Due to its plethora of large businesses and financial institutions, in recent years, all the biggest and best hotel brands have flocked to Charlotte. This means there are loads of incredible hotels for visitors to choose from, with stylish spaces, divine decors, and fantastic facilities on offer wherever you go.

1. Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel

Source: booking.com

One of the best hotels in Charlotte, the Kimpton Tryon Park lies in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from plenty of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The four-star hotel is very stylishly decorated, and its gleaming interiors all look very modern and sleek.

Set in a high-rise building, the hotel’s rooms each boast floor-to-ceiling windows that offer phenomenal views. In addition, the Kimpton also has an exquisite on-site restaurant for guests to try out, as well as a full-service spa and rooftop terrace and bar.

Location: Ideally located in Uptown, the Kimpton is within walking distance of lots of great shops, restaurants, and bars. Both the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Levine Center for the Arts are just a five-minute walk away.

2. The Ballantye, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Source: booking.com

If you’re looking for a serene and secluded yet swanky and sophisticated getaway, you simply cannot beat The Ballantye. Rated ‘exceptional’ by guests, the five-star Luxury Collection Hotel lies amidst lush and lovingly tended lawns, with an on-site spa, swimming pools, and golf course.

While its gorgeous lounges and lobbies positively sparkle before your eyes, its rooms are just as delightfully decorated; each has a comfy bed and flat-screen TV. The hotel also has a wonderful restaurant, fitness centre, and tennis courts for guests to make use of.

Location: While The Ballantye is around a 25-minute drive from the centre of Charlotte, a number of restaurants and golf courses lie nearby, with SouthPark Mall just 13.5 kilometres away.

3. Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park

Source: booking.com

Highly praised for its clean and comfortable rooms and friendly and welcoming staff, Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park is a fabulous four-star hotel.

Its rooms, suites, and public spaces look very classy and chic – as do its extensive and elegant meeting spaces. Besides the outdoor swimming pool and sand volleyball court, there’s a fitness centre, an outdoor deck, and a restaurant on offer.

Location: Crowne Plaza is located a 15-minute drive from the centre of Charlotte and ten minutes away from Carowinds Amusement Park. Guests can make use of a free ten-minute shuttle ride to the airport.

4. Omni Charlotte Hotel

Source: booking.com

While its fantastic central location draws many plaudits, the Omni Charlotte Hotel is just as highly thought of for its modern decor and state-of-the-art facilities. These include superb business and fitness centres as well as a restaurant, cocktail bar, and rooftop pool.

Equipped with the latest amenities, the four-star hotel’s rooms and suites are all sumptuously decorated and boast beautiful views out over the city.

Location: Located right in the heart of Uptown, the Omni is just a short walk from lots of great restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.

5. Hilton Charlotte Center City

Source: booking.com

As its name indicates, this excellent Hilton hotel couldn’t be located any closer to the city centre. Although its convenient location attracts many guests, just as many stay for its stylish and spacious guestrooms, which are all equipped with the latest technologies.

The hotel has a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre, as well as ample meeting and event spaces.

Location: The Hilton is within walking distance of the Charlotte Convention Center, Epicentre, and NASCAR Hall of Fame, and a whole host of bars, restaurants, and shops.

6. Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel

Source: booking.com

With an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness centre, not to mention a bar, restaurant, and beauty salon, the Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel has everything guests could possibly need for a relaxing stay.

On top of all this, its rooms and suites are very tastefully decorated in a light and airy style, while the staff are very welcoming and friendly.

Location: The hotel is set in SouthPark, just minutes from plenty of high-end shops and restaurants. It’s around a 15-minute drive to the centre of Charlotte.

7. The Westin Charlotte

Source: booking.com

Rated ‘superb’ by guests, The Westin is another fantastically located four-star hotel. Set in a high-rise glass skyscraper in downtown, its rooms offer guests breathtaking views over the city; each comes equipped with a flat-screen TV and rainfall shower.

The hotel’s delightful decor is perfectly complemented by its state-of-the-art facilities, which include a gym, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. It also has substantial and lavish event spaces for guests and businesses to use.

Location: The Westin is ideally located for exploring downtown, as most tourist attractions are within walking distance.

8. Le Meridien Charlotte

Source: booking.com

Boasting a very modern and trendy design, Le Meridien is a wonderful four-star hotel that is highly thought of for its lovely rooftop bar.

While sitting and having a drink and basking in the city’s skyline is divine, its rooms and suites are just as attractive; each comes with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. There are also two swimming pools, a restaurant, and a bar for guests to relax in.

Location: From Le Meridien, it is around a five-minute drive to Uptown and most of the city’s main sights.

9. Dunhill Hotel

Source: booking.com

A historic hotel, the Dunhill has been welcoming and wowing guests ever since it opened in 1929. While its unique architecture looks astounding, its interior is just as exquisite in terms of decor.

Featuring fabulous furnishings and four-poster beds, the four-star hotel’s rooms are traditionally decorated, with modern amenities also on hand.

Location: While both the Epicenter and McGlohon Theatre are just minutes away on foot, guests can also enjoy free car transport within the whole of Uptown.

10. Charlotte Marriott City Center

Source: booking.com

Very stylishly decorated, the Charlotte Marriott City Center features clean and comfortable rooms, as well as trendy and modern public spaces.

The four-star hotel has an excellent bar and restaurant for guests to try out, with a coffee shop and co-lab space also on offer.

Location: The Marriott is ideally placed for exploring the city centre, with lots of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions within walking distance.

11. The Ivey’s Hotel

Source: booking.com

The Ivey’s Hotel really is a treat to visit. Its boutique, luxurious style is unmatched in Charlotte. As cosy and comfortable as they are grand and glamourous, the four-star hotel’s rooms, lobby, and library are all finely furnished, with lots of vintage features on show.

While its central location, delightful décor, and friendly staff rightly draw plaudits, guests also enjoy the daily complimentary continental breakfast.

Location: Located in a very trendy part of Uptown, The Ivey’s Hotel is just a short walk from the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Mint Museum of Craft Design, with a plethora of shops and restaurants nearby.

12. Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City

Source: booking.com

Rated ‘fabulous’ by guests, the Holiday Inn lies in the centre of Charlotte and boasts a gym, spa, and wellness centre. One of the central highlights is the lovely rooftop pool, which offers commanding views over the city.

The hotel’s facilities are all clean and modern, and a brilliant restaurant is found on-site.

Location: Holiday Inn is ideally located for visiting all of Charlotte’s main sights. The Epicenter and Spirit Square Arts Center are right next to it.

13. Sheraton Charlotte Hotel

Source: booking.com

A great four-star hotel, the Sheraton’s rooms and suites are designed in a sleek and modern style. Its lobby, halls, and public spaces look grand and opulent.

Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Guests can make use of the Sheraton’s on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and swimming pool.

Location: The Sheraton is around a five-minute drive from Uptown and all the city’s major tourist attractions.

14. Hilton Charlotte University Place

Source: booking.com

Set on the shores of a lake, the Hilton Charlotte University Place guarantees guests a relaxing and peaceful stay. Its rooms are spacious and clean; each comes with a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and plush mattress.

Besides its swimming pool, fitness centre, and outdoor sun terrace, the hotel also has a bar, restaurant, and cafe.

Location: The Hilton is ideally placed for visiting the University of North Carolina, which is adjacent to it. It’s a 15-minute drive to the centre of Charlotte. Guests can make use of a free shuttle service to anywhere within eight kilometres of the hotel.

15. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Source: booking.com

One of the only five-star hotels in town, The Ritz-Carlton is luxuriously and lavishly decorated, and sure to wow guests with its excellent service and world-class facilities.

The hotel has five restaurants and a speakeasy cocktail bar. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art penthouse spa and wellness centre boasting an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and pink Himalayan salt lounge.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton is just minutes away from the Epicenter, Charlotte Bobcats Arena, and Bank of America Headquarters.

The post 15 Best Charlotte NC Hotels appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

This modern city has experienced a recent surge in development and is showing no sign of slowing down.

Sports fans will know Charlotte for their much-loved NFL team, the Carolina Panthers.

Charlotte too is home to the NASACR Hall of Fame.

As a university city Charlotte is a lively and happening place.

With bars and clubs a plenty visitors have no trouble meeting locals and finding out their favourite hangout spots or recommended day trips.

Speaking of which, North Carolina is awash with fun and fascinating travel opportunities.

Let’s take a look at the best day trips from Charlotte:

1. Lake Lure

Source: digidreamgrafix / shutterstock

If you do not know Lake Lure by name you surely will recognise it by sight for it provided the backdrop for numerous scenes in the hit movie Dirty Dancing.

Ever changing, Lake Lure provides a photogenic vista throughout the year.

That said, there is something particularly charming about Lake Lure in the autumn months when the trees turn hues of fiery red and vibrant orange.

There is something truly calming about Lake Lure and you will feel yourself relax and unwind the moment you step foot on its tranquil shores.

Lake Lure is within easy reach of Chimney Rock should you wish to mix up your day a little.

2. Asheville

Source: Derek Olson Photography / shutterstock

It is fair to say that foodies will travel the length and breadth of this earth in search of the perfect bite or sip, so a two hour drive to Asheville is no trouble at all.

Asheville is famed for its thriving restaurant scene and it genuinely has something for every palate.

Asheville sits upon the Western North Carolina cheese trail which features nine of the state’s finest cheesemongers.

If you like Indian cuisine stop by Chai Pani, alternatively if homely, traditional southern USA dishes take your fancy make a beeline for Tupelo Honey.

Locals all rave about Curate the city’s best bustling tapas bar.

3. Uwharrie National Forest

Source: Guy J. Sagi / shutterstock

With Charlotte developing at such a rapid rate it seems that the green spaces are becoming few and far between.

Take a step into the great outdoors and visit the mesmerising Uwharrie National Forest.

Encompassing a total area of 50,645 acres Uwharrie National Forest has so much to explore.

You can take a dip in the brisk Badin Lake or hike along one of the dozens of trails that transect the forest lands.

The Morrow Mountain Trail is a very popular route and is rated as moderate.

The Keyauwee Supertree Woodrun Loop Trail is another great route that offers plenty of scenic photo opportunities.

4. Atlanta

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Atlanta is the state capital of Georgia and is an immense city with plenty to see and do.

In the downtown you will find the Centennial Olympic Park where the 1996 Olympic games were held.

Those interested in history can take a visit to the Atlanta History Centre which documents the city’s role in the Civil War and subsequently the Civil Rights Movement of 1960s.

Ensure to find time to visit the Martin Luther King Jr.

National Historic Site to reflect on the impact this amazing leader had on the world.

The World of Coca-Cola is a museum that features everything you could possibly imagine about the world famous fizzy pop.

The gift shop is a sight to behold.

5. Wilmington

Source: J. Bicking / shutterstock

Wilmington is a quintessentially North Carolinian city that sits on the Atlantic coast.

A famous port city, Wilmington is home to the USS North Carolina (BB-55) Museum.

This battleship played a pivotal role during naval operations of World War II. For a breath of fresh air head to the Airlie Gardens.

With 10-acres to explore you could easily spend a whole day here admiring the azaleas and dipping your toes in the freshwater lake.

You can face your herpetophobia fears at the Wilmington Serpentarium and observe over forty different species of venomous snakes, as well as crocodiles and lizards.

6. Greensboro

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

The city of Greensboro is an easily accessible day trip from Charlotte and has a lot to explore.

The leading attraction in Greensboro is the Greensboro Science Centre which is home to a gorgeous family of red pandas, farm animals to interact with and an aquarium too.

If you’re travelling with children you can couple a visit to the Greensboro Science Centre in the morning with a tour of the Greensboro Children’s Museum in the afternoon.

This wonderful educational centre is designed exclusively for children and features twenty permanent interactive exhibits and season themed events too.

Let them run wild in the vast outdoor learning garden while you get a moment of peace in the corner.

7. Boone

Source: Cvandyke / shutterstock

Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will already have Boone on their raider.

Just 95 miles Northwest of Charlotte is one of North Carolina’s best outdoor days out.

Get jumping from boulder to boulder, whiz through the canopy on zip lines or kick back in an inflatable tube along the river.

Brace yourself and step foot on the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

It is a full mile above sea level, its not for the faint hearted.

If you want to take a step back in time take a visit to Hickory Ridge Living History Museum.

This interactive museum recreates life in the 1700s and certainly provides a day to remember.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Source: anthony heflin / shutterstock

Having been the muse for countless artists, authors and musicians over the years the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the United States of America’s most iconic natural landscapes.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park blankets over 520,000 acres and sits right on the Tennessee–North Carolina.

The Grey Smoky Mountains, in fact, are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.

As you would expect there are dozens of trails, easy and more challenging, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but the most amazing of all has to be Rocky Top.

Although arduous in places summiting Rocky Top rewards you with views of Cades Cove and Fontana Lake.

The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is another popular day hike.

9. Lexington

Source: Dennis Brown / Wikimedia

Lexington is another of the USA’s foodie cities that is not to be missed.

Famed for its innovative BBQ scene if you’re a lover of anything grilled you will feel right at home in Lexington.

In October each year the city comes together for the annual BBQ Festival that features live food demonstrations, family fun and of course hundreds of food stalls too.

10. Greenville

Source: Cvandyke / shutterstock

Sitting across the sister-state border in South Carolina is the sleepy city of Greenville.

Culture vultures will be excited to learn of the Greenville County Museum of Art which houses an incredible series of exhibits featuring Southern artists from across the eras.

Those interested by local history should take the time to tour the Upcountry History Museum.

The museum’s displays document the timeline that bought upstate South Carolina into the modern day.

Take a rest at Falls Park and take in the views of the fast-flowing Reedy, the rocky waterfalls and the park’s suspension bridge.

11. Tweetsie Railroad

Source: Benjamin Burton / shutterstock

The Tweetsie Railroad offers travellers and locals alike a good, old-fashioned fun day out.

Running between Boone and Blowing Rock in North Carolina Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West themed park.

Tweetsie Railroad’s biggest attraction is the historic steam train railway that runs for 3-miles though the park and beyond.

In addition to the locomotive, Tweetsie Railroad offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at panning for gold, visiting the petting zoo or jumping on any of the amusement rides that are dotted around the park.

Be sure to check out the Tweetsie Railroad before your visit to see what seasonal special events are on, so as to time your visit accordingly.

12. Blue Ridge Parkway

Source: TheBigMK / shutterstock

If you are a lover of the great outdoors and want to max out on your chance to see some of North Carolina’s best scenery then a day spent exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great idea.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Virginia through to Cherokee in North Carolina and is simply one astounding vista after another.

Along the way there are dozens of stop off points, not only to take in the views but to visit cultural hotspots and historical gems.

The Lost Province Brewing Company is a great stop off for some liquid, and slightly boozy, refreshments.

13. Travelers Rest

Source: flickr

The little known city of Travelers Rest is one of South Carolina’s best kept secrets.

With a population of under 5,000 in many other parts of the world Travelers Rest would be considered a thriving village.

Travelers Rest does indeed have a village feel and welcomes tourists with open arms.

The Travelers Rest Historical Society is the highlight of any visit to this Greenville County city.

They aspire to ‘preserve our history for a brighter future’. This humble museum features wonderful exhibits on the Catawba, the Creek, and the Cherokee tribes to whom this land originally belongs.

14. Carowinds

Source: Roller Coaster Philosophy / Flickr

If you are seeking an easy and fun-filled day trip from Charlotte then the Carowinds is just the place.

Situated just off Interstate 77 Carowinds sits right on the border of North and South Carolina.

This family oriented amusement park is home to 13 roller coasters each more enjoyable than the last.

Carowinds has something for all the family, aside from the thrilling roller coasters there are a good number of entertaining family rides and engaging kids rides too.

You can feel free to bring along your own picnic to Carowinds or you can treat yourself to the treats served up at the fast food counters sprinkled throughout the park.

15. Winston-Salem

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Also known as tobacco town a day trip Winston-Salem is varied and incredibly fun.

Start the day in the Old Salem Historic District and learn about the lives of the settlers who arrived in the 18th-Century.

The district features a recreated Moravian village complete with vegetable gardens, a traditional museum and a shop too.

The staff are all in costume which really helps bring the place to life.

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is well worth a visit for it houses an inspiring collection of works dating back to the colonial era.

If you are travelling with youngsters your next port of call should be the interactive SciWorks Museum, if not perhaps the Museum of Anthropology would be of more interest.

The post 15 Best Day Trips from Charlotte appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

The city’s population of approximately 2,380,500 in 2014 now makes Charlotte North America’s 17th largest city. There’s a lot more to learn about the location so join me in its exploration of the 25 best things to do in Charlotte.

1. NASCAR Hall of Fame

Source: ZikG / shutterstock

When planning a visit to Charlotte the thought of NASCAR might cross your mind and, for racing fans, taking a trip to the 150,000 sq ft state of the art Hall of Fame venue should be high on the itinerary. This modern site, dedicated to entertain race fans, includes awesome interactive exhibits such as racing simulators, artifacts and an amazing state of the art theater which holds 278 people.

There is also the popular Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and NASCAR Gear Shop to explore. It will be a real treat to see how the venue honors NASCAR icons over the years and how it has successfully created a lasting tribute to all the drivers, team owners and crew member of the sport.

2. The Billy Graham Library

Source: ZikG / shutterstock

This is a very appealing venue for those interested in learning more about one of North America’s most famous pastors, Billy Graham. The free entrance library itself is 40,000 sq ft, from which you will be able to learn all about his life and legacy.

You can also enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful surroundings, situated on 20 acres of landscaped acres, and very close to where the Pastor grew up. You are free to wander the grounds yourselves but tours are available too for a very reasonable fee, which take approximately an hour and a half. There is also a very nice moderately priced restaurant.

Explore the city by Segway: Charlotte: Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour

3. Truist Field

Source: meunierd / shutterstock

Truist Field is a top notch baseball stadium, hosting the Charlotte Knights, a Triple A International League minor league baseball team. The well laid out ballpark is a very popular venue with families, offering terrific skyline views from its two level tier seating.

There are plenty of local food vendors here too (especially between home plate and first base, I hear), and easy parking. And if you really want to treat the family, the experience of being seated in the suites or in the Home Plate Club are definitely worth the premium ticket prices!

4. Discovery Place

Source: Bryan Pollard / shutterstock

A visit here would be a fun and fantastic family experience! There is something of interest for all ages, and where you will be able to see how science can be brought to life by amazing interactive exhibits as well as larger than life IMAX Dome films.

See the human body’s life cycle, launch objects into the air, crush a garbage can or even lie on a bed of nails! And don’t miss World’s Alive where you will learn all about the amazing lives of many diverse species, including hands on labs and dramatic photography.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fascinating world of physical phenomena. There is a nice restaurant on the premises too (though fairly pricey).

5. Carolinas Aviation Museum

Source: Fsendek / shutterstock

This is a fun attraction for aviation and history fans of all ages. Charlotte Airport hangar was erected in 1936-37 and the airport opened its doors in 1938 with Eastern Airlines flying the first commercial flight into Charlotte.

The airport at that time consisted of two buildings, an administration/terminal building, one hangar, a beacon tower, two 3,000-foot runways and one 2,500-foot runway. There are lots of other civilian and military planes in the hangar including some that the kids can enjoy playing in.

Of great interest is being able to see the actual aircraft known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” – the plane that landed in the Hudson River in 2009 – together with reading matter and videos explaining all about the event.

6. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Source: Nolichuckyjake / shutterstock

This modern theater, opened in 1992, is a terrific venue to watch a play or musical when you’re visiting the city.

The venue prides itself on its comfortable seating and facilities, not to mention its awesome acoustics, too. Every seat offers a great view of the stage so you won’t be missing a thing. From symphony to jazz, a show here will make for a great night out.

There is no restaurant on the premises but if you present your tickets before or after the performance you will be given a 10% from their restaurant partners! (You can find out more when you book your tickets).

7. Carowinds

Source: Andrii Vodolazhskyi / shutterstock

The whole family will love a day out here at Carowinds, especially if you’re a fan of thrill rides! The venue in fact is known as the ‘Thrill Capital of the Southeast’, so it’s got to be saying something!

There are actually 13 world class roller coasters including Planet Snoopy, consisting of Peanuts themed rides and attractions for all ages, as well as loads of other family rides such as Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Skytower and Rip Roarin’ Rapids, Dinosaurs Alive featuring 30 life sized moving animatronic monsters.

There is a wonderful choice of food from quick snacks and treats to delicious dining options available throughout the park.

8. Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Source: Jon Bilous / shutterstock

Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a lovely area for the family to stroll through, consisting of about 20 miles of paved walkways and trails. The path switches back and forth over the creek and you can either carry on and end up behind uptown Charlotte, or stop and enjoy a picnic.

Along the way you will pass through swamp land, ponds and under bridges – great fun for the kids! It’s a very safe walk and a lovely area to rest and relax.

9. Levine Museum of the New South

Source: Nolichuckyjake / shutterstock

The Levine Museum is a great place to learn about the South and its rich contribution to the US and is something the whole family will find of interest. The museum’s mission was to engage an audience into the diverse history of the South from 1865 until today through materials, sights and sounds, and has very cleverly developed a fascinating interactive history giving a wonderful opportunity to learn all about post Civil War southern society.

Featuring the inhabitants of every race and color who have helped shape the South, the family can learn about all the topic of slavery together with other important issues.

10. Carolina History and Haunts Ghost Tour

Source: Nicole Glass Photography / Shutterstock

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this interesting tour is worth an enjoyable candlelit stroll through the city’s streets where you will hear some fascinating stories about the local history and haunts of the neighborhood.

The guides are very informative and entertaining and you’re guaranteed to learn a lot about the spooky side of Charlotte. The tour is suitable for all ages, (with kids 7 and under going free) and lasts about 90 minutes, so make sure you’ve got your walking shoes on.

Related tour: Charlotte: Queen City Ghost Tour

11. Hendrick Motorsports Complex

Source: Malachi Jacobs / shutterstock

This would be a fun visit for all motor enthusiasts! Hendrick Motorsports has earned an awesome record 11 car owner championships in NASCAR’s premier division, the Sprint Cup Series, and has opened the complex (free of charge) for visitors to enjoy.

You will be able to see where they create, repair and store their Nascar’s, with the friendly staff happy to answer questions. You can see all the trophies awarded, and also visit the museum. There is also a great gift shop on site as well as actual car body parts for sale from various drivers and the races they participated in!

12. Mint Museum Uptown

Source: meunierd / shutterstock

The Mint Museum Uptown is chock full of wonderful collections, from American, European and contemporary art to amazing craft and design, which it is best known for. Included are the Lewis Family Gallery and art studios the whole family will enjoy, together with the museum’s progressive exhibitions with its remarkable glass and wood artwork.

The exhibitions change regularly so there’s always something of interest for everyone. There is a very pleasant restaurant on site too to enjoy before or after your visit, together with a museum shop filled with interesting souvenirs.

13. ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center

Source: Nolichuckyjake / shutterstock

Home of the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn also serves as a fabulous open air and fun library with attractions that all the kids can enjoy. There is so much to keep your children occupied, from board games, a puppet center, Lego playing area, magnetic poetry wall, touch screens for the little ones, and much more besides.

In fact, a great place for the kids to let their imagination run free! There are vending machines available but just next door there’s also an open market with lots of food options. A wonderful learning and fun time for all your kids.

14. Defy Charlotte

Source: Irene_A / shutterstock

Defy Trampoline Sports Park is the perfect place for the kids to have a great time and burn off energy at the same time! This 26,000 sq ft facility is very cutting edge, with wall to wall steel frame trampolines which include the famous Angled Wall Trampolines, a sprawling Olympic Foam Pit, and one of the largest Trampoline Dodge ball cages in North America.

Part sports gym and part entertainment site, this is one of the city’s very popular venues. Watch them bounce around and have fabulous fun! The staff are extremely attentive, making sure the kids come to no harm.

15. McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

Source: Jon Bilous / shutterstock

This lovely nature center and preserve has an outdoor amphitheater, native animals and an exhibit hall, and acts as a central source that teaches all about the location’s natural flora and fauna.

It is a great place to bring the family as there are a generous variety of trails from easy to advanced, each one simple to see on the maps that are provided at different entrances, playing areas for the kids, water fountains for dogs and, being right on the edge of Lake Wylie, provides perfect fishing opportunities and affordable canoe rentals as well.

You can even make a weekend of it as there are camping facilities on site too.

16. Hall Family Farm

Source: Frau Cosmic / shutterstock

If you’re in the mood to try some hand picked (you doing the hand picking, that is) sweet strawberries in the spring and plump pumpkins in the fall, take the family to the Hall Family Farm, which has been personally owned and operated for over 70 years.

Besides enjoying a great day out picking your patch, there are also hayrides available and covered picnic tables as well as things for kids of all ages to get involved in! Admission is free and your hand picked goodies are sold to you at a very reasonable price. There are also slushies or hot drinks to enjoy as well as local produce on sale which include tasty breads, salsa, jams and ciders.

17. Metalmorphosis

Source: maytikka / shutterstock

This unique sculpture is worth a stop while you’re here in Charlotte. Created by Czech artist David Cerny, this 23 ft high structure consists of an amazing arrangement of horizontally moving stainless steel plates forming and reforming a giant metal head.

There are plenty of benches to sit and wonder at this amazing contraption and watch as the water washes down the sides of the fountain. The kids can enjoy splashing the water too.

18. Historic Rosedale Plantation

Source: Fsendek / shutterstock

Situated on approximately eight and a half acres of fabulous grounds which include stately century old trees, a visit to this luscious plantation will transport you back to life in the south in the 1900s.

The house itself, built in 1815 by merchant and tax collector Archibald Frew, is known and admired for being one of the best pieces of Federal period architecture in North Carolina. Restoration and work on the historic gardens are continuing, but public tours are available and certainly worth a visit.

The family can also enjoy learning all about plantation life and what was involved, from the well informed guides.

19. The Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Source: Sokolova Svetlana / shutterstock

For a shopping mall with a difference why not drop into the Sleep Poet Antique Mall? With more than 250 booths to explore selling everything from vintage clothing, jewelry, books, pictures, antique furniture as well as modern and classic home furnishings, this is 55,000 sq ft of fun shopping experience for everyone.

The aisles are wide so there’s no problem if you have a stroller. And if the kids get a little restless there are plenty of food trucks with delicious offerings like Cupcake Delirium to keep them interested!

20. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary

Source: steven rose photography / shutterstock

This serene spot is perfect for the bird lovers of the family or if you’re simply in the mood for some quiet time. The Gardens and Bird Sanctuary were created between 1927 and 1930 by Elizabeth Clarkson who was diagnosed with a chronic disease and had turned her attention to ornithology.

Built with an emphasis on providing nesting sites, together with food and water for birds and other wildlife, the gardens are protected with high walls which keep the sanctuary calm and peaceful. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the various plants and spot some of the amazing variety of birds scampering around.

21. Romare Bearden Park

Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

This gorgeous 5 acre public park is a real hit with the locals and worth a visit while you’re here, too! It was named after locally born artist Romane Bearden and opened in 2013. It is extremely child friendly with plenty of places to sit and lots of different things to amuse the kids, together with a great waterfall feature helping to cool things down on hot days.

The wide open, well maintained green areas are a real pleasure to sit and picnic with the family. You can enjoy a nice evening of music too when concerts are performed in the summer months.

22. Ray’s Splash Planet

Source: Zurijeta / shutterstock

For a splash of a time, drop into Ray’s Splash Planet which is the largest water park in Charlotte. With over 29,000 sq ft and 117,000 gallons of water to play around in which include slides, inner tube rides and a whirlpool area as well as a fitness center and an aerobics and dance studio situated on the second floor, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy.

There are plenty of options for all kids regardless of their swimming level, from a toddler friendly shallow pool to the deeper swimming areas that include water basketball. Entrance fees are very reasonable.

The post 25 Best Things to Do in Charlotte (NC) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.