A Complete Tour of Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina offers some of the best weather and different environments in America. Where else can you see mountains, city, and beach all within the same state? Charlotte is one of North Carolina's most popular cities and has some of the biggest attractions, both indoors and out. If you're in or around Charlotte, here are some places you need to check out.

CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER
Located: Off of Beatties Ford Road, near Latta Plantation.
Website: carolinaraptorcenter.org
Why it's so awesome: Carolina Raptor Center takes in injured birds of prey native to North Carolina and nurses them back to health. Even if you aren't the slightest bit interested in birds, it is still fascinating to come within feet of a Barred Owl or a family of Bald Eagles and watch them feed their young. Visitors can walk around the outdoor facility, watch, and learn about birds we don't commonly see in our neighborhoods.

RIVERBEND FARM
Located: Off of Albemarle Road, near Midland.
Website: riverbendfarm.net
Why it's worth it: Riverbend Farm is a great place to go with your family. You can walk around the lake, the fields, the gift shop, and climb up on a huge tractor. They also have buffalo, cows, ostriches, sheep, chickens, and a white elk. Great place to go to pick pumpkins during the fall.

DISCOVERY PLACE
Located: Uptown Charlotte, on N. Tryon Street
Website: discoveryplace.org
Why it's fun for everyone: Discovery place has both permenant and traveling exhibits. From dinosaur models and a science theatre to an indoor rainforest, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The iMax dome theatre is another favorite, showing movies that make you believe you are careening through a forest or shooting through outer space.

The Evening Muse:
Located: Uptown Charlotte, on N. Davidson
Website: theeveningmuse.com
What it's great for: If you take an evening to explore Uptown Charlotte, stop by the Muse for live, local music. Tickets are cheap, music is fun, and they have a bar.

Concord Mills:
Located: Concord Mills Boulevard
Website: concordmillsmall.com
Why you have to see it: Concord Mills is the second largest shopping mall in NC. It has over 200 stores. Even if you are not a fan of malls, there is more to do than shop. The mall has an indoor Nascar Speedpark, a bowling alley, and a theatre. Just be prepared to walk a lot.