Three-day weekends offer the perfect excuse to strike out on a road trip to explore. And, you don’t have to venture very far from the city or cover a lot of milage to enjoy the extra time off. Here are our top picks for day trips to take this Memorial Day that are all within a three-hour drive of Charlotte.
Brevard, NC – Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 15 minutes (126 miles)
For an exciting outdoor adventure consider visiting the small mountain town of Brevard, located in Western North Carolina. Affectionately known as “The Land of Waterfalls” the area boasts more than 250 different falls and some of the most beautiful in the state, including Rainbow Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Whitewater Falls — the highest waterfall in the eastern U.S. that rises to a whopping 411 feet.
Looking for somewhere to take a dip and cool off? Make a pit stop at Sliding Rock Falls and take a ride down the 60-ft. slippery slope for the full experience.
Beyond its many spectacular waterfalls, Brevard is also home to Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, and Gorges State Park, which all offer a variety of hiking and biking trails that vary in difficulty and length, and are waiting to be explored.
Save some time to take a stroll through downtown Brevard. It’s is extremely walkable, so you can park your car and meander around the town’s main streets, which are lined with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. To get the full Brevard experience grab lunch (and some ice cream) at Rocky’s Grill & Soda Shop, a local staple that’s one of the oldest restaurants in downtown, and cherished for it’s vintage ’50s vibe and unique ice cream sundaes.
If you’re interested in extending your road trip for a little more sight-seeing hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway — which is only a few miles from downtown — to visit the famous drive’s iconic mile posts where you can experience the pinch-yourself views of the foothills and valley below for yourself.
Columbia, SC – Distance from Charlotte: 1.5 hours (92.8 miles)
If you’re looking for another metro area to explore head south to South Carolina’s state capital, Columbia, and spend some time on Devine St. There you’ll find plenty of boutique shopping. with custom dress shops like LaRoque, outdoor outfitters like Half-Moon Outfitters, antique and home furnishing stores, plus, speciality skin care and cosmetic boutiques.
There’s also no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat or an adult beverage along Devine St. with Craft and Draft, Urban Cookhouse, and Za’s Brick Oven Pizza tucked between several of the shops. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat instead, pop by Silver Spoon Bake Shop for one of their salted caramel brownies — or, if you want something savory, one of their popular black pepper pimento cheese biscuits. You won’t be sorry either way.
After lunch stretch your legs while taking a leisurely stroll around the city’s picturesque Riverfront Park and historic Columbia Canal.
If you’ve got kiddos in tow, the Riverbanks Zoo provides plenty of family-friendly fun with more than 2,000 animals from all over the world. Along with the impressive number of animal exhibits, the 170-acre zoo features the Sky-High Safari, Wild Adventures Rock Wall, zipline tours, carousel, and train rides.
For more time outdoors swing by Congaree National Park and take a hike through the hardwood forests or canoe down the peaceful waterways that snake through the property. The park’s well-marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail stretches to approximately 15 miles. (You must bring your own canoe unless you sign up for a ranger-guided canoe tour — which are offered several times throughout the year.)
Floyd, VA – Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours 25 minutes (140 miles)
Part of Floyd’s charm and allure is that it’s set against the unspoiled backdrop of Virginia’s beautiful countryside that’s full of verdant rolling hills and quaint farms lining the roadside. The combination of the county’s natural beauty, fresh air, and slower pace make it an ideal place to get away and disconnect for the day. But, don’t let the slower pace fool you — there’s plenty to do.
You’ll want to start your day off in Floyd getting breakfast at the Mabry Mill Restaurant & Gift Shop — they have some of the best pancakes you can find. Once you’ve gotten your fill of buttery goodness walk over to the historic grist mill, which is one of the most photographed sites in the state.
Make sure Chateau Morrisette is at the top of your itinerary. It’s a popular winery situated along the Blue Ridge Parkway that has a vast selection of wines that range from full-bodied reds and crisp whites to sweet blends and sangrias. The winery’s tasting room is open every day and the restaurant is open every Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy a tasting and then retreat to the expansive patio to soak in some sun, fresh air, and postcard-worthy views.
For something a little stronger in your glass check out Five Mile Mountain Distillery where they serve up signature cocktails using their handcrafted, flavored moonshines. Drinks range from their Elderberry Lemonade and Mountain Margarita to a refreshing Appalachian Mimosa.
No trip to Floyd would be complete without a visit to the Floyd Country Store, which has been a go-to for locals and visitors alike for more than a hundred years. There, you’ll find everything from hard-to-find old-fashioned candies and freshly baked goods to eclectic local gifts and housewares. There’s even a high percentage that you’ll stumble upon live music at the store, which is a popular gathering place for local musicians to show off their talents.
FOR FOODIES
Lexington – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 10 min. (58.5 miles)
If you’ve got an appetite for BBQ, pack up and head to Lexington, just over an hour away from Charlotte. You’ll find over a dozen options for lunch and dinner on your day trip, offering plates and sandwiches of chopped and sliced ‘cue with red or white slaw. Popular stops include Speedy’s Barbecue, The Barbecue Center, Lexington Barbecue and Smokey Joe’s Barbecue. (everyone’s favorite Jimmy’s is still closed…) Don’t forget the sauce; the Lexington-style is typically made with vinegar, ketchup, sugar, salt and pepper.
Asheville – Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 9 minutes (130 miles)
If you believe food can heal, Cúrate is a must-stop on any Asheville trip. Literally meaning “cure yourself” in Spanish, Cúrate transport diners to Spain with authentic dishes including croquetas de pollo and jamón Ibérico in a lively tapas bar setting.
Other notable spots include Table Asheville, a destination for seasonal New American fare with a Southern flair, Buxton Hall, a BBQ spot opened by James Beard Award winners chefs Meherwan Irani and Elliott Moss, and Rhubarb, where chef John Fleer brings Appalachian food traditions to Sunday supper in family-style meals.
Kindred & Hello Sailor in Lake Norman – Distance from Charlotte: 46 min (39.4 miles)
Kindred is still on our list of must-venture-to stops in Lake Norman. The chefs keep the freshest ingredients on hand, so their menu changes frequently with the seasons. Grab a seat at their old-fashioned bar or a booth with a front row seat of Davidson’s Main Street. It’s worth the drive for Kindred’s milk bread, Scallops a la Plancha and Appalachian Trout. Since it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays though, we also love….
Hello, Sailor, the new venture from Kindred owners Joe and Katy Kindred welcomes walk ins with sharable appetizers and plates, a bright and sunny interior and a lakefront patio complete with a tiki bar. The menu offers appetizers, fried seafood plates, a lobster roll served on milk bread and a whole flounder with mojo verde and the cocktail program is worthy of a trip all its own.
Banner Elk – Distance from Charlotte: 119 miles, 2 hours 12 minutes
The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar
via Facebook
Make a trip to the mountains to visit Artisanal and dine from the menu of farm-to-table dishes using local ingredients served in a converted barn. It’s worth the drive for caramelized cauliflower to share, hickory smoked pekin duck breast and wagyu sirloin. Make your OpenTable reservations here. Summer hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 5 – 9 p.m.
JUST FOR FUN
Lake Lure – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 52 mins. (92.6 miles)
Come for the views, stay for the Sunday brunch. Start off your day exploring Lake Lure with Lake Lure Inn & Spa’s lavish Sunday Brunch, served 10:00 am – 2:00 pm with a build your own Body Mary Bar. Enjoy the lake’s 27 miles of shoreline with seasonal activities like boating and sailing. Visitors can also see what’s in bloom with a walk across the Lake Lure flowering bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans across the Rocky Broad River.
Hotel Domestique, Travelers Rest – Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours, 3 minutes (110 miles)
World-renowned cyclist George Hincapie leaned on inspiration from his travels abroad when establishing this modern, European-style hotel. Hotel Domestique is home to Restaurant 17, serving regional cuisine sourced from neighboring farms worth the drive. Day guests can also rent bicycles, go on a guided cycling tour and access a pool pass.
Cherokee – Distance from Charlotte: 3 hours, 5 minutes (165 miles)
Place your bets at Harrah’s Cherokee, the state’s only full-scale casino. Enjoy over 150,000 feet of gaming, including live games like blackjack, roulette, craps and more. No luck? You can still shop the casino’s multiple offerings.
FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPES
Crowder’s Mountain – Distance from Charlotte: 57 min (31.9 mi)
A popular hiking spot for Charlotteans and visitors alike, Crowder’s Mountain has something for everyone. Challenge yourself to reach the top of King’s Pinnacle (an Uptown skyline view is your reward!), take a leisurely family stroll around the one-mile Lake Trail or find something in the middle with the park’s 11 total trail options.
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour 50 min (95.9 miles)
From rock climbing to trail hiking, taking in the views and perfecting your Instagram captions, you can enjoy amazing 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Carolina Blue Ridge Foothills atop Chimney Rock. The park boasts the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, six hiking trails, ancient cliffs and family-friendly activities.
Greenville, SC – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 47 minutes (102 miles)
Greenville may have that city feel, but don’t be fooled, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail and explore scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy. Plan stops at The Lazy Goat for riverfront Mediterranean and Soby’s for new south cuisine.
FOR WINE SIPPERS
Treehouse Vineyards – Distance from Charlotte: 45 min (25.8 miles)
Treehouse Vineyards may be just a short drive from the city lights, but you’ll feel as if you’ve taken a vacation. Sip a variety of wines, enjoy the expansive outdoor patio and adventure up to the treehouses for rent.
Yadkin Valley Wineries – Distance from Charlotte: About 1 Hour, 15 min.
Just west of Winston‐Salem, the 1.4 million‐acre Yadkin Valley is home to over 70 wineries. Spend your day or weekend creating your own winery tour, including Stony Knoll Vineyards, Childress Vineyards, Elkin Creek Vineyard and more. Start planning your trip here.
FOR DEAL-HUNTERS
Seagrove Potters – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 34 min.
Less than two hours from Charlotte you’ll find the largest concentration of working potters in the country. Take a self-guided driving tour with over 100 shops offering a range of pottery, from everyday use to historical forms. Start planning your visit to Seagrove studios and potters here.
Hickory Furniture Mart – Distance from Charlotte: 1 hour, 4 min. (48.7 miles)
Get the latest decor inspiration, or even pick up some pieces in time for summer, with a trip to the Hickory Furniture Mart. The eclectic mix of retailers, showrooms, manufacturers’ galleries and more offer hours of browsing. Plan your trip here.
FOR THRILL SEEKERS
USNWC/Belmont – Distance from Charlotte: 24 min (14.7 miles)
Without leaving Charlotte city limits, you can experience whitewater rafting, kayaking, trail hiking and more. The USNWC’s weekend fun stretches all weekend long.
Before or after your visit to the USNWC, don’t miss the down home cooking and hospitality served up at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Belmont. Enjoy twists on classics, like the signature fried chicken and the smoke wagon (Pulled NC Pork or Portabellas with Four-Cheese Mac and Dixie Slaw)s in their industrial dining room and rooftop bar.
Now that you’ve seen our top picks for places to drive this upcoming holiday weekend, we want to hear about yours! Let us know in the comments where you like to visit for a quick trip and tag us in your Memorial Day road trip photos on Instagram @ScoopCharlotte.
