250 things to do in Charlotte – an itinerary for every type of CLT weekend

250 things to do in Charlotte – an itinerary for every type of CLT weekend
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This paid content was created in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners. 


This year, the Queen City turns 250.

In honor of the big 2-5-0, we joined up with Center City Partners and CLT250, presented by Atrium Health, to create a list of 250 things to do, aka 10 jam-packed itineraries for every type of CLT weekend you could want.

And pro tip – CLT250.com has the official event lineup so you can get involved in the celebration (you know, for when you’ve accomplished all 250 activities spelled out below).

(1) The laid-back weekend

You’re just trying to keep things chill this weekend. You want to grab some good food, maybe a fancy coffee and simply relax. Here’s what you should do:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


(2) The rainy weekend

The forecast calls for rain every day but that’s not going to ruin your weekend. Break out your umbrella and get out of the house.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


(3) The sports fan weekend

You live and breathe Charlotte sports. You never miss a Carolina game. This weekend is for you.

Revolution Park golf

Friday

Saturday

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(4) The outdoorsy weekend

Outside is where you thrive. You’re always looking for ways to fill your weekend that include sun and fresh air.

Friday 

Saturday

Sunday

  • Venture out to the U.S. National Whitewater Center
  • Stop at Rhino Market & Deli on the way for a breakfast sandwich
  • At USNWC, start slow with some flatwater kayaking
  • Pick things up with a mountain bike trail ride
  • Go full adrenaline with some Rodeo Rafting
  • Relax by the rapids with some grub from the Pump House Biergarten
  • End the day with an exhilarating ride on the zip line

(5) The craft beer lover’s weekend

The QC is known for our craft beer scene. If you are craft brew obsessed, you’ll love this weekend.

Friday 

  • Celebrate the end of the week with brews on the roof patio at Unknown Brewing Co.
  • Take a free tour of the brewery (they offer these every Friday at 6:30 p.m.)
  • Play a couple rounds of ping pong downstairs
  • Order one of these pies from Passport Dough & Co:
    • Italian
    • Thai
    • Vietnamese
  • End the night with some self-serve beers at Hoppin’

Saturday

  • Order the Pecan French Toast at Suffolk Punch for brunch
  • Get your morning caffeine fix with one of their specialty coffee drinks
  • Head across the street to Triple C Brewing Co. for a Golden Boy on their patio
  • Play a round of shuffleboard inside
  • Lyft over to Olde Mecklenberg Brewery
  • Take a brewery tour to see how they make their authentic German-style beer
    • Saturday tour times are 2p, 2:30p, 3p, 3:30p, 4p & 4:30p
  • Enjoy a soft pretzel or German-style Würste in the Biergarten
  • Walk across the street to Sugar Creek Brewing Co. and try a flight of their Belgian-style beer
  • Hop over to Queen Park Social for a bowling and air hockey break
  • End your crawl at Brewers at 4001 Yancey
  • Sample beers from both Southern Tier Brewing Co. & Victory Brewing Co.
  • Lyft over to Bang Bang Burgers for a Pimento Burger and some H2O
  • Once you’re home, order Insomnia Cookies because yum

Sunday


(6) The over-the-top treat yourself weekend

You’ve been working hard and you deserve a luxury weekend just for you. Time to go big.

via Instagram

Friday

  • Wind down from the busy week with a pedicure at The Daily Details
  • Add on a full foot and leg massage for max pampering
  • Finish things off with a fresh blowout and you’re ready for the evening
  • Head to Stoke for one or two of their craft cocktails
  • Have a decadent Italian meal at Angeline’s
  • Top your meal with the Black Swan after-dinner cocktail

Saturday

  • Have mimosas with a skyline view at Fahrenheit
  • Order the King Crab Benedict
  • Head over to the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte for a relaxing day at the spa
  • Splurge for the Honey & Chocolate Detox Ritual
  • Chill in the sauna for a little extra detox
  • Take a dip to cool down in the indoor pool
  • Grab lunch at the Ritz’s own BLT Steak and get the Lobster Salad
  • Pair your meal with a ‘Peppered Rose’ cocktail
  • Spend the afternoon shopping at these spots:
  • Have an over-the-top seafood dinner at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
  • Splurge on a Champagne & Oyster Pairing
  • Order the 8 oz. filet mignon and top it with a South African lobster tail
  • Finish the night with their Hot Chocolate Godiva Cake

Sunday 

  • Meet friends for a classy brunch at La Belle Helene
  • Order their ultra fancy Avocado Toast and a Bellini
  • Go for an Uptown stroll
  • Stop for gelato at Coffee Up Cafe

(7) The artsy weekend

You are all about music, arts and culture. Sample everything the Queen City has to offer in just one weekend.

Mint Museum

The Mint Museum Uptown

Friday

  • Sip on a glass of vino at The Wooden Vine
  • Split a Caprese Salad and Crab Cakes
  • If it’s the first Friday of the month, do one of these activities:
  • If it’s the third Friday of the month, check out Bechtler by Night for free

Saturday

Sunday

  • Enjoy a steaming Flat White at Coco and the Director
  • Find a cozy spot by the window and read a book
  • Walk over to The Green to check out some of the statue art
  • Catch a Sunday matinee at Theatre Charlotte

(8) The celebration weekend

Planning a birthday or bachelor/bachelorette party? Take cues from this itinerary.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday


(9) The foodie weekend

You love trying new restaurants and you’ve got a pretty impressive palate. There’s a lot in store, including James Beard nominated chefs.

salad-at-hello-sailor-charlotte-restaurant

Friday

  • Hit up Fin & Fino for after work drinks
  • Share a few plates:
    • Angel Oysters
    • Salmon & Tuna Poke
    • Roasted Shishito Peppers
  • Take an evening stroll through Romare Bearden Park
  • Grab a heaver bite to eat at Haymaker
    • Start with the Crispy Pork Belly or Heirloom Tomato Salad
    • Dine on the Wild Caught NC Grouper
    • End with the Almond Plum Cake
  • Take a Friday date night cooking class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen

Saturday

  • Start the day with a refined Uptown brunch at Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth
    • Go with the Tuna & Asparagus
    • Order a side of Squash Blossoms
  • Drive up to Lake Norman
  • Rent a paddle board at Aloha Paddle Sports
  • If you’ve never done stand up paddleboarding, book a group lesson
  • Head over to Hello, Sailor for a lakeside lunch
    • Start with the hushpuppies (the Yuzu Kosho-Honey Butter is amazing)
    • Order either the Citrus Crab Louie Salad or the Pink Snapper
    • Get a side of Grandfather’s Pickles
  • After lunch, walk out to the Tiki Bar for a tropical drink
  • Take in Lake Norman views while you sip and relax
  • Back in Charlotte, stop by Orrman’s Cheese Shop at the 7th Street Public Market
  • Get some bomb cheese recommendations

Sunday

  • Have brunch at The Stanley, owned by a James Beard nominated chef
    • Start with a mimosa or craft cocktail
    • Try the Doughnut of the Day
    • Order the Shrimp and Grits or Duke’s Brioche French Toast

(10) The kid-friendly weekend

Need to entertain the kids all weekend? No problem. They’ll be passed out asleep by Sunday night.

Courtesy of Discovery Place

Friday

  • Have a casual Italian dinner at Vapiano
  • Head to Strike City for a few rounds of bowling
  • Order classic Coke Floats for dessert
  • End the (early) evening with some classic arcade games

Saturday

Sunday


This paid content was created in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners. 

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