On the town: A 48-hour guide to Charlotte
Live Local
No matter your stage in life or interests, Charlotte, NC, offers something for everyone. With so much to do and see, we’ve collected some local expertise to create a fun-filled 48-hour itinerary. Our New Home Specialist Austin Read, shares his favorite local spots for a weekend on the town.
Your tour guide:Austin Read, New Home Specialist at Tri Pointe Homes® in Charlotte, NC.
Austin has lived near Uptown Charlotte for 10 years. As a new home expert, he is familiar with the city and neighboring communities.
He loves golf and exploring new restaurants and local spots with his wife, newborn son and their dog, Biscuit.
Charlotte is a vibrant urban district and growing business hub with plenty of parks, sports, nightlife, and dining. Plus, the great weather allows you to enjoy all the area has to offer throughout all four seasons, providing an incredible quality of life. Whether you’re new to town, in for a visit, or looking to see a new side of Charlotte, NC, there are many places to discover to enjoy food, fun and friends. Start your first day in the city center of Charlotte, NC, known as Uptown.
Friday:
Rise and Dine: Rhino Market is a family owned and operated business that is consistently ranked as Charlotte’s top market and deli. It is also a great breakfast spot, serving up coffee and fresh, traditional favorites.
The market provides fresh, locally sourced products and has a relaxed atmosphere.
There are five Rhino Market locations across Charlotte.
Tip: Try the breakfast burrito, it is a real crowd pleaser!
It’s GO-lf Time!Golf at one of many outstanding golf courses around the Queen City. Charlotte has 26 golf courses with six municipal courses. There are another 27 courses within 20 miles of the city.
Each May, golf fans gather to enjoy the annual Wells Fargo Championship PGA Tour event, hosted annually at Quail Hollow Golf Club on the city’s south side. The club will also host the 2025 PGA Championship.
A favorite is Rocky River Golf Club in Concord, NC, about 30 minutes from Charlotte, and boasts affordable green fees.
Tip: Rocky River has special discounts for students, first responders and active duty military (M-F only).
Street Food:After your round, head to Optimist Hall. It calls itself the happiest place on Earth, which is especially true when you are hungry.
This food hall features a dozen or so street food options with something for everyone.
You can also shop a variety of vendors for everything from old-time candy to plants and pet supplies.
DON’T MISS: The Dumpling Lady, serving up delicious hand-made family-recipes for Szechuan Chinese dumplings and noodles.
Night on the Town:Music, sports, drinks….pick your favorite and enjoy!
For live music, you’ve got options! Check out AvidXchange Music Factory, a collective of spaces featuring music, entertainment, and nightlife. The Fillmore is a live music venue in a historic textile mill, The Underground is an intimate performance space bringing in talent from all over the world, and Small Bar is a dive bar with great music and a laid-back atmosphere.
If sports are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. In summer, take in a Charlotte Knights game, AAA affiliate of the MLB Chicago White Sox, and enjoy stellar views of the city skyline. It’s always a fun time cheering on the hometown teams including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and newly minted Charlotte FC (MLS).
Saturday:
Brunch and Browse: Start your day off with a trip to SouthEnd, a growing neighborhood just south of the city.
Stroll along the Charlotte Rail Trail, an urban trail that runs along the LYNX (Charlotte’s light rail system), offering fun at every bend.
Rent a bike or scooter to explore an array of local spots, outdoor gathering areas, markets and more.
Stop for brunch at a local restaurant. Two to try are the New Orleans-inspired entrees and craft cocktails at Ruby Sunshine, and the pancake flight at Snooze, an AM Eatery.
TIP: Brewery hop among the best breweries in all of North Carolina. SouthEnd is home to Sycamore Brewing and Olde Mecklenburg Brewing Company, to name a few! You can try them all in one spot at Charlotte Beer Garden.
Nosh on Some Carolina Q for Lunch:Carolina BBQ is typically pork shoulder brushed with a spice and vinegar mixture while cooking, served with a ketchup-based sauce on the side. It all adds up to DELICIOUS. In my opinion, these are the best in town:
Mac’s Speed Shop. Beer, Bikes, Award-Winning BBQ – need I say more?
Midwood Smokehouse. Huge portions, smoked over wood. If you don’t know what burnt ends are….here is where to find out.
Noble Smoke. A newer joint but holds its own and has quickly earned a reputation for big flavor, tender meat and legendary barbecue.
Take in the Great Outdoors:After you’ve had your food fill, get in the flow at the US Whitewater Center. This 1,300-acre outdoor paradise is full of fun with loads to explore.
Choose your own adventure: The recreation facility offers Whitewater Rafting, Climbing, Yoga, Ice Skating, Ropes Courses, Trails/Races and more!
When you need a break, enjoy some live music.
Special Events like Paddle to Table, Zipline and Dine.
TIP: There is no better place to bring a blanket, soak up the outdoors and enjoy the scene!
If you are thinking about calling Charlotte home, our team would love to help you find your perfect Tri Pointe home. Tri Pointe Homes is building new homes across Charlotte, including communities such as SouthEnd at Tryon. This popular community is down to its final opportunities and is located in the growing LoSo neighborhood off I-77. It offers convenient access to the light rail and Uptown as well as the popular SouthEnd neighborhood on Charlotte’s near south side.
Reach out to charlotte@tripointehomes.com or click here to explore Fifteen 15 Cannon or any of our 13 prime Tri Pointe community locations.
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