North Carolina is a vacation destination for millions of travelers each year. Most visitors head to the mountains or beaches to enjoy the natural beauty of NC. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, offers plenty to do and see. The saying is true: ‘Charlotte’s Got A Lot.’
Whether you want to see and be seen in Uptown or get out and explore more natural surroundings, there is something for everyone. Armstrong Transport Group, a top 25 freight brokerage headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is excited to welcome our agents and employees from around the country to Charlotte this August. We look forward to introducing our out-of-town guests to all that Charlotte and North Carolina have to offer. Be sure to check out some of our recommendations to help make the most of your time in the Queen City -- or “the QC” as locals call it.
Start in the center of it all: Uptown! (Wait, why is it called Uptown if it’s Downtown?) Uptown’s central location makes it an ideal home base when visiting Charlotte. If your plans are exclusive to the Uptown area, don’t bother renting a car. From high-end to family-friendly options, here are our top hotel picks:
Once you’ve settled into the city, get out and explore the culture, theatre, and museums in Uptown Charlotte.
Ready to get the blood pumping and explore? The North Carolina Piedmont and South Carolina Upstate feature a fantastic series of greenways, parks, lakes, and hiking opportunities.
One of the most well-known attractions in Charlotte is the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). Open year-round, visitors can try everything from zip-lining and white water rafting in the summer to ice skating in the winter. The USNWC offers special events like trail runs, flatwater kayaking dinners, and live music at the weekly river jam.
Zip-lining too tame? The true adrenaline junkies head south to Carowinds amusement park and Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Take a ride on the Fury 325, the world’s fastest and tallest giga coaster. If you are visiting in the fall, don’t miss Scarowinds when the park transforms into a Halloween fright fest. Reservations and advanced tickets sales are currently required to attend both parks.
Crowders Mountain State Park is the tallest peak near Charlotte. This park offers a variety of trails and great views once you get to the top. Parking fills up on the weekend, so it’s worth heading out early. Don’t forget sunscreen and water!
Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey: Charlotte has it all.
The Carolina Panthers will share Bank of America Stadium starting in 2022 with the newest pro team, Charlotte FC. Looking for a spot to tailgate before the big game? You don’t need a car or fancy gear to get the most out of tailgating. Before making your way to Bank of America Stadium, head into South End and tailgate down the rail line. You can purchase a one-day light rail pass for only $6.60. New Bern station is a good first stop. This station-by-station guide will help you kick off a glorious fall Sunday Funday!
Basketball fan? Michael Jordan calls the QC home part of the year and is the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets play at Spectrum Center, and when the Hornets are away, it’s the premier spot to catch a concert or special event.
Baseball fans can watch the Charlotte Knights (The Chicago White Sox Triple-A team) play at Truist
Field. This family-friendly stadium has fireworks on Friday and Saturday home games throughout the summer. Check out Latta Arcade for a bite to eat or drink before the game and enjoy your stroll through Romare Bearden Park.
Feeling inspired after your trip to the Nascar Hall of Fame? Visit Concord, NC, about 40 minutes from Uptown, to view live car racing. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR, and the premier event is The Coca Cola 500 each Memorial Day. You can find a scaled-down racing experience at The Dirt Track or Zmax Dragway.
After a day of exploring, you will need to refuel. Charlotte’s restaurant scene has exploded in the last few years. The influx of new residents to the city has brought new and exciting restaurants throughout the region. But don’t skip the BBQ!
Check out Axios’ recommendations for the best BBQ spots in the area:
Rooftop restaurants and bars continue to open in Uptown Charlotte. These upscale establishments do have dress codes. Check their websites before heading over in a tee shirt and baseball hat.
Head just outside of Uptown for quaint neighborhoods, small plates, and creative cocktails:
Many of the most popular restaurants and bars in Charlotte offer outdoor space designed for groups and families. Get out and enjoy those Carolina blue skies!
Multi-use spaces featuring food, drink, and entertainment continue to pop up around the QC. Visit the Music Factory and enjoy the outdoor patio and some life-size chess at VBGB. Optimist Hall offers multiple food and drink vendors; some of the most popular -- like the Dumpling Lady and Papi Queso -- took their food truck success to the next level with permanent spaces.
As you head back to Uptown to wrap up your evening, grab a perfectly poured pint of Guinness in Connolly’s beer garden or grab a table to people-watch at Dandelion Market. If you feel nostalgic for the ’80s or ‘90s, the best way to end a Friday or Saturday night is dancing at the Roxbury.
Charlotte is the perfect destination for a long weekend or a home base to get out and explore North Carolina. Armstrong Transport Group, LLC is looking forward to showing off the city we have called home for the last 15 years this August. Interested in finding out more about Armstrong or how you could become part of our team? Visit our About Us page to meet the team and see open positions.