• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Gastonia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

2. Andrew Jackson State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Chunnapa/stock.adobe.com

3. Anne Springs Close Greenway

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Steven Starr/stock.adobe.com

4. Asheboro

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

5. Ballantyne

© The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

6. Belmont

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

7. Concord

© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

8. Copperhead Island

Romantic Islands
© Michael/stock.adobe.com

9. Cornelius

© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

10. Crowders Mountain State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

11. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Jill Lang/stock.adobe.com

12. Davidson

© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

13. Gold Hill

© Historic Gold Hill, North Carolina

14. Hickory

© City of Hickory, NC - Government

15. Lake Norman

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

16. Midlands of South Carolina

© Midland, North Carolina

17. Rock Hill Outdoor Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Aleksej/stock.adobe.com

18. Salisbury

© City of Salisbury, North Carolina - Government

19. Seagrove

© Town of Seagrove

20. Spencer

© Town of Spencer

21. Statesville

© ASP Inc/stock.adobe.com

22. York

© The City of York, South Carolina

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Charlotte is ideally placed to visit a wide variety of attractions in both North and South Carolina.
  • The entire region is dotted with historic small towns, each of which has its own distinct charm and attractions.
  • In addition to spending time learning about the history which shaped the modern-day Carolinas, you can schedule several day trips to visit outdoor recreational areas where the whole family can have fun.
  • Andrew Jackson State Park, Anne Springs Close Greenway, and Rock Hill Outdoor Center are just a few of the many excellent destinations available for sporty families to enjoy.
  • History buffs could spend weeks exploring small towns like Cornelius, Gold Hill, or Spencer, and art and craft enthusiasts also have a wide choice of interesting locations to visit.

Map:


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