Explore the Breadth and Charm of Charlotte — North Carolina’s Largest City

The city may be best known for corporate headquarters and pro football, but the offerings in Charlotte, North Carolina, don’t end at business and pigskin. This booming city is a blend of the old and the modern South, honoring its history and traditions while paving the way for a bold new vision.

With all the amenities of a dense urban center — world-class dining, a jam-packed lineup of concerts and events, high-design shopping options — plus abundant green spaces, sprawling estates and plenty of nature within easy reach, it’s no wonder this is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

Here’s how to spend a long weekend dining, drinking and exploring in the many diverse neighborhoods of this fascinating Southern city.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Enjoy Elegant, Historic Parks

Kick off a delicious and inspiring weekend in Charlotte with a stop at local-favorite Laurel Market in Myers Park for an a.m. sandwich pick-me-up — the breakfast torta is a house fave. Then drive to grab a picnic lunch at Pasta & Provisions, a 30-year-old Italian market where you can order cheeses, charcuterie and a made-to-order deli sandwich to go.

Your morning is all about outdoor attractions. Peruse the rambling gardens at Wing Haven and the 4.5-acre grounds of the Duke Mansion, then make your way to a popular tree-lined trail affectionately dubbed the Booty Loop. This scenic route takes bikers, runners and walkers on a tour of the neighborhood’s picturesque streets, dotted with sprawling Tudors and historic mansions.

The Booty Loop has also been referred to as Charlotte’s Champs-Élysées, and it is only a 10-minute drive from breakfast. (About that — the sprawl is real, and while there’s public transport and a robust ride-share system available, getting around will be easiest if you rent a car for the weekend.)

When you’re ready for lunch, grab a shady spot in lovely Freedom Park and chow down with a view of the shimmering lake.

Then it’s time to switch gears: This afternoon, there’s shopping in store. Stop by beloved neighborhood boutiques like Tabor and the Sporting Gent for specialty menswear, Monkee’s for women’s clothing and Park Road Books to discover your next great read. These shops are all along Selwyn Avenue and Park Road in the area known as Montford, right along the boundary of your morning walking tour.

Hop over to the neighborhood next door, Elizabeth — this historic, pedestrian-friendly corner of the city is where you’ll enjoy a dinner to remember at the Craftsman home turned fine-dining spot the Fig Tree Restaurant. The drive will take about 15 minutes depending on how far south you’ve ventured, but will put you back closer to downtown for the evening.

The restaurant also boasts an extensive and award-winning wine list for an extra-special night out. Still not ready to hit the hay? Stop by Cajun Queen for a slice of bourbon pecan pie, an ice-cold Sazerac and heady New Orleans vibes as you listen to live jazz.

Saturday: Indulge in Local Arts and Culture

Now that you’ve enjoyed a taste of historic Charlotte, it’s time to head downtown to explore Uptown — and yes, you read that right. Perk up for your art-centric Saturday at Coco & the Director.

This stylish coffee shop doubles as a “co-lab,” where entrepreneurs are encouraged to connect and exchange ideas. Try a single-origin pour over and an egg sandwich, or go for the twofer with a cold-brew-based protein shake with peanut butter, chocolate and cinnamon.

Once you’re well caffeinated, it’s time to enjoy the unique museums and galleries Uptown Charlotte has to offer.

A few favorite destinations include the Mint Museum Uptown, focused on craft and design; the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, where exhibitions explore the work of Black artists; and the intimate Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, which punches above its weight with works by Picasso, Calder and Giacometti.

Kick back after a busy morning at the Market at 7th Street, a popular food hall and retail space — the Nepalese dumplings at Momo Station and the fruit-loaded bowls at Rico’s Açaí are particular favorites.

Better yet, grab a few dishes to go and enjoy lunch at nearby Romare Bearden Park, a large garden in the middle of Uptown that offers lush outdoor lounge spaces and excellent city views.

Just a 10-minute drive away, the NoDa neighborhood is the perfect place to continue your exploration of Charlotte’s arts and culture offerings. This is an eclectic area with a fittingly memorable lineup of shops, from Pura Vidly Worldly Art‘s global gifts and goods to Mac Tabby, Charlotte’s premier cat café. Keep your eyes out for the district’s many murals along your stroll.

Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon refresh, whether it’s with a cappuccino or glass of chardonnay. Nestled in the historic McGill Rose Garden, this lush locale is one of the most transportive little corners of Charlotte — you’ll feel like you’re in an English storybook garden.

When you’re ready to return to your stateside reality, make a beeline to get some Southern cooking (finally) at renowned NoDa favorite Haberdish. The fried chicken is a must for the table, and the quintessentially Carolina offerings range from boiled peanuts to banana pudding — it’s impossible to walk away hungry.

Cap off the night with live music at the Evening Muse or an unforgettable cocktail at Idlewild — there’s no menu here, so just tell the bartenders your go-to spirits or preferred flavors and get ready to be whisked away on a boozy journey.

Sunday: Enjoy the Outdoors and Alfresco Dining

Your last stop is in yet another dreamy neighborhood, Dilworth, most of which is within a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Starting your day at sunny Sunflour Baking Company is essential for organic coffee, artisanal breakfast sandwiches and impossibly flaky pastries. Snag your order to go so you can cap off your trip with one last stroll through nearby Freedom Park.

A few fan-favorite local stores to browse after a leisurely brunch include Paper Skyscraper for books, stationery and gifts as well as Vestique and Revolution Clothiers & Co. for both men’s and women’s fashions.

Charlotte has a burgeoning and exciting vegan food scene — experience it with an alfresco lunch at Fern, Flavors From the Garden. Even avowed meat lovers will enjoy plant-based dishes that pack a serious flavor punch, like Thai-spiced cauliflower, faux-crab risotto and patatas bravas with a fiery aioli dressing.

Charlotte is the unofficial capital of American auto racing, so this afternoon, buckle up for a deep dive at the NASCAR Hall of Fame — it’s worth booking a tour to get the full context, but if you’ve got kids in tow, they’ll have just as much fun at the racecar displays and playing with the interactive exhibits.

In more of a high-culture mood? Visit the Mint Museum Randolph — set in a former U.S. Mint building, this was the first art museum in North Carolina when it debuted in 1936.

For dinner tonight, it’s back into town, where you’ll splurge on dinner at Church & Union, a swanky spot helmed by “Top Chef” alum Jamie Lynch. The food may be chef-driven — expect dishes like duck confit with latkes and wasabi-crusted salmon — but this place is anything but stuffy.

Wind down with drinks at the Grand Bohemian. The Bohemian Garden rooftop bar is a must if the weather allows, otherwise, the moody, high-drama Búho Bar is a fittingly urbane capstone to your city weekend.