Caryl Mechanicals

Charlotte's Festival in the Park takes place every September in Freedom Park and offers locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the spirit of the city in a variety of ways. There's live music, great food, and a large selection of arts and crafts created by local artisans that truly capture the spirit of the area. There are also several displays of art from local, regional and even nationally recognized talents. Just be prepared for a long walk into the park, as parking spaces are at a premium and often the only one you'll find is relatively far away - just look at the walk as a chance to enjoy the scenery and bond with fellow festival-goers.

Hit the lanes at Strike City, the best place for bowling and fun in Charlotte. Strike City is much more than just a bowling alley. There's a great restaurant with all your favorites like burgers, sandwiches and nachos, just to name a few. There's also a sports bar area with several eye-popping flat screen televisions to ensure that you won't miss a minute of the big game. And of course, the state-of-the-art bowling lanes are always in pristine condition and keep track of your score digitally. You won't strike out on a good time when you head to Strike City!

Let your love of nature take flight at the Wing Haven Foundation Gardens and Bird Sanctuary. This awe-inspiring garden was built back in the late 1920s and it continues to provide solace and comfort through its incredible variety of foliage that comprises these lush gardens. You'll also find various rare and regional bird species, so don't forget to bring your binoculars. Guided tours through this outdoor oasis are available every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.