Day Trips

Gaston County’s central location makes day trips very convenient.

Discovery Place
301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC
1-800-935-0553
www.discoveryplace.org

The largest science and technology museum in the Carolinas. Featuring an Omnimax theatre and planatarium, exhibit halls, collections gallery, aquarium, rainforest, and more.

Paramount Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 
704-588-2600
www.carowinds.com

There's no way you can get bored at Paramount's Carowinds. This  105 acre amusement park park has it all and can entertain you no matter what your age. Rides, roller-coasters, waterpark, events and live shows. Don't miss  "Scarowinds" in the fall.

Mint Museum
2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC 
704-337-2000
www.mintmuseum.org

From 1836 to around 1861 the Federal-style building which is now the Mint Museum, served as the first branch of the United States Mint. Surviving impending demolition it became North Carolina's first art museum and offers a large collection of American, European, African, and Asian artwork, along with ceramics, photography, maps and contemporary art.

Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary
248 Ridgewood Ave.,  Charlotte, NC
704-331-0664
www.winghavengardens.com

Designed and created in 1927 by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is approximtely three acres of gardens, flowers, trees, and birds in the Myers Park district of Charlotte, NC. The estate includes the original house which was built by the couple.

Catawba Queen–Lake Cruises
1459 River Hwy., Mooresville, NC
704-663-2628
www.queenslanding.com

A cruise service, located on Lake Norman in Mooresville. Rent the Catawba Queen for a lunch, buffet or sightseeing. Or choose the 90-foot long Lady of the Lake for night cruises, corporate events, and special functions.

Lowes Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC
704-455-3204
Ticket Office: 1-800-455-FANS, 704-455-3202
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com

Located northeast of Charlotte, The Lowe's Motor Speedway is home to NASCAR, monster truck rallies, auto fairs, dirt track racing and vintage car shows.  The speedway offers almost year-round events.

Time Warner Cable Arena

The Time Warner Cable Arena is home to the NBA Bobcats and the WNBA Sting. Inside is the largest and most technologically-advanced screening and scoreboard system in an NBA facility as well as unique artwork and displays created by local artist Paul Rousso. The arena also hosts special events such as concerts to pro wrestling and more.

Knights Castle
2280 Deerfield Dr., Fort Mill, SC
704-364-6637
www.charlotteknights.com

Knights Stadium is the home of the International League's Charlotte Knights, the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. It was opened in 1990 and seats 10,002 fans. The park is actually across the state line from Charlotte, North Carolina in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Bank of America Stadium
800 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC

704-358-7800
www.panthers.com

The cherished home of the NFL Carolina Panthers, the Bank of America Stadium is also known as "the Bank." Located in uptown Charlotte, the stadium has been good to the team. Catch a game and then stroll over to one of many neighborhood bars and restaurants.

Concord Mills
8111 Concord Mills Blvd. 
704-929-3000
www.concordmills.com

Concord Mills Shopping Center houses hundreds of stores, there is sure to be something to please everyone in the family.

Hickory Furniture Mart
2220 US Hwy. 70 S.E., Hickory, NC 
1-800-462-MART
www.hickoryfurniture.com

Hickory Furniture Mart is a unique mix of over 100 factory outlets, stores, shops and galleries offering home furnishings, accessories, lighting, art, fine rugs, fabrics and much more.

Kings Mountain National Military Park
2625 Park Rd., Off Hwy. 161, Blacksburg, SC
864-936-7921
www.nps.gov/kimo

3,950-acre park with several monuments, a visitor center, and a self guided trail leading to the Revolutionary War Battlefield.

Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC 
803-222-3209, 1-866-345-7275

6883-acre park features scenic drives, nature and hiking trails, including equestrian.  There are also two lakes for fishing and boating.  Come experience nature and beauty for yourself!

Blue Ridge Mountains
www.ncblueridge.com

Come to the NC Blue Ridge Mountains and experience the heritage, hospitality and history of this extraordinary place. Come for the natural beauty, the arts and culture, the outdoor recreation. Come and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's all here…come and experience it for yourself!

NC Transportation Museum
411 S. Salisbury Ave.Spencer, NC
704-636-2998
www.nctrans.org

Explore exhibits of antique locomotives, rail cars, automobiles and more. Take a train ride around the N.C. Transportation Museum's historic 57-acre site, enjoy our many family-friendly special events, and learn about how transportation progress helped build North Carolina.