We all know that the Charlotte area offers so many great things to see and do! But if you are looking for a little adventure there are so many fun, exciting things do and places to go within a 150 miles of Charlotte that you can take advantage of this long Labor Day Weekend! Check out a few:
Boone is a very popular day trip from Charlotte and for good reason. Named after frontiersman, Daniel Boone, the little city is overrun with outdoor activities like bouldering, zip-lining, and river tubing.
If you are looking for a winter activity The Appalachian Ski Mountain is great for a day hitting the powder or enjoying their ice skating rink. Hike along the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, making stops at a replica of his cabin, a fort that served as his hideout during the Cherokee War, and the ruins of a 1753 Moravian village.
For something with a little more thrill, head for River and Earth Adventures and book a caving, whitewater rafting, hiking, or kayaking adventure!
Fly-fishing, bouldering, and hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail are also popular in Boone. If you can do it outside, it can be done in Boone. It’s the perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers!
Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite, NC
Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to public gem hunting! It’s not just emeralds either. The complex is actually home to over 60 different types of precious gems and minerals. Digging and sluicing for garnets, topaz, amethyst, sapphire, and aquamarine will keep your clan busy all day! Plus, see the very rare gemstone, Hiddenite. It is the 4th rarest in the world and is only found in this small town, bearing its name.
The entrance tickets are pretty cheap, and who knows you may find a very valuable gem. You must check in and receive a permit, as it is a working mine. There are rules about where and how you can dig, so make sure to check out the website for details. The mine also has a lapidary where you can buy beautiful locally sourced and crafted jewelry!
A trip to the emerald mines is not only fun but educational. Plus, you get to slosh around in the creek all day. The kids will love it!
Asheville is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a wonderful day trip from Charlotte. Asheville is a bit of a hipster haven and boasts high-quality restaurants and unique coffee shops, as well as a plethora of small breweries. In fact, it has more breweries per capita than any other city in the USA.
Asheville is also home to several prominent historical sites and plenty of outdoor activities, as well as some great museums, but its claim to fame is probably the ostentatious Biltmore Estate. Biltmore is the 1895 home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, and it is still family-owned today. The Biltmore is a 250-room mansion and is America’s largest home. The backyard is 8,000 acres and offers horseback riding and rafting to visitors. The Biltmore also has its own winery, spa, shopping facility, and multiple dining options, all available for visitors to explore.
Chimney Rock (Village and Park)
The centerpiece of Chimney Rock State Park is the 535-million-year-old monolith rock for which the Park is named. When you reach the Rock, you’ll be treated to 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge. The Park is also home to a 400-foot waterfall, and there are great opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Chimney Rock State Park is located southeast of Asheville on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. Chimney Rock is just 27 miles from downtown Asheville.
Lake Lure is the first of those two, known for its beautiful cool weather and the 27 miles of shoreline, including a swimming beach ($10 admission). Take a moment (or a day) and just relax at Lake Lure.
Hop in the lake and get lost in those beautiful surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Warm days are perfect for tubing, boating, and more fun on Lake Lure.
Elkin is known for many things these days, including its plethora of wineries to visit. I guess life is tough when you’re in the thick of the Yadkin Valley.
You can also enjoy walks Downtown, meals at the town’s delicious restaurants, shows at the iconic Reeves Theater, and more.
Stone Mountain State Park is nearby and home to fun hikes, waterfalls (including Stone Mountain Falls and Widow’s Creek Falls), and that massive rock that many folks love climbing.
While Crowders Mountain State Park is in Gaston County, it’s one of the best things to do in Gastonia. That’s why this state park is worthy of its own spot among our favorite day trips from Charlotte.
Lake Norman is surrounded by some fun small towns worth visiting, but the lake itself is among the best day trips from Charlotte. It’s North Carolina’s largest man-made lake, with 500 miles of shoreline to explore. Start with Lake Norman State Park and rent pedal boats, kayaks, or paddle boards for a nice day out.
Winston-Salem is the first of the Piedmont Triad’s big three that we’ll mention here. There are tons of things to do here, including various outdoor activities. You may even want to start by exploring the historic Moravian town of Old Salem.
You’ll also want to come hungry because Winston-Salem’s got the goods when it comes to food. The city’s breweries are also worth noting, with an innovative mix from smaller-scale to the big names (like Foothills).
And if you’re traveling with kids, a trip to either of the Kaledieum locations is definitely worthwhile. They’re both among our favorite museums in the city.
High Point is the smallest of the Triad’s three main cities but there’s plenty to do here. It’s a really fun place to make a day trip from Charlotte. High Point is also known as the “Furniture Capital of the World” but there are plenty of interesting places to explore beyond the renowned Furniture Market and the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers.
Greensboro is the farthest big city included here and one you’ll want to make multiple day trips for. We love starting with interactive Greensboro Children’s Museum to Greensboro Science Center, both among our favorite things to do with kids.
There’s also a wealth of history here, and you can investigate further at museums like the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (one of our favorite national parks sites).
Need to disconnect for a while? Go hang out with the rocks, trees, and unspoiled wilderness at Uwharrie National Forest. Just over an hour’s drive from Charlotte, this nature preserve has plenty of outdoor activities, as well as designated areas for just laying back and enjoying the scenery.
What is your favorite day trip from Charlotte? Inbox me!
