Day trips from Charlotte are a great way to have a little change of pace and to experience something new! Charlotte is a great town with lots to do, but sometimes its good to go and explore! Both near and a little bit farther, these day trips will be fun and memorable!
This article is all about fun and easy day trips from Charlotte, NC!
1. Davidson, NC
This one is such a close and convenient (and cute to boot) day trip from Charlotte that it is a no brainer! Davidson is just north of Charlotte, near Lake Norman. This cute college town is home to Davidson University. The campus itself makes for a beautiful stroll, with brick paths through canopied trees. But across from the campus is the Davidson Main Street.
Main Street has cute shops with everything from Davidson University apparel to antiques and souvenirs. Grab a coffee at Summit Coffee Co and wander down to Main Street Books to find a cute card or the latest bestseller. But whatever you do, DO NOT miss out on Kindred. Kindred has been voted the best restaurant in Charlotte (and it’s not even in Charlotte) by Axios Charlotte for several years now, and they aren’t wrong. Every meal starts with the delicious milk bread and then you truly can go wrong with any of their fresh made dishes. I recommend getting several and sharing! And for birthday (or any) celebrations, don’t miss the Birthday Cake!
Davidson is a great trip for a relaxed day exploring in the sun. Find treasures and peace while strolling through.
2. Winston Salem, NC
This former tobacco town is a unique mix of history, small southern charm and old money. This combo makes it a perfect destination for a Charlotte day trip. One of the special historic parts of this town is Old Salem. Old Salem is a preserved Moravian settlement from 1766, The streets are lined with restored buildings and people in traditional 18th century businesses and fashions. It is a great place to step into the past for a day. Don’t miss out on some Moravian baked goods or bespoke tradesman.
When you’re done at Old salem, head over for some traditional Lexington style BBQ at Real Q BBQ (formerly Little Richards BBQ). Real Q is one of the last grandfathered-in locations that pit-cooks their BBQ on site. Buy this delicious bbq and slaw by the pound or as a tray with hushpuppies. (Tip: bring cash, or expect to use their on-site ATM.)
Another Winston-Salem staple is the original Village Tavern restaurant in Reynolda Village. Renolyda Village is home to shops and restaurants on the former estate of R. J. Reynolds, tobacco tycoon. Village tavern is tucked away in one of the old buildings and offers delicious meals in a unique setting.
Before you head back home, make sure you stop at Dewey’s Bakery. Now that they have expanded, you may have seen their Moravian sugar cake or cookies in the supermarket, but nothing beats the original bakeries located in Winston-Salem. Grab a cream horn or a Devonshire coffee cake for the road.
3. Greenville, SC
A little less than two hours southwest of Charlotte is Greenville, SC. Greenville is home to one of the most stunning views smack dab in the middle of the main town stretch. Falls Park on the Reedy features a huge bridge suspended over rushing falls right in the center of town. Walk across the suspended bridge for an epic picture backdrop or walk down below to explore near the rocks and falls.
Once you’ve taken in the views, wander down Main Street to see all the cute shops Greenville has to offer. M. Judson Bookstore, located in the historic courthouse building has an adorable coffee shop and tons of books and gifts. River Street Sweets is a quintessential small town candy shop filled with everything from homemade turtles to buckets of “penny candy.”
After exploring, if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a drink and eat, Husk BBQ is a top choice. Husk is known for its local ingredient and delicious flavors. If you’re looking for dinner with a view of the park, check out Passerelle Bistro.
4. Kannapolis, NC
This day trip is truly a hop, skip and a jump from Charlotte and is perfect for a last minute outing. Kannapolis is a truly small town, but there are several hidden gems that make it worth a visit. First and foremost is the Gem Theatre. This historic theatre still has its original marquee sign which makes for a perfect photo moment. Take in a feature, or plan ahead and rent out the theatre for a private event.
Just down the street, check out Nostalgia Hollow Co. Nostalgia Hollow is a local family-owned business that features tons of local goods and vendors. Buy some North Carolina small business products and grab a coffee at their coffee bar.
For dinner, head over to 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap for some modern southern cuisine and a delicious cocktail.
5. NC Vineyards
If you head up I-77 in the direction of the NC Mountains there is a string of several vineyards and wineries that make the perfect day outing. For beautiful sweeping vineyard views, check out Piccione Vineyards. Piccione has several award winning wines, and you can try them all with a wine flight. And don’t miss out on the delicious Frosé (frozen rosé)! Check the website for events and food vendor updates.
Next stop is Laurel Gray Vineyards. This vineyard has not only delicious wine, but also a stellar balsamic vinegar. When you get your flight of wine (including mulled wine, depending on the season), don’t forget to sample the vinegar as well. Then, grab a seat out on one of the porches that overlooks the beautiful pond and farmland. The whole venue has amazing farmhouse charm.
When you’re ready for a more rustic vibe, head over to Elkin Creek Vineyard. This lovely vineyard surrounds you in nature. Make sure you walk down to the stream below and enjoy the views and sounds of the rushing water. It also is a beautiful event venue as well.
There are dozens of these vineyards, and this is just a sample of a few. But take some time to explore North Carolinas wineries (and make sure you bring a DD).
6. brevard, NC
North Carolina’s “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard, makes a wonderful and beautiful day trip from Charlotte. With over 250 waterfalls, its easy to understand how this town got its nickname. But it is also home to other natural phenomenons, a cute Main Street and some delicious restaurants.
The most notable (and most interactive and fun) waterfall that Brevard is known for is Sliding Rock Falls. Sliding Rock Falls is tucked in Pisgah National Forest. On the way up you can stop and see Looking Glass Falls, and other beautiful nature spots, but Sliding Rock is an adventure all on its own. This waterfall is exactly what it sounds like, a place for visitors to slide over a naturally smooth (but bumpy) rock into a swimming hole at the bottom. It is a fun and wild take on a waterslide. There is also kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, and countless other outdoor activities to take part in.
Brevard is also know for being home to the white squirrels. In the early 20th Century, two white squirrels escaped from a carnival truck and made their home in Brevard. The town has become known for these adorable creatures, and you can see their white squirrel pride throughout the town, culminating in a White Squirrel Festival on Memorial Day weekend!
Once your done exploring, grab a treat at Blue Ridge Bakery or a yummy meal at Square Root. And don’t forget to pop into The White Squirrel Shoppe and take your picture with your face in the white squirrel cutout!
7. Blowing Rock, NC
The epitome of a North Carolina mountain town is Blowing Rock, NC. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this adorable hamlet is an amazing weekend getaway, but also is a great place for a day trip from Charlotte. About 2 hours northeast of Charlotte, Blowing Rock has fun outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, and is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a picturesque drive through the mountains with overlook views of some of the best fall foliage or blue ridged skylines. I highly suggest taking a drive through the winding roads and stopping off at one of the overlooks to enjoy the view and snag a selfie.
When you enter Blowing Rock’s Main Street, you’ll find a bustling row of shops and restaurants. Grab a parking space and walk along the main drag, popping into shops like Neaco, a funky gift shop, or find the perfect Christmas ornament to remember your trip at Christmas in Blowing Rock. There are also countless other boutiques, souvenir, antique, and apparel shops to scratch your shopping itch.
After you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, its time to grab a bite to eat. On Main Street there is Town Tavern with delicious bar food, Storie Street Grille for a more local elevated flavor, or Sixpence Pub for English specialties. Off of Main Street there is also a local favorite, Woodlands BBQ, serving up all the best of NC BBQ (don’t sleep on the corn nuggets). If you are looking for something more upscale, check out Twigs for fine dining with a cozy mountain atmosphere.
As far as activities go, Blowing Rock is an outdoor adventurers paradise. Depending on the time of year you visit, there is skiing, hiking, biking, ropes courses, wineries and even Tweetsie Railroad to take part in. But if you are looking to really treat yourself you can check into Westglow Resort and Spa for a relaxing massage, facial or other spa treatment. No matter how you choose to spend your day in Blowing Rock, you’ll be wishing and planning to return.
Enjoy your trip!
This post was all about fun and easy day trips from Charlotte, NC!
No matter where you decide to visit for your adventure day trip from Charlotte, the best part will be seeing new sights and having new adventures. If you feel like sticking in town, check out 10 Unique Charlotte Small Businesses to Shop With This Year!
If you’re looking to stay in town, check out these 12 Awesome Outdoor Activities in Charlotte.
