A financial powerhouse on a global scale, Charlotte, North Carolina is the 2nd largest city in the southeast, and the 3rd fastest growing in the nation. Named for King George of England’s wife, Charlotte Sofia, The Queen City also boasts an impressive list of must-see attractions and national sporting events. The last decade in Charlotte has seen a massive influx of breweries, trendy coffee bars, and Zagat-ranked restaurants run by internationally renowned chefs. With its uncommon blend of traditional southern charm and contemporary cultural attractions, Charlotte holds something for everyone. Get ready for an action-packed couple of days exploring this charming, cosmopolitan Southern town.  All hail the Queen (city)!

DAY 1:

9am: Arrivals

Hotel check-in and drop those bags off.

9:30am: Liberty Walk

Set your sites on Uptown (City Center is known as Uptown, not Downtown by the locals) where you’ll enjoy a leisurely, self-guided tour through the Liberty Walk, a three-quarter mile urban trail. Along the trail you’ll find fifteen historical markers that tell the story of Charlotte’s vital role in the Revolutionary War, using the interactive map on the website to aid you along the way. The Liberty Walk is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of the city and set the stage for your Charlotte adventure.

11am: Pop into NASCAR Hall of Fame

This educational, family-friendly attraction is actually countless attractions in one. A NASCAR memorabilia and history museum complete with tours, films, a popular racecar simulator, event space, Pit Crew Café, and much more. The interactive exhibits are appropriate for die-hard race fans to novices alike. Be sure to check out the special event schedule before you go!

1pm: Lunch at Rooster’s Kitchen

Known for its innovative twist on Southern staples, the menu at Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen in Uptown (located right off the Liberty Walk) brings the heat! They pride themselves on locally-sourced and specialty ingredients cultivated exclusively for their restaurants. With a focus on quality food and expert-level technique, these made-from-scratch dishes are sure to satisfy. The thoughtfully created menu includes hearty items like a brisket burger, hanger steak, and meatloaf as well as lighter options like crisp salads and grilled salmon.

2pm: After Lunch Stroll at Romare Bearden Park

This 5.4-acre park is located directly in Charlotte city center, featuring two gardens, a courtyard, a field for events, a play area, art exhibitions, and several waterfalls. The park design was inspired by its namesake artist's multi-media collages and plays host to numerous musical, cultural and fitness events throughout the year. Take some time to stroll the park and appreciate Bearden's groundbreaking artwork amid Charlotte's picturesque skyline.

Coffee Anyone?

When you’re exploring a new city, it’s always important to know how far away you are from a good cup of coffee. Charlotte has a myriad of local coffee shops to provide that crucial afternoon pick-me-up. Not Just Coffee, located in Uptown, brews North Carolina’s Counter Culture Coffee and uses fresh, local dairy products. Another local favorite, Coco, and the Director is an open, laid-back spot to enjoy a strong brew and a Cronut. Part coffee shop, part retail store, part 'co-lab' for local entrepreneurs to connect, Coco is a truly 'Charlotte' experience.

3pm: Choose Your Own Adventure on the LYNX

Stop by one of the many accessible LYNX light rail stations uptown and head south on the Blue Line. In the last decade, Charlotte has launched upwards of 40 craft breweries, and many of them are within walking distance to the LYNX light rail line that heads south from uptown, not to mention the charming must-see South End neighborhood. Hop off at Bland Station and if it’s a game day for the Panthers, head to All American Pub, a favorite hangout for game watching. Wooden Robot is also close by, where you can find an inviting patio and an impressive beer list.

Strolling through South End right around the station is also a worthwhile endeavor, with plenty of galleries, offbeat shops, and people-watching opportunities.

If you’d rather travel by car, check out Olde Mecklenburg, the brewery a little further south that kicked off Charlotte’s brewery renaissance back in 2009. Live like a local for a day; stop by 'Olde Meck' and sip a pint of Captain Jack Pilsner while enjoying the eight-acre garden and spacious interior. Sugar Creek brewing is another local favorite close by, featuring Trappist Monk inspired ales and a large private event space.

6:30pm: Dinner with a View

Time to head back to Uptown to enjoy a meal with a view at Bentley’s on 27. Located in the Hines Charlotte Plaza on the 27th floor there is an impressive panorama of the skyline. High-end French cuisine and impeccable service make for an upscale dining experience, and the Gueridons (traditional French table-side cooking carts) bring a bit of theater and drama to the experience!

8:30pm: Would You Rather….? High-Tech Golf or Axe Throwing

Topgolf

Let your competitive side out to play at this high-tech driving range. There are three stories of climate-controlled playing 'bays' with nine different games to choose from, from laid back fun to high-intensity challenges. The blend of entertainment with technology and games for both experienced and less experienced golfers makes Topgolf a popular spot for everyone. The venue has a full-service bar and a rooftop terrace as well.

Lumberjaxe

Why throw a dart when you can throw an axe? Go three rounds head-to-head with your colleagues in this intense hatchet throwing game. There are two targets per lane which are situated 14 feet from the throwing line. Each lane comes with a personal axe throwing coach, so for those who have never chucked an axe through the air... no need to worry! They will instruct you on the proper ways of the game and when you get comfortable enough, how to execute some impressive trick shots to intimidate (and upstage) your opponent.

DAY 2:

BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

8am - 2pm: U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center

Yes, Charlotte is completely flat, so the hiking opportunities may be few and the mountain-climbing opportunities non-existent. But never fear, the U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center is here.

Choose from a list of exciting 30+ land and water activities, including:

• Whitewater rafting
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Ziplining
• Climbing
• Ropes course
• Hiking
• Mountain biking

Whether you're in the mood for something adventurous and fast-paced like whitewater rafting, zip lining, or mountain biking, or something more easy-going like a leisurely walk through the woods, the U.S. Whitewater Rafting Center has something for all skill levels.

2pm: Discovery Place Hands-on Science Museum

Located in the heart of downtown, Discovery Place is one of the city’s most popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. An aquarium, IMAX theater, hands-on learning lab, fire show and exhibit, an indoor tropical rain forest, “thinker space,” and interactive science museum, Discovery Place holds something for everyone.

6 - 7pm: Cocktail Reception at Fahrenheit Rooftop Bar

After a long day of fresh air and outdoor fun, have a relaxing evening, and a drink or two, at Fahrenheit Rooftop Bar. Fahrenheit is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the city's iconic skyline, especially at sunset, and boasts an extensive wine list, local brews, and creatively hand-crafted cocktails. Don’t let cold weather detract you, the patio is equipped with open fire features to keep you warm and enhance the view.

7 – 11pm: Dinner and Bowling at Strike City

Time to refuel with a delicious meal before doing a little bowling, but not the kind of bowling (or bowling alley food) that you remember as a kid. Strike City provides a truly high-tech, multi-media bowling experience, as well as an impressive menu and extensive bar. With specialty pizzas, burgers, entrees like honey salmon and blackened chicken alfredo, and fresh salads, this Queen City experience will be right up your alley!

DAY 3:

9am: Breakfast at Amelie’s

Cap off your Charlotte adventure at a quintessentially Charlotte locale, Amelie’s French Bakery, and Café. With its signature chocolate croissants, fresh fruit danish, honey buns, iced cinnamon pull-apart bread and more, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and then some. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, choose from their quiche of the day or build your own breakfast sandwich. The décor is quaint – full of charm, character, and details galore.

The Queen City’s slogan is Charlotte’s Got a Lot and we think after 48 hours you’ll probably agree, the city does not disappoint.