How do you get the most out of your time in Charlotte? Why not ask a Charlottean what to see and do? There is always something happening in Charlotte to suit everybody's tastes, the most difficult part is finding everything as sadly some of the best local attractions and popular activities aren't highly publicized to visitors.
To help you find some of Charlotte's best kept secrets we've asked our team of Charlotte natives to recommend their favorite places to visit in Charlotte.
Here's a list of the top suggestions from the CharlotteCarRental.net team.
Hendrick Motorsport Complex
If you are familiar with NASCAR racing, the name Hendrick Motorsports might sound familiar to you. However, this place is suitable for everyone who loves powerful cars and racing. By visiting this complex you'll have the chance to learn more about Hendrick Motorsports. The company is best known for winning the NASCAR championship many times in the past decade. More than 20 racing cars can be admired at the complex along with many trophies and other racing items. There's also a gift shop where you can buy gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. A complete tour costs about $15 for an adult, but make sure you take more money with you because the shop will surely attract the attention of racing fans.
Carowinds
If you're a big rollercoaster fan then you must visit the Carowinds Park. This amusement park first opened in 1973 but since then many new rides and attractions have been added. There are 8 different areas in the park, each with it's own rides. There are also 8 main rollercoasters which offer thrilling experiences. If you prefer the family rides, don't worry, you have a choice of 7 tamer attractions to choose from. The food prices can be above average so make sure you eat before getting there. An adult must pay around $50 in order to gain full-access to every ride in the park.
US National Whitewater Center
Visiting the US National Whitewater Center is a great way of keeping fit. The main attraction here is the man-made whitewater river. You can perform activities like kayaking, canoeing or rafting even if you don't have any experience at all. The instructors will show you exactly what you have to do and you'll warm up on easy water courses. If you don't like water you can choose from hiking, mountain-biking and climbing or you can test out the rope courses. The center offers a number of different passes in order to take part in activities, some cost more than others. If you go there by car you need to know that there is an extra fee for parking. Finish your day off with food and drink at the River's Edge Bar & Grill.
McDowell Nature Center
If you decide to spend more time with your family and friends during your time in Charlotte, the McDowell Nature Center is an ideal place. It's a great place to take a hike or set up a picnic. There are 9 different hiking trails, each with a varying difficulty level. You can even spend the night in the woods if you like the idea of camping. By going deep into the woods you'll find Wylie Lake where you can have a go at kayaking. Access to McDowell Nature Center is free but if you decide to spend the night there you may need to pay a small amount of money at certain camp sites.
Ballantyne Golf Club
At this golf club you'll be able to show off your golfing skills to your friends, or start with the basics and learn the sport. They have a full size, 18 hole course and a separate practice area with lots of professional staff members ready to assist you, this golf club is one of the finest in Charlotte. It is guaranteed that players of all skill levels and ages will have a great time here. The only problem might be the price, golf fans will know how expensive the sport can be. And there's another problem for rookies: on a couple of the holes a beginner could easily send the golf ball in to someone's backyard as the course is quite narrow.
