Charlotte

Wander through a rainforest, peer inside a huge eyeball or sample liquid-nitrogen ice cream in the chemistry lab at the hands-on Discovery Place science museum, complete with an Omnimax cinema. — Lonely Planet

The hushed halls display historic maps, American paintings and an impressive number of gruesome Spanish Colonial bleeding-saint statues. — Lonely Planet

Home to the nation’s most comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War Southern history, this museum guides visitors through the Queen City’s evolution from a farming community to a mill town. — Where

Founded by the Swiss-born Andreas Bechtler, the museum highlights his family's love affair with art, as well as their deep connections with many of the artists on display. — Fodor's

Historic Brooklyn, as the once-thriving African-American neighborhood here was known, is long gone, but this celebration of black art, history, and culture serves its memory well. — Fodor's

Set in Myers Park, one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, this 4-acre garden is a serene environment for feathered visitors and others. — Fodor's

People from around the world come here to pay tribute to the life of beloved evangelist Billy Graham, a native of Charlotte. — Fodor's

You'll find a butterfly pavilion, bugs galore, live animals, nature trails, a puppet theater, and hands-on exhibits just for children at this museum. — Fodor's

A Nessie-like monster supposedly lurks in this lake.  — Atlas Obscura

Mint comprises a larger campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater and the Duke Energy Center. — Where

Now, this is a city park. — Where

This museum’s centerpiece is the ​the 240-year-old, 18th-century Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, the oldest surviving structure in Mecklenburg County. — Where

This 400-acre theme park includes thrill rides like the brand-new, world's-tallest Fury 325 giga coaster, the stand-up “Vortex” and the NASCAR-themed “Intimidator. — Where

This scented city oasis was a labor of love.  — Atlas Obscura

Belgian-style beers are on tap and feature a variety of yeast cultures, fruits and spices for a tasting experience that's a step above. — Where

Twenty-eight taps mean you'll never get bored with the same-old brew. — Where

Named for the noted Charlotte artist, this newer, 5.4-acre Uptown park sits near BB&T Ballpark and is host to a number of annual events, music series and free fitness classes. — Where