32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (2024)

The top stops along the way from Columbia to Boone (with short detours) are Carowinds, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and NASCAR Hall of Fame. Other popular stops include Charlotte Motor Speedway, Linville Caverns, Inc, and Billy Graham Library.

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University of South Carolina

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Public university

Sights & Landmarks

The University of South Carolina is a large public university located in the heart of the state capital. The university has many historic buildings and museums on its campus that are popular with students and visitors alike. With close proximity to many attractions, the hotel is perfect for visitors who want to explore the city while they're in town.

My wife and I are early 70's graduates 🎓 from Carolina. Today we observed the 55 anniversary of my proposal which took place in the fountain garden adjacent to the Administration Building ... walking around the Horseshoe was a pleasant trip down memory lane.

Hal T — Google review

Got a degree in 2019 via the “Palmetto College.” Life appeared good. The covid mess shut down everything as I started looking for jobs! Still having hope in my college degree, I started to look for jobs after the extreme covid mess calmed down…no jobs hire college students now. I went to school for nothing!!! I even called to see if the Palmetto College degree even had value, to see if I actually had a degree. So now I owe money on garbage, college landfill garbage. I am academically advanced to flip burgers. Don’t go to college. Don’t. USC has no regard for graduates. Handshake? Garbage. Don’t offer regional campuses when the regions don’t even network with regional area jobs. I am #!%~ing mad! I regret my years in college. I could have rotted without my degree and degree debt. Oh, and don’t expect to afford payments on 10 dollars hourly. So, anyone stay away!!!!! Don’t go. What an absolute shame!!!!

Swull — Google review

Quiet and good place to focus on your school away from other busy cities. There are great teachers who are willing to help you if you ask. A lot services are provided by the school to help students with their school and social work. It get boring sometimes because it is a small city but overall there are a lot of activities to do

A. ( — Google review

Couldn’t be more disappointed to a university which sent an offer message, and as late as two days afterwards told me that it was a “clerical error.” Even worse, after the declination, the migration office sent me messages of congratulations and guidance on how to get a VISA in order to study there. Wow, what an unforgettable series of nightmares!

Steven N — Google review

L, this university is filled with Mold. I couldn’t focus with the train horns always going off. Some professors like to manipulate our thinking into being in a “I’m poor” mindset. One professor was so old and skinny and he chucked a white board eraser across the room when a student asked a ‘boring’ question. They also don’t put enough care into engineering students: how are engineering students supposed to maintain a certain gpa within a scholar program in which people could take other easier majors and have it easy until later in life. But to just exist here it felt like 20 years in the past. Everything is old. The way things run are outdated and don’t make sense. About half the buildings and student housing need to be condemned. The city is a disaster of a mess. Parking is impossible when the whole city has to park somewhere too. I don’t have any hopes for this university succeeding in creating future students of America.

Chipper L — Google review

Seems like there's a lot of hidden fees that are not disclosed to the students. All the students are fairly young. And they don't know what it's like to deal with bills and It's all left upon the parents.It seems like everybody working.are not on the same page. They also made up a story about the fafsa, not being available to them, but they certainly know how to charge you, even upload a transcript.

Susan R — Google review

Just passed through whilst visiting Columbia, and I was quite impressed. The trees were outstanding and tall, the buildings were old but still looked good, and there was a fairly distinctive campus feel despite being in a rather large city. The palmettos make the campus much nicer and southern-feeling, and the various live oaks around campus give a very “Old South” feel. Cannot attest to the academics, though I did see a lot of “frat boy-types” and wondered if this school has that type of culture. The few people I chatted with were very nice and welcoming, and I would recommend visit the McKissick Museum or other places around here to get a sense of the culture and history of the school. G(oh) Cocks! Cheers.

Kyle H — Google review

Fantastic campus setting. First time visit and was impressed with the architecture and upkeep of the entire area. It will be a great 1st year experience for my son.

Jeff W — Google review

We felt welcome by the staff and students. Glad my grandbabies chose USC.

Helen B — Google review

Absolutely beautiful campus. Attended our granddaughters graduation.

Ed C — Google review

Beautiful campus with tons of flowers and plants to admire along the horseshoe. Buildings dating back to the 1800’s.

Rick T — Google review

Amazing first college experience wish I could go back every day

Chipper L — Google review

Noelle Ziggy continues to use homophobic slurs when seeing me. due to being bound to a wheelchair and having red hair, she likes to point at me and scream "Hot Wheels" infront of everyone.

Bill S — Google review

Moving daughter into Preston dorm to start her freshman year at South Carolina University!

Ronnie T — Google review

It's definitely a Beautiful place, GORGEOUS campus, with loyal faculty, staff, professors, teachers, administrators, security, coaches, players, and a host of students with smiling faces everywhere. One of the biggest school in the state of South Carolina and most definitely one of my favorite schools.

Dexter B — Google review

Came here by accident looking for a place to eat, but my 12 yo son loved the atmosphere 👌🏼😉

J M — Google review

Great facility. Prompt service. Friendly and professional staff. A hidden gem 💎

E. T — Google review

Had an awesome time. Katt Williams was phenomenal. I was great to see Monique on stage again. She killed it.

TdotHarris M — Google review

4.4

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4.5

(424)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (6)

Columbia, SC 29208, USA

(803) 777-0169

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South Carolina State House

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State government office

Sights & Landmarks

The State House is a famous tourist destination and the capital of South Carolina. It is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture and was built in 1851. The highly-regarded design work of John Niernsee makes it one of the most beautiful state government offices in the country. The grounds include monuments to historical figures such as George Washington and S.C. Senators, as well as fallen State Law Enforcement Officers.

A friend of ours who lives in the area took us on a tour of the grounds and then we went into the building for a quick peek inside.The grounds are well kept with a lot of statues/monuments and history. We especially loved their African American History Monument - long overdue.The picture of the “ship” etched into the ground is an eye opener. You can see the way the laves were transported side by each and crammed in there. The way they were treated is horrible and the story needs to be told.The State Building had gone through a long renovation and it is beautiful inside.We loved the law enforcement memorial and it is very cool that the blue lights leading up to it from the walkway light up at night.

Sheri L — Google review

My first time visiting and I enjoyed walking the grounds of the SC State House. The staff on-site were very friendly and informative. I wish I could of stayed to explore more, but it was a hot day.. and my children were not very thrilled to be walking around in the heat. We will be back though once the weather cools down a bit.

Dina — Google review

This statehouse was beautiful from the outside. However I was disappointed that it wasn't open for self guided tours on the Sunday that I was passing through. Regardless, toured the grounds and checked out all of the statues there. Enjoyed the design of the dome. It was very different than most. I'll put this on my list of visited capitals but unseen from the inside.

Brian D — Google review

Beautiful state capital. The grounds and all the history present is wonderful. So proud that the South Carolina state capital counties to honor the citizens of its past . Beautiful Confederate monuments on grounds. Love showing my family our countries history. Great job !

C D — Google review

Highlight of my Columbia visit. Awesome grounds very well kept. Nice statuary and interesting stories about origins and age of trees planted. The capital building itself had great architecture and artwork. Stained glass windows were awesome pictures cant do justice. Lawmakers were not in session so we could look anywhere there wasn't a locked door. Well worth visit. Don,t bring any knives, guard took my swiss army and held it at guard station til done looking around, nice polite man too.

Dan T — Google review

Visited the State House on Saturday after visiting the Soda City Market a block away. The security guard was very friendly & courteous. We removed our personal belongings to be x-rayed & walked through the metal detector without issue. We did not take the free tour, but wandered around on our own. 3 floors & not all rooms are open. There’s a gift shop on exit. Make sure you walk around the grounds outside. Very nice state house.

Hung D — Google review

By far South Carolina State Capital grounds were the prettiest we’ve seen out of 30+ Capitals that we’ve been to 🏢⛪️ 🌸🌼🌺🌷

N M — Google review

I live nearby to the State house itself. We generally go for walks there. The state house is a tourist attraction which show cases the African American history. It’s a must see place for everyone who visits Columbia, South Carolina.They have great architecture and have statues of important personnel. Also, the place is well lit for Christmas.It is Located in downtown Columbia, Visitors can take free guided and self-guided tours of the South Carolina State House. It is open Mon-Sat until 5pm

Sai Y — Google review

I had the opportunity as an adult to visit the South Carolina Statehouse. What an amazing place? A lot of history and interesting facts.

Bridget B — Google review

This was an amazing experience!! There are so many historical things to see and experience! Shout out to all the amazing tour guides who do an amazing job showing us around the state house. I hope you can go and experience this too!

Brad N — Google review

The grounds of the State House and the building itself are worth a visit. Both are impressive and filled with history, but we really like walking around the grounds. There is a scavenger hunt sheet and map on their website that can be downloaded, and it is filled with interesting facts about the monuments and gardens. There is a lot to see here. If you visit on the weekends, there are usually parking spaces on Sumter Street right next to the grounds available.

Beth M — Google review

Definitely recommend a stop here. There is also a parking garage near by and a short walk to the main street area as well. We spent a solid hour just outside walking around the grounds. Very beautiful building and interesting history here. Lots of it. The stairs and view outside is worth going to view alone. When facing the building from main street the original building was a little to the right until it was burnt down in a war. The city was great to view and enjoy for the bringing in of the new year. The fireworks were great and wonderful to watch from the middle of main street and the oldest streets in the city.

Brittany H — Google review

Historic state building in downtown Columbia, SC - beautiful architecture and the paved walkways with gardens are a nice stroll

Kevin W — Google review

The statues and the plaques around the Capitol are rich in South Carolina history. I would set aside an hour to take in everything in the gardens, more to take in what's inside.

Maxwell A — Google review

Absolutely amazing to see the architectural beauty this building has to offer. Off street parking and easy to walk around the property to explore the area. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Jennifer R — Google review

Had a good time at the State House on yesterday. Received a tour around some parts of the building. I will tell you to wear good shoes. I got my exercise in yesterday!! There are soo many stairs to climb. My legs are screaming today. Great experience if you get a chance to stop by.

Hope M — Google review

Exquisite architecture, paintings, history and workmanship at this state house. Beautiful grounds. Statues and monuments outside. Inside there is a very nice gift shop. You can take a guided tour or if you have watched the interesting and detailed video on the dot gov site, you will have gotten a good background on the state house, so that you can tour yourself with a sufficient understanding of the place.

V M — Google review

Beautiful state house - arrived too late to get to see the inside on this trip although I’ve been in previously. Can spend a solid hour looking at the various monuments and beautiful landscaping surrounding the building. Kids loved running up and down the steps.

Bobby K — Google review

The state house is open for the public. You can enter from the left side of the building just go through the security check. There is guided tour or you can just go around with the pamphlet. The three storey building is a magnificent piece of art. Kids were super excited to see the inside and got to take lots of pictures too. Definitely worth visiting if you are around the area.

Babita — Google review

I didn't go in for a tour, but the grounds alone are worth a visit.

Dylan W — Google review

Cool to see! Come and stroll around a bit. Inside and outside are cool to see.

Mike M — Google review

The South Carolina capitol was quite busy and festive. We had to wait our turn to take a photo with the huge Christmas tree. There were other festive displays that people were taking pictures with. There is a parking lot across the street that wasn't busy and offered metered parking.

Felicia F — Google review

4.7

(490)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (13)

4.5

(669)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (14)

1100 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

(803) 734-5049

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32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (15)

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South Carolina State Museum

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Museum

Local history museum

Specialty Museums

The South Carolina State Museum is a large museum located in Columbia, SC that houses both permanent and rotating exhibits on a variety of topics ranging from art to history to science and technology. The museum also has a planetarium and an interactive 4D theater that are great for kids.

This is definitely a gem. They have 4 floors of exhibits. We didn’t get thru it all today. They have kid friendly exhibits as well. They have a gift shop an they also show mini movies. Today admission was $1 per person. ( First Sunday of each month).

Kimbryea W — Google review

Great museum with multiple levels of interesting exhibits to view. Short historical movies were free for viewing. Great lunch cafe if you’re hungry and gift shop on first floor. Would recommend to others.

Nicole M — Google review

This museum has a large variety of displays across a wide spectrum of South Carolina history. There's paleontology, archeology, astronomy, revolutionary through modern history, and everything in between. The displays are very cool, and the museum contains some amazing artifacts. Affordable entertainment is always a great find. There's a planetarium too! Right across the parking lot is EdVenture, a stem place for kids. Truly a gem in the capital city's crown.

Shawn C — Google review

What a fun place to discover a little bit about everything. The stars, the sea, the land, technology, people. This museum has it all and everyone at every age is sure to have fun. The is a cafe for snacks, a gift shop, planetarium, and hands on activities throughout. It is four levels of fun. It is handicap accessible and elevators are handy. It is a lot of walking so if you do have mobility issues they have provided benches throughout for a rest.

S G — Google review

Although it's showing its age in places (some of the exhibits are 25+ years old) the museum is clearly undergoing a renewal. Many signboards and displays have recent updates, exhibits are being tweaked, new displays are going on. It's true this isn't the state of the art museum it was in the early 90s, but it's still a solid place to pick up on state history and I still love coming here to see what's been updated since my last visit. Watching the changes from one visit to the next in almost real time has been pretty exciting!In good weather, definitely check out the observatory. Even if it's closed due to clouds or rain, they're always happy to have a chat about the telescope and show off pictures they've taken with it, which is extremely cool. The updated space exhibits are also fantastic, as are the telescopes on display and the recent acquisitions hall. Showing its age in places, yes, but like I said it's still definitely worth the visit.

Cara C — Google review

Staff were pretty friendly. I was with a large group of people. I believe there could of been a better explanation of how we could navigate the area. There was construction going on during this time. Like any museum the food in the cafe was over priced for the quality of food. There are 4 floors so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The hours are work friendly.

Mickeal R — Google review

The state museum really is a Columbia treasure. I've been going my whole life and now take my kids, ages 6 and 8. They are just now getting to the age where they understand and appreciate what they're seeing. I'd say any younger than 6 it's probably a better idea to check out the children's museum across the street, Edventure. This museum is definitely geared towards ages 7-8 and up, in my opinion. You can easily spend 3-4 hours at the state museum, especially if you stop to read things. There's so much rich history in SC! The planetarium theater is awesome and we've enjoyed the different shows featured over the last year or two. The 4D theater is cool, but if you have a little one scared by sudden noises, feels, etc I'd skip it. Certain films have effects where they may mist you with water, the seat may vibrate, or you may feel some other sensation. So just know that in advance. My Boys love the military exhibits, dinosaurs, and space exploration exhibits the best. There's also a very impressive telescope collection, lots of prehistoric animals, a look at transportation and daily life over the years, life of the early Native Americans, and so much more!

Beth B — Google review

Amazing time! Lana, or however her name is spelled (sorry!) was great for the Solar show in the planetarium! Very helpful during the show and held an in-depth conversation on me regarding solar flare ups and VHF/HF radio comms, plus additional electronics and potential impacts of future mass solar events. She is very knowledgeable in that field.As for the museum, great choice of items. Very nice, has lots of cool items.

Colby S — Google review

This museum is AMAZING! 4 floors of soooo much information and exhibits. I got there at 11 thinking I’d be there thinking I’d be there just a couple hours but 4hrs later I was still there enjoying myself. Such a great way to spend a day.

Cynthia R — Google review

Great place to explore. The building itself is cool. The planetarium is a great experience. Also do the observatory. Impressive telescope and knowledgeable staff. The other displays throughout are fantastic, but there isn't much change. Still, I enjoyed repeated visits. The manually powered submarine model is fascinating. We went this last time for the eclipse. The staff members really make you feel welcome.

Jimmy S — Google review

Really awesome museum! I highly recommend visiting! Probably plan on showing up earlier in the day if you do plan to go.

Jeremiah C — Google review

My daughter and I had a wonderful time exploring the exhibits. Make sure you plan to spend the entire day as there is a lot to see. My daughter really enjoyed the fossils, space, and habitat exhibits. We visited on a Friday and had very little traffic in the exhibits. There were a handful of other guests and one field trip. Something of note, the bathrooms are being renovated so they are few and far between. We ate lunch at the cafe, which had a small wait but was fair priced.

Tonja S — Google review

It is always a great place to take friends and family from out of town. Fun and educational. 4D educational films are available also. The NASA exhibit is really cool.

Dawn S — Google review

Ever since I can remember I have loved coming to the museum! I love the exhibits, even the ones they've had for years and years! There's so much to see and do and I learn something new each trip. I'm excited (and also slightly sad) that they are updating some of the older exhibits. I'll miss the old classics but I'm looking forward to whatever is next!

Katie R — Google review

Very tailored to children which is nice, the interactive exhibits allow for not even children but adults to be engaged. From South Carolina to general history the SCSM has plenty to see and engage with throughout the 3 floors. So much history from all different times. Recommend if you have the time to check out the different shows available and the separate military museum. Would come again. Somethings do need some updates or new equipment but I am sure they’re in the works to fix that.

Dakota L — Google review

What an absolutely overwhelming experience this museum is. We spent nearly 3 hours exploring and only saw maybe half of what there is to see. It has everything from history to science, to amazing planetarium shows that are worth every penny. I can't wait to make it back to Columbia to see the rest!

Christopher C — Google review

We were thrilled to see they are finally making some changes and improvements here after years of having the same exhibits. My kids still love to come and catch a show at the 4D theatre or the planetarium. Memberships are great here, but you can also come the 1st Sunday for $1 admission. The gift shop has some great SC items.

Beth M — Google review

You can tell it's built with huge budget. It doesn't have expensive dinosaur bones.However, they managed to make it look interesting and diverse.It definitely shows quality and character

Ali B — Google review

My son and grandkids live in Irmo. We were visiting from NY and found this museum and planetarium a fantastic place. We arrived for the 1:30pm show and it was OK. But the history in the museum was amazing. We only had a couple of hours to go through the museum but you really need half a day to take eveything in. When we return we will certainly come back again and spend more time.

Juan O — Google review

I’ve been to the museum multiple times, as I am a local. Which also means I’ve seen many different exhibits featured here. I believe the museum is well known for the massive great white shark hanging in the entrance and can be seen from every level of the museum (4 floors ). While it’s very impressive it’s also very intimidating for younger visitors as well. My most previous trip here was a random Tuesday in April. Total spur of the moment with my 4 year old son, sister and nephew (2 years old). My son thought the giant shark was the coolest thing ever and my nephew couldn’t run away fast enough (he was leashed to his momma and just about pulled her down he ran so fast 😂). After convincing him it wasn’t going to eat him we saw the cool dinosaur exhibit, explored prehistoric times, walked the many different destinations SC has to offer, learned about SC history and saw the planetarium 🪐 they are currently completing renovations on multiple floors, so many of the hands on exhibits and interactive displays were gone. Honestly the 3rd and 4th floors held very little interest for everyone. The museum is geared more towards older kids interested in history. Although it’s a great place to visit, make sure to check the website to see what new exhibits they have and if any are unable to access. In the past they have had some great exhibits, you just have to keep an eye out. All in all, it’s a great place to take friends and family from out of town or a trip to the past on a random Tuesday with your kiddos to reminisce about horse and buggy times, rotary phones, and 1970’s televisions. Definitely a must visit when in South Carolina 💖

Courtney W — Google review

Educational museum. Great promotion on the first Sunday of the month, entry is $1. I'm delighted with the planitarium. You can also visit the 4D cinema. There is a cafe and children's activities.

Nat S — Google review

Wonderful and so full of interesting South Carolina, natural, and technology history (radio, TV, automobile) and earth science that we couldn't finish. Fascinating telescopes, a small cafe, and dioramas too. Great for all ages.

V M — Google review

A nice museum over several floors: 2-3 hours recommended to fully experience the site.Free public WiFi available, free parking, and a cafe on site as well.

Ryan S — Google review

Really enjoyed the museum. The telescopes were some of my favorite things but I really loved seeing a piece of the moon! Really interactive parts and a great mix of science, history, and nature! I would recommend this place to anyone and I would especially encourage checking out one of the shows in the large dome.

Milen P — Google review

This was a letdown in a lot of ways. The displays were vast spectacles of nothingness. Large dioramas made more to take up space and less about educational content. Many, if not all of the interactive displays were broken or in some state of disrepair.

J C — Google review

Nice, well curated museum. It contains information mostly on South Carolina and it's history and ecology, but there is also a sound and light exhibit.

Dylan W — Google review

This museum is absolutely massive. There is absolutely no way to experience the whole thing in a day, so maybe just commit to the idea you might make a couple trips over the years.My only complaint is that as it is such a large museum, it seems to try and cover EVERYTHING, and doesn't always necessarily have a whole lot to do with South Carolina (and it being the South Carolina state museum, you're probably there to learn primarily about South Carolina).However, there are many places in which they do a great job, including the textiles exhibit where they even go into the history of the building itself, as the museum itself was home to an old textile mill with some interesting industry firsts to its name.The affordable price makes it easy to warrant a return trip. We skipped over several whole exhibits, such as the telescope exhibit, and we must have spent 4 or 5 hours there.Note that the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is a separate facility and separate ticket, and is closed on Sundays. Also, the gallery is currently closed (although it says it will reopen this year.

Brady B — Google review

4.7

(3567)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (22)

4.5

(651)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (23)

301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

(803) 898-4921

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Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is a family-friendly zoo with African and Australian animals, reptile galleries, a bird house, a farm, and botanical gardens. The zoo features a splash pad with rubber surfaces that has been upgraded in the summer. There are also playhouses, treehouses, a large field with toys and games, a waterfall and 2 splash pads.

Riverbanks zoo reminds of Animal Kingdom set in good old Disney World without the financial hard ship going there. Riverbanks is simply an amazing zoo. I would recommend setting aside 3-4 hours to see everything, this of course is set with a two old in mind. We stopped and saw just about everything and even petted some very friendly goats. Some stuff does cost extra, $20 on the zoo card will be more than enough for two children.The giraffe feeding stops at 1:30pm so if that is on your agenda I would get in line early. We went on a Sunday and the crowds were not too bad. We will definitely become frequent visitors. 10/10 I highly recommend.

Tai S — Google review

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is fabulous! We absolutely love it here and have been visiting regularly for 10+ years. The animal variety is second to none. The layout of the zoo flows very nice to ensure you can enjoy each stop to see all that it offers during your visits. The staff do a great job of keeping the zoo very clean and safe. They are very, attentive, and provide excellent service every time we are there. The expansions keep coming and continue improving and evolving this Zoo into one of the best visits you and your family can make.If I was going to provide a critique, I would recommend more fans through out the park. South Carolina (especially in the midlands) can get very hot and humid during the summer months and that heat can make visiting the park a less than pleasant experience if you are not use to the heat down here (heck even if you are 😂). More fans through out the park would add to the already amazing atmosphere and help create some more much needed cool zones through out.One last add. Please visit during the Halloween and Christmas events. They are fantastic and highly recommended. For adults the Brew at the Zoo is one of the best attractions around. Enjoy!

Jacob G — Google review

This was an amazing experience! The $5 parking is worth it if you are wanting to go to the botanical gardens/splash pad first or last on your visit. The prices were fair for adults at $26 for how big of a zoo it is! There were some of every animal including giraffes you can feed, a kangaroo exhibit you can walk through, and sea lions you can stand next to. Animals included monkeys, gorillas, lions, tigers, snakes, birds of all kinds, goats, alpacas, bears, otters, tortoises, penguins, tropical fish, jellyfish, sea turtles, koalas, sloths, and so much more. I even tried out the ropes course within the zoo (requires shoes w/ heel strap) which was priced at $7 for non-members. It was a good ropes course for the price! I do recommend having a parent or older sibling go up with a younger child if they're new to ropes courses. The height can be a fear factor and the way the harness is attached to the top of the course can make it harder for smaller kids to reach in order to move around the course. As an adult, it's a fun add-on especially if you're looking for some more thrill with your zoo experience. The botanical gardens were gorgeous! They were located right next to the $5 parking and the tram. Overall, I really enjoyed visiting the Riverbanks Zoo and all of the staff here were polite and happy.

Michelle L — Google review

Wild Nights was awesome! Really looked great from the front gate fungi/coral to the animated creatures. Went on Black Friday with family in town for the holidays. Highly recommend buying tickets in advance as another group mentioned it was already sold out when we arrived right after 5pm. The kids loved that the train and carousel were both running.The person at the gate was very helpful as we had multiple ticket purchases across several confirmation emails. Would definitely go again.

Jeremy L — Google review

A place where families can come and witness animals from around the world in a protected and safe environment. The Riverbanks Zoo rescues animals from around the globe to rehabilitate them and care for them with such love. The zoo is filled with a variety of animals ranging from tigers, lions, gorillas, and birds from all countries. This place is clean, family friendly, and caters to all ages. If you're ever in Columbia, SC, I would definitely recommend this place for a fun family outing. If you wish to take friends, you can purchase yearly passes that give you 4-8 guest passes, depending on your choice of yearly pass.

Alexander ( — Google review

The zoo is well maintained, clean, and organized.There’s a $5 dollar fee for the parking and they have plenty of parking spaces.You can book in advance “behind the scenes” to pet some of the animals. (Check their website).If you go early in the morning you can feed the giraffes.There are plenty of restrooms around, some of them smell bad and are messy, speciallyIf the zoo is pretty busy.The bird part smells bad but is just the smell of the birds. Just be aware.They rent strollersGift shop availableThey have photographers at the entrance with a giant green screen.They have an interactive farm for kids, a carousel, and more.Food and drinks from outside are not allowed.

Veronica — Google review

Visiting the zoo isn't usually at the top of my list when I travel to a new city, but in Columbia, it's a must-see and far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed exploring the wide variety of animals and especially loved feeding the birds. The diverse collection of reptiles was fascinating, though I’m still not entirely comfortable with the snakes. The zoo is also connected to a beautiful botanical garden and has a splash park for kids, making it a great spot for a family day out. Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable experience.

Garrett R — Google review

The zoo was awesome! There were a lot of nice animals, and the enclosures/habitats were more than adequate for the animals. Healthy animals! My favorite places to visit had the flamingos and the lions. They had a grizzly bear, which I had not seen before. The botanical gardens were nice, as well. Small, but nice. There is a tram that takes you from the zoo to the garden. It took me and my partner about 3.5 hours to do the zoo and the garden.

Mar P — Google review

I visited her in the spring, and it was fantastic. We enjoyed feeding the giraffes. We were able to get up close to the gorillas even though their enclosure is going through renovations. I loved the sea lion exhibit. The aquarium had just recently opened back up and was super crowded. We were not able to check that out, but it looked super nice from the outside. My daughter and nephew loved all the activities this zoo offers. This zoo is very well kept, and the animals looked happy and healthy.

Marsha D — Google review

Went this past week with my nieces (1 yo) and they had a blast. There are lots of exhibits and we saw all of them and stayed for about 2 hours total. We were able to see all of the animals except the tiger(s). My nieces especially loved the aquarium and the penguin exhibit. We got to see them performing maintenance/cleaning in one of the aquarium tanks which was pretty cool. Also got to see a couple of young gorillas nursing. I would recommend bringing some bug spray and sunscreen. There’s a lot of tree cover and canopies at exhibits providing shade throughout the park but there are also areas in direct sunlight at many of the exhibits. The park overall was very clean and there was lots to do. Also recommend going during the week/off season as the temperature is cooler so you’re able to see more animals and it is WAY less busy. There were maybe a max of 5 other people at an exhibit with us. Did not see or visit the garden this time, but definitely have plans to visit next time. This was our 2nd time making the trip to this zoo and we will definitely be back!

Faith L — Google review

Beautiful and spacious zoo. There are unique animals that live here, that are not at a typical zoo. Lots of shade to keep you cool while viewing the animals. And very, very clean!The enclosures have lots of space and the animals seemed happy and energetic, compared to other zoos I’ve visited. There are friendly zookeepers posted around the zoo to share interesting information on the animals. They were well informed and were able to answer all the questions we asked. My favorite part was visiting the Kangaroos. You are able to actually go inside the enclosure (while staying on the path) to view the kangaroos from a short distance without any fence or obstruction blocking your view. The experience felt up close, but was a safe distance away.We enjoyed the trek up the trail to the garden through dense trees that felt like it’s own separate space from the zoo. The garden is well taken care of and has a calming atmosphere. We then rode the tram back down the trail where we were brought back to the zoo. It is nice the facility offers the tram at no extra cost.Overall, we had a great time! This is probably my favorite zoo now.

Gabi B — Google review

I visited with my kids here during the Christmas holidays. The weather was pleasant.There was no wait line at the ticket counter.The charges for kids and adults are almost the same.It's not very big zoo but there are lots of animals and well maintained.There are more than one lion, tiger, orangutan and many more.There are different animal talk times for more information.With special bands you can go near few animals like giraffe, feed birds and play games.Sometimes the layout gets confusing but it's small enough to trace the steps back.The alligator 🐊 was not there.There are lots of picnic tables.I could go near kangaroo 🦘.Zoo rangers are always nearby and helpful with information or directions.There are many eating outlets.It's a good to spend with kids.

Archie — Google review

The zoo was pretty big, and had a good selection of animals. Compared to other zoos I've visited, it was ok. Animals were on the smaller size, and the one grizzly bear we saw looked like he had mange (fur was patchy in several places). The plus for me was that you can take the free tram to the botanical gardens which was included in the ticket price. That was my favorite part. Walking through the gardens was a nice outing, and there were places with seating, food, activities, and a splash park for kids. Overall I enjoyed it.

Tonya — Google review

Very nice zoo. The animals seemed well cared for, and there were a lot of attractions. The price is also reasonable as you could easily spend 4-6 hours looking around. Definitely buy tickets online and save some money (free parking with online purchase).

D M — Google review

We've been to several zoos and aquariums around the south, and this zoo is by far the cleanest zoo we've been to. Workers were actively cleaning the animals' areas and trending to their needs. The caretakers were interactive with the animals, and all creatures seemed very relaxed and happy, none anxious or pacing like in some zoos. The animals were very well taken care of. The gorilla's were personable and playful. The diver in the sea tank was petting the fish and playing with them while holding and feeding the sharks. The announcers were informative. There were several areas to cook down as well. The entire place is worth the drive.

Crystal R — Google review

I dropped in unexpectedly, looking to get some steps in. Lots of trails and flora. Many places to sit and take a load off.You can walk from the garden to the zoo, it's only 3/10 mile. Zoo was a bit more crowded, but pretty cool....and they sell beer 😁.Check out Saluda Ruins, BEAUTIFUL walk and an interesting story. I was there for about 2 hours and got in my 10k steps.

Erik S — Google review

Well worth the visit! I went with my wife and 2 kiddos, oldest is 9. We really liked the aquarium with a wide variety of up close exhibits. The ocean exhibit had numerous "Coming Soon" attractions. Note that to ride the carousel or do the climbing wall, you must buy extra tickets like at a carnival, but the prices are not ridiculous. When we went, the carousel cost $2 per ride. We also let our daughter try the high ropes obstacle course. This was another fee ($7 per person) but well worth it. Mom and Dad enjoyed the bridge and trails to the botanical gardens, which was included with the zoo admission. Great family outing!

Jarrod R — Google review

Free zoo map is available. I was able to see all the animals so close. Was also able to feed a giraffe and brush the goats. They are very cute. Don't forget to get some merchandises too on the way to the parking lot.

Andita M — Google review

I've always loved the zoo, and now I get the joy of taking my girls. I do suggest a membership as it pays for itself and tickets are pricey but it's worth it. We usually take snacks with us and we have the souvenir cups. We love doing boo at the zoo and the lights at the zoo

Angel W — Google review

Such a great place to bring the family to! The kids loved seeing the animals and learning about all them. Love their aquarium area too! So neat to see them all and watch the kids eyes light up with joy over seeing how they live. If you haven’t gone yet I’d strongly suggest going asap!

Danielle O — Google review

Beautiful zoo, kept clean, prices are as you'd expect going to any big park these days. Good food variety, as well as snacks, drinks. Tons of animal exhibits, overall great for the fam & everyone!Great parking options.

C P — Google review

Took advantage of the last free Friday for this month. First time at the zoo and was not disappointed. Only spent about 2 1/2 hours but really enjoyed. I pretty much stuck to one side of the zoo this time and will explore the other half later on. Highly recommend. The only thing I wish they had was more food options but I’m not complaining because i know how that goes but I went prepared! Took my own food!

Annie G — Google review

The new Komodo dragon exhibit is awesome! Took my niece and she enjoyed feeding the birds and the giraffes. There’s so much at this zoo. It is such a great time. The staff is so friendly too! You can tell they really care and are knowledgeable about the animals.

Ellie G — Google review

This was a great zoo to visit. The animals were out, and you were able to see them easily. The rain made some hide and made some more active. The staff here was extremely friendly, it was also great to be able to buy tickets in advance and a refillable souvenir cup (which we refilled 4 times during our visit at the end of July in the heat. Would recommend planning ahead and bringing ponchos if rain is a possibility because you can keep moving and still see the entire zoo. Highly recommend visiting this zoo and the Botanical Gardens, which are equally amazing. I would suggest riding the tram to get to the gardens as it is 3/10 mile uphill.

Jeremy J — Google review

We had a great time,animals were cool food was good and wait times were a bit long on a few things but other wise it was great, it’s very nice and nothing is to far apart so it’s not that bad when walking from place to place extra things were very affordable being 2 dollars a person just so you know the zoo does a coin system kind of so if you want to do an extra and you had 3 people it would 6 dollars with each coin being 1 dollar a piece,extras were very cool with the extras being feeding giraffes,feeding birds and other things. I would recommend getting to the zoo as early as possible because it gets crowded very fast you could get to see more things actually moving and running around and that’s just a few things to keep in mind.

Mc B — Google review

God have us an absolutely perfect day for our visit! It was 75°, partly cloudy, and a gentle breeze. Although it was fairly busy, everyone moved along through all the exhibits quickly. I'd have to say that our group's highlights were feeding the Coconut Lorikeet, walking among the kangaroos, and visiting the botanical garden (took the tram up). It's a great place for kids of all ages. The garden has quite a few play areas of all different themes and many water features. The kids were having a blast in the water activities. They even have a cabana for bathing suit changes. It's a "must see" if you're in the area. We'll be visiting again in the future.

Patricia V — Google review

This was a nice zoo for a city of this size. The attendants at the kangaroos and flamingos were very nice answering my questions about the animals. Kid friendly. Guests should be aware that during hot weather or middle of the day many of the larger animals are not very active. The aquatic collections and monkeys are really good.

Louis M — Google review

Well laid out zoo! Alot of things were under construction when we were there on June 1 2024. Lines were long to feed giraffes. I recommend going in afternoon around 1 pm. All the animals were just getting up then, it seems. The signs could be done better. It's a little difficult to use the map considering how big it is. Also recommend eating lunch at an odd time. There's quite a line if you decide to eat at one of the restaurants inside the zoo.

Chris D — Google review

we love this place! this is my fourth time at the riverbanks zoo, and it's never failed to please. easy access, plenty of parking, affordable ticket prices (I recommend getting the extended bracelet deal, feeding the giraffes is part of it, and it's really worth it). the animals seem to be well taken care of, and if you go earlier in the day, you'll be able to see everyone waking up and hanging out (the otters were especially excited for the sunshine and company). definitely dress comfy and bring plenty of water! there's lots of shade and several drinking fountains, but it was nice to have our own on hand. this was our first time making it up to the gardens, and that was also really worth the trip up. the waterfall splash area is great for the kiddos in the heat. I believe there's a lot on the west side where you can park and the access is much easier for the gardens and play area. all around great time!

Heather H — Google review

My first time here and brought my grand daughter from AZ. We bought tickets online and arrived 10 min to open. Once it opened I rented one of their electric scooter being disabled. My grand daughter and I spent the whole day there. Food was a bit pricey 2 all Americans and 1 drink 31 bucks. However they were absolutely delicious. We did some of the extra activities having purchased an explore more pass. We both had fun. The exhibits and habitats were very nice and just about all of the animals were out and active. We even caught them feeding the otters. It reminded me of a smaller version of the Phoenix zoo, only with out a touch tank or elephants. During lunch we heard the lion roar which was exciting. Over all I would recommend.

Tattooed G — Google review

Came to the zoo in the morning. Most animals were out as breakfast was being served to some of the animals. It was pleasant that the weather was cool, so a light coat or long sleeves did the trick. By the time it was 11 a.m., it warmed up. Not very crowded, it was nice to walk through and take some time to see the animals starting their day. Since it was 9:30 am when I got in, not many food/drink places were available until closer to 11, so I purchased a bottle of water from one of the vending machines and kept exploring. If you're looking for a slower pace to venture, I recommend the morning, I enjoyed it.

Ari G — Google review

"Love taking the kids here! Awesome zoo with aquarium and aviaries. Large habitats are great but animals can be shy. Park lacked water due to a break on a hot day, $4 for water bottles is steep. Offering cheap bottles until boil mandate lifted would've helped. Kids enjoyed feeding birds and the sky high safari was a highlight!"

Cobey R — Google review

I would recommend getting here EARLY and leaving before 1-2pm. It gets extremely busy after lunch time, but aside from that I had a wonderful time! I had to bring my service dog with me and the staff were respectful and understanding! There are some places you aren’t allowed to go with a service animal but that is understandable and totally fine! Bathrooms were kept clean and smelled fine, there wasn’t trash or debris everywhere. The animals confinements looked clean and well taken care of which was a favorite of mine! I will say it took a while to get our food when we went up to a food truck. This was at lunch time and the place was getting pretty crowded by then. I had an absolute blast here and will definitely come back.

Jayden C — Google review

Very cool, lots to do! We spent 4 hours here and didn't make it to everything they had! Very fun family experience! We went to the gardens, too. They had an amazing arrangement of plants and beautifully organized gardens. This place is excellent for children and adults! There are vendors around the place with food, drinks (adult kinds included), and souvenirs none of which had a long line when we went to them. Tickets were cheaper online than at the gate when we went!

Joshua G — Google review

Riverbank zoo is a all day adventure for the family! I recommend buying tickets online as somedays it's packed here. Always building new and exciting exhibits for the animals. This is definitely a all day trip for all ages. Many many animals to see and multiple locations thay are indoors and cooled when you get too hot. There is also petting zoo areas and small rides like a train and carousel for the little ones. They do sell food and drinks there but they are very very expensive. We bring food and eat it outside on the benches then go back inside.

Tony G — Google review

Riverbanks Zoo is always a fun day for the kids. Even after multiple visits, it never gets old. A great way for the kids to get their energy out. They absolutely love it when Waterfall Junction is open and love the giraffe feeding, too! The grounds and gardens are always beautiful!

Deanna B — Google review

It was a great trip. There were a lot of animals and fun facts to go with them. We purchased the refillable cups, which was a great addition to help us get thru the park in the hot summer sun. The people we encountered were pleasant and happy to help.

Danielle D — Google review

Went for first time on Memorial day. For mother's, there is a nursing room by the entrance. Staff is polite and helpful, and there's is food and drinks throughout the park. The park is very walkable, however we didn't explore the botanical garden due to the long walk. Great for families, stroller accessible, and indoor areas with A/C. Recommend showing up closer to opening time for best parking. Also you can rent double or single strollers from the gift shop. Didn't see that advertised so figured I would let you know. Would come back!

Isaiah E — Google review

This is a great Zoo. Downside is make sure you get the wristbands to actually participate in feeding the 🦒 and doing a good amount of things the kids will want to do. Downside was we didn't see the large tortoise or many monkeys. There were no cats available to view either as a lot of exhibits were being renovated. The food is definitely not great, everything costs so much these days. Expect to spend at least $160 for a few hours and 2 people. Clean, well staffed and easy to find.

Ree C — Google review

Here visiting for the weekend and came on a Friday. Really enjoyed this zoo! I think it is very kid friendly and has a lot of activities for them to do, not just see the animals. We came at a good time (10 am) so most of the animals were pretty active. We enjoyed seeing the reptiles and Gorillas the most. It was definitely busy that day due to many schools having field trips to the zoo. They only really had snacks around the park, which is expected at a zoo. I do recommend doing to Tuskers if you real food while visiting though. We also really enjoyed walking the Garden trails. I highly recommend checking out this zoo!

Lauren L — Google review

Riverbanks zoo was more than I expected. The animals seem to be very healthy and well kept. Great place to visit. The trail to the gardens is very peaceful. The gardens itself. Stunning. If you buy tickets online the parking is free. If you buy tickets in person parking $5 per car.

Anthony M — Google review

The zoo was beautiful, it's a smaller zoo, but has a large botanical garden. I love that they had an aquarium on sight with fish and reptiles. They also had sea lions, otters, and different monkeys. They had lions, tigers, and a petting zoo. The food options weren't very plentiful, but since it was a smaller zoo I can understand that. It was a great visit.

Adrianna T — Google review

Other than the number of people, we had a great time. The staff was nice and all the animals were out. Can't wait to go on a weekday and be able to take our time watching the animals.

Lydia D — Google review

We got there at 1pm and had enough time to stop by most the exhibits, but many of the animals were sleeping. I'd recommend getting there earlier so you can go back to see the animals you missed on the first round. The zoo itself was not very big, so you can easily make a couple laps. The parking lot was hectic when we got there (1pm on a Saturday), but once we got past the entrance, we found many open spots, while others were fighting for closer parking.

Danielle C — Google review

Very well put together Zoo and Gardens. There is a lot of various animals to see, such as gorillas, giraffes, kangaroos, grizzly bear, sea lions and so forth. I recommend you bring some water for your walk around this zoo you will be doing a lot of walking especially if you want to walk across the pedestrian bridge.There are a couple different options you can take to get to and from the Zoo side and the Botanical Garden side. One way is taking the Woodland Trail beginning on the garden side. Next would be taking the walking path that runs along the Tram Road it is rather steep. Finally is the Tram with are two Ford Super Duty Pickups with three “wagons” attached behind each pickup it will take you to and from the Zoo side and the Garden side. There however is usually a wait for the Tram. We chose to walk the path along the Tram road.This Zoo was extremely crowded. It is probably best if you try to go on a weekday. We went on a Saturday it was extremely busy. I highly recommend checking out the gift shop and buying a souvenir. This is one of the best Zoos I have been to.

Jake Y — Google review

This place is BIG. The last time I had been to Riverbanks, it was nowhere near as big and developed as it is today. In fact, it was only the Riverbanks Zoo, no garden included. There are multiple packed parking lots, but even having to park far away, the walk to the front gate wasn’t terrible, and parking is FREE. Whoever thought to build that bridge over the parking lot with elevators, bless you! This zoo reminds me of a mini Animal Kingdom at Disney. It’s setup like theme park. There’s music playing, lots of staff, the enclosures are well kept, and there’s so much going on in every direction. I went on a random Saturday and it was filled with families enjoying the day. There are lots of food and beverage options (I noticed that you CAN bring your own water bottle), and I loved the tram service that takes you from the main park to the botanical gardens. The gardens aren’t as impressive as I’d hoped, but they still give you something different to do. One thing that was slightly inconvenient is that the staff hands you a map when you walk in, which is great, but the map isn’t oriented to where you are at the beginning of the park. I found myself having to turn the map upside down to get the map to line up correctly to where I was when starting at the front of the park. I really wish they’d fix that, because you’re never “right side up” until you’re working your way from the back of the park to the front/main exits. There are some really cool interactive areas for kids like a splash pad and large open area where kids and run and let off energy, a sky rope course, and giraffe feeding. I saw online that there are other private experiences you can pay for as well. It’s a fun day if you’re looking to get outside and keep the kids entertained, or even if you’re solo like me and just looking for something safe and wholesome to do. Took me about 3 hours to get through without rushing. I’ll definitely be taking family members that come to visit.

T F — Google review

4.7

(20579)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (30)

4.5

(2966)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (31)

500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, USA

(803) 779-8717

5

Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

History museum

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

Museum charting the Revolutionary War & colonial era in an 18th-century mansion on an old estate.

Neat little site with replica fortifications and some Colonial era buildings. The self guided tour was $10 for adults and took us about an hour to go through everything.Easy walking trails and beautiful grounds: a nice place to spend this bright and sunny Saturday afternoon.

Jeff S — Google review

Excellent recreation/ restoration of pre-revolutionary war America. We lucked out and met a historian from the project who explained some very neat facts about the buildings, the grounds, the project timeline and scope… lots of great stuff happening here. Wonderful walk around the grounds — I particularly liked the redoubts.

Joshua H — Google review

I enjoyed a lovely evening at Historic Camden’s Jollification event on Dec 3. The 1800 little building was cozy with decor, candles, and live, period music. A variety of drinks were available, both with alcohol and without and enjoyed at a wonderful table while playing old timey board games. One hour is sufficient time spent at this event. I’ll be back!

Shannon H — Google review

Self-guided adult tickets $10 USD each. Buildings from the 1700's to 1800's. Docent said piano in 1st pic dates from 1795-1805. Liked the ability to explore on our own. Had fun!

A C — Google review

I love getting to visit this historic site. The Revolutionary War played such an integral role in American history, and it’s wonderful to be able to visit a site where part of this history took place. They have made a number of nice changes to the site, it is well-maintained, and the gift shop is really nice. I would certainly recommend visiting went in the area.

Robert W — Google review

A growing Historic Site with late 18th/early 19th Century structures, reconstructed period buildings, and recreations of period buildings near the site of Camden, SC during the American Revolution. The staff and your guides are friendly and knowledgeable, pay extra for the guided tour.

Mac I — Google review

Due to an upcoming event, most parts were not accessible. However, very knowledgeable staff gave us a lot of information about the site and we enjoyed exploring what we could. We will definitely be back.

Gloria G — Google review

I love this place! We stopped here on the way to visit friends. I am so glad we did. We arrived on the perfect day. The second Saturday of every month they have a reenactment. The volunteers dress in period costume and demonstrate many aspects of life in the time period. George Washington makes an appearance and I think there is a parade. We had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I would recommend this stop for anyone of any age.

Penelopebananapants — Google review

A great place to learn about the history of our town and the Revolutionary War. There are lots of events/activities that go on here every month. They have house tours, lantern tours, tea parties, craft classes, and demonstrations happening all the time.We come and walk the grounds and the nature trail alot. The trail is short and flat, but if it has rained it will be muddy in places. It runs along the Pine Tree Creek.

Beth M — Google review

Stopped here to check out the battlefield in Camden. There are several historic buildings you can tour and some reconstructed fortifications that were part of cornwallis's headquarters during the southern campaign in and around Camden. Tickets can be purchased at the gift shop to tour the buildings. I spent a couple hours wandering around the site. Staff was very helpful and knowledgeable and I enjoyed my time here.

Christopher C — Google review

Although still coming together and not right at the main battlefield, the museum is top notch and theredoubt and old buildings and are fascinating.

Becky M — Google review

Had a wonderful time listening to the recordings in the museum and learning of Camdens role. The staff was very friendly and informative. Had small children with me and they also enjoyed it, especially the search and find animals. Plus it was free.

Nanette S — Google review

Great informative and interesting time visiting the historical village of Camden. Highly recommend that you do it with the guide as you learn so much more about it than just doing it alone. Takes about 60-120m so not a quick stop but worth it overall. Super nice people in a great American town.

Mark S — Google review

Very interesting and informative historical site. Visited after listening to the Mission History podcast about the Revolutionary War. Everyone was very informative and knowledgeable about the history and even made recommendations about other points of interest in the area. Would definitely recommend visiting this site!

Donald J — Google review

Very interesting visitor center - free to check out the main exhibit and I believe to walk the grounds. Clean restrooms & friendly staff / volunteers. Lots of history here! Ample parking & seemed to be dog friendly outside.

Travel ( — Google review

Great historic site! They are working at some new buildings so there is more to come. The unguided tour is ok, but the guided one is better, getting in all the houses and hearing all those llittle stories. Davie does a very good job, explaining everything to us. We had a great time there.

Martin K — Google review

Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and is a wonderful public speaker. It was a great night with my daughter and SIL. We will be back often!

Lori P — Google review

4.6

(725)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (32)

4.0

(102)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (33)

222 Broad St, Camden, SC 29020, USA

(803) 432-9841

I'll never travel to Boone without this trip planner again

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6

Better Boating - Irmo

Boat rental service

Tours

Boating instructor

Canoe & kayak rental service

Water sports equipment rental service

Water Sports

Kyle and company were total Pros!Boats were clean, team was friendly and helpful!Things were ready as promised.Holly was helpful and answered all of the questions I had.We will be doing it again!

Chip M — Google review

This was a great experience from beginning to end . I called the day before we wanted to go out on the lake and to my surprise we had plenty of options. Boat was super clean and in excellent condition. We were given clear and precise instructions about what to do and not do . Deposit was refunded quickly upon examining that no damage was done . Will definitely use them again !!

Stefania — Google review

Better boats has been a breeze, we ended up having more people than originally scheduled and they quickly located a larger boat to accommodate everyone. The boat was extra clean and the staff is incredibly friendly!

Kayla — Google review

Reservations were easy. The staff, specifically Holly, was awesome. Considering it has been 20 years since I managed a boat from behind the wheel, Holly took her time and oriented me with patience and made me feel comfortable within minutes. I had so much fun before I knew it the day was over. I look forward to the next time. Once more thing, the boat itself was like new.

D — Google review

Absolutely best spot to rent a boat! Boats are always clean and in great shape. The location/marina is just perfect for parking. Dog friendly! Easy to get in and out for those not fully comfortable navigating a boat. The service is great - we had terrible weather on the day we we were booked for and (even though the cancellation policy is firm) they rebooked us for the following day. The best experience ever with amazing sunshine and cool breeze! We will be back!

Kk. — Google review

Good selection of boats to choose from. Ended up Renting a Specialty pontoon( 13 person capacity) to take out some family i had in town. (8 people total.) very comfortable fit. Online reservation was super easy. Morning check-in to get boat was very smooth and simple. Shay was very thorough and made check-in process very easy. They even let us add a tube last minute with out any issues! 10/10 experience. 100% will be renting from them again!

Kyle G — Google review

My mom and I rented paddle boards from Better Boating yesterday and I must say we had an incredible experience! A lady called the day before our reservation to confirm our information. She was incredibly kind and answered the questions I had. When we got to the dock, the employee was nice and helpful with helping us sign paperwork and getting the boards into the water. We only reserved two hours, which was the perfect amount of time to relax on the water and watch the turtles. I would rent from Better Boating again in a heartbeat!

Faith B — Google review

Absolutely the best rental in South Carolina! The lake was gorgeous. The water was clear and had basically the lake to ourselves. We Went all over the lake and used quarter of a tank for the full 8 hours. We are already scheduling our next outing. Kyle and the rest of the staff at Better boating Rental was super helpful and overall it was phenomenal place to rent. Thank you so much!

Elizabeth C — Google review

We recently rented a luxury pontoon for the THIRD time through Better Boating in Irmo. As usual, we had a great experience out on beautiful Lake Murray. Luke was so kind and informative. He explained everything in detail so that we knew how to have a safe day out on the lake. We highly recommend Better Boating!

Angela W — Google review

Rented a pontoon for full day. Staff was informative and organized. Vessel was clean and orderly, everything worked properly and explained well. Had a great day and covered 65 miles on the water.I would recommend!

Dave P — Google review

During the recent July 4 holiday weekend rented a try to across two days and had an absolute great time. The boats are fast if you like tubing and they’re fun if you just like, cruising around. Mia, a lead for the team was awesome help prior to the reservation and got to meet her, Kevin, Will and others who did great. Special shoutout to Mia who helped us scheduling and getting the right boat for our family!

Chris K — Google review

Booked a Pontoon Boat online for around $500 for a Half the Day on 07/16/2022. Check in time was at 11:30am to 5pm.The boat was beautiful and amazingly all to us (party of 5) We had such a wonderful time plenty of beautiful and interesting thing to see and the best part of it is when we needed to cool off. We just drop anchor and jumped in lake to cool off (we did that four different time) and also enjoyed lunch at one of the few dock-restaurant on Lake Murray (shot out to Cat-Fish Joe’s) the teriyaki wings were delicious and to top it off a live band was playing sweet music outside-- we will definitely visit againCon: Customer service needs improvement. I had to ask different personnel for direction during check-in time and Return time. Same thing just needed better help of direction instead of assuming that all customer should know what to where to and how to.Pro:Everything else went well. The safety instructor and the guide coach “who was with us” stay until we were comfortable to take over the wheel. The pontoon boat was beautiful, comfortable and well maintain. I forgot my bag in one of the seats (all seats are storage space) and didn’t realize it until we got home. I call to report it and shortly after they call to report that they found the bag. At that time they were closed but stayed open for me to pick up my belongings. we will definitely visit again

Puni M — Google review

We have rented pontoons several times and can say that we have had a great experience each time! The people are amazing to work with, the pontoon is always clean, well kept, and updated. If you are looking for a place to rent a boat, this is the place!

Paul V — Google review

My grandson and I walked in without a reservation. The very friendly staff kindly attended to our needs right away. At home, I had a bright idea to rent a kayak. 😳 We were promptly fitted into life jackets and seated in the kayak after payment and paperwork. Terror became real when my grandson was handed an oar in the front seat. He's 9 and I immediately felt doom. I chickened out! 😂 We were sent back to the office where I explained that the idea was better in my head and I asked about the paddle boat. As the young lady was explaining the difference in costs, a voice from another office said, "Let her have it." The owner! OMG! Thank you so much for your generosity! May your pockets never lack and God bless your incredible business with many successful years to come. We had an amazing time! It was my grandson's first time with the paddle boat on the lake and he'll remember it very well. We'll definitely return. I'm sharing my experience on my YouTube channel, DATZ DONNA.😊 Thank you 🙏

Donna 1 — Google review

This is a must do if you want to explore Lake Murray. Staff friendly, knowledgeable and kind. Boat condition, pristine. We will be renting again, what a great day on the water.

Roxann L — Google review

This was my first time boating with Better Boating and I must say it was well worth it. From the customer service, the organization of things, the friendliness, the cleanliness, etc. It was all perfect. Myself and my family of 10 rented a pontoon for 7 hours and Will and Shae were our crew members. They were absolutely great and informative and super friendly people. This was an overall great experience and I will be booking with them again!

Parks — Google review

Our family took Bravo out for the day to explore the lake and just joy ride. The boat was in great shape and handled very well. It was clean and ready at the dock when we arrived. Check in was seamless as was gassing up and return. The best part was being able to bring our dog with us! Thank you for being dog friendly!

Magen H — Google review

We really enjoyed our day at the lake on the pontoon boat rental. The boat was brand new, very comfortable and smooth riding. The rental process was simple and we would rent with them again if we come back.

Julie K — Google review

I've rented fishing and luxury pontoon boats from Better Boating - Irmo numerous times. Their fleet of boats are always very clean and in great condition--never had any problems. The on-line booking is super easy and their office and dock staff are very friendly and professional. I highly recommend them if your looking to spend a great day out on Lake Murray...you won't be disappointed!

David P — Google review

Connie was Amazing. She was so helpful with my travel group and our service dogs. I called in so many times because my group had so many questions, and Connie was patient and everytime I called, it was as if it was my first time calling. Excellent customer 👌 service. The boat was perfect it was clean and the perfect amount of space. The whole team at Better Boating were Amazing 👏 I highly recommend this company. Definitely coming back every year.

Lusesita S — Google review

Will be renting from here for now on. The process was super easy. The customer service was great. THE BOAT WAS BEAUTIFUL & CLEAN. I tried going through 2 other companies around the Lake Murray area: one cancelled (vacation) and another one said something about possible water levels. I can understand both, however, explained that on your website before I attempt to book. Overall, this is now my go to spot.POV: rented for my bf’s birthday weekend

Carissa W — Google review

4.6

(128)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (41)

5.0

(52)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (42)

1602 Marina Rd, Irmo, SC 29063, USA

(803) 407-2929

7

Treehouse Vineyards

Winery

Food & Drink

Event venue

Live music venue

Vineyard

Wine store

Wineries & Vineyards

Always a treat coming out to Treetop Vineyards! Today we enjoyed live music on a sunny fall day sampling our favorite local white wine. The mood is always relaxed, and the staff is on point with their suggestions and assistance. We will highly recommend this little gem in Monroe, for any wine enthusiast in the Charlotte area 😊

Michael I — Google review

Been visiting this place for first time, we had a nice picnic on the property, and after our group got smaller we switched to a tree house, last one need to be booked prior, it’s 50$. Capacity 10 people max. Entrance is free except if you want to join the event. Pets not allowed. They have a website with more information. Wine tasted great, they have jam and sauces to purchase as well.

Lilia M — Google review

Nice place to be in peace, nature. Thanks to the man who help me back up. Don't park in the rocks unless u know how to drive 🤣 the wine 🍷 is SOOO delicious 😋 Good place for wedding or honeymooners ☺️

Kizzie H — Google review

Nice winery in the Charlotte area. Great wine, salsa and other wine related food. Nice grounds.

Kara H — Google review

Giving one star for the atmosphere!I’ve been here for many times, but today was something horrible! The wine is great, the view and atmosphere is amazing, but some stuff shouldn’t be there! Few months ago, like 4, we didn’t paid for kids, today we paid the same price for a 3YO like for an adult! Insane! And then, Miss Karen walked at our table and saw a kids water bottle and even didn’t smell it, just dumped it in the middle of the area where the kids played. So sad, was a good place for parents and kids, but is not anymore.

Doina D — Google review

Beautiful winery on a lot of land with plenty of seating or can bring your own chair. I went for a special event they had going on, Winestock. Live music all day, free beer and wine samples and food drinks. It was a really great time to be had. The staff was awesome! So friendly and knowledgeable abt the wines. You can bring your own food in, but they have a lot of snacks and drinks you can purchase there if not. This place is great for a girls wkend, couples or even someone like myself who enjoys a solo adventure. Highly recommend.

Cynthia R — Google review

Five of us stayed in there biggest treehouse for the weekend Horsefeathers hideaway. Inside and outside was clean. We all had such a wonderful time relaxing. There wine was really good and everyone was so nice. I have already recommended family and friends to visit here.

Jon T — Google review

It was my first time there and enjoyed an afternoon out for a friend's birthday. The grounds and staff were super great and they have a decent selection of wines made on site and other wine accessories/decor! Can't wait to go back!

Jake G — Google review

The rehearsal dinner for my daughter was beautiful here! They also supplied our wine and beer for the wedding and it was prompt, correct and delicious! Thank you for being so easy to work with!!! The food was great, the people friendly and the atmosphere laid back and fun!

Tiffany H — Google review

I really hope someone sees this, I loved this winery.I have visited many times over the last 10 years. My most recent visit was Christmas Eve Day.My son planned a tasting for us and his wife's family. They booked 12 o'clock, were told to arrive 10 minutes early, the place isn't even open. The tasting hostess shuffles us in, sat us at 2 separate tables and then seemed to speed through the wine tasting. This was my least favorite visit, I understand keeping time and schedules but her manner made it very unpleasant.Signs posted no outside food, when you used to allow picnics, website still says you can,why did this change?This was a very negative experience. The tastings should be more laid back as they once were. Her attitude may have been about having to work at Christmas time, I just know we dropped over 300$ for a 30 minute rush through and rush us out. We had planned to bring lunch there. The property used to feel inviting, about love and family, not just profit .

Anastasia M — Google review

When I say this vineyard is absolutely breathtaking and the wine tasting was fabulous. I wanted to buy everything we tasted!! It’s well worth it!!! Traveling from chicago to Monroe Nc❤️❤️

Kesha S — Google review

My visit was spectacular. The staff is very friendly. They have a lot of different activities. The day I went was a Chili competition and a live band entertainment. We tasted all of their wines; loved them. It was my birthday, and we purchased 6 bottles plus other stuff. I highly recommend this place 👌.

Joann S — Google review

Super cute place. We were looking for a venue to host a baby shower/surprise wedding and thankfully Treehouse Vineyards had availability. The price is absolutely reasonable and fair. Tables and table cloths were provided. We had ample time for set up and breakdown. Communication prior to was top notch as well as day of the event. The staff was so friendly and willing to help in any and every way possible to make sure our event was a success. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Nicole R — Google review

What an awesome place! The staff are super friendly and accommodating, the wines are amazing, and the atmosphere is lovely!

Martha C — Google review

Very cute place for a weekend getaway or for a party. The wines are nice and the tree house is a must see.

Sally — Google review

I was visiting family who know my love of fine vino and this is the winery they chose. It was fabulous! It was a Monday and, as expected, it wasn't busy. I would LOVE to return on a weekend when they have live entertainment. It's set up to be a great outdoor venue. It even has a tree house you can rent by the hour & hang out in while the band plays! The wine is EXCELLENT. We did a tasting...well worth itI I love sweet wine & most of their offerings were SWEET & PERFECT to me! The tasting was not just a tasting, it was a very interesting & entertaining story of the winery itself, & the owners. We actually got to meet the lovely lady in the parking lot as we were leaving. I purchased a few bottles; wish I got more. Got some cool souvenirs. I will visit again!

Adrienne H — Google review

We arrived with ALL staff smiles and so pleasant. Owner and manager JEN helped us ck in right away. Our kids gave us this night away with wine tasting gift. We tried several wines and enjoyed all the entertainment and food trucks. 5 star all the way. Thanks for making our trip there a fantastic one.

Tammy S — Google review

I really enjoyed the experience. It was my first time there, but my husband and I plan to come back. Their muscadine cider is very good!

Brenda M — Google review

What a shame....really neat atmosphere and pretty lake with lots of seating. No pets allowed, not sure why they have plenty of seating all around to space people out. Went to order my wine inside and both ladies were rude and seemed like I was a bother to them. She poured the wrong wine and old us, "well I already poured it." Looked at us like we had no other option. Really a shame, if they had more welcoming staff, it would make a huge difference. Been wanting to come here for awhile but won't be back.

Megan Z — Google review

The scenery was beautiful; however, the vineyard did not meet my expectations. While some staff members were kind and polite, others were quite unpleasant. Our group of seven ladies experienced an unfortunate incident when Karen yelled at us to take a glass away simply because she did not see the seventh member. This was blatant discrimination , and I and others ended up returning our glasses as her behavior was uncalled for. I would not recommend this winery, as there are many better options available that do not involve micro aggressions and unpleasant experiences. There was also a wedding getting ready to take place, so I did feel like our wine tasting was rushed. Please be cautious when considering a visit to this winery.

J R — Google review

Had a blast! Did the tasting and candle making and stayed for 80/90 party. Everyone was so fun and hospitable. Stayed in treehouse which is cute and in great shape! Would definitely come back soon.

Len B — Google review

Our first time here. My Wife took me there for my birthday for a reserved wine 🍷 tasting. It was really nice and our hostess Mia was awesome. All of the staff that we came in contact with were great. So come in and support a local vineyard to do a wine tasting, their wines are so good. They even have 3 different tree houses that you can reserve to chill in with a 4th one coming soon. Too much to say about this place so I hope the pics will tell all I have to say. We will definitely be coming back to reserve one of the bigger treehouses.

DC R — Google review

My husband and I have been going to Treehouse Vineyards for years before our wedding. My father played music there, and we always thought it was a great little place to enjoy some time outdoors.We scheduled a meeting with them out of a sense of obligation just to check it out, but after the meeting, we were sold. Jen is one of the kindest people you will ever meet and was so helpful throughout the entire process. She answered emails very quickly and never made us feel like a customer but more of a partner.One of the most appealing aspects of Treehouse Vineyards is its affordability. The package we chose included not just the venue, but also charming cabins for the night, beautiful decorations, and well-set tables. It was a great value for the price, allowing us to have a dream wedding without breaking the bank.All in all, the venue can be one of the most important aspects of anyone's wedding. You will never go wrong with Treehouse Vineyards. A strong 10/10.

Hannah H — Google review

Surprisingly Wonderful! We had Friends visiting from Iowa in Charlotte, so we drove down to meet them on Sunday. We found only 2 vineyards in the area open on Sunday, so we drove past Dover and decided it wasn't for us and made a reservation for tasting at Treehouse! A beautiful drive to the vineyard, a wonderfully welcoming staff greeted us, and we were able to shop the lovely gift collection before our tasting. To our surprise, there was a beautiful Israeli history area attached with a lovely mock-up of the original tabernacle, dreidel collection, a lighted mock-up of Anne Frank House, and so much more! We said it was meant to be for us to come here! The wines are lovel. The tasting with the history of the vineyard, its family, and treehouse stories is delightful! You will not want to miss this💎 gem of a vineyard! Beautiful land and wines!

Sherry S — Google review

4.5

(631)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (43)

4.5

(195)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (44)

301 Bay St, Monroe, NC 28112, USA

(704) 283-4208

8

Carowinds

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (45)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (46)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (47)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (48)

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Amusement park

Water & Amusement Parks

Carowinds is a seasonal, family-friendly amusement park that offers a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. It is known as the Thrill Capital of the Southeast and boasts 13 world-class roller coasters, including Peanuts-themed rides in Planet Snoopy. In addition to these adrenaline-pumping options, there are plenty of other family rides like Boo Blasters on Boo Hill, Skytower, Rip Roarin Rapids, and Dinosaurs Alive featuring lifelike animatronic creatures.

Went with my family during Winter Fest. We had so much fun and all the lights and Christmas trees were beautiful. So much to do and look at and all the hot chocolate you can drink. After the initial purchase all refills are free. Huge plus that the smaller coasters were operational. I love all coasters it was just a little chilly for me but plenty of people were riding so it's nice to have that option

Jacob G — Google review

I purchased a seasonal pass & food pass which I highly recommend. A meal can cost around $18 and that's without a drink. I've been going here for years and my daughters really enjoys it. They have a new section Aeronautica which has some cool rides.

Deanna T — Google review

Went with my bestie, it was fun, we walked around and rode the Viper, completely shook us!🤣 not much good food choices, panda express is there but seems to be lacking. It was a good walking park though, and there was also a parade which the kids enjoyed. Not that busy when we went there which was a Sunday.

ANNE — Google review

Family reunion time! We drove in from AK, TN, TX, and NC. The parking was easy and the entry in to the park was simple. Make sure you purchase tickets on line it will save you money and time. There were six of us and we had all different likes and excitement levels. Ages ranged from kid, adulting-teen, adult-with motion sickness issues, and mid-life crazy. 😄 the area was very clean and maintained. I rode nine roller coasters and by far my favorite was the Fury. We also visited the water park and found it equally fun and refreshing. The food was typical fair but it was good. Don’t bring cash, card is the preferred method. However if you do bring cash there are ATM-type machines that will convert you dollars to a card. I found the employees were generally pleasant and some were funny. The overall experience was memorable! I’ll be back if ever in the area again.

Dina K — Google review

We have been to a lot of amusement parks and this one was setup correctly. My kids loved the snoopy land! The staff is amazing to work with and the whole process was simple from start to finish!

Matt W — Google review

Cedar Fair parks are fun, but to bad Fury 325 is down because of cracked support.I'm glad, After Burner still has airplane there. Hint when finished with it can I have it 😉Park needs a Chicken Shack like Kings Island has.I have VIP pass but want a waste of money. Bait and switch when they said soda and snacks. I only saw a water pitcher there. I will never get VIP on my pass next year.Missed Parade that was at 5pm when thinking it was 8pm. Couldn't get info on it inside the park..All in all, I had a great time. See ya in 2024...

Chuck A — Google review

A little on the pricey side but if you want to try to save money you can always go to the website and pay for day tickets a day in advance (for the cheaper tickets in the evening.. It looked like if you paid for tickets for 4pm and after a day in advance, you could get tickets for $37.99). We paid about $43.00 (because we purchased tickets for the same day for 4pm and after) per person but it was better than $75.00 or $80.00 per person that they charge if you try go earlier (for us anyways, to each their own). I definitely recommend buying tickets online, especially if you plan to go at 4 or after, I didn't see any ticket booth open to buy tickets). When I called the number, it straight up told me we had to purchase tickets online. Also, be prepared to go through a metal detector if you have anything metallic on you. I highly recommend checking your pockets and purse and leaving anything unnecessary in the car before walking into the park. They will go through everything you have (and dump it all out on the table in front of everyone) to find out what is causing the metal detector to go off. We had fun though. The kids had fun. That's what it's about anyways. We got to enjoy the park and all of its rides and it was open until 9 that evening (well, it was supposed to be but that's another story for another day). Just so you know, parking has to be paid separately as well and it was $30.00. This was on a Thursday (Just mentioning that because I kept seeing people online saying it was $25.00). That's not the price we paid. Just want you all to be able to make an informed decision and still be able to have fun at a price that works for you. Be safe!

Amanda R — Google review

My family and I love coming here. We get Gold passes every year so we can go to Scarowinds and WinterFest. It is crowded so I suggest taking a picture of your child with what they are wearing that day incase you might get separated, especially if you have a runner, and I always put my phone number in my kids bag just to make sure.

Brianna H — Google review

Fantastic Park. Very clean, and super clean restrooms (which is an oddity). I will note that the food is good all around. They have a lot of GREAT roller coasters. The Fury is wild!We have been here 2 times and have had a blast. We had a minor issue with our Fast Pass but Shane in Guest Services was awesome and took care of us.We will be back soon!

Mark H — Google review

Went for Winter Fest to celebrate New Year's Eve with family. Enjoyed the festive mood, decorations, hot cocoa, and variety of warm beverages. Riding the attractions that were open was fun!

Cel S — Google review

It's a good visit for families with kids and tons of fun!! Recommendation is to use a locker close to the water park, if you plan to go there since you can reuse it after you change.Get the kids measured for easy up the process of getting onto the rides.Check their website about how many tickets are sold and how crowded it might be. 40% is most likely no waiting time at all at most of the rides.

Magnus M — Google review

Came here for the first time for Winter fest. Lights were really done well. Copperhead was the best ride they had operating, very fun. Only complaints were that there was no directory of what rides are operational, causing a lot of wandering around. Food was limited as well.

Mucko L — Google review

We visited here in the evening. So the entrance admission fee was less than regular. It's the holiday season and pretty chilled at night. Part of the exciting rides were closed, but those roller coaster rides were open. Your teens still can have great exciting fun. For those young children, Snoopy Camp is a good area to impress them. There were also a lot singing/dancing shows to watch. Finally, there was a parade like Disney which brought a perfect end of night. Holiday lighting decorations here is one of the attractions for all visitors.... Merry Christmas and Happy holidays!!

Peng H — Google review

A fun time for all ages, friends, family, & co-workers. Tons to do for all from thrill-seekers to the more calmer individuals. Definitely worth the trip, but be sure to get the season pass and meal plan if you plan on going more than one day, as this will definitely pay for itself.

Bobby G — Google review

We had a great time, we arrived early to make sure we avoid the crowd. We got into several lines and by noon the wait time was about an hour. Still we had fun. The park is very nice, clean, the staff is nice, mostly tan by young adults. When we got hungry we ate at the big food court and the food was decent, we got chicken strips and fries. We are definitely coming back

Carla R — Google review

Great place, but they're getting greedy. $30 for parking is ridiculous! Buy tickets online prior to visiting because it's much cheaper.

Dameka W — Google review

This visit was for winter fest. Do not go expecting rides very few are running but the lights and magic feeling of Christmas is great try being the kid you know you want to be.we had a blast worth the trip as long as you know what to expect. Also find scrooge and tell him I sent you bet dressed group there and keep a eye out for deer they got loose when we were there

John B — Google review

We went for Winter Fest. The park was decorated nicely and I absolutely loved the parade. There were people walking around in costumes of Christmas old. There were performances throughout the park and the times and locations were posted in several locations. We didn't ride while we were there...we just enjoyed the festivities.

Trena — Google review

Amazing amusement park! Very clean and well kept, staff that we interacted with were all very friendly and helpful. Beautiful decorations for their winter festivities and so many fun things for kids and kids at heart! Everything was easily found and we found the app to be helpful finding locations around the park. Handicap accessible areas and restrooms available.

-Artsy L — Google review

Haven't been to the park since I was 25..Many years ago!!! It's very well kept,lots of attendants to help find your way around!! The food is very expensive so it's worth getting the meal ticket if your gonna be there all day!!! The rides were just as I remembered!!! Fun and full of excitement!!!!

Robin B — Google review

The best park I have ever been to really nice I enjoyed my time me and my friends my brothers and my family. It’s really good. I would rather buy the tickets online. It’s cheaper as the only thing I would do advance it’s really really nice.

Abbas M — Google review

Excellent theme park. Great roller coasters and very good water park. Expensive but there are deals to be had for food and drinks if you buy in advance.

Kalle R — Google review

It was excellent! They had plenty of help, security had a presence. Everyone had a great time. The food was outstanding too! I love to eat, so I thought there was plenty of food portioned out. Get the dining package. If you eat twice, you've got your money's worth.

Jay S — Google review

Fun place to be, good for the family, and caters to all ages. We went after 3pm on a Friday, no wait time to enter, and there were short queues for rides. There are lots of food options, too. Only con for me closing early on a Friday 8pm.

Vim T — Google review

Great place for families to visit. They have a large amount of rides for all ages and thrill levels. The water park is awesome and has the latest slides. The wave pool was huge and offered lots of shaded seating. They have plenty of dining options and refreshment stations. I highly recommend the souvenir bottle option for free refills all day. Not to mention Carowinds has some of the top roller coasters in the country.

Chelsey S — Google review

Terrible experience. Paid a lot of money for myself and 2 grandchildren to get in. Most rides were down and only running intermittently. Not a weather problem. Someone said they were having electrical problems??? Then close down and refund money. See all of the down ride pictures in my view!

Terri J — Google review

Lots of fun for all ages. We purchased tickets online and added the meal and drinks for the entire day. Be careful with the food if you are planning to dine later, while it states that food is available up to the time the park closes, we found that most of the "restaurants" were closed an hour earlier.

Melissa A — Google review

Carowinds is a great place to have fun on roller coasters, swing rides, and water slides you're in for a good time. My experience was somewhat hampered because the Fury was down for the whole day. I also recommend getting a season pass as well as a all season drink pass.

Kaedon L — Google review

I absolutely love this park! The park is beautiful with a huge variety of rides. The majority of the coasters were great. My favorite coaster was Fury 325! We ate at several restaurants and the food was good. I can't wait to come back!

Will G — Google review

We enjoyed almost all the rides and they were tons of fun! A couple things the park can do to make this trip more enjoyable is to add more shaded areas in lines, as well as fans that blow fresh air to virtually every person/area in line. The heat/humidity was awful and waiting in the hot sun was unbearable, especially in lines where loose articles/extra items (i.e. hats, shades, umbrella) and backpacks were not allowed. I understand the summer heat in the Carolinas is always horrible, but it can be made comfortable for amusement park goers. In the meantime, recommend going in the spring or fall months, not in the summer ones.

Erick A — Google review

Dear Mr Carowinds. Today was spring break and may daughter who is six almost seven and I thought this would be a fun place to adventure. We got to the park just after open. It was easy to get in. Although 30 dollars to park was almost the same price of a third ticket. We entered the park quick and were ready to ride. The park was very clean. My mini me is 46 inch. Which was just under the 48 inch mark. Seems to be a gap in the small kids rides to the big kids 58 inch tall. But we did find a lot to ride. Four roller coasters, three that were age, appropriate and one that was for smaller kids. We did find about seven other things to ride. The haunted house was fun. It was a bit extreme on the prices of food. $17 for a piece of pizza was really pricey. But we did manage to have a great day. At the very end of the day we got one the gear spin. Sophia was running it. She closed the line right after we got in line at 8:02. She was amazing and made our day. As we got on she talked the ride up and made the last ride of the day so much fun. She went far and beyond someone who just enjoyed their job. We did have an amazing day. It would have just been a little been in a year or two when she can ride more of the bigger coasters. See you again in a couple years and thanks for the memories.

Troy F — Google review

We were able to go pretty early in the morning, before many people were there and the lines got too long. Every ride had about a 15 minute wait once it got a little more busy. The food places there were good and they have cute souvenirs. The rides are all amazing and so much fun!!!

Jay G — Google review

Pretty fun park. Went on a Thursday in June and there was practically no lines for rides. Didn't go to the water park side. Lots of roller coasters. Tickets are discounted online.

Chris S — Google review

If you want to have fun, do look at the weather forecast. It was so hot, we ended up not going on as many rides as we had intended.Water is free/complimentary at any food place.Go early to avoid long wait lines.

Zoe M — Google review

Winterfest (New Years Eve celebration) was great! Our family had an amazing time. There were lots of people, but lines were not long for the rides that were open, and hot chocolate and cider were amazing and kept you warm. We enjoyed the rides, the food, the parade, and the live bands! (No issues, and it appeared that everyone was having a good time)We have season passes, so being able to enjoy a year-round experience is always fun for our family. You can't go wrong buying a season pass if you live in the area.Great way to end 2023!🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉

Cherise M — Google review

Please share the calendar of school events. Yesterday was completely slammed with school groups. I'm all for kids having fun but these kids were out of control. Cussing, line jumping, rudeness.. Many were so disrespectful. And workers had no control.. way too little chaperones! Stay away from Fridays in May!

Kellie G — Google review

Visited weekend before July 4 and still was not super busy.I suggest getting the fast pass and the food pkg.ended up saving us a ton of money and time.Food was really good. We walked on almost every ride with the fast pass.

Matthew D — Google review

We have visited this amusement park on two separate times. My family and I really enjoy the park this time around. The water park was a lot of fun and then we visited Camp Snoopy which our children enjoyed throughly. Two complaints: there was hair and bandaids in the lazy river which made me want to jump out. Totally disgusting. Secondly, the bathrooms were unbearable especially the changing rooms on the harbor side. It was so wet and dirty. They should invest in attendants to monitor the changing/ bathrooms so that it’s hygienic. I didn’t have my phone in the water harbor to take pictures however I took pics of my kids in Camp Snoopy… they had a blast!

Jac — Google review

Nice clean park. Food is food and rides are top notch. Our home park is cedar point but we like to make this a yearly trip.

Steelcity74 — Google review

I visited the place during the opening weekend. It was a fun thrilling experience. Since the park wasn't that busy, there weren'tany long queue for the rides, so was able to go on all the thrilling roller coasters. Fury 325, thunder strike, night hawk are my top 3! I also tried the ripcord and it was an amazing experience!

Arya P — Google review

There was a very long line to enter the park. Once we got inside, most of the wait times for the rides were under 20 mins. We really enjoyed the roller coasters. We were looking forward to riding on the Fury, but it was closed. I also miss the Rip Roarin Rapids ride.

Crystal F — Google review

Great experience. I think the rides are amazing and the park is clean with friendly staffed. I do think it is a bit overpriced.

Duke B — Google review

Had a great day (a long 10 hours for me) 95 degrees and no rain. We brought 4 kids that had a great time. Very little wait time, they rode several rides over and over because there was no line. Paid the extra for drink wrist bands but went back to the car to have lunch we brought in a cooler. About 6 hours on the rides and 3 hours in the water park. Still over $400 for a 1 day visit for 6 of us.

Alan H — Google review

4.4

(29772)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (50)

4.0

(3499)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (51)

North Carolina, USA

(704) 588-2600

9

Freedom Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

This expansive park is home to a number of trails and playgrounds, making it an ideal place for families to spend a day. It is also the site of a large bandshell, which anchors the park's Veterans Memorial.

What a fantastic place for photo shoots, walking, running, family time together. Many picturesque views. Nice playground area for kids. Playground is well maintained. Football fields. Very calming and serene place with the lake and broad walk along the lake. Three hours flew by very fast.

Yuliana D — Google review

This park has raised the bar for what a park can be, I may have to begin issuing tiers. I would place this park on a S-Tier level. 🙌🏾I was not able to see all that this park has to offer but from what I was able to witness this place has everything. From a great place for portraiture, activities for the kids, a place to have a cookout and/or even a FAMILY REUNION, there a mini amphitheater and a walk/run trail and a nature preserve. 🤩 🏞If you are ever in Charlotte North Carolina, do yourself a favor and check this place out you will not be disappointed. 🍾🎈🎉

Greg L — Google review

My first time at this park was a few weeks ago with my daughter. She planned a picnic for us and it was wonderful. There's plenty of places to sit and read, relax, meditate, do yoga, and just enjoy the scenery. There are benches and a beautiful pond, and fishing is allowed. Pets are welcomed, and you can ride your bike or scooter at your leisure.

Clarissa J — Google review

Simply a wonderful park. I loved all the space that it had and places to walk and a lot of activity going on such as picnics, walks, Sports on fields, wedding pictures, exploring, excellent Kids Play Gym, great nature scenes, a natural Amphitheater and more. Well done Charlotte!

Suzie J — Google review

Very pretty, nice walk but they need to regrade some of the walkways to avoid flooding after heavy rains. The lake is picturesque and there are many ducks and geese swimming in it. Plenty of dogs and families walking about too so there is calm and happy vibe throughout the park. I enjoy walking there on a beautiful spring or fall day.

David D — Google review

Freedom Park is a fantastic place with a diverse range of trees, a serene lake, and charming geese. It's the perfect spot for relaxing and rejuvenating walks. The variety of trees and the peaceful atmosphere create a truly uplifting experience. Highly recommended!

Kumar G — Google review

Beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the scenery! Everyone we passed was very polite and greeted us with a smile. Great place to visit and take some pictures!

Samara S — Google review

So pleasantly surprised by this park. It has a little something for everyone. Great walking trails, huge pond, safe sidewalk connections to the city, cute parks, volleyball, big fields, water features and a little Panther training center.The only reason that it didn't get full stars is because there was hardly any shade covering the actual playground so from the hours of 10-5, the playground is too hot for the kids to play on safely. This really limits who the park is available to.

Mindy — Google review

Very nice and clean park with plenty of parking. Clean restrooms. Pet friendly. There's something for the entire family here. Walking trails, playgrounds, softball/baseball fields, basketball & tennis courts, sand volleyball area, and open fields for frisbee or other activities.

Jabarrus J — Google review

What a beautiful, wonderful, park! Great walking and cycling paths, history markers, playgrounds, BBQ pits and shelters, and even a Carolina Panthers Play 60 obstacle course for all ages! Extremely dog friendly too unlike what I had read previously which made me leave my dog behind. Won't make that mistake again. Even if your not particularly close to Charlotte, it is worth the drive and one can easily kill an entire day there. Check it out, you will NOT be disappointed.

Asian A — Google review

If you're looking for a beautiful outdoor space to explore, look no further than Freedom Park. This park is truly a gem, offering everything from hiking trails to picnic areas to stunning views. The park is immaculately maintained, and the staff are friendly and helpful.One of my favorite things about Freedom Park is the variety of activities available. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, there's a trail for you. And if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a picnic, you'll find plenty of shady spots to set up camp.But perhaps the best thing about Freedom Park is the natural beauty that surrounds you. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and you never know what you might encounter on your visit. Whether you're an avid nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Freedom Park is the perfect destination.Overall, I would highly recommend Freedom Park to anyone looking for a fun and relaxing outdoor experience. The park is clean, well-maintained, and offers something for everyone. It's no wonder that this park has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Five stars!

Turgut A — Google review

It’s my first time to visit this park and its so amazing. I love the walking trail as well the scenery. Good for nature lovers. Family friendly as they have playground for kids and court for different sports. Just encounter difficulty in finding the parking. And if your kind of person that insects really love, better to have insect repellant with you or wear long sleeves and pants.

Pau B — Google review

Love this place. There are a wide range of trees and plants. The walkways are clear and well managed. You can walk completely around the pond. There is a lot of shade available. To me, this is the perfect weekend. All dogs I saw were on leash, as well. There was a nearby food truck which had a long line.The only con I could find was the water was a little murky. I like to see the fish. 🐟

Anita M — Google review

Beautiful place to walk your pup and just hang out. Parking sucks but that's just anywhere in Charlotte. This place is as bad as Atlanta.

Ken — Google review

Beautiful and peaceful park for all ages! They have softball, football and volleyball arrangements on the periphery of the park and then all around the water, you can picnic, play some family games or enjoy an afternoon nap. I believe they have live music and events in the summer, not sure but the stage was set up for it so definitely keep an eye out.The washrooms very clean and well maintained. There are 3-4 parking areas around the park but they do fill up fairly fast.

Prerna D — Google review

This park is amazing! I highly recommend going here either by yourself or with your family.There's a little bit of everything for you or the family to do!In one half of the park there's:Tennis & pickleball courts;soccer & baseball fields;A bathroom and drinking fountainan AWESOME obstacle course and pull up bars; a large swing set with (10) regular swings and (4) small child swings;A decommissioned steam locomotive to look at and walk intoA good sized park for the kids;In the other half of the park there's:A medium sized lake with fountains where you can fishA long walking/ biking trailAn amphitheatre with a beautiful bridge (popular for taking pictures)Many picnic tables for you to eat at;A terraced hill (to sit on or view shows put on in the amphitheatre.There's so many things to do- we can't wait to go back!The bathrooms are a little cleaner than most parks.Beware near the terraced hill, as there's some nasty biting ants- careful where you sit an be step!;

Jonmarkheaner — Google review

People are always friendly here and it's a great place to exercise or get some outdoor time. They have art events here, and this is where they filmed some shots for Love is Blind Season 6.

JOEMface “ — Google review

Once upon a time I lived a block from Freedom Park, age 14-15. An easy walk or bicycle ride brought me to an oasis in another landscape. There I met many young people and had a wonderful experience. Each fall is held The Festival in the Park, an art, music, and activity celebration. I’ve missed it for several decades now but it brings back memories.

B.A. D — Google review

Beautiful park in the middle ofCharlotte. Great paved walking path around the pond. Several picnic tables with some under shelters. Restrooms were open and honestly cleaner than expected for an urban park setting.

Allison B — Google review

What a beautiful place to take a walk which is what my wife and I did today there at Freedom Park. So much yet to explore. Nice playgrounds as well.

Rich T — Google review

Love Freedom Park and the spacing. Very busy place on the weekends ( at times). The parking is very limited, especially if there is an event going on. I suggest parking along the streets if you don't mind. We celebrated our spontaneous International Dance Day💃 in April around the fountain. We had a ball! People joined us to dance with flags, and learn a quick line dance 💃 We will be doing it again the first Saturday in June, July & August (2024) Dancing to burn 🔥 calories in the park for 1 hour.

Faith — Google review

awesome spot to walk, run, chill, work.when i lived closer i went at least once a week. now its occasional, but still every bit as nice.the bathrooms are kept and the grounds always look good.

Cool R — Google review

Freedom Park is a wonderful park in Charlotte, and has been my favourite ever since I moved here. It’s located in between Dilworth and Myers Park area.The park is spread around a lake, which has pretty views. The paved trails allow for convenient walking and running. The tennis courts allow for a good way to showcase your tennis skills. At times, I’ve also seen performances and events going on in the park, which provides a good communal feeling of partaking in things together.The Charlotte Nature Museum right next to the park is a fun way to learn about the animals of the Piedmont region, and I’ve been there multiple times as well. It’s worth it.Overall, Freedom Park is a wonderful way to chill, relax, exercise and spend time either alone or with your loved ones. The views are amazing as well. The steam engine in the park is pretty cool too. The swings and the playground area for kids attracts children and families all the year around.The name Freedom Park was bestowed upon it to honour the veterans of World War II.There’s parking available at the Whittington Field entrance.

Akshat K — Google review

Nice park with lots of tennis courts. Fresh, clean air, it was quiet when I visited it. I was looking for a wall to play tennis on my own, there is something wooden, which potentially could be used to practice alone, but probably not a great way to play - it doesn't seem to be sturdy enough.

Liliya Y — Google review

Beautiful park with plenty to do.The big playgrounds are great for kids and I loved the fields that are available for visitors to use.Plenty of parking, restrooms and walking trails.The perfect spot to spend a nice day out.

Adriana P — Google review

Beautiful public park!! Glad we found it while in Charlotte for a few hours. It was very serene and relaxing to walk around.

Jackie C — Google review

Beautiful day to explore the park, Easter Sunday. Bikes to rent, people out enjoying the sun, and we spotted an Owl hanging out in the wood line.

James G — Google review

Beautiful park! We took a nice hike. Enjoyed the fresh air, nature, sunshine and exercise. We’ll definitely visit again next time we’re in town!

T S — Google review

A must visit place to refresh our moods. We can go here with partner, friends or family. It has clean and good restrooms too. Loved the overall environment.

Alish J — Google review

4.8

(7476)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (56)

4.5

(806)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (57)

1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

10

Billy Graham Library

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Museum

Book store

The Billy Graham Library is a museum and research facility that celebrates the life and legacy of Billy Graham, one of the most influential Christian evangelists in history. The museum has galleries featuring presentations, artifacts, pictures, voices, and more from Graham's lifetime as well as recreations of crucial moments from his life. The library is always free to visit.

Absolutely beautiful. The tour was amazing, inspiring and touched my heart. As a history lover, I enjoyed seeing all the paraphernalia on display. One of my favourites was the suit he wore to see the Queen. The gardens are a lovely addition, and the house is a must see. It's maintained so well. Staff are kind, friendly, and accommodating. Didn't get to spend a lot of time at the library because we came late but it had a good selection of books and we bought some. My husband and I stopped to just watch Billy Graham's recorded sermons and he is charismatic and the sermons were very relevant to today. So grateful to visit and would highly recommend a visit here! 😁

Ranita I — Google review

I visited Billy Graham Library this past week. It was such an amazing experience. The volunteers were friendly and welcoming. There was plenty of parking and no waiting in line although there were plenty of people around visiting.As I approached the house where the Grahams once lived, I could hear worship music emanating from the garden and throughout the grounds...such a serene atmosphere. There was a prayer bench/garden that I sat at and prayed (see photo).I was told that the house is 60% of the original house construction the Grahams lived in when he was a young boy from 7-17 years old. Every brick, according to the tour guide, was disassembled, numbered one by one, moved from one location of NC and reassembled/built to sit on this property at the Billy Graham Library. Amazing…The barn with the cross is the actual Library and where the cafe is located. Again, everyone was welcoming and inviting. The food at the cafe is good and reasonably priced. .

Leslie M — Google review

I loved the history here! From his childhood home to all the amazing accomplishments from his life. One of my all time favorite museums. Everyone here was so friendly and inviting. The gift shop was really nice. Enjoyed every moment here! Can wait to go back soon.

Brent T — Google review

Our first visit to this holy place was truly a blessing. The staff were kind, gracious, and welcoming, embodying the love of Christ in their actions. It was an inspiration to learn about the life and work of Billy Graham, and how he devoted himself to spreading the word of God. His unwavering faith and commitment to serving the Lord is a shining example for us all. We left feeling uplifted and renewed in our own faith. Praise be to God for this wonderful experience.

E Z — Google review

My husband and I were in the Charlotte area, and I had seen this come up on the map. I didn’t know what to expect, because I didn’t get a chance to look into it before we headed there. What a surprise!First off, the doorway is a huge cross when you walk in. Absolutely beautiful and what a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. As you walk in, there’s a welcome desk. Everyone was so wonderful! There is a free tour that takes about an hour and a half. We thought we might just see a building, but it was so much more than that!We did as much of the tour as we could, but when we made plans to go there we didn’t anticipate a tour or staying long. There is a cafe for some food and drinks, and there is also a gift shop with all kinds of things and lots of books whether they are bibles in many different translations, study bibles, books on spiritual warfare, devotional, etc. My husband ended up getting a Billy Graham study Bible, and he loves it. Around the path outside, are the graves of Billy and his wife.We had a lovely visit here. Anyone who knows the Graham family, has been to one of his events, is a Christian, or loves a truly inspirational story, would enjoy this. We plan to bring my in laws when they visit. Billy was a strong man of faith and lived for Jesus making it his mission to bring as many to Christ across the world as possible.When you walk out of the building back through the cross, if you look up, you will see written “I am coming quickly.” A reminder for us all to be ready.

S L — Google review

This is a wonderful place to visit! I was pleasantly surprised at the level of technology used to make this a very interesting stop. The focus of the library is not on the person of Billy Graham, but on how God used him. His evangelical efforts continue in this museum. It was amazing to see the people and places that Billy and Ruth Graham impacted for Christ. Truly an amazing life and a great memorial to his dedication to Jesus Christ!

Lynn M — Google review

The Billy Graham Library and Journey of Faith is a must see. We thoroughly enjoyed it! Since we came on November 30, we were also able to view the live nativity which was very nice.

Nancy B — Google review

What a cool experience! The production quality of the “journey of faith” was top notch. Felt like something out of Disney World. Very encouraging experience and fun for the family. The little restaurant is great too. Don’t sleep on the coffee, it was better than Starbucks.

Michael W — Google review

The Billy Graham Library is a beautiful, peaceful place to be able to hear the gospel preached. The staff here is very caring and give such a warm welcome to everyone. My family was asked by several staff members if there was anything they could pray over for us. Love coming here and do so about every year.

Tabitha L — Google review

This was such a great place to visit in Charlotte. It's so peaceful and beautiful. The staff was really kind and very knowledgeable, willing to explain everything in detail.The exhibit is well organized and even their store is nice.I particularly loved the gallery of photos and the display about the life of Billy Graham.This could be such a great venue for a wedding.I loved that there was no entry fee too.Definitely worth a visit.

Adriana P — Google review

I brought my kids to the Billy Graham Library this past Saturday. We read and studied about Mr. Billy Graham before we went so we would have a good background. My children just turned 13 and they loved it! We toured, shopped at Ruth’s Attic and at the Dairy Bar. Everything was excellent. Thank you for continuing the legacy, and thanks to everyone at the Library for being so hospitable. We are looking forward to going back for Christmas.

Brian W — Google review

A very pleasant surprise stop on our trip. The staff is really friendly and eager to connect and help. The whole exhibition on Billy Graham's life is really well done and worth every second! Would definitely recommend. Not only is informational and entertaining, but it also really straightens one's faith.

Josh B — Google review

Very moving. It's amazing to see what he did in his lifetime. It inspired me to do better, be better. The cafe is reasonable with great food. Allow time to enjoy each and every part of the experience.

May B — Google review

First time to this museum — it is a very well curated museum. It specializes in detailing the life and ministry of evangelist Billy Graham. The presentation and flow of the museum was very well done. Lots of information, lots of artifacts. If one is a fan of Graham or just curious as to who he was, it should be satisfying. Admission was free though they will accept donations. The museum part takes about 1.5 hours to do. Went on a Monday, it was not busy.

Christopher W — Google review

Beautiful experience with the family. Inspired to live my life more fulfilling and following the Lord’s will! My kids also enjoyed it and my eldest cried. The snippets of Billy Graham’s sermons were so powerful and moving. We highly recommend going out of your way to visit this anointed place!!

Miriam M — Google review

What a wonderful experience! I cried almost the whole way through, partly because it told the beautiful life work and story of Billy and Ruth, but also because my dad used to work for him, so it had personal meaning. Such a beautiful property, wonderful exhibits, and they have kept Billy's legacy alive by keeping Jesus at the forefront, and even giving an opportunity to accept Jesus at the end of the tour! What a wonderful experience! Thank you!

Heather E — Google review

Had the opportunity to visit Billy graham’s library few weeks back. It was a great experience. The staff was knowledgeable about his life and the work he did. The library was interactive. They made sure every age had a good time. Saw few of his things he used. The house he grew up in and the tombstone.Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area.

Tinz — Google review

The Billy Graham Library is a deeply inspiring place. The exhibits are beautifully designed, providing a touching look at Billy Graham’s life and ministry. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience. The peaceful prayer garden and charming cafe add to the serene atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone interested in Graham’s impactful legacy. Highly recommended!

Kim P — Google review

May 29/24 My friend and I spent an entire day at the Billy Graham Library on our road trip back to Canada from Orlando WE found it so interesting, thoughtful , and inspirational.We entered the family home then moved to the huge complex where we were welcomed by Bessy the cow.We were guided through the different rooms by lovely volunteers There were many displays and videos sharing the many aspects of Billy Graham's life and ministry.He was a family man, evangelist and a deeply spiritual man of God, a herald. Everything was laid out so thoughtfully and the wooden structure itself was so beautiful .We had a delicious lunch at the cafeteria and then walked the grounds It was so peaceful and simple. We definitely were given time to reflect in this wooded quiet space on the grounds. As we were leaving I saw a deer on the grounds!!I highly recommend this amazing library.

Donna A — Google review

Entry is free and they even give you a gift bag for filling out a survey because they truly want to make the museum a blessing to people. There is a tour that takes you through the life of Billy Graham and family. The first half or so is guided with the last half being self directed. There's a bathroom at the entry and half way through the museum. You learn so much about him the impact he made. In the same building is an adorable gift shop and cafe.You'll also find a prayer garden where Billy and Ruth are buried along with his childhood home that was disassembled and rebuilt there. You can tour both at a self directed pace.Most of the workers are volunteers and know a ton about the Graham family and are even ready to pray with you.What an amazing way for Billy and Ruth Graham to reach people after their earthly life! A must go when in Charlotte.

Crystal C — Google review

Hands down one of the highlights of my North Carolina trip!! And I happen to stumble upon it with my wife. I have heard of Billy Graham, but was not aware of the impact he had on this corporeal world. We left having been prayed for, and feeling lucky to have learned what he did for the world. God bless you Billy Graham and thank you North Carolina for the great trip.

Ron G — Google review

Great place to spend an afternoon or an entire day. The campus is immaculate and very interesting to walk around. I have yet to do the hour and half guided tour, but I plan on it sometime in the near future. They have a handful of attractions you can checkout on your own (unguided).It was nice to browse the curated bookstore, I picked up two different text I normally would have not bought/read. The prices were pretty fair, I checked the prices on Amazon and the bookstore was roughly on par with what you would expect to find online. Upon my arrival I was given a 10% off coupon to the bookstore, which definitely enticed me to pull the trigger on my purchases.Lots of cool antiques from Billy's life. The dairy/snack bar looked really good too, I do not drink dairy and there were no dairy alternatives (unfortunately), but they had other food too.The entire staff was super welcoming and not pushy at all, they really give you space and time to soak it all in, which I appreciate it.I definitely will be back in the near future!***NOTE TO STAFF: You should look into offering non-dairy drinks at the dairy bar, maybe something coconut based? Nothing too crazy just 2-3 items that are non-dairy for folks like myself, I think it would be well received by your guest.

Wyatt C — Google review

One of the most beautiful and serene experiences I've had. It is a beautiful library/museum, that offers free admission, a bookstore, cafe, and history about Billy Graham and his ministry. And wonderful staff and volunteers who will even pray with you at the end. I'm grateful to have been able to visit the Library, which it's main goal is to magnify and glorify Jesus Christ.

Ben — Google review

What an amazing experience it was to visit this place. An honorable man of God who has left such an everlasting impact for God’s kingdom and a legacy for generations to come. Clean, hospitable, inviting, educational and enlightening. Kudos for the amazing staff and their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to drop anything they’re doing to pray with and for someone

Bonnie C — Google review

Beautiful grounds, exceptional tours that explain the life Rev Billy Graham and his Passion to share Jesus with the world! This is a Must Visit when you are in Charlotte NC!! Also, we visited on a Monday it was less busy! Free Admission, donations accepted!

TRACY G — Google review

Beautiful and serene. We enjoyed our tour and learning more about Billy Graham's ministry. All of the volunteers were super nice and helpful!! A neat place to visit and it's Free!

Teena C — Google review

The Holy Spirit of Truth was felt the moment my wife and I stepped out of the vehicle. It has such a peaceful atmosphere. Great intimate details and displays of his life, family and team through his Evangelical journey. Set aside about 3 hours and become immersed in his history and more important God's word.It will be on our visit list every time we come to Charlotte North Carolina. Peace and blessings!

Richard R — Google review

The Billy Graham Library is peaceful, full of history and Christian heritage. The Journey of Faith is so enlightening and Billy and Ruth Graham are examples of humility, love and serving others. I spent a lot of time in the gift shop. The Dairy Barn has the best scones! Each volunteer is friendly and gracious.

Sheila D — Google review

Offers a self tour of the home of Billy Graham. The home and library have plenty of memorabilia from Mr & Mrs Graham’s life and ministry. Plenty of friendly staff throughout to help and answer any questions. Large bookstore and a place to eat inside. Walking trails with benches and the final resting place of the Grahams on site. Very nice place to visit.

RWS — Google review

We toured the museum & library on March 14, 2024. Absolutely amazing !!!Very moving and heart warming. he was such a wonderful evangelist. Unfortunately, I never appreciated him growing up as I did when I got older. I had tears when I walked through the exhibits. You can visit his boyhood home which has been moved to that site. He and his wifeare buried next to the museum. It is truly a fantastic place to visit. Absolutely a must. Staffed by volunteers The restaurant served delicious food very reasonably priced.

Phyllis — Google review

Although it is called a “library,” this place is also a wonderful museum of the life and ministry of Billy Graham and the people he worked with. With free admission, free parking, and super nice employees, the buildings are definitely worth a visit! The main barn-shaped building contains the “Journey of Faith,” a tour of several rooms with state-of-the-art large screen videos and high-quality displays with photos and information of his many accomplishments. The reconstructed home from his childhood years in Charlotte is decorated realistically, with many of the original building materials, furnishings, and memorabilia. Ruth’s Attic bookstore contains unique gifts and books that provide evidence of his wife’s priority of great literature. High on the walls are built-in bookshelves containing books from Billy Graham’s own personal library. Other nice features of this place are the dairy bar which also has delicious lunch items, and the nearby (down a street) Billy Graham Archive & Research Center with sermons, videos, historical records, and other ministry materials, some of which are also available to view online. Very inspiring place!

J Z — Google review

This place is so special! You really feel God’s heart through everything here. We love the tour and enjoy sharing with our friends and loved ones. Have been many times. The Library also hosts events like the women’s tea which is lovely! The Christmas event at the Library is one you don’t want to miss! The food is good! The gift shop is great!

Courtney D — Google review

Weeknight visit in Dec. Had prebooked tickets (general admission/parking free).Beautiful place that is well-maintained and well-staffed with volunteers and paid help. Shuttles came quickly as it was not busy. Live nativity with bonus kangaroo. Waking paths were well-lit. Workers said there were carolers on-site for 30 minutes but we never saw them or heard ANY music on the grounds throughout our trip (outside of the Journey of Faith tour which showcased Billy Graham's life of evangelism). This tour was free and lasted about 90 min. They have kids' activity sheets to keep them engaged in the tour (two versions: younger and older). 8 year old did the pictire-based scavenger-hunt one and 12 year old did the older version which held their attention and resulted in a small gift for each of them in the gift shop.Carriage rides were additional, $12 adult/$6 child. We didn't participate in the sit-down dinner as it was sold out when I booked tickets at Thanksgiving time. (If you're on the mailing list list, they send an email when the dinner bookings start in early Nov.)

Cheryl F — Google review

First time visiting. Found the experience to be very enriching.Hearing the journey of faith 🙏 beginning was amazing.Visited Ruth attic which had many gift ideas.the original home that Billy grew up in.Grave sites for Billy and his wife.Great experience! Highly recommend when in Charlotte.Also the concession stand that offered good food choices.

Raquel M — Google review

God bless you when you go to this blessing site.There are two structures of this site. One is library itself, alone with a bookstore and a shop. They have some decent souvenirs.The other one is the Graham family homeplace. There are volunteers as tour guides that tell you the family history and the building history.I especially paid a visit to the cemetery. That's the main reason I came to this site.I bumped into one volunteer. After he heard my road trip story, he put hand on my head and he prayed for me.It really touched my heart. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❣️❣️❣️❣️

Project E — Google review

I grew up close to here and still try to come up and see family. My aunts and uncles are in their 90s and eldest is almost (Nov) 102! And I must admit I always carry a small cooler with me to bring home a Piedmont treat - Livermush. All my kids and grandkids love it so the 13 pounds I can pack is shared. But we have never visited the Billy Graham Library. I can’t understand why. So this trip we set aside time to see it all.It is an amazing place dedicated to an amazing but humble man that introduced hundreds of thousands of people to Jesus Christ. We were fortunate to have been ushers and helpers in a Crusade held in Tampa. And we support through our church Franklin Graham’s ministries, especially Operation Christmas Child that takes shoeboxes (now mostly plastic boxes) to bring toys, shoes, books, sports equipment, fishing lines & hooks and more to children that otherwise would have nothing.The tour is divided into a number of displays, audio visuals and films telling the story of Billy’s life journey from country preacher to evangelist to multiple presidents, heads of state, even communist countries. It’s a marvelous and inspiring story that will give you a fresh inspiration to also declare God’s Good News to the world.

L S — Google review

4.8

(1664)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (64)

5.0

(2504)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (65)

4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA

(704) 401-3200

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I will never travel to Boone without this app againAvailable on the App Store

11

NASCAR Hall of Fame

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (73)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (74)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (75)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (76)

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Museum

Auditorium

Specialty Museums

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina is dedicated to the sport of stock car racing and features interactive exhibits and a theater. The museum has grown from dirt tracks to super-speedways over the years and features memorabilia from famous NASCAR drivers. Race fans can visit the museum even if there is no race meeting going on.

My boyfriend and I came here for a day date, there was no line or anything- we like to do things that are fun and interactive. This was my first time at the hall of fame and there was more to do than I expected. The tickets are pricey but It would be a great place to bring kids if I had any. But it’s great for just adults too! I definitely recommend doing the racing simulation if you go, they were closing soon and let us do it for free and it was super fun, but typically you have to pay extra for it. We live uptown so we didn’t have to pay for parking but I suggest finding street parking and walking a little bit as opposed to a parking deck.

Sable J — Google review

If you are in Charlotte, it is a fun place to visit and good for all age groups. You can buy tickets at the booth or book online, either you it works. Consider family membership option if you are family of two and have 2-3 kids, as the family membership provides more value for money and you get two buddy passes which you can use immediately during the visit if you have more than two adults in your group. Simulation drive is included with the family membership, so value instead of combo tickets. It is a long line sometimes and probably most times to get into simulation. You can easily spend 3-4 hours at the museum, rest rooms are clean and very accessible.

Satish B — Google review

NASCAR hall of fame museum is a must visit! I enjoyed this a lot with my family. The experience wasn’t what I had expected at all— in a great way! Stimulations and interactive activities all throughout. Very clean and well kept facility. Loved the gear shop as well. Highly recommend purchasing the Combo 1 package as you’re provided a cool lanyard for your hard card and unlimited rides on the race stimulator. Would love to visit again.

Aniya E — Google review

Its interesting and they have guided tours as well as a pit crew test where you can compete against other people. Not very expensive and they have a military discount, but not first responder for entrance tickets. Parking is not free unless you are a "Legends and Champions" member-I assume you'd know if you meet that qualification.

S W — Google review

Whether you're newly introduced to NASCAR or you're an avid fan, this place is a must-see. My mom and I went today, and it was a treat! We were able to take our time to look through all of the exhibits, and the staff was so courteous. They were very enthusiastic and willing to answer any questions. A memorable experience all around.

Meagan R — Google review

I am glad to finally visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. My son is a big fan and I watch it a bit but we both had a blast! Learning the history and seeing everything on display was mesmerizing. The simulators were exciting and it was great to experience what the NASCAR life is like. I wish there were a few more sections so kids can interact since they are fans too but we made it work. The staff was very friendly and answered any questions we had.

Jan T — Google review

Loud of fun. Lunch was delicious. The stations were fun to interact with. I learned a lot but I didn't know. The simulations were a lot of fun and almost everyone could participate young and old. The videos were fun to watch. The gift shop was amazing and you could get so many different things there. We also were able to get a group photo. I highly recommend this museum

Penni K — Google review

It's interesting and neat to see the cars. But for 34 dollars and 12 dollars for parking. Unless your a really big fan of racing save yourself some money and skip this. There's a 12 minute movie that was interesting. But the best thing that is offered is the simulation it will have a long wait unless your going to stay all day plan on going on it once. Nascar is a billion dollar sport and this was the best they could do for its hall of fame, sorry but it's a big disappointment.

Jason B — Google review

We had an absolutely amazing time here. About $ 80+ for 3 people with 2 of our tickets being discounted military. There are packages you can purchase to include a simulator ride. Very interactive. You get a card to scan at the stations for more information or to activate the kiosks. You can take a picture and get your face and name on the large jumbo screen with your favorite drivers you select underneath your picture welcoming you. There was a simulator qualifier, the real thing and a timed pit crew simulator. Super cool museum to view the history of NASCAR, owner and driver history. Amazing time for all.

Tonya J — Google review

Clean facilities, everything was easy to read and adequate labelling of where to go. Good explanation of interactive activities or what was displayed. Best part was the staff, they were all very happy to help, explain and keep you engaged. Definitely recommend the simulator combo. Didn't eat there but food smelled and looked delicious.

Sam P — Google review

We got to go after hours with our convention, so it was pretty packed, and im not sure how that compares to a normal experience. If you're interested in Nascar, you'll love this place! There is lots of information for the history buffs, and lots to see! There was even interactive displays and "games."

Melissa C — Google review

Pretty cool for a half day activity and have fun games and activities for the kids. Wish there was more representation of diversity and some bumper cart action to tie it all together. A bit underwhelming for how big the building is.

Ilma V — Google review

Great for kids, honestly it was much more interactive than I thought it would be. They have an individual card for you to use and scan throughout the tour to customize your experience, lots of models of the engineering and building of the cars too. They went all out on decoration and props, the place is extremely clean and well kept. 4 stories, but with elevators and ramps leading all the way up it's not a difficult jot though they said it takes about 3 hours to complete we were done in about 2. If you pay the extra for the driving simulator, there will be a bit of a wait and we didn't have that kind of time. All in all, great value and a good memory

Spencer T — Google review

I’m not a NASCAR fan but the hall of fame is definitely worth visiting if you are in town and have time. We visited on a Monday right when it opened and it was empty. We did the racing simulator multiple times as well as the pit crew station; both were fun. There are a lot of exhibits for those that are fans. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and clearly loved working there.

Travelbuff — Google review

I like old cars, so it was cool to see vintage cars from when NASCAR first started out. They have a movie room on the first floor, where you can learn about the origins of NASCAR racing. There are several more floors with interactive games/videos. It’s not just for kids or die hard fans. As a history buff/movie fan, it was cool to see and learn. Bought a hat at the gift shop when I was done, for my friend back home.

Chakra G — Google review

It's a great experience and has some things to have fun with. The racing sim is very hard but fun. Also the station to change the tire and put gas, I couldn't believe that my wife was actually enjoying doing that. We did it 3 times . Over all very fun experience

Felix C — Google review

What a fantastic experience. One of the friendliest environments I have ever been in. From the front desk to the workers on the floor it’s like they were all trained at Chick fil a. Super high level of customer service at the hall of fame. The exhibits were beautiful and the car simulators were awesome. But the most fun had to be the pit lane simulator where you physically have to do a pit stop on a car. Such a great place to visit I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone

Jonathan B — Google review

We visited early afternoon on a weekday, no waiting to get in and I recommend you pick a ticket package that best suit your needs. You may not want to take part in all the Halls attractions. We did the simulator and photo with lunch credit package. You also get a $10 speed (gift) shop voucher included. The displaces are beautifully displaced with detailed narration. We enjoyed ourselves.

Todd M — Google review

I am not a Nascar fan, but I did enjoy the museum. The interactive race simulator was so much fun! Very clean, with fun exhibits. My husband thoroughly enjoyed!

Amy M — Google review

Looking back at old pictures then realized I need to tell you to go! I went August 2022. I did not know exactly what to expect, but it exceeded any expectations. It was large, clean, informative, interactive and interesting. Its very well made. A must see in Charlotte.

Michele K — Google review

I'll admit, I'm not a die-hard NASCAR fan, but my visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte was surprisingly enjoyable! From the moment I walked in, I could appreciate the rich history and the excitement that surrounds NASCAR.The exhibits were thoughtfully put together with interactive displays and engaging videos, making it easy for someone like me to learn and get into it. I was especially impressed by the Hall of Honor, which introduced me to the legends of the sport and their incredible stories.Even though I'm not a racing enthusiast, I had a blast with the simulator experiences. It was a unique chance to feel what it's like to be on a NASCAR track, and I found it really fun.The staff members were friendly and happy to share their knowledge, which helped me understand more about the sport. And the gift shop had some cool NASCAR merchandise that even a casual fan like me couldn't resist.So, even if you're not a NASCAR fanatic, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte can still be a fun and educational experience. It certainly was for me!

Jacob E — Google review

I had a great time exploring the history and memorabilia of the Nascar Hall of Fame. Seeing the cars up close and on the banked track of the rotunda, you really get a feel for what it's like being a driver. Upon entry, every ticket holder receives a plastic, credit card sized card that helps you interact with the displays and make it a more personal experience. With the race simulator (for an additional charge) and the pit crew challenge (included in general admission), you get to experience what it's like to sit in the driver seat and be a pit crew member.There are also tons of artifacts on display with a brief story behind the person that wore, drove, owned, or turned a wrench on. With so much to see and learn about, you really need multiple days to explore, but it's also makes a good day trip. Whether you are a Nascar fan or not, it's worth seeing at least once.

Erik R — Google review

We were in town for a conference and I decided to take my little one to check out the cool cars! Let me just say he loved it! He is a big fan of lightning McQueen, so that was a lovely surprise for him!I purchased the number three combo pack and it was definitely worth it! The barbeque beef sandwich was great! You also get a $10 credit for the gift shop which is pretty cool and a free photo! There is the option to buy a second photo for $15.The employees were friendly and it was fun exploring the museum!

Tamra R — Google review

I don’t know what kid or adult wouldn’t like this place!! Definitely going back! Well worth the money. I bought tickets online, but there still would have been no wait! Very organized and structured. Bought a package that comes with the simulator, lunch, a certificate to the gift shop and other goodies! Very interactive and educational museum! There’s like 3 or 4 levels to the museum so wear your walking shoes. A theater with a 20 minute show is included you can watch at your leisure.

Shynekia R — Google review

What a walk through history! The interactive displays, hands on experience and just all different things to do make this place very intriguing and fun! Melha in the store was a joy to work with and very helpful with knowing more of Charlotte! Keep her!!

Amanda S — Google review

A truly amazing experience. The architecture of the venue alone is a marvel. The cars, suits, helmets, trophies and other exhibits are wonderfully arranged. Do not miss trying the race simulation in a model car and the pit stop challenge. Something not to miss by any means when in Charlotte

Miloš M — Google review

The museum is well done and conveniently located downtown. Many of the exhibits are interactive and provide a look into the history of the sport. Seeing the old trophies, fire suits, and cars is a must do activity for any NASCAR fan.There’s a gift shop and cafe and it’s attached to a Buffalo Wild Wings.

Rusty R — Google review

Really cool place if you're either already an avid NASCAR fan or if you have any interest in learning more about the sport and the history of stock car racing in general.There are some amazing cars and relics in here. There was the actual "Hall of Fame" exhibit which will change from year-to-year based on the inductees, but it seems like they also have a different exhibit each year out on the main floor that sits below the "Glory Road" exhibit.Being a Hendrick Motorsports superfan who grew up cheering for Jeff Gordon, the HMS 40th anniversary exhibit was absolutely amazing to see. I spent my first hour or more inside just looking at that. I couldn't have picked a better year to go. It definitely makes you want to keep up with the Hall of Fame and see what new exhibits they have from year-to-year.

Brady B — Google review

Huge place. So much to see and do. So reasonably priced for all you get. Simulators, pit stop challenge and so many more interactive exhibits. We stayed 3 hours but, could have stayed 5. We loved it.

Ladonna W — Google review

This was a fun little way to spend the afternoon. The museum was not too busy. The simulator was so much fun and worth the extra money for the ticket. Parking was easy. I would go back. Great for all ages.

Lisa C — Google review

We bought a combination package. We enjoyed the exhibits. The museum is clean and well organized. The employees are informative and helpful. We enjoyed the simulator. The food in the cafe was really good. Great experience.

Judy S — Google review

I am not a huge NASCAR fan but family is. I went to get some photos and videos to send back home. I left very impressed. I would absolutely go back and experience everything they have again even as a non-fan. Glory Road is very awesome inspiring and the actually Hall is breathtaking. The video they show in the theater tells you everything you need to know on the sport. Definitely worth a visit!

Andrew C — Google review

This place is fun for all! Knowledgeable about the sport and even had live simulators to enjoy from racing to pit stop challenges. Recommend getting the package to eat and enjoy free memorabilia and photos with crew or family

Dr. G — Google review

The Nascar Hall of Fame is a must-see for any fan. There are so many things to look at, you could easily spend a whole day here. As a Harvick fan, I was super excited to see the 4EVER exhibit they have right now. Admission isn't too expensive and is worth the price. There are several pay to park lots within walking distance. The surrounding area is nice and very clean.

Casandra E — Google review

You don't have to get tickets online before you go. The place is very good for the family outing. Give yourself 2-3 hours time frame to stay there, they also have free iRacing there, so as driving simulation inside NASCAR cars. The entire place about 4 levels, you start from the top and walk down. Their gift shop is very good, but it doesn't have various selections of NASCAR drivers' items. They mostly have souvenirs that belong to the place, not drivers. Definitely, I recommend this for myself to visit again and others

Ibrahim — Google review

Great to visit love the history. The simulator experience is fun too only way it could be better is if kids had their own Sim. And adults had their own so you could get a more realistic experience.

Joel T — Google review

Pretty cool experience. I was able to go through a company party so everything was available for use. The driving simulation was really cool. You first qualify on a machine with a steering wheel and then you get in an actual life size Nascar and race with a screen in front of you. 16 people were able to race each other at once. They also had a tire changing challenge. The whole walkway up goes through all the degrees of the tracks. It was pretty cool. It also had a ton of memorabilia for Nascar fans.

Bryan D — Google review

Definitely a bucket list place for any NASCAR fan. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there. I arrived a little later on a Saturday (after lunch) and it wasn't crowded at all. Lots of history and memorabilia there, stuff going way back.

Gary — Google review

Even though I'm only a moderate NASCAR fan, and my wife has no love for any motor sport this place is an absolute must visit. The exhibitions are fun and brilliantly done. It's reasonably priced to get in with lots of combinations to make it cheaper.

Phillip W — Google review

The right place for people interested in motor sports. Great furnishings and lots of exhibits. The racing simulator is not easy and requires training. Price performance for admission is good.

Reini — Google review

Best place for inspiration and race car fans. Their display was beautifully done and they speak for the self. I would recommend go spend atleast few mins to read story around it. Overall was very inspiring and motivational visit

Jagadeesh R — Google review

Fantastic museum completely different than I was expecting.The cars are very well arranged, clean, all details and information about them with pictures and displays.Information about the roads where they race, angle of the road in all angles. Their car simulator is a must to do for if you want to have the feeling of drive those cars at high speed.They have a theater room to show movies of cars competition.Better yet, they have discounts for seniors.I recommend this place to all ages and gender.

Nivaldo ( — Google review

Beautiful facility with kind and welcoming staff. The facility is setup so nicely! You will see and learn all aspects of NASCAR including detailed history. Don't skip the simulator and pit crew challenge. Well worth the price of admission. There is limited street parking but there is an attached parking garage. We went on a weekday (Thursday) and it wasn't busy.

Darrell K — Google review

Great place to visit if you're a Nascar fan of any kind that said, overall great place to visit. Even if you are just a car fan, it's well laid out and very interesting.Extremely clean, if you care to eat there the cafeteria is not overpriced and is much faster than trying to eat in Buffalo wild wings which is attached. You can wait there till you're gray-haired and probably never get a table.Parking is just around the corner from the front door and easily accessible to the Hall of Fame

Bob R — Google review

If you're a die hard NASCAR fan who appreciates the history, you'll likely really enjoy a visit to the hall of fame. For me as a casual fan at best, I had a very underwhelming experience. Also, I wouldn't bring kids here, they'll be very bored. The best thing was that all of the workers I encountered were nice and helpful. Everything else I found to be very boring and quite overpriced. The driving simulation was kind of cool, but was quite far from a realistic experience overall.If the cost of admission was half of what they charge, I'd feel a bit more like I got my money's worth. Otherwise, it's just boring and overpriced. Plus you have to pay for parking too.

Kaleb C — Google review

Was very impressed by the RFID personalization experience with the museum - when you scan your tickets, you are provided a small card with an RFID chip, which when registered allows you to interact with exhibits and even save items from exhibits for a “personalized scrapbook” you can have emailed to you!The museum itself featured exhibits on well known racers and their cars, as well as a neat exhibit on the top floor showing safety advancements over the years. The museum also had lots of interactive experiences, like simulators, and a pit crew challenge!

William E — Google review

4.7

(6669)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (80)

4.5

(2498)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (81)

400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

(704) 654-4400

12

Bank of America Stadium

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (82)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (83)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (84)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (85)

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Stadium

Sights & Landmarks

Arenas & Stadiums

The Bank of America Stadium is a football stadium located in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina and home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers. The 75,523-seat stadium has been designed specifically for NFL football and features luxurious boxes and an open-air grass field. The stadium also has a large tailgating area which makes it popular with fans of all teams.

Overall my experience was good. I am Atlanta fan and came to the opening game where Charlotte FC played LA Galaxy. Good atmosphere. Looking forward to more games here.The only negative: need better security at the gates when coming in and fixing the lines. I think this will come in time as they handle big games.

David F — Google review

As far as NFL stadiums go, I would put BOA in the middle of the pack as far as how nice it is. We have been here for a few events the last couple of years and always have a good time. There are lots of food options in the concourse to choose from as well as plenty of drink options. Our last visit we were up in the suite section, which is really nice. Everything up there is air conditioned and we had everything catered for food and drinks, which made everything pretty easy and quick. I would always recommend getting a Bojangles box, it is worth the money more than anything in the stadium.

Steven B — Google review

Haven't had a bad experience here. I think I've been twice and both times were great. Entry is simple and quick, in my experience. Plenty of resources, the bathrooms are clean and sufficient, and the seating is good. Definitely recommend for whatever events people may be looking to attend.

Jeremy K — Google review

A clean and stunning stadium in downtown Charlotte. The city skyline made for a beautiful backdrop; especially when all the lights started coming on. The staff were friendly and helpful. There were a few unruly fans in our section and security did a great job diffusing the situation and kept everyone around from being interrupted from watching the game. The food selection was beyond amazing. The souvenir cup for free refills is definitely worth it. A great stadium to enjoy a game!

H C — Google review

Attended the Real Madrid match versus Chelsea at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, NC. This was a gift for my son's 13th birthday and it was well worth the drive from Raleigh.It had been almost 20 years since I have been at this stadium and I had an amazing time. I was impressed with the amenities and upkeep of the stadium. The staff was very helpful and the parking was surprisingly good. We did but a snag trying to get out of our parking deck but with the stadium being right off the highway, it took little time to hit the interstate.We enjoyed the shops and available merchandise. Plus, any stadium where you can get Bojangles deserves 5 Stars!! But you need to figure out how you can serve biscuit sandwiches.Most importantly, you can't beat the views, both in the field and of the skyline. It was a great trip!!

La B — Google review

We had a great time visiting the Bank of America Stadium as we saw Charlotte FC’s first inaugural home game! It was well worth the visit as we enjoyed the experience and how friendly everyone was! I’ll definitely come back to check out another game here in the future!

Daniel D — Google review

What a great experience, very easy to navigate, each employee was friendly, very clean & so well set up. I mostly appreciated the escalators lol! The Stadium is HUGE & great for many types of venues. It's very easy to get to from the interstate & parking was expensive but not bad for the walk. I didn't see much security in the Stadium as I did outside, I may have just missed them, but I never felt unsafe.

Melinda F — Google review

Home of the roaring Panthers and the cheers of their loyal fans 🏈🐾 Welcome to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina! 🌟 #PantherNation #CharlotteNC #FootballSeasonThis stadium is located in the heart of uptown Charlotte. The seating is comfortable and offers great sightlines of the field. They offered a variety of food and beverage options, from classic stadium fare like hot dogs and nachos to more upscale options like BBQ and craft beer. Lines can get long, especially during peak game times, so it is advisable to arrive early or plan accordingly.The stadium also offers a variety of amenities, including a team store, a Panthers Hall of Honor, and a kid’s zone. The team store offers a wide selection of merchandise, from jerseys and hats to unique souvenirs. The Hall of Honor is a great way to learn about the history of the Carolina Panthers and the NFL. The kid’s zone offers a variety of fun activities for children, including inflatable games and a climbing wall.One of the unique features of Bank of America Stadium is the ability to take a tour of the stadium. Tour guides take visitors through the stadium, including the locker rooms, press box, and field. The tours are informative and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium.

Dixon — Google review

Beautiful stadium with plenty to eat and drink. Prices here were very good - I had a 5-piece chicken tender with a refillable cup for around $20.

Brandon C — Google review

We attended a pre-season football game here and we were very impressed with how nice the stadium is maintained compared to other stadiums. We had a great time and had great seats even though we had a short rain delay. We loved that we stayed at a nearby hotel and just walked 2 blocks. Can’t wait to visit again!

Robert P — Google review

My son and I were in attendance for the Charlotte FC inaugural home match. The stadium is a very nice venue, especially considering it's age. Entry into the stadium was extremely quick. Traffic was very slow near the stadium. We parked in a garage across from the stadium. We won't make that mistake again, but will plan a little better and just walk a few blocks to the stadium.Overall it was a great time.

Brian S — Google review

Did the 5k for the Levine cancer center this morning. The best Saturday I've spent in a while. We were fortunate to have 3 generations walking for family. Must say that I'm not fond of the field being a soccer field though. Very nicely done, clean, and will be back soon for my panther's games. Loved the experience, and was well planned.👍💙🖤

Katherine C — Google review

Dream come true. I thought I would never get to see panther football game in my life. After I wining the football tickets form Amazon. I finally get to see the game. My first time ever going to watch the Panthers game at the stadium. It was humongous! I had a good time with friends . But hey, what do you expect, it’s costly going to a football game. I would definitely go again though. There was face painting there too and I got myself one. I say, go give yourself this experience just once to see if you like it.

Myo O — Google review

Absolutely the best NFL facility with the cleanest, most well kept, and amazing amminities and staff. Their business, security, and operations teams are exemplary and second to none. Amazing to get to work with these folks, a true pleasure.

ESCALATOR C — Google review

Bank of America Panthers Stadium has been newly renovated to include better tech, seating as well as a locker room for the men's soccer team. We attended the epic Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour concert at the stadium and the new design is impeccable. The entire staff was extremely attentive and approachable. A beautiful venue.

360 M — Google review

It was my first NFL game and my 58th birthday!! Except for the loss and the cost of some items, I was very happy with my experience. Tickets were cheap because it was a preseason game. Parking cost near the stadium was astronomical, so I opted for free parking and the low-cost LYNX rail ride into downtown Charlotte. It was easy, safe, and convenient. Stadium concessions were very pricey, but I was impressed with the fact they offered alcoholic drinks other than just beer: You could get cocktails, wine, and hard seltzer too!

Scherron L — Google review

Our first NFL game and we absolutely loved it! Came to watch the New York Jets play. Will definitely be coming back to watch more games.

Heather B — Google review

Copa America Semi FinalColumbia 1-0 UruguayOne of the best games I've ever seenThey don't allow you to take in drinks from outside so don't bother

Off T — Google review

first time being at this Bank of America Stadium, wonderful performance and great lounges and bathrooms very clean well kept up very nice. Would recommend anybody to show go to these events here. The staff did amazing job with the overwhelming amount of people. It’s kind of hilarious some of the staff I guess it depends on the singers, but they have no idea who some of these country folks are. we’re bunch of hillbillies from Virginia so we enjoyed every bit of George Strait little big town and Chris Stapleton.

Explore W — Google review

Went there for the Charlotte FC 1st game of the season and loved the experience! Plenty of food and drink options (even hot cocoa). The picture attached is the view from section 542 seat 18

Ginna R — Google review

Always a party coming out here to watch a soccer game, I have been here countless times to watch the Charlotte FC play and even if they are losing or wining a game the fans are alway behind the team. From tailgating to the actual start of the game, it's just electric filled.Blue is our color, Charlotte is our city, football is our game, right here in the Queen city where we lift the golden Crown 👑 higher than anything else.

Prince P — Google review

We had an excellent first time experience here at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte. We sat in the silver club seats (section 313), which gives you access to a comfy indoor area with nice restrooms and plenty of bar & food options. The seats were comfortable folded-chair-back seats. There are two large score board screens at each end zone, and the game info (down, yards, play clock, etc) can also be seen directly across the field on a smaller screen. The staff was very prepared and made sure things went very smoothly, such as security check and scanning your phones for tickets. If you want to be sheltered from weather and sun, choose the higher rows in this section (19-21).

Kathryn W — Google review

First time here 12/24- Packers vs Panthers. We got to the stadium early. Nice Stadium and Great Atmosphere! Staff was very friendly and helpful! We were in Section 542 with many other Packers fans. The seats were comfortable! Plenty of options for beverages and food. Really enjoyed the Packers vs Panthers game! 💚💛💚💛

Tracy B — Google review

First time there for soccer game. Seats are comfortable. Food and drink over priced as is the case with every athletic stadium in the US. Staff was helpful and friendly. The traffic is horrific from the stadium parking lot so don't be in a hurry to get home. I'd be concerned about a medical emergency. Lot 5 is better parking area but be prepared to walk uphill to the stadium for those with mobility issues. There could be better parking places if you are familiar with the area. I'd return for a future event.

Sherry S — Google review

I came here for the Panthers Bucs Game. It was with some family friends and it was my first ever NFL game. The atmosphere here is amazing and they have a really nice stadium and everything. They lost 10-3 but it was alright. I was in one of the sections near the scoreboard but still they were great seats and saw a lot. Wasn’t terrible coming in or leaving and it was a fun game and fun experience. I’m a NY Giants fan but I’d certainly go to another panthers game knowing I’m from Durham and it’s not terribly far

Team C — Google review

Atmosphere is electric here and the fan base for Charlotte fc is phenomenal. I’m coming from RSL culture in Utah and their fan base is a joke compared to here.Bank of America stadium was well kept and looks stunning. Workers didn’t seem to know a clue about any sections but it was the home opener

Riley B — Google review

Back of America Stadium is a great place to watch football! This stadium gets a bad rap as talks of a new stadium are continually being mentioned. Let's be honest, BofA has some old bones. Some of the railings are bent. There are parts that are rusted. Some of the chairs are squeaky. It has character for its age. The best thing about BofA stadium is that there isn't a bad view in the stadium. You may be winded going up those flights of stairs, but you can still see everything just fine. A bonus is if you sit on the 550s side, you'll get a great view of the skyline. The concessions are solid. Bojangles, Krispy Kreme, & Domino's are our usual choices. The beer prices are as expected ($11-12 each). Whatever may happen to this stadium, I don't know, but for now, I'll continue to enjoy football games here & I hope to someday catch a concert here as well.

Stephen B — Google review

Went to a game here vs the Cowboys and it was 90% Cowboys fans but, the stadium was very clean and nice, and also the stadium staff was very friendly. If you are looking to see you favorite team at a visitor stadium this is a friendly environment and the people of Charlotte are great.

ISU A — Google review

Super dope that they let us run through the stadium and get on the field (!!) for the Mad Miles fun run. I had such a good time!Really nice upgrades to the stadium as well. Now if we can only get the Panthers to win...

Beverlee W — Google review

Beautiful arena, accessible, easy to find your way around and lots of friendly staff available and willing to help when needed. Food and drink prices were high but expected for this type of venue. Looking forward to more events here.

Janna H — Google review

Went there to see the Dallas Cowboys vs panthers. Was a very awsome experience :). Was our first NFL game. Are seats were really good. Section 112 row 1A seats 3 & 4 about the 50 yard line. Will post better seat pictures when I download them from my camera :)

Cindy R — Google review

First time attending a game here and the experience was very good. My daughter and I came to town to watch our Dallas Cowboys play the Panthers and I gotta hand it to the Panthers organization, this was a very smooth and well organized event. I would recommend arriving when the gates open and just walk around and familiarise yourself with where things are located (it’s really pretty self explanatory and well marked). The staff members are very helpful and friendly. Plenty of security. It really was a very enjoyable experience especially since the Cowboys won

Tim M — Google review

We have a great family time. They had fireworks after the game it was so beautiful. My kids love it.

Javier — Google review

4.6

(9638)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (86)

4.5

(1047)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (87)

800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

(704) 358-7000

13

Charlotte Motor Speedway

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (88)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (89)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (90)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (91)

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Car racing track

Sights & Landmarks

Auto Race Tracks

The Charlotte Motor Speedway is a highly-rated, 138,000 seat stadium which hosts NASCAR races as well as other events. It's also home to a drag racing track and other attractions.

We did the drive through fan experience and it was way better than you would imagine from their website description. The history of the track was great and we got to drive and walk on the track and stop in the winners circle as well as the start/ finish line. It was pretty awesome!

Angie R — Google review

Very nice and updated track, huge! Seating is bench seating with looonnggg benches, so if you are seated in the middle grab your food and go potty before sitting down, it is nearly impossible to slid back out. Be prepared for the children, this track offers $10 child tickets, so if you are not kid friendly, you may want to skip this one. Otherwise, great food & bars on site, plenty of bathrooms, and handicapped accessibility. Overall a great track!

Marsha S — Google review

Things happen very quickly here. The banking is honestly wild and I’ve never felt anything like it, especially if you’re pushing 100mph+ over it. A wonderful track, though - really allows for a crazy amount of speed while maintaining some fun maneuverable sections. I’ve never felt more like Ricky Bobby and that is honestly a very fulfilling experience.

Kasper K — Google review

Christmas lights at the speedway were wonderful. Although the wait was nearly 4 hours, once we made it to the lights it was like we never even waited. Such a magical experience with lots of effort put into setting up the lights, the music, everything. Great way to celebrate Christmas imo

Lucy B — Google review

I absolutely LOVED this track. It was my first experience with a Nascar event and I enjoyed every moment! It was a bit confusing getting to my seat but the staff was very helpful.Parking was complicated. The people directing traffic sent us to an RV park and we drove in circles for 20 minutes trying to get out. It was 20$ once we found a place to park.As always, I want more vegan options but the atmosphere was decent and the patrons were diverse and kind.

SaBreena L — Google review

My husband and son loved their birthday/graduation/Christmas presents. They did the tide along with an experienced driver followed by driving the cars all by themselves. They absolutely loved it. I've never seen them smile so big. They are still coming down off their high. I scored big brownie points.

Iceblue E — Google review

Visited the Speedway for the Xtreme Xperience and all I can say is wow! There was also a similar NASCAR drive event happening there at the same time so it was great to hear the real sounds associated with stock car racing while simultaneously experiencing the high speed / exotic cars we were there to drive! Ventured to the restrooms while there and was pleasantly surprised how clean they were.

N G — Google review

Great track to watch a race. Went to see the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 & 2022 Alsco 300 Great signage inside and out. Lots of food choices including food trucks inside the track. Now parking was a nightmare. Even had prepaid parking but no one directing traffic into lots.

James S — Google review

Went to the Arca and truck race.. both were awesome and good seats. Food is way overpriced and even water. Some places were selling water for $5-$10 outrageous. So bring your own and pick up food before, and they did not accept cash for anythingthing in the gates, so it was card only

Derrick H — Google review

The speedway is spectacular and to talk about The Bank of America ROVAL 400. It is an unforgettable experience filled with energy and adrenaline. The race lasts just over 3 hours with 109 laps, each featuring 17 thrilling turns. Watching the cars zoom by is exhilarating, and the engine sounds are unique. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; it's perfect for family outings, hanging out with friends, or even a memorable first date. It's an experience that will stay with you forever.

S K — Google review

We attended the holiday lights festival. The kids, especially the younger ones, really enjoyed it. The adults enjoyed driving on the track. We arrived at 6pm on a Monday night and only waited in line for about 15mins to enter.

Brad K — Google review

THEY STOLEN OUR ICE BOX. It turns out that I carried a plastic cooler, measuring 14 inches high by 14 inches wide (small size), COLEMAN brand. They didn't let me bring the cooler into the event for security reasons. So I decided to leave it right next to the ticket booth and at the end of the event I would take it with me. At the end of the event, which was great, I went to look for my cooler and it was in a different place than where I had left it and they wrote the word “SAFETY” on the lid. I waited for security personnel from the event to arrive, and they told me that the cooler was theirs and what the problem was, with a BAD APTITUP (He was defensive). So I told him that they had taken my cooler, but he ignored my statement. So I decided to leave without my cooler. It is a shame that these types of situations occur. I am not making the complaint because of the economic value of the cooler, I am doing so because of the bad action of an unscrupulous person who compromises the good name of the organization they represent.

Nelso A — Google review

The installations are impressive!We got the tickets in advance in digital and there was all ok, we bought for the main stand at the start-finish line.We bought the parking in advance but it was not any signal for our pre-purchased spot and some people take advantage of that.Take the time to get in to the speedway because there is a lot of traffic during the weekend.

Jorge S — Google review

Such a great time to be had by all here. The food prices are actually quite affordable as well compared to other raceways.

Julia C — Google review

Race was a lot of fun (until the storm,of course). Seats were good. A little confusing knowing where to go with track passes, but we got that figured out. You can not use cash or apple pay here. I could buy nothing.

J W — Google review

Ford Driving Experience is amazing, you get to drive in the Oval and eat dinner in the VIP box.

Daniel G — Google review

We went to see Christmas decorations. The entrants cost is 45 $ per car. And its a bit much for the light show that we saw. There are some nice lights decorations and there're very simple one. They have a village Christmas lights in the middle where you can walk, grilled smorth on fire. And there's a shop you can buy different things. Also you can buy snacks.There's a screen you can watch a movie seating in a car.

Elena M — Google review

We went to the coca cola. This is a great place to see a race, however the parking is a real nightmare. They are poorly organized and signage left much to be desired. When you finally get to the venue" it took us 2 hours to park and get inside when we were within 2 miles of the track and with preferred parking. The race was extremely loud and I was very thankful that we brought earphones.

Duncan A — Google review

We went to the Cookout Summer Shootout here, and had a great time. It was a good way to experience the speedway in a casual way. The tickets were $10 a person and kids under 12 got in free. I enjoyed the table/bar in front of the seats for drinks and food.

Kelsey E — Google review

The autofair/swap meet was not worth the 6hr ride .. alot of really nice cars 8n the car show --made up for it....

Jeff J — Google review

Went to see the Christmas light show. It was amazing. Definitely a must see if you have kids. They will enjoy it. Afterwards you can park and watch a Christmas movie or walk through the Christmas village. It's a fun holiday family night.

Pat E — Google review

We went here with a group from our neighborhood for lunch and a tour. Lunch was wonderful, but the tour was awesome! We were driven on the track and took a fast and furious drive around the turns!So much fun! If you ever have the chance to do this tour, do it!

Cruisejunkie — Google review

My husband and grandson got the Richard Petty driving experience. My husband drove a car and my grandson did a ride along. They had a blast!!!

Leatrice M — Google review

I was invited by my sponsor Blackpearlshowboards along with Mr Ed. It was Mustang 6oth Anniversary. We were right outside the Pavillion Auto Show Case. Joey Logano his family and dad all came back and saw Black Beauty. I autographed pictures for Joey Logano kids. Now I can mark that off my bucket list

Teresa M — Google review

Best racing venue I've been too. Racing was great and even the pre race events were great. I would definitely recommend going to the Coke-600.

Riley — Google review

The whole facility around CMS is top tier. I love this track especially for the Coke 600 on Labor Day Weekend. It’s one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks and I always enjoy spending a weekend here. The whole track area is laid out very nicely and we even found a great area for parking! The fan zone and fan experience is amazing as well. Overall Charlotte is one of the best NASCAR Tracks to visit for a race weekend.

Location W — Google review

Wow! What service! What a neat venue! Everyone was so nice! This place was huge! I would 10000% come back! For a great time come here!

C A — Google review

If this is on your bucket list, you have to go for Memorial Day! It is so Patriotic. I really enjoyed the whole day. It's a long day so prepare yourself. A lot to do for the day to keep you busy.

Mike C — Google review

4.7

(9256)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (93)

4.5

(991)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (94)

5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC 28027, USA

(800) 455-3267

14

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (95)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (96)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (97)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (98)

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Aquarium

Zoos & Aquariums

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, situated in the Concord Mills Mall, offers a diverse range of family-friendly exhibits featuring an array of sea creatures. These exhibits provide play areas and group packages for added convenience. With over 5,000 underwater creatures including jellyfish, clown fish, green moray eels, octopus, triggerfish, and various sharks, visitors can explore more than 20 themed showcases that mirror North Carolina's natural surroundings.

I had a great time! Reasonable price for 6 hours of aquarium time! Walk-through took about 45 minutes at a slow-casual pace. Beautifully themed displays, fish, jellies, and turtles live in close up exhibits. A touch pool lets you touch urchins and sea stars. Gift shop at the end had a lot of varied choices for souvenirs.

Tracy R — Google review

We went here while we were on vacation. Very busy place. It was just us two adults with no kids. We really enjoyed it, it was smaller than most aquariums we have been to, but the price was good and we did enjoy it. They did have several different species they are trying to save. Very informative if you read the information provided. The staff were friendly and actually seemed to like their jobs.

Jami C — Google review

I had a birthday party here for my son. It was really nice. Staff was nice they even set up the party room. It was a little pricey but well worth it. They let you bring your own food unlike most places. My guests had a good time. I would definitely recommend it.

Octavia L — Google review

Wonderful little aquarium. Very nicely done. Neat tunnel and varying views of large tanks. You could buzz thru quickly, but we spent a couple hours really watching everything. They do have an intractive touch tank as well. We were surprised it was located at a mall, but that made it very convenient.

Marla B — Google review

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!!!!Please do not judge this place by what you see from the outside. Not that the outside is in bad shape or anything, but you would think that there's not a lot to see............you would be wrong!!This is a very informative, colorful, and clean aquarium. You can tell that the sea life is well cared for and that the habitat encourages growth and comfort.I actually came for Beasley but found so much more. I definitely recommend for children, family and friends, and even an evening date. I can't imagine this place will disappoint. ESPECIALLY THE TUNNEL!!!I hope you enjoy the pictures and videos. This place is as cool as it looks.PS - If you time your visit right, you can watch them feed throughout the aquarium.

Romeo B — Google review

It is a nice day out place with kids. Mu daughter loved being in the aquarium and collecting fun stamps at each exhibition. Nice full filled day activity for parents and kids. Must visit.

Ritika R — Google review

Great way to spend a hot summer day. It's not big, and it is geared more for younger kids. There's more for the younger kids to do, so it will draw out the experience. My 15yo and I went on a Sunday morning while visiting family. We took our time looking at the sea life and spent about an hour walking through. It is a nice thing to do with a family, especially in the hot summer.

Tanya H — Google review

So much fun! We got there closer to close than I would've liked, but the staff was so friendly and helpful. We got to see brand new baby seahorses and there was a super friendly looking puffer fish. We loved the tunnel!

Heather B — Google review

Great experience but the cost should be much lower for the size. We paid more here to visit that many other aquariums that were double and triple the size. As for the variety of sea life and staff, they were above and beyond. I also like how they provided extra education activities for younger ages. A great 30 to 40 minute activity with a younger child.

A H — Google review

Had a great time. It took about an hour to walk through everything, but you could return at any point during the day. We also did the behind the scenes tour and the host, Matt, was great. He also interacted with the adults and kids in the group. Amanda was amazing at answering questions. We bought the VIP picture pass and it was definitely worth it.

Hades D — Google review

Little pricey for as small as it is. I was not expecting it to be in a mall. Can get crowded in a heartbeat with little wiggle room to see anything or to get away. They do let you go through as many times as you want, so that helps, some. They have a tunnel which is cool but the lighting isn't set up well, so it's not easy to tell what you are looking at sometimes.I did NOT realize this was geared directly at kids. My bad for not doing more research but it's super kid friendly, which means it's not adult friendly in terms of viewing or moving around. Also, by kid friendly, I mean exhausted parents that don't give AF what their kids are doing, which is screaming, yelling, tapping glass, shoving each other, crying and running.So yeah, I just wanted out of our Airbnb on a rainy day and thought a visit to an aquarium would be cool. It wasn't as awesome as I hoped. But hey, floaty-butt turtles always make any day better.

Vee — Google review

We had our daughters' birthday party here on Friday! It was an amazing experience for all that came! The room was beautiful! The staff was great! Highly recommend Sea Life for a fun unique birthday party experience!

Jennifer H — Google review

An absolute must for kids!!! Everything is their height, 100% interactive displays, hidden portholes and the Junior Range kit keeps them engaged looking closely to really appreciate the different species. We did the behind the scenes tour and learned a lot. Staff are all top notch. Worth every dollar. Went with grandma and my 5 year old son and they were both beyond thrilled.

Adrienne H — Google review

Some very nice exhibits but it is very small for the price.There is a nice kid’s area and some good pop up spots for viewing fish. The tunnel is short but has many creatures swimming overhead.

Rachel P — Google review

We visited while we were in town for the holiday weekend. SeaLife was fantastic and they had a lot of aquatic life. We loved our time there. Unfortunately, we went on the busiest shopping day of the year, so getting out of the parking lot was a nightmare. Would recommend visiting on any other day though.

Jill T — Google review

Was a great time for the family and kids! They have quite a lot packed in and some pretty amazing aquatic life. We had a great time, and the costs were not excessive, especially considering it kept us busy for hours. Would absolutely recommend for a family afternoon out if you are looking for something fun and educational for your friends and family.A+

Daniel F — Google review

Sea Life was nice. We were hoping it was a longer undersea stroll but the location is probably the reason. All the exhibits were breath taking.I'm not sure but I was trying to add a video. I was trying to show an exhibit where it looked like skinny snakes poking out of sand trying to get the small fish. It was so amazing to watch. I can't seem to show.

Jackie H — Google review

Went there with a group of people, and it was a blast. I loved the little shipwreck they had and we loved doing the stamps. Even though it was a great experience overall, it was kind of short. But yet again not surprising since it's in a mall. It's a great place to go to with kids or to go to on a day out.

Ray — Google review

How delightful to have an aquarium within the Concord Mills mall! We're not from the area and I love aquariums so this was a pleasant surprise. I was really impressed with the size of the aquarium itself and everything it has to offer. They have a touch pool which is fun for kids and adults alike. They have an underwater tunnel which is exciting. I think the porcupine fish might've been my favorite. He was huge! Highly recommend and will visit again.

Deanna W — Google review

My family and I visited a beautiful place over the weekend. An aquarium where you can see unusual bright fish. Electric skates, sharks, moray eels, sea stars and much more. There is a petting pool where you can touch starfish. It's unusual and interesting. Come see this beauty. Lots of useful stuff.

Vika R — Google review

My wife and I went here while we were in the area on our honeymoon. It was fascinating to observe the creatures up close. We developed several favorites. Personally, I enjoyed watching the stingrays, sharks, and the fish that tirelessly dug holes in the sand. The staff, notably Greer, whom we spoke with, was exceptionally helpful, polite, and informative.

Zulu — Google review

Beautiful aquarium! This is a great activity to do with kids! We loved it here! He staff was very nice and took their time to explain everything when we asked. The selection of fish and animals is great and they are beautifully presented in different fish tanks. The highlight is definitely the tunnel through the big fish tank! This is a great place to spend half a day and the mall is just right in front of it for dining or shopping afterwards. HOWEVER, I did not like that you have to buy you ticket from a display/computer and have to provide them with personal information they don't really need, like your email address. I would much rather buy my ticket from a person and NOT get my personal data collected. Also I thought that it was realively expensive... Worth it, but not cheap if you like to take your 5 grandkids over 14years old. I do appreciate though that they support some charity projects. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

Mel — Google review

Fun experience for the little ones! It took us a little under an hour to walk through the exhibits, but it’s still a nice little trip. They have a section to color different fish which our daughter really enjoyed and a scavenger hunt to complete while you are walking with a prize at the end!

Rose F — Google review

For being a small aquarium in a mall, they have several fish and even a cute rehabilitation tank that currently is hosting Beasley. It was really cute and had a lot of exhibits in it, surprisingly, including an interactive touch pool. My nephews enjoyed it, smallest barely wanted to leave. I would definitely recommend it for younger kids or people who love sea life in general.

Khadijah S — Google review

We really enjoyed ourselves here with my 3 year old niece. She enjoyed touching the star fish and seeing the sharks and sea turtle. Definitely recommend. More for children than adults but adults can enjoy themselves as well.

Derrick W — Google review

It is bigger than I expected it and they’ve done a great job with this aquarium. Organize, clean, different fishes. Easy to navigate. Pretty good size, not too big or too small. The staff were polite.I went Friday at 12pm and there were only two more families at the time so it was a great experience.Once you buy tickets you can leave and get back inside as many times as you want. At least that’s what they told us on this date.

Veronica — Google review

My husband and I are both in our 20’s without kids and we were pleasantly surprised by this aquarium! They had a good amount of different animals including stingrays, sharks, fish, turtles, and many more. We were able to touch starfish and sea urchins. I enjoyed the turtle rehab section where we could see a turtle who was rescued from the ocean because he was stranded and injured. They had a cool tunnel you could walk through to see the animals as well. This was a great experience for the price!

Rachel B — Google review

When I saw this aquarium was located in a mall I had low expectations. I could not have been more incorrect. Not only was this location large enough to entertain adults for an hour, but they have an ocean tunnel, in a mall! The facility was well kept, the tanks were all large and not overcrowded, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Plus it was affordable. 10/10 would recommend checking it out while you're in the area. Then you can go shopping in the mall, knowing you're in the same building with fun things like sharks, eels, and jellyfish 💛

Nainsi M — Google review

Bought our tickets in advance, and it was easy. There is plenty of parking and easy to find. It is attached to Concord Mills Mall. Staff was super friendly and awesome. Plenty of sealife to see and interact with. I highly recommend checking this place out if in the area.

MAC — Google review

I think they did an amazing job with the space that they had. It certainly does not look that big from the outside. Some of the staff were friendly. It’s $23 (if i can remember) for adults and $19 for children over the age of 2 😒 . Children under the age of 2 are free. Some of the things to interact with were broken. They let you create your own fish you color / paint it, name it and after you finish you are suppose to be able to send it off to sea but the tv/monitor that you send your fish to was broken/not working. I was honestly looking forward to that but it wasn’t up and they didn’t have an answer for when they would have things back up and running. With everything not working and no idea or information about when it will be back up and running i don’t know if i can recommend it. The least that they could have done was get an answer to our question about when it was going to be back up or at least “try”.

KDs N — Google review

This is the first aquarium that I visited that's in a mall! Yes, that's exactly right! In a mall! I had time to kill before I caught my flight back to Indy, so I went to Sea Life. I had a wonderful time there, and I had time to go to AMC Theaters and see King Kong X Godzilla. I think that is more for kids, but I enjoyed it all the same. I enjoyed seeing all the children's reactions to the different types of sea life that are available.

Darrell B — Google review

Sea Life Charlotte-Concord is an incredible little place. I worked with several staff members (Kaitlin, Jasmine, and Erin) who treated me like royalty to make for a very VERY special night.I was able to set up a beautiful proposal and evening and they helped at every step. They set up special lights and stayed open a little late to help make this magical moment happen.The aquarium itself is very nice. The decorations are perfect (lots of pirate decor) and the flow from room to room makes the aquarium feel five times bigger than it actually is.I am forever grateful to the lovely people that helped me propose to my wonderful partner. And I will be back many times to enjoy both the aquarium and the memories made that evening.

Richard C — Google review

An aquarium that's:1. In the mall2. Has a touch tank3. Has a scavenger hunt and other kid activities4. Has an awesome gift shop5. Excellent staffYep... Take my money!

John H — Google review

We love this aquarium so much we bought a season pass. We have an 18 month old and it’s the perfect activity for when he’s out of school or if it’s rainy or too hot. It’s a small aquarium but he still loves it so it’s worth it.

Mallory R — Google review

Very neat stuff here. Staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Just wish it was a longer attraction for the money. The kids enjoyed it but I don't see this being a "season pass" type attraction.

Eddie V — Google review

We had a wonderful time. So much fun and so many things to see. We love how it is in the mall. So convenient! Definitely a good place for the family to visit.

Jannette M — Google review

Took a school trip here with my Grandson, first time we visited. The experience was a very good one. My Grandson who's 5 really enjoyed the exhibits. It's a beautiful place, takes about 30-40 mins to go thru and see everything. The staff was really friendly and very helpful.

Gee C — Google review

4.2

(3977)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (99)

4.0

(537)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (100)

8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027, USA

(855) 450-0512

15

Rankin Lake Park

Park

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bodies of Water

Park featuring a reservoir, picnic shelters, horseshoes, paved trails, fishing, boating & more.

Beautiful park with paved walking paths that is dog friendly. It also has a kids' playset and a small amphitheater-esque area for meditation or yoga.

Erin M — Google review

This is a big, beautiful park with a large lake where you can bike, fish, or paddle boat. It also has a greenway and an activity center you can reserve. My only disappointment is the loud outdoor shooting range nearby. It would be nice if the range was converted to an indoor range or moved somewhere out of earshot.

Jim B — Google review

Park is really beautiful and great for our county! Nice place for a picnic with friends and family. Clean, well-maintained, and usually staff are present. I would recommend the park to anyone whether you are fishing, walking, playing disc golf, canoeing or paddle boating, or just relaxing watching the children play on the new playground. The Zipline is a wonderful addition I had to give it a try myself and must say I felt like a kid again.

Mike H — Google review

My family recently had a picnic near the lake at this park. This is a beautiful and very clean location. It was a plus the restrooms were very close to us. It was very hot day, but the occasional wind blowing off the lake and the water fight kept us cool. I will definitely return. We had an amazing time. I appreciate the park employees being very attentive.

Sharla B — Google review

Nice little park with a paved trail around the lake. Pavillions were well maintained.

Justin R — Google review

Folks, we are lucky to have a place like this so close. A very nice 1.5 mile paved walking track, with a beautiful continuous view of the lake and all of the things of nature that come with it. You can watch the eagles fly, the ducks playing on top of the water. You can see fish swimming and an occasional harmless banded water snake. Even deer are present at the park sometimes. This is a pet friendly park, and they have stations that supply bags to pick up poop that comes from your pet (please pick up after your dog). A nice playground for the kids, that includes a zip-line, just a great place to spend some relaxing time.

Craig F — Google review

My kids really enjoyed the lake and the playground. The atmosphere was very relaxing. I can not wait until we return.

Brea W — Google review

Super nice place! Get place for a run, walk, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Dog friendly too. Great views. Very safe. Highly recommend this place. We will be back.

Patrick M — Google review

Beautiful park to go on a walk!! Stunning lake views and you can see a pretty cool sunset at golden hour! I keep coming back here all year long.

Mery M — Google review

This a beautiful lake with lots of spots to fish. There are Small/Large Mouth Bass, Brim (Sunfish) and Crappie. Did not see a boat launch, but did overhear someone discussing bringing their kayak on occasion. There is a well defined path to walk around the lake if you choose too. Will definitely bring the family again.

Darryl P — Google review

Peaceful, a nice place to relax and/or go fishing. Very pleasant experience.

Yessenia N — Google review

Beautiful park great atmosphere will definitely have to go back to do some fishing...

Lynn R — Google review

Beautiful lake and walk around it has so many views and things to do. We just walked around the park for the exercise and beauty. They have fishing areas, rental boats on weekends in the fall, pavilions, disc golf, bathrooms, grills at pavilions and horseshoe pits. I am not the biggest fan of Gastonia but this is a gem in the rough.

Wendy J — Google review

He loved the zipline. I had an adrenaline rush from it and the spinning chair lol

Megan P — Google review

Good place to relax and unwind. Go for a long walk or eat by the lake.

Kevin S — Google review

Rankin Lake State Park is a beautiful and serene park that offers various outdoor activities. The park is well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The lake is perfect for fishing and paddling, boating, kayaking, and the hiking trails offer picturesque views of the surrounding nature.We rented a motor boat and we only paid 10 dollars for an hour and that’s really affordable.

Ino M — Google review

Nice trail with lots of sun; circles around small lake.

Matthew W — Google review

Such a beautiful park and lake, but I didn't realize the shooting range was right next door. Shots were going off the entire time we walked around the lake. My dog wasn't having it. I would definitely go back during the hours the range isn't open.

Morgan H — Google review

Brilliant, wide open park with a giant lake surrounded completely by a paved shoreline walkway. Numerous benches, a long bridge and several nice fishing piers are featured. Great place to walk your dog and picnicking spots abound. One whole side of the park is flanked by a sprawling swamp where access is wisely forbidden and well posted. Would be extremely peaceful were it not for the loud gunfire emanating from the firing range across the swamp.

Mark J — Google review

I met my boyfriend at this park so it'll always hold precious memories ❤️ we come here from time to time just to cherish the love. It's a beautiful park, the water, the peace.

Terrance — Google review

This is a nice park with easy walking paths and some pretty, peaceful scenery.

Enjoying D — Google review

Very calm quiet and picturesque for walks. Chance upon some fish, ducks, turtles, or geese and dragonfly, or like us a crayfish while chatting with your mate, just makes it better!!!

Thomas B — Google review

I like to come here for a quick motivating run. Nice ring around the lake, over a mile. Nice to walk as well. Has places to sit, fish and a play ground. Gorgeous in the fall. People are friendly and give greeting! Has a lot of green space for a picnic. There are grills also on site.

L M — Google review

Fabulous place to take in the sights and enjoy the outdoors. Bathrooms are clean, and the pathway around the lake is amazing. Please pick up loose trash and dont destroy the bamboo forest that is along the stream. Play grounds are worth the joy of any youth.Wild life is abound. Frisbee golf is epic. It's one of my favorites. Pack a picnic.

Joshua R — Google review

4.7

(2173)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (101)

4.5

(99)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (102)

1750 Rankin Lake Rd, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA

(704) 866-6849

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32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (103)

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16

Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville

Mentioned on

21 lists

Children's museum

Museums

The Children's Museum Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is an interactive museum for kids that features exhibits in various themed areas and live shows. The center is at the forefront of STEM education in North Carolina, with little activities to keep children busy while they explore the museum.

Went here with my sister and her kids. We had a great time here and I loved watching the kids enjoy themselves. There is so much to do and it's all so educational. I loved the little Cafe area. The rock wall was also a favorite. The underwater room was super cool. The upstairs portion has things they can build and race. I loved experiencing the smaller scale Discovery Place that was truly geared towards educational fun! I would definitely recommend going here and taking your children. You'll enjoy it just as much as them. They also have a program where if you get food stamps you can get in for less than $5 a person! It's something different than the park you always go to and like I said...educational. The kids loved the water area as well. Perfect for a cheap fun rainy day activity!!

Lauren W — Google review

Second visit. The youngsters working there were playing more than working in some casesSome of the exhibits need to be maintained better. For instance, the costumes behind the stage, the water area and the areas where there are things to play with that are no longer thereNevertheless, is a great place for the kids and they loved it.Would go back again

Gene B — Google review

Great place to play with the family. They have little activities with kids here and there. Place is pretty spacious and we did not have a problem bumping into other kids or families. We’ll definitely have to keep coming here 😊

Homes R — Google review

Good place to take the kids for fun. A little pricey for what they offer especially that that many exhibits/experiences are defect/not functioning. The sound at the show (dental show - book reading) was too loud and not clear. Not very clean and not well maintained. Pretty hot inside.

Bogdan D — Google review

We definately enjoyed this place very much. My 8 year old was having trouble finding some things she thoroughly enjoyed at first because there are alot of things geared towards younger kids but she ended up finding plenty. There is a wonderful craft room with plenty of odds and ends to create and craft things from your imagination for taking home.There is a cute workout area with a mini rock climbing wall and pretend exercise equipment, there's a bank, a grocery store, a little farm area, a race car, a boat and plane, think tank areas, and so much more. Your kid could definately spend hours here just trying everything. There are also schedule events that take place that we didn't get to enjoy but sounded cute. There is a main stage that they can dress up and play at but they also hold storyline there, other spots have a puppet show or science creations so make sure to check out their website for that. Tickets are $3 cheaper online and check dates as we seemed to have gone on a super busy day when there were campers there as well. It was a Tuesday and super busy

Sarah D — Google review

My daughter and I got there early and it was nice, but soon after it got very busy and crowded. Other kids were allowed to roam without supervision so my daughter and I left. There was a nice place to stop and eat the lunch I brought with us.

Katie T — Google review

My kids loved this place and didn’t want to leave! Great variety of activities to spark their imaginations and build their thinking skills while playing. We could have stayed the entire day if we had brought our own lunch. We brought light snacks and this place only has vending machines. If they added a small cafe this place would easily be five stars for me!

Brittanni B — Google review

6 a fun and interactive place for kids of all ages. My four-year-old twins in my 20 month old absolutely enjoyed. My 14 year old even enjoyed it as well. She jumped right in with the younger kids. It had fun at the water tables. I love being able to go grocery shopping. Check on pets, act like a doctor, and just have fun crying when we Had to leave.

Lydia T — Google review

Awesome place located downtown Huntersville. Reminded me of wanna do city in south Florida.. many different jobs and kids just be kids. The price for it was cheap also. They even have an arts and crafts section even puppet time. Well done great way for kids to use their imagination

Ryan M — Google review

Just a wonderful place to bring your kiddos. Full of montessori style toys and curated play stations. It truly feels like a place your child can be immersed in their own little world. Everything is as baby/ toddler proofed as could be, and the upper levels have very secure railings. Please do stay with your child as the rule here is any child under 18 must have an adult supervising.

Ms. B — Google review

My daughter and I took my 1.5 year old grandson and my 3 yr old granson to Discovery Place on Sunday afternoon. I had not been there before and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many activities there were for all ages of children. There is an age appropriate area for little ones though 2 yrs old and various play centers for all ages. There was a grocery store area, a firehouse with firetruck, a diner, a racecar, and more. There was a water play area and a large art center. Because we had young children, we only stayed 2 hours but we didn't even see everything. There were employees available to make sure each area was put in order after several children had been through. My daughter bought a grandparent pass so that my husband and I can take the kids there anytime this year.

Jean T — Google review

Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is an absolute gem for families seeking an enriching and enjoyable experience. From the moment you step inside, the vibrant atmosphere and engaging activities captivate both children and parents alike. Here's why this place deserves all the stars!1. Interactive Exhibits: The heart of Discovery Place Kids lies in its interactive exhibits. From the miniature town where kids can explore different professions to the hands-on science experiments, every corner sparks curiosity and creativity. Children can unleash their imagination while learning about the world around them.2. Educational Programs: The educational programs offered here are top-notch. Whether it's a themed workshop, a STEM-based activity, or a storytelling session, each program is designed to ignite young minds and foster a love for learning. The staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, making every session both informative and fun.3. Safe Environment: Safety is paramount at Discovery Place Kids. The facility is meticulously maintained, and the staff ensures a clean and secure environment for children to play and learn. Parents can relax knowing that their little ones are in good hands while they explore the various exhibits and activities.4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: What sets Discovery Place Kids apart is its inclusive environment for families. Parents are encouraged to participate in the activities alongside their children, fostering a sense of togetherness and bonding. It's not just a place for kids to play – it's a space where families can create lasting memories together.5. Birthday Parties and Events: Discovery Place Kids offers fantastic options for birthday parties and special events. Imagine celebrating your child's birthday surrounded by friends and family in a dynamic, educational setting. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every event is memorable and stress-free for both children and parents.6. Membership Benefits: For families who frequent Discovery Place Kids, a membership offers incredible value. With unlimited access to exhibits, discounts on programs and events, and exclusive member-only perks, it's a fantastic investment in your child's education and entertainment.In conclusion, Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville is more than just a children's museum – it's a haven for exploration, discovery, and family fun. With its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and welcoming atmosphere, it's no wonder families keep coming back for more. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting the area, a trip to Discovery Place Kids is an experience you won't soon forget. Highly recommended for kids of all ages!

Doren T — Google review

A child's dream come true. What a way to foster the imagination. There is so much to do from the moment you enter. Take a trip and let the enter child have a blast!

Carshell S — Google review

Awesome place for kids took both my boys there and they absolutely loved it. It was hard to try and leave Lol they didn’t want to go. I highly recommend this place for kids. It’s a lot to do there and it’s so much excitement and fun.

W A — Google review

We had a lot of fun but there was a lot of mess. Parents not teaching kids to follow the rules ruining the fun for others.

Sci M — Google review

Our daughter had come here on a school trip, and she loved it, and asked to come back. I thought it was a nice facility, as it seemed well run and clean. They have A LOT of different things to do for kids of all ages. I highly recommend spending an afternoon here with the little ones

Mark H — Google review

we had a blast as usual. There’s a bug going around! So be sure to wash your hands!

R.B. L — Google review

Came here on a Saturday after hours for a kids' birthday party. I have never been and didn't really know what to expect. It's basically like a bigger version of a park for kids. They have a big play area, but the stations are more tailored to everyday things. For example, they have a grocery store, a post office, a doctors office, etc...where kids can just play and pretend to be a doctor, a cashier, firemen, etc. They have a water station, which I believe is for sensory play and a state where they do presentations and experiments. Overall, this is a great place for kids 8 and under.

Jennifer E — Google review

Definitely a great place to bring the kids. It's big enough to let a couple hours go by and while they play. It's modular in the fact that every few steps has something new to engage in, whether it's arts and crafts, an aquatic themed room, a fire truck, and a variety of other things. You as the parent might even have fun with a thing or two there.

Exo B — Google review

Ok, so kids love this place. It's a great way to spend an hour or so, especially if weather is bad. My childrens favorite is the grocery store and restaurant that's well put together and well done. A couple caveats: we got there right when it opened and they are cleaning the exhibits. They close them down whilst cleaning. I'm all about germs not being everywhere but just getting in the place and not being able to visit a spot is frustrating for the amount you pay for this place. Perhaps consider cleaning Before opening? 🤔 Also you're not supposed to sit on the cow, lol. Everyone who passes hoists their child up there to sit. A sign may deter this behavior but I guess its just part of our nature to want to sit upon a fake cow. 😅

H M — Google review

Seriously the coolest place!!! My kids could've spent all day here!! My almost 2 year old and 5 year old had so much fun!! Lots of stuff to do for both ages. It's definitely pricey (almost $50 for 3 of us). Parking is easy in the parking deck next door. I bought our tickets online. We went on a Friday and got there around 10:30 and had to wait in line to get in. But the kids had a blast and we can't wait to go back!!

Bethany S — Google review

My 6 and 4 year old had a great time here on a Saturday. We've been to other children museums and they voted this one as they're favorite. The museum was clean and easy to navigate. Many activities for young children.

Elizabeth A — Google review

Great place to let young kids run and learn. My 2 year old grandson can't get enough of this place. So many things to do. Definitely buy your tickets in advance online. It saves $3 a ticket.

Rick H — Google review

This was SO FUN. It's basically an open-concept play area with lots of different stations. It's set up like a toddler-sized town, so your child can go to the grocery store, the vet, the mechanic, or the gym, plus lots of other stuff. The water tables have a section with high chairs for kids who are too little to stand on their own, so everyone is included. The "Town Hall" is a little stage where the staff put on science shows for the kids. Everything is clean and well-maintained, and the staff are really good about getting each set out back neatly between waves of children. Prices are great too if you buy online. We had a great time with our 2 year old and can't wait to come back.

Alethea A — Google review

4.6

(1941)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (110)

4.5

(242)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (111)

105 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078, USA

(704) 327-2189

17

Shelby City Parks

City park

Nature & Parks

Park

Park popular with families boasting a carrousel, a small train & a playground, plus athletic fields.

I love this park great for walking and golfing for children to play also. Awesome carousel!

Trasonia G — Google review

My son loved the train ride. They only take coins and cash so be prepared. He also mentioned that it seems like a long ride, which was 3 laps so he was very satisfied with the length. There is a nice playground and other attractions as well including an outdoor swimming pool.

David H — Google review

Beautiful park! Great stop on our day road trip!No picnic area by the main playground so we went around the corner by the ball fields where there is a pavilion and smaller play area to have lunch.The city webpage about the park should update the hours of summer operations for the train and carousel. There are 2 separate pages for hours of operation info so we took a chance hoping we’d get lucky and they would be running. So weekends only for now.There are bathrooms in both areas.

Amanda S — Google review

These park facilities are unmatched and excel for public access; as are most that the City of Shelby offers! Top-notch and a step above all other municipalities in our region and well beyond. 👌

Mark J — Google review

Nice experience. $7 for both my kid and I. We were there for 3 hours. It was really fun. Also the concession stand isn't that expensive. You can buy anything from cheese sticks, pizza, 🥨, and any kind of candy and drinks.

Ruth R — Google review

Amazing green space with lots for kids to do. Antique carousel and rotary train are great.

Linda M — Google review

One of the best public parks I have ever visited. This park was a staple during my childhood and I have enjoyed the changes and things that have remained the same for my own child to enjoy. The carousel is beautiful and fun, and everyone loves to take a ride or two on the train. The park is clean and well kept, and the Sun shades are a nice touch on hot and sunny days.

Cadence G — Google review

Always have such a Great time at the Shelby Merry-Go-Round Festival they have here each year! You can't beat 1 price for unlimited rides and free entertainment! LOVE IT!!! 💖

Fae P — Google review

Really nice community park. Clean, well kept up. Great placebto spend some time with the family

Luckyk1313 — Google review

Great park to bring your littles. Only thing I don't like is the teenagers hanging around in the little kid swings and such taking all the fun stuff to do away from littles. The teenagers around here clearly don't have good parents or just don't care about anything but themselves. Make sure to watch your children! .. but the train ride is fun

Nina B — Google review

4.6

(644)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (112)

4.5

(87)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (113)

850 W Sumter St, Shelby, NC 28150, USA

(704) 484-6821

18

Lake Norman

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (114)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (115)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (116)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (117)

Mentioned on

1 list

Lake

Nature & Parks

Bodies of Water

Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state, boasting an array of fish species that make it a popular attraction for families. The area offers plenty of recreational activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and swimming, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also take advantage of the educational center to learn about the lake's history and its reach throughout North Carolina.

Awesome lake over 52 mi.² and 515 linear miles of shoreline. Clear water, sandy beach, islands, lovely scenery and beautiful houses.

Robert T — Google review

Love this place, it is so peaceful and the staff is incredible. Sometimes life has a way of stressing us all the way out and the remedy is to just get away and put the technology down. This place is a therapist in a box. Highly recommend no matter what your situation is.

Brandon W — Google review

For us this was an exploratory visit.From Charlotte (south of the lake), Google brought us to the northern most point, where the visitors' center is located.I expect there are other points on the lake that would be more convenient to Charlotte but going to the visitor center explained the park's main feature is the bike trails (Hiking too, I guess).Visitor center: gift shop & public restrooms.No entry fee.No parking fee.Picnic areas, some with BBQ pits, for family sized group. Larger areas for organized events also available (reservations may be required).Canoe & paddle board rentals.Nearby boat ramp available.

Peter E — Google review

Decent lake overall. Beautiful homes to look at. Good mix of open water for activities, and inlets for more privacy.

Justin K — Google review

It truly is our own Inland Sea. Grew up on the shores of LKN and now spend just about every weekend March through September on the lake. Absolutely the best sunsets around.

Neal Y — Google review

Place is absolutely beautiful. Great place to hang out. Been here a lot, so it’s definitely worth it. Other than the water getting dirty at times, it’s a great destination to hang out. Weather sometimes gets on your nerves, but that with everything that goes on. Definitely coming back here for my next visit.

Ice T — Google review

Amazing lake water so beautiful

First P — Google review

Beautiful hike! My husband and I took the Lake Shore Trail to the 2.5 mile point and then cut to the short trail (it was hot and we didn't have enough water)The trail is natural and in a few spots not really well marked. Roots and rocks make it important to watch your step.We saw lots of spiders, a black snake and squirrels, but its the trees that really make it! The canopy gets really thick and the path shaded.We can't wait to go back!

Caryn B — Google review

Beautiful lake with tons to do.We went kayaking in the sunrise and sunset. Enjoyed both experiencea. Then we went out on a baot with the whole family. You can stop on islands or the state park and a have a wonderful day out in the nature.

Suniti K — Google review

Great family place. Kayaking, biking, hiking, or swimming, or camping you name it. You can do it all at Lake Norman.You can visit the educational center to learn all about the Lake and how far it extends throughout the state.Walk through the trails, and dip your feet in the water.

Sevor K — Google review

It’s a very busy commercialized lake in a big city. Private property surrounds the lake with little access points and lots of young adults drinking and driving their parents boats. You will not get that tranquil feeling here.

Dave K — Google review

Wow! This lake is a perfect slice of paradise smack dab in the middle of North Carolina. Great for boaters, swimmers, or just chilling on a quiet dock somewhere. The water is murky green and you can’t really see to the bottom, and there are small leeches in the clay that’ll attach to your feet and legs, so there’s all that. The Duke Nukem power plant pulls water from Lake Norman to cool off the reactor, which I’ve heard heats the water a bit in the South end. Pretty sure it’s not radioactive but I didn’t bring my Geiger counter. If this place ever goes Three Mile Island, those million dollar homes will be worthless, so rent, and enjoy the lake while you can. Watch out for Normie the Lake Monster. Reports say you’ll see him if you have too many beers.

Chuck F — Google review

4.6

(633)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (118)

4.5

(288)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (119)

North Carolina, USA

19

The Pit Indoor Kart Racing

Mentioned on

11 lists

Go-kart track

Sights & Landmarks

Amusement center

Event venue

The Pit Indoor Kart Racing is an entertainment hub that offers a variety of activities including go-kart racing, laser tag, mini golf, a climbing wall, arcade games and billiards. It provides an ideal venue for families to have fun and spend quality time together. The go-kart track is particularly popular among children who love the thrill of competing with each other. The facility also hosts birthday parties which are well managed by attentive party hosts.

First off, don't expect to spend just a few minutes here, plan on more than a few hours! Kids carts are FAST, and if you're 58" or taller you can ride the adult ones that are faster! With laser tag, arcade, escape rooms, axe throwing, and blacklight mini golf all indoors, this is an awesome place for an incredibly fun time! Music is great and staff is impeccable. Always on point, helpful and funny. 10 out of 10!

Kory C — Google review

I had an AMAZING time here!!! HIGHLY recommend. I went for my brother’s birthday party and afterwards decided I will DEFINITELY be hosting my birthday party here as well. We are both teenagers. We went go-karting, did an escape room, laser tag, had pizza, and played some of the arcade games. Special thanks to Ace for helping us at laser tag, Aiden in the escape room, and Josh at the arcade!

Zoe — Google review

This place is an absolute blast! Mainly for us it was the carts! All the other arcade and games were fun but the carts take the cake for sure. We came here to celebrate a birthday of my son. These carts are not slow and not for people scared to race. Must wear helmets and watch a safety video. They did let us race fairly rough which was fun. Definitely will be going back! They do have packages to be able to include everything or if you just want carts you can do that as well.

Kevin J — Google review

We had my sons 10th birthday party there and the party hosts were amazing! The kids had a great time and handled the group very well! I definitely recommend!

Desiree P — Google review

We went there for my grandson's birthday. Our group ranged from 4 years old to 58 years old. Everyone had fun including the adults. Great place, I highly recommend it.

Samantha O — Google review

Can get very busy but we always have a great time. Sometimes you may wait to check in but considering how many activity options/fun stuff they offer it is 100% worth a little line. Kids/teens always have a blast. The escape rooms are great.

Ashley T — Google review

This was my first time coming here. This is where my son wanted to go for his birthday!! He had a blast doing about everything there. Even an escape room. This is one birthday we will not forget!! The employees were also helpful and friendly. We definitely will be back.

Kassie R — Google review

My children and I love going to The Pit, to have fun and spend time with dad, and they're soo competitive it's funny they always have to be in front of each other 😂

Thomas P — Google review

This place sounds amazing online. But in real life, it's not so nice. It could be. It just needs a little TLC. All of the pool tables were out of order. Both of the air hockey machines were out of order. Most of the arcade games we played had something wrong with them. The go carts looked fun. We never found the batting cages. Definitely a disappointment. We should have gone to Frankie's. It more expensive, but worth it.

Greg C — Google review

Clean and fun place to take my nieces and nephews! Notable mention to Scott, who seemed passionate about his job and was very kind and good with the little ones. Would come here again.

Rebekah Y — Google review

Good place for fun for the kids but lines can be long even though you can sign waiver online ! A lot of activities to do ! My little girls are 8 and were scared at first when you walk in and see the older kids go karts speedind around track ! Scared them not wanting to go in but after we went upstairs to other activities they wanted to stay !A lot of steps to go up and down !

Bubby L — Google review

This place is full of fun and exciting! The racing go carts definitely takes the cake but the food and arcade is good as well. Would definitely recommend taking your kids here or just to come and hang out and drive!

Carlos B — Google review

Great time at my son's friend's birthday party! Kids played arcade games, did laser tag and rode the go carts. I think my son liked go carts the most. We will definitely be coming back in the future to have fun with the whole family.

Todd O — Google review

Very pleasant experience for the entire family! Zander, Jason, Jackson and Collin were extremely helpful throughout the entire time! Will definitely be coming back!!

Arteria T — Google review

Had an absolutely wonderful experience. We were there for a condensed Bachelor party getaway and Brody treated us like royalty. He kept us informed, occupied and entertained the entire time. A model for employees at The Pit! He even snapped these photos for us. We will return.

Daniel O — Google review

SO much fun and SO much to do! Go karts for kids and adults, laser tag, axe throwing, mini golf, arcade, party rooms, concessions, bumper cars, escape rooms etc. We've had many birthday parties here and have gone many times in-between just as a family. There's things for both kids and adults which makes for hours of fun! Highly recommend!

Jasmine W — Google review

Putt putt was fun, but we had to use our phone flash lights to see the holes. About half of the black lights were outA little money spent on some lights, glow in the dark paint around the holes, some carpet tacks or glue for the carpet coming up would make a world of difference.

Tina B — Google review

We did a team building exercise in the escape room, murder mystery, it was very fun. We were able to escape as a team, the room was not extremely challenging and we only used one clue. Afterwards we decided to drive the go karts. We were given head socks and watched a safety video. The ride is 8 minutes, it goes by quick. But the one ride was enough for us. The place is huge! There’s plenty of parking. There’s arcade games, and axe throwing and miniature golf INDOORS! Oh and laser tag. Enough activities for everyone. Even 3yo can ride a kid go kart.

Jasmine V — Google review

Great place for a birthday celebration or just to have some fun. We took our 13 year old son and his friends there for his birthday. The indoor track is quite big and wide enough for the to really side by side race on. There are at least 2 different types of carts there, one for younger kids that go up to 35mph, which is what they rode on, and one for older teens and adults that go up to 45mph. They got to race for about 7-8 laps, and had a total blast! The talked about the race the whole way home. The birthday package also included a round of laser tag and 25 arcade tokens. The laser tag was a big hit as well. The laser tag arena was big and had a lot of great ambush spots. The arcade had a good variety of video games as well as ticket award games (skeeball, etc) to exchange for prizes. All of the facilities were very clean, well maintained, in very good operating condition, and very presentable. All of the staff we encountered were friendly, helpful, and knew what they needed to do. Kudos to the team there for all that. The kids had a great time and we as parents felt that we definitely got what we paid for. Overall it was a great experience for everyone. Highly recommended.

Eric R — Google review

Had a fantastic time right out of the ball park. We had fantastic staff, one girl with purple hair who made the kids feel extra special as well as the overall hustle of downstairs employees. The karts were super fast and my kids loved them! Long wait but we were notified at the registration about wait times and we chose to stick around and do our other activities in between like our lazertag, mini golf, spin zone and arcade… which you would think would’ve broken my wallets back and my own, but was extremely surprised at my total at the end. Best bang for my buck! Will be back.

Destery S — Google review

Very freaking cool. My grandson had the time of his life . The staff is very accommodating and there when you need them most

Penny M — Google review

We had so much fun here with our two kiddos (4&7yo). Fastest go karts we've ever been on - very cool. Love that they have the peanuts track for the kids so they didn't feel left out. Our kids had no problem sitting watching us drive knowing it was their turn next.Bumper cars and laser tag were just much fun. The only attraction I wouldn't recommend is the mini golf. A lot of the black lights were out - we couldn't see where we were supposed to hit the ball or where we hit the ball. There was no attendant in there (just likely because it wasn't busy) so there were kids running around in there playing hide and seek (while the adults sat on the outside).

Corinne B — Google review

Brody and Kevin are awesome! They were extremely helpful and took extra care of my group! The other employees are amazing are really and made sure we had a fun time! We are definitely coming back

Jackson J — Google review

This place is great they have so much to do go-karts adult/young kids and younger kids go-karts for less experienced kids. Rockwall for climbing, arcade, laser tag, axe throwing, escape rooms, mini golf and bumper cars. Great place to spend quality time with the family. Mini golf is blacklight so the kids love it. The escape rooms are great lots of different themes and hour and half hour. The go-karts were faster than I expected it was cool.

Eric L — Google review

It was so hot in the main arcade room. My kids were sweating and couldn’t stop talking about the heat. I felt horrible. I wanted to enjoy a Sunday funday. And it ended up being too hot to have fun. ☹️👎🏼

Michelle V — Google review

Jack was awesome, he is the only reason we are leaving a good review.We arrived around 9:50 and was immediately was treated poorly by Alex telling us that we arrived to late because they normally close between 15 to 30 minutes early, which is apparently policy (never heard of this, should be on Google). Then watched him talk/mocked about our group in front of us with three other employees. Our whole group stood there for a while, debating on even spending money since we were treated so poorly right when we walked in. Our whole group were frustrated because of the way we were treated arriving over an hour early. Jack was completely understanding and treated customers as he should. When we left one of our members told Alex to have a good night, he completely ignored us. That same member repeated it, and Alex refused to look at us and just waved his hand. I understand good customer service is hard to find but at least treat people decent. If you’re going to have such a bad attitude, probably choose not to work customer service or maybe work morning shift so you won’t have such a problem. He was rude and arrogant, if it wasn't for jack all 8 of us would have left and never came back.Again, we are ONLY giving a five star purely just because of Jack and we understand how Google reviews can affect a small business. Jack deserves a raise.

Viktoria M — Google review

4.4

(1391)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (120)

4.5

(359)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (121)

346 E Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA

(704) 799-3470

20

Zootastic Park

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (122)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (123)

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (124)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (125)

Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

Park

Family-owned zoo, with a range of exotic animals, offering tours, camps & educational programs.

I can't say enough good things about Zootastic Park. We went during Christmas time and we went at night. It's easy to get to off the exit. The first part is a beautiful lighted tunnel leading to animals roaming free. They come up to the car and are very friendly. There will be two lines, stay to the left, this will put you in direct contact with the animals. When this ends you drive to the Christmas lights, which are AMAZING!!! They go on for what seems like 5 miles and every inch is enjoyable. My granddaughters, 2yo and 5yo, loved it it stayed engaged. At the end of the lights you come to the actual park. Here you will find shopping, animals that you can feed and a few rides for the kids. My granddaughter said it was the greatest night of her life! I highly recommend Zootastic Park.

Jody W — Google review

There are many things in life I hate, such as wet socks and Jackson Pollock's "art". Zootastic Park has made that list.My husband and I ventured to Zootastic Park over the weekend for the drive-thru experience. Being a huge animal lover, I was extremely excited; that excitement was soon squashed, however, as I left depressed with a deep vengeance. There was no grass, no bushes, barely any CLEAN water sources, very few feeding spots with hay, and all the animals looked dirty and ragged. It went on for many, many acres.Even the entrance to the park is littered with broken down cars, tractors, weeds, and junk. It looks more like a junkyard that just happens to have some exotic animals. It's sickening.The living conditions for the animals in the walk around zoo portion was not much of an improvement- their enclosures were either bare or overgrown with weeds. Additionally, they were rather small and not well kept. All the animals looked so sad!This place severely lacks the capacity and ability to properly care for the animals they have, which is why I've reported them to an animal rights organization for further investigation.0/10 would go again (unless it's to save the poor animals living there)

KeriAnne V — Google review

Overall the drive through and viewing areas were easy to navigate and fun for the kids. The facility and grounds aren't in the greatest of conditions and some of the animals seemed stressed. Otherwise we had a good visit and the staff were very friendly.

Ana W — Google review

We took the grandkids to this zoo and had a really good time! It was low-key, mostly outdoors, hands on (feed and carrots available for purchase), and had an awesome drive-through with lots of animals coming up to the cars. Great variety of animals. I wish they had more room and grass to graze!! Weekends offer a little more for the kids (carousel, tractor ride, etc.), but we were glad we went mid-day on a Friday. We will go again.

Levi S — Google review

We stopped by with our granddaughters for a break in our Florida to NY trip. I thought the price was reasonable and the staff was very nice. Lots of animals to see, feed and touch. The only drawback was the birds in the drive thru. Very intimidating! But we're told they don't bite. And you can rent a van for the safari, $20, worked for us in an RV. Loved feeding the giraffes!! Oh and another person said you can't feed the zebras and donkeys, but you can, just be careful because they could bite 😉 fun time and it's been added to our things to visit again list!

Linda M — Google review

It's a small private zoo, but I am so glad we went here over a larger zoo. The inside is not terribly big so it's perfect for hot days when you have kiddos. The drive thru portion though- amazing! We went through multiple times and had a blast!!!!! Would highly recommend!

Taylor W — Google review

An enjoyable experience. Lots of places to stop and rest, a good variety of animals which appear to be well cared for, and no rush. Safari was well maintained and easy to navigate.

Julie T — Google review

Great place to visit. Everyone should have this place on their must visit list. The staff is super friendly. We did the animal encounter, which was awesome! What a better way to learn about the animals while you got it play with them! The drive through is definitely a lot of fun. Get to feed the animals and see them in their natural environment!

David S — Google review

They have a self driving safari. It's cool but the ostriches and llamas blocked my car when I was almost out. They were waiting to be fed but we were scared of them. Because it was like 4 - 6 of them. The other animals are nice. They also have a walking zoo part with monkeys, cranes, swans, giraffes and more... You can feed the animals in there as well. The cost is $3 for a cup of food and $1 to refill. It's $15 to enter the zoo and drive the safari. It's a fun thing for kids and adults. But you can't feed the zebras or donkeys.

Shai S — Google review

I was very pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure how much this place would offer, but was so happy we went. There was a wide variety of animals and they all looked happy and well taken care of. The pricing was reasonable, especially for getting feed to give to the animals. It was such a delight for our age ranges, everyone loved the experience. We got tons of pictures and we had a lot of fun. Definitely would come again when I am in the area.

Diane R — Google review

It is really cute to take younger kids to, because not much walking you get to feed a giraffe, really close. Just wish there was more, you can walk around & drive through all with your entry fee. Wish the drive through was longer really wasn't much to see there. But if you want to animals, but not as much walking as the asheboro zoo, this is your place. They also have ice cream and other food items & and pretty decent size gift shop. Entry fee should be a lil lower for the amount of animals you seen.

Theresa T — Google review

Love this zoo! Animals are cute and place is wonderful. Great for the whole family, and people of all ages! There is a place large area to walk through and a nice drive thru area. Definitely recommend! Plus, there is a ton a of room so you won’t feel crowded and can go at your own pace!

YaYo Y — Google review

Great place for the children to get to see the animals. We went during the week, Thursday, and we were 1 of 3 cars going through. We went around 2xs. Fed the animals 2x also 🤦🏾‍♂️🤣. This is definitely a memorable thing for the grandchildren and children to experience. Staff friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend visiting this drive through zoo 👌🏾 😀

Dan S — Google review

The zoo visit with my kid was an absolute blast! We ended up spending about 3 hours there, but it felt like time flew by because we were having so much fun. One of the highlights for us was definitely being able to feed some of the animals. It is a perfect family activity that I would gladly do again in the future!

AMaj — Google review

The best Christmas light show we went to this year with the bonus of getting to see some of their animals! Definitely well worth the $10 per person! If you haven't been, make plans to visit next year when the lights start again. I haven't been for a daytime visit, but after seeing what all they had to offer at night, I am looking forward to returning soon!

Brandon L — Google review

My wife and I had a blast! We both absolutely loved this place! The price is really cheap considering you can walk around inside for as long as you want and then they also have a drive through and one price gets both. We will be back ! !

Stan B — Google review

This place is great. My best friend surprised me and took me here . She mabe Relevation for use. It was no wait. it was great. If you love animals, you will love it. The animals are so calm, and the workers are right there to answer any questions you may have on the animals or about the park . We had an amazing time . Thank you, zootastic Park, for the amazing time .

Damali A — Google review

Full disclaimer, I got in for free because a family friend had a sponsored event.It's a nice little zoo! The selection of animals is nice and it's very fun to feed the animals. The goats in particular are very cute!The gift shop has a really good selection of knick knacks.We tried out the train ride thing and it wasn't really worth it, just a short loop that doesn't let you see much. It could have just been bad timing, though.

Seth M — Google review

This is a really nice place to take the kiddos when the weather is nice. You have a drive through option which allows you to take photos & pics of the animals up close & you can also walk through & see different animals which are caged. The only con is there isn’t any staff members to direct you through the drive through trail & the animals were blocking the road, preventing us from getting through. Once inside, the staff is very informative & the lady at the snack stand was really nice & friendly. Overall this is a great place for a family outing.

Nee N — Google review

This place has its pros and cons.. my kids loved being able to get up close and feed a lot of the animals that at other places you don’t have access to. The downside is that the condition of the animal habitats is a little questionable. The hyena looks extremely distressed, and many of the enclosures need some updating. The drive thru area would be much more enjoyable if the landscaping was updated and looked like a nicer area for the animals to roam around in. Another downside is that this place is not wheelchair friendly. Trying to push a wheelchair here due to the uneven pavement, gravel/rocky sidewalks was very difficult.

Alex H — Google review

Our multi-age homeschool group visited on 5-22-24 and my daughter and I had a great time! The animals were clean, and well cared for! I saw lots of enrichment activities/items in several enclosures! Staff members were firm and clear about the rules, but also kind! Bathrooms were well stocked. The park contains lots of shade opportunities. We saw and interacted with everything from Jigsaw the bull giraffe, to a Joey in a pouch! You should go and take the children in your life!

Roberta E — Google review

$17 per person and $3 per feed cup ($20 per adult) and includes walking around the zoo with other animals. The drive inside the zoo wasn’t too bad and enjoyed it. The only part I didn’t enjoy was the many many many cages in the walking zoo part. It was hard to see the animals because there were cages in the way. Of course, the animals need to be secured but didn’t seem like they had enough space to move around. The driving part took maybe 25-30 minutes for us to drive through and the walking part was about 15 minutes because we decided to leave early. Overall 7/10 and to each their own on returning back.

Tatiana G — Google review

What a wonderful animal park. So many opportunities for up close encounters with the animals. You can pay for additional encounters with baby kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs. So many cool things to do. We will definitely be coming back

J R — Google review

We had a lot of fun. My daughter didn't want to leave. It was cool to see all the kinds of animals they had there. We never expected to see so many different ones up close.

Crystal K — Google review

My brother, my grandma, and I all had a wonderful experience at Zootastic despite having a personal emergency. All of the staff were extremely helpful and kind during this time and made sure all of us were alright! We had signed up for the sloth encounter, and the staff made sure we were still able to have that! Overall, all the animals are loved and cared for so obviously and it is definitely worth the drive if you live in the Triangle area! But make sure to stock up on water and even bring fans in this summer heat!

Teddy I — Google review

Took my daughter there for her 3rd birthday. Prices were fair. There was any animal you can think of there you can drive through and walk through with the powers. She also got a cup of carrots for free since hit was her birthday too feed the giraffes. I think that was her favorite part. she loves animals and I would definitely recommend this place for a family outing. I loved it and I loved all the animals. It looks like they’re treated pretty nice there. I would say we had a great time. We also did a train ride. It was awesome

Kennedy S — Google review

Amazing place they have alot of animals and you can feed them. They have a cool gift shop with different things. The staff was very nice and friendly.

Dylan K — Google review

Wonderful place. The animal encounters are great. My son is in love with capybaras and got to finally meet one. The drive through is great fun!! We even got to see a donkey give birth!

Stephanie E — Google review

Great place to visit. Animals seem well cared for, clean habitats, fresh food and water.You can easily spend a few hours here between walking and the driving through. Do NOT skip the drive through, it was so fun!!!

Brandon G — Google review

4.5

(3796)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (126)

4.0

(226)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (127)

448 Pilch Rd, Troutman, NC 28166, USA

(704) 245-6446

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21

South Mountains State Park

State park

Nature & Parks

Rugged mountain park with 80-ft. waterfall, 47 miles of trails, trout fishing & equestrian camping.

Super beautiful with hiking trails that can accommodate any level of ability. Opportunities to be active or relax and enjoy the extraordinary scenery and sounds. I hiked to High Shoals Falls from River Trail in a walking boot. Not super strenuous in terms of hard to do, rather you’ll exert yourself from climbing up steps made of rock and fairly tradition wooden stairs. The falls were beautiful and worth it! Also, the trails we experienced were well marked.

Melissa J — Google review

Peaceful, leg workout, enchanting, & full of adventure! My brother and I did the High Shoals Falls loop trail and added on .4 total to see Big Bear Falls. I truly enjoyed the trail—from its steep stairs to boulder climbing, bridges, and greenery. It’s a moderate to strenuous trail, but even if you don’t make it to the very top, there are so many beautiful (and decently sized) cascades.We hiked in the morning, which worked well because we beat a lot of the swimmers/floaters. Although swimming is technically not allowed, I saw lots of people doing so in a safe manner.The restrooms and picnic areas were very well kept, way to go park rangers!

Kelly G — Google review

Beautiful place to go an relax. It's mountain water, so it's always cold. Plenty of areas along the trail to stop, sit and take a break and enjoy the scenery. Not a difficult Hike to the falls. Some points are a little steep, but still not difficult when pacing.

Mike G — Google review

Absolutely beautiful place! Trails are very well maintained! Tons of trails to explore! Lots of waterfalls which were breathtaking! Bathrooms on site are well maintained. Plenty of parking but can fill up on the weekend! Must go to if your in the area!

Aimee — Google review

Great place for hiking to see some waterfalls. High Shoals is 1 mile in. The first 1/2 mile is flat. The second 4/10 mile is not too bad, the last 100 yards is tough. Well worth the effort though. The other falls is easily done. At the .5 mile mark to High Shoals the trail splits, and it's only 1/4 mile in.

Todd L — Google review

Beautiful. Definitely visit during the week of able. Go early to avoid the crowds. We didn't go up to the falls but the trail along the river was beautiful! Lots of running water and other sounds to listen to

Shannon W — Google review

This is a great place to camp, hike, and enjoy nature. The hiking trails are well marked and distinct! The 2.7 mile hike to High Shoals Waterfall is worth the step incline. Hikers beware: this is a strenuous hike. You will need proper shoes for the terrain! There are heated bathrooms at the enterance and the vistors center is very informative! There is also places to picnic, benches to take breaks and nature to enjoy!!!

EJ B — Google review

Not enough good things can be said about South Mountains ⛰️. The distance was not far and the paths were clearly marked. They had plenty of places to picnic and relax before hitting the trail. This is truly nature’s path so bring your running shoes, water and a lot of endurance! The whole family will have a wonderful time!

Auto H — Google review

I absolutely love hiking! I'm becoming more comfortable doing it by myself. This is one place that offers trails for all levels of difficulty. Note...the strenuous trails are labeled that for a reason. The views are breathtaking especially on a clear day.

Amanda R — Google review

Beautiful park with so much to explore. The waterfall trail is definitely strenuous (and gets more so the higher you go), but absolutely gorgeous. Bring your water shoes! But beware- some ppl are just nasty and have urinated along that trail, so unfortunately you will smell it periodically. There’s a nice area with numerous picnic tables and grills plus a beautiful, large pavilion at the beginning of the trails. Looking forward to going back.

Kelly M — Google review

There are really two parts to this review, that is why I only gave 4 stars. 1st, the park itself is amazing and I'd rank it number 2 in our list of parks so far, great restrooms, trails, beauty, places to go in the area. All this is off the chain, but for RV camping, not so good.1st the camp staff. Spoke with folks before booking and they told us they had water hookups. I'll cut them some slack if maybe I should have pressed about what kind of water hookup, but then when we got there, another opportunity that they could have told us, you don't have water on each site! Would have been nice to know that after the fact we got pulled in and almost ready to unhook and noticed we didn't have water. Then, there was no place to dump our grey water or our cassette toilet. This alone will keep us from going back there.If you are a RV camper, be aware of this. I recommend getting water before you get there and think about not using your RV toilet unless you want to carry yours back with you. I would have emptied mine in the bathroom, but was worried that if toilet was backed up it would create a mess for others, so we took it back home with us. Again, we have never done this since RV camping.Again, this is a total shame because the park itself is breath taking.For my song of choice, I'd have to pick..."Heading South" an instrumental from my album, "Hidden Treasure."

Don M — Google review

So peaceful. As soon as you get out of the car, all you hear is the river and the birds chirping. I got their right at 7am which is the perfect time cause no one else was there. Be ready for a good hike. This one is not a flat journey. Wear the proper gear on your feet especially. It could be pretty easy for someone to twist there ankles if they don't have the right shoes on. Apparently the fishing was good because on my way down, someone caught themselves a pretty decent size trout. I went up the short Big bear falls rout as well. Very nice trail.

Edward J — Google review

South Mountain State Park in North Carolina is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, and scenic views, it offers an unforgettable experience. The hiking trails, like the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, lead to stunning waterfalls. Campers can enjoy both primitive and equestrian sites. Best of all, there's usually no entrance fee, making it an affordable and accessible destination for nature lovers. Don't miss out on this gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Anastasiia M — Google review

we did the loop trail and thoroughly enjoyed it! We went on a wednesday around lunch, brought both dogs, and had a blast!

Chloe B — Google review

We love SMSP. I’ve been coming here for over 30 years. My 5 and 8 year olds can hike easily here. My best tip is to arrive before 10am on the weekends before it gets too crowded. It’s also great for a picnic. Lastly, the restrooms are always so clean!

Kelly P — Google review

A great hiking experience, with beautiful flowing water, rocks, and nature. The park is well maintained and trails are marked and easy to find. Seeing High Shoals Falls was beautiful, and was worth the hike! Highly recommended, lots of steps!

Lori — Google review

A great hike within reasonable distance that offers day hikes and overnight backpacking. The camp sites are well maintained and there are multiple locations (streams) to refill your water (with a purifier) and lockers to securely store your food.

Terry J — Google review

Great day trip hike from Charlotte that’s about 1.5-2 hours away. I did the shoal falls and elk knob trails. Shoal falls is a simple quick trail with the nice waterfall at the end. Elk knob is a bit longer but with an amazing view at the end, would recommend this state park!!

Kendrick L — Google review

Lying at the edge of the North Carolina piedmont, South Mountains are a wonderful place to hike and experience the mountains without really driving all the way to Blue ridge mountains. The park has really pretty waterfalls and great trails that also offer significant elevation gains for a good workout. When the water levels are low, you can go off trail and scramble up boulders near the Big bear waterfall for added adventure.

Jonti T — Google review

Neat state park with a ton of hiking to do. The river seems very popular for swimming. There is a large, shaded picnic area nearby as well.

Walt W — Google review

Just GO!! It's not easy (at all) if you have a bad back/ joints, but it's so worth it. Take shorts! Lots and LOTS of deep swimming holes for adults and puddles for kiddos. Just beautiful.

Angelia B — Google review

Best place to hike picnic.. dog walk.. dip in waterfalls just near charlotte within 1 hour 20 mins drive .. multiple waterfalls.. picnic areas.. awesome place for fzmily vacations.. clean rest rooms.. just heads up.. if u planning to do hike loop.. once u reach main waterfall.. there are steep stairs which are bit high so if u have knee issues or heart issues dont do loop.. multiple place where u can sit and enjoy cold water.... must try if u in charlotte area

Vivek S — Google review

My dog and I really enjoyed this park! Beautiful waterfalls, parking can get crowded on weekends.

Malinda D — Google review

Super beautiful campground, our site was number 14 right by the river, but no electricity. There are many trees, so solar didn’t work either. We parked our camper in the open when we went hiking to charge the battery. However, some sites do have electricity.

Le T — Google review

This is my absolute favorite hiking spot. Beautiful waterfalls, moderate hiking, and a fun creek for warmer weather. The picnic area is very shady and the tree cover in summer makes the hike much cooler. There is no cell service so download maps of the park and the way out well before you get here. No food shops/restaurants in the vicinity so you will need to come prepared. There are basic charcoal grills in the picnic area.

Krystal E — Google review

Such a beautiful area! The hike to shoals falls wasn't difficult and the view was amazing!

Renegademercsix — Google review

This is a great place to see a great waterfall. The hike up was easy even though there are several steps and stairs near the falls. I recommend going after a heavy rain like I did. The falls were breathtaking as they roared over the edge.

Fred S — Google review

Beautiful state park, we were visiting from Las Vegas, we don’t get too much green or water for our hikes, what a beautiful change of scenery. The hike to the top of the waterfall took about an hour and was worth the effort, keep in mind that it is a little strenuous, the last bit of hike is probably about 6-8 flights of stairs, so…. Get your cardio up before heading down.

Nick B — Google review

I had the best time! My family enjoyed this trail, and my children did pretty well all the way to the waterfall, I really recommend this beautiful trail. Only one thing: people please be respectful of nature and the hikers and do not bring your Bluetooth speaker on full blast.

Carolina H — Google review

Easy park with various trails to enjoy. Best waterfalls without having to drive 2 hours! Lots of places to swim as well.

Elise Z — Google review

Lots to do for entire family. Fishing, hiking, swimming, in rustic pristine water. 2 hikes to waterfalls and many other trails. One of the more rugged parks in the state

Alisha L — Google review

4.9

(2708)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (135)

4.5

(96)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (136)

3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612, USA

(828) 433-4772

22

Catawba Science Center

Mentioned on

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Science museum

Museums

Aquarium

Planetarium

Children's Museums

The Catawba Science Center is a museum featuring interactive exhibits, including an aquarium showcasing sharks and a planetarium. It offers engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, making it a popular destination for families with children. The museum provides hands-on activities that cater to different age groups, ensuring there is something fun and educational for everyone. Overall, the Catawba Science Center is an excellent place to explore science and technology while having an enjoyable time with family or friends.

Amazing time! Been coming to this place whole life. In recent years, as I now have kids of my own, this has become a special occasion destination. Even our little toddler enjoyed herself. Something for every age!

Seth K — Google review

Our family had a wonderful time at the Catawba Science Center and can't wait until our next visit! And I can't rave enough about their customer service. In person, they were just exceptionally friendly and helpful. We were visiting from out of state and lost our toddlers digital camera (it looks like a toy however it takes real pictures so it has special memories on it). When I called them to ask if they found it, they were just as wonderful to speak with over the phone. They found the camera and shipped it to us, along with some goodies (pen and magnet). Thank you for wonderful memories!

Megan B — Google review

Went here today with my family, and am sorry to say I didn't really have a great time. Recently got the yearly pass, so we`ve been going a lot lately, and they have had the exact same exhibits for at least 7 months. The little room in the corner when you walk in used to be updated regularly but it has been the same for a long time. Also, the rooms are all run-down and kind of boring. I understand that the pandemic caused some restrictions, but that isn't much of an excuse to have some broken and malfunctioning exhibits. Also, the curtain leading to the "under renovarions" planetarium room was very clearly opened, making us believe it was finished. We were then run out of the curtained room as if it was still closed. Very confusing! This placement has kind of gone downhill over the years, which makes me sad. Get some fundraisers or sponsors or something to update your exhibits and get more animals and stuff. The lady at the front desk, was very nice though, so I'll give 2 stars just for her.

Omega F — Google review

Fun science center for all ages. Lots of interactive and interesting exhibits. Staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. There’s always a staff member in each exhibit to answer questions and spark curiosity. Nice outdoor area for eating lunch and admission includes entrance to the art museum across the way. I highly recommend if your kids are truly into science. Will definitely be back for more.

Erica G — Google review

My 2 grandsons loved the museum. They have a lot to offer. Hands on experiences for children of all ages.

Rose D — Google review

So much fun to visit the science center. I especially liked the dinosaur exhibit, and the aquarium, the stingrays most of all.

Sandi H — Google review

People were very friendly and helpful, I just can't see having to pay full price if you get there an hour or 2 before closing. Definitely nothing for children under 3 to do. And definitely not worth $15 per adult. Probably won't ever go back

Zombie S — Google review

The wife and I took our son there today earlier and he loved it. I think the aquarium was the highlight for him. He loves looking at the fish and trying to touch them. They had a decent size sting ray and some nursing sharks that you could touch. They had there butterfly exhibit open today which was pretty cool. Our son enjoyed watching them fly around and landing on the flowers. Just about all the exhibits we're open today and they were having a few shows in the planetarium. They weren't that busy when we got there and we got there about twelve thirty. Good place for elementary age children plenty of hands on activities to do. Our son played with everyone of them. I give them my two thumbs up.

John P — Google review

We love going here, there's really something for everyone, even babies and young toddlers!Science experiment activities, Building activities, an art museum, and an aquarium. We haven't been to a planetarium yet because the last time we went it was under some sort of construction.The aquarium is okay, it's probably more fun for little kids but maybe not as exciting for older kids that want to see some bigger aquatic life.Lots of hands on fun and a close drive to downtown hickory. Also, it's right next door to the library.

Brittany W — Google review

This place is pretty big due to there is two separate buildings the aquarium is kind of small but my two-year-old had fun and that's all that counted I enjoyed the dinosaurs because they actually moved but the price is a little steep they should offer discounts for EBT customers

La T — Google review

The science museum itself is a lot of fun and my kids really loved it but I’m still trying to understand why on Mondays and Tuesdays the museum is closed to the public. It doesn’t make sense especially during the summer

Rychelle F — Google review

Very fun experience! However some things were broke and it also felt like some things were missing. The aquarium area got a huge update over the last few years and it was great. We saw that they had dinosaurs and such in a lot of advertisements however upon arriving they said they didn’t and didn’t know what we were talking about despite seeing pictures and videos on YouTube about it and locally. So it was a let down for some of us wanting to see that. But overall had a fun time and enjoyed the day

Gabe Y — Google review

Science center in the winter, cold, but warm inside. Granddaughter is having a great time.. I highly recommend it.

Robert F — Google review

My 12 yr old and I visited yesterday and had a blast! We saw the butterfly habitat, touched stingrays, enjoyed the tornado chamber, loved Seymor (giant tortoise) and the electric eel was awesome. Thanks for letting us watch the eel eat - it was electrifying! The summer laser show was wonderful! A fantastic place for kids and adults alike. And not expensive.

Jennifer N — Google review

Great freshwater and saltwater tanks for kids to check out. The planetarium is also pretty cool. Great place to take elementary kiddos for an afternoon.

Andrew C — Google review

First visit to the science center and whoa did we have fun! The planetarium was amazing! The aquarium was fun! And the staff was friendly and enganging. I chatted with a guy in the aquarium about the masters. He was very knowledgeable and funny. Will be coming again.

Steve J — Google review

4.4

(243)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (137)

4.5

(136)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (138)

243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, USA

(828) 322-8169

23

L. P. Frans Stadium

Mentioned on

6 lists

Stadium

Fun & Games

Sports Complexes

L. P. Frans Stadium, located in Winkler Park, is a baseball stadium with a seating capacity of over 5,000 people. It serves as the home field for the Hickory Crawdads in the High-A East Minor League Baseball division. The stadium was constructed in 1993 and offers an ideal setting for enjoying a baseball night out with friends and family. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the stadium and its exciting atmosphere during games.

This is an awesome minor league ballpark. We had the chance to watch a doubleheader. My son was more than pleased with the bounce house, the playground, and the carousel. The food was good, and we are hooked on Cheerwine. With Hickory being a nice city, too, we will definitely return for more ballgames.

Nelson H — Google review

Very nice small baseball stadium! We attended a Hickory Crawdad game - front row seats by the home team dugout for $9 !!!The stadium was clean, organized, and nice grounds. The concessions could use more personnel and more peach chardonnay, they ran out!

Andrea H — Google review

A super fun Friday night for friends and family. They have fun activities for the kids and fireworks!

Alana H — Google review

It's been years since we've been here for a game and I was pleasantly surprised about how clean it was. The game was exciting, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere invigorating. I definitely want to come back again. Great way to introduce kids to baseball games without the huge crowds of MLB game.

We C — Google review

Great little ballpark. Nice staff and great food. Highly recommend a crawdads game if your over there.

Benjamin A — Google review

We went to a game for Father's day. The stadium was nice and well kept. I don't think any seat in this stadium would be bad. I would suggest a seat with shade during hot days as the sun does heat things up. Food is fairly priced for a ballpark although the wait for food and drinks can get long at times. If lines are long I suggest getting a table for a bit as they do have table service that is quicker than the lines.. Overall a great place to catch a ballgame.

Duncan A — Google review

Love the ol ballfield!!! What a Friday treat! Date night on the 3rd baseline!

Marcus R — Google review

Love spending time with my son at Crawdads games. This place is beautiful. The Crawdads are a wonderful value for wholesome family entertainment. It's about time to update some things around the park though. Maybe some new and interesting gimmicks would also help.

Robert M — Google review

This was one of the most fun evenings ever. Although the home team did not so good, I loved being there. The food and beer selection were excellent, albeit expensive. I'm going back because it is baseball and they captured the fun, the music, the crack of the bat...I'm in love.

Bebo71 — Google review

Loved the game and concert. Bathrooms were clean. However was disappointed in the parking and the shear length of time it took just to get into the parking lot. Most of the hold up was poor organization and the fact you could only use a card to pay for parking.

Tina F — Google review

Game got rained out, but I was impressed with how nice the stadium is. Layout is great and all the staff were very friendly! Can't wait to come back next season!

Joshua C — Google review

When safety Trumps my rights I'm done. I will not comply with your clear bags. You can't say it's for safety either. Someone can just as easily conceal carry a firearm so don't tell me it's for my safety. Food taste horrible, for the prices they charge you should at least get decent food. A lot of rude staff and the ball players don't care about the kids. You forget the fans are the reason you get paid.

Michael W — Google review

People of Catawba Co. and beyond. You don't have to leave our county to see a ball game or be entertained; we have it in our own backyard - literally. Visit the Crawdads for a home game and enjoy the ultra affordable food and beverages. Did I mention beverages? I did, and adults can get their drink on if they desire (do so responsibly).This team, the stadium and the staff do a really superb job making these games fun for everyone; even your dog(s) on dog night. Don't pass a game up if you're not doing anything, and the Crawdads are home. Fun. Family. Entertainment. Go see your local minor league baseball team.

Nine2-5traveler — Google review

Fun time out at the old ball game. First time at a minor league ballpark. I've been to two major league stadiums and this was just like that but on a much, much smaller scale. Home to the Hickory Crawdads, a Texas Rangers affiliate, L P Frans Stadium offers a lot of bang for the buck. Ample parking, excellent concessions, loads of entertainment both by the players on the field and by their crew off of it. It's an affordable place to take the whole family. Easy to get to located on the north side of Hickory and while there say hi to Conrad the Crawdad for me.

Larry L — Google review

We really enjoyed our game! We have been to several games this year. This is a nice stadium and everyone is friendly. We really enjoy the $4 craft beers and $1 hot dogs on Tuesdays !

Steve L — Google review

Great family experience at a minor league baseball game. Good value for the money spent too. Not a bad seat in the ballpark

Robbie L — Google review

Local paper had insert providing free parking, free entry ticket, and dollar popcorn. What a deal! We had to go to the ball game! We were surprised more people weren't there. Lots of support staff, who were really helpful. Concessions were pricey, but the staff were friendly. The game was great and we plan on going again real soon. Good family fun. Breaks with contests for the kids. I highly recommend what the Fluff, Organic Cotton candy. Kim served me and let me have a try at making a cone. I was back for seconds! Delicious!

Cynthia P — Google review

Pro - decent parking, ballpark overall looked clean, tickets were not expensive Cons: (1)This is a cashless experience. You swipe your card for parking, tickets, food & bev., all of it. (2) CLEAR BAG policy not communicated. (3) The hubs felt beer prices were high. I did not partake. Had I realized this was a Pepsi-venue I would have skipped the soda as I dumped half upon leaving.We will likely explore other venues moving forward.

S H — Google review

4.7

(1018)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (139)

4.5

(166)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (140)

2500 Clement Blvd NW, Hickory, NC 28601, USA

(828) 322-3000

24

Silver Fork Winery

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Winery

Food & Drink

Event venue

Live music venue

Picnic ground

Scenic spot

Beautiful location, great wine & everyone was so friendly. We really enjoyed our visit!

Jeanine E — Google review

Delicious wine. NC is saturated with sweet muscadine wine; this is one of the few wineries that highlight a drier, French styled wine. Beautiful views. Bring a picnic and listen to live music. We'll be back!

John A — Google review

Beautiful place, but if you are other than white, expect to get only one glass per couple for tasting, also expect to get bumped out of service if a white person walks in. In addition if there are more than one person ask for additional menus. I am an army veteran who served for 22 years with 4 tours to Afghanistan. Been to many wineries. My ethic background is Indian, first time at a winery I encountered such racist behavior.

Ramdeo S — Google review

We thoroughly our visit to Silver Fork Winery on 7/27/24. The music by The Shelby Rae Moore Band was awesome!This winery gets it! I’m speaking about the business side of things. I’ve tried extremely hard to train my palate to enjoy wine but I just can’t get there. Silver Fork Winery offers beer for sale, which makes this business a new place we will bring all of our friends who prefer wine over beer.The attention to service, beautiful mountain setting and live music makes this a new destination for us.Thanks for including us non-wine drinkers in your business plan!

Vernon N — Google review

Very relaxing and beautiful winery. Great, tasteful selection of wines and beer!

Nick O — Google review

A lovely little winery with a nice mix of reds, whites, and pink (rosé), friendly staff, and a beautiful view. Live music and food trucks are regular occurrences on weekends. You can stroll among the vines, plus they've expanded their restrooms to 3. A great place to visit.

Doug G — Google review

Very friendly and knowledgeable. Beautiful places to sip some wine.

John W — Google review

This was the best winery we have ever been to in North Carolina. Kelly was absolutely fantastic!! We talked to her for hours and she made us feel right at home. The owner also came by and introduced herself. She was so sweet as well! The wine was amazing! We will definitely be coming back in august 😊

Nicholas M — Google review

Amazing winery - live music and gorgeous views. Gorgeous does not even define it - beyond gorgeous. Excellent service and local food. Owners are fun and down to earth. Definitely a destination must-stop in North Carolina. Support local business - especially one that is this exceptional.

LadyKing C — Google review

This place is beautiful! I loved the welcoming atmosphere and the service was excellent. It was good wine, I don't usually like dry wines but these were great!

Ashley B — Google review

Wow! Lovely experience. It was my first time doing wine tasting, and let me tell you, I don’t regret it at all 🥰🥰🥰 And the scenery is beautiful.

FRANCESCA P — Google review

Excellent wines! Plenty of outdoor seating, and beautiful views. What’s not to like?

Lynn R — Google review

We were exploring the area and found this gem nestled into the hills of Morganton. Exceptional wine especially the Chardonnay and Cabernet were the favorites of our group. The mountain views act as a beautiful backdrop and the landscape of the vines are gorgeous. Cheers !!!

Justin C — Google review

Beautiful winery space and great views around. The two red blends were pretty good, the 4 Dog was more to my taste, but I still enjoyed the Nonsense one. The Chardonnay was okay, I'll probably stay clear of it next time and the Chambourcin left a lot to be desired for me. I think if it was chilled it would've been much better. Overall a good experience, I'd go again when we're in the area.

Kaitlyn ( — Google review

Stopped by on our drive home from Charlotte. Made for a lovely break in the drive.The rosé with the views and friendly service make Silver Fork Winery one of my favorites in NC.I look forward to stopping by on a Saturday for live music.

Kelli M — Google review

So beautiful! The staff was very friendly and they had wonderful live music. Dog friendly too. I really enjoyed the wine, but would have liked more types to be available. If you're a sweet wine person, you should know that they didn't have much of a sweet selection - not a problem for me but for some in our group. They do have beer and a hard lemonade available as well though.The staff also said they're building a restaurant that may be open by next year, which would be awesome!

Abby B — Google review

Went to the Silver Fork Winery today. Meghan at the bar served us a flight of wines that included 2 reds and 2 whites. We thoroughly enjoyed Meghan's suggestions. The winery is so beautiful. Plenty of outdoor space. Very clean and well manicured property. We will definitely visit again.

KATHLEEN W — Google review

4.8

(199)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (145)

4.5

(96)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (146)

5000 State Rd 1133, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

(828) 391-8783

25

Fort Defiance Dr

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

4.5

(39)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (147)

North Carolina 28645, USA

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26

Linville Gorge Wilderness

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Mentioned on

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National forest

Nature & Parks

Linville Gorge Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest offers a picturesque landscape with its distinctive rock formations, hiking trails, and camping areas. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Chimney Rock Park and Blue Ridge waterfalls. For an alternative experience, renting a stand-up paddleboard is recommended to discover this region's natural beauty from the water.

I highly enjoyed the Linville Gorge trail heading down to the waterfalls vs. going across the river and up to the top views!! The view of the waterfall is just 100x better down here. Turn left before walking through the visitor center and up the stairs to find this trail!

Polariss S — Google review

Nice park clean and lovely scenery. There's a small hike to the falls up hills uneven ground tree roots and rocks so wear comfortable shoes lol.. there'd picnic areas and port a johns I didnt find any indoor restrooms in the section I went to. There was no cost to go to the park which made it nicer.

Monica R — Google review

Such a beautiful park. The gorge itself is very lovely, lots of hikes to choose from. Plenty of spots along the river to go swimming safely and lots of big beautiful rocks to climb on. Just watch out for snakes on the forest trails!

Maya B — Google review

Wonderful wild place..in case you love being outside! I haven't been there in quite some time. But I'm sure it hasn't changed a lot! Due to the absolute rugged terrain! Be sure to follow all the wilderness guidelines and be sure to enjoy yourself!

Amanda M — Google review

Most of the reason we come out to North Carolina. Always fun camping out here. Trails are awesome and the views are to die for.

Antonio S — Google review

Great camping experience with jaw dropping views. Everyone followed the "leave no trace" guideline, and there are a lot of cool hikes around!

Piper — Google review

I love this place so much!! Such a cool place to see and visit. Some of the best waterfalls in NC. The trails are great and it’s rather easy to get to the waterfalls. There are a ton of places to do primitive camping for free. Highly recommend!!

Robert H — Google review

Great hike and destination. Boulders are enormous and water is cool and refreshing. The road to the trailhead is super bumpy. If driving a compact car just go slow and you'll get there and back.

Seweryn W — Google review

It's truly one of my most favorite places to go hike.

Kat B — Google review

Each trail has a phenomenal view of the gorge below. The waterfalls are breathtaking and the river is a calming oasis. One of my best hikes in NC.

Ryan — Google review

The Grand Canyon of the East! Located in the Pisgah Forest, this beautiful destination will not disappoint! Enjoy views, trails(for all levels) and the beautiful waterfalls nestled here… Great for day trips or weekend camping adventures

Kerrie P — Google review

A natural wonderland dedicated to hiking. Full of trails, waterfalls and amazing overlooks. I only spent a day here but its easy to spend a week. Hikes of all levels and difficulty are available here but most will have you descending into the gorge or up to an overlook, or both!

Trypp A — Google review

4.8

(250)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (159)

4.5

(380)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (160)

Morganton, NC 28655, USA

(828) 257-4200

27

Linville Caverns, Inc

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Nature & Parks

Caverns & Caves

Guided tours of a subterranean cave network in a mountainside discovered in the early 19th century.

Took my mom and kids for first time, they very much enjoyed it! This is probably my 4 time coming to this place! Seeing this place with changes, your lady was amazing took us about 45 mins, was able to see the 3 baby bats that the cave have only😯 very amazing, adventure!

Elizabeth P — Google review

We had a great time. You can always see the outside of the mountain but rarely do we get to see inside. Our tour guide was amazing! He knew what he was talking about. I recommend booking early in the day..meaning before 11am. Groups fill quickly and you will have to wait until your scheduled tour time. There is a lovely sitting area to wait, waterfall and all!

MJ D — Google review

Neat to experience, but there were some downsides. The tour feels very rushed, like they are just trying to get people in and out as quickly as possible. I went with a group of 3 and you are placed in a tour group of about 14 people. We were at the end of the group as we walked, so when we went to the area to see the endless pool, we didn’t even get to see it because the whole group could not fit in the area. But we had to keep on moving since other groups were behind us. We had to stop multiple times to allow other groups to pass since some areas were very narrow. Our tour guide was funny, but again, very rushed and no time for questions. I felt like I couldn’t stop to really look at anything and the areas she was pointing out during the tour were too difficult to see from the back of the group. Seeing the caves themselves were interesting and worth going at least one time. I recommend you try to be towards the front of the group if you want to be able to take photos and take it in without the guide telling you to stay with the group. We went on a weekday and didn’t have to wait too long, maybe about 30 minutes. There was lots of parking and an outdoor area to hang out at while waiting. I could see it being very crowded on weekends though.

Savannah L — Google review

We had a great time exploring the cave and falls here today. We visited on a Friday around noon & only had to wait about 45 minutes for our tour. The area is beautiful so we checked out the creek & gift shop in the meantime. Our tour was about 40 minutes long & the guide was very knowledgeable. It’s first come first serve with tours leaving every few minutes so come early!

Kate N — Google review

Super cool place! $13/person for a 40-45 min tour in the cavern is absolutely reasonable. Our guide was great and very informative. The cavern’s structure is just incredible! There’s also fish in there. The gift shop is nice as well—unique items and good prices. Highly recommend!

Alexandra D — Google review

March 2022. Get there early, tours are only about 12 people at a time so they fill up quick. One site said $8 per adult but it was $12 per adult. Masks are required

Cassie B — Google review

This is an great experience!Do not missed the opportunity to visit this cavern, it is very impressive. The experience is like traveling to the center of hearth, it’s very enlightening to see how mother nature develop and redesign these wonderful rocks thorough out through out the years. There is also live animals inside… a small river (with fishes) that runs through the caverns and even bats that are hanging in the roof 👍It’s a great place to learn and have fun 💪

Antonio C — Google review

We really enjoyed our cavern tour and our kids enjoyed climbing on the rocks in the nearby stream. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Our kids are 6 and 9, and the tour was enjoyable to them as well as to the adults.

Amy B — Google review

We had an amazing tour guide was was incredibly knowledgeable and very fun. It took about 45 minutes to get through the tour. It was busier than expected on a Friday afternoon but we only had to wait about 15 minutes. There were a lot of people. Not sure if this is typical but the bathrooms were in pretty bad shape. Overall it was a pretty cool experience.

Lae — Google review

If you love caves and natural beauty you'll LOVE this place ! We all had a great time! They have a rock shop with low prices and also jewelry and souvenirs. The best part is the caverns though. I have been twice and you learn something by going through the tour. Totally worth the price of admission and it wasn't expensive at all!

ChupakabraKing — Google review

Our Tour Guide Holly was great! She is so knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor! Holly made the wait in line worth it!I honestly don't recommend bringing toddlers or small children. They make noise and wiggle. The caverns are very narrow at times, and we are not supposed to be touching the walls. Little kids just don't understand. I would say wait until they are age 7 or older. There is a lot to learn while on your tour. You don't want to miss it because your toddler hasn't had a nap and doesn't like the dark.

W N — Google review

Kids (6,9,14,16 yrs old) loved it as never seen anything like and never been underneath. Too me it’s a one time to see experience. For them was better than any science lesson. Even though it was rainy and cold day outside, tour was good. Inside the caverns cold too, all year round 52F/ 11C.I loved how waiting time was organized, you didn’t have to spend time waiting for an hour in the line and freezing outside in a waiting area. You get your time when buy a ticket and you can plan and do whatever. It’s very convenient especially during winter season. I was reading reviews about lines and waiting time and that was scary in a cold season especially when you travel from Florida - an hour, hour and a half.In fact we bought a ticket and got our exact time. It was scheduled an hour from the time of purchase. We went to a tavern to warm up and get some snacks. So when we got back little earlier, we spent 5 min in the line waiting for the tour to start. Groups was small - 14 people.All tours are guided. Tours are scheduled every 15 min, last 30-40 min as I read, our was 35 min long.Overall was a very pleasant experience. Hiking was too cold for us but being in the mountains enjoying nice views, breathing fresh air was charging experience. I can assume that mountains are very beautiful in spring or summer when trees are green. Parking and entrance to the are is free. Pay for cavern tickets only. Small stone gifts and stuff available in the gift store where you buy tickets. Tickets are not sold online.Little tip - when you buy a ticket and get your time, you can reschedule it for later if you have plans to eat around in order not to get late. If you are late they may not be always able to fit you in another group.

Yuliana D — Google review

It was nice and a great experience. However, our guide was not the worse, but she could've done better. She was informative but I felt she wanted to talk over us. We were a party of 9 and I was the only adult that spoke English. I needed to translate and my family didn't feel like she wanted to stop for me to translate. My son is handicap and there was only 1 area he couldn't go. It is great, accessible. So worth the money. Also, my mom qualified for the senior citizen discount and no one cared to inform that. One of the kids noticed after we left. The attention at the shop was not very welcoming. It smells funny and the attendants were also not very happy. There was one blonde guide that was amazing, unfortunately we didn't get her. I give a high rating because the attraction itself is amazing. Highly recommend.

Sheila F — Google review

Our tour guide, Alex, is the absolute best!! He was so knowledgeable about the cave and had jokes and puns, which made it enjoyable. The tour is fun for all ages. Wear a jacket with a hood as it is 52° in the cave, and water does drip in places because, well...it's a CAVE. It is absolutely beautiful and fun and decently priced also. A must-see experience for sure. The gift shop is amazing with all types of stones, jewelry etc and it's not as expensive as you would think and I was quite surprised by that. Overall, it is a great experience. Make sure you purchase tickets in advance. We got there at 12:00 and because they filled up fast we weren't able to tour till 3:20. So we left and went on a hike to Linville Falls and came back in time for the tour. It's not really a big deal as this whole place is filled with fun things to see and do. But seriously, Alex is awesome, so give him a raise.

Dawn S — Google review

Nice, small cavern in North Carolina. This is the oldest living cavern in the United States.Our guide was knowledgeable. The tour was a little quick. I wish we would have had another minute or two at each so to take pictures.

Stefan K — Google review

We went here for my birthday it was wonderful. Dalton our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I heard some of the other guides I think we had the best ones lol. The caves are a must see. Our family had a great time.

Casey A — Google review

Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, and the tour itself was very interesting. There was a bit of a wait, but it was nice outside and there's a gift shop to browse, so we didn't mind. Cool little trip for both adults and kids!

Amber L — Google review

I have lived in North Carolina almost 60 years, but had never visited these caverns until today. Absolutely amazing! Tour guides are full of great facts about what you are seeing. If you are in the area, visit the caverns and Linville Falls. Both are worth it!

Lambros B — Google review

My husband, friend, and I saw the caverns on the way to Banner Elk and decided to stop and check it out. They have a little gift shop where you purchase tickets first. The items aren’t outrageously priced. The tour took us about 45 minutes. Our tour guide, Annalise, was very friendly and knowledgeable. She gave us a great tour! We were part of a group of about 15.*We gave her a tip because she fix such a good job. 🙂

CHRISTIE B — Google review

Good place to spend couple of hrs. We went there on a weekday and still had almost 2 hr wait. I am guessing because of spring break off for schools. Parking lot is big but fills up quickly. Cavern is not that big. It’s a guided tour so it takes about 35 mins. Crew there is knowledgeable and explained everything really well. We didn’t see any bats but did see lot of trout in the water. Water drips from the ceiling so expect to get few drops on you. There is a store where you can buy some souvenirs and candies. Restrooms near parking lot. Totally worth the price of admission.

Deepak P — Google review

While driving through the beautiful area of Linville Gorge, we decided to stop in on a Sunday morning to check out the caverns. We are glad we did!Early on a Sunday in early August, there was no wait to enter the cavern. The guide was very knowledgeable and setup some decent cave jokes. Also, the trout are named, so cute.Most of the caverns were open enough to not feel to closed in. The one except is the dead end to look down into the bottomless pool, yet you can opt out of squeezing in.If you are looking for a cool cool stop off this is the place for you.The gift shop is focused on geodes and other natural gifts. Additional appeal would be welcomed to have options for Linville Caverns tee shirts or hoodies.

American E — Google review

Very cool cave system. $13 for an ~30min tour. The guide was very informative and the caverns were beautiful! When we got there the sign said that the tours were sold out. After speaking with the gentleman working the ticket counter we learned that that was not the case. He had 2 tickets left but they were for different times. So we had 4:15pm and 4:20pm tickets, which is odd because their website says that tours run every 10 minutes but I digress. When the 4:15pm tour was called to gather up I presented the guide with both tickets. She noted the time difference but said that she would count the number of people and see if she could safely include both of us on the same tour. We lucked out and we’re both able to go together! My thanks to the staff for being so accommodating!

Haynes G — Google review

These caverns are very good. They are maintained very well. The guided tours are well-spaced and the explanation is good. Even though the cavern is not very big, the explanation makes it worthwhile.The spider eggs were awesome. The water was continuously flowing on the sides. During the world war, some soldiers tried to escape it by hiding in the caverns. But the smoke they generated, escaped through the cracks and people found them.They even turned off all the lights and let us know how dark it could be.The attached gift shop has a lot of items to explore.The restroom has water supply from the streams and it's very cold.It's best to explore in warmer weather as the outer ground is also beautiful.

Archie — Google review

First ever trip to the Caverns after 40 years. Took my sons for spring break. My only complaint was the gift shop. The majority of items were just rock/gem jewelry and gifts. I wish there was a larger variety of items. The area outside was beautiful, and the kids loved the creek. As for the tour, I wish I could remember the lady's name, but she was amazing. I had several questions, and she knew the answers to each. She was extremely knowledgeable and interacted extremely well with the kids. This was a great experience that I will never forget. Tour was also on time. One other regret is that I was at the end of the line and did not get a good view of the endless pool. I wish I could have got a little closer. Lastly, the trout inside was just plain cool.

Chris E — Google review

My son and I had an enjoyable trip to the Linville Caverns and would suggest it for all ages. Our host was amazing and really turned it into an experience with interesting facts wrapped in humor. It’s simple to navigate the cavern if you don’t mind ducking your head every once in awhile. Very little steps, inclines, declines, etc. The total duration of the tour is well under an hour and most time is spent at the stops where the guide talks about the formations.

James M — Google review

This is a really cool experience! The guided tour provides you with a lot of information about the caverns. The fee for the tour is very reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. There is also a small gift shop and clean public restrooms on site. Definitely recommend stopping by to check it out.

Amy P — Google review

Nice cave to visit, not a huge tour kind of short compared to most cave tours we've been on. Managed to squeeze out 50 photos for ya though! Some tight places in here, they give a claustrophobia alert. Sad thing is the tightest spot in the cave you go single file down so everyone in the back does not get to see the end because you have to back out. So what they should do since you walk right by that spot again on the way out is OFFER for anyone who would like to go see it to be able to do so. Was $26 for two people multiply by 10 you got $260 for a 35 maybe 40 minute tour. Make it a few more minutes so everyone can actually enjoy the cave. Unless it's a thing to get repeat visits to see if you get to see the end of the bottomless crack that is at least 250 feet deep but they have never gone deeper, for some reason. We did get a pic of you haven't been down far enough, they're is a grate with glass underneath you can see down a little ways. Wasn't bat season unfortunately but maybe a good thing because you get dripped on enough as it is, was pretty cool to get droplets of cave water on you!

Gilbert G — Google review

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Linville Caverns. I highly recommend it as a must-see if you're in the area. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. All staff that we interacted with were very friendly and professional. We weren't rushed through the caverns. Well worth the entry fee. All facilities were clean. I only clicked, not recommending purchasing tickets in advance due to the fact that you can not purchase online. You can, however, purchase for later time in the day and come back. The company keeps multiple groups moving through, so don't be late if you purchase tickets to return at a later time. We arrived at 12 pm and our tour entry time was 12:30 pm and we started on time.

Dee J — Google review

Small, but beautiful and rich with history. Silas, our tour guide was great, humorous, easy-going, informative, and able to control the tour group. Great stop and incredible opportunity to stand under a fault line that has been dormant for 200 years, and is checked every 4 for any activity. There are many other great stories shared as well, but I do not want to spoil them for you.

Denese E — Google review

I have done several cave tours, and this is a really good one. There are a few tight spots, but otherwise it is an easy tour. Definitely worth the time and price.

Dan — Google review

Quick 30 min tour, our guide was really good and very informative. The kids also love it. Would recommend! Buy tickets ahead! They start promptly.

Joanna S — Google review

This place was way cool. It was very interesting. Very pretty. We had a very nice guide. She was very informative.

Lora S — Google review

Pretty darn incredible. Few notes: adult tickets are $13, kids $11. No online reservations. We got there and had tickets for a tour within 30 mins of arrival. Tours roll every 15 mins and last about 35 mins. I suggest wearing a rain jacket or waterproof coat as it's dripping water in most places. Don't touch the rocks and when we went there were no bats; which I'm fine with ;)Gift shop needs some love, but staff is nice. Super cool areas outside by the river to wait for your tour.Highly recommend.

Dannielle R — Google review

The caves are a very unique experience. We only had two families in our group and the guild was very good. There's even a portion of the cave where they turn out the lights so you can see how dark absolute darkness is.

Hunley P — Google review

Linville caverns cost $13 per adult as of July 2024. The caverns is a neat stop if you’re in the area but it’s nothing spectacular in my opinion. Our tour guide was good and shared a lot of interesting history. Would definitely be a great stop if you have kids especially small ones! The tour itself last maybe 30 to 40 minutes and you’re out the door.

J T — Google review

4.5

(4100)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (165)

4.0

(807)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (166)

19929 US-221, Marion, NC 28752, USA

(828) 756-4171

28

Copper Barrel Distillery & Speakeasy

Distillery

Food & Drink

Brunch restaurant

Cocktail bar

Historical landmark

This is by far my new favorite place to drink and eat! George is lovely and tended to our drinking needs perfectly!! We ordered food from Cinder Bistro and OH MY GOSH was it DELICIOUS. The summer salad I had was so fresh and delightful. The burger my husband had was amazing and the Outlaw cocktail (unsure if that's the correct name) was a wonderful surprise! I highly recommend anything George recommends. You cannot go wrong with anything from there or Cinder Bistro.

Brittany W — Google review

Amazing experience and hospitality! My husband and I flew in from Wisconsin for the AllStar race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. We took a tour of Copper Barrel Distillery and had dinner at Cinder Bistro next door. Both establishments were phenomenal with their service and hospitality. George was VERY knowledgeable and professional with the distillery tour, and Jeff was an outstanding waiter who provided us with the BEST recommendations! Highly recommend!!

Alisha H — Google review

Enjoyed a nice tour of the distillery and then samples of their various moonshines. Anna (and Domino) was a wonderful hostess and and we had a great time. Highly recommend a visit.

Tom B — Google review

This place was an unexpected surprise. The manager, Jennifer, served us and she was a blast! Great humor, solid recommendations, and accommodating - great interactions with us.The food was fantastic! I say my husband's wings are the best, but the chefs at Copper Barrel beat his! Even my husband admitted defeat. The corn nuggets were yummy, like a gold at the end of a rainbow. The prices were definitely reasonalbe.I suggest locals make this a regular dining spot, and visitors stop in for an appetizer, meal, and/or dessert.

Joanne A — Google review

The best adventures are ones that are not planned. We were driving through town and spotted the Copper Barrel. George was great and accommodated our little family even though we didn't have tour reservations. Learned a lot about moonshine and the history of Wilkes County. Highly recommend making it your distillery tour stop!

Robyn D — Google review

Great option to fill an unexpected afternoon - we were able to snag the last few spots on their tour. Our guide, Anna, provided a lot of little anecdotes that made us feel like we'd been family friends for ages. A quick dive into the history of making moonshine in Wilkes County and some tasters at the end of it.

Jordan R — Google review

Great tour and very friendly atmosphere. The tour is just long enough to keep you interested and engaged. Tasting is a lot of fun as well. Best coffee flavored moonshine I have ever tasted!

Elizabeth T — Google review

This was an unexpected stop, that turned out to be a memorable time! From the moment we stepped inside Copper Barrel Distillery our senses were lit with the atmosphere that our host Victoria so graciously shared with us. From the history of Moonshine via “Uncle Buck” and George, the owners, to the tour of the distillery; the head, tail and heart. No beat was skipped here! The moonshine taste samples were amazing and smooth, all natural with sustainability in mind. You must try their adult slushies, very unique! We left with several bottles of Moonshine and cannot wait to return! You must go here!

C.A. G — Google review

This was unexpected stop, but well worth it. The owners were very nice and personable. The Moonshine was some of the best and realist I've ever had. This will be a Definite stop, every chance I get.

Terry G — Google review

Amazing place to go and learn local history. Anna was very informative and a wonderful tour guide. The samples at the end of the tour tasted great. My favorite was the mud slide.

Kerri G — Google review

Great staff, good drinks and delicious food. If you are in Wilkesboro N.C make sure you stop by for a meal and cocktail.

Corey B — Google review

Great visit and tour at Copper Barrel yesterday. Amazing building with lots of great history and very informative tour. Gift shop has tons to offer and George and his staff are amazing. Honestly, the best Moonshine anywhere! #shinetogether

Brian S — Google review

Very cool family run business. Authentic moonshine recipe passed down through generations and still operating by "Uncle" Buck and his neice. We were greeted by their 4 legged mascot and enjoyed tasting the cherry moonshine mixed with cheerwine next door at their restaurant.

Joyce B — Google review

George is awesome and makes amazing drinks using moonshine. He is an absolute mixologist. Even though it's moonshine, you really don't know that it is. If you haven't tried it, you need to. Also Jeff is great too!

Ann S — Google review

We literally drove 45 minutes to go to this distillery. We walked in to an open door where the sign on the front door said they were open, a man walked downstairs and told us they were closed because they were moving. There was no indication online or anywhere that this was happening including their website. What really irritated me is that we told him we drove all this way to come there and he offered us nothing even though there were bottles everywhere.Waste of time.

Michael G — Google review

4.7

(109)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (167)

5.0

(92)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (168)

508 Main St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, USA

(336) 262-6500

29

Linville Falls Visitor Center

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Visitor center

Hiking area

Absolute beautiful hike! About a half mile to the first view of the falls, the walk was fairly easy. I do have a bad knee, so I will say there is a bit of an incline to and from, but nothing terrible. We visited a day after some pretty heavy rain, but the path was only muddy in a few spots, easily passible. We did not continue to the upper overlooks, our puppy was a bit tired so we headed back. Overall a great day trip for those experienced hikers, and those of us who are not! Just be advised, you cannot see the falls unless you walk, and it is not handicap accessible.

Marsha S — Google review

What a great hike! If you just hit the trail right out of the visitors center (which happens to have a wonderful gift shop), a well maintained trail leads you to the top of the waterfalls.There is a gorgeous view of two small twin falls that flows down to a twisty whitewater larger drop.There is large area for getting pictures and enjoying the view without being crowded.Keep following the trail to two more views of the other side of the falls. Both are really stunning. They'd be beautiful even without the waterfall.At the last view, the blue hiking trails is to the side and is easy to miss. It is rated as difficult and that is correct. Don't go unless you are up for some serious climbing on very steep rugged terrain.If you do go, you'll be rewarded with a deserted trail and a beautiful view of the waterfall at the bottom.I only suggest the blue trail of you are wearing the right shoes, are ready to get dirty, and are physically fit.GORGEOUS!

Jody R — Google review

Very beautiful hike to see two waterfalls. The parking at the visitor center is easy to access and there are bathrooms. There are a few different access points to view the waterfalls along the trail. You can spend as much time as you’d like here. The first access point to see the waterfall is probably 15-20 mins walk from the parking lot and the other access points to see the larger waterfall are a little further. All in all, my family spent about 2 hours here

Sarah B — Google review

Linville Falls is a beautiful place. The Visitor Center is a great welcome spot, situated at the end of the parking lot and at the starting spot for three trails to the falls.Most of the visitors we talked with upon our arrival said that they did all three trails that day. We were arriving in the late afternoon, so we consulted with the park employees at the visitor center. They were very knowledgeable and helped us to decide on one trail for the day. We chose GREEN because it had three different views of the falls. The Upper Falls View allowed us to get close to the water; Erwin's View was the full falls as seen from a distance. We were hiked out and it was getting close to sunset so we did not go to the third view.The Visitor Center was close to closing when we arrived, so we did some souvenir shopping before hiking. In addition to souvenirs, they have snacks and drinks, maps, hiking supplies, and for anyone who collects stamps or coins of the various parks, those are available, too. It's a small shop but well stocked.Just across from the Visitor Center are restrooms which were still open when we returned from our hike, long after the Visitor Center had closed.Another perk of the Linville Falls Visitor Center is that it is right off of The Blue Ridge Parkway, my all-time favorite road in the US.Buying tickets before? Free admission; no tickets needed.

Martha S — Google review

The thing that jumps to mind is how relatively easy it is to get to the main view point of the amazing falls 🏞️🏞️🏞️🏞️The visiting center was closed and it definitely needed remodeling. 🥴There was some outside restrooms that did the job 🚻🚻🚻🧻🧻🧻🚽🚽🚽, lets leave at that 😂.The hike is short and easy which always great to find. 👍👍👍👍The place is FREE, which always a star ⭐ in my book. ♥️I would definitely recommend it if you driving along side Blue Ridge Parkway as it will probably take you less than an hour to complete the whole thing 👍👍👍👍🌄🌄🌄🌄⭐⭐⭐⭐

Zwawe X — Google review

This was a great hike! We had beginners with us and they were able to complete the hike without a problem. The views were amazing, especially with the leaves changing for fall, and there was enough space to walk, even with it being pretty busy. There was not a lot of phone service once you get close to the mountain, so make sure you pay attention to directions for when you are leaving!

Rae R — Google review

Short, sometimes steep, hike to three different views of the falls. You can also hike down into the bowl and see the falls from the bottom. Plenty of parking even on a perfect Saturday afternoon. Restrooms and gift shop at the trail head. Free!

Matt B — Google review

The Falls are about a mile walk from the parking lot. It's almost straight up in elevation to get there so you have to be in good walking condition to take the walk to the Falls. Once you get there it is really worth the walk because the scenery is incredible.

Jake H — Google review

heading down Linville falls, The trail is a little tough heading down but it might be even harder on the way up, made it to the bottom base and it's amazing such an incredible waterfall and the gorge is just splendid, really a truly gem.The parking is big and there are restrooms at the park, There are several trails that will give you a nice view of the waterfall but we decided to do the trail that leads to the bottom of the falls for a close encounter, have a wonderful day and stay safe.

Sal T — Google review

Great place to visit if you like hiking through the mountains and waterfalls. There are 3 major trails with 2 being at the Welcome Center. There are Park rangers to answer questions if needed. The trail to the right takes you across a bridge over the Linville River and is around 2.4 miles round trip and 4 different views of Linville Falls, which was flowing well because of recent rain. The trail to the left of the Welcome Center takes you to the right of Linville Falls and a great view right across from the fall. It's the plunge basin where the waterfall pours over the cliff into a large pond. This trail is 1 mile in and out. There also is a small 10' waterfall, Duggers Creek Falls, on a trail that is only .2 of a mile in and out at the end of the parking lot, which is where you enter the parking lot. The trail takes you to a bridge and gives you a good view.

Praypeacejerusalem — Google review

Awesome views and pretty easy hike. My 75yr old father in law and 77yr old mother in law were able to complete it with no problem. Great for families

Rashaad K — Google review

We absolutely loved this place. It is a very easy, simple walk to the falls. Honestly almost anyone can reach it. They have a large flat pathway almost all the way, and it's only about 1/2 mile.It has stunning fall colors along the route and beautiful photos to be taken. A quick and easy must to everyone in the area!P.S.We saw many elderly make it to the falls, so all those questioning themselves, you can do it!

Caleb K — Google review

Came here purely for the falls, up close and from a nearby overlook, both impressive! Easy and fairly short trail to the stream access, a little longer trail up to the overlook. Main trail will branch a few times, the 2nd instance is most important as it takes you left to the river itself, veer right to climb the slightly more strenuous gorge trail. You will not get an idea of the extent of the falls til you see it from the gorge overlook, but seeing the river as it winds into the gorge from the top was pretty cool too.

Shara M — Google review

Nice waterfall. 2 ways to go. Tougher to left is nicer view on base of waterfall. Cooler in small cave type area by waterfall. Have to climb rocks. Moderate hike.

Jeff — Google review

Beautiful scenery, moderate hikes and friendly staff! Sheryl and Trevor were super helpful. Bathrooms and rv parking…Thank you from your Arizona friends 😎🙏😇

Joseph R — Google review

So the visitor center is closed, but it's a great spot to get it and hike under the Linville Viaduct. There's a 3 mile or so hike up to the top of the mountain where you can see some amazing views!

Chad B — Google review

Great spot, pretty easy trails to the top. Glad I got there early because it did get crowded by noon.

Roger G — Google review

We enjoyed this hike. The dogs were able to do the challenging parts down to the beach area. There were several down trees and wet spots but overall not too bad. A little steep.

Sara J — Google review

The view of the falls from three different angles were beautiful though we could not access to the waterfall from the bottom. We hiked from Visitor Center, there are 3 hikes easy, moderate and difficult, map has been displayed at the entrance. We saw chimney view, Erwin view etc from the overlooks. There are stairs and unpaved trails. Restroom and gift shop are at the entrance. Plenty of parking were available at the weekend.

Chanchal — Google review

Nice short path up to multiple viewpoints of the falls. Clean visitor center with nice staff.

LarryS — Google review

Beautiful place! The Ranger did a great job teaching us about the falls and left us better prepared to have a fun, safe adventure!

Tazz D — Google review

Great uphill hike with several different view areas of the falls as you climb up to the top of the trail. Great little gift shop in the visitor center.

Melissa R — Google review

So to help others with the same question I had...if you are going to the main 3 overlooks, from the visitor center to the first Lookout is pretty much a slight up hill walk on a gravel path. The other 2 lookouts after that are more hiking, pretty steep uphill, lots of rocks and roots. But when you get to the top the view is worth it. Very glad to have finally gone!

Bobby F — Google review

At the visitor center, you can hike to both side of the gorge. Plunge basin is harder trail than the south side where overlook and upper falls is at.During warmer season, bathroom are open and there is a gift shop too.

FriedChicken — Google review

Great area for some gorgeous hiking and dog friendly trails. Decent fishing upstream from the visitor center also. Green trail is easy and well maintained. The red trail is wilderness and not recommended unless you're looking for a challenge. Parking area starts to fill up around 10am.

Chadwick D — Google review

The visitors center is the place to start the trails. There are 3 different trails you can take: easy, moderate and difficult. The easy one does not go to the falls, so really makes no sense to me. We took the moderate one and it was pretty difficult if you have any knee issues like I do. We did complete it and it was beautiful. The moderate trail also has a bunch of stairs so again if you have no physical issues, this trail would be a breeze. We brought our puppy and she was doing this trail better than most people including ourselves. Beautiful day out here.

Robin F — Google review

Very helpful staff. Beautiful hikes but missed on due to a storm that suddenly came on us.

Gayle E — Google review

I love Linville Falls. Their visitor center is small but they have restrooms and ample parking. The hike is easy to moderate depending how far you want to go. Definitely worth seeing.

Dawn L — Google review

4.7

(1600)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (173)

4.5

(261)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (174)

Warrior Ln, Marion, NC 28657, USA

(828) 298-0398

30

E.B. Jeffress Park-The Cascades Trail

Hiking area

Outdoor Activities

Hiking Trails

Multiple hikes of varying levels. Great for kids and dogs with stamina to walk for 30 minutes at a time.Busy even for a weekday but in the height of leaf season. Super close to the blue ridge parkway.Park rangers are alway nice and give helpful advice.

Lindsey J — Google review

Beautiful waterfall.Under a half mile easy to moderate there and back trail only goes to the top of the falls right now; the lower trail to the bottom of the falls is closed.The park needs some maintenance on this trail with handrails, bathroom and signage.There are restrooms, but they are old, dirty and also need some updating. Maintenance scheduled for Fall of 2025.All in all worth the stop if you are already on the parkway, but not a destination.

Shari C — Google review

Beautiful park, easy walk in good weather. Some fairly challenging steps towards the bottom for anyone not well balanced. Nice water fall and overlooks.

Shannon K — Google review

Beautiful trail, stunning waterfall. The lower half is closed, but the upper half is very muddy, tread carefully.

Pi K — Google review

If your on the parkway and looking for a beautiful and not too long of a hike, you should check out the cascades. It's not too bad of a hike. Yes your going to have the overgrown roots and large steps but it's nature! 😆. With all the overlooks on the parkway, it sure is nice to have something a little different to check out. If your around the area go have a look and get back to me.

Daniel D — Google review

Bathroom facilities, easy to moderate trail, beautiful cascades and well worth the trip. Little less than a mile loop if you just go to the first cascade overlook. The trail to the bottom is currently closed.

Christy H — Google review

Very cool waterfall. You can only see it from the top as the former access to the bottom is closed. Short hike to the falls, but the hike back is all uphill. Free parking and small bathroom on site. Fun and scenic stop.

Robert C — Google review

It is right off the blue ridge parkway with plenty of parking. The trail is about a mile round trip and well marked. There are many landings and steps to see the waterfall. It is quite spectacular

Jim S — Google review

beautiful, easy hike. I believe it was a mile round trip to and from the falls. A loop that can be done either way from the start. Neat waterfall but amazing view right from the parking lot too.

Kip B — Google review

My 2yr old did this trail fine. The bottom part to see the waterfall is currently (7/4/23) closed but you can see the top part of it. Once getting to the top part it gets muddy. There are bathrooms at the beginning. Normally takes about 20mins to complete, about .8 of a mile length. No sidewalks, not good for wheelchairs. Does get bumpy, some steps. Don't forget your bug spray and if you packed it in, pack it out 🫶

Sarah — Google review

Awesome little waterfall trail. Can't really get a good look from below the fall if you stay on the trail like you're supposed to. Has plenty of steps near the bottom so not handicap or disable friendly. Definitely worth hiking to.

Luke — Google review

Definitely easy hike... short, but splendid views.... some routed were closed, but that's okay because the waterfall makes up for that! Any age can do this trail, along with if you have lunch, they have picnic tables for your convenience.

Jamie L — Google review

Nice, peaceful hike beside a creek that leads to an amazing cascade! I don’t recommend wheel chairs or walkers due to the tree stumps and the stairs near the cascades. Restrooms at trailhead at parking lot, not sure if they were clean or not as we didn’t need to use them. Park was very clean and the trail was very well maintained! Lots of mushrooms along the trail 🍄 Loved the log footbridges!

Dawn W — Google review

Very great park right off the parkway. We did both trails. The one trail on the right side of the parking lot is easy for all age groups. The trail leads to the replica of past homesteads. The trail to the left of the parking lot is slightly more challenging but still doable for .out age groups. The trail leads to the Cascades, an incredible waterfall. Though its difficult to see the entire waterfall because of the trees, it's still completely breathtaking. Definitely a wonderful stop!!!

Amanda W — Google review

4.7

(787)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (175)

4.5

(155)32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (176)

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 272.5, Purlear, NC 28665, USA

32 Best Stops Between Columbia and Boone (2024)
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