Our Favorites in Charlotte
PLAY
Discovery Place | Science (Uptown) and Kids (Huntersville)
Two very different experiences but both are a family favorite. The uptown location has a lot of hands on science upstairs but it really is geared towards the K+ kids. Downstairs focuses on animals with a rainforest, aquarium and discovery lab. And of course there's a little kid area and theatre. Huntersville location focuses on pretend play.
Playgrounds & Parks | City & County wide
Charlotte has done a fantastic job creating fun spaces for kids to run, play and explore. We have two playgrounds within walking distance to our house and several others a short drive away. A good friend of ours has introduced us to many more parks in the city through her Instagram account @parkmama.nc Check it out- she does a fantastic job rating each park!
Nature Preserves | County wide
One of the things we love about our city is how many options there are to get outside. We've explored several of our county's nature preserves' trails and nature centers and there's still more to see!
Uptown via Light Rail | Blue Line
Two very different experiences but both are a family favorite. The uptown location has a lot of hands on science upstairs but it really is geared towards the K+ kids. Downstairs focuses on animals with a rainforest, aquarium and discovery lab. And of course there's a little kid area and theatre. Huntersville location focuses on pretend play.
Playgrounds & Parks | City & County wide
Charlotte has done a fantastic job creating fun spaces for kids to run, play and explore. We have two playgrounds within walking distance to our house and several others a short drive away. A good friend of ours has introduced us to many more parks in the city through her Instagram account @parkmama.nc Check it out- she does a fantastic job rating each park!
Nature Preserves | County wide
One of the things we love about our city is how many options there are to get outside. We've explored several of our county's nature preserves' trails and nature centers and there's still more to see!
Uptown via Light Rail | Blue Line
FOOD
Ru San's | Park Rd Area
Sushi. Some of the BEST sushi in Charlotte. IMHO. It's our favorite Friday Night spot. Veggie Fried Rice is amazing here too.
Zapatas | University City
Authentic Mexican. Overlooking the water at University Place. Awesome food. Delicious Margaritas....and they'll customize your meal to make it Gluten Friendly if you ask!
Benny Pennellos | Noda
GIANT slices of pizza! For super cheap too! It's our Friday Night spot! But it gets pretty crowded.
Heist Barrel Arts | Camp North End
Brewery with a HUGE outdoor space for kids to run around and play. They have pizza too. It's a perfect spot when the weather is nice- but also can get very crowded.
Sushi. Some of the BEST sushi in Charlotte. IMHO. It's our favorite Friday Night spot. Veggie Fried Rice is amazing here too.
Zapatas | University City
Authentic Mexican. Overlooking the water at University Place. Awesome food. Delicious Margaritas....and they'll customize your meal to make it Gluten Friendly if you ask!
Benny Pennellos | Noda
GIANT slices of pizza! For super cheap too! It's our Friday Night spot! But it gets pretty crowded.
Heist Barrel Arts | Camp North End
Brewery with a HUGE outdoor space for kids to run around and play. They have pizza too. It's a perfect spot when the weather is nice- but also can get very crowded.
SHOPS
Book Buyers | Eastway Crossing
This is Grace's favorite book store. Their selection of used books is always changing and you can find a ton of gems. BONUS: The Greener Apple is located inside- lots of eco-friendly gifts!
Gear Goat Exchange | Eastway Crossing
New & used bikes and outdoor gear. It's our first place we go for outdoor gear before hitting up REI.
Pura Vida | NoDa
Worldly gifts. We love their selection of unique gifts. Also something fun for everyone.
Paper Skyscraper | Dillworth
Another gift giving favorite! It's super busy around Christmas, but their book selection is hands down the best if you are looking for travel or artsy books as a gift.
This is Grace's favorite book store. Their selection of used books is always changing and you can find a ton of gems. BONUS: The Greener Apple is located inside- lots of eco-friendly gifts!
Gear Goat Exchange | Eastway Crossing
New & used bikes and outdoor gear. It's our first place we go for outdoor gear before hitting up REI.
Pura Vida | NoDa
Worldly gifts. We love their selection of unique gifts. Also something fun for everyone.
Paper Skyscraper | Dillworth
Another gift giving favorite! It's super busy around Christmas, but their book selection is hands down the best if you are looking for travel or artsy books as a gift.