Charlotte, North Carolina, often known as the Queen City, is a vibrant metropolis brimming with a mix of Southern charm and modern allure. While popular attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Carowinds amusement park draw plenty of attention, there are countless other unique things to do in Charlotte, NC for those looking to explore its offbeat side.
Whether you’re in the market to buy a home in Charlotte, NC, have your eyes on an apartment in the city, or interested in a rental house in the area, here’s a curated list of unique things to do in Charlotte to make your visit unforgettable.
1. Discover neighborhood favorites
Charlotte’s neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the city, each with its own story to tell and unique things to do in the city. The exploration will feel like peeling back the layers of its personality, revealing the unique charm and character that make each area special. In Charlotte, vibrant neighborhoods brim with local favorites that offer a deeper, more authentic connection to the Queen City and illustrate why this city is a great place to live.
South End neighborhood
If you’re looking for a unique activity in Charlotte, South End is the place. It’s one of Charlotte’s trendiest neighborhoods, blending its industrial roots with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. With its walkable layout and proximity to Uptown, South End is a favorite for new residents, locals, and visitors looking to experience the Queen City’s energy.
Specializing in guides for the Carolinas, Carolina Traveler highlights, “The South End offers a mix of art, culture, and entertainment. With easy access via Light Rail, exploring the neighborhood is a breeze. From the colorful murals of the Confetti Hearts Wall to trendy dining spots like Hawker’s Asian Street Food, there’s something unique for everyone. For fun that appeals to all ages, Pins Mechanical offers arcade games, duckpin bowling, and even a slide. Wrap up your day with a scoop of fresh-made ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream –a perfect treat to end your South End adventure.”
South End’s dynamic atmosphere continues to draw attention for its unique things to do. From its creative spaces to just simply enjoying a day in the sun, the area captures Charlotte’s modern charm. “On a sunny day my favorite thing to do is meet a friend at Stable Hand. Afterwards, we’d stop by Atherton Mills or run into a few of the stores along Camden Road,” says local business owner Haley Woodard of Wheatberry Bakeshop.
NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood
Charlotte’s North Davidson neighborhood, affectionately called NoDa, is the city’s arts and entertainment district. Filled with colorful murals, indie galleries, funky boutiques, and unique things to do, NoDa is a haven for creatives.
“Camp North End is one of the unique parks in NoDa. From live music performances to winter ice skating, it is the perfect place for all ages,” says Akeya Garrett, owner of Akeyachic, a local clothing boutique. Camp North End was transformed from a previous Ford Model T factory into a bustling community hub. Local photographer and owner of Two Little Monkeys Photography, Samantha boasts, “Camp North End is a vibrant, revitalized space that blends history with modern creativity. It’s now home to local restaurants, food trucks, craft breweries, and art galleries. I love the mix of historic architecture and contemporary flair, along with the frequent cultural events, live music, and street art. It offers something for everyone, making it one of my favorite spots in Charlotte to visit.”
Uptown neighborhood
The Uptown area serves as Charlotte’s central business district and cultural hub. Known for its modern skyline, Uptown is home to a mix of corporate headquarters, luxury hotels, and residential high-rises, offering a cosmopolitan vibe with plenty to see and do. The neighborhood is divided into four wards, each with its own character, from historic charm to contemporary flair.
Owner of Sweet It Is a custom and wedding cake business Debbie Cooper says, “Being a local business owner has allowed me to explore the best the Uptown area has to offer.” She continued by stating “whether it’s the scenic beauty of Lake Norman, a wonderful getaway just a few miles away for nature and boating lovers, or the cultural richness of the Mint Museum and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for art enthusiasts, each of these places offer a unique thing to do for everyone.”
Ballantyne area
Ballantyne is a thriving neighborhood in the southern part of Charlotte, known for its upscale atmosphere and suburban charm. With a blend of residential communities, business centers, and shopping destinations, it offers a more relaxed yet modern feel compared to the city’s bustling downtown. The area is also home to scenic parks, luxury hotels, and a growing culinary scene, making it a popular destination for new residents.
Ballantyne has a unique mixed-use community, with plenty of green space to enjoy. Locals love grabbing fresh air and exploring the 20+ miles of walking paths and bike lanes, or connecting to the Mecklenburg County Greenway System. If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind unique thing to do, look no further than The Bowl at Ballantyne, is the region’s newest dining, retail, and entertainment district, with something for everyone. The Bowl is also home to The Amp Ballantyne, a stunning outdoor venue hosting live music and a variety of events.
High Country area
In the broader western metro Charlotte area, lies the High Country area, inclusive of seven counties, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. This region is picturesque, nestled right in the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. This is a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, whether you’re hiking scenic trails in the summer or skiing down powdery slopes in the winter.
A day trip to the High Country is a must for stunning views and much-needed stress relief, and Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock is the ultimate destination. Experience the famous Gravitational Anomaly, explore fascinating Native American artifacts, and step back in time with a tour of the 1903 Dougherty House—the original home of the founders of Appalachian State University. Make unforgettable memories and explorations for all ages with ax throwing, gem mining, and the Bull Ride Challenge.
2. Relive the history of Charlotte
For new residents of Charlotte, visiting the city’s museums is a great way to familiarize yourself with its culture and heritage. With a variety of exhibits and collections that reflect the region’s history, art, and innovation, the museums offer a unique opportunity to explore the stories that have shaped the Queen City. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the area, these cultural spaces are perfect for discovering the essence of Charlotte.
Brooklyn Collective
Showcasing the black history of Charlotte dating back to 1886, is the cultural gem, the Brooklyn Collective. The collective is comprised of two historic buildings, the Historic Grace A.M.E. Zion Church and the Mecklenburg Investment Company. The Mecklenburg Investment Company has now been transformed into an art gallery hosting an array of local artists with ongoing exhibitions highlighting different timelines and philosophies.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
About 20 minutes west of Uptown, discover The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium. Whether you’re interested in space travel, dinosaurs, Indian artifacts, life-size mazes, or even opossums, you can find them all here. And don’t miss the Nature Trail – it’s a hidden gem.
3. Capturing the city
For new residents in Charlotte, the city’s thriving art scene offers a creative way to explore and connect with the local culture. Whether you’re capturing moments or discovering artistic expressions in unexpected places, there’s a unique visual story to uncover around every corner.
Are you looking to do something fun and creative? The Picture Project CLT Selfie Museum is the perfect place to do just that. This unique museum has 4,000 sq. ft. of space and over 30 photo opportunities, where you can either take your own photos or add on a professional photography package. This fun and interactive photo experience has something for everyone.
Once you’ve established your footing in the Queen City, capture it all with professional portraits with Madalyn Yates Creative. Whether you’re creating lasting memories with loved ones or giving your business a fresh look, investing in a photographer who specializes in storytelling through engaging photography is the perfect way to document this exciting new chapter.
In this city you aren’t confined to taking your photos in a studio with the same colored background. Get to know local artists while exploring picturesque spots. By simply getting in your car, or going for a walk or scooter ride–if you look up, you’ll find ArtPop Street Gallery. There are billboards, murals, and plenty more featuring local artists of the Charlotte region of all disciplines.
4. Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Adventure enthusiasts will feel right at home in the U.S. National Whitewater Center, just outside Charlotte. This massive outdoor recreation center features man-made whitewater rapids, perfect for kayaking, rafting, or paddle boarding. If water isn’t your thing, try the zip lines, ropes courses, or over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Even better, the center hosts live music events and outdoor yoga classes, making it a hub for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike. The city guide, CLT Bucketlist, who recommends an array of unique things to do in Charlotte adds, “Charlotte is a city of dynamic experiences that truly has something for everyone. For new residents, a day at the Whitewater Center is a must—it’s an outdoor haven.”
5. Find your rhythm
Exploring the city’s dance scene is a fantastic way to connect with the community and discover a fun new hobby. Whether you’re looking to brush up on a style you already love or try something completely different, the city offers a range of dance opportunities for all skill levels. From beginner-friendly classes to more advanced training, Charlotte’s dance studios provide a welcoming environment where you can meet new people, stay active, and express yourself through movement.
Charlotte has a thriving Argentine Tango scene, and weekly Tango at The Long Room is a perfect way to make friends or try something new. The Long Room hosts Matthew Seneca and Sarah Harkins of Tango CLT, a beginner-friendly event, and if you don’t have a partner to bring, no problem. Tango Wednesday offers an intro lesson, beginner lesson, and ends with 2.5 hours of social dancing.
Centrally located near the Uptown, NoDa, and Plaza Midwood neighborhoods, First Dance Charlotte specializes in private wedding dance lessons in a fun, stress-free environment, and also offers beginner-friendly online wedding dance tutorials for the homebodies among us. Whether you want to learn partner dancing basics to help you look and feel natural during your first dance, or blow your guests away with show-stopping choreography, First Dance Charlotte has helped over 2,000 couples create their dream wedding dance since 2014.
For adolescent healthy outdoor activities, Visions Dance Academy may just be the place for new residents in the area. With a successful recreational program, competitive teams with elite training, and the Rockin’ Tots morning preschool enrichment program, it’s a vibrant space for dancers of all ages and abilities. Visions also offers fun-filled summer and winter camps to keep kids active and engaged year-round.
Additionally, for children and young adults, the Lumi School of Musical Theatre is a performing arts studio with the goal to educate them about the performing arts industry. Lumi offers a variety of classes for ages 3 and up in dance, vocal, musical theater, acting and theatrical productions. With the mission to provide a safe environment to nurture and teach in all aspects of the theater on stage and off by teaching and cultivating the future generation of theater goers and performers.
6. Get moving into fitness
For new residents of Charlotte, finding the right fitness classes, gyms, or training programs can help you stay active and feel connected to your new community. Whether you’re looking to hit the gym, join a group fitness class, or train for a specific goal, Charlotte offers a wide range of unique options to suit every fitness level and interest. From state-of-the-art gyms to specialized studios, you’ll find plenty of unique things to do to build strength, improve flexibility, and meet like-minded individuals who share your wellness goals.
Non-traditional fitness classes
Non-traditional fitness classes provide exciting alternatives to conventional workouts, allowing participants to explore new ways to stay active. These classes focus on engaging both the body and mind, offering a refreshing approach to fitness that breaks away from the ordinary.
Have you ever done a circus arts fitness class? Bloom Movement Artistry is exactly that, discover a unique, fun, and creative way to explore fitness. This circus arts fitness studio offers daily beginner friendly classes ranging from aerial arts to dance to strength training, all in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
For another workout like no other, Charlotte has an unforgettable and unique fitness studio, AerialCLT. This local, female-owned studio in Uptown Charlotte takes working out to new heights—literally. With a beginner friendly approach, their motto, “No pull-up required and we mean it,” allows you to succeed at climbing on silks, spinning on lyra, and so much more.
Now if you’re looking for a mix of a fun hobby and non-traditional fitness then you’ve found the epitome of a unique thing to do in the Charlotte area. The Disc Golf Pro Tour encourages “Residents should check out one of the 70-plus disc golf courses in the city. These courses are scored like traditional golf and are free to play in most places.”
Traditional fitness
Traditional fitness classes for new residents offer a structured and familiar approach to achieving your health and fitness goals. With options like strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises, these classes provide a balanced foundation for individuals seeking a consistent and effective fitness routine.
Conveniently located just on the west side of Uptown, is Charlotte’s best voted yoga studio two years in a row, The Coterie Wellness Studio. This yoga studio offers an array of different classes from vinyasa yoga to weighted fusion classes.
New Charlotte residents looking to join a more traditional fitness community, can look forward to exploring CrossFit Wreckage. This gym not only offers high-intensity group fitness classes but is known for fostering a welcoming environment where individuals build strength, confidence, and lasting friendships.
7. Taste Charlotte’s culinary world
For those looking for unique things to do in Charlotte, exploring the local food scene is a must. Charlotte’s food scene is a dynamic and diverse reflection of the city’s growing cultural influences and culinary creativity. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an ever-evolving restaurant landscape, Charlotte’s culinary offerings promise an exciting experience for food lovers of all backgrounds.
Savoring the flavors
The city caters to every craving and occasion, from casual eateries to fine dining, with an abundance of flavors and culinary styles to suit any palate. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, enjoying a leisurely meal, or celebrating a special moment, the dining options are as diverse as they are delicious.
The area’s only authentic New York style Italian market is Enzo’s Italian Market. They pride themselves on bringing authentic and premium Italian foods. Daily, by hand, they make NY-style Italian pinwheel sausage, pork & beef braciole, and meatballs offering a true taste of Italy. From imported meats and cheeses to homemade take-and-bake meals and imported dolce items, they’ve got your Italian cravings covered.
The SupperClub SouthEnd is more than just a place for dinner, it is recognized as an experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing dinner or games and cocktails, they’ve got you covered. The local favorite is dinner by the wood-fired grill followed by drinks in the bar and late night in the lounge.
Top hospitality group in the Carolinas, Burke Hospitality raves, “The Mimosa Grill has been an Uptown classic since 1996. It creates a sophisticated yet comfortable gathering place to enjoy fine dining for new residents, locals, and visitors, delighting guests with farm-to-table Southern cuisine with a modern twist.”
Out of the hustle and bustle of the South End, just steps away in LoSo (lower South End) is the vibrant charm of Havana. El Puro on South Boulevard is a Cuban restaurant that transports guests to the glamor and elegance of pre-revolutionary Cuba. El Puro offers a modern twist on classic Cuban dishes that immerse you in the heart of Cuban culture.
The locally owned Foxcroft Wine Co. scores as a trifecta for wine aficionados. It’s a wine bar, a retail bottle shop, and a full-service restaurant. Foxcroft offers everything from fresh, seasonal, and wine-friendly cuisines featuring an extensive, yet thoughtfully curated selection of global wines. You’ll find the mood welcoming, casual, and comfortable at any location you choose.
Sweet indulgences
Desserts are the perfect way to add a sweet finish to any meal, offering a variety of flavors and styles to enjoy. From timeless favorites to creative confections, there’s something to delight every palate. Whether you’re exploring unique things to do in Charlotte or simply indulging in a treat, desserts are a must-try experience in the city.
Located in the bustling South End neighborhood is the world’s first and only ‘Made-to-Order’ cupcake shop, SWIRL Dessert Bar. This multi-award winning dessert shop features fresh baked cupcakes, delicious cookies, and ice cream.
If you have been on a search for a gluten free and organic only ingredients bakery, try The Accidental Baker. From grass fed butter and farm raised eggs, think almost farm to table, because everything is made to order and is by appointment only. This popular spot can be booked a week or two in advance so if you go, order early.
For all the French flavors and flare, Renaissance Pâtisserie has been servicing the Charlotte community for over 10 years. This award winning family-owned bakery will surely make you feel you are in the middle of Paris, France with its outdoor courtyard, fresh baked croissants, and unique lunch options. So whether you are new to the Queen City or have been a local for years, it’ll be a unique place to try.
Unique Things to Do in Charlotte, NC: Exploring adventures and experiences
There’s countless unique things to do in Charlotte for every kind of person. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene gardens and quirky art districts, the Queen City invites new residents to discover its lesser-known treasures. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a first-time resident, living in Charlotte ensures you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
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