Charlotte Fun Zone
Charlotte Real Estate Team
Representing families with integrity, passion, vision and dedication to excellence.
Call Chris at 704-968-2930
Experience the world's most unique outdoor recreation and environmental learning experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Share over 300 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River with Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and those looking for high adventure. www.usnwc.org.
Experience the best of Broadway musicals with the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Stanford Broadway Lights Series. The 2007 season includes such smash hits as Doubt, Sweet Charity and Disney's THE LION KING. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
September means Charlotte Shout, a month-long celebration of art, culture, and community, incorporating over 200 performances and events throughout the Charlotte region. Shout’s Culinary Arts Experience, a one-ofa- kind culinary extravaganza, touts celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and interactive cooking demonstrations. www.charlotteshout.com.
Experience the nation’s most comprehensive collection of contemporary studio craft at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, located in Center City. 2007 exhibits include Observations: A Retrospective Exhibition of Works by Ann Wolff. www.themintmuseums.org
Once the location of the first branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum of Art is a rich and diverse resource with noted collections of American and pre-Columbian art, American and European ceramics, and contemporary art and photography. www.themintmuseums.org.
Don’t miss the excitement of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats as they host the league’s brightest stars in the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. www.bobcatsbasketball.com.
For over half a century, Children's Theatre of Charlotte has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre, creating what one local critic called "the most technically imaginative and resourceful theatre productions in the region." www.ctcharlotte.org.
The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge has evolved from a novelty to a showcase, a spring ritual of speed and daring resulting in yearly additions to the book of NASCAR lore. Catch the excitement as motorsports history is written at over 180 mph each May. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center. Reflecting an original approach to education, learning and the arts, the 106,000 square-foot facility serves as an unprecedented resource for families, creating a synergy between educational drama experiences and the critical skills of reading unlike any in the country. www.imaginon.org.
Join the half-million people from all over the United States who visit Discovery Place. Walk through the world’s largest eyeball in Activity: Eyeball Exhibit. Go deep into the heart of a tropical rain forest in Knight Rain Forest. Discovery Place is an ever-changing ever-growing, cutting edge science center. www.discoveryplace.org.
Fore! 2007 will mark the fifth year of the Wachovia Championship. Hosted at Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club, the tournament is recognized by the national and international golf community as one of the top events on the PGA TOUR. Don’t miss a swing, April 30 - May 6. www.wachoviachampionship.com.
The most hair-raising rides, the wettest water park, the most sizzling stage shows, and tons of other cool stuff everyone can enjoy. Carowinds offers guests more than 108 acres of ultimate entertainment for the entire family including Boomerang Bay, 16 acres of “Aussome” flowing fun and Nickelodeon Central. Ride, spin, twirl and hug the day away with your favorite characters from your favorite Nickelodeon TV shows. www.carowinds.com
As the chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup heats up, racing action returns to Lowe’s Motor Speedway as it hosts the Bank of America 500 in October. The fifth race out of the final ten for the NEXTEL Championship, the Bank of America 500 promises high-speed action and excitement. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
Catch the NFL Carolina Panthers as they compete at Bank of America Stadium during the 2007 season. Home games will include battles with the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl champs Indianapolis Colts. www.panthers.com
Visit Levine Museum of the New South, an interactive history museum, and experience the nation’s most comprehensive interpretation of post- Civil War southern society with Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, named one of the best exhibitions in the Southeast by the Southeastern Museums Conference Curators’ Committee. www.museumofthenewsouth.org
Shop ‘til you drop at Concord Mills, one of the state’s leading tourist attractions. An amazing themed complex, Concord Mills offers 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues including a 24-screen AMC Theatres, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and NASCAR SpeedPark. www.concordmills.com
If you love flowers, you’re not going to want to miss this. Named one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens” in HGTV’s popular book, Flower Gardening, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features 110 acres of themed gardens, a dozen sparkling fountains, a spectacular Visitor Pavilion and nine distinctly themed gardens. www.dsbg.org
Lowe’s Motor Speedway, home of NASCAR’s only 600-mile race, hosts the Coca-Cola 600 for the 48th year in 2007, a week after the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
Nationally-acclaimed conductors Christof Perick and Albert-George Schram lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in its popular Classics and Pops series. The Pops series allows the Charlotte Symphony to play with special guests such as Peter Nero and Wynonna Judd. www.charlottesymphony.org
Experience theatre “off the beaten path.” Valued for its edginess, relevance, daring, and artistic polish, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents critically acclaimed works such as The Great American Trailer Park Musical and Hedwig and The Angry Inch. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org
Don’t miss the cuts, scrapes and power plays of minor league hockey! The ECHL Charlotte Checkers take the ice each October at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. www.gocheckers.com.
Visit the Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC). Through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual arts, performing arts and through innovative educational programs, the AACC preserves, promotes, and presents African-American culture to the nation. www.aacc-charlotte.org
The Lowes Foods Taste of Charlotte food festival draws more than 150,000 people to Center City Charlotte each June to experience a wide array of family activities, live music and fantastic food from the area’s hottest restaurants. www.tasteofcharlotte.com
Tired of dinner and a movie? How 'bout dinner and music! In Elizabeth you can experience fine dining, from casual to unique, and then head over to the Visulite Theatre for great live music or experience Charlotte's oldest live music venue, the Double Door Inn.
Step inside Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre at Discovery Place. The giant-screen theatre surrounds you with largerthan- life images and amazing sound while providing a new look at the world in which we live. www.discoveryplace.org
Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through public education and the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors. Tour Carolina Raptor Center’s bird hospital and get a sneak peak at what happens behind the scenes, from patients’ initial exam to strengthening their wings in outdoor flight cages. www.carolinaraptorcenter.org
NoDa, Charlotte’s fringe art neighborhood, hosts a free Gallery Crawl every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. Browse the area’s swanky galleries, enjoy a bite to eat and relax to smooth music played by local street musicians. www.noda.org
The North Carolina Dance Theatre will reach new heights during the 2007 season with its performance of Natural Beauty and a production of Rhythm & Moves. This World Première by Mark Diamond showcases the music of the Grammy® award-winning group Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. www.ncdance.org
Visit the Charlotte Nature Museum, an urban science center that exhibits the animals and plants of the Piedmont including an everchanging Butterfly Garden. www.discoveryplace.org.
Shop with class and sophistication at SouthPark Mall. Stores include Belk, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and cult favorites like Anthropologie, Burberry, Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton. www.simon.com
Reed Gold Mine is the site of the irst documented gold find in the United States (1799). Today, it features exhibits on gold, the geology of gold, mining technology, and equipment. Portions of underground tunnels at this NC Historic site have been restored for guided tours. Come pan for gold in the same creek that led to America's first gold rush. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/ hs/reed/reed.htm
Relax and enjoy the serenity of Wing Haven Gardens, a unique part of Charlotte since its creation in 1927. The gardens and bird sanctuary, enclosed on all sides by brick walls, encompass three acres in the heart of a quiet residential neighborhood. www.winghavengardens.com
Experience the Charlotte Antique & Collectibles show monthly at the Metrolina Expo Trade Center. Twice a year (April & November) the "Antiques Spectacular," acclaimed as one of the largest events of its kind, anywhere features over 2,000 dealers from all over the world, offering an array of quality antiques and collectible items. www.dmgantiqueshows.com/ metrolina
Nestled at the gateway of the Yadkin Valley, Childress Vineyards is quickly becoming recognized as North Carolina's signature winery. Richard Childress brings a passion for fine wine as genuine as his passion for auto racing. Discover a taste of the old world in the heart of the piedmont. www.childressvineyards.com
Take the family to NASCAR Speed Park and renew sibling rivalry on five scaled race tracks. The premier track at NASCAR SpeedPark, Mini-Motor Speedway, features a quarter mile oval and 5/8 scale NEXTEL Cup style cars. Miniature golf is also available. www.nascarspeedpark.com
Celebrate spring in the Piedmont countryside with the prestigious Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, the Charlotte area’s only horse racing event. www.queenscup.org
Victory Lane Indoor Karting Center offers a 1/3 mile Europeanstyle road course and the very best of competition karting. Their competition karts are made in Italy by SODI Kart. Karts average at speeds of 35 mph. www.377fast.com
The Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) opened its doors in 1994 and today has emerged as the premier motorsports entertainment company in the industry. RPDE students have several options in customizing their racing experience by choosing specific curriculum ranging from a Ride-Along to the Advanced Racing Experience. www.1800bepetty.com
At the Hendrick Motorsports racing complex fans can view the race shops of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson or visit Hendrick Motorsports Museum. The 15,000 square-foot museum and souvenir shop showcase almost two decades of HMS racing. www.hendrickmotorsports.com
Historic Brattonsville, in nearby McConnells, SC, is a 775-acre living history village that includes a Revolutionary War battlefield site. The site features 29 historic structures, which may be toured and are also used during living history programs where docents (costumed-interpreters) “relive the past” by demonstrating a variety of themed days. www.chmuseums.org
Travel a few miles north to the Bob Timberlake Gallery. From fine art reproductions to finely crafted furniture inspired by 18th century artisans, decorative accessories, to home finishings. Everything that bears the Bob Timberlake name reflects all the comforts of home. www.bobtimberlake.com
The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasturelands of Piedmont, North Carolina. While visiting at the Lazy 5 Ranch you will have the opportunity to view over 750 animals from six different continents. www.lazyfiveranch.com
Indulge at the #3 spa in North America as voted by Conde Nast, The Spa at Ballantyne Resort. Their specialties are the Ballantyne Facial Classic, Field Lavender Massage, Milk Whey Bath or Field Lavender Soak, Herbal Wraps, Spa Manicures, Pedicures, and hair design. www.ballantyneresort.com
Visitors to Cricket Arena experience a true feeling of a 1950’s-style building. The arena houses a diverse range of entertainment events for all ages. Top events and performances at Cricket Arena have included Elvis and Prince. www.cricketarenacharlotte.com
Celebrate the May races during Food Lion Speed Street. The 600 Festival transforms the streets of Charlotte into a showcase of motorsports with non-stop entertainment, appearances by top NEXTEL Cup Drivers, NASCAR show cars and simulators and fun for all ages. www.600festival.com
Charlotte’s collection of 1,400 exquisitely manicured greens, expertly sculpted Charlotte golf courses, come together to produce one of the most unique golfing experiences. For a complete list of the area’s more than 80 golf courses go to www.visitcharlotte.com.
Visit Plaza-Midwood, Charlotte's most diverse streetcar-era neighborhood. Its earliest avenues were plotted in 1903 and its newest date from after the Second World War. Buildings range from turn-of-the-century factories and blue collar housing to the city's most prestigious country club and thriving nightspots. www.plazamidwood.org
Experience live music, an art gallery, and a latte at The Evening Muse. The Muse features original artists in a wide variety of genres. Or cross the street to take in more great live music at the Neighborhood Theatre. Also hosting an eclectic mix of artists, plus a regular stop for many well-known Americana legends. www.theeveningmuse.com, www.neighborhoodtheatre.com
Carolina Place mall in Pineville attracts visitors to its more than 140 specialty stores and five anchors. Come to shop, eat and be entertained! www.carolinaplace.com
Let your imagination soar at the Carolinas Aviation Museum. Relive the country’s proudest moments with exhibits featuring aircraft from war and peacetime. www.carolinasaviation.org
Experience north Charlotte’s retail boom at Northlake Mall www.shopnorthlake.com . The two-level, enclosed mall features 150 stores, restaurants and a 14-screen AMC Theatres megaplex. Steeped in rich artistic and commercial heritage, the architectural design evokes southern warmth infused with a distinctly Charlotte spirit.
Relax on The Green, Center City Charlotte’s outdoor, novella-themed park, located across the street from the Charlotte Convention Center. Upscale restaurants and outdoor entertainment are all footsteps away. www.thegreenuptown.com
Cast a line or hunt for bargains at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the largest supplier of outdoor recreational products in the world, located at Concord Mills Mall. www.basspro.com
Sit back and enjoy the ride or suit up, buckle in and drive an actual NEXTEL Cup car for eight heart pounding laps around the speedway at the Jeff Gordon Racing School. The speed and g-forces alone make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget. www.jeffgordonracingschool.com
Experience the collection of renowned public artworks that adorn the Charlotte Convention Center, or attend a variety of tradeshows and conventions open to the public, including the Charlotte International Car Show and Mid Atlantic Boat Show. www.charlotteconventionctr.com
Celebrate nature’s splendor each spring as the Mint Museums host Charlotte’s Annual Home & Garden Tour. The tour features a splendid array of elegant homes and spectacular gardens located in some of Charlotte’s most beautiful neighborhoods. www.themintmuseums.org
Experience NASCAR racing from a unique perspective through PIT Crew U and 5 OFF 5 ON, the experimental education and practice, placement, and coaching divisions of PIT Instruction & Training. While completion of the programs doesn’t guarantee “playing time” at the track, it gets you up close and personal with the fastest 15 seconds in the sport. www.5off5on.com
View the black No. 3 GM Chevrolet driven by the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the Richard Childress Racing Museum. In all, 47 vehicles are on display in the museum including all six of the No. 3 special paint scheme cars driven by Earnhardt in The Winston from 1995-2000. www.rcrracing.com
Tickle your funny bone at The Comedy Zone, located in Charlotte’s north end entertainment district. The Comedy Zone welcomes national celebrities such as Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle. www.thecomedyzone.net
Celebrate the state’s heritage of motorsports at the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame. Located in Mooresville, a.k.a. “Race City USA,” the Hall of Fame features various exhibits spanning all forms of motorsports present in North Carolina. www.ncarhof.com.
If you’re a creative spirit, you won’t want to miss the Hart Witzen Gallery. Part gallery, live performance venue, movie theater and artist studio, the Hart Witzen Gallery, located in the NoDa fringe arts neighborhood, exhibits cutting edge visual and performing arts. www.hartwitzengallery.com,
Experience a behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR with Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Over the Wall Tour, the only tour of its kind in the country to be offered at a NASCAR track. www.hartwitzengallery.com,
Enjoy the historic elegance of the Van Landingham Estate (704) 334-8909, the Morehead Inn (704) 376-3357, or the Duke Mansion (704) 714-4400. www.hartwitzengallery.com
Board the Catawba Queen, a replica of a Mississippi River Paddle Wheeler or the Lady of the Lake at Queen’s Landing, to watch a romantic sunset or enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Norman. Got a boat of your own? Tie up at The Floating Dock Bar and cool off with an ice cold beverage. www.queenslanding.com,
Explore the Duke Power Energy- Explorium, located at McGuire Nuclear Station. The Energy- Explorium features hands-on energy information exhibits, a Lake Norman movie, wildflower garden and one mile nature trail. www.duke-energy.com.
Tour The Federal Reserve Bank of Charlotte. A money exhibit features the history of money in the U. S. from Colonial days to present including a display highlighting the gold mining era in the Piedmont region of NC. www.richmondfed.org.
Visit the Southeast’s most complete collection of mammals at the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Gastonia. The 18th Century Backcountry Farm and Catawba Indian Village complete the educational journey. www.schielemuseum.org.
Visit the site of what was once Southern Railway Company's largest steam locomotive repair facility at the NC Transportation Museum. The site contains an authentic train depot, antique automobiles, and a 37 stall roundhouse with 25 locomotives and other exhibit areas. www.nctrans.org.
