With cool mornings and sunny afternoons, the Spring season is notorious for bringing us outdoors and into the sunshine following the cold of winter. Between Charlotte and the rest of the Carolinas, there is no shortage of activities to do outside. As you look for ways to answer Mother Nature’s call to head outdoors, consider our list of ideas below for places to enjoy the Carolinas.
Get Moving
You don’t have to go far to start enjoying the spring weather - if you like hiking, biking, or taking a leisurely stroll, you can opt for your own neighborhood or find a trail on the CLT Trail Guide. This guide features trail options for anyone to enjoy - from adventurous hikes at the US National Whitewater Center, following the LYNX Light Rail, through the UNC-Charlotte campus, and even a beer trail throughout NoDa.
Other fun can be found at Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill offering countless outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnics, kayaking, and more. Read more about Helen Adams Realty’s partnership with the nature preserve here.
For other trails across the Carolinas, reference AllTrails to find trails at your interest, experience level, and location. Some popular spots include Crowders Mountain, stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway, national forests, and state parks.
Support Local
Attend a home game to support the Charlotte Knights at BB&T Ballpark or cheer on the newly-formed Charlotte Football Club at Bank of America stadium. Rather watch your favorite team at home or your favorite brewery or sports pub? Choose from some of Charlotte’s best patios to watch the game, hang with friends, and enjoy food and drink while supporting a local business.
Festivals are another fun, annual opportunity to enjoy the prime weather, food, drink, music, and patron local Charlotte businesses. The South Carolina Strawberry Festival returns this year (April 29 - May 4) in Fort Mill, as well as the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival in Huntersville (May 6-7).
Consider the seemingly limitless number of breweries and wineries across both North and South Carolina. Many of these locations hold special events throughout the year and serve as a fun place to share a drink and catch up with friends and family.
Smell the Roses
Nothing quite says spring like flowers and greenery - the botanical gardens are a sure place to find beautiful blooms year-round. Check out the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, Davidson College Arboretum, and the McGill Rose Garden.
If you’re looking for a short road trip, other flowery spots across the Carolinas include Raven Rock State Park, South Carolina Botanical Gardens, or Flower Hill Nature Preserve, near Cary. The Biltmore in Asheville boasts beautiful gardens and meticulously maintained grounds; check out their Bloom Report for updates on which florals you might see on your next visit.
Take a Dip
Looking for a place to enjoy the water? You’re in luck - Charlotte is conveniently located between three area lakes: Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie.
Head north of Charlotte to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in the state, where you can find options for dining, lounging, fishing, and boating. Just south, you’ll find Mountain Island Lake, which hosts 61 miles of shoreline and is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. Lake Wylie sits between the border of North and South Carolina; fed by the Catawba River, it’s a great place to catch a variety of fish - from largemouth bass to catfish.
Outside of the Charlotte area, the Carolinas offer a mix of beautiful water destinations from the beaches of the coast to rivers and lakes running through the mountains. While it might still be too cool for swimming, ocean-side beaches to the east provide an opportunity for relaxation, fresh seafood, and even more water sports. Check out larger beach cities like Charleston, Wilmington, or Myrtle Beach, or search for a smaller beach town to stay in and enjoy the ocean views. Head toward Appalachia to find scenic waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls or Sliding Rock near Brevard.
No matter if your favorite outdoor activity is floating on the boat, hiking the trails, or drinking a beer and basking in the breeze, we hope you find plenty of time this season to enjoy it!
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