Conde Nast Traveler: The 14 Best Things to Do in Charlotte

Unlike some Southern cities where lineage and tradition run deep, Charlotte is quite happy being the new kid on the block. The Queen City has seen a meteoric rise in the last decade, and you’re more likely to rub elbows with former New Yorkers or Californians than born-and-bred Charlotteans. While bigger cities were busy hogging the spotlight, Charlotte quietly upped the ante and has stepped out of the shadows. There’s so much to do and see—from havens for the arts like the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Levine Center for the Arts, to sports fan favorites like the Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame. The city’s temperate weather is a perfect for getting outdoors year-round, whether you’re hitting the trails of Little Sugar Creek Greenway, making waves on Lake Norman, or rafting them at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. There's also plenty of incredible food, and even more worth exploring beyond that: Here are the best things to do in Charlotte, N.C.

Charlotte's Camp North End is a 76-acre multi-use space with public art, food stalls, shops, offices and more in a former car factory and military depot. It's a big complex, but there's always somewhere to hang out for a bit (quite literally–you can stretch out in a hammock if that cafe table and chairs doesn't suit your needs). It's all about walking around, soaking up the cool, creative vibe—and eating.