Plan a Trip to Charlotte | The Ritz-Carlton

Planning Your Trip

Soak up the Old South while exploring the lively range of modern pleasures — from farm-to-table dining to buzzing galleries — in Charlotte, whose nickname “Queen City” is apt, given the city’s majestic array of charm and style.

What to

Pack

An expanding system of new routes — light rail, greenways, bike paths — make it easy to explore Charlotte’s chic enclaves and natural beauty. Just a couple of miles from Uptown lies Dilworth, Charlotte’s oldest suburb, which was reached by streetcar back in the 1890s. These days, be sure to pack flat shoes and a helmet because you can rent a bike from the Charlotte BCycle program for a relaxing ride from Uptown to Dilworth’s historic bungalows and eclectic boutiques. A 24-hour pass is just $8, and you can return your bike to any of BCycle’s 24 stations around town — including the one at Trade and Tryon streets, one block from The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

Exploring the City

Charlotte is a four-season city, so check the weather and pack for a mix of comfort and convenience.

Despite its Southern location, Charlotte can be cold in winter. Summer is hot, but not without rain. Be sure to bring a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella.
A good rule of thumb is to err on the side of underpacking for clothes but preparedness for shoes. Basic items like white shirts and jeans can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, but if you forgot to pack comfy flats or evening-appropriate shoes, you may find yourself shopping in Charlotte.
Finding the right daytime bag is worthy of your attention. Something that goes with everything and leaves your hands free, like a roomy leather tote or sleek backpack — is best for toting your essentials while you’re on the go.

Weekend Getaway

The typical dress code in Charlotte is relaxed and unfussy, so don’t be afraid to pack just the essentials to mix and match together.

Underpack when it comes to clothes. Basic items like button-down shirts, tees and minimalist jeans can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
But be prepared with shoes: Plan ahead and make sure you have the right footwear (comfy flats, evening-appropriate, sneakers) for each activity.
Even for a quick trip, you won’t want to miss a trip to the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Bring waterproof slides or flip-flops for the pool or sauna, plus sneakers and workout gear for the fitness center.

Day Trips

It’s a quick drive from here to many Southern attractions, including the barbecue paradise of Lexington, Dirty Dancing-famous Lake Lure. Here’s what to bring.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, zip-lining and more. Bring active clothes, sneakers and water-appropriate wear.
Sure, there’s a decent camera in your phone, but where’s the fun in that? Take along a GoPro, flexible tripod or camera drone to bring some adventure to your photo and video memories.
In summer, don’t forget to bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, extra bottles of water and bug repellent.

What to

Reserve

A walkable downtown, vibrant neighborhoods and a formidable dining and cocktail scene make the Queen City the ideal spot to soak up the new Old South.

Dinner Reservations

Locals know a great night out in Charlotte begins and ends at K Lounge, where our expert bartenders infuse cocktails with ingredients from the garden atop The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Try a smoked old fashioned or one of our signature cocktails. Reservations are strongly recommended at Barrington’s, the Bruce Moffett institution beloved for its elegant seasonal plates, at Church & Union, the hip steakhouse crowned by an elaborate ceiling and Chef Jamie Lynch’s decadent menu, or Leah & Louise, with its' signature Southern-inspired cuisine.

Spa Appointments

Experience the ultimate Southern charm with a customized pampering session that makes time stand still. Want to spa like a local? Do as the Southern belles do and reserve the city’s prettiest pedi: the ultimate honey and chocolate pedicure, an almost hourlong treatment that nourishes, repairs and transforms nails, feet and legs. If you’ve arrived from a long flight, ask the concierge to arrange for a Southern hot stone massage, which uses warm volcanic stones and intuitive pressure to hit reset on tired muscles and send you off to dreamland.

Day Trips

North Carolina has several cities worth exploring, so save room in your itinerary for a day trip or two. Asheville, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, is a two-hour drive from Charlotte and has emerged as a top destination known for phenomenal dining, creativity and nature. Hike the vast Pisgah National Forest or North Carolina Arboretum, then explore the city’s top-notch craft breweries and locavore restaurants and bars. Also within easy reach of Charlotte: Lexington, for aficionados of barbecue and wine, and Winston-Salem, where you can take in a NASCAR race, tour world-class art in a former tobacco baron’s mansion and sample Southern soul food.

Outdoor Excursions

Thrill seekers should visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a 1,300-acre complex devoted to outdoor adventure on the Catawba River. The center offers activities for all skill levels, from kayaking and rafting to zip-lining and rock climbing. Head to the lakefront oasis of Freedom Park to kick off local joggers’ favorite run, the 3-mile “Booty Loop.” The park is also a great place for a tranquil picnic or, in season, to see art; the next iteration of the annual Festival in the Park — Charlotte’s oldest arts event — takes place every September.

Itineraries

One of the great cities of the modern American Southeast, Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the country's fastest-growing metro areas, attracting experiences for locals and visitors alike. The city pulses with the energy of a chic urban arts scene, a shopping destination complete with eclectic local goods and high-end stores, more than 50 craft breweries, and a variety of noteworthy dining ranging from food trucks to James Beard nominees. Just beyond the urban center lies myriad outdoor adventures and natural beauty. Relish every minute in this vibrant destination with The Ritz-Carlton as your home base.

Friends Getaway

The close proximity of exceptional restaurants, breweries, museums, shopping centers, and nightlife makes Charlotte the ideal destination for the urbane traveler. It’s also rife with adventure, as the home base for the high-octane sport of NASCAR auto racing and the site of the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Follow this itinerary to hit the top attractions for small groups.

Day 1

Morning

Bon Appétit. Start your day at The Market on 7th Street, just a short walk from The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. With vendors ranging from creperies to bakeries, there’s a morning treat for all tastes.

The Marvelous Malls. No visit to the Queen City is complete without paying homage to Charlotte’s upscale retail mecca, otherwise known as SouthPark Mall, home to more than 175 of the world’s top retailers, from Anthropologie to White House Black Market. Just down the street from the hotel, the newly revitalized South End boasts such staples as Lululemon, Sephora and West Elm.

Midday

Go for a Spin. Pick up a complimentary Trek bicycle from The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte and take a leisurely ride along the 4.5-mile Charlotte Rail Trail — a former rail line-turned-paved pathway that winds through the heart of Charlotte, past cafés, bars, galleries and even artists at work. Cruise over to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, which offers sweeping views of the Charlotte skyline and a paved path that runs alongside a restored creek.

Afternoon

Brewery Crawl. Charlotte is known for its vibrant craft brewing scene, and the high volume of breweries in the trendy South End neighborhood make it ideal for a DIY tour. Start at Lenny Boy Brewing Co. and work your way back toward Uptown via Hopfly Brewing, Triple C. Brewing Co., Wooden Robot Brewery and Resident Culture. Be sure not to miss Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, which is Charlotte’s oldest brewery.

Evening

Local Dinner. A local favorite in the artsy NoDa neighborhood, Haberdish serves some of the best Southern food and craft cocktails in town. Or try Leah and Louise at Camp North End – a Southern-inspired juke joint, with authentic southern dishes.

VIP Style. Keep the evening going with post-dinner cocktails at The Imperial, a classic refined cocktail and jazz lounge in Uptown.

Day 2

Morning

Get the Instagram Shot. You’ve never seen a sculpture quite like “Firebird,” standing 17.5 feet tall in the plaza of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Designed by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the whimsical creature covered in mirrored glass has been dubbed “Disco Chicken.”

The Must-See Museum. The main road through Uptown, Tryon Street, is lined with skyscrapers, restaurants and museums. Make it a point to visit the Levine Museum of the New South, which provides a fascinating look at the American South post-Civil War through the lens of Charlotte and the surrounding area.

Midday

Relax and De-Stress. Saturday Morning Yoga at Lenny Boy Brewing Company. A weekly yoga series in a relaxing environment to release the stress of the week. Finish off with a kombucha to enhance the healthy balance.

Afternoon

Olympic Dreams. Experience the thrill of the outdoors at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The 1,300-acre complex is an official Olympic Training Center for whitewater slalom racing and home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river. This is the place to try whitewater rafting, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

Adventure Pursuits. The U.S. National Whitewater Center isn’t just water. There are 14 miles of forested trails for runners, mountain bikers and hikers, along with a 1,123-foot zip-line, an aerial adventure park, and one of the largest outdoor man-made rock-climbing walls in the South.

Evening

A Dinner to Remember. Located in a restored mid-century church in Plaza Midwood, Supperland is a southern steakhouse boasting a vibrant garden, a private wine room, and a Speakeasy below the Bar.

Music Experience. Relax by the fireplace in K Lounge with signature drinks as the Smoked Olde-Fashioned, champagne-infused cocktails while listening to our resident live jazz music.

Day 3

Morning

Breakfast of Champions. Church and Union offers a wonderful selection of delicacies of Southern food, made from seasonal and local ingredients. Try the Avocado toast, delectable fried chicken biscuit, Queen’s breakfast with locally grown Harmony Ridge farm eggs, and finish your meal with the Sweet Home Carolina chocolate cake.

Midday

The Most Charming Neighborhood. There’s perhaps no better example of Charlotte’s artful blend of 100-year-old Victorian homes with urban apartments, modern businesses and city parks than the Fourth Ward. This charming neighborhood is best viewed from a horse-drawn carriage, with Charlotte Center City Carriage Tours.

Tee Time. Charlotte is wild about golf. The private Quail Hollow Club has hosted both the Wells Fargo Championship and the PGA Championship, but you don’t have to be a pro to work on your swing in Charlotte. Head to Puttery, an immersive mini golf venue with delicious food, drinks and a lively atmosphere featuring music.

Afternoon

Back-to-Back Distilleries. Craft distilleries are hot, and Charlotte is at the helm of the trend in the American South. Head to the LoSo (short for Lower South End) neighborhood, where two of the finest, Sugar Creek Brewing Company and Brewers at 4001 Yancey, are just a short stroll away.

Evening

Final Taste. Complete your visit to Charlotte with dinner at BLT Steak, a modern American steakhouse with French-influenced cuisine from renowned chef Laurent Tourondel. This unique Charlotte steakhouse integrates traditional elements of a cozy French bistro with those of a stylish, urbane boîte.

The Perfect Weekend

Charlotte takes its name from Charlotte Sophia, the wife of England’s King George III, and is often referred to as “the Queen City.” The regal nickname is particularly appropriate considering Charlotte is not only chic and charming, but also America’s third-largest banking sector. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the many amenities of this attractive, prosperous city, particularly in the walkable Uptown city center. Follow this guide to see it all in a weekend.

Day 1

Morning

Visit a Gourmet Market. A short stroll from The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte you’ll find The Market at 7th Street, a gourmet urban foodie destination peddling everything from cheese to chocolate. Start with a cup of pour-over artisan coffee at Not Just Coffee and end at Sweet Crunch for made-to-order waffles.

Midday

Go Museum Hopping. Take advantage of Uptown’s high concentration of top-rated museums with the $20 Levine Center for Arts Pass, offering access to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Mint Museum Uptown. You’ll also want to hit Levine Museum of the New South, a mile down the road. Visit The Museum of Illusions, a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations and spellbinding images.

Taste the Freshest Seafood in Charlotte. Just a few blocks away from the hotel, you’ll find Sea Level NC, serving up fresh seafood and Southern favorites, most notably farm-to-fork oysters from North Carolina.

Afternoon

Stroll the Best Boutiques. Charlotte is known for its abundant outlet mall shopping, but for more of a local vibe, hit the boutiques of East Boulevard in the Dilworth neighborhood. The pedestrian-friendly enclave was Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb, built circa 1890, and remains a picturesque haven of Queen Anne, colonial revival and Victorian homes. You may find Charlotte-themed gifts at Paper Skyscraper.

Take a Sweet Break. Relax at Bar Cocoa, the gourmet dessert bar in the swanky lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Indulge in cupcakes, chocolates, cookies, house-made pastries, French macarons or gelato.

Evening

Dine Like a Charlottean. For a true taste of Charlotte, try Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, a local establishment now with two locations. The eatery focuses on seasonal, made-from-scratch classics, like Carolina barbecue pork shoulder with slab toast, frites and slaw, made with ingredients from local farmers.

Revel in the Nightlife. Experience Charlotte’s nightlife with a visit to Encore, an entertainment venue in Uptown. Experience modern golf at Puttery, sip a cocktail at sophisticated Novelty House, listen to live music at Middle C Jazz and toast with a view at Fahrenheit.

Day 2

Morning

Find Serenity. Just south of Uptown is Myers Park, a historic residential neighborhood of winding roads and elegant homes. Step inside the red brick walls of Wing Haven, a 3-acre bird sanctuary and garden that’s rich in Southern horticulture and tranquility.

Midday

Charlotte’s Top Brunch. A new Uptown staple awaits at La Belle Hellene, where diners can choose from dishes ranging from a delicious selection of Crepes, croissants and their signature dish Banana Fosters French Toast.

Catch the Race Car Spirit. Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame to learn more about the high-octane sport of stock car auto racing and its superstars, and view stock cars and historic artifacts. Be sure to test your mettle inside a racing simulator.

Afternoon

A Barbecue to Remember. The buzzy Midwood Smokehouse, now with six locations, is Charlotte’s go-to BBQ joint for good reason. Pitmasters slow-cook pork, beef, chicken and even salmon over North Carolina hickory in a state-of-the-art computer-controlled smoker, then dress it in one of four succulent sauces: South Carolina Mustard, Eastern NC Vinegar, Midwood Signature or Spicy Habanero. Complement the entrée with Southern-style sides like hushpuppies or creamed corn.

Feel the Thrill of the Water. A visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center will keep any adventurous visitor busy. The experience includes expert-led whitewater rafting, kayaking, biking, rock climbing, zip lining, and navigating ropes courses.

Evening

Try a Hot New Restaurant. Located in trendy South End, venture to Yunta Nikkei: A taste of Peru in Charlotte. With Peruvian-Japanese infusion, this type of cuisine incorporates Japanese tradition and methods with special spices and flavors of Brazil and Peru.

Finish With a Nightcap. Riding the coattails of Charlotte’s craft beer scene is its craft cocktail scene, which started exploding in recent years. Closer to your home base at K Lounge, experience live jazz music on Saturday evenings to cap off your evening.

Back to Experiences