Travel Trade Guide

TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE

1 TOUR IN CHARLOTTE

No matter what neighborhood you choose to explore, expect your palate to be wowed.

USA Today

B-B-Q S

E 2 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM DISCOVER CHARLOTTE

he 16th largest city in the nation, the Charlotte T region is home to more than 2.7 million people and counting. Yet even as one of the country’s fastest growing cities, it’s the Queen City’s unmeasurable amenities—our friendly and welcoming attitude, our longstanding tradition of hometown pride—that keep people coming back for more.

A hard-working banking town that enjoys letting loose, Charlotte’s community comes together over good food and cold craft brews, at gallery crawls and home games. While exploring our walkable Uptown and its surrounding neighborhoods, discover elevated, farm-to-table cuisine, award-winning exhibits and thrilling outdoor adventure— all hallmarks of an energetic city on the rise.

Booking accommodations in Charlotte for our tour group series was M O T I N I This growing city, named after the Queen of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, S A a great experience. The team was quick and efficient at dealing with E L T our company’s requirements and was extremely helpful when it came DAVE COLES

may be the only place in the South where you can jump from a

SOUTHERN LIVING

T to various suggestions. They put us in touch the hotel of our choice,

boisterous trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame to a trendy rooftop bar I Product Manager, S N

T which was also great at completing our request. We are really looking

O I overlooking the city’s skyline. M Topdeck Travel forward to bringing our clients to Charlotte next year and would highly recommend working with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

4 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM 5 CONTENTS FROM LEFT LYNX Blue Line, Funny Bus Comedy City Tour, The Asbury

16 22 8 10 34 40 Escort Signature Hotels Travel Notes Celebrations FIND YOUR WAY WHERE TO STAY Group-Friendly Charlotte Restaurants Tour Guide With the seventh There are thousands of busiest airport in hotel rooms in Charlotte. From casual to ritzy, this Through unique and Book a memorable 38 the world, Charlotte section helps you navigate exciting excursions, find experiences an influx stay hassle-free with Tourism of travelers every day. this guide. Charlotte’s burgeoning out why Yelp dubbed Learn how easy it is culinary scene with your Charlotte the “No. 1 most Partners to get here and to get around. entire group in tow. up-and-coming city in America.”

The CRVA has made every effort to maintain accuracy of information presented but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Please submit your feedback to [email protected] 6 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM 7 + TRAVEL Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Did you know 60 percent of the country is within a two-hour flight of Charlotte? The sixth busiest airport in the nation and American Airlines’ second largest hub, Charlotte Douglas International Airport averages 700 daily flights and provides nonstop service to more than 170 destinations, including 30 international cities. Keeping pace with the city’s rapid growth, the airport is increasingly busy, serving a record 46 million passengers FIND in 2017. Over the next few years, new additions like an elevated roadway, a pedestrian tunnel, and additional concourses, terminals and gates will open, meaning CLT’s current nonstop offerings only stand to grow more.

Nonstop International Flights Include:

Daily: YOUR WAY Seasonal:

London, England Dublin, Ireland Charlotte is the largest and most accessible city Frankfurt, Germany Madrid, Spain Munich, Germany Rome, Italy between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Whether Montreal, Canada Paris, France by plane, train or automobile, there’s an easy and Toronto, Canada Barcelona, Spain cost-effective way to get here and get around.

DRIVING DISTANCES TO MAJOR CITIES

170 DESTINATION HOURS PLUS 1/2 AMTRAK Dallas, TX 17 46 60 DAY ROUTES 10 MILLION PERCENT 3 MINUTES Chicago, IL 12.5 domestic & — passengers pass of the country is within to drive to Charlotte to walk to most international Raleigh, New York, New Orleans, LA 11 through the airport a two-hour flight of from most East Coast, attractions, hotels destinations served New Orleans every year Charlotte Southeast and Midwest and restaurants in by nonstop flights destinations that serve the Uptown New York City, NY 10 — — — city daily — Philadelphia, PA 9.5 + Orlando, FL 9 7 MILES (77, 85, 40) 700 INTERSTATES ( 11.2 KILOMETERS ) 15 directly linking 2,200 Nashville, TN 6.5 FLIGHTS MINUTES Charlotte to other — bikes in Charlotte’s Average time it takes regions 6.5 FROM THE AIRPORT TO 3 bike-sharing Washington, DC take off at the to get from the airport — programs airport every day UPTOWN CHARLOTTE to Center City Atlanta, GA 4 — —

8 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TRAVEL / 9 + HOTELS

BALLANTYNE

Definitive Special Mass Reservation, Meal Area Special Motorcoach Pricing for Accessibility Baggage Deposit, for Large F.I.T. Rates Welcome for HOTEL Parking Tour Guides to Light Rail Handling Refund Groups Tour Groups and Drivers* WHERE TO STAY Policy Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne On-site ü Discount 704.247.2222 AIRPORT Staybridge Suites Charlotte Fee On-site Discount ü Ballantyne | 704.248.5000 Definitive Special Mass Reservation, Meal Area Special The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Motorcoach Pricing for Accessibility Fee On-site ü Discount Baggage Deposit, for Large F.I.T. Rates Welcome for HOTEL Parking Tour Guides to Light Rail Charlotte | 704.248.4070 Handling Refund Groups Tour Groups and Drivers* Policy

Clarion Hotel Airport & Conference Walking Fee On-site ü ü Comp ü ü Center | 704.688.9977 Distance BELMONT / GASTONIA Comfort Suites Charlotte Airport Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü 704.971.4400 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Airport – Fee On-site ü Discount ü Belmont | 704.812.2000 Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Fee On-site ü Discount Airport North | 704.319.9900 Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Airport / On-site ü Comp Shuttle Billy Graham Parkway | 704.945.6800 KANNAPOLIS / CONCORD Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Fee On-site ü ü Comp Shuttle 704.527.8400 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Concord Golf Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Resort & Spa | 704.455.8200 Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü Shuttle Charlotte Airport | 980.265.5544 Great Wolf Lodge Fee On-site ü ü Discount Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte-Airport 704.549.8206 Fee On-site ü Comp 704.394.6455 Hampton Inn & Suites Concord/ On-site ü ü Discount Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Charlotte | 704.979.5600 Comp On-site ü ü Comp ü Steele Creek Road | 1.800.445.8667 Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Concord Fee On-site ü Discount Shuttle Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport 704.979.2900 Fee On-site ü ü 704.790.7000 Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport Comp On-site ü ü Discount ü ü & Conference Center | 704.394.4301 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Airport DILWORTH Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü 704.900.8100

Home2 Suites by Hilton-Charlotte The Morehead Inn ü ü Walking Fee On-site ü ü Discount Airport | 704.357.0500 704.376.3357 Distance Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport Fee On-site ü ü Discount Hotel | 704.357.0500 Hyatt House Charlotte Airport Fee On-site ü Discount ü Shuttle MATTHEWS / INDIAN TRAIL 704.525.2600

Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/ Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Fee On-site ü ü Comp ü Fee Lake Pointe | 704.357.8555 Matthews | 704.846.4466 Radisson Hotel Charlotte Airport Fairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte by Marriott Comp On-site ü ü Discount On-site ü ü Comp 980.859.5155 Charlotte Matthews | 980.245.9200 Ramada Plaza & Conference Center by Hampton Inn Charlotte / Matthews Fee On-site ü Discount Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü Wyndham Charlotte Airport | 704.688.9977 704.841.1155 Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü Shuttle Airport | 980.265.5544 Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel Fee On-site ü ü Discount 704.357.1414 MONROE / WAXHAW Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel Fee On-site ü ü Comp Shuttle Hampton Inn Charlotte/Monroe 704.392.1200 Comp On-site ü ü Discount ü 704.220.2200

* All services based on availability

10 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM HOTELS / 11 DAVIDSON / LAKE NORMAN / MOORESVILLE

Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Lake Norman Comp On-site ü ü Discount 704.949.4900 Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Comp On-site ü Discount Lake Norman | 704.584.0000 SpringHill Suites Charlotte Lake Norman/ Comp On-site ü ü Comp ü Mooresville | 704.658.0053

NORTH CHARLOTTE / NORTHLAKE

Comfort Suites Northlake Fee On-site ü ü Comp 704.598.0478 Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte On-site Comp Northlake |704.719.9444 Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte North Fee On-site ü ü Comp ü ü 704.597.7655 SOUTH PARK Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Northlake On-site Comp 704.719.9444 Definitive Special Mass Reservation, Meal Area Special Motorcoach Pricing for Accessibility Baggage Deposit, for Large F.I.T. Rates Welcome for HOTEL Parking Tour Guides to Light Rail Handling Refund Groups Tour Groups and Drivers* PINEVILLE Policy DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Charlotte- Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü SouthPark | 704.364.2400 Best Western Plus Pineville-Charlotte Comp On-site ü Comp ü ü 704.341.1190 Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/SouthPark at Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü Shuttle Phillips Place | 704.319.5702 Comfort Suites Pineville Fee On-site ü Comp ü ü 704.540.0069 Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/SouthPark Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü 704.362.5080 Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte/SouthPark Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü REGIONAL / COUNTY 704.442.4050 Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte SouthPark | On-site ü ü Discount Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte 704.554.7001 On-site ü ü Fort Mill, SC | 803.548.0156 Hilton Garden Inn Rock Hill Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü ü 803.325.2800 SOUTHWEST CHARLOTTE

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte/Ayrsley | Fee On-site ü ü ü SOUTH CHARLOTTE 704.970.5400

Comfort Inn Executive Park On-site Discount ü 623.748.7684 UNIVERSITY Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park Fee On-site ü ü Discount Shuttle 704.527.9650 Comfort Suites University-Research Park Walking Drury Inn & Suites Arrowood On-site Discount ü Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü 704.547.0049 Distance 704.561.7499 Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place | Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Walking On-site ü ü Comp ü Fee On-site ü Comp 704.593.0700 Arrowood | 704.319.5100 Distance Hampton Inn Charlotte - University Place Walking Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte Walking On-site Discount ü Fee On-site ü ü Discount 704.548.0905 Distance 704.522.0852 Distance Holiday Inn Charlotte University Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte – Walking On-site ü Discount Shuttle On-site ü Discount 704.547.0999 Arrowood |704.971.8720 Distance Holiday Inn Express - Charlotte/University Hyatt Place Charlotte Arrowood On-site ü Discount Shuttle Fee On-site ü Comp ü ü 704.496.9780 704.522.8400 Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte North/ Walking Sonesta ES Suites Charlotte Comp On-site ü Comp ü On-site ü Discount ü University Research Park | 704.549.8800 Distance 704.527.6767 Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Walking TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charlotte On-site Discount On-site ü Comp University Research Park | 704.547.1122 Distance Arrowood | 704.227.2000

12 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM HOTELS / 13 UPTOWN CHARLOTTE REGION MAP

AC Hotel Charlotte City Center Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü 704.348.4002 Distance Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the Epicentre Walking Off-site ü ü Discount ü 704.333.1999 Distance Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center Walking Fee Off-site ü Comp ü ü 485485 49 704.926.5800 Distance 24 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlotte Walking 29 Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü ü 704.347.0070 Distance Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown Walking Off-site ü Discount 704.940.2517 Distance University City 7777 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Fee On-site ü Discount ü ü Shuttle 49 Uptown | 704.372.7550 Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Comp ü ü 704.373.0917 Distance 16 8585 Hilton Charlotte Center City Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Discount 704.377.1500 Distance Holiday Inn Charlotte-Center City Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Discount 704.335.5400 Distance 27 Hyatt House Charlotte Center City Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü 704.373.9700 Distance Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel Walking Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü ü 704.227.0500 Distance NoDa 8585 Omni Charlotte Hotel Walking Uptown Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü 24 704.344.0400 Distance Plaza Midwood 27 Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte City Center Walking 74 Fee Off-site ü ü Discount ü 704.334.0706 Distance Charlotte Douglas International South End Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Uptown Comp Off-site ü ü Shuttle Airport Elizabeth 704.340.4000 Dilworth 27 Sheraton Charlotte Hotel Walking Fee On-site ü ü Discount ü 704.372.4100 Distance 160 SpringHill Suites by Marriott Walking Fee Off-site ü Discount Myers Park Charlotte Uptown | 704.439.8100 Distance The Dunhill Hotel Comp Off-site ü ü Shuttle 485485 74 704.332.4141 MINT HILL The Ivey’s Hotel Walking Fee Off-site ü ü 704.228.1111 Distance 7777 The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte Walking 51 Off-site 704.547.2244 Distance 49 The Westin Charlotte Walking Fee Off-site ü South Park 704.375.2600 Distance 16 160

There are more than MATTHEWS 485

26,000 HOTEL ROOMS 51 Ballantyne PINEVILLE | Light Rail in Mecklenburg county, best booked during value periods such 74 as weekends and in late fall and winter.

14 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM HOTELS / 15 MIDTOWN + Private or Comp Meals Motorcoach Group / Prix DINING Price Semi-private Reservations Deposit for Drivers & Bus Parking RESTAURANT Fixe Menu Dining Space Tour Guides Available

Dressler’s $$$ Both ü ü Yes, on-site dresslersrestaurant.com | 704.909.6295 Hickory Tavern The Metropolitan $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site GROUP-FRIENDLY thehickorytavern.com | 704.334.5155 MONROE / WAXHAW

Hickory Tavern Wesley Chapel $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site RESTAURANTS thehickorytavern.com | 704.684.0000

MOORESVILLE BALLANTYNE

Hickory Tavern Mooresville $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site Private or Comp Meals Motorcoach thehickorytavern.com | 704.660.9793 Group / Prix Price Semi-private Reservations Deposit for Drivers & Bus Parking RESTAURANT Fixe Menu Dining Space Tour Guides Available

City Barbeque – Ballantyne $ - $$ Neither ü NORTH CHARLOTTE / NORTHLAKE citybbq.com | 704.817.4050 Gallery Restaurant | theballantynehotel.com/ Heirloom Restaurant $$$ Private ü ü ü Yes, on-site $$$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, on-site dining/gallery-restaurant | 704.248.4154 heirloomrestaurantnc.com | 704.595.7710 Hickory Tavern Ballantyne Hickory Tavern Harris Blvd. $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 704.295.9009 thehickorytavern.com | 704.921.4466

BELMONT / GASTONIA PINEVILLE

Hickory Tavern Gastonia Harper’s Restaurant $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site $$ Private ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 704.917.0450 harpersrestaurants.com | 704.541.5255

CONCORD / KANNAPOLIS REGIONAL COUNTY

The Percantile and Creamery $ Semi-private ü ü Yes, on-site Hickory Tavern Indian Land thepercantileandcreamery.com | 980.299.6969 $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 803.228.0248 The Speedway Club $$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site Hickory Tavern Rock Hill gospeedwayclub.com | 704.455.3216 $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com| 803.329.9797

DILWORTH SOUTH CHARLOTTE

The Rogue Irish Pub & Kitchen $$ Semi-private ü Hickory Tavern Providence Road therogueclt.com | 980.949.8021 $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 704.847.4408

HUNTERSVILLE SOUTH END City Barbeque $ - $$ Neither ü Yes, on-site citybbq.com | 704.274.1069 Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House ü ü Dressler’s Restaurant $$$$ Both Yes, on-site $$$ Private ü ü Yes, on-site delfriscos.com/charlotte | 704.552.5502 dresslersrestaurant.com | 704.987.1779 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill South Park Hickory Tavern Huntersville ü ü $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site charlotte-southpark.firebirdsrestaurants.com $$$ Private Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 704.897.8490 704.366.3655 Leroy Fox Kitchen $$ Both ü ü ü leroyfox.com | 704.366.3232 MATTHEWS / INDIAN TRAIL Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, The $$ Private ü ü Yes, on-site oldemeckbrew.comm | 704.525.5644 City Barbeque $ - $$ Neither ü Yes, on-site citybbq.com | 704.705.1447 Hickory Tavern Sun Valley $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site thehickorytavern.com | 704.238.9111

16 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM RESTAURANTS / 17 SOUTH END UPTOWN

Private or Comp Meals Motorcoach Private or Comp Meals Motorcoach Group / Prix Group / Prix Price Semi-private Reservations Deposit for Drivers & Bus Parking Price Semi-private Reservations Deposit for Drivers & Bus Parking RESTAURANT Fixe Menu RESTAURANT Fixe Menu Dining Space Tour Guides Available Dining Space Tour Guides Available

Ruth’s Chris Steak House SouthPark Chima Brazilian Steakhouse $$$$ Both ü ü $$$$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site ruths-chris.com | 704.556.1115 chimasteakhouse.com | 704.601.4141 SouthBound Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar $ Both ü ü $ - $$ Neither ü Yes, off-site eatsouthbound.com | 704.912.1889 eatmorecowbell.com | 980.224.8674 Sullivan’s Steakhouse Charlotte Dandelion Market $$$$ Both ü ü Yes, on-site $$ Private ü ü ü Yes, off-site sullivanssteakhouse.com | 704.335.8228 dandelionmarketcharlotte.com | 704.333.7989 Upstream Eddie V’s Prime Seafood $$$ Both ü $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site upstreamseafood.com | 704.556.7730 eddiev.com| 704.333.5262 WP Kitchen & Bar Essex Bar & Bistro $$ - $$$ Both ü Yes, on-site $$$ Both ü ü Yes, off-site wolfgangpuck.com | 704.295.0101 essexnc.com | 980.406.3857 Fahrenheit - Charlotte | chefroccowhalen.com/ $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site fahrenheit-charlotte | 980.237.6718 SOUTH PARK Fin & Fino $$$ Private ü ü Yes, off-site finandfino.com | 704.800.8056 Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site Fitzgerald’s delfriscos.com | 704.552.5502 $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site fitzgeraldscharlotte.com | 704.900.8088 Leroy Fox Kitchen & Cocktails $$ Neither ü ü Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar leroyfox.com | 704.999.5101 $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site flemingssteakhouse.com | 704.333.4266 Maggiano’s Little Italy $$$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, on-site Ink N Ivy maggianos.com | 704.916.2300 $$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site charlotte.inkanivy.com | 704.332.5424 Roosters Wood Fired Kitchen McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Uptown roosterskitchen.com/locations/southpark- $$$ Both ü ü $$$ Both ü ü Yes, off-site charlotte | 704.366.8688 mccormickandschmicks.com | 704.377.0201 McNinch House Restaurant $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site mcninchhouserestaurant.com | 704.332.6159 SOUTHWEST CHARLOTTE Mert’s Heart and Soul $$ Neither ü ü ü Yes, off-site mertscharlotte.com | 704.342.4222 Hickory Tavern Steelecroft Pkwy $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site Mimosa Grill thehickorytavern.com | 704.494.7360 $$$ Both ü ü Yes, off-site mimosagrill.com | 704.343.0700 Mortimer’s Café & Pub $ - $$ Neither ü Yes, off-site UNIVERSITY mortimerspub.com | 704.688.0366 Morton’s The Steakhouse Uptown Charlotte City Barbeque $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $ - $$ Neither ü Yes, on-site mortons.com | 704.333.2602 citybbq.com | 704.278.8015 Murphy’s Kitchen & Tap Hickory Tavern Mallard Creek Church Road $$ Private ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, on-site murphyscharlotte.com | 704.332.0557 thehickorytavern.com | 704.295.9001 Red Ginger Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi $$$ Neither ü Yes, off-site redgingercharlotte.com | 980.819.8837 Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant UPTOWN $$ Both ü ü Yes, off-site rira.com/charlotte | 704.333.5554

5Church Restaurant Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ - $$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site 5church.com | 704.919.1322 rockbottom.com | 704.334.2739 7th Street Public Market Rooster’s Wood-Fire Kitchen Uptown $$ Neither ü Yes, off-site $$ Semi-private ü ü Yes, off-site 7thstreetpublicmarket.com | 704.230.4346 roosterskitchen.com| 704.370.7667 8.2.0 Ruth’s Chris Steak House Uptown $ - $$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site 820clt.com | 330.324.0359 ruthschris.com | 704.338.9444 Alexander Michael’s Sea Level NC $$ Neither Yes, off-site $$ - $$$ Semi-private ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site almikestavern.com | 704.458.4939 sealevelnc.com | 704.412.2616 Amelie’s French Bakery Sophia’s Lounge $ Private ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site ameliesfrenchbakery.com | 704.287.4630 sophiaslounge.com | 980.260.3227 Aria Tuscan Grill StrikeCity $$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site ariacharlotte.com | 704.376.8880 strikecitycharlotte.com | 704.716.9300 Asbury, The Tin Roof $$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site theasbury.com | 704.342.1193 tinroofcharlotte.com | 704.910.1330 BLT Steak VBGB $$$$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site $ Both ü ü Yes, off-site ritzcarlton.com| 704.972.4380 vbgbuptown.com | 704.333.4111 Brazz Carvery and Steakhouse Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina $$$ - $$$$ Semi-private ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ Both ü ü ü Yes, off-site brazz.co| 704.315.5704 vidacantina.com | 704.971.8432 Carolina Ale House World of Beer $ - $$ Both ü ü ü ü Yes, off-site $$ Semi-private ü ü Yes, off-site carolinaalehouse.com | 704.940.3600 worldofbeer.com | 704.499.8870

18 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM 19 + OVERSIZED VEHICLE

PARKING TH ST

1 705 W. Fourth St. N AVISON ST N HURH ST PREFERRED PARKING E TH ST

Steve Tyndall

TH ST [email protected] 704.375.6014 Spectrum Center

S 5 2 1201 S. Mint St. N 2 TRAE ST O PREFERRED PARKING Y R E TRAE ST T

1 N Steve Tyndall [email protected] TH ST 704.375.6014

BB&T 3 555 S. McDowell St. Ballpark SS ALELLALELL STST LE MÉRIDIEN CHARLOTTE/ SHERATON CHARLOTTE HOTEL

S REVAR ST Patrick Ross

S GRAHAM ST S AVISON ST [email protected]

S EAR ST EAR S 769.226.0447

SS MINTMINT STST

T NASCAR 501 S. Caldwell St. S CONVENTION Hall 3 4 NASCAR HALL OF FAME CENTER of Fame 4 Contact the Hall of Fame 704.654.4471 STONEALL Weekdays based on availability; Bank of Overnight parking preferred

America Stadium S HURH ST

S OLLEGE ST 5 501 E. Trade St. CHA LAZ PARKING N RL W O T O T Ann Marie Gibbs T E P [email protected]

· 704.332.2929

O T

E MOREHEA ST O

A C 2 H

20 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM PARKING / 21 + TOURS

CLOCKWISE

Carolinas Aviation Museum

Carolina Raptor Center CHARLOTTE Availability: No deposit is required. Payment must be made by one person upon arrival. The accountant will handle all billing and invoicing. An invoice will be created and emailed to the group; you can make the payment via check or online. The deposit is TOUR GUIDE CAROLINAS AVIATION due within two weeks of receiving the MUSEUM’S HISTORY AND deposit invoice. TECHNOLOGY TOUR CAROLINA RAPTOR Learn the history behind the first flight CENTER’S PRIVATE very free minute in Charlotte is one meant and experience the technology that makes RAPTOR ENCOUNTERS for exploring. With just as many art flying the safest way to travel. As part of E a three-station rotation, students (fourth Can’t fly by Carolina Raptor Center museums as rocking dance floors, as many through eighth grade) will learn about how for our regular scheduled encounters? pro sports offerings as live music venues, experience the Wright Brothers used the scientific Don’t get your feathers ruffled. method, attempt to fly the Wright Flyer Schedule a private encounter with our the Queen City with your group on these tours of our Simulator, handle the controls of a Cessna staff to learn more about these fantastic 150 and learn about US Airways Flight birds up close! Come have a taloned favorite neighborhoods, restaurants and attractions. 1549, “The Miracle on the Hudson,” as tête-à-tête with one of our eagles or they experience sitting in a life raft from an owls. Don’t forget your camera for a Airbus 320. selfie!

Length of Experience: 1 1/2−2 hours Length of Experience: 30 minutes BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Group Size: 60−120 students Group Size: Maximum 4 participants Availability: For a reservation to be Availability: Year-round. finalized, a nonrefundable deposit or a CAROLINAS Availability: For a reservation to be purchase order is required. The deposit AVIATION MUSEUM’S finalized, a nonrefundable deposit or a will come out of the total and is not an CAROLINA RAPTOR HOW THINGS FLY purchase order is required. The deposit additional charge. Payment must be made CENTER’S RAPTOR will come out of the total and is not an by one person upon arrival. TRAINING ENCOUNTER Students (first through eighth grade) additional charge. Payment must be begin their visit with a lesson about the made by one person upon arrival. Curious about how we train our birds science behind flight, during which CAROLINAS at Carolina Raptor Center? We’ll be they will learn the parts of the plane AVIATION MUSEUM’S glad to show you. Get a behind the and the four forces that allow for air CAROLINAS AVIATION SELF-GUIDED TOUR scenes look at how our staff trains our travel. Each student gets the chance to MUSEUM’S MIRACLE birds for programs and shows! During take the controls of a Cessna 150. The ON THE HUDSON Explore the wonders of flight at the this nose-to-beak experience, help us tour concludes with an overview of Carolinas Aviation Museum, home to fly our Flight Show stars, walk with a the passengers’ role in aviation safety, While learning about the events of the the iconic “Miracle on the Hudson” plane vulture, or break out the brushes and which comes alive for students as US Airways Flight 1549, “The Miracle Availability: For a reservation to be Capt. Chesley Sullenberger flew to safety paint with one of our resident birds. they sit in an Airbus 320 life raft at the on the Hudson,” high school students finalized, a nonrefundable deposit or a in 2009. Military, commercial and civil There will be photo ops, so don’t forget Miracle on the Hudson exhibit. will learn how advances in technology purchase order is required. The deposit aircraft, flight simulators, helicopters and your camera. and remarkable teamwork between will come out of the total and is not an more tell the story of aviation, cataloging Length of Experience: 1 hour organizations ensured the survival of additional charge. Payment must be made technology innovations from the Wright Length of Experience: 60 minutes Group Size: 10−30 students all passengers that day. by one person upon arrival. brothers’ Kitty Hawk flight through today. Group Size: Maximum 4 participants Availability: May through September. Length of Experience: 1 hour Length of Experience: 1 hour Group Size: 10−35 students Group Size: Minimum 10 participants

22 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURS / 23 CAROLINA Length of Experience: 60 minutes plus Length of Experience: 30 minutes HOPE AND HISTORY RAPTOR CENTER’S unlimited museum exploration time Group Size: Minimum 10 participants MINI PHOTOWILD Group Size: 12–25 participants Availability: Advance reservations Availability: Advance reservations required. required. Email [email protected] or BILLY GRAHAM’S for all ages. Interactive and fun, Mystery Theatre Fascinated by raptors and love to take Call 704.372.6261 ext. 300 to book. visit ganttcenter.org/learn. HOMETOWN TOUR is also a great cooperative activity where groups pictures? Grab your camera and fly on over can encourage team-building and problem-solving to the Carolina Raptor Center and schedule a DISCOVERY PLACE Choose this unique tour for your group, and spend skills. Shows can be scheduled by appointment for photoshoot with our resident birds! For both SCIENCE’S EXPLORE HARVEY B. GANTT the day learning about “North Carolina’s Favorite groups of 40 or more. amateur and professional photographers, each MORE CORAL CENTER’S STORYBOOK Son” and his hometown of Charlotte. Begin at The outing gives you the chance to take snapshots TOUR Billy Graham Library, where you will discover how Length of Experience: Approximately 3 hours with at least 10 different raptors. Featuring Learn the mysteries of the beautiful and exotic a humble farmer’s son became pastor to presidents Group Size: No minimum when shows are on owls, eagles and hawks, you can also snap our coral growing in the World Alive aquarium Students younger than pre-K must be and shared God’s love with millions of people the NarroWay calendar; 40 or more to add a Flight Show raptors in free flight for some and state-of-the-art Explore More Life lab. accompanied by a caregiver. Experience around the world. After lunch in the Graham nonscheduled date. unforgettable pictures. The program begins in Explore More Life an abbreviated guided tour of one of our Brothers Dairy Bar, you will head out for a tour Availability: Sunday through Friday matinee with a brief overview of coral life and some exhibitions. Following the tour students around Charlotte, seeing some of the historic sites opportunities; Sunday through Thursday evening Length of Experience: 2 hours hands-on activities. Learn how corals and their will be treated to interactive storytelling in the life of Billy Graham and his family, learning opportunities; pre-scheduled shows for New Year’s Group Size: Maximum 30 participants close relatives eat and participate in a coral related to African-American Arts + about the Queen City along the way. Eve and other select dates. Availability: Call or email at 704.875.6521 ext. or anemone feeding. The group will take a Culture and an art-related coloring 210 or [email protected]. guided tour of the coral reef tanks showcasing activity. Length of Experience: 4 1/2 hours the live coral that is being cultivated at the Group Size: 6−13 participants NARROWAY THEATRE museum and then return to Explore More Length of Experience: 60 minutes Availability: To schedule a tour, CAROLINA RAPTOR Life for a discussion with a Discovery Place Group Size: Minimum 10 participants call C-Charlotte Tours at 704.517.6844. New York has Broadway. But Carolina has CENTER’S PRIVATE LIVE Science aquarist. Visitors will learn what goes Availability: Advance reservations NarroWay. Only at I-77 exit 90 can you find “The BIRD PRESENTATION on behind the scenes to propagate coral, see required. Email [email protected] or Broadway of Christian Entertainment,” NarroWay samples from the back-of-house tanks and be visit ganttcenter.org/learn. Productions. Live theater and dinner come together Want to take your visit to Carolina Raptor able to ask questions about the coral program. CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ in an experience that is uniquely NarroWay. Take Center to new heights? Looking for the HIDDEN GEMS SCAVENGER in an original, large-scale, Broadway-style show opportunity to get “nose to beak” with Length of Experience: 60 minutes plus HARVEY B. GANTT HUNT not seen anywhere else! Be treated to unmatched these majestic animals? Schedule a live bird unlimited museum exploration time CENTER’S ENVISION Southern hospitality as every audience is greeted, presentation featuring our resident birds on Group Size: 12–25 participants ME FOR STUDENTS History comes to life when guests embark on a seated and served by the performing cast. Enjoy a the glove. During this private presentation, Availability: Advance reservations required. photo scavenger hunt through the streets of Center delicious dinner prepared fresh on-site and themed learn more about conservation, natural history, Call 704.372.6261 ext. 300 to book. Students will be led on a guided tour of City. Guests will receive challenging clues that tell like the show. More than 70 actors, animals, special as well as the incredible native and exotic one exhibition and then experience a them a story of the region’s past, present and future effects and thrilling music bring to life engaging species that are perched right here! 45-minute workshop centered around from a knowledgeable on-site coordinator. As they storylines. Step into the 1920s with “The Gospel HARVEY B. GANTT creating a personal vision. Led by a document their progress along the route, capturing According to Tennessee.” Venture back 3,000 Length of Experience: 45 minutes plus time CENTER’S ACTIVATE THE museum educator or teaching artist these moments using their camera phones also adds years with “Samson: the Last Judge.” Welcome to walk the Raptor Trail IMAGE FOR STUDENTS students will complete a goal setting to the fun of this tour. “Geronimo” to the stage in 2019. With six or more Group Size: 15 minimum. No maximum. exercise and use the information gained different shows each year, NarroWay is the only Availability: Reservation required at least two Students will take a journey into the world to create a self-portrait. Length of Experience: 2−3 hours Christian dinner theater in the nation to feature weeks in advance. Subject to staff availability. of our exhibits and create a narrative for a Group Size: Minimum 10 participants multiple original shows year-round. Shows play piece of their choice. This workshop can also Length of Experience: 45 minutes Availability: No restrictions. every weekend, with extended schedules for be expanded to include performances of Group Size: Minimum 10 participants holiday seasons. Additional weekday shows may be the students’ written works. Tours must be Availability: Advance reservations scheduled for groups of 40 or more. A full calendar DISCOVERY PLACE scheduled at least two weeks in advance. required. Email [email protected] or NARROWAY of shows can be found online at narroway.net. SCIENCE’S THINK IT UP visit ganttcenter.org/learn. MYSTERY THEATRE CHALLENGE Length of Experience: 60 minutes Length of Experience: Approximately 3 hours Group Size: Minimum 10 participants Are you a super sleuth? Test your crime-solving Group Size: No minimum when shows are on Enter a mindstorm of ideas, inspiration and Availability: Advance reservations required. skills with a NarroWay Mystery Theatre. Mystery the NarroWay calendar; 40 or more to add a imagination in Think It Up, Discovery Place Email [email protected] or visit ganttcenter. Theatre is part game, part show and all fun! Erase nonscheduled date. Science’s innovation studio. Think freely, org/learn. the line between actor and audience as you uncover Availability: Fridays and Saturdays, plus extended take risks and explore your boundaries as clues, question suspects and race to determine holiday schedules; additional dates for groups of 40 you create and innovate. Museum educators motive, means and opportunity. Keep both eyes or more by request. will facilitate a variety of activities designed HARVEY B. GANTT open while you take in a delicious dinner themed to encourage out-of-the-box thinking and CENTER’S ART TALK & like the show. Then watch for something shady creative risk-taking. Guests will work in teams TOUR to unfold. Always family-friendly, NarroWay has on innovation challenges, during which three different Mystery Theatre shows appropriate they’ll design and build projects inspired by Students will experience a 30-minute guided of some of the most fascinating animals in the tour of our current exhibitions followed Museum’s World Alive aquarium. A mix of by an art talk with regional artists and or exploration, conversation, exasperation and art professionals. This tour option must be motivation … it’s innovation! scheduled at least one month in advance. FROM TOP

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Discovery Place Science

24 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURS / 25 local craft breweries, intimate wine bars, twists CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ on fine dining, and cocktail-centric eateries. RAIL TRAIL TOUR In addition to food tours, FEAST specializes in culinary events, unique dinner experiences, All aboard for fun on the LYNX Blue Line and personalized tasting adventures perfect for Light Rail Trail with Clarke Allen Events. Our team building or group outings of any size that tour includes things to see and do at every stop provide a variety of intensive culinary stories along the way. Join in the fun with family and and fun immersion into Charlotte’s culinary friends for an eco-friendly way to experience community. Charlotte.

Length of Experience: 2 1/2−4 hours Length of Experience: 2−3 hours Group Size: 8−40 (Larger guest counts will Group Size: Minimum 30 participants need to be divided into smaller groups.) Availability: No restrictions. Availability: Advance registration is required to personalize your experience.

CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ SAVORY SPICE SHOP’S A DAY WITH THE QUEEN SPICE 101 This group tour is the perfect introduction Led by Spice Merchants of Savory Spice Shop, to Charlotte, also known as the Queen Spice 101 is an interactive workshop and tour City. Complete with a wonderful overview that includes a general overview of spices, of her history, traditions, and most recent how to use and store them, and cooking ideas accomplishments—you are about to visit one for using the spices. Participants will sample of America’s most interesting cities. As the a variety of spices during the class and take largest city in the Carolinas, Charlotte offers SOUTHERN EATS AND TASTY TREATS home new recipe ideas. Workshops are open everything you’d expect from a big city. From to the public, with private events being offered the small town friendliness to the Southern as well. hospitality, we have it down to a science! 7TH STREET PUBLIC MARKET Availability: Riders must be 18 years or older. common desire to “not just go out to dinner” Younger riders must be accompanied by a parent with dinner tours and other interactive dining Length of Experience: 45 minutes Length of Experience: 2−3 hours Located in the First Ward, 7th Street Public and must be at least 100 pounds. Tours begin daily experiences while providing a fun, educational Group Size: 5−25 participants Group Size: Minimum 30 participants Market is an incubator for local businesses that at 3 p.m. Visit charlottenctours.com to book your and enlightening event to connect you with the Availability: Advance registration required. Availability: No restrictions. tour. If you have questions regarding our tours local culinary scene. For a more encompassing has become a community destination offering Contact 980.225.5419. fresh food and drink options such as pizza, sushi, please email [email protected]. citywide culinary experience, FEAST Food Tours & Culinary Events can also assist with FAM trips, sandwiches, coffee, beer and pastries. The market FUNNY BUS COMEDY dine-arounds and hop-on guide services. hosts Live Music Fridays, and vendors host events CITY TOUR like Tuesday Night Wine Flights by the Assorted CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ Table Wine Shoppe and Raclette Nights hosted FARM TO TABLE TOUR Length of Experience: 1 1/2 hours or 6−8 hours CROWNING AROUND Departing from 7th Street Public Market, the by Orrman’s Cheese Shop. The market’s space can Group Size: 4−40 participants Funny Bus Comedy City Tour routes through be rented for private events, and tables can also be Fresh air and sunshine come standard with the Availability: Monday through Saturday preferred. CHARLOTTE NC TOURS’ Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods, reserved for parties. For more information, call Farm to Table Tour. Visit local farms, engage Reservation needed at least two weeks in advance HIPSTERS, MURALS, AND making note of the humor in everyday 704.230.4346 or visit 7thstreetpublicmarket.com. in outdoor activities and enjoy dinner at one of and subject to culinary artisan/establishment HISTORY SCOOTER TOUR city life. Led by a tour guide-turned-stand- Charlotte’s best sustainable dining destinations. If availability. up comedian, the 90-minute, BYOB tour Length of Experience: Varies you’re ready to get back to nature, then join Clarke Join us as we ride scooters through Charlotte’s highlights history and architecture. A pit stop Group Size: No minimum or maximum Allen Events because this is the tour for you. favorite neighborhoods, NoDa and Plaza halfway through invites guests to experience Availability: Open daily. Monday through FEAST FOOD TOURS & Midwood. Plaza Midwood and NoDa are a Queen City locale as well. (Please note: The Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Length of Experience: 4 hours CULINARY EVENTS unique neighborhoods and are home to many “Rated R” version of this tour is held Thursday Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to Group Size: Minimum 30 participants of Charlotte’s favorite hangouts. We will cruise through Sunday; the PG-13 version is held on 5 p.m. Availability: No restrictions. Whether exploring Southern fare on the Soul along on scooters and take in the sights and Sundays and on holidays.) of the South Uptown Tour or getting a personal sounds of the neighborhoods. cooking demonstration with an executive chef on Length of Experience: 90 minutes CHARLOTTE NC TOURS’ FEAST CULINARY the Chef-Driven Dining in Uptown Tour, FEAST Length of Experience: 2 hours Group Size: 1−36 participants TASTE AND GLIDE EXPERIENCES Food Tour participants have the opportunity to Group Size: 8 people Availability: Thursdays, 6 p.m.; Fridays, 4 SEGWAY TOUR gather around the table to connect with some Availability: To book this tour please email p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, noon, 2 Gather together with FEAST Food Tours & of the best chefs, restaurateurs, and food and [email protected]. Riders must be 18 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m., 3 We have combined two fun events to create one Culinary Events to gain a unique perspective beverage producers in Charlotte. The culinary years of age or older. Younger riders must be p.m., 5 p.m. of Charlotte’s rapidly changing culinary enthusiast can also savor Charlotte’s past by amazing tour. On the Taste and Glide Segway tour able to ride a bike and must be accompanied community. Dive deeper into what makes Queen discovering the unique character of various we will explore the city’s history as well as its good by a parent. food. The tour is approximately 2 1/2 hours and City food tick with mixology and hands-on neighborhoods on the Local Flavors of NoDa we stop at three to four locations depending on classes, engaging spouse programs, local farm Arts District Tour; Old Favorites, New Flavors the day of the week. connections, coffee cuppings and wine pairing Plaza Midwood Tour; or the Dishes & Delights FROM TOP education, culinary-intensive workshops of Dilworth Tour. For a chance to gather with Length of Experience: 2 1/2 hours with your favorite foods, and reception-style friends and colleagues on a happy hour-focused Fahrenheit-Charlotte Group Size: 24 people, potentially 30 with affairs with some of the area’s best chefs and adventure, the Unwind & Dine South End Tour advance notice food producers. FEAST can also cure the takes participants on an exploration of Charlotte’s Savory Spice Shop Funny Bus Comedy City Tour

26 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURS / 27 FROSTY POURS AND ADVENTURE GALORE

CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS PRIVATE TOUR AWESOME ATHLEISURE BARCADE TOUR Length of Experience: Average 30 minutes Group Size: 10 participants minimum. Grab your game-loving friends for an One pint or one sampler flight is included BALLANTYNE NASCAR HALL OF FAME’S unforgettable Charlotte experience with in the price for each person. GOLF ACADEMY RACING INSIDERS TOUR Clarke Allen Events! We take your group Availability: Can book after 5 p.m. on to four different locations for food, drinks, weekdays; any time on weekends. To book, Engage and stimulate your team through golf Get closer to the history and heritage arcade games, air hockey, Skee-Ball, call 704.525.5644 ext.109 or email info@ with customizable team-building events at of NASCAR. Your tour of racing country starts bowling, giant billiards and so much more. oldemeckbrew.com. Ballantyne Golf Academy. We offer team- in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you’ll Bust through, “I dunno, what do you want building exercises designed to foster both fun get an exclusive look at behind-the-scenes to do?” Call your crew for a Barcade Tour. PUBLIC TOUR and collaboration. Our experienced staff will artifacts and enjoy lunch at the Pit Stop Café. Length of Experience: Average 30 minutes divide your group into small teams so you can Afterward, journey to nearby race shops and Length of Experience: 4 hours Group Size: No minimum. Maximum is work together in friendly competition. local racing attractions with one of our step-on Group Size: Minimum 15 participants up to the tour guide. tour guides. Two tour routes are available. Availability: After 3 p.m. Availability: No reservation necessary. Length of Experience: 2−3 hours Ask your server/bartender about where to Group Size: 6−60 participants Length of Experience: Average tour lasts meet your tour guide. You may bring beer Availability: Offered seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NODA with you on the tour. Saturdays, 2 p.m., 2:30 Group Size: No restriction BREWING COMPANY’S p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m; Availability: Email [email protected] or BEER TASTINGS Sundays, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. CAROLINA PANTHERS call 1.888.902.6463 to set up a time. STADIUM TOUR One of Charlotte’s oldest homegrown microbreweries, NoDa Brewing Company USNWC’S Bank of America Stadium is the headquarters TOPGOLF CHARLOTTE is a unique production brewery that RAFT + ZIP TOUR for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL and specializes in small-batch premium beers includes training facilities, practice fields and At Topgolf Charlotte, there’s no pressure to be offering something for nearly every beer For those looking for a guided experience administrative offices. Tours for groups of 11 good. Take a swing, score some points, share drinker. Groups are guided through the on water and land, look no further than the to 100 people are available throughout the a laugh or an app, or just throw an epic party. brewing process from start to finish, U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Raft + week and must be reserved at least 10 days in Any way you play, it’s a great time for all. Each stopping along the way to see, feel and smell Zip Tour. Guests enjoy both a 1 1/2-hour advance. The hour-long tour typically includes venue features fun and competitive golf games the hops, grains and malts that go into the guided tour through the trees along the points of interest such as a luxury suite, visiting for all ages, climate-controlled playing bays beers. Pre-booked groups will be able to Catawba River, and a 1 1/2-hour whitewater team locker room, media work spaces and the for year-round comfort, an impressive food taste beer that is currently in fermentation rafting experience (Family Rafting or field tunnel. Tours and routes are subject to and drink menu, private spaces for groups of tanks and compare side-by-side against the Adventure Rafting) on the world’s largest stadium availability. any size, HDTVs to watch the big game and a final product to understand the differences. man-made whitewater river. The tour music selection that will make every visit feel components can be sequenced as desired Length of Experience: 1 hour like a party. Length of Experience: 45 minutes− for the day of your visit. Group Size: 11−100 participants 1 1/2 hours Availability: Reservations are required 10 Length of Experience: Varies Group Size: 15−99 participants. Length of Experience: 3−4 hours days in advance. Group Size: 1−8 participants No minimum for leisure travelers. Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per Availability: Reservations can be made two Availability: Taproom open to the public tour. Multiple tours can be booked. weeks in advance at topgolf.com/reservations. seven days a week. Tour times vary by day. Availability: Tours are available by CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ Thursday and Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, reservation March through October. SPORTS FANATICS TOUR 4 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Reservations are required for groups larger than 15. We knock entertainment out of the park with USNWC’S CANOPY TOUR this FAN-tastic Charlotte tour! Get a behind- the-scenes look at our city’s most prominent THE OLDE MECKLENBURG Explore the woodlands along the Catawba stadiums with Clarke Allen Events. Then, take BREWERY TOUR River and portions of the Historic a swing at memory-making with a round at Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail on the U.S. Topgolf Charlotte. Score major points for a fun The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) is National Whitewater Center’s Canopy Tour. event with our Sports FANatics Tour. Charlotte’s largest and oldest independent Participants are guided through the tree craft brewery. The brewery has received canopy traveling from platform to platform Length of Experience: 4−5 hours numerous national and international on a series of zips, sky bridges, cargo net Group Size: Minimum 15 participants medals for its brews in North America climbs, rappels and other high-adventure Availability: Some stadiums are unavailable and Europe. OMB was also named Best challenges. The tour reaches heights in during peak season. Brewery Tour in the country by the readers excess of 60 feet in the hardwood trees that of USA Today, and it receives many lace a 90-foot-deep canyon before working accolades for its multi-acre Munich- its way through a wetlands delta and FROM TOP inspired biergarten, which seats over 1,000. proceeding along the banks of the Catawba For more information, visit facebook.com/ River. Charlotte beer oldemeckbrewery or @oldemeckbrew on U.S. National Instagram. Whitewater Center

28 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURS / 29 FROM TOP RAFFALDINI VINEYARDS PRIVATE LABEL TOUR Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens The Duke Mansion This private, behind-the-scenes tour of the winery and vineyard allows participants to experience the creation of a bottle of Raffaldini wine from start to finish. Starting in the winery and then DANIEL STOWE moving to the vineyards, participants BOTANICAL GARDEN’S see where the grapes are grown and then GARDEN TOUR & taste how they are blended to create the TASTING different flavors of the award-winning wine. Join Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden hosts on a meandering walking tour Length of Experience: 1 1/2−2 1/2 where participants will stroll through hours formal gardens, learn about unique Group Size: 10−40 participants horticultural gems and delight in the Availability: Reservation required soothing sounds from one of our 14 and subject to availability. A photo ID fountains. Participants can indulge in a verifying legal age of 21 is required. To wine tasting featuring wines from the book, email eventplanning@raffaldini. region coupled with a glass to accompany com or call 336.530.7055. the tour. Let your senses run wild among the splendor at Daniel Stowe. Experience nature at its finest! TREEHOUSE VINEYARDS

Length of Experience: 2 hours Treehouse Vineyards is a North Carolina Length of Experience: 3−4 hours FIT FOR A QUEEN Group Size: 15−40 participants (divide family-owned vineyard/winery and event Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per into groups of two) venue, which was established in 2005 on tour. Multiple tours can be booked. Availability: Reservation required two the 200-year-old family farm and opened CLARKE ALLEN Availability: The Canopy Tour is available weeks in advance. to the public in 2010. We produce EVENTS’ ANTIQUES by reservation only. handcrafted cabernet sauvignon, merlot, AND TASTY TREATS Riesling, dry white blend, and several THE DUKE MANSION’S award-winning native muscadine wines. USNWC’S TWILIGHT A treasure-hunter’s dream, Clarke Allen Events PICNIC IN THE GARDEN Treehouse Vineyards is named for our CANOPY TOUR will take you on this exciting tour including a treehouses charmingly placed around stop at the area’s best antique mall, The Depot at Southern hospitality and luxury are the vineyard, which accommodates both Gibson Mill, where guests can score one-of-a- Looking for a unique evening adventure? two of the many treasures to experience daily and overnight stays. kind finds. And to ensure you shop—and don’t Join the U.S. National Whitewater Center at The Duke Mansion. Escape to our drop—we include a savory sampling of tasty for the Twilight Canopy Tour as you historic property and enjoy a picnic for Length of Experience: 1−2 hours for treats from area chocolatiers, ice cream shops experience traveling through the trees two in one of our 12 majestic gardens. wine-tasting and wine-making tour. and bakeries! along the Catawba River as the sun goes The picturesque gardens and grounds Up to 3 hours for live music or other down. This unique activity allows guests will captivate and fulfill your desire for entertainment such as DIY with Wine, Length of Experience: 4 hours to see the USNWC from a completely natural beauty and splendor. Picnic in the trivia, and murder mystery shows. Group Size: Minimum 15 participants unique perspective—total darkness. Garden package includes a chef-prepared Treehouses can be rented for the day or Availability: No restrictions menu with a bottle of our featured house overnight stays. Length of Experience: 3−4 hours wine or Champagne all packaged up in a Group Size: No minimum or maximum Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per picnic basket with a cozy blanket. Availability: Treehouse Vineyards is CLARKE ALLEN tour. Multiple tours can be booked. open seven days a week. Scheduled wine EVENTS’ HEALTH & Availability: The Twilight Canopy Tour is Length of Experience: 1−3 hours tastings and tours are offered daily for $8 ADVENTURE TOUR available by reservation only. Group Size: 2–6 guests per person with a souvenir logoed wine Availability: 48 hours’ notice and subject glass included. Reservations for groups Discover the best of health and wellness with to our private event schedule. of 15 or more only. Treehouse Rentals USNWC’S ZIP TOUR this engaging city tour. With stops at whole food require an online reservation. Rates vary markets, guests enjoy a fun and easy way to depending on treehouse, season and day make empowered choices. Add a healthy dose Zip Tour provides a 1 1/2 to 2 hour of the week. Wine is sold by the glass or of yoga, plus outdoor fun and fitness at the U.S. hands-on guided experience traversing a bottle. National Whitewater Center, and you’re well series of zip lines, rope bridges, and aerial on your way to living the good life with Clarke tree-top platforms through the woodlands Allen Events and our Health & Adventure Tour. along the Catawba River. Length of Experience: 6−8 hours Length of Experience: 1 1/2−2 hours Group Size: Minimum 15 participants Group Size: Maximum 8 participants per Availability: No restrictions tour. Multiple tours can be booked Availability: The Canopy Tour is available by reservation only.

30 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURS / 31 CULTURAL CRAVINGS

BECHTLER MUSEUM HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER’S THE MINT MUSEUM’S OF MODERN ART STANDARD GUIDED TOUR ARTBREAK

One of the city’s crown jewels, the Bechtler Museum Experience the history of the Harvey B. Gantt The Mint Museum, in collaboration with the of Modern Art displays a stunning collection of Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Harvey B. mid-20th century modern art with works by Picasso, an introduction to Charlotte’s Black History with an Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Warhol, Giacometti and more. Through a museum- in-depth 45- to 60-minute guided tour of our facility provides Charlotte with free lunchtime tours. Visitors wide tour, participants will come to understand the and our current exhibitions. Participants can also can choose to visit one of the three museums for role of the Bechtler family as patrons, mentors and experience a deeper connection with the exhibits by each date and experience a tour structured around a friends of the artists in the collection. In addition to completing a thematic exercise or a scavenger hunt. common theme. touring the galleries, guests will also participate in a hands-on art workshop. Length of Experience: 45-60 minutes Length of Experience: 30 minutes Group Size: Minimum 10 participants Group Size: This tour is free and open to the public Length of Experience: 2 hours Availability: Advance reservations required. Email thanks to the support of the THRIVE Fund. Group Size: 10−30 participants [email protected] or visit ganttcenter.org/learn/ Availability: Every third Thursday of the month from Availability: Reservations required two weeks in noon to 12:30 p.m. advance. HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER’S VISUALIZING BLACK ART THE MINT MUSEUM’S CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ ART OF READING CULTURAL COFFEE BREAK Participants will experience a 15-minute guided tour of one of our current exhibitions. A workshop Bring your book club to the Mint’s Art of Reading Savor the rich history of Charlotte and the Southeast focusing on one of the following noted Black Tours. Book clubs who are reading “Pride and with this thought-provoking tour provided by Clarke Artists (Romare Bearden, Kara Walker, Jean-Michel Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “The Invention of Wings” Allen Events. Four distinctive historical centers/ Basquiat, Augusta Savage and Gordon Parks) by Sue Monk Kidd or “The Lacuna” by Barbara museums expand your appreciation of the South’s concludes the experience. Create art in the style of Kingsolver can visit the museum for a discussion contribution to modern culture. Of course, to keep the artist their teacher has selected. Participants will and tour that will bring to life historic events, social guests refreshed, we also schedule stops at three of be able to take their finished product with them at the customs and art depicted in the books. the city’s most desired coffee houses and cafes. Mugs conclusion of the workshop. Tours must be scheduled up for your cultural coffee break. Attractions may at least two weeks in advance. Length of Experience: 60 to 90 minutes include the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- Group Size: Minimum 3 participants American Arts + Culture, Levine Museum of the Length of Experience: 15 minutes Availability: For book clubs, tours are available New South and Charlotte Museum of History. Group Size: Minimum 10 participants Wednesday through Sunday. For individuals, Availability: Advance reservations required. Email public tours for each book are scheduled quarterly. Length of Experience: 5 hours [email protected] or visit ganttcenter.org/learn/ Visit the museum’s Happenings calendar for more Group Size: Minimum 15 participants information. Tours are free for museum members Availability: No restrictions and free with general admission for non-members. HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER’S ENVISION ME CLARKE ALLEN EVENTS’ THE MINT MUSEUM’S WINE & ART TOUR Participants will experience a guided tour of one TASTE OF THE MINT exhibition and then take part in a 45-minute Immerse yourself in Charlotte’s art scene with our workshop centered around creating a vision for Culinary arts blend with Mint Museum Uptown for Wine & Art Tour. Clarke Allen Events takes you to themselves. Led by a museum educator or teaching an appetizing cultural experience. Explore a food visit four amazing arts venues and two extensive artist, students will complete a goal-setting exercise tasting tour with small plate and drink pairings at wine bars for a cultured day that’s truly a feast for and use the information gained to create a self- remarkable restaurants near the Mint. Halcyon, the senses. Gather your favorite culture lovers for portrait. Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks Flavors from the Earth and other culinary partners a fun-filled spin and savor the Queen City’s best. in advance. offer different food and drink experiences sure to Attractions may include the Mint Museum Uptown, tempt taste buds. Afterward, unwind with a one-hour Mint Museum Randolph and the Bechtler Museum Length of Experience: 45 minutes exploration of the arts led by a Mint expert who will of Modern Art. Group Size: Minimum 10 participants provide insight into the American, Contemporary Availability: Advance reservations required. Email and Craft + Design collections along with special Length of Experience: 4 hours [email protected] or visit limited-engagement exhibitions. This exploration can Group Size: Minimum 30 participants ganttcenter.org/learn/ take the form of a tour or a sketching lesson in the Availability: No restrictions galleries.

Length of Experience: Approximately 2 hours Group Size: 12−26 participants Availability: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays FROM TOP and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Public tours are Bechtler Museum of Modern Art plaza occasionally scheduled on the museum’s Happenings calendar. To book your tour, contact Taste of the The Mint Museum Uptown Mint.

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BECOME AN

INSTANT EXPERT The Billy Graham Library CROWN JEWELS

NASCAR HALL OF FAME DISCOVERY PLACE LEVINE CENTER HISTORIC BENCHMARKS SCIENCE FOR THE ARTS PASS Learn the history of NASCAR, and relive 1755 1788 racing’s most heart-pounding moments at In the heart of Uptown, this immersive Perhaps the best ticket in town, this $20 this engaging museum. science museum features fascinating pass provides two-day access to four distinct Settlers decide to put down roots at the crossroads After young Conrad Reed finds a 17-pound gold exhibitions, hands-on labs, daily live shows, cultural hubs: the Mint Museum Uptown of two important Native American trading routes, nugget in the Charlotte region, more than 100 mines an aquarium and an IMAX® theater. and Randolph, Bechtler Museum of Modern the same intersection at the heart of today’s Uptown. pop up in Charlotte, thus beginning the nation’s first SHOPPING Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for At Trade and Tryon streets, “Independence gold rush. African-American Arts + Culture (children Atherton Mill and Market in South End and Square” is now marked by four statues representing CRAFT BREWERIES 4 and under are free). 7th Street Public Market in Uptown are both transportation, the future, commerce and industry. 1880s community hubs featuring popular shops, Dozens of craft breweries call the Queen City plus goods from area farmers and local home. Enjoy the spacious biergarten at The Thanks to its proximity to the Southern Railway, NIGHTLIFE 1768 artisans. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte’s first Charlotte’s cotton trade thrives. The advent of craft beer producer, and grab a growler from When the sun goes down, head out to “Charlotte Town” is incorporated in 1768 and named hydro-electric power, prudent business decisions and NoDa Brewing Company. Epicentre or AvidXchange Music Factory King George III’s wife, Queen Sophia Charlotte of controlled growth foster a successful textile industry. CAROWINDS for themed nightclubs and see-and-be-seen Mecklenburg-Strelitz. dance floors. The Carolinas’ beloved theme park boasts a TOPGOLF CHARLOTTE 1936 high-thrill water park and something-for- everyone roster of coasters, including the With more than 100 hitting bays, full-service MAY 1775 ROOFTOP BARS Originally a branch of the U.S. Mint, the Mint fastest and tallest giga coaster in the world, restaurants and bars, plus a rooftop terrace, In May 1775, more than a year before Patriot Museum Randolph opens in the historic Eastover Fury 325. Topgolf Charlotte is an entertaining outing To enjoy striking views of the twinkling leaders signed the Declaration of Independence, neighborhood, thanks to Charlotte’s Women’s Club, as for any skill level. skyline, head to Fahrenheit-Charlotte, City Charlotte leaders declare the “authority of the King the first art museum in North Carolina. Lights Rooftop Bar, Merchant & Trade, or Parliament” to be “null and void.” Tradition holds U.S. NATIONAL or the new dual-branded AC Hotel and that they even created a full-blown Mecklenburg WHITEWATER CENTER LEVINE MUSEUM OF Residence Inn at the Epicentre. Declaration of Independence created on May 20, 1949 THE NEW SOUTH The world’s largest man-made whitewater 1775. A local tavern-keeper named Captain James Charlotte’s first professional stock car race is held river, canopy tours, rock climbing, 30- Through artifacts, video, music and Jack is believed to have carried the document at Charlotte Speedway, now called Charlotte Motor plus miles of hiking and biking trails, zip photography, this interactive museum on horseback to the Continental Congress in Speedway. Eighty-five percent of NASCAR race lines and more make this a wet-and-wild focuses on the post-Civil War South with an Philadelphia. teams, as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame, are now attraction. emphasis on Charlotte. located in the Charlotte region. 1780 THE BILLY GRAHAM SEGWAY TOUR WITH British General Cornwallis dubs Charlotte a “hornet’s 2018 LIBRARY CHARLOTTE NC TOURS nest of rebellion” after the Battle of Charlotte and The city celebrates its 250th anniversary. At this free barn-shaped museum, see videos Aboard a Charlotte NC Tours Segway, Battle of King’s Mountain. The hornet is now seen and artifacts, and even hear a talking cow guests can see diverse architecture, historic throughout the city, on historic plaques, police tell of evangelist Billy Graham’s international neighborhoods, parks, museums and more. insignia and professional team names. impact.

34 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM 35 LIVING HISTORY

CAROLINA HISTORY & HAUNTS TOURS HISTORIC LATTA PLANTATION Not just for Halloween, this 90-minute, lantern-led tour features all the With 52 acres, this living museum offers a peek into life on a cotton haunting tales of Uptown’s ghostly past. plantation in the 1800s for planters, slaves and settlers. Get a guided tour of the plantation home, step inside a reconstructed slave cabin, and see farm animals, like sheep, chickens and pigs. CHARLOTTE LIBERTY WALK On this self-guided walking tour, 19 historic sites tell the story of Charlotte REED GOLD MINE and Mecklenburg County during the American Revolution. Points of interest include Queens University, Cook’s Inn, Settler’s Cemetery and the The first gold discovered in the U.S. was discovered here, and people Thomas Polk homesite. continue to come here to learn about the history of mining—and some even pan for gold themselves.

CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM Learn what life was like here centuries ago for residents—including the Catawba Nation, European immigrants and African-Americans—through Step inside an 1889 bank, sit in an old stagecoach, or try your hand at Morse housing replicas, artifacts, maps and historic exhibits. code. This small Uptown museum offers a fun peek into the city’s early banking years.

HOME TEAMS UNIVERSITIES Let us help you promote NBA BASKETBALL AHL HOCKEY UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL PIEDMONT NORTH CAROLINA AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Team Team CHARLOTTE Charlotte Hornets Charlotte Checkers With six campuses throughout the Charlotte! Located in the University City Charlotte metropolitan region (the Venue Venue neighborhood and connected to main one is in Charlotte’s Elizabeth Spectrum Center, Bojangles’ Coliseum, Uptown Charlotte via light rail, neighborhood), CPCC is the largest Uptown Charlotte East Charlotte UNCC is a public urban research community college on the East Coast. university that offers competitive For all of your programs in a wide variety of degrees. NFL FOOTBALL USL SOCCER DAVIDSON photos, logos, and COLLEGE Team Team JOHNSON & WALES Carolina Panthers Charlotte Independence Nineteen miles north of Charlotte sits b-roll needs, visit UNIVERSITY- Davidson College, a private liberal arts CHARLOTTE Venue Venue school. Bank of America Stadium, Uptown Sportsplex at Matthews, Seated in Uptown Charlotte, Johnson Charlotte Town of Matthews & Wales is known primarily for its culinary arts programs, which WINTHROP continue to bring new and innovative UNIVERSITY TRIPLE-A BASEBALL MLL LACROSSE chefs to the Charlotte region. Located in Rock Hill, South Carolina Team Team on a 456-acre campus, Winthrop BARBERSTOCK.COM/ Charlotte Knights Charlotte Hounds University is a public, liberal arts JOHNSON C. SMITH university. CHARLOTTE UNIVERSITY Venue Venue BB&T Ballpark, American Legion Johnson C. Smith is a private Uptown Charlotte Memorial Stadium, historically black research university WINGATE Elizabeth neighborhood located on a 100-acre campus near UNIVERSITY Uptown Charlotte. Wingate University’s main campus NASCAR is in Winthrop, North Carolina, just Teams south of Charlotte. QUEENS UNIVERSITY 85% of NASCAR teams OF CHARLOTTE are located in the region Queens University is a small private Venues university on a 95-acre campus Charlotte Motor Speedway; in Charlotte’s historic Myers Park NASCAR Hall of Fame neighborhood.

36 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM 37 TOURISM PARTNERS

Receptive Tour Charlotte Segway Tours Racing Insiders Tour The Billy Graham Library Operators charlottenctours.com nascarhall.com/vacations/ billygrahamlibrary.org 704.962.4548 racing-insiders-tour 704.401.3200 Academy Bus 704.654.4400 academybuscharter.com/cities/ Charlotte Murder Carolinas Aviation Museum charlotte Mystery Company Southern Shows, Inc. carolinasaviation.org 704.596.222 charlottemurdermystery southernshows.com/wch 704.997.3770 company.com 704.376.6594 The Charlotte 704.650.2799 Carolinas History Destination Group Trolley Pub and Haunts Tours charlottedestinationgroup.com Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen charlotte.trolleypub.com carolinahistoryandhaunts.com 704.375.1815 chefalyssaskitchen.com 919.300.7111 704.699.7959 704.817.7568 Christian Tours Charlotte Center City Carolina Panthers burkechristiantours.com City Art Room Carriage Tours panthers.com 828.465.3900 cityartroom.com charlottecentercitytours.com 704.358.7454 980.500.9149 704.301.5111 Clarke Allen Events Carolina Raptor Center clarkeallenevents.com Copperline Tours carolinaraptorcenter.com 704.332.8445 copperlinetours.com Local Motorcoach 704.875.6521 704.430.8726 Service Facilities Mosaix Group* Carowinds mosaixgroup.com Cruise Carts Sunway Charters carowinds.com 828.654.8118 cruisecarts.com 704.588.2600 336.264.3801 sunwaycharters.com 704.348.1200 Rose Chauffeured The Charlotte Museum Transportation Exit Strategy Rose Chauffeured of History riderose.com exitstrategyus.com Transportation charlottemuseum.org 704.522.8258 704.837.0515 704.568.1774 riderose.com 704.522.8258 Young Transportation & Tours FEAST Food Tours & Charlotte NC Tours youngtransportation.com Culinary Events charlottenctours.com 828.258.0084 feastfoodtours.com 704.962.4548 980.258.9992 Charlotte Tour Guide Daniel Stowe Charlotte Tours Funny Bus Comedy City Tour Botanical Garden Bank of America Stadium & Experiences funnybus.net dsbg.org 704.659.3186 7th Street Public Market 704.825.4490 C-Charlotte Tours 7thstreetpublicmarket.com Lumberjaxe 704.230.4346 Discovery Place Science ccharlottetours.com lumberjaxe.co 704.517.6844 discoveryplace.org Historic Latta Plantation NASCAR Hall of Fame Raffaldini Vineyards Treehouse Vineyards 704.777.4929 Atherton Mill and Market 704.372.6261 lattaplantation.org nascarhall.com raffaldini.com treehousevineyards.com Cajun Canvas athertonmillandmarket.com 704.875.2312 888.902.6463 336.530.7055 704.283.4208 Mario Andretti Racing The Duke Mansion cajuncanvas.com Experience 704.504.5224 AvidXchange Music Factory dukemansion.com Levine Center for NarroWay Theatre Reed Gold Mine U.S. National andrettiracing.com avidxchangemusicfactory.com 704.714.4400 the Arts Pass narroway.net nchistoricsites.org/reed Whitewater Center 877.722.3527 Charlotte Brew-Ha-Ha Tours 704.916.8970 levinecenterarts.org/lca-pass 803.802.2300 704.721.4653 usnwc.org Epicentre 980.236.1521 704.391.3900 charlottespecialevents.com NASCAR Racing Experience 704.765.5104 Ballantyne Golf Academy epicentrenc.com NoDa Brewing Company Savory Spice Shop nascarracingexperience.com ballantynegolfacademy.com 704.688.5980 Levine Museum nodabrewing.com savoryspiceshop.com Wells Fargo History Museum 704.886.2400 Charlotte B-cycle 704.542.7635 of the New South 704.900.6821 980.225.5419 wellsfargohistory.com The Harvey B. Gantt charlotte.bcycle.com museumofthenewsouth.org 704.715.1866 Queen City Rides Center for African-American 704.332.9585 Bechtler Museum 704.333.1887 The Olde Mecklenburg Topgolf queencityrides.com of Modern Art Arts + Culture Brewery topgolf.com 704.288.0501 Charlotte Brewery Tours bechtler.org ganttcenter.com The Mint Museum oldemeckbrew.com 704.612.4745 704.547.3700 charlottebrewery.tours 704.353.9200 mintmuseum.org 704.525.5644 980.263.7274 704.337.2000

*Bilingual step-on guides available upon request.

38 / CHARLOTTETRAVELTRADE.COM TOURISM PARTNERS / 39 Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Brooklandwood Racecourse FALL April Festival of India Moo & Brew Craft Beer & Belk Theater Burger Festival September AvidXchange Music Factory Festival Grounds Yiasou Greek Festival April Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral North Carolina Brewers & September Music Festival W H AT ’ S Rural Hill Festival in the Park May F the Freedom Park O T ? September Circle K Speed Street R E C A S presented by Coca-Cola Bank of America Roval 400 Uptown Charlotte Charlotte Motor Speedway May September

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup In Charlotte, clear SCarowinds Series All-Star Race skies plus balmy Carowinds Charlotte Motor Speedway temperatures equal September−October May year-round bliss. Carolina SIGNATURE Coca-Cola 600 Renaissance Festival Charlotte Motor Speedway Poplar Tent Road May Weekends, September–November WINTER Mec Deck Day Carolina Panthers Uptown Charlotte Highs: Mid 50s (13C°) Bank of America Stadium May 20 CELEBRATIONS Lows: Low 30s (0C°) September−December — Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Center SUMMER October−April SPRING Party in the Park Highs: High 80s (31C°) Hola Charlotte Festival Romare Bearden Park Lows: High 60s (17C°) Uptown Charlotte May–August October — Summer Pops UNC Charlotte Symphony Park International Festival SUMMER WINTER CLT New Year’s Eve SPRING June−July UNC Charlotte Main Campus Presented by Ally Highs: High 80s (31C°) October December 31 Juneteenth Festival Holidays at the Garden Lows: High 60s (20C°) St. Patrick’s Day Parade & of the Carolinas Novant Health Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden NASCAR Hall of Fame Charlotte Goes Green Festival Plaza Midwood Charlotte Marathon November−January — Induction Ceremony Uptown Charlotte June Uptown Charlotte March November WinterFest NASCAR Hall of Fame January Taste of Charlotte FALL Carowinds Tuck Fest Uptown Charlotte Highs: Low 70s (22C°) Novant Health November−December June Queen City U.S. National Lows: Low 50s (11C°) Thanksgiving Day Parade Brewers Festival Whitewater Center Charlotte Uptown Charlotte April SkyShow Charlotte Thanksgiving Christmas Village The Fillmore Charlotte February BB&T Ballpark Uptown Charlotte Loch Norman July 4 Thanksgiving−Christmas CIAA Men’s & Women’s Highland Games Charlotte Pride Belk Bowl & Festivities Basketball Tournament Historic Rural Hill April Festival & Parade Uptown Charlotte Uptown Charlotte December February Multiple events & locations; parade in Uptown Charlotte August Photo courtesy of U.S. National Whitewater Center

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