If you regularly travel the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ve had a layover or two in Charlotte. To understand the vibrance and dynamic nature of North Carolina’s most populous city, though, you’ll need to make your way out of the airport terminals and into the neighborhoods that comprise the bustling metropolis and surrounding areas.

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“For mainstream hotel folks, I think the Grand Bohemian has the most character,” says
Corri Smith, owner of Black Wednesday. She shares that its “stellar location in Uptown” is also a plus, but the inside of the property is unexpectedly artistic and bohemian, a contrast from the more buttoned-up look of the neighborhood.

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If everyone in your party is eight years old and above, you can book a guided whitewater rafting experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. “The Whitewater Center is incredibly unique and special… [and] it has a wild amount of activities and events,” says Smith — and that includes things to do on dry land. “My favorite things are the Thursday night live music shows (River Jam) as well as free outdoor yoga.” According to Kaifer, there’s also the option to “enjoy a nice hike through one of their many trails.”