By Madison McManus
#1. Carowinds
This is definitely not a “little-known” attraction in CLT, as almost every Charlottean has visited the so-called “Roller Coaster Capital” of the Southeast. However, not everyone has experienced all that this amusement park has to offer. For one, their water park, Boomerang Bay, operates during the summer and provides guests with the opportunity to cool off on exhilarating water slides without ever leaving the park. In the fall, Carowinds transforms into SCarowinds, a chilling realm of screams and thrills, with the park’s addition of haunted houses to its impressive repertoire of attractions. So, next time you head to Carowinds expecting an adrenaline rush, make sure to make time for some of their seasonal attractions; they promise not to disappoint.
#2. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Not everyone is interested in art (or museums), but the Bechtler might just change your opinion of something that many call “boring,” with its unique exhibitions and modern cafe. Rather than listen to a guided tour, peruse the museum at your own pace with their audio visitation service. After enjoying the innovative artwork, try an organic salad or green smoothie at the cafe, and don’t forget to take a picture underneath the ginormous mirrored firebird located outside the museum’s entrance. Although museums have a generally negative connotation for natives and tourists alike, the Bechtler defies the common misconceptions by reinventing the modern museum.
#3. Renaissance Festival
Take a 30 minute drive up to Huntersville and immerse yourself in the simplicity of medieval times during the annual Renaissance Festival! With court jesters around every corner, Kings walking the streets, jousting matches drawing crowds every hour and food that suits any palate, there is something for everyone. Although costumes are welcomed, they are not mandatory, and admission is only $23! If you're not interested in attending the festival as a spectator, they are always hiring seasonal employees, allowing you to release your inner sense of royalty while still making minimum wage.
#4. Food Truck Friday
For the aforementioned foodies, there is no better experience than Food Truck Friday, Charlotte’s weekly gathering of the most taste bud-tantalizing vendors in the South. From 5-9 PM in the South End every Friday, food trucks offering everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to Cajun-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches congregate in one of the most historic venues in Charlotte. The food trucks draw massive crowds of people, all with humongous appetites. So, if you’re interested in trying some new, exciting grub without leaving the Queen City, Food Truck Friday provides an opportunity to see one of Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods while being immersed in a fascinating world of cultural deliciousness!
#5. Good Ol’ Nature
One of Charlotte’s least known attractions centers around nature, a resource that few Charlotteans take advantage of. Being the “Least Walkable” city in America, Charlotte is extremely spread out, a public transportation nightmare; however, this allows for the implementation of numerous parks throughout the county. Here in Ballantyne, try playing a game of frisbee golf at Elon Recreation Center, located behind Elon Park Elementary, or have a picnic with friends at Colonel Francis Beatty Park, located off of McKee Road. If you’re interested in venturing a little farther away from home, check out Park Road Park, located off of Park Road. It boasts numerous covered picnic areas, a fishing pond, and soccer fields and tennis courts. Another option is Romare Bearden Park, a modern take on the traditional “playground & pond” park utilized by many cities. Finally, if you would like both to sightsee and to relax all in one day, head to The Green, Charlotte’s own “Central Park.” With statues incorporating locations from every corner of the globe, and multiple restaurants and shops dotting its border, the Green provides an opportunity for tourists to see the best of Charlotte all in one trip.
Next time you have a free weekend (or are blessed with an early release day), try exploring this beautiful city that native Charlotteans are lucky to call home; you might just be surprised at what you find.
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