Excursions and Social Events
Monday August, 6th, 2018
Name: Charlotte Comedy City Tour
Cost: $37.00
Duration: 90 minutes
You can register for this on the conference registration site.
Meet in hotel lobby at 5pm.
Bus departs 5:15pm.
Explanation: Board the funny bus to explore Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods, historic places and landmarks on a 90-minute, adults-only comedy tour with hilarious live commentary. Enjoy BYO beer and wine as you ride through town, and get a funny, local perspective on life in the city. Kick off your evening in Charlotte by laughing along with a friendly crowd of visitors and locals. Take in the sights at night and experience a one-of-a-kind mashup of history and comedy with tickets to Charlotte’s funniest tour.
Cost: $37.00
Duration: 90 minutes
You can register for this on the conference registration site.
Meet in hotel lobby at 5pm.
Bus departs 5:15pm.
Explanation: Board the funny bus to explore Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods, historic places and landmarks on a 90-minute, adults-only comedy tour with hilarious live commentary. Enjoy BYO beer and wine as you ride through town, and get a funny, local perspective on life in the city. Kick off your evening in Charlotte by laughing along with a friendly crowd of visitors and locals. Take in the sights at night and experience a one-of-a-kind mashup of history and comedy with tickets to Charlotte’s funniest tour.
Activities to Explore on Your Own or With Some Friends
Name: IKEA
Cost: Free
Duration: Flexible
Address: 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Distance from Hotel: 16 minute drive!
Sunday: August 5th- 12-5 p.m.
Explanation: A shopping experience…IKEA headquarters is located in the Netherlands,
Specializes in ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories. It has been the world's largest furniture retailer since at least
2008.
Cost: Free
Duration: Flexible
Address: 8300 Ikea Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Distance from Hotel: 16 minute drive!
Sunday: August 5th- 12-5 p.m.
Explanation: A shopping experience…IKEA headquarters is located in the Netherlands,
Specializes in ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories. It has been the world's largest furniture retailer since at least
2008.
Name: Discovery Place Science/Nature
Cost: $10 for kids and adults (children under 1 are free)
Duration: Flexible
Address: 301 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 3-minute drive!
Sunday: August 5th (12-5 p.m.)
Explanation: A science and technology museum for visitors of all ages located in the uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Discovery Place Science brings science to life through hands-on interactive exhibits, thrilling activities and experiments, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and many other educational opportunities and programs. Discovery Place Nature is adjacent to Freedom Park and features interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a butterfly pavilion, live species and a variety of native North Carolina animals.
Cost: $10 for kids and adults (children under 1 are free)
Duration: Flexible
Address: 301 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 3-minute drive!
Sunday: August 5th (12-5 p.m.)
Explanation: A science and technology museum for visitors of all ages located in the uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Discovery Place Science brings science to life through hands-on interactive exhibits, thrilling activities and experiments, an IMAX Dome Theatre, and many other educational opportunities and programs. Discovery Place Nature is adjacent to Freedom Park and features interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a butterfly pavilion, live species and a variety of native North Carolina animals.
Name: Mint Museum Uptown
Cost: $12.00 Adults, $9.00 Seniors, $9.00 Students
Sunday: Afternoon: 1-5 p.m.
Duration: Flexible
Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 4-minute drive!
Explanation: Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning city center, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural 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. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop.
Cost: $12.00 Adults, $9.00 Seniors, $9.00 Students
Sunday: Afternoon: 1-5 p.m.
Duration: Flexible
Address: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 4-minute drive!
Explanation: Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning city center, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural 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. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop.
Name: Charlotte Premium Outlets
Cost: Free
Duration: Flexible
Address: 5404 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278
Distance from Hotel: 20-minute drive!
Monday: August 6th- 12-5 p.m.
Explanation: Charlotte Premium Outlets is North Carolina’s newest upscale outlet center and features and impressive collection of fashion designers, luxury brands and name brand manufacturers. The 398,421 square-foot center offers 100 notable outlet stores including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Cole Haan, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue. 25-65% off every day.
Cost: Free
Duration: Flexible
Address: 5404 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, NC 28278
Distance from Hotel: 20-minute drive!
Monday: August 6th- 12-5 p.m.
Explanation: Charlotte Premium Outlets is North Carolina’s newest upscale outlet center and features and impressive collection of fashion designers, luxury brands and name brand manufacturers. The 398,421 square-foot center offers 100 notable outlet stores including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Cole Haan, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store and Saks Fifth Avenue. 25-65% off every day.
Name: Carowinds Amusement Park
Cost: $53.00 Regular, $44.00 Senior/Junior
Duration: Flexible
Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Distance From Hotel: 27 minute drive!
Monday: August 6th- 10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Explanation: A mecca of family fun, this 105-acre theme/water park features rides that thrill and live entertainment.
Cost: $53.00 Regular, $44.00 Senior/Junior
Duration: Flexible
Address: 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
Distance From Hotel: 27 minute drive!
Monday: August 6th- 10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Explanation: A mecca of family fun, this 105-acre theme/water park features rides that thrill and live entertainment.
Name: Great Wolfe Lodge
Cost: $199.00- $299.00 a night
Duration: Flexible
Address: 10175 Weddington Road, Concord, NC 28027
Distance from Hotel: 23 minutes!
Monday: August 6th
Explanation: 84-degree indoor water park packed with thrill rides, water slides and fun
for all ages. Attractions, games, activities and adventures with plenty of family friendly dining options, all under one roof.
Cost: $199.00- $299.00 a night
Duration: Flexible
Address: 10175 Weddington Road, Concord, NC 28027
Distance from Hotel: 23 minutes!
Monday: August 6th
Explanation: 84-degree indoor water park packed with thrill rides, water slides and fun
for all ages. Attractions, games, activities and adventures with plenty of family friendly dining options, all under one roof.
Name: US National Whitewater Center
Cost: Youth (9 years & under) $49 and Adults (10 years & up) $59
Duration: Depends
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Distance from Hotel: 25-minute drive!
Monday: August 6th-10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Explanation: The USNWC’s 1,300 acres offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. Guests can enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking, flat water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lines, ropes courses, a canopy tour, and mountain biking on our 30+ mile trail system. For those looking to kick back, live music and outdoor festivals create a unique atmosphere of relaxation and community. The River Jam concert series takes place every Thursday and Saturday evening throughout the summer months, in addition to 9 unique festivals held throughout the year.
Cost: Youth (9 years & under) $49 and Adults (10 years & up) $59
Duration: Depends
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Distance from Hotel: 25-minute drive!
Monday: August 6th-10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Explanation: The USNWC’s 1,300 acres offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. Guests can enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking, flat water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lines, ropes courses, a canopy tour, and mountain biking on our 30+ mile trail system. For those looking to kick back, live music and outdoor festivals create a unique atmosphere of relaxation and community. The River Jam concert series takes place every Thursday and Saturday evening throughout the summer months, in addition to 9 unique festivals held throughout the year.
Name: Nascar Hall of Fame
Cost: $18.00 Youth (8-12), $12.00 Children (3-7)
Duration: Flexible
Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 5 minutes!
When? Monday August 6th-12-5 p.m
Explanation: The NASCAR Hall of Fame honors drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, and other major contributors to competition within the sanctioning body.
Cost: $18.00 Youth (8-12), $12.00 Children (3-7)
Duration: Flexible
Address: 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202
Distance from Hotel: 5 minutes!
When? Monday August 6th-12-5 p.m
Explanation: The NASCAR Hall of Fame honors drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, and other major contributors to competition within the sanctioning body.
Name: Public Brews Cruise of Charlotte
Cost: $49.00
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Address: 1031 Churchill Downs Ct Apt D, Charlotte, NC 28211-1570
Distance from hotel: 15 minute drive!
Explanation: Make your way to Heist Brewery, where this tour begins, and meet a beer guide and group for the trip to your first brewery. Upon arrival, learn the basics of local brewing by following the brewing process from start to finish, then try 4 or 5 of the brewery’s unique beers. Continue to a second brewery for more beer samples—you’ll taste a flight of 4 or 5 beers here, too—and sip your beer as your guide shares some background about the brewery, and about the Charlotte craft brewing scene. At your third stop, taste another set of 4 or 5 beers, with plenty of time to open a tab and order some food (own expense). Throughout the tour, your guide will share tips on getting the most out of your beer tastings, and give you the inside scoop on the vibrant Charlotte beer world. While the beers on tap vary with season and availability, you’ll try between 12 and 15 pour of craft beer (4–6 ounces) on the tour.
Cost: $49.00
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Address: 1031 Churchill Downs Ct Apt D, Charlotte, NC 28211-1570
Distance from hotel: 15 minute drive!
Explanation: Make your way to Heist Brewery, where this tour begins, and meet a beer guide and group for the trip to your first brewery. Upon arrival, learn the basics of local brewing by following the brewing process from start to finish, then try 4 or 5 of the brewery’s unique beers. Continue to a second brewery for more beer samples—you’ll taste a flight of 4 or 5 beers here, too—and sip your beer as your guide shares some background about the brewery, and about the Charlotte craft brewing scene. At your third stop, taste another set of 4 or 5 beers, with plenty of time to open a tab and order some food (own expense). Throughout the tour, your guide will share tips on getting the most out of your beer tastings, and give you the inside scoop on the vibrant Charlotte beer world. While the beers on tap vary with season and availability, you’ll try between 12 and 15 pour of craft beer (4–6 ounces) on the tour.
Name: Charlotte Segway Tour
Cost: $60.00
Duration: Varies
Address: 101 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28280
Distance from hotel: 5 min drive!
Explanation: A Segway tour of Charlotte is fun, safe and informative! Follow your knowledgeable local guide as you glide through the upbeat Uptown neighborhood. Sights on this tour include the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Mint Museum, and the Gantt Center. Choose a 1.5-hour ride, or add an extra 30 minutes to see a couple of additional sights: two historic cemeteries and the stadium home of the Carolina Panthers.
Cost: $60.00
Duration: Varies
Address: 101 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28280
Distance from hotel: 5 min drive!
Explanation: A Segway tour of Charlotte is fun, safe and informative! Follow your knowledgeable local guide as you glide through the upbeat Uptown neighborhood. Sights on this tour include the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Mint Museum, and the Gantt Center. Choose a 1.5-hour ride, or add an extra 30 minutes to see a couple of additional sights: two historic cemeteries and the stadium home of the Carolina Panthers.