What to do in NC / SC within 100 miles of Charlotte?

[Papa Deuce]

Looking for great ideas in two distinct areas.

1. A nice adult only getaway for 2 nights with just my wife... no kids.

2. Day trips for stuff with my kids.

We go down every year to Charlotte to visit family. You would think that they never leaver the Charlotte city limits except when they go away on vacation. And we usally go for at least a week. If we go this year I want to take some day trips. I love them to death, but I can't stay cooped up in their home on vacation anymore!

 

[shortbun]

h/w getaway in ashville: c the biltmore(bad idea afor little ones) also carl sandburg's home and maybe the collection of religious art at bob jones u in greenville,s.c.

kids stuff in charlotte-center of science?

 

[NCDisneyMom]

If you are into Nascar at all, Mooresville (exit 36 off of I-77) is home to many of the race shops (although there are some in other areas, as well, this is the main area). In fact, I know of a tour company that will do entire day tours of all of the shops, including those in Concord, and maybe Huntersville, as well. I don't have the name/number handy, but if this interests you at all, let me know and I'd be happy to get it to you!

Also, what time of year will you be in this area? That may make a difference on things to do.

 

[NCRedding]

I second the recommendation for Asheville for a romantic get away (although it may be more than 100 miles). You may also want to consider Pinehurst, or Grandover Resort in Greensboro.

For the kids: Carowinds theme park (depending upon ages--I usually get an annual pass--around $60 now for adult)--it has rides and a water area (not disney, but they have made improvements and it has a good kids area with a Nickolodean theme).

Discovery Center in downtown Charlotte--really cool science center. Fun for adults too.

I recommend going to Asheboro for the day to the NC Zoo-large open air zoo-

Reed Gold Mine might interest you--located northeast of Charlotte.

There is a NC transportation center train museum located in Spencer--near Salisbury--neat if you like trains.

If you are into shopping, go to Concord Mills-outlet center with a Nascar park (go-carts, games, etc); and lots of restaurants.

 

[chell]

For the adult getaway as another poster said you could head to Asheville. If you have never seen the Biltmore House you really should visit there. They have a winery there if you are interested in tasting wines. If you want to stay at a very nice hotel I would recommend The Grove Park Inn. If you want something cheaper there are tons of affordable and decent hotels in the area.

Blowing Rock and Boone could be another adult getaway or a good family trip. If you still come during the winter the family could go skiing. Blowing Rock is a nice little town to check out with tons of neat little shops.

As far as something to do in Charlotte have you ever been to Discovery Place? Your kids should love it. I do believe they have something for everyone. Heck I'm in my 30's and I still love going there.

 

[bcvgal]

Greensboro has a great children's museum too. We like it better than Discovery place. There is the new Imagicon open too. Have not been yet though. Lake Lure has cabins to rent. Very nice. Boone is fun with Tweetsie but I doubt they are open in the winter. The raptor center in Charlotte too. Lots of golf courses if you play. And papa there is always the Costco in Matthews for you to eat at. Have a great time while your down here. P.S. expecting temps in the 60's this coming week.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Greensboro has a great children's museum too. We like it better than Discovery place. There is the new Imagicon open too. Have not been yet though. Lake Lure has cabins to rent. Very nice. Boone is fun with Tweetsie but I doubt they are open in the winter. The raptor center in Charlotte too. Lots of golf courses if you play. And papa there is always the Costco in Matthews for you to eat at. Have a great time while your down here. P.S. expecting temps in the 60's this coming week.[/QUOTE]

But this is just pre-planning for later in the year. If they had a pool I could enjoy being at their house more.

And really, I love these folks....

 

[ilovepcot]

Go see my folks! Hey, the food is FABULOUS!!!!

 

[stm61]

Carowinds, as mentioned before, is great for kids. They have a water park included in your admission price. There's also an indoor water park in Charlotte, but I can't think of the name right now. I saw it in a post here a few wks ago. It's more for the preschool, early elementary age group. If you want to hike there's King's Mountain and Cowpens National Battlefield parks. There's some outlet stores in Rock Hill, just outside Carowinds, but I haven't been there in yrs so I can't say what stores they have now. There's also some outlet stores outside Gaffney.