New restaurants and breweries are emerging almost weekly, and there’s something for every palate. To truly make the most of your food escapades, hit up one of the city’s food halls to try an array of cuisines under one roof. Popular spots include: Optimist Hall in the NoDa neighborhood, 7th Street Market, and the newest addition in the heart of downtown—Monarch Market. You could literally spend an entire day indulging. Or, if you fancy a great craft beer, check out any of the breweries—many of which were started and are run by local Charlotteans.

As one of the nation’s fastest growing cities, Charlotte is trying to catch up with its growing demand. While there is a light rail that currently runs through a handful of the most popular neighborhoods, you’ll want to be prepared to either rent a car or take a rideshare to places that may not be on the direct public transportation lines. There are a few very walkable neighborhoods and districts, including Camp North End and NoDa which are both popular hangouts for locals and visitors—especially on weekends. 

It’s the South, so the summer heat plus humidity can be brutal. And, contrary to belief, there’s also somewhat of a winter, too–although nowhere near as chilly as the northeast. To truly experience all the city has to offer, plan your visit in the spring or fall, which is also when many of the best festivals and outdoor concerts take place. Events to plan around include: Charlotte SHOUT! (a multi-week immersive fest in the spring with tons of family-friendly street installations) or the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival (a multiday event in the fall featuring some of the region’s best culinary talents and mixologists).

While you may not plan to work out on vacation, Charlotte somehow just brings it out of you. With tons of green spaces like Romare Bearden Park in the city’s center and Freedom Park in the Myers Park neighborhood, you’ll find yourself wanting to take a casual stroll to check out the scenery. Or, if you have a bit of a competitive side, the newest craze to hit the area are pickleball bars, which often feature multiple courts as well as a full food and beverage menu for those between serve bites and sips.

Of course, having an idea of your itinerary ahead of time can help you better plan out a budget for your activities. But, even if you do Charlotte on the fly, there are plenty of free and cheap options when you don’t necessarily want to break the bank. If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, The Bechtler Museum, Mint Museum, and Gantt Center offer free admission. If art isn’t necessarily your thing, you can browse Charlotte on the Cheap to see what deals or free things are available during your visit to the city.