No matter the season, the Charlotte Metro area has LOADS to do - and we're kicking off a series on fun ways to be a tourist right here at home with Uptown. Uptown has something for "kids" of all ages - ranging from the tiniest of babes to an amazing Adults Day Out.
Keep reading and make sure to bookmark this page for a fun itinerary to enjoy Uptown Charlotte this weekend or during some downtime!
Start your morning with brunch or breakfast at Tupelo Honey - a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. It's kid-friendly and delicious and one of our favorites. If you want something special, order the Old School Breakfast bowl - you won't be mad about it!
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Next, head over to First Ward Park, to let the kiddos run off some steam, We love the climbing structure and the open fields. In the summer, there's a water feature, too!
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We also love Imaginon and if you are looking for a free INDOOR way to play. From books to technology, maybe even a show, ImaginON is one of our family's favorite destinations.
From there, you can head over to one of the many Uptown Museums ~ Maybe even take in a few!
- Discovery Place Science
- Mint Museum
- Bechtler Museum
- Harvey B. Gantt
- McColl Center for Art and Innovation
- Museum of Illusions
- Levine Museum of the New South
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
After all that play, you are sure to be hungry! With kids in tow, you'll want to make sure that you're grabbing quick, easy and delicious food. Here are some of our favorite options:
- 7th Street Market: This market has loads of options for lunch - especially when you are with a large crowd. However, be warned, seating can come at a premium and especially at traditional meal-time hours. We do enjoy sitting outside along the light rail with young kiddos, since that can provide entertainment while eating!
- Mellow Mushroom: great for picky eaters, you can't go wrong at this VERY kid-friendly spot!
- Chicago Pete's: located on the Green, this is the closest our Chicago-born selves get to "home cooking". With a delicious deep-dish pizza and Vienna beef hot dogs as well as Italian Beef sandwiches, you won't be disappointed.
- Potbelly Sandwich Works: Yes, this is another Chicago-original (sorry, I can't help it) but these sandwiches (and salads) are so good and easy to bring with you to over to Romare Bearden Park for a sit! Plus the milkshakes are AMAZING.
- Mert's Heart and Soul: While there may be a wait - this local Charlotte hot-spot was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners and Drive-Ins - it's well worth-it. It serves good old-fashioned comfort food and your kids are sure to find something delicious to make them happy.
If you're with adventurous eaters or - gasp - adults only, you may want to hit up one of these great spots:
- La Belle Helen
- Haymaker
- Mariposa
- Caroline's Oyster Bar
When you are finished eating, we'd recommend heading over to Romare Bearden park for some pics or to just sit and relax. It's such a beautiful park and you can take in all that the city offers from there. If there's a Knight's game - you may want to try for some lawn tickets; and on weekends there's a great chance you'll catch some fireworks after dark!
And to end your day with a bang - make sure to grab a treat from any of these sweet spots!
- Golden Cow Creamery
- Day and Night Cereal Bar
- Insomnia Cookies
Depending on where you live, you may want to grab the LYNX Blue Line into the city - rather than pay to park - and make it an adventure! You can park at one of the light rail stops and ride the train into the city. Parking is free and tickets for the Blue Line are listed here.
