Charlotte, North Carolina, has so much to see that it’s easy to spend your trip within the city limits. But drive less than an hour outside of town and you’ll have a completely different experience.
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There are so many places to see in less than two hours, but we’ve included a few of our favorites. It’s easy to pick up your rental car downtown or at the airport and return to your hotel in the evening.
Yadkin Valley
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 30 minutes
The Yadkin Valley is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With rich agricultural soil that for generations grew mainly cotton, the area is now known for award-winning, nationally recognized wine.
Visit Mount Airy to explore Andy Griffith’s hometown, widely known to have been the inspiration for Mayberry. The Andy Griffith Museum follows the legend’s career.
Take in a monthly art hike in the picturesque town of Elkin or explore the past in Dobson’s own historic Village of Rockford. Snappy Lunch and Old North State Winery are two great places to eat in Mount Airy.
Don’t miss out on the area’s outdoor activities, including golf, trout fishing on the Ararat River, or, for the more adventurous, climbing at Pilot Mountain.
Families can zipline or horseback ride all within the beautiful scenery of the Carolina foothills. Of course, you can’t leave the region without imbibing in the world-class wine.
Relax in the rocking chairs at Uwharrie Vineyards in Albemarle or step back in time at the historical buildings encompassing Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery.
There is no view quite like that from Raffaldini Vineyards. This is just the beginning, as the region hosts over 70 wineries.
Yadkin Valley Tours
Asheville
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 20 minutes
Cherokee ownership, European exploration, and Civil War skirmishes all shaped this area into the unique mix of culture and nature.
From the cool waters of the French Broad to the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway, any visitor would find something to love in the quirky mountain city of Asheville.
Known for its outdoor activities, high-caliber food scene, and being named “Beer City USA,” Asheville can be the site of a day trip or a big move. Fuel up with a meal at White Duck Taco Shop or Sunny Point Cafe, just two of the great restaurants in the city.
Visit the largest private home in the United States, Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, and be sure to save time for the winery located on the property. Shop for local crafts and wares at downtown’s Grove Arcade or further afield in the River Arts District.
Save some time to enjoy a float on the river or an afternoon at one of the area’s numerous breweries. Both Sierra Nevada and New Belgium have opened breweries in Asheville; add these to your list alongside local favorites including Wicked Weed, Hi-Wire, and Burial.
Watch the sunset over the mountains from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway; personal favorites include Haw Creek and Looking Glass Rock. Got extra time? Use the parkway as a trailhead!
Chase views at Black Balsam or search for summer’s wild blueberries at Graveyard Fields. Asheville’s natural beauty makes it an unforgettable getaway for families, couples, or girlfriend getaways.
Asheville Tours
- Asheville Ghost Walking Tour and Mystery Museum
- Guided Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour in Asheville
- 3-Hour Small Group Downtown Asheville Brewery Walking Tour
The Triangle
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 30 minutes
Encompassing the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, the “Research Triangle,” now fondly shortened to “the Triangle,” boasts top-tier universities and serves as a hub for global commerce.
Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State all draw and produce a talented workforce eager to see the area thrive. The Triangle has a booming art scene with numerous venues across all three cities, including large amphitheaters and intimate galleries.
Museums are a must-visit for families and enthusiasts; notable options include the North Carolina Museum of Art and CAM Raleigh.
Join the throngs of screaming fans at a college basketball game or visit the Durham Bulls to re-live the movie magic. Grab a pint at Crank Arm Brewing or explore the artisan magic at Pinetop Distillery.
Spend time in Raleigh’s historic Boylan Heights or Oakwood to see tree-lined streets and historical homes, or hit up the lively Fayetteville Street for good food and tunes.
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in each of these communities, but Dashi in Durham, Poole’s Diner in Raleigh, and Talullas in Chapel Hill are great.
Triangle Tours
- Raleigh Historian-Guided Downtown Walking Tour
- Tour of Downtown Raleigh on a Rickshaw
- Durham African-American Historic Walking Tour
- Chapel Hill LGBT History Tour
The Triad
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 20 minutes
The cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point make up the Piedmont Triad, known locally as simply “the Triad.” Textiles, furniture, and tobacco historically dominated this area’s economy, which is reflected in the architecture and artistry of the region today. A great location for family fun, you’ll find attractions for all visitors encompassed within the Triad.
Soak in culture at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, history in Old Salem, or wildlife at the North Carolina Zoo, found not far from High Point in the small town of Asheboro. Got a sweet tooth?
Visit Winston-Salem to grab a donut in the home of the original glazed goody, which has been served in the city since 1937. Experience the legacy of the non-violent Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins of 1960 at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.
Feast on upscale southern food at Lucky 32 in Greensboro or get a little funky at Crafted Art of the Taco located downtown.
Triad Tours
Boone
Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 15 minutes
The gem of the High Country, the once sleepy mountain town of Boone, is a welcome escape from the bustle of the city. Once thought to have been visited by the town’s namesake, Daniel Boone, the picturesque town in the mountains hosts a seasonal outdoor drama, Horn in the West, that tells the story of European settlement during the Revolutionary War.
With an elevation of over 3,000 ft, Boone enjoys milder weather than the other spots on this list. Fall foliage brings crowds of “leaf peepers” driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Winter family fun abounds at the area’s three ski slopes: Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Appalachian Ski Mountain.
The region’s love of bluegrass can be witnessed every weekend on the historic Mast General Store’s back porch. Looking for sweeping vistas?
Visit the Mile High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, which also has hiking trails, native animal exhibits, and an interpretive museum.
For some family fun, hop over to the Wild-West themed Tweetsie Railroad. Foodies will enjoy the culinary delights all within the walkable Main Street area.
Proper serves up seasonal southern delicacies. F.A.R.M Cafe is a “pay what you can” restaurant that ensures anyone can get a locally sourced, delicious meal.
Black Cat Burrito serves up funky food that reflects the eclectic and engaging students at nearby Appalachian State University. Pop on up to Boone for a beautiful, relaxing spell in the mountains.
Lake Norman
Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour
Lake Norman is all about fun on the water. If you don’t have your own boat, no worries! Rentals are available all around the lake from companies such as Lake Effects, Lake Norman Marina, or Lake Norman Stay and Play, which also offers designated drivers.
There are a number of waterfront dining options covering a range of price points. Port City Club has a fully enclosed porch, which is heated during the winter. The regatta-themed North Harbor Club serves high-end steaks and boasts 9 boat slips for easy commuting.
Novanta 90 Pizzeria serves pies in the Neapolitan style, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. From any of these restaurants and others, you can watch the sun set on the water after a day in the sun.
Lake Norman Tours
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Why did you leave out Lexington in your day trip 5 wineries and Bob Timberlake Gallery, the best Barbecue in NC, and the Uptown shops and restaurants?