Sightseeing in Charlotte, North Carolina

Written by Alex Gross

Similar to most urban cities, Charlotte has become quite a melting pot, and ranks as North Carolina’s largest and most visited city. With the recent expansion of its transit options and job growth, it’s no wonder that the “Queen City” is one of the most popular cities to live in for millennials. In this edition of THOR Advantage, we explore the districts, entertainment, and must-sees of the bustling city of Charlotte.

Perhaps one of the most visited districts in Charlotte is Uptown. Due to its proximity to major businesses and attractions, such as sports stadiums, amusement parks, and museums, it’s no wonder this neighborhood entices both tourists and locals. In particular, you’ll find two of Uptown’s most business-friendly hotels, one being the Hyatt House Charlotte Center City. Located just minutes away from the Charlotte Convention Center and City Hall, the Hyatt House is ideal for business travelers, where each of its 163 guestrooms feature spacious work desks, a free breakfast buffet, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour business center with free printing. Extended-stay guests may also want to look into Studios or Residence rooms, which feature full kitchens, a separate living area for Residence rooms, and grocery store delivery options. A quarter-mile away, you will find the Omni Charlotte Hotel, which boasts 374 rooms, perfect for both business travelers and families. No need to fret if you forget your child’s favorite toy— the Omni Charlotte Hotel provides complimentary activity backpacks for all children, including activity books, stickers, crayons and even milk and cookies which are delivered on the very first night of your stay. Adults needn’t feel left out, as its signature restaurant Trade Restaurant & Bar, offers half-off bottles of wine every Friday. Below are 5 key attractions, located within 1 mile of the Hyatt House and the Omni Charlotte Hotels:

1. For Art Lovers: The Bechtler Museum of Modem Art features mid-20th century modern art. If you’re short on time, consider taking a complimentary 30-minute “Artbreak Tour”, which is held every third Thursday of the month at noon and focuses on different themes throughout the year.

2. For Retail Therapy: EpiCentre isn’t just your average shopping mall. Aside from restaurants and shopping, you’ll find nightclubs and 12 livemusic venues. Check-in for a quick night cap or take the kiddos to a movie or bowling alley.

3. For Music Enthusiasts: There’s nothing better than relaxing to music after a long day of work, especially with views like these of the gorgeous Charlotte skyline! During the months of May-September, visitors congregate on Wednesday nights from 6 -9 PM at Romare Bearden Park to “Party in the Park” (the best part? It’s free!). Local Tip: Bring some towels/blankets (or buy some cheap lounge chairs), grab some food to-go, and have your own little picnic while listening to some cool jazz, soul, or rock-n-roll.

4. For Sports Fans: If you’re lucky enough to snag some tickets, head out and watch the NFL’s Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which ~ DESTINATIONARTICLE Sightseeing in Charlotte By Alex Gross Omni Charlotte Hotel Hyatt House – Terrace Event Hyatt House – Diamond Suite Terrace 252 bedrooms, 9 restaurants, members’ club, indoor & rooftop pools, gym & spa. In the heart of The City of London. THENED.COM features various exhibits, tours, and not-to-be-missed artifacts from some of your favorite speed racers.

5. For Theatre Buffs: Connected to the Omni Charlotte Hotel, Blumenthal Performing Arts is the city’s main venue for theater, attracting Broadway shows like Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, and one of the most talked-about shows, Hamilton. Approximately 16 miles north of Uptown lies one of Charlotte’s newest neighborhoods, Ballantyne. As an alternative to lodging amidst the hustle and bustle of Charlotte, Ballantyne offers a quiet and quaint experience in the suburbs of Charlotte. One of its most luxurious hotels, The Ballantyne Hotel and each of its 199 rooms is known for having elegant and sophisticated décor. The best part about this hotel? Its endless amount of activities means that guests don’t have to leave the property to get in a good workout. In addition to having a fitness center, The Ballantyne also offers two residential pools, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course. Need some extra practice on your golf swing? Adjacent to the golf course is one of America’s top golf schools, the Dana Rader Golf School.

Below are 3 key attractions near The Ballantyne (keep in mind that the hotel offers complimentary shuttles within a one-mile radius)

1. For a Casual Pick-MeUp: Look no further than Ballantyne Village. For a quick bite to eat, grab a burger, pizza, or frozen yogurt; or head over to one of its 4 salons for a mani/pedi, makeup lesson, or Swedish massage.

2. For A Walk in the Park: Head over to Ballantyne Corporate Park, where you will find more than 16 miles of sidewalks, bike lanes, and a USGA-certified putting green (just in case you need more golf!).

3. For Thrill-Seekers: Just 15-minutes away from this quaint neighborhood, you will find one of Charlotte’s main amusement parks, Carowinds. Such attractions include roller coasters, water slides, and cabanas, all designed for families to escape the heat and enjoy the outdoors. Daily tickets range from $44-$135, depending on age and attraction type.

While most visitors travel during the summertime, it’s often the busiest and hottest months of the year. For a more affordable vacation, consider visiting between the months of March-May or September-November, when the temperature is in the 60s and 70s. Although we’ve only written about two particular districts, Charlotte has a total of 12 major districts, including NoDa and South End, which are particularly close to Uptown. Whether attending a concert, rooting on the Panthers, or taking a thrill-ride on a roller coaster, you can bet that there will be no shortage of adventure in the charming city of Charlotte. ~