Red Clay Ciderworks is a great addition to Charlotte's craft brewing scene. The city's first ever cidery, this taproom serves all the company's signature brews as well as guest beers on tap in a laid-back setting. The spacious room is decorated in reclaimed woods and features both communal-style seating as well as individual barrel tables. There is a glass wall along one side that lets you take a look at the brewing operations. The patio is lively, and there are plenty of board games to keep you busy. Try the flagship blend, Queen City Common, or opt for the fruity Cherry Bobbin' Trolls. Each of their ciders is made from North Carolina apples, and imbued with local flavor and a love for the craft.
Up for some brain racking adventure? Head to Exit Strategy- a recreational center that has rooms full of puzzles and riddles. You are locked up in one of their rooms with a group of people and there are clues to be solved in order to get out. You are allotted a time span of 60 minutes to get out of the room, and once you do, you are up on their hall of fame! They have different rooms as per the difficulty level you want to go for. Come here to have a great time with your family or friends.
MagiQuest is a magical and live space that is located within the Great Wolf Lodge. For all those tired of hanging around the pool, this is a perfect break for those who enjoy adventure, fantasy and typically scavenger hunts. MagiQuest is a world within the real world that takes you on an adventure where in you gain powers and play at different levels in a live interactive game. The game lasts from half an hour to three hours and you can also take breaks in between. What's even better is that they let you take the wand as a souvenir and use it upon your return. You can also use the wand at other locations.
Discovery Place is a paradise of kid-friendly interactive science exhibits and presentations. Visit the Cool Stuff exhibit which, true to its name, is full of interesting interactive activities like lying on a bed of nails that help making learning physics fun. Next, experience a rainforest by crossing a rope bridge and looking down at exotic plant life and animals. See aquatic life at the large aquarium and take a unique guided feeding tour of the aquarium. Children 7 and under need to stop by KidScience with hands-on fun geared towards the younger kids. Make sure you save time to see a short movie at the Discovery 3D Theatre or get immersed in the action at the IMAX Dome Theatre. The museum also offers a number of live programs, plus there are seasonal attractions so there's always something new to see!
Petra's is a lively piano bar which is known for its varied and exciting events. If you are a fan of music and cabaret, this is the place to come to. Sit back with a drink and enjoy the performance of the evening. If you have a more proactive nature, you are sure to love their many workshops and interactive events like trivia nights. Wednesday evening karaoke is just one more reason why people are drawn to this place. So, whether you want to show off your singing or trivia skills, listen to some fabulous tunes or simply have a quite conversation with a friend in the patio over a couple of drinks, this is the place to come to.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is one of the oldest and most famous breweries in Charlotte. The beers have a distinctive and original German feel to it and the brews tend to be a classic mix of hops, malt, water and yeast without any other experimental addition. After a tour of the facilities, you can settle down for a drink and a couple of hearty American snacks or sit out in the German style beer garden. A good time to visit is during the famous Oktoberfest that takes place in Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.