6 quick and easy day trips from Charlotte, NC
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Loading... - Melanie Corbyn
- 13 Apr 2022
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For a relaxing reset to combat the frazzled or frenetic pace of the city, strike out on any of these six day trips from the Queen City.
Belmont
Why go? To enjoy a dose of small-town simplicity
The city of Belmont has a Norman Rockwell-esque feel and makes for an ideal last-minute trip. Located about 25 minutes from Charlotte, Belmont’s downtown is only a few blocks long so you’re safe from decision-overload.
Get that classic English pub feel at Jekyll & Hyde’s Taphouse and Grill on Catawba Street. Unwind as the kiddies run wild at Stowe Park on Main Street or indulge on a Nutter Butter shake at Two Chicks Sandwiches and Scoops. If there’s still time to kill, browse the crowded shelves of secondhand treasures at Piccolo Antiques.
How to get to Belmont from Charlotte: By car, jump on 85 South for 15 miles. Take Exit 27 and turn onto NC-273 South until you reach Main Street. Alternatively, hop aboard a Route 4 CAT bus (adult single-fares start around US$2) to Abbey Square in Belmont.
Statesville
Why go? It’s the “ballooning capital” of the country
Hot-air ballooning is the name of the game in Statesville, located about 45 minutes from Charlotte. The season runs 365 days a year. Reserve a romantic sunset ride and see the Piedmont region of North Carolina from new heights. Save time for a visit to Southern Distilling Company for a guided tour and bourbon tasting.
Once the taste buds are primed, satisfy your appetite with down-home American fare from 220 Cafe on South Center Street. Go ahead and put in an order of the stuffed Portobello mushrooms while you decide on your main dish.
How to get to Statesville from Charlotte: Take I-77 North out of town for roughly 40 miles. Look for exit 49B and Salisbury Road to lead you in the direction of the historic district.
Asheville
Why go? For a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
You can’t drive all 500 miles on this iconic byway but you can stop at interesting points like the Folk Art Center or North Carolina Arboretum.
If you decide to tour Asheville, pick one neighborhood like Montford or the River Arts District, and spend your time there.
While the city has always had a killer food scene, more diverse culinary options have been opening up around town. A short distance from downtown, in trendy South Slope, Little Chango is a brand new place highlighting Latin American dishes.
From there, walk to any of the 10 breweries in the district like Catawba Brewing, Green Man Brewery or Burial Beer.
How to get to Asheville from Charlotte: The most direct route is via Interstate 40 but you’ll leave Charlotte by way of I-85 to 321. Once you’re in Asheville, follow the signs to enter the BRP from any of its access points. Greyhound does offer round-trip service. It takes about three hours and fares start around US$50. Read More…
