What to do and see in Charlotte, North Carolina (NC): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

December 31, 2021 Oliva Fomby

Charlotte /ˈʃɑːrlət/ is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located in the Piedmont, it is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Restaurants in Charlotte

1. Billy Graham Library

4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217-1001 +1 704-401-3200 [email protected] http://billygrahamlibrary.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,409 reviews

Billy Graham Library

Journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. Learn more about Billy Graham and his message of God’s love. Through multimedia exhibits, films, and memorabilia, you'll relive the historic moments of his life. Tour the restored Graham family home, shop in Ruth’s Attic, and enjoy lunch in the Dairy Bar. The Billy Graham Library will leave you inspired by this amazing man and his message of hope.

Reviewed By SilverStar092

This site is a wonderful experience as it includes the Graham homestead, a building housing displays of key events in Rev. Graham's life and a good dairy bar that is perfect for lunch. The grounds offer some nice walking paths as well. Amazingly there is no charge to visit and this is a great place to spend a couple hours.

2. Paper Skyscaper

330 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203-4722 +1 704-333-7130 http://www.paperskyscraper.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Paper Skyscaper

Reviewed By mitchellc0303

Beautifully displayed unique gifts are everywhere! Something for everyone on your list. Give yourself an hour for sure and you'll be back. My go to gift store for that special card or gift that you will find nowhere else. The prices are fair for what you are purchasing as many of the lotion lines, candles, etc are on the higher end but there are things to fit every budget. Nice book and gift selection for children and you will stand there and laugh in the "Irreverent section". Buying for office mates is easy and fun. Specialty items abound and if you want to appear smart, pick up one of their coffee table books. I always look forward to and have fun shopping at Paper Skyscraper.

3. Codescape

933 Louise Ave Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28204-2131 +1 704-579-6884 [email protected] http://www.codescapegame.com
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 374 reviews

Codescape

Codescape features real-life adventure game experiences where you can lose yourself in a lucid dream, race to uncover a supernatural relic, or investigate a sinister haunting. However, you and your friends have only one trip around the clock to find clues, solve puzzles, uncover secret passageways, overcome obstacles and Be the Hero. That's sixty minutes people, and every minute counts!

Reviewed By SuccessionDecoder - West Sacramento, United States

After participating in several escape rooms for team development and fun, I have started to keep an eye on what makes the best experience in escape rooms for their complexity, thematic elements, playability, and leveraging diverse skills within the group. Shipwrecked was an amazing room set in a small cave and a pirate ship's hull. The decor of the room(s) was quasi-believable without being overdone or kitschy. Challenges increased in complexity and there was a good sense of continuity as some clues were isolated while others were relevant throughout the story. This is a multi-room escape (almost always a plus) with a variety of puzzle types and unique technologies to keep things fresh and interesting. Both physical and logical puzzles intertwined to engage the different player strengths in the group. The operator of the room was excellent, clearly outlining expectations for how hints would affect the playability of the room and the success rate. Our group was 6 adults (strangers) getting to know one another at a conference in Charlotte. We had a great time!

4. Wing Haven

248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209-1632 +1 704-331-0664 [email protected] http://www.winghavengardens.org
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Wing Haven

Located in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, Wing Haven provides a natural oasis for reflection and study of its three public gardens. Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary is rich in Southern horticulture and a habitat for birds and wildlife. The Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden is the site of a world-renowned garden writer's living laboratory. The SEED Wildlife & Children's Gardens provide hands-on exploratory learning and a natural habitat for local wildlife. Together, these three gardens welcome visitors of all ages to discover and learn. Wing Haven also offers more than 40 programs and special events each year. COVID-19 Update: The gardens are open for pre-registered guests to enjoy self-guided tours and visits. No walk-ins. Schedule your visit in advance

Reviewed By onecoolraisin - Huntersville, United States

We really enjoyed this garden and the sister garden down the street (one admission covers both). Well maintained and unique features spread throughout the grounds. Nice retreat right in Charlotte, definitely recommend.

5. U.S. National Whitewater Center

Excellent
75%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,221 reviews

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Since 2001, Whitewater has been creating opportunities to bring people together outdoors at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Whitewater Center is designed and operated as an outdoor center offering over 30 different recreational activities. Every element and activity is focused on supporting an all-encompassing experience around the outdoor lifestyle. Additionally, the Whitewater Center hosts international competitions in a variety of sports along with numerous festivals and events on a recurring basis. The Whitewater Center is currently comprised of over 1,300 acres of protected land offering 50 miles of trail and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek. The Center’s goal is to continue to increase the size of these protected lands and promote even greater access through land acquisition and natural resource management.

6. Wells Fargo Museum

401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202-1934 +1 704-715-1866 [email protected] http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/charlotte
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Wells Fargo Museum

Located in Three Wells Fargo in Uptown Charlotte, adjacent to the Levine Center for the Arts, the museum highlights Wells Fargo's colorful history including the origins of Wachovia Bank and gold mining in North Carolina. Including a rare Concord stagecoach built in the mid-19th century and a replica you can climb into, a reproduction of a Wachovia Bank branch from 1889 gold nuggets and rare coins. Interactive exhibits featuring a working telegraph, a recreated underground mine tunnel and a simulated drive-up teller from the 1960s. The museum store features a variety of Wells Fargo branded gifts, collectibles and apparel. Guided tours are available with advance reservations and admission is always free.

Reviewed By MDMRunner - Farmington, United States

This was something we walked by and decided to check out and it really exceeded my expectations. Some fun and interesting history on gold, coaches, ATMs, and Wells Fargo in pop culture. It also has some hands on activities for kids. A nice 20 to 30 minute, free museum in Charlotte.

7. Exit Strategy

4215 Stuart Andrew Blvd Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28217-1586 +1 980-349-5851 [email protected] http://exitstrategyus.com
Excellent
85%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 498 reviews

Exit Strategy

Immersive, challenging, FUN! An exhilarating experience designed to test your wits! Perfect for groups of family, friends, and co-workers! A truly one-of-a-kind experience you'll never forget! Charlotte's #1 escape room, Exit Strategy is the original escape room business in the Southeast, and the most immersive! Boasting 12 uniquely-themed experiences across 2 locations (North and South) in Charlotte. Sixty minutes may sound like a lot of time, until the pressure of cracking clues and solving puzzles intensifies with each passing second. Escape requires keen problem-solving skills and collaboration, perfect for groups of two to ten people (depending on the room). Each uncovered clue places teams one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal: unlocking the door and escaping the room before the clock strikes zero. Success may earn the group a place on Exit Strategy's wall of fame, although failure may inspire a repeat visit to try again.

Reviewed By ericsP4266RS

We did this as a family Christmas in 2017 and 2019 - we did Gone and Bank Heist, respectively. Gone was incredibly atmospheric. Bank Heist is super well-staged, and Rachel ran it really well for us. We had a blast, and quite frankly this place has ruined other escape room locations for me. It's too good.

8. The Green

425 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202-2791 http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/parks-gardens-greenways/green
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

The Green

Reviewed By ImportR06 - Florida, United States

This little park centrally located downtown is a well appointed oasis. The entry has bronze sculptured pillars set on classic novels. Excerpts in large print are “littered” across the park and give a whimsical feel to the serene setting of the park. I always find it a nice touch when cities are intentional about dedicating prime real estate to green areas and parks when it would be more lucrative to sell the property. Well done Charlotte!

9. Sugar Creek Brewing Company

215 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217-1727 +1 704-521-3333 [email protected] http://sugarcreekbrewing.com
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Sugar Creek Brewing Company

Sugar Creek Brewing Co. Bringing Belgian-inspired beer to the Carolinas and beyond, Sugar Creek Brewing Company combines the watchful eye of a Trappist Monk with the technical precision of nuclear engineering to craft fresh, full-flavored beers that are immensely satisfying and intensely drinkable. Using unique combinations of aromatic yeast strains, domestic and imported hops and award-winning malt varietys, Sugar Creek infuses traditional recipes with modern tastes and techniques to create beer that nourishes both mind and body. Sugar Creek Tap Room Mon-Wed: 4pm - 9pm Thursday: 4pm - 10pm Friday: 2pm - 10pm Saturday: 11am- 10pm Sunday: 12pm - 8pm Tighten the ropes and raise the sails, the Sugar Creek Brewing Co. Tap room is where your exploration begins! We have constructed a large taproom and private event room and staffed it with kind, courteous and knowledgeable beertenders. On tap you will find all of our year-round beers as well as seasonal and small-batch releases. Beers are available by the glass, 4 oz. Tasting flights, and growler fills via our Pegas CrafTap growler filler. The taproom is open for exploration seven days a week! Sugar Creek Private Event Room Adjacent to our taproom is our 1700 sqft private event room, complete with a private outdoor patio, private bar, and overhead projector. Private events are available seven days a week, for parties as small as 15 people. In addition to offering a full range of our favorite beers, Sugar Creek is happy to provide food services or accommodate outside catering.

Reviewed By MT-hoosier - Connelly Springs, United States

What a great time meeting with friends from Indiana who flew into Charlotte for the night on a layover to the Dominican. Great beer and paninis. Several breweries all within walking distance

10. Metalmorphosis

3600 Arco Corporate Dr Whitehall Corporate Center, Charlotte, NC 28273-8100 http://www.metalmorphosis.tv/
Excellent
31%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
15%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 176 reviews

Metalmorphosis

Reviewed By 34danap

I live in Charlotte, and I noticed they're still working on repairing Metalmorphosis. It's really cool and worth seeing once they get it fixed. It's just been taking a long time. Before you go, you can check the status of the repair on their live webcam.

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