This 98-acre (40 hectare) public park is a slice of nature at its best, right in the middle of the city. Complete with four baseball diamonds, two batting cages, a dozen tennis courts, four soccer fields, a basketball court, a pair of volleyball courts, a pair of playgrounds, a seven-acre (two hectare) lake, an amphitheater, a number of sheltered picnic areas, and miles of trails and paths, Freedom Park has something for everyone. There's even a concession stand for joggers in need of water or sun bathers in need of ice cream. Many of the picnic shelters are reservable, as are the Freedom Park Bandshell and the Mahlon Adams Pavilion, a banquet hall that seats 70 people.
The heart of this museum lies in an exploration of the people who have changed and shaped the social landscape of the South since the end of the Civil War. The exhibit addresses controversial issues like race relations and immigration, providing a forum for discussion and contemplation. The facility is newly renovated and many of the pieces contain modern multimedia displays and virtual tours that make the learning experience fun for all ages. Be sure to explore the 'Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers' exhibit, one of the permanent collections that focuses on the changing face of Charlotte and the Piedmont region of North Carolina.
These botanical gardens are run by the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus and are comprised of three separate sites- the Van Landingham Glen, the Susie Harwood Garden, and the McMillan Greenhouse. There is a wide variety of plants among the gardens, including rhododendrons, native Carolina flora, orchids, desert succulents, and carnivorous pitcher plant hybrids. There are also many walking paths and interesting landscape architecture displays to please the eye. The park is open daily and features an ever-changing collection that varies depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website for updates.
From 1836 to around 1861 this Federal-style building served as the first branch of the United States Mint. During the Depression it was saved from demolition through a community effort and became North Carolina's first art museum. Now it is one of the major collections of American, European, African, and Asian artwork, along with ceramics, photography, maps and contemporary art. There are daily tours, lectures, art classes, and festivals that invite the public to come and enjoy the exhibitions. With such an extensive collection of over 72,000 items and a building rich in history, this museum is a must-see for any art lover! Also be sure to check out the Mint Museum Uptown, located in nearby Uptown.
Over the years, this historic building has been home to many different theatres and shops, but now it is one of the best places around to hear live music. All different types of music genres frequent the Visulite Theatre - alternative, bluegrass, jazz, rock and more. It attracts a wide variety of music lovers from the Elizabeth neighborhood and can hold up to 540 people. In addition, it boasts a full bar and plenty of comfortable couches so you can sit back and take in the mellow atmosphere while listening to your favorite performers. Check out the website for new bookings and events as the hours may vary.
This museum is tailor made to teach kids about the natural world. They'll see live animals, such as baby chicks, owls, and snakes. Take a stroll through the Butterfly Pavilion or the Paw Paw Nature Trail to learn more about local wildlife. Kids can run and play at Fort Wild or Our Big Backyard, or listen and learn during one of several workshops and events organized here.
The Hoyle House in Dallas, North Carolina was the home of Pieter Heyl, a German miller. An extraordinary example of German-American architecture, the two floored house was constructed sometime in the mid 1700s. It underwent various alterations over the years as it was passed from generation from generation and today one can see a mix of many architectural styles, with evident Federal and Georgian influences. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Gaston County Museum was founded to collect and preserve artifacts and educate the general public with exhibitions, programs and publications. Visitors can peruse various exhibits and learn more about historic preservation. The museum shop contains articles like hand blown ornaments and archaic table linens. Guided tours are available for children and adults. Parking and admission are free.
Known as “Frew's Folly” for the extravagance of the owner who built it, this plantation house is a beautiful example of the rich gentleman's life of the early 19th Century. Occupied by several rich families and their slaves in succession, the house has many a tale to reveal. Tours of the area promote this heritage and educate folks about the lifestyles of their probable ancestors. Stroll through the beautiful gardens amid the trees, barns and outbuildings, and look at the old wash-house that was once full of suds and chatting women. A myriad of events like tea-parties, fund-raisers and candle-light tours take place here as well.
One of the oldest houses in Charlotte, Hezekiah Alexander House was built in 1767 by renowned farmer, blacksmith, and politician, Hezekiah Alexander as his family home. The walls of the structure are completely made of stone, which was the material of choice for a vast majority of Dutch and German immigrants at the time. Today the house is maintained by the city council of Charlotte, which has converted it into a house museum.
The Divine Barrel Brewing is replete with tasty beer and a great ambiance. The drafts available here are inventive mixtures of wood fermented and wood-aged beers which are carefully created to appeal to the taste-buds of patrons. The prices are quite moderate, and customers can also indulge in bar games like corn hole. The brewery prides itself on its beautiful patio as well as its barrel room which contains numerous barrels ranging from sour beers to red and white wine barrels. These can be viewed by patrons during the tours of the brewery provided by the staff. With the brewery team's emphasis on wild and sour beers, customers can savor the unique taste of the drinks in a comfortable space.
The North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center was opened in 1992. Although it has four theaters under it's management, only The Belk Theater and Booth Playhouse are physically part of the Center. Belk Theater offers the largest seating, hosting up to 2,100 people at full capacity, while the Booth Playhouse is a courtyard-style proscenium theater. The other two theaters the NCBPAC runs are the McGlohon Theatre at the Spirit Square and Duke Power Theatre at Spirit Square.