staff telling people they can't hold seats. I don't think graduations should be held here.
I've enjoyed a couple events here and love the venue. But I wanted to take the time and recognize a specific employee. Kyle that works in the box office went above and beyond to help me out so that my family and I could sit together. Kyle needs a raise!!! 😄 I'm very much looking forward to the event coming up!
Visited for a concert!! It was a decent venue, finding the entry was tricky, but successful!!
2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA•
affordable
Antique furniture store
Shopping
Antique store
The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall in Charlotte is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts, with over 200 booths offering a wide array of vintage items. Spanning more than 50,000 square feet, this single-storey brick building accommodates visitors of all ages, including parents with strollers and wagons. The mall features food trucks for a quick bite and welcomes leashed dogs to explore the vast collection of antiques.
Plan to have all day for your first visit or you'll never finish exploring! Treasure around every corner. Mostly reasonably prices on items, some few scores, some high dollar items.
Barbados P — Google review
Lots of interesting vendor booths, with everything from new to vintage and in between. Unfortunately prices for vintage items have skyrocketed, and I rarely purchase anything. It’s still a great place to wander and look.
Was invited here by family who lived in the area and it's fantastic. As a kid who grew up going to yard sales and garage sales, I loved this place. Hundreds of vendors everywhere. You could easily spend an entire day here without any difficulty. I will absolutely be back.
Great antique mall. Vendors really take the time to display items to inspire one to buy. Most prices seemed reasonable. Staff was plentiful and willing to help
I absolutely LOVE the Sleepy Poet! We always get great finds there. I'm a fan of the antique jewelry and always leave with a piece or two. On our last visit we grabbed this fantastic set (actually came with 6 glasses). If you've never been, I highly recommend you go!
Such a cute little spot and a perfect weekend activity! There are so many diverse booths to choose from whether you’re looking for vintage clothes, gemstones, antique jewelry, or glassware. There is also a lovely little coffee shop inside if you need a little treat while shopping.
Has a very wide selection of old and some new items. Prices were mostly fair. There really are so many things to look at, it was worth visiting on our trip.
Great layout, you'll need atleast 2 hours to explore. We did find some fun bargains. Very helpful staff.
6424 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA•
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Education center
Hiking area
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a gem within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation Department's projects. Spanning 927 acres, it offers fishing, 10 miles of trails, and a rich habitat for various wildlife species. Visitors can explore historical remnants like cabin ruins and the Robinson Rockhouse. The preserve provides a peaceful natural setting away from urban crowds, with biking allowed on paved roads but not on hiking trails.
2024.12.25 sunny 40s_F had a ~4.5 mi walk at the nearby (~10 mins drive) Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. Nice and clean, trails in good condition 👍 Encountered 5 friendly people and 1 dog while on the trails. A group playing Cricket (??) and another Baseball (??).
01kk W — Google review
Cute little Nature Center with some animals like snakes. Interactive stations to explore for little ones as well as a children corner with building blocks, books, a ready nook and more to explore!
There is a souvenir shop at the entrance as well.
What I really enjoyed was the fenced playground right next to the center, so you can just walk and explore outside, after the Nature Center.
Very clean and well maintained. And all for free!
We love this place! Awesome hiking but find a route because there are some trials that go a long way. We love the house ruins from old gold miners! There is also a neat tree there for kids to climb! Kids will love this hiking place.
Well, this nature center has everything for everyone. I mean literally everything. If you have kids, they have playgrounds, library, museums etc. if you want to run, you can easily make 10 plus beautiful miles, if you simply want to walk, aw! Gorgeous walking trails. Basketball, disc golf, volleyball, baseball you name it. Nice clean bathrooms and employees at the information center are very professional and friendly.
This is a Really nice park. This plus isolated but at the same time feels very safe. It’s great to be able to get away from the city and have that mountain country feel. There is a mixture of gravel and paved trails. It’s unclear where you can and can’t ride bikes. We only walk jog this trail. It is odd how quickly 2 miles come I’ll while walking this treck. Along the way is ponds and stilling benches etc. I would recommended this for families. Plenty of parking.
This morning was my first time back to this park in a few years. I went to go fishing, but there was nothing in the lake other than tiny sunfish, 3in long at most. If your trip is based on a fishing spot, go somewhere else. If you're going just to enjoy the outdoors and scenery, absolutely take the trip, it is a beautiful park.
We were looking foe a relatively easy hike around the Charlotte area that would include great views of nature and maybe some local history. The Reedy Creek Nature Center was a great place to visit, as the hike was very leisurely and enjoyable. At the Nature Center the crew member was very helpful with suggestions on which trails to take and the distances. The trails are relatively flat with a few roots and rocks, and very easy climbs. Several bridges take you over creek areas and provide great photo opportunities. All trails were clearly marked and easy to follow.
Great place to go hiking. The nature center is very nice the kids can see some snakes and turtles inside all four free. Trails are pretty easy to hike so you can take the kids. Playgrounds and picnic tables every where.
2986 ROCKY RIVER RD, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA•
Farmers' market
Shopping
Produce market
Farmers Markets
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, located at 1801 Yorkmont Road in Charlotte, is a vibrant gathering place for local farmers, bakers, and artisans to showcase their goods. Operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, this market offers an array of fresh produce, pork products, grass-fed beef, baked goods, flowers and more. Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday with varying hours depending on the season.
Any thing you want is here! Veggies, fruits, greens, 🥬, soaps 🧼, flowers 💐,natural alternatives…anything!! We were so excited to have found this place! We left with flowers, strawberries, honey, jellies, coffee, butters and yup you guessed it… soaps! Oh yeah, and flowers because what woman doesn’t like flowers?! Don’t answer that just in case 😉. I love flowers and anything that reminds me of my “green person”. Or as a famous psychiatrist likes to say “your vitamin person” the one who brings out the best in you not the worse. I hope you #enjoy yourself as you make the right choice to shop from the farm to your table! Until our next visit 😘. See you soon 🔜
Cynthia S — Google review
Amazing! I recommend going on a Sunday around 11am due to parking and the amount to see. Everyone and everything was amazing! Enjoyed the musical numbers near the flowers across the parking lot to win a free dessert (cakes and pastries). Would definitely come again in the future!
I live in Savannah, GA but my parents live in the area and go to the farmers market frequently. When I am in town, we always make a field trip to the market— I love it! The fresh produce is endless and you can even finish the shopping with a delicious hotdog or any other food truck offering present! Visiting in the fall is fantastic for grabbing some pumpkins, but going anytime is a special affair, I highly recommend!!
This farmers market has more than just produce. They also hold events. I watched a Can U Cook Culinary Competition. I bought mead and spices from local vendors. Each booth you could try before you buy. No issues parking. I was impressed how it was setup to keep traffic flowing.
Wonderful place with a variety of items. Parking is not bad to locate a spot to park. Everything is fresh and easy to navigate. I brought a shopping tote for making carrying multiple purchases easier, also people had collapsible wagons for their kids and purchases. No pets allowed. This is a must go and purchase from the vendors / farmers. Very impressive.
This is a wonderful place for sellers and buyers. It is a great place to shop for handcrafted goods and farm produce.
Ivory's Essential's of Wellness & Serenity located in the Greenary Shed.
I sell handcrafted products like candles made from beeswax & coconut oil, scented with essential oils; Magnesium oil sprays, scented with Eucalyptus and Lavender & Peppermint essential oils; Magnesium powder deodorant scentedwith Geranium, Lemongrass& TeaTreeOil; Hair, Face & Body oil with Jojoba oil, Castor Oil & Vitamin E Oil and CBD Oil infused Hair, Face & Body oil and a CBD infused Balm / Salve made with raw beeswax.
I also seasonally sell produce like cherry tomatoes, habanero peppers, collards & spinach.
I look forward to seeing you at my stand.
Thank you.
I love going here especially on Sundays because most of the shops are there. They have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside pastries and juices. The flowers here are very pretty but also very pricey. One tip of advice would be to check all of the shops and compare some of the prices. For example a pint of blackberries was $10 in one shop and $6 in the other. The only downside to this is that for most of the shops they buy their fruit from a store like Walmart and then put it in a cardboard carton. Thats why 4 starts has to be set into place for this destination.
I love this farmers market. Highly recommend TEMPLE RESTORATION.
I’ve been getting my “rainbow” water from them twice a month for 2.5 years now and they have a really good selection of all-natural holistic stuff I absolutely love it.
I support this company and everything they stand for through and through 🥰 check them out!
1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA•
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Baseball club
Baseball field
Sports complex
The Charlotte Knights Baseball Club plays at Truist Field, a stadium that also hosts concerts and festivals. The ballpark offers affordable options like a grassy hill by the first base line for less than $10. From April through September, visitors can enjoy Friday fireworks, kids running the bases on Sundays, and special Copa de la Diversion (Fun Cup) nights when the team becomes the Caballeros.
Went over the holidays for Light The Knights and had a great time! Would highly recommend. The tubing was the highlight for the kids and could’ve stayed all night.
CLT. C — Google review
He had a blast at the Bark in the Park night! The team was entertaining, lots of games in between innings. The park itself is beautiful with a great backdrop of the skyline in the outfield!
Going to a baseball game in Charlotte was such a fun experience! The atmosphere was lively, the crowd was great, and it’s a perfect way to spend an evening. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, it’s easy to enjoy the energy, music, and snacks. Definitely something I’d do again!
The winter wonderland at Knights stadium is a great place to embrace the holiday season. From ice skating to sliding down the snow to the many shops, it’s a great place to unwind.
Also, great views.
Beautiful park. Unfortunately we drove 2 hours to get rained on. The views here are incredible. The food was good and the restrooms clean. We will be back next season.
Very fun time for the whole family. Tickets around $22-ish per person.
Had the ranchero dog for $9, was amazing. Concourse was friendly and easy to navigate. Ended up buying a shirt from the team store for $20, loved it. In-game presentation was fun and creative as well.
Fantastic event. The combo of tubing/skating was great and plenty of hang-out areas on the infield. The Christmas displays in the concourse were cheesy but fun to walk through. Incredibly well staffed - must have been 20+ knights staff manning the skate rental operation. Big rink and the skates were new (had buckles / no laces!). No lines 5pm - 7pm. Things did pick up after 7pm and we went on a Thursday. Overall a great thing to do with family for the holidays.
Great minor league ballpark. Not a bad seat in the house. Excellent food and great hot dogs. Make sure you go on fireworks night.
324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Museum
Historical place museum
Nestled in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Hezekiah Alexander House stands as a testament to history and heritage. Built in 1774 by General Hezekiah Alexander, this charming stone dwelling is recognized as the oldest house in the city and has deep roots in American history, having been home to Alexander's family for generations. Today, it forms part of the Charlotte Museum of History and offers visitors an immersive experience through guided tours led by costumed interpreters who bring its rich past to life.
Mecklenburg Declaration of independence history at its finest.
Dennis C — Google review
This house is part of the museum. The tour is a must-see. It takes you through the outbuildings and both floors of the house. It was about 90 mins long.
You purchase tickets and tours at the museum. Google Maps sent me the wrong way. So use the museum address insted.
An exciting feature we weren't aware of until we saw the model upstairs in the museum was the Alexander Rock House. We followed the trails out back to the actual home and what a historic gem! We were able to walk through 2 floors of the actual house, another exterior building, the kitchen garden.. we then walked the path over the creek and to the spring house and then followed the trail back through the woods, along the creek, back to the museum. That was such a cool find!
Very informative tour. Grounds are beautiful. $10 for adults; $7 for kids ages 6 -12 & seniors over 62 yrs. Kids under 6- sorry, I don't remember.
This is a great experience in getting to know some history, culture, and life of settlers, native Indians, and the role this home had on the revolution.
The house itself is a five-star experience. The museum building was in need of some curating and more exhibits.
A lot of Charlotte history in this place. Kept up very well. I remember coming here in elementary school on a field trip, but enjoyed it even more this go-round
Excellent place to explore some of NC's history!!
3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA•
Permanently Closed
Performing arts theater
Event venue
Actor's Theatre of Charlotte is a well-known professional theater that focuses on producing bold and innovative new works for adult audiences. As the Resident Theatre Company of Queens University of Charlotte, it offers contemporary performances, educational classes, and workshops. The theater's mission is to present daring and original new works by modern authors who share a passion for language and human experiences in an intimate setting.
I attended this past Saturday's performance of Rock Of Ages and it was Spectacular!!!
Everything from the concessions, ushers, the band and of course the cast were engaging, entertaining and kept my foot tapping to beat non-stop. I can't wait to come back for a other performances.
Well Done, Bravo!
Topher J — Google review
Actors Theatre of Charlotte always puts on entertaining professional plays. Some are very humorous, and others pull at your heart strings. It is the best value around for live theatrical performances. The venue is comfortable and there are no bad seats, the furthest being maybe 50 feet from the stage.
Moved down from Jersey fairly recently, and my first experience with local Charlotte theater was a production of Fun Home put on by ATC. Outstanding cast, direction, and set design. Will be going to many shows put on by this company on the future.
Lounge area and concessions greet you at the door. The theatre itself is small and intimate with a large stage and great sound. There is not a bad seat in the house. Thoroughly enjoyed our experience!
Fantastic organization. They are non-profit and it is refreshing to support a Charlotte community based theater company rather than many of the touring theater groups that come through the Blumenthal center.
Fun theater in an intimate setting. You get an up close impression of the show regardless of where you sit and the acting is always quite good.
The current show of Billie Holiday is fabulous! Great work ATC!
The one time that I went I really enjoyed it plan on attending again they are doing a great job.
Art gallery
Jerald Melberg Gallery Inc was established in the early 1980s by Jerald Melberg, who had previously worked as a curator for the Mint Museum. The gallery has since become renowned in the Southeast and is credited with elevating the Charlotte art scene. It features an extensive collection of artists from around the world, including works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Pablo Picasso and Robert Motherwell.
It was such a pleasure speaking with Mary and viewing the beautiful artwork. She was super knowledgeable, and made my Neice and I feel right at home!
Ananda N — Google review
This gallery is small, but people enjoy the artwork that is on exhibit here. It is a walk through gallery, with about 4 walk through rooms. The artist are local, they can be international..... you get a full bibliography of the featured artist, and price list for the artwork that is represented at this gallery. They also have special events for the featured artist... 🌞😁 Katie Brett 🎃
Free art gallery you can pop into. Curators are very helpful and knowledgeable, and know a ton about the artists on display! Wonderful way to spend a lunch break. If you're rich, you can even buy the paintings!
Absolutely the most outstanding art gallery in Charlotte. Mr. Melberg has outstanding artists from throughout the world in his stable of artists. His gallery shows and asociated talks are always brilliant and well attended.
The custimer service and attention I received were excellent!!! I am looking forward to hopefully develop a relationship with the gallery.
This is a beautifully run gallery, displaying large contemporary works, mostly abstract, some figurative. Well worth a visit.
Excellent Gallery, great Knowledge, highly collectable work, great aesthetics for a home
An exceptional gallery, definitely the best in town.
625 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA•
Art gallery
Nestled in the charming Myers Park neighborhood, Shain Gallery has been a beacon of contemporary art since its inception in 1998 by Gabrielle Shain-Bryson. This vibrant space is dedicated to showcasing an impressive array of over 40 talented artists, both local and national, with a particular emphasis on landscapes, still life compositions, and figurative works. The gallery hosts rotating solo exhibitions that last several months, allowing artists ample time to shine and connect with art enthusiasts.
Best gallery in charlotte!! I love to come to here- the staff are so warm, welcoming, and extremely helpful. There is such a great collection of art- everyone is guaranteed to find something they love. Can’t recommend this place enough! If you are looking for something for yourself or a gift this is the spot to come to
Miranda — Google review
I walked near by the gallery, it was closed, but I saw the painting, I’ll come to see it next time, i like it
Omg the cutest things are here!
The customer service is top-rate! Even made a trip, of an hour and a half, to hand deliver a painting rather than commercially sending. Marvelous advice, suggestions, and information, as well. My “go to” from now on!
W. Pierce
Gabrielle Shain is the consummate connoisseur of art...her gallery is always filled to the brim with accessible and stunning art. Informal art you dont have to think to hard to like and pieces that you could look at for years and see differently each time.
Shain shows many amazing artists I love like Connie Winters, Kim Schuessler, and Darren young but I'd be remiss if I didn't give special mention to my friend and brilliant Geoffrey Johnson - his art is at once powerful and sublime - one of the best of his generation, anywhere. Go anytime, at Shain your sure to find a treasure! Mike Gibbons
I love this wonderful gallery. It’s warm, inviting and always has wonderful new artists and pieces to browse.
Worst experience I've had with an art gallery! Please save your time and do not go to this so called gallery! Sub par customer service! Only cares about selling and not the customer!
One of our favorite galleries!just visited again today.
2823 Selwyn Ave K, Charlotte, NC 28209, USA•
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Art gallery
Hidell Brooks Gallery, located in the historic South End of Charlotte, has been showcasing contemporary art for over twenty years. The gallery focuses on exhibiting works by Southern and American artists not commonly seen in the region. Visitors can expect to find a diverse range of art, from well-known artists like Herb Jackson to emerging talents like Laura Sanders and Kate Long Stevenson.
Beautiful gallery with nice collection of artists to choose from. The owners are nice and friendly. Have new artists and exhibitions all the time.
Trisha P — Google review
Purchased a painting based on an image that was sent to me and the reality looked very different - instead of the happy bright colors I bought and expected I received this drab dark completely different piece.
The owners refused to reimburse me or provide the painting I was actually shown.
Very disappointing. Do not recommend.
Very service oriented. Great portfolio of artists and friendly staff!
Absolutely wonderful.
1910 South Blvd # 130, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA•
Art gallery
The Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art, located in the vibrant South End of Charlotte, NC, offers free admission to a diverse range of contemporary art. The gallery showcases a variety of mediums including glass art, sculpture, painting, drawing and collage. It aims to create an inclusive space for both artists and visitors by hosting artist talks and Q&A sessions. The artwork on display reflects global diversity and technological advancement while telling stories that broaden perspectives.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Elder Gallery, and I was genuinely impressed by the exquisite collection of contemporary art displayed. This gallery is a haven for art lovers and enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in unique and thought-provoking artworks. From abstract paintings to modern sculptures, each piece is beautifully curated, offering a diverse range of artistic expressions.
The layout of the Elder Gallery is both visitor-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, making it effortless to navigate through the various exhibits. The lighting is perfectly set to accentuate each artwork, enhancing the visual experience. It’s clear that every detail is thoughtfully considered to create an engaging environment for visitors.
Moreover, the staff at the Elder Gallery are knowledgeable and welcoming. They are eager to discuss the artworks and share interesting insights, which enriches the overall experience. The gallery also offers tours, which I highly recommend for anyone looking to gain deeper understanding of the art on display.
Accessibility is another commendable aspect of this gallery. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city, easy to reach by public transportation. The facility is well-equipped to accommodate visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the art.
For those interested in acquiring art, the gallery features a dynamic selection of works available for purchase. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and bring home a piece of contemporary art.
In conclusion, the Elder Gallery is a top-tier cultural institution that celebrates modern art in all its forms. Whether you are a seasoned art collector or a casual observer, this gallery is sure to provide an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Don’t miss the chance to visit this fantastic art gallery!
Stephanie C — Google review
Elder Gallery is 100% worth the visit, 5-stars to Larry Elder for curating so much high-quality art showcasing the depth and creativity of artists in the region
Great gallery with a handful of artists featured. Could use better lighting.
The Elder is my Gallery away from Galleries
They are just the best. Always putting on amazing art shows and bringing new perspectives to the art scene here in Charlotte.
Such a beautiful gallery! I recommend visiting when you are in Charlotte.
Best gallery in Charlotte to keep current with the Arts!
2137 South Blvd STE 350, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA•
Corporate campus
Museums
Manufacturer
Motorsports store
Established in 1984 by racing champion Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports is a leading NASCAR organization that has clinched an impressive 12 car owner championships in the sport's premier division. Situated near the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, the team's museum showcases a remarkable collection of actual racing cars, along with an array of awards and memorabilia. Visitors can explore the complex for free and witness where Nascars are created, repaired, and stored.
Ok this was so fun and exciting. We have visited Hendricks Racing before, you won't find a nicer group of people to meet. They directed us to a spot between the store and center because the pit crew teams were working on pit stop skills and strategies for the next race! SEE ATTACHED, what more can we say, except one of the crew took a few minutes to speak with us about his job with Hendricks. So cool!
Laura F — Google review
The museum and gift shop was closed but the teams race shop was open. Really nice people.
A must see when here in Charlotte .. Should you hear the cars roaring
.a must see pit crew practicing in the rear of the museum.
My favorite race museum cause Hendricks has a great race team. Museum is free. And you can visit 24 and 5 race building for free. Saw pit road practice the guys were really nice. Nice large museum and gift shop. Was very excited to see them back open after covid19. Employees were nice and helpful at the gift shop. Explained area you can see and what area you can't.
Wow. This area with all the different buildings is amazing. The museum is so cool. Lots of cars on display. Trophies and uniforms. They have Jeff Gordon cars and things in display but nothing for sale..no shirts, hats, anything. That was a huge disappointment for me. Overall an amazing experience I am so lucky to have.
Our first visit was amazing while in town for the weekend. The woman working at the front desk of the 5 and 9 shop on 7/11 was extremely friendly and welcoming!
Ample parking, clean restrooms. Museum and gift shop is well stocked and informative. Large campus with plenty of activities.
If you’re making the trip to Darlington or Charlotte this shop is one of the best .. massive facilities , they also let you watch pit stop practices depending on when you go.
4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262, USA•
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Metalmorphosis is a captivating modern art piece located in Charlotte's Whitehall Corporate Center. Created by artist David Cerny, this 23-foot sculpture features a giant metal head composed of horizontally moving stainless steel plates situated within a circular public fountain. The kinetic nature of the sculpture means that its various pieces spin slowly and at different speeds, locking into perfect positions at specific moments. Visitors are encouraged to catch these mesmerizing movements for an unforgettable experience.
Even tho it was supposed to move or have the fountain working it didn’t took away from how beautiful and stunning piece of art is, it’s in such a calm spot it felt so peaceful to be around, we loved every moment being here and every single detail of the piece is breathtaking, plus the parking lot is huge and right next to it! I definitely recommend you take a few minutes to visit this piece on your visit to Charlotte!!!
Abraham A — Google review
The rating is only to reflect that it is under maintenance right now. As of May 2025. Maybe once the maintenance is complete it would reclaim it’s glory.
Instagram- xmomochroniclesx
Tiktok & YouTube- Momochronicles
10/22/2025
Absolutely stunning!
Such a hidden gem in Charlotte!
We stopped by Metalmorphosis with the kids and it was even cooler in person than we expected. The giant mirrored head moves and reflects the sunlight in the most amazing way. It’s like watching a piece of art come alive. The area is super clean, easy to find parking, and open 24 hours, which made it a chill stop on our trip. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Charlotte it’s unique, creative, and makes for some great family photos.
This is a nice, quiet place! Not very crowed on a Sunday evening. The sound of water in the fountain surrounding the metal head added an extra feature. Spring time is just magical with all the flowers and different tones. Very recommended place if you want to visit an interesting piece of art.
Not working as of 3/30/25. Scuplture broken in an off face position, water not running, hasnt in a while. But if you wanna get cool reflections shots that's about it here. Not worth a special trip 😔
It’s a big ol’ head statue in the middle of a fountain in a commercial area. There’s not much else around here. It’s just okay. I wouldn’t go out of your way to come see this.
Perfect spot to watch a sunset.
Really pretty in early spring.
Winter 2025: Water drained to avoid freezing over. Statue is up but not rotating.
August 2024:
Renovations are done and water is back in the fountain.
June 2024:
Water has been drained out and renovations are occurring. Heavy paint/tar smell on June 26. Head is still up, but not moving and only partially aligned.
April 2024:
It's up but the head is not moving. Prettiest at sunset.
Oct. 2023:
It's working, although from time to time the head is not moving as it normally would.
Nov. 22:
Repairs are finished. Fully working now.
Nov. 11, 2022:
Under maintenance. Still up, but not currently working. Stuck in an off position.
May 2022:
For those wanting to check before heading out. Metalmorphosis is fully assembled.
August 2021:
Beautiful just as the sun sets and gives it a pink glow.
Statue was down for a 3 - 4 months in winter and now currently running.
2019:
As of the end of August 2019 the statue has been down, again, for the past month under repair. Not sure who you would want to contact to see if the statue is back up, hopefully soon.
2017:
STATUE IS FINALLY BACK UP AND RUNNING 11/2017 , since under construction (removed) 9/2017
Original Post:
Kind of fun if you angle the photo just right you can make it look like the person you are taking a photo of is kissing the statue, lol.
Added later than original post:
Since people have been confused about how to do this; it's all about depth perception since the photo is 2D. Stand back further and have the person closer to the camera to give the giant statue a smaller look.
Wish it was working but still nice place to stop by for quick pictures
3701 Arco Corporate Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA•
Permanently Closed
History museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Wells Fargo Museum offers an interactive journey through North Carolina's history during the 1800s gold rush and the early days of Wachovia Bank. Visitors can explore a stagecoach, try out an interactive telegraph, venture into a representation of an underground gold mine tunnel, and view gold nuggets similar to those found by miners. This free museum provides hands-on activities for children and showcases artifacts such as the famous 1850 stagecoach.
Love this museum. Great for adults or kids. Everything is free including having your picture taken and placed on a bill. Brings you back to a time gone by. Informative and fun. We were so happy we stopped in and will go back again. You will be finished with your self guided tour in about 20-30 minutes.
Sue M — Google review
How Money Made the World Go Around
This attraction is one of the nicest museums in town. Fun and education for everyone. Some of its fancy gadgets will make your day and your visit an unforgettable experience.
Admission is free and there is meter parking directly in front of the door.
We at PHIL'S WORLD TRAVEL will definitely recommend this place to our clients visiting from overseas!
Excellent/free museum exhibit.! Very interesting artifacts from start to finish.Enjoyed taking pictures. All ages will enjoy. Interactive
The staff were so friendly and accommodating.
A small museum on the ground floor of a Well Fargo corporate building, but packed with history and items to interact with. Did you know there were women only rooms at banks? Visit to find out why. See the mail carriage and NC gold. Free.
The Wells Fargo museum is a gem right down town in Charlotte. The Wells Fargo company history is a fascinating one that connects the western states, specifically California with money and messenger services with Wells Fargo stage coaches. The exhibit is really well done and interactive. You can even send live telegraphs to Wells Fargo across the country, its a lot harder than it looks! You can do this museum in 1 - 2 hours if you spend a little bit of time exploring each exhibit.
Nice small interactive museum. The exposition is devoted to the history of banking in the US. You can travel in the stage and use the real pneumatic tube to send some papers and even print your own money with your face on it!
Really neat and it's free! Great place to spend a couple hours, especially if you like museums. Learn a little history, get you face printed on money, and see an original stagecoach!
Treat yourself to a date or take someone else!
Absolutely loved this museum. This place is a modern day time machine...HANDS DOWN! A must see!!! 🤩
401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
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Museum
Science Museums
Discovery Place Nature, previously known as the Charlotte Nature Museum, is a fantastic destination for families with children. The center offers interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a captivating butterfly pavilion and various creatures native to North Carolina. Kids can engage in hands-on activities such as identifying animal tracks and exploring insects while learning about different ecosystems. Additionally, the venue hosts music events and provides a play area for children to enjoy.
I haven’t been here in years, but visited with my 3 year old son recently and we had a great time! This is a perfect day activity for little kids, up to ages 6-8 I think would love it.
It is an older museum (established in 1951) so the building looks old, and exhibits aren’t as new as they could be, but we haven’t been to many museums, so this was exciting for us!
You enter through the main room that leads down multiple hallways. We bought tickets at the door, $8 each— they also have senior, military, and AAA discounts, as well as a program to offer $3 tickets if you receive WIC or EBT benefits. I ended up buying a yearly membership at the end of our visit, for both the Nature Museum and Discovery Place Science. It covers 2 parents + any kids in the family, and I chose to add one guest so you can bring someone else for any visits.
We took a brief stop into the wildlife lab, which had an event going on with a class of kids (I think from a visiting summer camp or preschool), and got to touch a snake!
Next is the insect alley and creature cavern. Insect alley has some cool displays with bugs, and had a cute “bug” for the kids to stand behind. My son kept giggling when he saw himself in the mirror!
The creature cavern has live animals like snakes, frogs, and turtles. My kiddo really loved stepping onto the rocks and going “hi turtles!”
Our Big Backyard might have been his favorite room; it has underground tunnels kids can go through, and water features like a little stream, and a water paint wall.
Next, we went to a show in the planetarium. He wanted to walk around at first, but when the show started it kept him pretty mesmerized! The projector showed us the stars you can see in the summer, and explained the different constellations and notable stars.
Peetie’s Place is a play area with some books, toys, and nature-inspired decor— there’s also a little area built into the wall that kids can go into.
There were summer camps going on in the Sunspot and Naturalist Lab rooms, and the Dragonfly Theatre didn’t have any events going on so we didn’t go in. We stopped by the Butterfly Pavilion; it’s covered by glass so there’s lots of natural light, and is basically a courtyard with plants.
There’s a vending machine with snacks and drinks, and $1-2 each (they did actually have vegan fig bars that my son likes, so I got one for him!)
We didn’t venture outside to the Paw Paw Nature Trail or Fort Wild, but definitely will on the next visit. I saw a sign outside saying that they’re working on site improvements in the Fort Wild area, and are accepting public input— the site says it’s in draft mode right now, but I’m looking forward to seeing what they do!
Over all, it was a great trip, and we spent the day from 1:30-4:30 here, and had lots of fun. We actually parked on the street by the entrance to Freedom Park, and ended up walking along the trail to the Nature Museum.
Evangelia E — Google review
I really wish we'd known about this place before it's about to close for good. I took my daughter here on an off-day from school & we both loved it! Our favorite part was the planetarium, super informative & also let us see close up the constellations that we've learned about beforehand. The space held lots of reptiles & things to read about them. We didn't see any butterflies in that one room for them, only cockroaches. Haha! But the staff were really sweet. It's in a great area, I hate it's going to close. I hope something else is put in its place that's just as useful the all communities.
This museum has improved so much over recent years. Our whole family enjoys the planetarium shows, which are included in admission. The nature trails and outdoor play areas are creative spaces. I appreciate being able to have close up viewing of animals at different eye levels, along with different play spaces. The space is definitely designed with young children in mind.
Great low cost activity for the family. The bees were pretty cool, as were all the other exhibits. I was disappointed that we didn't see ANY butterflies, however. Would definitely go back again.
Great learning opportunities. Is the staff is knowledgeable, kind and polite. It's a little small but for the size of the space they've done a wonderful job. There's a really fun Play area made to look like it's underground, there's a lab where you can observe bees, And a butterfly garden as well as a planetariumAnd a butterfly garden as well as a planetariumAnd meeting greets with the reptiles.
Awesome place to take the kids. Little on the small side but you can get a few hours out of it easily. There's exhibits inside and a more.. 'natural' play area outside, my boy loved it. If I recall there is a trail you can access from the parking lot that leads to a park / lake. Would 100% go back.
This is a wonderful little place to learn and explore! There are so many little spots to enjoy, animals to look at, and areas to climb. The butterfly room was fantastic, with beautiful butterflies fluttering all around us, and even landing on us if we stood really still. We enjoyed a show at the planetarium part, which was really awesome! They have great cushions to lay back on while you watch the show! We were pleasantly surprised to find this little gem hidden away in Charlotte!
A quaint museum with a couple of animals. There's a planetarium, but it wasn't playing anything the morning (Thursday) of our visit.
Staff was extremely friendly and content ou'd museum was interesting. However, the primary audience is for kids and although i would've loved to visit with mine, they weren't with me, and i was looking for more information about the area.
1658 Sterling Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209, USA•
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Event venue
Theaters
Located in the heart of Charlotte's Levine Center for the Arts, Knight Theater is a premier performing arts venue that hosts events such as plays, musicals, and concerts. With 1,192 seats and a shared lobby with the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, it offers an intimate setting for performances. Visitors to the area can also explore other nearby attractions like the Mint Museum Uptown and Harvey B.
This was my first show at the Knight Theater and I will be back again soon! The location is great with plenty of 🅿️ parking decks with ♿ handicap accessibility, great staff, and an amazing view from any seat in the house.
I highly recommend the box seating options along the front side walls. They also have plenty of ♿ handicap accessible features like ramps, 🚻 restrooms, and elevators. They also have concessions with food, water, 🍷 wine, 🍺 beer, and more.
Jordan B — Google review
Fantastic show. I love every minute of it. Great location, great seating. The parking decks are tricky. There is one for the theater, but you have to pay attention or you'll miss the correct turn.
Great venue. Not a bad seat at Knight Theater. Acoustics are very good too. Enjoyed The Wallflowers. Jakob Dylan and the band had an excellent performance. Looking forward to more concerts here.
A very nice venue. Very friendly & helpful staff. I don't think there's a bad seat. We think the prices are fair. We've been to several shows/events over the last few years. We haven't been disappointed yet, not that we feel we will be. If you haven't seen anything at this venue, I encourage you to give them a try!
Was that the night theater for a concert in June so Angela winbush had a great time for the people that live in Charlotte you know some of these folks in the picture especially JD the diva from radio station v101 best damn station in Charlotte
I love a full orchestra 🥹 went during the holidays and had such an angelic time! Beautiful venue and great acoustics. When I’m back in town, this is a must visit for me
I saw a great PMJ concert in this space. It's intimate. There was great visibility and sound. Our seats were comfortable and easy to find. Great signage throughout.
Several options for parking are close to the theater, and even with a Charlotte FC match parking was available.
I look forward to experiencing more performances here.
TAKE6 put on an exceptional concert last night! This theater is beautiful, comfortable seats, clean, and the staff was wonderful. I enjoyed my surprise concert! Thank you, honey! A well planned surprise!
430 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
Foundation
Shopping
Association / Organization
Non-profit organization
Art Galleries
Nestled in the vibrant Uptown Charlotte, Foundation For The Carolinas stands out as a stunning venue for couples looking to celebrate their love. This architectural marvel boasts both indoor and outdoor spaces, with the highlight being Legacy Hall. Here, retractable windows reveal a breathtaking vertical garden designed by renowned French artist Patrick Blanc—an unforgettable backdrop for your vows. The headquarters at 220 North Tryon is not just about weddings; it serves as a hub for philanthropic initiatives and civic engagement in the region.
This is such a unique venue for a wedding and we loved photographing Allison and Nasser's day here. It's awesome incorporating the beautiful artwork into the couple's portraits, as well as having the ability to step outside and use downtown architecture or nearby parks. Of course the large greenery wall outside with a variety of plants is a must for photos. We'd highly suggest checking this place out if you are looking to have a classy and creative event in Charlotte!
Fete P — Google review
I attended the Foundation For the Carolinas for an event, and it was a really great space! The art exhibit portion is fun to walk around in, and the event spaces on the floors above are really well decorated (including a wall of plants / flowers that is very nice). The staff were excellent and very helpful, and overall it was a very fun event.
Wonderful venue for any occasion, the artwork is amazing!
Me and my fiancé were excited to view the philanthropy art gallery today, as soon as we walked in the security guard (female) gave me a dirty look, the receptionist was very nice. We started browsing the gallery and saw a section up stairs and began to look around, the security guard then rudly tells us we can’t be up there. There was no sign telling you that you couldn’t go view the gallery up stairs, there was nothing stopping you from going up the stairs. If we couldn’t be up there she could’ve politely asked us to step down. There was no reason for her to have the attitude she had, if you can’t go to certain areas you should probably inform people of that before you let them browse the gallery. I’d give them more than one star but we barely got to see anything before the security guard decided to be uncordial with us.
beautiful place to eveto kindness and fantastic spaces
We absolutely loved this venue. We chose it for the amazing views and an indoor/outdoor feel. Parking is a little difficult- but with detailed directions people figured it out. We had Ervin as our coordinator and he was super nice and accommodating. The only negative was it was a bit tough to get a hold of him sometimes. I worked with Marla for site visits/payments and she was super responsive and accommodating. I would highly recommend this venue- it made our wedding amazing!
I had both my wedding and reception here and it was absolutely PERFECT! The venue itself is incredible -- beautiful artwork downstairs and breathtaking views of the city upstairs. Rebecca and her staff were super helpful from the get-go and on the wedding day they ensured that everything flowed seamlessly. If you're looking for a modern venue with a great uptown location then I highly recommend the Foundation!
This is a wonderful art museum with a beautiful display area on several floors. They also have conference rooms and meeting rooms available. There is enough space for having a wedding there which was the primary purpose of my visit.
220 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA•
cheap
Live music venue
Bar
Night club
Performing arts group
Located in Charlotte's NoDa Arts District, The Evening Muse is a renowned music venue highly praised by publications like Creative Loafing and Elevate Lifestyle. Since its opening in 2001, it has been a favorite spot for music enthusiasts. This intimate venue hosts an array of touring bands spanning various genres such as pop, rock, indie, blues, hip-hop, reggae, and jazz.
Cute little corner concert place! Good drinks, awesome people, great times, convenient place
Matt corman and Ollie Joseph was awesome concert along with Preston. All great talents
Thanks!
Myra K — Google review
This is a nicer little venue!
Some places either give you an unpleasant feeling or are just not well maintained. Neither was the case here. The staff was friendly for a matinee concert with kids and things were both clean and taken care of.
I hope to have more concerts to attend here.
I've been to The Evening Muse a few times. When the chairs are out this venue holds about 100 patrons. Its smaller size makes for a more intimate viewing and listening experience.
This is a fantastic small venue to see a show. From what I understand they showcase various acts. We saw a local artist that was wonderful. Be aware, seating is limited to probably 75 tops. You must have a ticket or you cannot get in. We got ours on EventBrite. We had a great time.
Amazing intimate venue. Seeing a show here is as close as you'll get to seeing it in your living room. Friendly staff and good beer round out the experience.
What a fantastic venue. For over 90% of the show, you could hear a pin drop! This is a real listening room. Nicholas jamerson and Justin clyde williams did a beautiful job! I'll be back to the Evening Muse!
Great intimate concert space! I felt like a regular by my second trip to the bar.
I've been to The Evening Muse many times. I absolutely love this venue. The people who run this place are amazingly kind. That is why this place is one of my favorite indoor venues to see a band. I love the acoustics. I've seen them host many different types of acts and they do a great job with every act I've seen. Whether you are going to a show or you are looking for a venue, The Evening Muse is the place for you.
3227 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA•
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Arts organization
Non-profit organization
Theatre Charlotte is a volunteer-driven community theater located at 501 Queens Rd. in Charlotte. The group stages revivals of musicals and plays, as well as dinner shows, with the aim of providing great theatrical experiences that are accessible and relevant to the local residents. The theater is dedicated to showcasing how theater engages, inspires, and connects communities to make it more relevant in people's lives.
I absolutely LOVED little shop of horrors! Last time I saw it was in the 90s and being able to see the musical again was awesome! The singing and acting was out of this world! I told so many people to go see it! Thanks Theatre Charlotte - I will be back for the next play/musical!
Tania B — Google review
Very nice, quaint theater with quality views from all seats. Very polished production of "Little shop of Horrors". The entire cast was very good, and the leads did great justice to their roles. I would recommend highly as a nice dinner/theater night outing which won't break the bank.
We have been going to Theater Charlotte for about 20 years, with same res seats for 16 or so. Never a bad experience. But we thought this play was in the top 2 or 3, maybe THE BEST one we have seen. Great actors, timing, etc. Kept us all laughing all the time. The dentist was especially excellent. Thanks!
Little Shop of Horrors was the best ! The acting and the musical part was so good! I hadn’t been to the Theatre Charlotte in years. It was a spontaneous event for me. I will be back next month to see Murder on the Orient Express !
I got the pleasure to see little shop of horrors and it was great! The actors were amazing and the show was truly captivating! Great job!
Attended a performance of little shop of horrors this past weekend. My husband and I were very impressed with the cast, both acting and vocal abilities and set design. The theater is lovely. The staff cordial, although I will say there needs to be more assistance in getting the audience to their proper seats as there were many people that were in the wrong seats.. We had a wonderful time and our anxious to go back to another performance. We are new to the Charlotte area.
Lovely theatre. We've seen tons of plays here and always have a great time. The actors are amazing and I'm always astounded by what they do with their sets.
Never knew this theatre was even here, (shame on me).
Wow, floored by the caliper of talent and production Theatre Charlotte put together for "Little Shop of Horrors"
I worked in Midtown, NYC for years and am no stranger to Broadway.
This production and cast were simply incredible.
501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA•
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Live music venue
Amphitheater
Arena
Beer garden
AvidXchange Music Factory, located in downtown Charlotte, is a vibrant music and entertainment complex featuring various performance venues. The Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, with a seating capacity of 5,000, and the Fillmore Charlotte offer diverse performances including pop, rock, rap, and R&B acts. Additionally, the complex houses other venues such as the intimate Underground venue, stand-up-focused Comedy Zone, and WORLD Nightclub known for hosting renowned DJ sets on weekends.
Saw Glass Animals...show was great, staff fantastic. It was a little difficult to find a good spot to watch the show unless you are well over 6' but regardless, it was a good time.
Jason P — Google review
The Underground is a neat venue, been there twice. I will come back but they need to do something about the cost of parking. For one, it's not listed anywhere until you scan the QR code and two, it's $23.99 no matter how long you stay. I understand a timed ticket system would cause traffic to back-up. Since the parking system is maintained by Metropolis (which also maintains Optimist Hall) couldn't this one use the same camera system? Then people would be charged for the amount of time they're actually there, just a thought.
Went here to see the band 100 gecs live. Had a blast! The show was great the venue was great and we had a great time!
Parking wasn't bad for what it is, these venues can be a little rough with parking a lot of the time. Thankfully there was a parking garage.
About the show, in particular, I would say the majority of attendees probably were on the autism spectrum. However, that just added the experience and and that's the kind of places I prefer as I'm probably on some spectrum myself. I would 100% recommend going to see 100 gecs if you get the chance! And definitely recommend this venue. Really cool place. Really nice people!
Everything is way overpriced and although we booked parking in advance we got a $70 dollar (!!) parking ticket we now have to legally dispute. Nothing in this venue is worth the hassle, time or money.
The staff are all super friendly and helpful, the venue itself is awesome even in July heat, and just the overall vibe of the whole complex is so awesome. Really hoping more of my favorite artists choose to play here so I have an excuse to come back. Also, we got seats instead of being in the pit and even being 12 rows back we could see everything and had a blast.
Awesome venue! Gorgeous view of a historic part of Charlotte with beautiful building backdrops and cool brick factory feel!! Plenty of staff helped with keeping the lines moving and very clean environment. My favorite Charlotte outdoor music experience. Loved Rise Against!!! Everything was well decorated and super clean bathrooms. Loved the lawn seats. Thank you for bringing back Live Music!!!
Easy to get out of. You can stand in one spot and be able to look around the entire music and bar areas. They do need to add direction signs telling you what the areas are because if you are not vip you can't go into certain areas and security is very rude.
Excessive fees for parking and no signs to say how much parking is. Just a QR code! 20$ to 75$ is crazy and greedy after paying 150 for a show is crazy and greedy!
1000 Nc Music Factory Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28206, USA•
What a great way to spend a Saturday! Jon our guide was friendly and easy to understand as he explained what we were going to do. The restaurants were perfectly chosen and each stop offered a drink and food to try! A must try for anyone wanting to get out of their normal food routine!
Key E — Google review
FANTASTIC & AMAZING!!!! I have nothing but great things to say about FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Events. They say they are a culinary experience company - and they truly are! It is not just great food, it is an EXPERIENCE.
I am a Mergers & Acquisitions Consultant and I volunteered to plan an event for my team, which tends to work a lot and not get out together much. I was a bit nervous to take on the task of planning this event given the wide array of preferences my team has and our low participation rates at team events.
However, FEAST made the whole planning experience super easy, listened to all my many requests (a few of which were last minute), were able to fit the event to our needs, and were so positive and fun about everything. My Senior Manager came up after the event and said how much he loved the event and everyone was very happy at the high turnout. The whole team had a fantastic time.
The venue that FEAST picked out was perfect and all the people they had on hand - a local well-known chef, a cicerone, and the other staff - were so knowledgeable and passionate!
We were able to enjoy a beer and wine pairing class to start and then enjoyed a five-course meal of classic southern fine dining. Exactly what I asked for!
I would 10/10 recommend them for any event if you are looking for a unique, creative culinary experience!
Our office choose to do the FEAST Uptown Tour as a team-building outing and we could not have been more satisfied! Setting up the tour was made easy by Kristi and Caroline, they were very professional and accommodating. The tour itself was a blast. Many on our team are native to Charlotte, but still learned a lot about the history and diversity of eateries Uptown. Great food, great service and an all around great time! Can’t wait to try the other tours.
Absolutely incredible experience! 10 out of 10 definitely recommend! We toured 5 different restaurants in Uptown Charlotte and at each location they created a one of a kind dish that was not on the menu. They would pair it with a beer, wine or cocktail. The tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable. I can't wait to try the other tours
I contacted Kristi at Feast less than 2 weeks before my colleagues and I were scheduled to come down to Charlotte to host an event for some key business partners (it took a while to lock up the date). We weren't 100% sure what we wanted to do and she walked me through all of the various options and answered all my questions to the best of her ability. It was a tight time frame for a private event for what ended up being 14 people, but Kristi was professional, positive and made sure I understood the parameters, expectations and potential cost.
We settled on a tour of Uptown that was dubbed "Southern Chic" because I asked if they could create something that would highlight Charlotte/NC/Southern higher end cuisine. They did not disappoint. All of the restaurants delivered on the theme and the food was fantastic at each stop (and we were all full at the end). They incorporated a craft beer, wine and cocktail experience as well - not all of the 6 locations we went to included a drink, but we ended up having four drinks (including a surprise champagne at the end), so it was certainly plenty of alcohol to complement the food.
Caroline, who finalized the terms of the event and was also our tour guide on the day of the even. She could not have been friendlier or more knowledgeable about the restaurants and local area. She was also extremely professional and subtly ensured that everything was exceptional before and during the tour.
They also offered to arrange transportation from a central pick up location to the Uptown area, which we took advantage of and made the experience even more enjoyable and allowed us to expand the territory we visited.
They did all this for what was a very reasonable price, given everything that came with it and the quality of the food and drink.
I was personally very excited because only a week and half after our event I will be heading back to Charlotte for a personal trip and now I have many local restaurants that I can choose from where I know the food and service will be exceptional.
We are hoping to make this a yearly event, and I very much look forward to working with Kristi, Caroline and their team again in the future.
Recently toured the plaza-midwood community. Spent about 30min in each of six establishments including pizza, comfort foods, Irish, Mediterranean and wrapped up at pilot brewery. Although we were familiar with the area, our visits included only one place we've been before. The your guide was great with tidbits about the history and changes in the area. We also met and had time to question each business owner/principal. We had such a good time with a your group of 12, that we'll definitely try a different your again. Highly recommend these for a fun and filling 3hrs.
The FEAST food tour led by our guide Caroline was amazing. Myself and 10 friends enjoyed each individual chefs and dishes they prepared. Our tour offered a great foodie and wine experience into the amazing hands and heart's of an aspect of the culinary world of Charlotte. Looking forward to trying another of their six tours .
Our FEAST tour was great fun. Though we've been in NoDa pretty often, we visited places we did not even know existed, several of which we'll certainly visit again. We enjoyed meeting and chatting with the other guests. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable. And the food was great. We'll surely do another one of the FEAST tours.
Permanently Closed
Art gallery
Located in the Hearst Tower in Charlotte's Center City, Sozo Gallery is a contemporary art space that showcases original works from local and international artists. The gallery aims to foster meaningful connections between collectors, artists, and art by featuring pieces that evoke various emotions and engage all senses. With a focus on supporting diverse artists, Sozo Gallery offers a unique opportunity for visitors to discover compelling artwork that sparks conversations and stirs the soul.
Stopping by Sozo gallery last week, we were warmly greeted by Hannah (the owner) and her assistants. They were busy hanging art and getting things ready for an opening yet let us know about the exhibit, explained they were signing a lease for their new location, and invited us to come back the next evening for the reception. We returned to find a remarkable transition with beautiful paintings, photographs, and sculptures curated throughout the gallery. Artists spoke about their art and Hannah and her staff created a welcoming atmosphere. It was a delightful evening!
Rene G — Google review
Small, vibrant gallery featuring an individual artist's work. Last night they had a meet and greet with the artist. I'm not sure how often exhibits are changed or rotated. The pieces are also for sale.
All the reviews are about the owners, or cleanliness, the space, the location. These are irrelevant. It’s about the art the choose to exhibit. I don’t care how “nice” the owners are. I’m looking at art. So…the first criticism: like all local art galleries they present them as retail. It looks like a retail space. Pictures, I’ll call them, crammed in. Walls … covered in pictures on top of pictures. Tables…with clothes. Is the problem that women own these galleries? This is why these so called galleries…don’t last long. I visit NYC galleries yearly. Which is what these gallery owners should do. Not to mention how mundane the art is…that’s another conversation.
Beautiful Gallery in a bright new space. Well curated collection. I had such a great time chatting with Morgan, be sure to stop in if you get a chance. Parking available on site.
This place is amazing. Hannah is great
Very clean and beautiful space.
904 Pecan Ave UNIT 101, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA•
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- The best places to visit for arts and culture in Raleigh
- The best places to visit for arts and culture in Pigeon Forge
- The best places to visit for arts and culture in Greenville
- The best places to visit for arts and culture in Greensboro
- The best places to visit for arts and culture in Durham
Best attractions in nearby cities
- Top things to do and attractions in Washington DC
- Top things to do and attractions in Atlanta
- Top things to do and attractions in Charleston
- Top things to do and attractions in Savannah
- Top things to do and attractions in Asheville
- Top things to do and attractions in Myrtle Beach
- Top things to do and attractions in Raleigh
- Top things to do and attractions in Gatlinburg
- Top things to do and attractions in Pigeon Forge
- Top things to do and attractions in Greenville
- Top things to do and attractions in Columbia
- Top things to do and attractions in Greensboro
- Top things to do and attractions in Winston Salem
- Top things to do and attractions in Durham
- Top things to do and attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Top things to do and attractions in Mooresville
- Top things to do and attractions in Spartanburg
- Top things to do and attractions in Concord
- Top things to do and attractions in Hickory
- Top things to do and attractions in Blowing Rock
- Top things to do and attractions in Rock Hill
- Top things to do and attractions in Salisbury
- Top things to do and attractions in Huntersville
- Top things to do and attractions in Lexington
- Top things to do and attractions in Belmont
- Top things to do and attractions in Asheboro
- Top things to do and attractions in Archdale
- Top things to do and attractions in Chimney Rock
Best restaurants in nearby cities
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Washington DC
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Atlanta
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Charleston
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Savannah
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Asheville
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Raleigh
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Gatlinburg
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Greenville
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Columbia
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Greensboro
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Winston Salem
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Durham
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mooresville
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Spartanburg
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Concord
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Hickory
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Blowing Rock
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Rock Hill
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Salisbury
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Huntersville
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Lexington
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Belmont
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Asheboro
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Archdale
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Clemmons
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Chimney Rock
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