Take your pick between more than 30 different land and water activities at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a1,300-acre facility northwest of downtown Charlotte along theCatawba River. At the world's largest man-made whitewater river, you'll have your choice of a variety of activities, including kayaking (both flatwater and whitewater), stand-up

One of the many museums representing Charlotte's exploding art scene, the Mint Museum Uptown is home to a wide variety of American and European art. This is the second Mint Museum location; the first– Mint Museum Randolph –occupies the original branch of the United States Mint on Randolph Road (in the city's

Discovery Place is Charlotte's science museum. Past visitors say this kid-friendly playtopia is a great place to spend a day with the family. Here you'll find interactive, hands-on exhibits that cover a variety of scientific concepts like physics and earth science. You can design and conduct lab experiments, build mock

An ode to "America's Pastor," the Billy Graham Library sits just a few miles from where Graham grew up. Sprawling across 20 acres about 10 minutes southwest of Uptown, the site allows visitors to explore the Graham family home (restored using 80 percent of its orginal materials), a Christian bookstore,

For a taste of Charlotte's home-grown produce, head to 7th Street Public Market, located about half a mile west of the city center. At this indoor marketplace, you'll find a selection of local produce, wines, flowers and sweet and savory treats. Among the vendors hawking local goods is one of

Home field for the Charlotte Knights –the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox –BB&T Ballpark is a hit with locals and visitors for its incredible skyline views, delicious food and affordable seats. Situated in Uptown, the ballpark is easily accessible from any of the city's Uptownhotels. 

The term "New South" relates to the people, places and a period of time –from 1865 to today. The Levine Museum of the New South is one of the most comprehensive post-Civil War history museums in the country. Permanent exhibits like the 8,000-square-foot "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers" focuses on history specific

Boasting nearly 100 acres, Freedom Park is a refreshing (free) escape from the Uptown hustle and bustle. Situated on the east edge of the Myers Park neighborhood (about 3 miles north of the city center), the "Central Park of Charlotte" is popular year-round thanks to the various walking and biking

If you think the NASCAR Hall of Fame is just a museum full of plaques dedicated to drivers gone by, think again. This 150,000-square-foot site keeps things buzzing with high-tech exhibits, racing simulators and a 278-seat theater, among other features. Travelers say visitors new to the high-octane sport will appreciate

Situated about 14 miles northwest of Charlotte in Huntersville, North Carolina, the Carolina Raptor Center operates largely as a rehabilitation center for injured, sick and orphaned raptors. The facility also serves as an education and conservation center where visitors can see these fascinating creatures up close. The center hosts more

Carowinds is one of North Carolina's favorite local amusement parks. You'll have your pick of family and thrill rides, including Fury 325 (and also the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster). If you need to cool off, Carowinds also boasts its own water park, Carolina Harbor. The park includes a27,000 square-foot wave pool,

If you're hungry for a taste of NASCAR culture at its finest, take the 16-mile drive northeast of downtown Charlotte to Concord, where you can catch a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Keep in mind that a visit here is more of an experience– it's nomral for die-hard fans to