Day Trips

WEEKENDER: Black Mountain

As Asheville’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, so does the cost of a weekend visit. You can access many of the same things you go to Asheville for—the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor activities, good food and drink, art—without…

WEEKENDER: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is often called the "gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," and it sees more than 11 million visitors each year. It’s home to Tennessee’s only ski resort and puts you just a few miles from Dollywood and the…

HOLIDAY WEEKENDER: Durham

Your kids may be too young to watch the R-rated 1987 movie “Bull Durham” before a visit to Bull City, but they’ll still appreciate the sights and sounds of Durham. Restaurants, markets, and shops are within walking distance of the…

WEEKENDER: New Bern

If you drive toward the coast, about 4.5 hours east of Charlotte, you’ll find the waterfront town of New Bern, North Carolina. Nestled where the Neuse and Trent rivers converge, this small city is the state’s former colonial capital and…

Spontaneous Summer Fun

Summer may already be in full swing, but that doesn't mean it’s too late to plan some family fun. We’ve got a roundup of outdoor adventures and weekend getaways you can still add to your calendar. *See approximate driving time from Charlotte listed…

WEEKENDER: Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, also known as the Grand Strand, stretches 60 miles along the South Carolina coast and encompasses 14 different communities, each with their own identity and attractions. Kids can enjoy mini golf, pirate shows, and the beach boardwalk, while…

THE PINT-SIZED FOODIE: An introduction to Milkbread

Each month, our 8-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Milkbread…

A Charlottean's Guide to Winter Outings

Whether you want to head outdoors into the crisp temperatures or prefer to stay cozy indoors, there are plenty of winter activities around Charlotte that will make both camps happy. Read on for our favorites. Ice Skate at the U.S.…

WEEKENDER: Huntsville, Alabama

Nicknamed “The Rocket City,” Huntsville, Alabama is synonymous with U.S. space missions. It’s home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Space & Rocket Center museum, which includes the US Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs. It’s also…

HOLIDAY WEEKENDER: Chetola Resort

There’s nothing quite like cozying up in a mountain lodge at the height of the holiday season. At just over two hours from Charlotte, Chetola Resort is a magical weekend getaway in Blowing Rock, a Rockwell-esque town off the Blue…