Things to do in  North Carolina

Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, the Bank of America Stadium is home to the Carolina Panthers football team. Opened in 1996, the open-air, natural grass stadium was designed specifically for football. In addition to football games, the stadium also hosts concerts and other big events year-round.

Located in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward neighborhood next to the First Presbyterian Church, the Old Settlers’ Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Charlotte and one of the oldest in North Carolina. The cemetery operated between 1774 and 1878 and is the final burial place of many of Charlotte’s early settlers and prominent families.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic road trips—a slow-paced drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the south, connecting all the way to Shenandoah National Park in the north. Along the 469 winding miles (754 kilometers), you’ll find long-range vistas, waterfalls, picnic spots, and close-up views of the parkway’s namesake: the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains.

Victorian mansions line the shady streets of Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward, among the city’s most prosperous neighborhoods during the mid-19th century. Today, it remains one of the most charming, with shopping boutiques and restaurants filling out many of the lovingly restored homes.

Located in Uptown Charlotte, Discovery Place Science is one of the most popular hands-on science centers in the region. The museum brings science, technology, math, and nature to life through fun and educational interactive exhibits, activities, and programs. It also features the largest IMAX screen in the Carolinas.

The Mint Museum is the oldest art museum in North Carolina, and houses one of the largest collections in the Southeast, with more than 35,000 objects. Explore its permanent collection spanning Ancient American, Native American, American, European, and Contemporary art at its two branches: Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown.

Lovers of history, architecture, and gardens will enjoy touring the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. The Biltmore House and grounds are as grand as it gets, providing hours of exploration and enjoyment. Beyond the 250-room mansion—evoking the Gilded Age inside and out—lies a park-like landscape with trails to walk, gardens to explore, and ponds for quiet serenity, all open to the public for exploration.

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is part of the Levine Center for the Arts. The museum is small, but houses an impressive collection of more than 1,400 pieces by some of the most influential artists of the mid-20th century. See works by artists such as Picasso, Calder, Miró, Giacometti, and Warhol.

Once an abandoned track of warehouses along a destitute stretch of Asheville’s French Broad River, the River Arts District (RAD) has transformed into a hotbed for artists and budding businesses. There is a vast array of studios where you can see artists working on creative projects ranging from photography and painting to basketry and pottery.

Celebrate African and African-American culture at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture. In addition to a permanent collection of inspiring works by notable African-American artists, the center also offers a diverse cultural program of music, dance, and theater performances, film screenings, lecures, and workshops.

Take a fascinating, underwater journey from the rivers of North Carolina to the depths of the ocean at SEA LIFE® Charlotte-Concord Aquarium. Located inside the Concord Mills Mall, the aquarium features more than 5,000 resident sea creatures. Visitors can learn about marine life through feedings, talks, interactive experiences, and more.

Spanning just 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares, the Green is a pocket-sized, literary-themed park in Uptown Charlotte. A lovely little oasis in the heart of the Second Ward, the Green features lush landscaping, grassy areas, shady paths, benches, fountains, and whimsical sculptures. It is popular with locals and visitors alike.

The Museum of the Cherokee People is home to vibrant displays that tell the story of the Cherokees, from their paleo ancestry to their current lifestyles. Far more than an exhibit of artifacts, the museum keeps the tribe’s culture alive through education, events, and traditional gatherings.

Satisfy your need for speed at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, “America’s Home for Racing.” Located just outside of Charlotte, the speedway is home to some of NASCAR’s biggest races, along with a full schedule of other races and events. The speedway also offers behind-the-scenes tours and racing experiences for fans.

Located in the heart of Uptown, the Levine Center for the Arts is the premier arts and culture destination in Charlotte. The center comprises three museums and a performing arts center: the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture, Mint Museum Uptown, and Knight Theater.