Just For Fun

Q-C Charlotte BBQ Championship
Formerly called Blues, Brews & BBQ is a competition and festival that features blues music, an array of beer samples, and some of the best barbecue you will find anywhere. Interactive cooking demonstrations and contests are featured all day. This festival celebrates the best of the southern cuisine and southern music. Food, music, entertainment and more!

US National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an outdoor adventure center providing the Charlotte region with the world's most unique outdoor recreation and environmental learning experience. The Center will provide the opportunity to experience over 300 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River, only 10 minutes from center-city Charlotte. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers will be able to share this world-class sports and training center.

Ray's Splash Planet
Ray's Splash Planet is unlike anything in the Carolinas!! Ray's includes a one-of-a-kind water park with fun-filled features AND also is home to a fitness center with aerobic & dance room, cardiovascular theater, free weights and resistance equipment. The exercise area overlooks the water park.

Discovery Place
From the frontiers of space to the depths of the sea, Discovery Place is an ever-changing ever-growing, cutting edge science center. Our Discovery Halls and The Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre offer something fun and educational for everyone in the family!

ImaginOn
Encompassing an entire city block, ImaginOn is a large presence in Uptown Charlotte. But this is a building for kids and families. Navigating the facility is intuitive, fun and an adventure at every turn. Add to that interactive games and exhibits, award-winning theatre performances and classic stories, and you will want to visit again and again.

NC Zoo

Located 75 miles west of Raleigh in Asheboro, North Carolina. Recognized as one of the nations finest zoo's. 1st American zoo designed around the "habitat philosophy".

Transylvania County - Land of Waterfalls
Surrounded by the gentle grace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Transylvania truly has something for everyone: 250 waterfalls, hundreds of acres of state and national forests, a thriving music and arts community, and fantastic shopping and dining in a charming Appalachian town. Be sure to check out Sliding Rock a great place to visit on a hot day!!

Potters of Seagrove
Seagrove is now home to over 80 potteries, where you can find everything from simple cups and bowls for daily use, to museum quality works of art, and everything inbetween. Located approx. 72 miles from Charlotte, a great day trip or stay overnight. So much to see!!

Haunted Places in North Carolina

Lazy 5 Ranch
The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasture lands 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. You can see these animals from the safety of your own car or call for reservations on our horse drawn wagons. And be sure to bring your camera. This is a drive-through experience unique in North Carolina.

Art in the Park
A great way to spend a Saturday in Blowing Rock!

Dog Parks
Great places for your dog to run and make friends. Many have separate area for dogs over 20 lbs.

Skate Parks
Charlotte has 2 skate parks where you can either skateboard or do inline skating.