Visiting Charlotte- what do see and do? (Concord, Huntersville: relocating, mcmansions)

[JenniferPA]

Hello All! We're finally coming down to visit Charlotte/Huntersville/ Davidson next week and we're very excited. We're considering relocating down there. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to do or see while we're in town. We've got 2 children. I'm thinking about Charlotte at play. I think we're going to stay away from Carowinds though. I'd like to see the city so all suggestions don't have to be all about the kids. I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks so much!

[Metallisteve]

If you're up to a short drive, Grandfather Mountain is great for kids and adults. You get to be in the mountains with little effort (drive to the top). They have a little zoo-type area with bears, deer, eagles, otters, and cougars (can't remember the type of cat immediately). Grandfather Mountain It's about an hour and a half from Charlotte. I mention this place since it shows what the proximity of Charlotte has to offer (a reason we moved here). There's also Chimney Rock Park, also a 1.5 hour drive.

Of course, if you want to do something in the city/region...
There's Discovery Place downtown...never been, but I think it's a science center type of place for kids. There's the US National Whitewater Center where you can go rafting in a man-made rapids, go rock wall climbing, mountain biking, kayaking on the Catawba River (non-rapids), or do the high ropes challenge course. It's good for all ages.

I would steer clear of the Concord area due to the races being in town (the weekends of May 17th and 24th). Concord Mills and the surrounding area would be a nightmare...but they're worth checking out when you're here not during race time. Or, if you really wanted to see the area, go at the beginning of the week before the crowds hit town. It has a Bass Pro Shop among other good shops. Plus, a go-kart track and a Dave & Busters.

If you want to see an area of neat looking large houses...sort of the ritzy district of Charlotte...check out the area around Queens Road. Having a GPS in the car will greatly aid your navigation, but getting lost in the area will reveal some huge McMansions (I guess they're "real" mansions in this area). I always take family and friends through there when they want to see Charlotte. Uptown is also worth a drive through and around. It's a cool skyline.

If you're into sports, there's the Charlotte Knights (AAA baseball).

I'm sure there's more...we'll see what others post.

[SunnyKayak]

Things to do in Charlotte
fun stuff to do
Inside Things To Do In Charlotte With Kids
Things to do in the Charlotte Metro
things to do near Belk Theater
things to do
Things to Do Around Charlotte...
Things to do While Visiting Charlotte

[superk]

Charlotte Concert Schedule 05/10/2008 - 05/18/2008

Pollstar -- Charlotte, NC Concert Dates

Birkdale Village (Huntersville) will host Journey to the Stars from March 29th - May 24th

Birkdale Village

Palmetto Thunder Air Show

Palmetto Thunder Air Show - Lancaster, SC May 17th & 18th, 2008

Reenactment of the Battles of Cowan's Ford and Weitzel's Mill

Rural Hill - Centre of Scottish Heritage

[Metallisteve]

That calendar has a pretty darn wide radius! Got me all excited thinking Ricky Skaggs was here this weekend...but alas, he's not here...he's 2 hours away.