Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach, California, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, situated along the rugged Pacific coastline of the Monterey Peninsula. The area is famous for its dramatic views of the ocean, majestic cypress trees, and pristine, pebble-strewn beaches. The 17-Mile Drive offers one of the most scenic coastal routes, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, which is often ranked among the top golf courses in the world.
First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Pebble Beach: What You Need to Know
- Entry Fee: To access Pebble Beach, you’ll need to enter via the famous 17-Mile Drive, which has a toll (it was $11.25 per vehicle during my 2024 visit). Keep your receipt as it’s credited towards purchases at select restaurants or pro shops.
- 17-Mile Drive: This scenic route offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, the iconic Lone Cypress, and several golf courses. Plan to stop at designated viewpoints to soak in the beauty and snap photos.
- Golfing Paradise: Pebble Beach is home to world-renowned golf courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links. Even if you’re not golfing, the courses are worth a visit for the scenery alone. Reservations for golf are essential, and the greens fees can be quite steep.
- Dress Accordingly: Pebble Beach is often cool and breezy, even during summer. Layer up and bring a jacket, especially if you plan to walk along the beach or explore the 17-Mile Drive.
- Dining Options: From casual cafes to fine dining, Pebble Beach offers a range of options. Popular spots include The Lodge and The Bench, which both offer fantastic views and delicious meals.
- Lodging: We opted to stay in nearby Caramel-By-The Sea, but Pebble Beach does offer its own lodging options. For an overnight stay, the luxurious accommodations at Pebble Beach Resorts, including The Lodge and Casa Palmero, provide upscale experiences.
- Outdoor Activities: Beyond golf, Pebble Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking along the coast, cycling the 17-Mile Drive, or exploring nearby Carmel Beach.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and a variety of bird species. The surrounding area is a haven for nature lovers.
- Sunset at Spanish Bay: End your day by watching the sunset at Spanish Bay. Each evening, a bagpiper plays as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, creating a magical ambiance.
- Respect the Environment: Pebble Beach is a protected area, so be mindful of littering, stay on designated paths, and respect wildlife.
Enjoy your first trip to this iconic coastal destination!
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for reading a bit about my time in Pebble Beach. The serene environment, crashing waves, and the blend of coastal cliffs with lush, green forests make it a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet invigorating escape.
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Cherry Blossom Bloom
The cherry blossom trees are the stars of springtime in Washington, DC! I was fortunate enough to visit the District during peak bloom this year (March 26, 2024) and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Seeing the nation’s capital accented in pink for the National Cherry Blossom Festival was so memorable and breathtaking.
When is Peak Blossom?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival took place this year from March 20 to April 14, 2024. The cherry blossoms bloom on different dates every year. Over the last five years, peak bloom, which is when 70% of the flowers of the cherry blossom trees are open, has occurred in the second half of March. You can compare peak bloom dates over the past 20 years thanks to the National Park Service, which tracks all stages of the blossoms. The best viewing of the cherry blossom trees typically lasts four to seven days after peak bloom begins, but some blossoms can linger up to two weeks under ideal conditions.
Where to See the Cherry Blossom Trees?
The most popular place to visit the cherry blossom trees is at the Tidal Basin, which will give you fantastic photos near the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. If the Tidal Basin is your viewing spot for the Cherry Blossoms, I suggest arriving as early as possible. The area fills with tourists quickly and it can be difficult to get your “dream” cherry blossom photo with so many people around!
If you prefer to avoid the crowd, there are plenty of cherry blossom trees found along the National Mall, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial and around the Washington Monument. Off-the-radar cherry blossom trees can be found at the National Arboretum, Anacostia Park, Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown, Stanton Park, and Oxon Run Park. All of these locations are easily accessible by bike, Metro, or walking so leave the car and avoid traffic if you can!
Thanks For Reading!
Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment about your cherry blossom experience!
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Operating since 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the perfect spot for some California fun! The vibrant seaside park features a spectacular beach setting, great rides, food, and a friendly atmosphere. Best of all, The Boardwalk is super affordable, admission is free and the ride tickets are very inexpensive. A visit to The Boardwalk is truly a unique California experience!
Boardwalk History
The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the oldest amusement park in California and one of the last seaside amusement parks on the West Coast of the United States. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Loof Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks and the entire Boardwalk property is a California Historic Landmark.
According to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk website, the Boardwalk’s roots date back to 1865. John Leibrandt opened a public bathhouse near the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Other bathhouses opened and tourists began visiting Santa Cruz to enjoy the natural medicine of bathing in salt water. Soon more concessions began to pop up including restaurants, shops, and photo stands. Toward the end of the century, The Boardwalk had plans to become the Coney Island of the West.
Fun For The Entire Family
If you’ve been following me along here on the blog, you know for my birthday I went on a Pacific Northwest Road trip. I flew in to Seattle, and drove to San Jose California, with stops in Portland Oregon, Santa Cruz, Carmel By The Sea, and Big Sur. After being on the Highway for several hours, the Boardwalk was the perfect stopping point in Santa Cruz. The salty beach air, the smells of the concession foods, and the sounds of all the rides were so welcoming after a long car ride.
The Boardwalk is packed full of attractions. You’ll find miniature golf, an arcade with over 300 video games, laser tag, air hockey, bowling and so much more. Most of the attractions are open from 9am to 12am, but be sure to check for seasonal hours online before you visit. As you stroll along The Boardwalk you’ll find lots of classic Midway games and fun vendors offering caricatures, photo booths, face painting (and henna) and so much more. You could spend hours out here and not be bored!
Boardwalk Eats
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features a wonderful variety of fun and delicious food choices. Most of the food locations open with ride hours, and there are options for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. I was amazed by the amount of food choices on the boardwalk! You have options for sandwiches, fries, burgers, ice cream, fish & chips, crepes, Boba tea, pizza, corn dogs (Surf City Grill offers vegetarian corn dogs), gyros, cheesesteaks, beach tacos & nachos, BBQ, pretzels, saltwater taffy, caramel apples, and so much more! Needless to say, you won’t leave The Boardwalk hungry!
A Day To Remember on The Boardwalk
Spending the day in Santa Cruz and on The Boardwalk was one of the highlights of my birthday trip. I can’t recommend a visit to the boardwalk enough. The family-friendly atmosphere was so inviting and of course, I couldn’t get enough of all the food. It reminded me of the State Fair back home in NC but with much nicer weather! For a true California experience make sure to add a stop to Santa Cruz on your itinerary.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you’ll stick around for more of my time on the West Coast!
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Mona Lisa Smile
If you’ve been following me on the blog, you’ve read and seen so much of my adventures in France. I’m so excited to finally share my experience viewing the Mona Lisa (among other unbelievable works of art) at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France!
For my first time in France, there were certain attractions I knew I had to visit and the Louvre Museum was at the top of the list. Our travel agent booked us a private tour guide for a day at the museum, with the recommendation to arrive early to take in as many sites as possible during our limited time. Our French-born, English-speaking tour guide picked us up from our hotel promptly at 8:00 am and it was so convenient because we didn’t have to stress about navigating ourselves in a foreign city!
The tour guide was phenomenal, he knew the best place to park, the best entrance to use to access the Louvre, where and how to check our coats, and so much more. I cannot recommend tour guides enough.
Up Close and Personal with The Mona Lisa
Because our tour guide was a seasoned pro, he knew that the Mona Lisa needed to be the first stop on our Louvre visit. As the most visited site in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa can get packed with visitors. Since we arrived at the Louvre right at opening AND we made it our first stop, we were essentially able to view the famous Mona Lisa by ourselves (at least for a minute or 2).
Bucket List Item Checked Off!
Viewing the Mona Lisa up close and personal with my husband was truly a bucket list experience that I’ll be forever grateful for. The painting itself was much smaller than I imagined but it is beautiful nonetheless. Please be sure to check my IG page to see more photos and videos of my time with the Mona Lisa.
Thanks For Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope that you’ll stick around for more of my time at the Louvre!
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Christmas Spectacular
I was fortunate enough to enjoy the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City (featuring the legendary Radio City Rockettes!) with my youngest daughter during the holiday season. The show was incredible and I can certainly understand how the show is a Christmas staple for some people. It was my first time visiting Radio City and all the Christmas decorations blew me away! We made sure to arrive for our 10:00 pm show an hour early to take in all the sights and snap lots of photos.
Christmas in NYC
Is there a more magical place than NYC during the holidays? My daughter and I had plans to take in as many holiday sights as possible during our 3-day visit to the city. We hit the Plaza, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Ave, The Winter Market at Bryant Park, and so much more. With such a packed schedule, I didn’t think we would have time for a show at Radio City Music Hall. I was delighted to find that the Christmas Spectacular was having a 10:00 pm showing and it fit perfectly in our schedule! The late showing allowed us to tour the city during the day, grab a nap to recharge, have a nice dinner, and then head out to see the famous Rockettes!
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall was built in 1932, as part of the construction of Rockefeller Center. The 5,960-seat Music Hall was the larger of two venues built for Rockefeller Center’s “Radio City” section, the other being Center Theater; the “Radio City” name came to apply only to the Music Hall. It was largely successful until the 1970s when the theater nearly went bankrupt. Radio City was designated a New York City Landmark in May 1978, and it was restored and allowed to remain open. The theater was extensively renovated in 1999.
Currently Radio City hosts televised events including the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the NFL Draft, as well as university graduation ceremonies.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual musical holiday stage show. It’s a 90-minute show that features more than 140 performers and an original musical score and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes. The stars of the show are the Rockettes, a women’s precision dance troupe. Thanks to the Rockettes, the show has become a New York Christmas tradition since 1933!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the diversity struggles the Rockettes have faced in their history. The first non-white Rockette, a Japanese-born woman named Setsuko Maruhashi, was not hired until 1985. The Rockettes did not allow dark-skinned dancers into the dance line until 1987. Sadly the first African American Rockette was not selected until 1987. Jennifer Jones made her debut in 1988 at the Super Bowl XXII halftime show.
As African American women, my daughter and I were pleased to see that the Rockette lineup includes diversity. It made the Christmas Spectacular even more enjoyable.
Everything You Need To Know For The Show
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes runs at Radio City Music Hall from November 17, 2023, to January 4, 2024. The 2024 holiday dates will be released soon so you can grab your tickets early. Most days there are 6-7 showings per day. There are morning shows, afternoon shows, and evening shows available, which makes planning your visit super convenient! I paid $160.00 (per ticket) for 2 tickets and I had great seats. We sat on the first Mezzanine and had clear, unobstructed views of the stage!
I suggest arriving at Radio City at least 1 hour before your show is scheduled. The lobby is decorated so beautifully, that you’ll want to spend time taking it all in. There are several concession stands in the lobby so be sure to grab some snacks and drinks (alcohol is available for the adults) before the show. Keep in mind that it’s NYC so don’t be shocked at the concession prices. A glass of Pinot Noir was $16.00 and I also spent $20.00 for a souvenir tub of popcorn.
Once you’ve snapped all your photos in the lobby and purchased your snacks, sit back, relax, and enjoy every second of the Christmas Spectacular!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to add the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes to your holiday plans next year!
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Monte Carlo Casino
During my trip to Monaco, I enjoyed visiting the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. The opportunity to experience all the glitz & glamour Monaco is known for was the highlight of my time on the French Riviera!
Monte Carlo, The Jewel of the Mediterranean
Monte Carlo Casino is located in the Principality of Monaco and many consider it the glittering jewel of the Mediterranean. The views are just spectacular everywhere you look, and it’s truly a sight that must be seen to be believed!
Fun Fact: Monte Carlo Casino is more than just a gaming house, it is also home to the Opera de Monte-Carlo!
Exploring Monte Carlo Casino
Our adventure at the Casino began at the Casino Square (Place du Casino), a Plaza at the front entrance of the building. The plaza was full of tourists taking photos (me included) of all the wildly expensive supercars driving by. It was a great introduction to the excess that is Monte Carlo. As guests, my husband and I got to visit the Casino de Monte Carlo without entering the gaming rooms. We were able to tour the artfully decorated Atrium. Touring the Atrium is a fantastic way to get the feel of the casino without paying to access the rooms. The Atrium is free to visitors beginning at 10 am and it is a beautiful spot to explore and people watch.
Our tour guide informed us that accessing the gaming rooms requires a valid national identity card or passport. Driver’s licenses are not an acceptable form of identification. Currently, the entrance fee is 18 euros (about $19) per person.
Bond, James Bond
007 fans should recognize Monte Carlo Casino from several James Bond films. Some of the filming of GoldenEye took place here, and the casino was also featured in Never Say Never Again & Casino Royale. It was so much fun snapping photos inside places I recognized from the big screen!
A True Bucket List Experience!
As I said earlier, during my time at the Monte Carlo Casino we only toured the Atrium, we did not enter the gaming rooms. It would have been nice to at least enter the famous (infamous?) gaming rooms and try my luck, but sadly time just didn’t permit it. I would love to hear from any of you who may have had an opportunity to try some games at the legendary Monte Carlo Casino! Please let me know everything I missed!
A visit to Cote d’Azur would be incomplete without a stop in Monaco and to trip to Monte Carlo Casino! If you love travel, architecture, glitz & glamour, this is the place for you!
Be sure to follow my IG page for lots of videos and photos of my time in Monaco!
Thanks For Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to add Monaco and the French Riviera to your travel list!
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A Cozy Igloo Experience!
Durham, NC is home to a fun holiday/winter-themed experience you’ll love! The igloos at Unscripted Hotel, offer a festive and intimate winter wonderland setting right in the heart of downtown Durham. The igloo experience includes a coursed meal set inside a cozy (and heated) outdoor igloo located right on the hotel’s rooftop patio. My family & I enjoyed our igloo experience so much, that we’ve decided to make it a yearly tradition! Please keep reading to learn more about the igloos.
Unscripted Hotel
Unscripted Durham is a boutique hotel that was originally built in the 1960s. It has since been renovated into 74 rooms and suites that perfectly blend mid-century design with the modern day. Unscripted offers The Patio, which is their lively outdoor rooftop. The Patio serves new American cuisine (and drinks) with views of downtown Durham, and this is the same space that is transformed in the winter for the igloos! While I only stayed for the igloo experience, you can certainly book the hotel for a stay!
Unscripted Durham is located at 202 Corcoran Street, Durham, NC 27701.
Booking Your Igloo Experience
Reservations are required to secure your igloo. Dates fill fast so it’s best to book your date ASAP. According to information I’ve found on the web, the igloos will be available until March 2024, but I recommend you contact Unscripted directly to be sure of the end date.
All reservation experiences are for two hours from the booked reservation time. A credit card is required at the time of booking, but the card on file is only to hold the reservation. You are not charged unless there is a no-show or cancellation less than 48 hours ahead of the reservation. It is important to note that reservations that are more than 30 minutes late will be considered a no-show, so you don’t want to be late. Here is the OpenTable link to book your reservation: Igloos at Unscripted Restaurant – Durham, NC | OpenTable
Igloos at Unscripted
The igloo experience is priced at $60.00 per person and it features a pre-set food menu. During my experience, the menu consisted of 4 courses and an optional Cheese course. Be sure to check me out on IG to see a reel that features the menu and what I selected! Optional wine pairings, cocktails, and other beverages are available for a la carte purchase.
The cocktails were festive and I enjoyed my Dipping Into Santa’s Kool-Aid (a cocktail made with rum, blood orange, white cranberry, cardamom, and lime). Be prepared for steep prices for the alcoholic beverages, my cocktail was $15!
The course options were varied and all delicious. I started with a mixed green salad with roasted squash, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and candied walnuts, followed by pappardelle with fried squash & walnuts as my second course. My main entree consisted of a rosemary roasted airline chicken with crispy brussel sprouts, and for dessert, I finished the meal with a white chocolate bread pudding topped with caramel creme. My family all picked different course items and they enjoyed their meals as well.
You can expect personal and attentive service at the Igloos. Our server checked on us frequently, made sure the temperature inside the Igloo was comfortable, and even offered to make some menu modifications for us. A standard 20% gratuity was automatically added to our bill, and we happily tipped on top as the service was outstanding!
Just Book Your Igloo Already!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to get in the holiday spirit inside a cozy igloo at Unscripted Durham!
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Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, known for its towering redwood trees. I enjoyed visiting Muir Woods during my recent visit to San Francisco, and it was an experience I’ll cherish. Walking among the towering redwood trees was truly my nature-lover dream!
Muir Woods is just a short drive (about 12 miles) north of San Francisco, making it the perfect day trip when you’re in the city. The National Recreation Area covers 554 acres, of which 240 acres are old-growth coast redwood forests, one of only a few remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. An old-growth forest is a forest that has attained great age without significant disturbance. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, Muir Woods welcomes over 800,000 visitors per year.
Visiting Muir Woods
Muir Woods is currently open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The hours do change seasonally so be sure to check their website for operating hours before your visit. Muir Woods has a great visitors center where you can purchase souvenirs and merch; you don’t want to miss it (the Visitors Center features a Cafe).
To park at Muir Woods, you MUST have a reservation. The process is simple but must be completed before your arrival. There is no cell phone service or WiFi at or around Muir Woods National Monument so you must download your parking reservation in advance. GoMuirWoods.com is where you’ll secure your parking reservation.
Muir Woods has a $15 per person entrance fee and this is SEPARATE from the parking fee. Individuals 15 or younger do get in free. Only service animals are permitted at Muir Woods, no pets are allowed. Unlike the parking pass which must be purchased in advance, entrance fees can be purchased upon arrival at the park.
The Magic of Muir Woods
Spending a day in Muir Woods was the highlight of my trip to San Francisco. I’ve always looked to nature for hope and inspiration during tough moments in my life. The peacefulness I found walking amongst the towering redwood trees was exactly what I needed. I arrived at Muir Woods almost as soon as they opened, so there wasn’t a large crowd at all, just a few early birds in awe of the forest like me!
The main attraction of Muir Woods is the coast redwood trees. The tallest redwood in Muir Woods is 258 feet, but they can grow to nearly 400 feet! The trees come from a seed no bigger than that of a tomato seed. According to the Muir Woods website, most of the redwoods in the monument are between 500 and 800 years old, and the oldest is at least 1,200 years old. Visiting Muir Woods really is to take a walk among ancient giants.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this post inspires you to visit Muir Woods National Monument, I 1000% recommend it!
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During my recent visit to Portland Maine, I had my first-ever sailing adventure with Portland Schooner Co. My husband and I booked with Sunset Sail around Casco Bay and it was an experience we’ll cherish forever.
Sailing with Portland Schooner Co.
Portland Schooner Co. offers sails around Casco Bay in Portland, ME aboard their handcrafted, wooden schooners built in Maine. The sails are 2 hours long and the views of the Maine coastline are unbeatable! You have options for sailing times; we went with the sunset sail which was from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm but there are early morning sails and afternoon sails as well. You are welcome to bring beer, wine, and food with you for the sail, and the sailing adventures are appropriate for all ages!
Portland Schooner Co. has a fleet of five Maine-built, wooden schooners with capacities ranging from 6 to 49 guests. The oldest schooner in the fleet, The Wendameen was built in 1912 and can accommodate 49 guests!
What Exactly Is a Schooner?
A schooner is a type of sailing vessel defined by its rig: fore-and-aft rigged on all of two or more masts and, in the case of a two-masted schooner, the foremast generally being shorter than the mainmast. The origins of schooner-rigged vessels are obscure, but there is good evidence of them from the early 17th century in paintings by Dutch Marine artists. Schooners were popular on both sides of the Atlantic in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By 1910, 45 five-masted and 10 six-masted schooners had been built in Bath, Maine, and in towns on Penobscot Bay. (Schooner Information From Wikipedia)
Sunset Sail
Our sunset sail departed at 6:00 pm and you need to arrive at the dock 15 minutes prior. I HIGHLY suggest arriving earlier than 15 minutes as parking in downtown Portland was a bit tricky. The dock is located at Maine State Pier which is adjacent to the Casco Bay Lines facility on the corner of Commercial and Franklin Streets (56 Commercial Street). Portland Schooner Co. is about halfway out on the Pier past Casco Bay Lines. Keep walking past the construction until you see the pier and they are the second dock house closest to the water’s edge. If you’re using GPS, the address for the dock is 56 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101.
We purchased our tickets in advance, which is strongly recommended. Our tickets were $63.00 each, but you’ll want to check the website for current pricing and sail times. After a brief check-in process, we were able to board! As I mentioned earlier, food and drinks are welcome aboard (including beer & wine) so definitely bring some goodies with you! I loved sipping my wine while sailing around and taking in the sights which included plenty of lighthouses, stately homes along the coast and of course lots of lobster trap markers.
The crew of the Schooner was so pleasant and informative. They were always on hand to point out the sights, give information on the vessel, provide blankets for those of us who needed one, and even let us help with the sails! It was clear that they all love their job and it just made the overall sailing experience that much better! Be sure to bring cash so that you can leave a gratuity, it’s not mandatory but it is good practice AND well-deserved!
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for joining me on my first sailing adventure, and I hope this post inspires you to try a sailing adventure of your own! Please be sure to check my IG page for some beautiful video footage of the sunset sail.
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Charlotte, NC, The Queen City
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte (aka The Queen City) is the perfect blend of Southern charm and modern urbanism. With its professional sports teams, iconic skyline, cultural attractions, and fabulous dining scene, Charlotte really does have something for everyone to enjoy!
A City Fit For A Queen
The city of Charlotte is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who had become the Queen Consort of Great Britain and Ireland in 1761. If you’re not a history buff, but you’re a Bridgerton fan, it’s THAT Queen Charlotte! The city was named in her honor by European settlers in 1768. Since its humble beginnings, the Charlotte metropolitan area has grown to a population of over 900,000 people and it’s now the 17th largest city in the United States!
Charlotte Sports You Don’t Want To Miss!
Charlotte is a city with a strong sports culture. Whether you are into football, basketball, or motorsports, Charlotte definitely has you covered:
- Nascar Hall of Fame – Did you know Charlotte is the motorsports capital of the United States? The Nascar Hall of Fame is located here and it’s a must-visit for the entire family! Follow the link provided to see everything the Hall experience provides and find out all the info you need to plan your visit.
- Carolina Panthers – NFL fans rejoice! Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers (since 1993) and their home games are played at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. What better way to experience the city than at a football game?
- Charlotte Hornets – More of an NBA fan? Charlotte is home to the Hornets who play at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center – Whitewater Center features 1,300 acres of recreation grounds with whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, and more.
But Wait, There’s More!
If you’re not the biggest sports fan, don’t worry! Charlotte is full of so much more. Museums like the Levine Museum of the New South & the Mint Museum can provide you with a diverse range of cultural experiences. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Uptown Charlotte is a premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and performances, and is currently hosting the Charlotte International Arts Festival.
If amusement parks are your jam, you’ll definitely want to check out Carowinds. With over 60 rides and attractions and all your favorite amusement park foods & games, Carowinds will entertain the whole family! If you visit now (until October 29), you can experience Scarowinds which features some fun spooky rides, haunted mazes, and more!
Must Eat Spots in Charlotte
Charlotte has no shortage of great food places. Whatever your appetite or budget, the city has something for you! Here are just a few of my favorite spots:
- Reigning Donuts – Hands down the best donuts in Charlotte. They have later hours than most donut shops so you can get your sweet fix at night too!
- Big Ben Pub – Check out Big Ben Pub and get the best Fish n’ Chips in town!
- Cheat’s Cheesesteaks – Great for lunch or a late-night bite, Cheat’s has some great cheesesteaks and subs (the fries are pretty great too!). Cheat’s is carry out only, so expect to enjoy your sandwich to go or at one of the many picnic tables they have on site.
- The Fig Tree Restaurant – If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, an extensive wine list, and a romantic atmosphere, Fig Tree has you covered. Located inside a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, the restaurant is the perfect date night spot in Charlotte.
Be sure to head to my IG to see videos and photos of more of the spots I mentioned here!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for reading and I hope this post inspired you to take a trip to the Queen City! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you love most about Charlotte!
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