Named by Travelers Today as one of the Top 5 amusement parks in the country, Carowinds is only 20 minutes from Belmont Abbey College. Thrill-seekers can ride 14 roller coasters including Fury 325, which has won awards as one of the best steel coasters in the country since its debut in 2015.

Beginners and pros alike will feel at home at this 1,300-acre playground. In addition to white water rafting, try mountain biking, rock climbing, zip-lining, running the rope courses — even ice skating! Then relax after all the fun with food, drinks, and live music.

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while? Explore 110 acres of seasonal and year-round gardens, fountains, a prairie, and a conservatory that houses tropical plants and orchids. Take your time on the walking trails through this relaxing atmosphere.

This row of theaters along Tryon Street in downtown Charlotte is the hub of the arts for the area. Come watch performances by local theater groups, singers and songwriters, and dancers. Catch the latest Broadway show on tour, or enjoy an evening of classical music or a rock concert. There’s always something to see!

Visit “the home of NASCAR’s history and heritage” to learn the stories of NASCAR racing and its greatest drivers, stretching back over 70 years. The museum features classic and modern-day cars, interactive exhibits, videos, and racing simulators that let you experience the world of NASCAR up close.

Immerse yourself in natural beauty through miles of trails, including one that takes you all the way up to the summit of Crowders Mountain. You’ll get an incredible view of the area looking out toward the Charlotte skyline. There are also water trails for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

Charlotte is home to several professional and minor league sports teams: the Panthers (football), the Hornets (basketball), the Knights (baseball), the Checkers (hockey), Charlotte FC (soccer), and the Hounds (lacrosse). The area is also a hub for NASCAR teams along with the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Browse an amazing collection of art from all over the world, from ancient to contemporary. The museum regularly features special exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see alongside old favorites. Visit the uptown location, or Mint Museum Randolph, located in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood, in what was the original branch of the United States Mint.