Charlotte NC-Top Ten Attractions #CharlotteMustSees

… so if you were visiting Charlotte for a few days to a week, what would you want to see and do?

Firebird welcomes Bechtler Museum visitors

Terry’s Top Ten List of Charlotte “Must See’s”

on Twitter#CharlotteMUSTSee

So you are coming to Charlotte, coming to see if moving here makes sense…  What should you do while you are here?  Where should you stay?

I started with my ideas and perspectives,  then I asked the twitter-verse for help and got some new ideas

Starting with the last question first, I’d stay in Uptown Charlotte, or the Southpark area. These two spots are centrally located, full of life, and easy jumping off points to the rest of the area. There is a wide selection of hotel and restaurants in each area, from the 5 star Ritz-Carlton across from Epicenter, to 3 Marriot’s Uptown, an Omni and Hilton, or in Southpark, 4 Marriot’s … If golf is your thing, try the Ballantyne hotel. (formerly Ballantyne Resort)

So, this is my list, I’ll make notes for families with children, and I’ve polled some of my younger friends for the 20 something crowd.  Here is what I’d be sure and see, no particualr order but as my schedule permitted, and outdoor events are dependent on weather.

NODA- North Davidson (NODA) Gallery Crawls the 1st and 3rd Friday evenings, art and music home in the Arts District. Visit Amelies French Bakery for a sweet, coffee or more, 28th Street late nights or afternoon coffee. Relax in their oh so comfortable European living room.

Museum of the New South- this explains the South and Charlotte’s place as a modern city in the South. My first few

Charlotte "Lynx" a comfortable ride uptown, $1.25

years in Charlotte I heard constant references to the “New South” never really understanding its meaning- I guess I wasn’t alone because they opened a Musuem by the same name! It isn’t huge, and only needs 90 minutes or so to visit, but it is one of Charlotte’s best. The end of the Old south,andthe start of something new.  There are many hands on exhibits for kids.  Take the Lynx in, visit Imaginnon  (below) and it will be  a great family day.

The Bechtler Modern Art Museum- The Grand Openning 1/2/10 was a huge day in Charlotte- huge for art and themuseum when more than 5000 people visited on its first day. Warhold, Degas, Picasso- plus a terrific collection of 20th Century European artists, paint and sculpture, it reminds me of galleries in Washington or New York.

Walk Uptown on Tryon: A good start is the Levine Museum, witha walk down Tryon to the Bechtler, stop in at the Bank of America Atrium, The Epicenter, Starbucks at Trade, enjoy your coffee outdoors on a pretty day in the green space at Trade and Tryon.

Dilworth-SouthEnd- Art Galleries and Home Furnishings

Southpark and Southpark Area- Everything from Dean and Delucca to Crate and Barrel, Luis Vitton, Coach, Neiman Marcus and Nordstorm’s they are all here. Be sure and visit Phillips Place at Southpark for lunch/dinner or afternoon coffee break at Restoration Hardware. This is also Charlotte’s top dining area with all the national names (Ruth Chris, McCormick and Schmick, Cheesecake Factory) and some of the very best locals such as Nobles, Harpers and Village Tavern.

The US National White Water Center- for an hour or two,  or spend a day of  rafting/mountain biking/climbing – outdoor adventure for all, home of the US Olympic Team for Kayaking.

Fall- Visit Panther (B of A) Stadium for a Panther Game- never pay full price- this NFL stadium is one of the prettiest stadiums in the country, and the whole city tail-gates for home games!  Winter- Visit Time-Warner Arena for a Bobcat game- inexpensive (for the NBA) and all good seats. Stop in at the Epicenter after the game for a drink or food.

Inside the Knight Theater Charlotte

For Families, Uptown- Take the train in and visit Imaginon and Discovery Place for a day. Check the schedules and take in a show at the new Knight Theater next to Bechtler or at the Blumenthal

Carowinds- Paramounts Carowinds offers a great selection of roller coasters, thrill rides and a great water park. Opens every day all summer, weekends from April on, and through October.

Honorable mentions depending on your interests include: The NC Music Factory, The Lowe’s Motor Speedway-if you are into cars, NASCAR opens their Hall of Fame in Charlotte in May, The Mint Museum of Art, and The Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Knights AAA Baseball in Fort Mill, the clubs on College Street, Stowe Botanical Gardens, The Raptor Center, and (35 miles outside Charlotte) Reids Goldmine.

I’m sure I’ve left a bunch of people out- sorry! Any such list has to be subjective in nature. This one certainly is, but I welcome your comments and additions! And if you love water, I could make a whole ‘nother list of Lake Norman and Lake Wylie!

Local Charlotte Ideas from- Thanks All

Rhia Bowman – a professional writer at the Word Trade @RhiBowman

Dani Burns At LinkedIn @DaniBurns27

Roy Morejon- Social Media consultant in Charlotte @RoyMorejon