Weekend Guide to Charlotte, NC

Weekend Travel Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina | Chasing Cinderella

I recently took a quick weekend trip to Charlotte, North Carolina and had a blast! If you live in the south, Charlotte is definitely a vacation destination! It's only three hours from Charleston, and less than four hours from Atlanta. That being said, I wanted to give y'all the details of our trip, in case you plan on making a weekend trip yourself!

Weekend Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina

WHERE TO STAY:

Duke Mansion Entrance

The Duke Mansion - We had the pleasure of staying in the most charming bed and breakfast, The Duke Mansion. Only 2 miles from the heart of downtown, the Duke Mansion rests on 4.5 acres of absolutely stunning gardens and grounds.. and it doesn't hurt that's it's walking distance from a Starbucks! Each of the 20 rooms is individually decorated with a combination of southern charm and elegance, and have all the amenities that you will need (Including wifi)! There is a full buffet style breakfast every morning, that was absolutely delicious!

And the icing on the cake: The Duke Mansion is operated as a nonprofit with all proceeds being used to preserve and protect this community treasure.

WHERE TO EAT:

Southbound Charlotte NC

Southbound - If you're a Mexican food lover, I highly recommend eating at Southbound! It is the cutest little spot, with the option of outside seating! Their food is delicious, and they have some fun drinks too! I ordered a Dreamsicle Margarita and it was delicious! They also have a super cool speakeasy in the back!

Hello, Sailor - Okay if you visit Charlotte, I 100% recommend making a quick trip up to Lake Norman to check out Hello, Sailor! The whole restaurant is absolutely adorable (inside and out) and all of the decor is super Instagram worthy-- Palm Spring vibes! Even if you don't eat there, they have a cute tiki bar outside to grab a drink. They also have soft serve ice cream, which we got and it was delicious!

Duck Donuts - If you love donuts, then Duck Donuts is a must! They have the most unique flavors it's hard to choose just one.. which is why we got six! :) I'm a huge fan of the Strawberry Icing with Rainbow Sprinkles and the Blueberry Icing with Lemon Drizzle!

Amelie's French Bakery - Amelie's is the cutest little French coffee and pastry place with the most unique decor inside. There's chandeliers and antiques and fun pictures over the entire cafe. I got the Key Lime Macaron and it was delicious! I was also told the Creme Brûlée Italian Soda was to die for!

Other notable restaurants that were recommended to us:
Haberdish - Great fried chicken and cool cocktails.
Fahrenheit - Dinner with a view. Upscale rooftop restaurant and bar.
Suarez Bakery - Cookies, cupcakes, and donuts
Kindred - Another hot spot on Lake Norman
Sycamore Brewing - Apparently the best brewery in Charlotte.
Cafe Monte - Great brunch spot.

WHAT TO DO:

Magic Carpet, Light Rail Trail, Charlotte NC

Shopping - If you are wanting some major shopping, Southpark Mall is definitely a must. They have stores like Lily Pulitzer, Nordstrom, Lululemon.. really any store you're looking for! There is also the Park Road Shopping Center that has a few cute boutiques! You could also check out Vestique Charlotte!

Coffee Shops - If you're looking for a cute coffee shop, we went to Not Just Coffee and I definitely recommend.

The Magic Carpet - We did our research and found the cutest painting of a colorful carpet on the Light Rail Trail (pictured above)! If you have some spare time, definitely worth the trip! You can find it by driving behind the office building at 2151 Hawkins Street.

NoDa Art District - We didn't have time to visit North Davidson, Charlotte's Historic Art District, but I was told that it's a must see! It is home to many eclectic art galleries, live music venues, and local eateries.

I'm heading on another trip at the end of the month! Any guesses where?!

Thanks so much for reading! xo

25 comments:

  1. I had so much fun with you!!!!! s/o to duck donut because yum lol

    xo, Hillary | hillheady.com

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  2. I've heard great things about Charlotte! Thanks for the weekend guide. I'm sure it will come in handy!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  3. I haven't been to the Carolinas at all. You have a lot of great ideas, and it would be fun to do a little road trip and check out some of these things. The mansion is beautiful!

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  4. Charlotte was my home for 6+ years, I love that city!

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  5. Bookmarking this to come back to before my next trip to Charlotte! I've only been once before and it was on a road trip (passing through) so I only spent a day. I've been wanting to go back ever since!
    Lee | LegalLee Blonde

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  6. What a great guide! I've never been to Charlotte, I'll bookmark this post so I know where to go when I do get there!

    XOXO
    Cathy

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  7. My family goes to Charlotte every few of years but we haven't explored a lot of this so I can't wait for our next trip!

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  8. Charlotte is such a charming city!! This guide is perfection!!

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  9. You nailed it gal! Love your review and SO thrilled I was able to see you while you were here.

    xo Laura Leigh
    www.louellareese.com

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  10. This looks like the absolute perfect weekend getaway!

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  11. Pinned! Charlotte is on my bucket list, and I'd love to stay at the Duke Mansion!

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  12. Omg, I love going to Charlotte for a weekend getaway, plus they always have the best concerts!

    -xo, Makaela | www.uniquelymickie.com

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  13. Gonna bookmark this and look for tickets to Charlotte for a weekend getaway :)

    ❥ tanvii.com

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  14. Oh my gosh, this would be the best weekend get away, which I need right now. I love this guide!

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  15. Okay Southbound sounds like my kind of place. I haven't actually considered Charlotte as a destination before but this makes me want to check it out!
    -Austen
    https://youtu.be/DbxZCowGWSs

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  16. I love bed and breakfasts! That place looks amazing.

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    Replies
    1. I'm dying to visit Charlotte! I'm so glad you found so many great places to eat. Duck Donuts sounds amazing. I'm definitely saving this post to reference before a future trip!

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  17. I've never been to Charlotte and now I really want to go! Looks like such a cute city.

    Megan | www.pipmegan.com

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  18. I want to go to Charlotte SO BAD! Maybe not in the summer though, humidity is not my friend lol

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  19. I want to visit Charlotte so bad! looks like you had a blast!

    xoxo
    Sarah Lindner

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  20. Such a cute post! Thanks for sharing. XX, Donna

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  22. Thanks for sharing charlotte Travel guide with us, Charlotte is also home to the top ranked children’s museum in America. Great Place to visit good post.
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  23. Best place to visit, Thanks for sharing this wonderful travel experience with us, Today the city is restored and booming with great restaurants, tons to do with the family and a lovely city for walking around. car rental service in agra

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  24. Thanks for sharing this wonderful travel guide with us, I glad to read your journey experience, Great post keep sharing. same day taj mahal tour by train

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