An Exciting Weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina

The city of Charlotte is possibly one of the most visited cities in North Carolina. It is home to the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), Carolina Panthers (NFL), Lowe's Motor Speedway and is the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Other highlights of the city include the Billy Graham Library, Paramount Carowinds Amusement Park, Discovery Place Children's Museum and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

When visiting Charlotte, the only problem you might have is trying to figure out what to do first.

A Sports Lovers Weekend in Charlotte

No matter the season, a sports enthusiast will always find something to do in and around Charlotte. In addition to a number of professional sports teams, Charlotte is home to the renowned Lowe's Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame (in the near future). The Lowe's Motor Speedway hosts a number of national car races throughout the year including the NASCAR Banking 500 and the Dollar General 300.

After taking in a good game or race, be sure to lace up your athletic shoes and head over the the U.S. National Whitewater Center for a little action. Some activities you can enjoy there include white water rafting (of course), bicycling, climbing, hiking or kayaking.

Charlotte is also home to one of Golf Magazine's top-rated golf schools. The Dana Rader Golf School is located on the campus of the Ballantyne Hotel, and offers a number of instructional and training programs, a great finish to a sports lover's weekend.

A Fun Filled Family Getaway in Charlotte

Although Charlotte is a relatively large city, it is still a good choice for a fun filled family getaway. Start your vacation with a one night stay in the uptown area. While there take in a sporting event or two, but before you leave, don't forget to stop by the Discovery Place Children's Museum for a little hands on learning. The kids will also enjoy riding the trolley which runs through a number of Charlotte's most frequented communities.

If it's warm out, the kids will probably insist on a day or two at Paramount's Carowinds Amusement Park. In addition to exciting rides and tasty treats, the park frequently hosts a number of shows, concerts and other special events.

Other family friendly attractions in the area include Ray's Splash Planet (an indoor waterpark), the Carolina Raptor Center or Bird Brain Ranch.

A Romantic Weekend in Charlotte

One of the most important decisions one can make in planning a romantic getaway is where to stay. The city of Charlotte offers a number of luxurious hotels and cozy hideaways. Some hotels to consider include the Omni or Westin (both in Charlotte's financial/business districts), the Hyatt Summerfield Suites (by the airport), or the Ballantyne Hotel (near the Carolina Place Mall).

Another important factor in making a weekend romantic, is finding a great restaurant. Over the weekend, consider dining at Bentley's Restaurant on 27 (offering breathtaking views and just the right ambiance), the Melting Pot (specializing in fondue) or Villa Antonio (offering Italian cuisine).

There are also a number of fun and exciting places to visit and see during your romantic weekend such as the Charlotte Nature Museum, Carolina Place Mall or the IMAX Dome theater.