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Exploring America » Eastern US » Charlotte

Charlotte

Charlotte Skyline

Credit Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Look closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot! Boasting more and more group offerings that no other city on the Eastern seaboard can claim, Charlotte is a destination with an ambiance all its own. Make a splash navigating the manmade whitewater rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Take a trip to the Billy Graham Library, an unforgettable tribute to the life and times of a beloved evangelist. Connect with never-before-seen masterpieces, performing arts, and more with the new arts facilities in the Wells Fargo Cultural Campus. Or rev up with the interactive exhibits and compelling tributes to motorsports legends at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Featuring everything from a sparkling night skyline to adrenaline-rushing adventures, groups will find a lot to their liking – not to mention plenty of Southern comforts along the way. Today, Charlotte is composed of 16 counties including four in South Carolina and is the largest and most accessible city between Washington, D.C. and Dallas, TX. Home to the nation’s fastest growing major airport, Charlotte Douglas International, and three major expressways, accessibility is key for this vibrant destination. More than six million people live within a 100-mile radius, garnering its nickname the “International Gateway to the South.” Reasons to visit Charlotte increase by the day with each new group-friendly offering that opens its doors. Take advantage of our customized itinerary planning and your group might just want to stay a few extra days.

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Sample Itineraries

Attractions

U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a nonprofit outdoor recreation and adventure sports facility dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, developing environmental stewardship and encouraging family and social interaction. Alongside mountain biking and running trails, a climbing center, mega zip line, and challenge course, the Center’s unique feature is a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. The USNWC is only 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte and provides nearly 400 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Families, workout enthusiasts, casual observers and Olympic-caliber athletes share this world-class sports and training center for events, summer camps, business conferences and active leisure enjoyment. 
The USNWC is proud to be a U.S. Olympic Training Site. 

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NASCAR Hall of Fame

Race Similator at NASCAR Hall of Fame

Credit Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Are their members in your adult group who are hard-core NASCAR fans? If that is the case, you should visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. They have fascinating exhibits to explore during the visit. The group may also participate in a group tour. There are other special events offered during the year. The NASCAR Hall of Fame was opened on May 11, 2010 and was established to honor the history and heritage of NASCAR. There is a 278-seat state-of-the-art theater, the Buffalo Wings Restaurant, and the Gear Shop for visitors to enjoy. One of the interesting exhibits is known as Glory Road. The exhibit highlights 40 current and historic tracks and showcases 18 historic cars. There are cars such as the 1952 Hudson, the 1957 Chevy, the 1961 Starliner, and the 1966 Fairlane. The driver of the Chevy was Buck Baker who was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2013. Another exhibit area is known as Heritage Speedway. The group can explore authentic artifacts and educational films that depict the six-decade history of NASCAR. The group can take a tour which is known as the Racing Insiders Tour. During the experience, visitors will have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the racing community in the Charlotte area. You will begin the tour exploring the history and heritage of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. After that, the group will climb aboard a motor coach and will be taken to visit race shops along with other local racing attractions. Guests will visit places such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Pensk Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, and Stewart Haas Racing.

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Motor Speedway

If your adult group members are fans of racing and you are looking for a great place to visit in the Charlotte area, Motor Speedway is the perfect fast-paced attraction. The location offers group tours for your group to experience. Before you even enter the gates, visitors can explore interactive displays, play games, or look at a variety of souvenirs. The Motor Speedway offers a variety of group tours. One of the options is known as the Feel The Thrill Tour which is where visitors will have the opportunity to see areas that are normally off-limits on race days. During the experience, the group will see areas such as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage, two infield race tracks, and Pit Road. You can take a photograph in victory circle as part of the experience. Your group will be educated on the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway as you enjoy a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway. There is another tour which is called the Over The Wall Tour. It is designed for the hard-core NASCAR fan. All of the details in the Feel The Thrill Tour are included plus some exclusive features. The group will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of additional areas such as the Speedway Club, the Performance Racing Network Studios, and one of the luxury suites. At the conclusion of the program, you can have an eye-popping experience as you take in the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from the top of the Ford Grandstand. Visitors can view timeless photos of CMS history on display in the media center.

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Mint Museum

People observing art at Mint Museum

Credit: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

If your adult group is looking for an interesting museum to visit in Charlotte, you should explore the Mint Museum. This location is the oldest art museum in North Carolina and contains one of the largest collections in the Southeast. Visitors will enjoy “innovative collections, ground-breaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs featuring art from around the world.” There are two dynamic facilities including the Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown. The Mint Museum offers adult group tours as part of the experience. The group will have the option to take a self-guided tour or a docent-led tour and view the permanent collections and special exhibitions that are on display. The tour is one hour in length. The docents are trained volunteer guides. The museum contains fascinating collections and exhibitions for your group to explore. One of the collections is the American Art collection. This collection has paintings, unique works on paper, sculpture, and photos. These pieces were created from the colonial era through the Second World War. Another collection is the Decorative Arts Collection. Visitors will connect with this form of art instantaneously. The museum also has a fascinating display of modern and contemporary Native American art. The group will have an eye-popping experience as you see works from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Guatemala in this unique exhibition. Your group will also view fascinating art in the Art of the Ancient Americas collection which showcases over 2,500 works from the ancient times. Visitors will enjoy looking at craft design and art in the field of fashion as part of the experience.

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Levine Museum of the New South

During your group visit to Charlotte, you may want to explore the Levine Museum of the New South. It is an interactive history museum that provides visitors with the most comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War southern society. The New South refers to people, places, and a time period of 1865 to the present day. Your group can explore fascinating exhibits which contain information on men, women, children, and newcomers who have helped shape the south since the war. The museum offers adult group tours for visitors to enjoy. One of the options is known as the New South Journeys Tour. During the tour, your group will travel through the main exhibit which is called Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers. You will learn what happened from the field to the factory with the cotton. The tour is led by a guide and is 45 minutes in length. Another interesting option is known as the African American Historic Highlights tour. During the presentation, visitors will explore the main exhibit and discover information on a variety of subjects. The guide will discuss topics such as the first black textile mill owner, Good Samaritan Hospital’s Chapel, the roots of the sit-in movement, and significant events in the history of African Americans in the Carolina Piedmont area. The Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers exhibit is the nation’s most comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War history. The exhibit contains 1000 artifacts, images, video clips, music, and oral histories for your group to explore. Your group will have the opportunity to tour six different environments within the exhibit. You will step inside a one-room tenant farmers house, run your hand through a pile of seed cotton, and play checkers on the front porch of a mill house.

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Discovery Place

Discovery Place

Credit: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

When you plan your adult group trip to Charlotte, you may want to explore Discovery Place Science Museum. It is a family-friendly environment where you can have tons of fun doing scientific activities. You can encounter creatures in the World Alive exhibit, expand your architectural skills at the Project Build exhibit or explore why things do what they do at the Cool Stuff exhibit. There are also hands-on activities for the kids seven years of age and younger. Your group can also have an eye-popping experience in the Discovery 3D Theater. One of the fascinating exhibits is known as Think It Up which is where you can think freely, take risks, and explore the unknown. The activities are engaging and innovative. You can play with air tubes, use the mechanical launcher, and learn about air sculptures. The air tubes let you experiment with creating shapes and contraptions out of paper to place in three tall columns of moving air. Sensors optically track the paper as it ascends and you will receive audio or visual feedback. After they leave the air stream, they are deflected back to the ground. Another interesting exhibit is called Cool Stuff which is where your group will participate in physical activities that are both entertaining and educational. You can do things such as lie on a bed of nails, crush a garbage can, or launch objects into the air. You will have the opportunity to learn about interesting scientific concepts. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this awesome exhibition.

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Arches

Credit: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

While your group is in the Charlotte area, you should visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. You can take a group tour of the garden and enjoy the breathtaking view of the magnificent landscape. Visitors may also want to purchase merchandise at the Garden Store. You may also want to have a picnic on the property during the visit. There is a guided group tour offered where you will be led by one of the garden guides. The tour is one hour in length. They also offer a tour known as the Specialty Guided Tour. During the experience, the group will have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country’s leading botanical gardens. The tour is 90 minutes long. When you tour the garden, you will have the opportunity to view various gardens and the surrounding landscape. You will visit areas such as 10 acres of manicured themed gardens, the nostalgic Cottage Garden, and the fragrant Conifer Garden. Each garden is unique and exquisite. The Cottage Garden offers sweet scents that will take visitors back to grandma’s house. It is a showcase of heirloom plants that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Conifer Garden is located at the end of the manicured gardens. It has an “eclectic blend” of cone-bearing plants that are both wild and ornamental. The Orchid Conservatory is a five story glass house which is 8000 square feet. Visitors will find orchids and a variety of tropical plants on display.

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Billy Graham Library

If your adult group is interested in learning about Billy Graham, you can visit the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a journey to explore the
40,000 square foot area and discover the life and legacy of America’s pastor. During your visit, your group can enjoy the tranquil environment in the Memorial Prayer Garden, browse the Ruth Attic Bookstore, tour the Graham Family Homeplace, and enjoy some delicious food at the Dairy Bar. The building is shaped like a barn and it is situated on 20 landscaped acres. As part of the experience, you can take a journey of faith where your group will retrace Billy Graham’s dynamic journey. You will learn information through interactive kiosks, amazing multimedia presentations, photos, and memorabilia. The group can take a tour of the Graham Family Homeplace which is where Billy Graham resided from the age of nine until he went to college. During the tour, the group will take an intimate look at Graham’s roots. You will see original furniture and fascinating memorabilia. The house is a two-story colonial style brick home. The Memorial Prayer Garden is an area where visitors can enjoy some fresh air and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. The garden is the final resting place of George Beverly Shea, Ruth Bell Graham, and Billie Barrows. Shea was a longtime member of the Billy Graham Crusade. Billie Barrows was a pianist during the early years of the crusade and the wife of Cliff Barrows. The library contains an archive collection for your group to explore. You will find items such as the Sawdust Cross, Graham Wedding Memorabilia, and Billy Graham’s Korean War issued boots. Visitors will also examine fascinating historic documents in the collection.

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Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

Credit Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

When your adult group is planning a trip to Charlotte, you may want to explore the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The museum offers a store to shop at and a Cafe if you need a snack. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art contains works from some of the most influential artists of the mid-20th century. The location opened to the public on January 2, 2010, and offers group tours for you to enjoy as part of the experience. There are three tour options available. You can choose from tours such as the Hello Modern tour, the Bechtler Architecture tour, and the Relationships: Artists Closest to the Bechtler Family Tour. All of these tours last one hour and visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in the experience. During the tour, guests will learn about the various artists in the Bechtler collection. You will also get a sense of how the museum operates. Visitors will find a magnificent collection of various works along with interesting exhibitions at the Bechtler Museum. The works of art in the collection focus on the strongest aspects of modernism during the middle of the 20th century. There are select works from several well-known artists in the collection such as Giacometti, Picasso, Calder, and Warhol. The Museum Store is full of interesting merchandise for your group to purchase. You will find items such as posters, jewelry, watches, fine pens, and books pertaining to leading art figures that are in the Bechtler collection. You will find watches that were designed by Warhol and Max Bill in the store.

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