Things To Do
Counter
Counter is currently Charlotte’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Sam Hart presents a themed, multicourse tasting menu that integrates food, storytelling, music and visual art, making dinner feel more like a performance than a conventional restaurant visit. Menus change seasonally, seatings are limited, and the full experience typically lasts around three hours.
Spa and Afternoon Tea at The Ballantyne
The Spa at The Ballantyne offers massages, facials, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, and salon services. The hotel also hosts traditional afternoon tea with a Southern influence, although guests should check the November 2026 calendar and reserve in advance because tea is offered on selected dates.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Located in Uptown, the NASCAR Hall of Fame explores the history, personalities, cars, and technology behind stock-car racing. Visitors can see historic vehicles and memorabilia, walk along the banked Glory Road exhibit, and learn how racing teams and cars operate. Interactive experiences include racing simulators, a pit-crew challenge, race broadcasting, and opportunities to explore the Hall’s archives. The hands-on exhibits make it entertaining even for visitors who are not dedicated NASCAR fans.
The Mint Museum
The Mint Museum is Charlotte’s principal art museum and operates two separate locations with different collections. Mint Museum Uptown features craft and design along with American, contemporary, and European art, while Mint Museum Randolph presents collections including Ancient American, African, European, and Native American art. The Uptown location can easily be combined with a walk through the city center, while the Randolph location offers a quieter museum experience in a historic setting.
Carowinds
Located approximately 10–15 minutes from Ballantyne, Carowinds is a large amusement park situated on the border of North and South Carolina. The park offers more than 60 attractions, ranging from family-friendly rides to major roller coasters such as the 325-foot-tall Fury 325. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, games, and a variety of food throughout the park. In November 2026, seasonal programming includes Oktoberfest from November 7–22.
Phillips Place
Phillips Place offers an open-air shopping experience centered on upscale boutiques, home furnishings, fashion, and dining. Guests can browse stores such as Taylor Richards & Conger, rag & bone, J. McLaughlin, Hill House Home, and RH Charlotte. Its landscaped streets and elegant architecture make it pleasant for a leisurely afternoon.
NoDa
NoDa, short for North Davidson Street, is Charlotte’s historic arts and entertainment district. The neighborhood is known for its colorful murals, eclectic restaurants, independent shops, breweries, galleries, and live-music venues. Visitors can walk along North Davidson Street, browse vintage and boutique stores, or stop for a meal or locally brewed beer.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy and Botanical Gardens
Daniel Stowe Conservancy is a 380-acre nature destination in Belmont, approximately 30 minutes from central Charlotte. Visitors can walk through the formal Gardens at Stowe, enjoy fountains and seasonal plantings, or explore more than eight miles of trails through woodlands, meadows, and areas overlooking Lake Wylie. The property also includes a garden center, a trailhead shop offering coffee and refreshments, and free public areas outside the ticketed botanical gardens. It is an especially good choice for guests seeking a quiet, scenic outing rather than a strenuous hike.
Whitewater Center
The Whitewater Center is a large outdoor recreation destination located along the Catawba River west of Charlotte. Adventurous visitors can try guided whitewater rafting, climbing, ziplining, ropes courses, kayaking, or mountain biking, while those seeking something quieter can explore more than 40 miles of hiking and running trails.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park is located about 40–45 minutes west of Charlotte and offers some of the best hiking and elevated views near the city. Visitors can choose from short, easy trails around the lake or more strenuous routes leading to the summits of Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle. The higher trails reward hikers with expansive views across the surrounding Piedmont, while the lower areas are suitable for walking, picnicking, photography, and birdwatching.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill, just south of Charlotte. Its approximately 40 miles of trails wind through hardwood forests, pastures, lakes, and streams and can be explored on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. Visitors can also kayak, paddleboard, fish, picnic, or simply take a leisurely walk around Lake Haigler.