Located in the center of the city, Marshall Park provides a peaceful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. Lush green stretches are interspersed by a few man made structures and a pristine lake. The park is a great place to click a few photos since it gets an unobstructed view of the entire city skyline. Some well-known structures which can be found here include the Holocaust Monument and the towering stature of Martin Luther King.
In addition to being the oldest park in Charlotte, this 24-acre parcel in the heart of Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood serves your every recreational need. For athletes, Independence Park has a batting cage, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, a volleyball court, and three hiking trails. Families make good use of the sheltered picnic area and the playground. If romance is in the air, stroll by the reflecting pool or through the rose garden. A number of shelters, including the rose garden's gazebo, are available for private events. See website for reservation information.
Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas. It's also one of the best places for outdoor fun and water sports. There are a number of activities to partake in both on land and in water in the Lake Norman area, including miniature golf, fishing and water skiing. And if you prefer a more relaxing day, you can relax on the banks of the river with a picnic.
This low-key venue, where one can enjoy some quality folk music, is located at Davidson Street in Historic North Charlotte. It is open only four days a week and has a seating capacity of 80. Not one of those noisy places where the engrossed audiences sing louder than the performers, the Evening Muse has a dedicated following of true listeners, who come to enjoy performances by artists like the Near Misses, Dan Bern and Martha Wainwright. Apart from the great accoustics, the decor is worth noting, with original artwork adorning the walls. You can order tickets online with your credit card, but the box office accepts cash only.
There's no way you can get bored at the 105-acre (42 hectare) Carowinds, whatever age group you belong to. This amusement park has it all, from 60 rides like Nickelodeon Central and Vortex, to events and live shows. Also part of the Carowinds is the Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort and the famous "Scarowinds" event. Spend a day of absolute fun, frolic, thrills and maybe even some chills!
The Fillmore in Charlotte is the latest of the musical venues to come up in recent years and belongs to the renowned N.C. Music Factory. The hall is housed inside a former textile mill and possesses decor that is reminiscent of the original Fillmore in San Francisco with rustic interiors and chandeliers throughout the hall. It has a seating capacity for more than 2000 spectators who can enjoy more than 150 magical music performances and contemporary concerts that take place all throughout the year. Call or visit their website for more information.