Things to do while in visiting Charlotte NC.
Want to stay the weekend in Charlotte? Great, check out the Queen city and why Brad and I call it home!
Places to stay:
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn/Hilton Garden Inn in uptown Charlotte. Use the Group Code: AEW or mention the Allred/Earnhardt wedding before February 24,2010 to secure a rate of $119/ night. Call 704-373-0917 or use the link to book. Sure, we’ve blocked off a few rooms at the Hampton Inn, but if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try out these other locations.
Historic Charlotte.
The Duke Mansion – a historic bed and breakfast in Myers Park
The Morehead Inn – historic inn just blocks from the reception site
The Dunhill Hotel – uptown historic hotel
Upscale and more modern Charlotte
The Westin Charlotte- "The only choice for modern luxury in uptown". Like they say.
The A-Loft - In the heart of the newest uptown entertainment complex in Charlotte. Tons of entertainment in walking distance.
Find a great deal on a hotel or have a brand preference? Feel free to ask us for other recommendations or confirmation on a hotel of your choice.
Taste of Charlotte:(some of our favorite eateries in town)
Close by
Cantina 1511 – best.mexican.in.town. The East blvd location is the closest. Try the guacamole or put your face in their two kinds of salsa. I’m salivating just thinking about it. They also have delicious Sunday brunch.
Big Daddy’s Burger Bar – A Cantina sister restaurant, build your own burger joint. Yu-um.
Brixx – yummy brick over pizza, it’s a local chain and a local favorite. There are several locations – Uptown (where you are staying), Dilworth (near the reception site) and South Park (near Annie and Brad’s place).
Pike’s Soda Shop – Just what it sounds like, hand dipped milkshakes (Brad prefers the banana) and grilled pimiento cheese sandwiches (Annie’s favorite). Word on the street is that they have a fantastic Sunday brunch. You can even take our new, upscale, fancy smancy lynx light rail train.
Further out
Cabo Fish Taco – One of our favorite places to eat! The North Davidson area of town, known as NoDa is where we spend most of our time catching great shows at The Evening Muse or The Neighborhood Theater and Cabo is our favorite pre-show treat. They have an amazing menu, and you don’t have to get the fish tacos, but we’d HIGHLY recommend them.
Tavern on the Tracks – Another pre-show favorite, next door to one our venues, Amo’s Southend, in the south end area of town. This is straight up a bar/restaurant, but honestly has fabulous food.
Hawthorne’s New York Pizza & Bar – You like New York Style pizza? Well you are not going to get it in Charlotte! Hahaha But Hawthorne's is pretty close and our favorite pizza in town. Its home is in an old gas station in the Elizabeth part of town. We’re partial to the Elizabeth special pizza, but they also have great pastas and calzones. Check out the 7th street location.
Indoor Things to Do
Shopping:
South Park Mall and surrounding areas – Charlotte’s high end mall just down the street from Annie’s Pad. Great shopping and eating in this area
Phillips Place – shopping and movie theater just blocks from South Park mall. Dean and Deluca, yummmmmm.
Specialty Shops at the Park – more shopping adjacent to South Park Mall
Concord Mills – Up the street a bit, but fabulous outlet shopping.
Museums
Museum of the New South:I’ve been several times and would recommend it.
Mint Museum of Charlotte – The museum started in an old Mint, literally, just a few miles outside of uptown. There is also the uptown museum of craft and design and the newest uptown location to house American art and Contemporary art. There are package deals to visit all locations, and all are relatively close.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art- One of our New museums that has just opened on the soon to be "Museum Campus" in uptown Charlotte. This private collection is of mid-century modernism. Definitely get by there and see the big mirrored sculputure out front!
Discovery Place – Uptown and perfect for young and old. It’s a great hands on science museum for the kids, but also has great rotating exhibits for adults. Oh, and there is mini-rainforest there too. And the Omnimax theater is great for ALL ages.
The Billy Graham Library - The Billy Graham Library is an innovative, family friendly facility that combines multimedia technology and fascinating memorabilia to transport visitors into the life and faith of this beloved evangelist.
Outdoor Things to Do
If weather permits it
US National White Water Center - Home to the world's largest recirculating river (white water rafting, kayaking), 14 miles of biking, hiking and running trails, and one of the world's largest outdoor climbing facilities. There is also flat-water canoeing, kayaking, a zip line and on and on and on…..
Carolina Raptor Center – In the north part of town is a rehabilitation center for birds of prey. Take a self guided tour and see over 23 different species of raptors on a 3/4 mile long nature trail nestled inside of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve on the banks of Mountain Island Lake. We're just 15 minutes away from Uptown Charlotte.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Just south of town in Belmont is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. It is a great photo spot and home to a beautiful orchid house.
Here are a few other local resources to help you explore more.
City Guides
Getting around
Charlotte Transit - Most of you will probably have your cars with you, but note that the uptown Gold Rush is free to bopping about anywhere uptown. We also have a trolley that runs on Saturday and Sundays.