As the weather starts to heat up, we are all itching to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Carolina springtime. Luckily, we have ample outdoor space and near perfect temperature ranges in the Charlotte area, making it an easy time of year to enjoy. Say hello to springtime while taking advantage of these outdoor spots.
Public Gardens, Greenways, and Grounds
If you’re interested in visiting beautiful gardens, greenways, and other public spots then you’re in luck. We have a long list of public gardens to visit around the city including Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, The McGill Rose Garden, Wing Haven, and more. These are great places to get outside and see firsthand the beauty that nature offers.
Another added bonus of living in the Charlotte area is the abundance of walking trails, greenways, and outdoor parks around town. If walking and hiking are your thing, consider resources like the Carolina Thread Trail Map which allows you to sort by county and AllTrails which hosts trail maps, reviews, and photos of trails around the country. HAR Tip: Check out a local favorite, Crowders Mountain, in Gaston County for a wide range of hiking trails and impressive views.
Outside of those grounds, there are several activity centers in our area that provide more unique ways to get moving outside. Since 2001, the US National Whitewater Center has been a Charlotte staple for outdoor activity and sports. The center often hosts races, festivals, and other events as well as regular daily activities and weekly outdoor concerts. Anne Springs Close Greenway is another area staple with 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.
Two States, Three Lakes
Charlotte is perfectly located in between three local lakes, making it a great place to live whether you love sitting on the dock, cruising on the boat, or taking part in water sports. Lake Norman, north of Charlotte, is the largest man-made body of freshwater in North Carolina and provides electricity to the Piedmont region of the Carolinas. Mountain Island Lake, northwest of Charlotte, is responsible for providing drinking water for residents in Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg County, as well as some of Gaston County. And Lake Wylie, south of Charlotte, spreads across both states.
There are plenty of public access spots, restaurants, and neighborhoods adjacent to these lakes to enjoy each body of water in your desired capacity. Some popular lakefront restaurants are Hello, Sailor and Eddie’s on Lake Norman and Papa Docs and Pumphouse on Lake Wylie.
Go For a Drive
One of the things that draws people to live in the Charlotte area is our convenient proximity to both the coast and the mountains. About two hours west will get you to the mountains and from there, you’ve got plenty of options for where exactly to explore. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Downtown Asheville, and Appalachian State University are some of the closer mountain destinations but a bit further of a drive could get you to the Tennessee border and Great Smoky Mountains. Explore the natural beauty this spring by driving through these scenic routes.
If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or an easy vacation, the Carolina beaches are a great option. Although the beaches are a bit farther than a drive to the mountains, you can still be at the closest beach in a little over three hours with your choice of dozens of South and North Carolina beaches. Thinking about buying a vacation spot in the mountains or coast? Our Relocation Department can help you buy or sell real estate anywhere in the country.
We are lucky to live in an area that’s filled with outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and perfect springtime temperatures. Get outside this spring and use this list to enjoy all that the Carolinas have to offer!