I know at least five different people who relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina from my native Maryland. That might not seem like a big percentage, but in my estimate, it is probably one of the largest migrations from the D.C. Metropolitan area and its suburbs, beyond New York City.
It got me thinking – what is so attractive about Charlotte, North Carolina that so many have settled there, found jobs, friends, and planted roots?
This past summer we made it a point to explore the Queen City for ourselves and to find out just why so many of our friends love Charlotte.
Where to Stay
If purple is your favorite color, you will love the decor at the Hyatt House.
We made the Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City in Downtown Charlotte our home for two nights on a month long road trip up and down the East Coast. I loved the location of the hotel because we were smack dab in the middle of all that the downtown area has to offer. It was also super easy to get to the more suburban areas, where we would be exploring some nature opportunities while we stayed.
The Hyatt House is a modern hotel adorned in black, grey, and purple. My little girl loved the chic decor and spacious rooms, and really comfortable beds.
View from the rooftop pool overlooking the City of Charlotte.
Every morning they had a superb hot breakfast available. This wasn't the typical "make your own hot breakfast" buffet with a do-it-yourself waffle maker. Offerings included an omelet station, waffles and pancakes, potatoes, grits or sausage gravy, plus fresh fruit, cereal, and granola. The spread was expansive, hearty, and tasty. For the price, breakfast, location, and comfort we would absolutely stay at the Hyatt House in Charlotte, and elsewhere, again.
Omelet station at the Hyatt House.
Things To Do In Downtown Charlotte with Kids?
At first glance, the buzz of young professionals in suits and ties, entering into large skyscrapers that tower over historic churches seems to be the crux of downtown Charlotte. But, looking closer there are great options for learning and entertainment for kids.
Getting involved in books at ImaginOn.
ImaginOn – Located blocks from Hyatt House, ImaginOn is a part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children's Theater of Charlotte. This is probably one of the coolest libraries we have visited. We spent hours playing, and we didn't even get into reading books. During our visit, the main exhibit was Clifford the Big Red Dog. Clifford and his friends came to life and we were able to play with them on Birdwell Island. The exhibits, events, and shows are ever changing, so check the calendar of events for what is going on during your visit.
Fun and color inside ImaginOn
Discovery Place – A full scale, hands-on science museum, targeted to children of all ages in the heart of downtown Charlotte. See an IMAX film and spend the day exploring and experimenting at the various exhibits. Discovery Place is partner with Discovery Kids, and the Charlotte Nature Museum – all focused on fun, science emersion for kids.
Exploring Nature in Charlotte
Fort Wild, a place to "Dream, Build, Run, Jump, and Explore Nature".
Charlotte Nature Center – In the middle of the beautiful Myers Park neighborhood and just minutes from Downtown Charlotte is the Charlotte Nature Center. It isn't a huge museum, but one that packs the punch of nature education exhibits, specific to the North Carolina region. The Nature Museum is geared to children ages three to seven, but as a kid at heart, I had a great time seeing a little nature in action. Grandfather Tree taught us about the creatures of the night, and Fort Wild is an outdoor play space that encourages children to use their imagination, build a new world, and get dirty. We absolutely loved it there.
Freedom Park – If there is still energy left over after The Charlotte Nature Museum and Fort Wild, walk across the bridge to Freedom Park to play on the playgrounds, watch the ducks, and to enjoy the nice Charlotte weather.
Bridge to Freedom Park. Be Happy!
The Charlotte Raptor Center on Lotta Plantation – The Charlotte Raptor Center is 20 minutes North of Charlotte in Huntersville, NC, close by to Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. This non-profit rehabilitates birds of prey, while educating the general public about them. We spent a rainy afternoon splashing in the mud, visiting the birds, making our own paper owls.
Creating paper owls at the Charlotte Raptor Center.
Making paper owls in the great outdoors
Where To Eat
Breakfast – I am sure that Charlotte has a lot of breakfast spots that would satisfy all your taste buds, but we were perfectly happy and impressed by the breakfast at the Hyatt House each morning.
Cold options for your elevated continental breakfast at the Hyatt House.
Lunch – We loved going to the historical South end area of Charlotte for lunch before going out to the Charlotte Nature Museum, just a few minutes’ drive away. We hit up Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop for some Southern cooking and sweet treats. I certainly enjoyed my Honey Pecan Fried Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Casserole, and New York Egg Cream to finish it all off. The food, staff, and atmosphere were lively and full of charm.
Honey Pecan Fried Chicken at Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop.
Dinner – For Dinner we were back downtown for North Carolina BBQ at Queen City Q. There are certain states you just can't leave without trying their BBQ, and North Carolina is one of them. I had the pull pork platter, with Eastern NC Style Slaw (it was SPICY!), and hush puppies. Not the healthiest of meals, but it was delicious. Queen City Q is across the street from ImaginOn. Spend the afternoon at the library or theater and then head over to Queen City Q for some award winning BBQ for dinner.
I see now why so many people I know have chosen Charlotte as their home. The food scene was good, and I have heard that their craft beer scene is something to talk about too, the people were nice, the city and surrounding areas lovely, and there were plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. We will definitely make Charlotte a place we visit again, because #CharlottesGotALot!
We haven’t taken a trip to Charlotte with the kids… yet 😉 Thanks for these great tips!
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