{"id":134220,"date":"2024-07-09T02:03:02","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T09:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=134220"},"modified":"2026-03-05T06:29:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T14:29:51","slug":"things-to-do-in-charlotte","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-charlotte\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Great Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina (According to the Locals)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sometimes known as &#8220;Queen City,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/charlotte-nc\/\">Charlotte<\/a> is the largest and most populous city in North Carolina. Its fascinating (recorded) history traces back to 1567 when the Spanish listed the Catawba Native American peoples as its first inhabitants. It was later settled by European colonists around 1755 and became the chief producer of gold in the US until 1848, when pioneers headed West. Fast forward to the 21<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">st<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century, and Charlotte is still a hub for finance and commerce, hosting heavy hitters like Bank of America, Honeywell, Duke Energy, and several more Fortune 500 companies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But Charlotte is much more than a hub for movers and shakers! It&#8217;s also known for its exciting arts and culture scene\u2014and it&#8217;s a haven for sports fans, with professional teams including the NFL&#8217;s Carolina Panthers and the NBA&#8217;s Charlotte Hornets. The city also hosts major sporting events like the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament and the NASCAR All-Star Race.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This dynamic, growing city has a lot to offer its visitors, and its residents are more than happy to pass on suggestions for exciting things to see and do in Charlotte. Keep reading, and we&#8217;ll share some of the top things that Charlotte locals love to do in their hometown!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Spend the day at Carowinds<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shawn Gerald, realtor and founder\/managing partner of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/shawngerald.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lifestyle International Rea<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/shawngerald.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">lty<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, suggested we break out our comfiest walking shoes and some sunscreen and check out Carowinds Theme Park. &#8220;Carowinds has the best roller coasters in the South!&#8221; he says. \u201cFor example, you&#8217;ll find Fury 325, one of the world&#8217;s tallest and fastest roller coasters, and Intimidator, a high-speed coaster inspired by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not only does the park feature a wide range of thrill rides, but it also has plenty of family-friendly attractions, entertainment options, and even a water park. The park hosts special events and concerts throughout the year, including fun seasonal Halloween and holiday events.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Carowinds is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 10 pm. Carolina Harbor is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Go outside and play at the US National Whitewater Center<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gerald also had an excellent suggestion for people who&#8217;d rather find their thrills in nature. &#8220;If trails, zip lines, or rafting are your thing, then you will love the US National Whitewater Center,&#8221; he says. Situated on over 1,300 acres along the Catawba River, the center offers a vast range of activities for adventure-seekers of all ages. One of the main attractions is the whitewater rafting course, but they also have rope courses, climbing walls, ziplines, free-fall platforms, and over 40 miles of trails where you can bike, hike, and run. They also have festivals and concerts on the weekends, and you can even attend yoga classes there to commune with nature while you find your Zen!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134228\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/catawba-river-whitewater.png\" alt=\"catawba river in charlotte\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/catawba-river-whitewater.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/catawba-river-whitewater.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/catawba-river-whitewater.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/catawba-river-whitewater.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Relax and unwind in South End<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;I also love to go hang out in South End,&#8221; says Gerald. &#8220;Located just south of Uptown, you&#8217;ll find Sycamore Brewing with its amazing assortment of locally brewed beers and an amazing two-story deck overlooking the rail line. From there, we love to take a short walk over to Jeni&#8217;s Ice Cream and get a \u2018lemon bar\u2019 (my favorite nondairy option) in their made-from-scratch waffle cone.&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">4. Kick it with the cool kids in NODA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Take a short ride to the North side of Uptown, and you will run into NODA, a very trendy area with its amazing shops, incredible food, and local artists showcasing their talent,&#8221; says Gerald. &#8220;While there, you have to try Benny Penello&#8217;s Pizza, where they boast the largest pizza slices in the city, or Haberdish, where they have the best chicken and waffles in the city! Overall, the uptown Charlotte area is amazing\u2014from art museums to the Charlotte Knights and Panthers Stadiums (where you can also catch a Charlotte FC Soccer Match) to Hornets Arena. There are lots of food options and plenty of friendly people that make it feel just like home!&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/uptown-charlotte-nc.png\" alt=\"uptown charlotte nc\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/uptown-charlotte-nc.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/uptown-charlotte-nc.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/uptown-charlotte-nc.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/uptown-charlotte-nc.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5. Check out the local music scene<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;When visiting Charlotte, be sure to check out the local music scene!&#8221; says <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.christinahussey.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Christina Hussey<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a commercial and editorial photographer based in Charlotte. &#8220;We have amazing artists that play at Petra&#8217;s Bar, The Underground, The Neighborhood Theatre, and The Evening Muse. Notable bands to watch for would be BENTON, Thousand Dollar Movie, Jude Moses, and the local 80s cover band, Cassette Rewind.&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">6. Explore South Charlotte\/Ballantyne<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cWhile you&#8217;re in Charlotte, be sure to take a look at all the new stuff the South Charlotte\/Ballantyne area has to offer,&#8221; says Hussey. &#8220;The Bowl right behind the Ballantyne Hotel, Old Mecklenburg Brewery, Harriet&#8217;s Burgers, Fly Kid Fly Coffee, and Bossy Beulah&#8217;s are just a few of the restaurants and coffee shops worth checking out there!&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">7. Catch a game at Truist Field<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Marie Jackson, professional organizer and owner of Charlotte-based company <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/organizedmarie.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Organized Marie<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, recommends enjoying the nation&#8217;s favorite pastime in one of the most exciting stadiums the Southeast has to offer. &#8220;Truist Field is easy and accessible,&#8221; she says. &#8220;The Charlotte Knights play here and they\u2019re a lot of fun to watch if you come during baseball season. If you come during the Holiday season the stadium turns into a Winter Wonderland!&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-134224 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/view-near-truist-field.png\" alt=\"view from first ward park fountain\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/view-near-truist-field.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/view-near-truist-field.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/view-near-truist-field.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/view-near-truist-field.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">8. Enjoy some quiet reflection at the Billy Graham Library<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If it aligns with your values, check out the Billy Graham Library. &#8220;This is an incredible exhibit exploring the teachings of the Bible through Billy Graham,&#8221; says Jackson. The library features exhibits that tell the story of Graham&#8217;s life, from his humble beginnings in North Carolina to his worldwide impact as a preacher and spiritual leader. Visitors can check out photos, artifacts, and multimedia displays documenting his career and a replica of the farmhouse where Graham grew up. The library also has a prayer garden for quiet contemplation, a bookstore, and a dairy bar for the kids and the kids at heart.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Regular hours at the museum are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">9. Meet up with friends at the Dilworth Tasting Room (DTR) <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;DTR is a cornerstone of culinary excellence in Charlotte,&#8221; says Mandy Idol, founder and chief marketing officer of Charlotte&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indigocollective.group\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Indigo Collective Group<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. \u201cWhat began as a modest wine retail shop has blossomed into a beloved dining destination! Food enthusiasts gather at DTR to indulge in gorgeous Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Whether you opt for one of their signature small plates (like the delectable flatbreads and savory salads) or explore their diverse array of entrees, every visit promises a fantastic experience.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAnd to complement its outstanding menu, DTR provides an atmosphere that is both lively and intimate,&#8221; says Idol. &#8220;This makes it the perfect backdrop for hosting a diverse variety of occasions\u2014from a sophisticated luncheon to a special occasion blowout with friends over cocktails!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: There are two locations already open (Dilworth and SouthPark) and one more (Plaza Midwood) is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>10. Enjoy the nightlife in SouthPark<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;For those seeking to explore beyond DTR&#8217;s doors, Charlotte offers a variety of venues and events that cater to diverse tastes,&#8221; says Idol. &#8220;The nearby SouthPark area boasts upscale shopping destinations like SouthPark Mall, perfect for a day of retail therapy. The South End neighborhood is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, featuring trendy bars and breweries that offer a lively atmosphere for socializing!&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>11. Get lost in The Mint Museum<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;I, of course, think visiting The Mint Museum is a top thing to do when visiting Charlotte,&#8221; says Michele Huggins, associate director of marketing and communications at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mintmuseum.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Mint Museum<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. \u201cWhen visiting any city, checking out the local art museum is at the top of the list of attractions, and The Mint Museum is one of Charlotte&#8217;s must-see art museums!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/mint-museum-charlotte-nc.png\" alt=\"mint museum charlotte nc\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/mint-museum-charlotte-nc.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/mint-museum-charlotte-nc.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/mint-museum-charlotte-nc.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/mint-museum-charlotte-nc.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIt boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast with works by artists from around the world,\u201d she says. \u201cExpect to see a mix of contemporary and old-world works of art. And don&#8217;t miss the Craft + Design collection that features glass, fiber art, metal, studio jewelry, design, studio furniture, wood art, and clay works. Also, Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts is part of a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Knight Theater, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> \u201cEveryone can enjoy free museum admission from 5 to 9 pm Wednesday evenings, and students in grades K-12 are always admitted free,\u201d says Huggins. \u201cAnd be sure to check out The Mint Museum Store on the ground level of Mint Museum Uptown for a great selection of artsy gift items, including jewelry, pottery, scarves, puzzles, and so much more!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>12. Join the excitement at a Panthers Game<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Julie Peak, professional home organizer at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepreciseplace.com\/about-us\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Precise Place<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in Charlotte, had a few suggestions for fun things to do in the city. \u201cCharlotte offers a perfect blend of thrill and relaxation for an unforgettable weekend, starting with an NFL Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium,\u201d she says. \u201cThe excitement is palpable there!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134226\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/bank-of-america-stadium.png\" alt=\"view of bank of america stadium with panthers\" width=\"960\" height=\"609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/bank-of-america-stadium.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/bank-of-america-stadium.png?resize=500,317 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/bank-of-america-stadium.png?resize=768,487 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/bank-of-america-stadium.png?resize=150,95 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>13. Rent a boat on Lake Norman<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Peak recommends a relaxing day on the lake if you\u2019re in the mood for something more chill. \u201cSlow down by renting a boat on Lake Norman,\u201d she says. \u201cYou can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake; it\u2019s perfect for a leisurely day on the water.\u201d There\u2019s excellent fishing, paddle boarding, and waterskiing, but the shores along the lake also offer fascinating historic sites, family attractions, entertainment, antiquing, and plenty of parks for picnicking!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-134227\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/lake-norman-charlotte-nc.png\" alt=\"view of lake norman\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/lake-norman-charlotte-nc.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/lake-norman-charlotte-nc.png?resize=500,281 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/lake-norman-charlotte-nc.png?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/07\/lake-norman-charlotte-nc.png?resize=150,84 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>14. Unwind at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cFinally, end your weekend at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery,\u201d says Peak. \u201cThere, you can savor a wide variety of craft beers made in the Reinheitsgebot tradition and delicious, authentic bratwurst in their cozy Biergarten. The brewery hosts tours, movie nights in the Biergarten, live music, and, of course, Oktoberfest celebrations!\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Get comfortable in Charlotte<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many who visit say they feel very much at home in the bustling but welcoming city of Charlotte, and we hope we\u2019ve inspired you to get out and explore this beautiful place from a local\u2019s perspective. Prepare to be charmed by Charlotte\u2014the food is fantastic, the culture is exciting, and there\u2019s always something to do for people of all ages and interests! See you soon!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sometimes known as &#8220;Queen City,&#8221; Charlotte is the largest and most populous city in North Carolina. Its fascinating (recorded) history traces back to 1567 when the Spanish listed the Catawba Native American peoples as its first inhabitants. It was later settled by European colonists around 1755 and became the chief producer of gold in the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":134223,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38945,38988],"class_list":["post-134220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-resources","tag-charlotte-nc-local-guides","tag-local-guides","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fun Things to Do in Charlotte, NC, According to Locals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in Charlotte? If you&#039;re travelling or moving to the Queen City, we&#039;ve got a handful of recommendations for you!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-charlotte\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"14 Great Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina (According to the Locals)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking for fun things to do in Charlotte? 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