Charlotte, North Carolina, aka the Queen City, is the state’s largest city as well as one of America’s largest banking centers. The city has many unique features such as a lack of “Downtown”. Because the city pre-dates the colonial era, its origins followed the Nations path, a trading route of the indigenous Catawba, which runs not along a traditional compass path but rather along the natural ridgeline. The end result today . . . as you approach the center of the city in Independence Square, regardless of how you approach, you’ll be moving upward or “Uptown”.
If you live in Charlotte or are just visiting, this list is for you. So often we put off seeing local attractions assuming we’ll make the time someday, never to actually do so. There is plenty to do in Charlotte itself from the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame to the Carolina Raptor Center, Mint Museum Uptown or taking in a Hornets or Panthers game. For now, we’d like to show you places you can visit outside of Charlotte.
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Driving Distance from Charlotte
Less than 2 hours drive from Charlotte
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 15 min – 78 miles (126 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North East
A little about Winston-Salem, NC: Over the years Winston-Salem has emerged as an art and cultural center with (17) museums and multiple historic districts. Be sure to check out ARTivity on the Green for a taste of the local art scene and keep an eye out for murals anywhere downtown. If you visit between mid- November and the New Year be sure to visit Tanglewood park in the evening for the 5-mile route featuring over one million holiday-themed lights and displays. Wander Trade Street offers great boutiques, specialty stores, and galleries and make sure you get to the Shell-shaped Gas Station on E Sprague Street.
Attractions: Bethabara Park & Historic District, SciWorks Museum, Quarry Park, Children’s Museum, Salem Lake, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Salem God’s Acre Cemetery, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, BB&T Ballpark, Gaylyn Estate
On the Reel
George Washington (2000)
Starring Candace Evanofski, Donald Holden and Damian Jewan Lee. Directed by David Gordon Green.
This coming-of-age drama is unique for its use of amateur actors, stark depiction of an industrial age left behind and voice-over techniques reminiscent of Terrence Malik. The story centers around a working-class group of early teens during a single summer in North Carolina and the road to redemption after a series of events. The entire film is shot on location in Spencer and Winston-Salem.
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 24 min – 91 miles (147 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North East
A little about Greensboro, NC: Part of the Piedmont Triad (along with Winston-Salem and High Point), Greensboro features over 170 public parks and gardens ideal for walking, running and biking. There are plenty of activities from golfing and museums to nightclubs, antique shops and micro-breweries. One of the more family favorite attractions is the massive Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe water park with its 41 acres featuring 36 water rides (for all ages), 3 million gallons of water and Daredevil Drop with its 76-foot free-falling water chute.
Attractions: Children’s Museum, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro Arboretum, Haw River State Park, Greensboro Science Center
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 24 min – 83 miles (133 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North East
A little about Asheboro, NC: This wonderful mix of urban and rural is best known as the home of the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. It also has one of only two remaining covered bridges in North Carolina, the Pisgah Covered Bridge. For the eclectic visitor, there’s the largest private collections of Harley Davidson© motorcycles in the country. For the adventurer, there is a zip line with (3) sky bridges covering 3½ miles of cable featuring amazing creek views. To top it off there is even a horse ranch, a winery and, just a 15-minute drive north, the Richard Petty Museum.
Attractions: North Carolina Zoo, American Classic Motorcycle Museum, Bicentennial Park, N.C. Aviation Museum, Sunny Slopes Farm, North Asheboro Park, Pisgah Covered Bridge, Collector’s Antique Mall, Uwharrie National Forest
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 35 min – 99 miles (159 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North
A little about Mount Airy, NC: Andy Griffith, of Mayberry fame, grew up in Mount Airy and a casual stroll through downtown is reminiscent of The Andy Griffith Show. There is even a Mayberry’s Day Parade every year in the last week of November. Mount Airy is also situated perfectly for exploring the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the Yadkin Valley wine region and the unique beauty of Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle peak.
Attractions: The Andy Griffith Museum, Andy Griffith Museum, Gertrude Smith House, Pilot Mount State Park, Edwards-Franklin House, Historic Earle Theatre and Old-Time Music Heritage Hall, J.E.B. Stuart Historical Birthplace, Mabry Mill, Round Peak Vineyard
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 43 min – 92 miles (148 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: West
A little about Lake Lure, NC: If you’re a fan of “Dirty Dancing”, consider visiting Lake Lure in September when the annual Dirty Dancing Festival takes place. If your interests lie elsewhere no worries. Lake Lure is worth the visit by itself, especially the Water Works. There is plenty to do in the water and on the beach. If amazing panoramic views are of interest then take a 10 minute drive up the road to Chimney Rock for great hiking and an incredible 75-mile panorama of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, and the Blue Ridge Foothills. There is also a train museum, an utterly unique “flowering” bridge and four different golf courses to choose from.
Attractions: Chimney Rock State Park, Beach at Lake Lure & Water Works, The Right Track Toy Train Museum, Morse Park, Buffalo Creek Park Mountain Biking Trail, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, The Gem Mine
On the Reel
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Starring Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach. Directed by Emile Ardolino.
This now iconic 80’s film, set in the early 60’s, tells of the conflict created from a relationship between a doctor’s daughter and a local dance instructor during a summer in the Catskills. Though other factors are certainly prevalent, rock-and-roll and the “dirty” dancing that became so popular among teenagers, play a big part in the culture clash between classes and generations. Though the story takes place in upstate New York, the entire film was shot in North Carolina and Virginia, with many scenes filmed at Lake Lure.
Less Than 3 Hours Drive from Charlotte
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 1 min – 110 miles (177 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North West
A little about Linville, NC: Linville sits about halfway between a few of North Carolina’s greatest natural wonders including Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, Table Rock, Blowing Rock and Linville Gorge and Falls. If you enjoy hiking, exploring and amazing overlooks then Linville serves as a great hub. There are other attractions as well including snow tubing, zipline, horsebacking, off-roading, golfing and even a wild-west/railroad theme park!
Attractions: Linville Gorge and Falls, Table Rock Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Linville Caverns, Linville River, Blowing Rock, Hawksbill Mountain Trail
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 36 min – 126 miles (203 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: West
A little about Brevard, NC: Our personal favorite part of North Carolina is Transylvania County, specifically the Brevard area. If you love nature, hiking and, in particular, waterfall chasing . . . the nearby Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest provide all the entertainment you’ll need. Nicknamed the Land of Waterfalls, there is no end of falls to choose from. Some are visually imposing like Looking Glass, some are massive like High Falls and others are utterly unique like Bridal Veil Falls. In addition to the literally hundreds of local waterfalls there is also no end to the available hiking trails, biking trails, swimming, shopping or a chance to see the areas infamous white squirrels.
Attractions: Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, Crystal Mountain Gem Mine, WNC Military History Museum, Transylvania Farmers Market, Pounding Mill Overlook, Transylvania Heritage Museum, A Blast From The Past, Rockin’ Bowl, ArtLab, Art Loeb Trail, Local Color
On the Reel
The Hunger Games (2012)
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Directed by Gary Ross.
This popular series, based on the dystopian novels of Suzanne Collins, pits heroine Katniss Everdeen against the totalitarian nation of Panem. All of the exterior shooting was done in North Carolina. The village was an abandoned ghost town just south of Hickory and the Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are featured as well.
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 21 min – 128 miles (206 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North West
A little about Asheville, NC: Asheville is an amazing town that offers something for every taste. It can start with America’s largest private home, the Biltmore Estate. You could easily spend a number of days there exploring the home, the Gardens and 7,000 square foot Conservatory or just walk around the 8,000 acres. Downtown Asheville is the very definition of quaint with its boutique shops, museums, eateries and Asheville Urban Trail. While visiting feel free to take a joy ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are amazing and there are plenty of interesting stops. Some great spots for viewing spectacular sunsets as well!
Attractions: The Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village, Biltmore Estate Winery, WNC Nature Center, Botanical Gardens At Asheville, Thomas Wolfe House, Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Carl Sandburg Home, The North Carolina Arboretum, Botanical Gardens At Asheville, Asheville Pinball Museum, Colburn Earth Science Museum, Gray Line Trolley Tour of Asheville
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 31 min – 164 miles (264 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South West
A little about Augusta, NC: Augusta is most well known as the host of the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, The Masters. But the 250,000 annual visitors know there is much more to Georgia’s second most populous city. You can take a stroll along the Savannah River on the Augusta Riverwalk, visit the statue of soul legend James Brown or visit the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson. For the more active visitor there are parks for hiking, biking (one trail has hosted the IMBA World Mountain Bike Summit) and bird watching. There are museums, theatres and a beautiful cultural center. In short, something for everyone (even a Disc Golf complex!)
Attractions: Augusta National Golf Club, Riverwalk, Augusta Museum of History, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, Morris Museum of Art, James Brown Statue, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Sacred Heart Cultural Center, Magnolia Cemetery, Hippodrome Disc Golf Complex, Forks Area Trail System, Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, Imperial Theatre
On the Reel
The Mule (2018)
Starring Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne. Directed by Clint Eastwood.
Even at age 90 Clint Eastwood is still turning out great films. This character study of an aging man, alone and close to losing his business, agrees to take a delivery job. Turns out it is for a Mexican cartel and it puts him on the radar of an ambitious DEA agent. The bulk of the movie was shot in Georgia with many scenes shot in downtown Augusta.
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 41 min – 151 miles (243 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North West
A little about Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This one is for the outdoor enthusiasts. There is virtually no end of outdoor activities in the 500,000+ acre park. You can learn about the area’s early settlers with a plethora of historic structures as well as educational exhibits. There are plenty of waterfalls, hiking and biking trails and even ranger-led programs. Add to that an abundance of wildlife, wildflowers, trees and, in the spring, a cornucopia display of fireflies. Start at any of the (5) visitor centers located in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Attractions: Sugarlands Visitor Center, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountain Railway, Abrams Falls Trail, Chimney Tops, Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls Trail, Cade Cove
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 49 min – 165 miles (266 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South East
A little about Hot Springs, NC: You might be tempted to come to Hot Springs solely to relax and recharge in one of the (12) outdoor natural hot mineral waters. Actually, that’s probably a great idea. If, however, you want a few other distractions while visiting that can be arranged as well. If in an active mood there is whitewater rafting, zip-lining, camping, horseback riding and hiking. A unique feature in town is the Appalachian Trail running right through downtown on Bridge Street.
Attractions: Hot Springs Resort & Spa, Max Patch, Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail, Lovers Leap Loop Trail, Creek Ridge Camping, Laurel River Trail, Appalachian Oasis
Less Than 4 Hours Drive from Charlotte
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 9 min – 180 miles (290 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South West
A little about Clayton, GA: Clayton is a small, innocuous little hamlet that also serves as the gateway into the magnificent Chattahoochee National Forest and Tallulah Gorge State Park. These magnificent parks feature some of the best hiking, waterfall chasing and overlooks in the state. A half hour south of Clayton, and by appointment only, is the Apple Mountain Alpacas Farm. These unique native South American creatures, often confused with llamas, stand only 2-3 feet tall at the shoulders and the farm allows you to pet and feed them.
Attractions: Chattahoochee National Forest, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Martins Creek Falls, Sliding Rock Cascade, Currahee Military Museum, Apple Mountain Alpacas Farm, Toccoa Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail, Tallulah Point Overlook, Angel Falls Trail, Currahee Vineyard and Winery
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 10 min – 209 miles (336 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South East
A little about Charleston, SC: While there are a plethora of things to see in this amazing town make sure you walk south on East Bay Street, starting in the French Quarter, all the way down to The Battery. You’ll pass the infamous Rainbow Row, the Edmondston-Alston House, the Roper House and the White Point Garden while enjoying the ocean on your left once the street becomes East Battery. The sights along the way will take you back to Rhett Butler’s Charleston. Very much a walking city, Charlestown also has great horse-drawn carriage tours, a wonderful Farmer’s Market, a Pineapple Fountain not to be missed and the obligatory southern ghost tours. If you have a chance, on your way back to Raleigh, head north east for a half-hour to Mt. Pleasant and the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens. It is a beautiful property and a real education on life in colonial America.
Attractions: White Point Garden in The Battery, Farmer’s Market, Edmondston-Alston House , Drayton Hall, Angel Oak Tree, The Calhoun Mansion, Mrs. Whaley’s Garden, Patriots Point Maritime Museum, Rainbow Row homes, Washington Square, Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter, Middleton Place, Pineapple Fountain, The Charleston Museum
On the Reel
North and South (1985)
Starring Patrick Swayze, James Read, Lesley-Anne Down. Directed by Richard T. Heffron.
This historical epic, based on the John Jakes novels, span from 1842-1866 telling the story of two friends, one from the North and the other the South struggling to remain friends during the turmoil leading up to the American Civil War and after. Much of the filming took place in Charleston and Boone Hall Plantation.
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 24 min – 14 miles (235 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: West
A little about Lake Jocassee, SC: Lake Jocassee is another outdoors paradise featuring a wide range of fun activities for the entire family or a group of friends. As with so much of this part of the country there are tons of waterfalls to see including boat tours that provide unique vantage points. There is trout fishing on the Eastatoe River, kayaking on Lake Jocassee and plenty of hiking for both the casual and hardcore crowd. You can also drive up to Jumping Off Rock (it’s a rough ride) and get an amazing, and unobstructed, view of the lake and neighboring mountains. You can take a driving tour of the Jocassee Gorges or drive up to the Sassafras Mountain overlook where you’ll have a view of (4) states from your 3,500 foot (1,070 m) vantage point.
Attractions: Lake Jocassee, Devils Fork State Park, Gorges State Park, Whitewater Falls, Twin Falls/Eastatoe Falls, Oconee Bells Nature Trail, Long Shoals Wayside Park, King Creek Falls, Jumping Off Rock , Whitewater Equestrian Center, Eastatoe River
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 27 min – 176 miles (283 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South East
A little about Myrtle Beach, SC: There’ a good chance your primary reason for hopping down to Myrtle Beach is for the . . . beach. Makes sense, but consider how many other things you can do in the water including parasailing, fishing (off the pier or on a charter), surfing, jet skiing and kayaking. The fun doesn’t stop on land either with golfing, skating, bowling, Segway, bike and motorcycle rentals, laser tag, horseback riding, helicopter tours and more. There are zoos, gardens, parks and playgrounds. Safe to say . . . a few days might not be enough.
Attractions: Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Ripley’s Aquarium, Seacoast Artists Gallery, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Myrtle Beach Skywheel, Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, North Myrtle Beach Farmer’s Market, Wheels of Yesteryear, North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum
On the Reel
Don’t Make Waves (1967)
Starring Tony Curtis, Claudia Cardinale and Sharon Tate. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick.
This quintessential 1960’s sex romp (so innocent by today’s standards) stars the wry, urbane humor of Tony Curtis, the irrepressible Claudia Cardinale and the emerging star of Sharon Tate. The story isn’t original but it doesn’t take itself to serious either. Watch out for Mr. Universe Dave Draper and a great Byrds soundtrack. The irony is much of the “SoCal” beach scenes were actually shot at Myrtle Beach!
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 41 min – 230 miles (370 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: North West
A little about Knoxville, TN: The so-called Scruffy City is the third-largest city in Tennessee. Though not as celebrated as its western neighbors of Memphis and Nashville, Knoxville is a great combination of city and country life all within an hour of each other. It was even the host of the 1982 World’s Fair where cherry Coke was first introduced. The city is best known for its proximity to the surrounding Smoky Mountains but it is also home to the University of Tennessee, a great Market Square and is near the popular vacation spots of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Attractions: Market Square, Zoo Knoxville, House Mountain State Park, Knoxville Museum of Art, Ijams Nature Center, Tennessee Theatre, World’s Fair Park, Sunsphere Tower, East Tennesse Historical Society, James White Fort, Blount Mansion, Gentle Barn
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 41 min – 253 miles (407 km)
Driving Direction from Charlotte: South East
A little about Savannah, GA: Savannah is the epitome of southern charm and grace. Take a walk along River Street with the Savannah River to your north along with restaurants, shops (and a really cool echo spot) and a few statues with even more interesting backstories. Much of the city is easily walkable but there is a great trolley service that takes you all around the city, at your pace. You can jump on and jump off at any of the stop points all day giving you ample time to see the many famous homes, the (22) squares within the city grid, Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John, the Sorrel Weed House and so much more. A few extra treats are a visit out to Tybee Island and, to end the day perfectly, ice cream at Leopold’s!
Attractions: River Street, City Market, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Squares of Savannah, Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, Leopold’s Ice Cream, Tybee Island, Wormsloe Historic Site, Telfair Museums, Mercer Williams House Museum, Fort McAllister State Park, Savannah Children’s Museum, Sorrel Weed House
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours 44 min – 247 miles (397 km)
Driving Direction from Charlotte: South East
A little about Hilton Head, SC: While many associate Hilton Head with the (33) world-class golf courses (including the Heritage Classic on the PGA Tour) the island has much more to offer when not on the links. There are walking trails at Mitchelville Freedom Park, mini-golf & arcade, public parks with off-leash dog areas and plenty of pristine beaches to choose from. There are also museums, colonial ruins, nature preserves, wineries, distilleries and even pirate expeditions.
Attractions: Coligny Beach Park, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island Beach, Harbour Town Lighthouse, Harbour Town Golf Links, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Burkes Beach, Mitchelville Freedom Park, Stoney Baynard Ruins, Heyward House Museum, Audubon Newhall Preserve, Fort Howell
On the Reel
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. Directed by Robert Redford.
This Robert Redford adaption of Steven Pressfield’s novel is, in many ways, the golf version of Redford’s The Natural. The story revolves around a talented amateur golfer (Matt Damon) who, as a WWI vet suffered trauma that effectively ended his career on the links. Given one more chance to recover his lost glory takes the help of an old flame (Charlize Theron) and a mystical caddy (Will Smith). Ironically, though much of the film was shot in Savannah and Hilton Head Island, the golf scenes were shot in Bluffton and further north on Kiawah Island.
Less Than 5 Hours Drive from Charlotte
Driving Distance from Charlotte: 4 hours 20 min – 244 miles (393 km)
Driving direction from Charlotte: South West
A little about Atlanta, GA: The Big Peach is arguably the most recognizable city in the deep south. From its origins as a railroad hub to its current status as the New South, Atlanta has always served as a crossroads for the South. From its vital role in the Civil Rights Movement to hosting the 1996 Olympic Games, Atlanta has grown outward into the suburbs and upward featuring dozens of skyscrapers. Today Atlanta, like most sprawling metropolises, has a little bit of everything from Coca-Cola World, Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell’s gravesite and even a good Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell’s gravesite old-fashioned drive-in theatre with Saturday swap meets.
Attractions: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Piedmont Park, Georgia Aquarium, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Krog Street Market, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Paris on Ponce, Centennial Olympic Park, Starlight Drive-In Theatre, World of Coca-Cola, The Wren’s Nest, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Paris on Ponce
On the Reel
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy and Dan Aykroyd. Directed by Bruce Beresford.
This 1989 Oscar Winner for Best Picture tells the simple story of the relationship between and old southern belle and her chauffeur as it grows and develops into a friendship over time. It plays out like a formula buddy movie with a few clever twists. The chemistry between Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy is what makes the film shine as well as a great, albeit small, dramatic turn but Dan Aykroyd. The film was shot entirely in Georgia with most scenes in Atlanta.
Charlotte continues to be a great hub for daily living, visiting or as a springboard to numerous local getaways. If you live in-and-around the Charlotte area you already know what a great city it is and why you’re so proud to call it home. Did we miss any other hot spots to visit?
