OurFriends & Neighbors

Area Information and Attractions

• Points of Interest
• Regional Attractions
• Museums
• Shopping
• Sports Teams
• Tour
• Vineyards

Charlotte, North Carolina, ideally located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a community filled with cultural diversity and civic pride. It is surrounded by such must-see attractions as the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Mint Museum of Art, the Biltmore Estate and Backing Up Classics Motorsports Museum, just to name a few. You could even spend the day at Charlotte Motor Speedway to see your favorite NASCAR drivers in action, or enjoy a day at Carowinds with family and friends. And make sure to complete your trip to Charlotte with a visit to the North Carolina Zoo. In the hotel lobby, you’ll find maps, brochures, schedules and anything else you may need to explore Charlotte and the surrounding area.

Enjoy your stay!

The following pages list a number of the most popular Charlotte area attractions, as well as some lesser-known local favorites. There are many more things to see and do than could be listed here – be sure to ask our Front Desk Staff for more information. For your convenience, we have also listed contact information. We do, however, recommend that you call ahead since hours and prices are subject to change. You can also visit our local visitor guide websites visitcabarrus.com or visitcharlotte.com.

 Area Attractions

Charlotte Motor Speedway
The Beast of the Southeast

704.455.3200

As the official hotel of Charlotte Motor Speedway we are proud to be your gateway to …Where Racing Lives, The speedway complex is the premier destination for motorsports entertainment including the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway, four-tenths-mile dirt track and now a state-of-the-art drag racing facility. Charlotte Motor Speedway also hosts a number of companies that conduct year-round driving schools at the speedway including the Richard Petty Driving Experience, to feel the thrill of driving or riding at speeds of more than 160 mph call 1.800.BE.PETTY.

Bank of America Stadium
800 S Mint Street, Charlotte
panthers.com
704.358.7806

Located in uptown Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium as been specifically designed for football and is home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers 

Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. College Street, Charlotte
charlotteconventionctr.com
704.339.6000

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
707 Pavilion Blvd, Charlotte
livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/115/
704.549.5555

A Live Nation Venue, with everything from rock, alternative, pop, country, jazz, and rhythm and blues along with special events and festivals of all kinds, Charlotte’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre can do it all! Music lives here!

Time Warner Cable Arena
333 East Trade Street, Charlotte
timewarnercablearena.com
704.688.9000

Located in uptown Charlotte, Time Warner Cable Arena is home of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, the ECHL’s Charlotte Checkers and is the premier destination for top-rated concerts and events.

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Movie Theaters

Please visit movies.com, our zip code is 28027.

Gem Theatre | gem-theatre.com
111 W 1st St, Kannapolis | 704.932.5111

The Gem is the oldest single-screen movie theatre in operation today. The Gem is also one of only a few movie theatres that offers balcony seating. The Gem continues to be recognized as a historical landmark and as a “Gem of a Showplace” in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

AMC Concord Mills 24
Concord Parkway @ Concord Mills Mall
704.643.4262

Regal Starlight Stadium 14
11240 US Highway 29, Concord
704.503.0070

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Parks and Recreation

U.S. National Whitewater Center | usnwc.org
820 Hawfield Rd, Charlotte
704.391.3900

A half hour south of Cabarrus County is the new U.S. National Whitewater Center, the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center. The park’s centerpiece feature is a multiple channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. Additional features are mountain biking and running trails, a climbing center, and challenge course on over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Programs include guided private rafting, kayaking instruction and solo kayaking, climbing programs and combo climbing/rafting and climbing/kayaking. Olympic caliber athletes, weekend warriors, and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. The Center is home to USA Canoe and Kayak, hosts World Cup competitions and Olympic Trials, and serves as the home of international Olympic athletes.

Please visit co.cabarrus.nc.us/Parks/ for hours and additional information for the following parks as well as information on additional parks in Cabarrus County.

Camp Spencer Park
3155 Rimer Road, Concord
704.920.2700 or 704.795.4492

Three fishing lakes, paddleboats, picnic shelters, four cabins, tent sites, campground bathhouse, playground, walking trails, volleyball, and horseshoe courts.  Two refurbished buildings can be rented for meetings or family reunions.  Helms Dining Hall has a full kitchen and opens to a deck lined with rocking chairs.

Frank Liske Park & Soccer Complec
4001 Stough Road, Concord
704.920.2700

230 acres of open space, including a 10-acre lake for fishing and paddleboats, miniature golf, plenty of playgrounds, picnic shelters, amphitheater, fitness trail, and walking trails.  Also included are a barn suitable for meetings, family reunions, and more; an 11-field soccer complex, lighted softball fields; lighted tennis courts; horseshoe pits and volleyball courts.

North Cabarrus Park
760 Orphanage Road, Concord
704.782.5603

A great family destination. This 90-acre park offers a relaxing place to get away while enjoying the nature beauty of the park.  Currently, the park features two brand new playgrounds, picnic shelters, nature trails, a disc golf course, a boardwalk around the back of the pond, a volleyball court, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a 1.2 mile walking trail, view of horses from an adjacent farm, tennis courts, mountain bike trails, and a restroom/vending building.

Please visit concordparksandrec.org for hours and additional information for the following parks as well as information on additional parks in Concord.

Harold McEachern Greenway
338 Lawndale Avenue, Concord

This 10 ft. wide paved asphalt trail extends almost one mile alongside Branchview Drive from Les Myers Park on Lawndale Avenue up to Mickey McGee Park on Corban Avenue. A pedestrian tunnel currently being built will allow access from Les Myers Park to McGee Park. This is the first phase of the city’s first greenway system which will eventually connect downtown Concord to the Northeaster Medical Center area.

Les Meyers Park
228 Lawndale Avenue , Concord
704.920.5600

This 21-acre park has a softball field, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, amphitheater, horseshoe pit and concrete skating pad, as well as 3 picnic shelters and one community building with kitchen facilities available for rent.

Please visit ci.kannapolis.nc.us/parks_0.asp for hours and additional information for the following parks as well as information on additional parks in Kannapolis.

Bakers Creek Park
1275 West A Street, Kannapolis
704.938.8512

Picnic areas with grills, group picnic shelters, lighted softball field and tennis courts, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, playground, nature trail and 18-hole miniature golf courses.  Concessions and restroom facilities.  Three large picnic shelters equipped with electricity and grills.

Village Park
1275 West A Street, Kannapolis
704.920.4343

Village Park is Kannapolis’ premiere park attraction, featuring an amphitheater, playground, walking trail and open space. Summer features include Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Parks. The 16-acre park is also offers a playground and a greenway that connects to Bakers Creek Park, as well as a SplashPad, an aquatic recreation feature that provides endless combinations of interactive play in water that is sprayed, gushed, dumped and poured from play products. There is no standing water, only jets, geysers, water cannons and sprinkler-type amenities designed to get everyone wet.

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Points of Interest

Please visit websites or call for hours, admission and additional information for the following points of interest.

Billy Graham Library
billygraham.org/library
4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte
704.401.3200

Journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century…… Experience state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia displays and rare film footage. While at the Library, enjoy lunch at the Graham Bros. Dairy Bar and browse for that perfect gift in Ruth’s Attic Bookstore. Adjacent to the Library, your journey will continue through the Graham family home place.

Reed Gold Mine
nchistoricsites.org/reed/
9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland
704.721.GOLD

12-year-old Conrad Reed made the nation’s first gold discovery at Reed Gold Mine in 1799. The 17-pound nugget was used as a doorstop for three years before his father sold it for $3.50. Tour the Visitors Center, restored underground tunnels and reconstructed stamp mill. Hike and explore the Talking Rocks Trail. See gold mining exhibits. Try your luck panning for gold (panning seasonal May-Oct). National Historic Landmark.

Historic Latta Plantation
lattaplantation.org
5225 Sample Road, Huntersville
704.875.2312

Historic Latta Plantation, once a successful cotton plantation, is now an historic farm. Costumed interpreters, historic displays and hands-on activities allow visitors to experience what life was like for the planters, yeoman farmers, and enslaved African- Americans of the North Carolina backcountry in the early 19th century. Historic Latta Plantation features the home of James Latta, built ca. 1800, as well as original and replica outbuildings and historically appropriate farming practices and livestock.

Carolina Raptor Center
carolinaraptorcenter.org
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville
(Located at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve)
704.875.6521

Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental education and the conservation of birds of prey through public education, the rehabilitation of injured, and orphaned raptors and research

Historic Rosedale Plantation
historicrosedale.org
3427 North Tryon Street, Charlotte
704.335.0235

Nicknamed “Frew’s Folly,” Rosedale was the home to tax collector Archibald Frew and his wife, Ann Cowan. It features gardens, perfect for guided tours, and trails for walking while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Rosedale Plantation is also well-known for its artwork, with several watercolor paintings and decorative art pieces located throughout the house.

Lazy 5 Ranch
lazy5ranch.com
15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville
704.663.5100

Safari adventure is yours to experience at this exotic animal site. More than 750 creatures roam free as you drive your car through the winding terrain. Llamas, emus, ostriches, zebras, deer, antelope, elk, camels and water buffalos are among the residents along the 3 1/2 mile trail, ready to be fed or petted. Horse-drawn wagon tours can be arranged in advance. Other attractions include a petting zoo, playground, blacksmith shop and picnic area.

North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
blumenthalcenter.org
130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte
704.372.1000

Home to the North Carolina Dance Theater and the Charlotte Symphony, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is the cultural arts mecca of Charlotte and the surrounding area. Each year, the center hosts touring productions of Broadway plays as well as many local plays. Past featured performances include The Scarlet

Pimpernel, Godspell and Fosse.

Paramount’s Carowinds
carowinds.com
I-77 & 14523 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte
1.800.888.4386 or 704.588.2600

112 action-packed acres featuring more than 50 world class rides, shows and attractions. Boomerang Bay water park, a 16-acre, Australian-themed Outback oasis of wet fun featuring more than 25 water activities Nickelodeon™ Central, loaded with more than 20 attractions that kids and parents can enjoy together. Concerts in the Paladium Amphitheatre.

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Regional Attractions

Please visit websites or call for hours, admission and additional information for the following regional attractions.

Biltmore Estate
biltmore.com
One North Pack Square, Asheville
1.800.242-6480

Best known as the “Vanderbilt Mansion”, Biltmore Estate is beautifully lined with lovely old oak and maple trees, with the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop. Its main house, gardens and landscaping have been restored to their original grandeur. A definite must-see here is the Festival of Flowers, the estate’s annual first bloom spring event. End you’re visit with a stop by the Biltmore Estate Winery to enjoy a glass of one of Biltmore’s fine wines.

North Carolina Zoological Park
nczoo.org
4401 Zoo Parkway, Ashboro
1.800.488.0444

Hundreds of animals, including the elusive roadrunner, call this zoo home. Exotic flora and fauna create natural habitats. Venture into the Forest Aviary gallery, where wide-open displays allow you a “bird’s-eye” view of free-flight birds from the Amazon rainforest. Take the shuttle to Africa and North America for an overview of the zoo, the largest walk-through natural habitat zoo in the United States.

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Museums

Please visit websites or call for hours, admission and additional information for the following museums.

Backing Up Classics Auto Museum
backingupclassics.com
4545 Concord Parkway South (next to Charlotte Motor Speedway), Concord
704.788.9500

Backing Up Classics has more than 50 vehicles on display. Featuring classics, antiques, 50s, 60s, muscle cars and a gift shop fully stocked with NASCAR merchandise and automotive collectibles.

Charlotte Museum of History
charlottemuseum.org
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte
704.568.1774

The Museum of History provides a trip in time to learn about Charlotte’s past and present. The 18th Century gallery takes you back to the frontier beginnings of the Queen City. It also features the 20th Century gallery, which tells the story of Charlotte’s social, economic and religious freedoms. A definite must-see here is The American Freedom Bell, a symbol of the patriotic heritage of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, which rings to welcome each tour to the museum.

Discovery Place
discoveryplace.org
301 South Tryon Street, Charlotte
704.372.0471

Touch a real human heart or walk through the world’s largest eyeball in the Life Center gallery.

Or experience the ocean touch-pool and wave tank in the Aquarium. The Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre showcases the in discovery films as well as full-length features. A definite first-stop here, the Challenger Learning Center is an educational science center inspired by NASA’s space shuttle Challenger crew.

Mint Museum of Art
mintmuseum.org
2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte
704-337-2000

Since its opening in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, the Mint Museum of Art and its permanent collection have grown in response to the interest and support of area collectors and donors. Today it is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American art, pre-Columbian art, American and European ceramics, American decorative arts, historic costumes and accessories, African art, Asian art, historic maps, contemporary art and photography. The Mint Museum of Art’s collection numbers over 27,000 items and is a rich asset for the museum’s audience as it establishes its place among its peers in the region and within the nation.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design
mintmuseum.org
220 North Tyron Street, Charlotte
704-337-2000

Since its inception in 1999, the Mint Museum of Craft & Design has earned international recognition for the exceptional quality, range and distinction of its growing collections. The museum celebrates artists who conceive and fabricate original and unique objects, as well as designers of objects ranging from those for everyday use to high design. The collection focuses on ceramics, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metalwork and wood that delineate historical, technical and stylistic innovation, and are created by emerging and established artists and designers. Also of note is 20th and 21st century international studio craft and design, from the traditional to the contemporary and the functional to fanciful.

North Carolina Transportation Museum
nctrans.org
441 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer
1.877.NCTM.FUN or 704.636.2889

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is located on the site of what was once Southern Railway Company’s largest steam locomotive repair facility. Begun in 1896 at a point halfway between Washington and Atlanta, Spencer Shops and the town of Spencer were both named for Samuel Spencer, the first President of Southern Railway. The site contains an authentic train depot, antique automobiles, and a 37 stall roundhouse that includes 25 locomotives and other exhibit areas. The museum offers seasonal train rides, guided tours, and special events scheduled throughout the year.