CCR Fence

The US National Whitewater Center gives you that much-needed shot of adrenaline with their variety of outdoor adventures and attractions like rafting, kayaking, and paddling. If you prefer to stay dry, there's more outdoor adventures available like rock climbing, mountain biking and climbing your way around various rope courses. You'll definitely work up an appetite with all this brisk activity, so stop in for one of the healthy menu items at the River's Edge Bar and Grill that's on the premises and offers a great place to refuel before continuing your adventures.

Numerous natural adventures await at the Charlotte Nature Museum . Instead of "don't touch," the phrase of choice at this highly popular family venue is "hands-on"! These inviting surroundings make learning about nature fun, and the museum does an excellent job with various exhibits like the Great Hall that outlines the life cycles of various species. Other popular attractions are the Creature Cavern that spotlight animals indigenous to the Carolinas; the kids will also be fascinated by Insect Alley and Butterfly Pavilion as well as the various fun that awaits outside on the Paw Paw Nature Trail.

The Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte's art district offers an always-impressive schedule of events that will appeal to fans of every kind of performance. From alternative rock shows to acoustic coffee-house type acts to fashion shows, local audiences know that if it's something edgy and theatrical, it can be found on the Neighborhood Theatre's well-worn stage. The venue's entertainment schedule is quite busy, so check their website regularly for updates and the latest ticket information.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival allows you to travel to a time when court jesters made everyone laugh instead of sitcoms, the crowd watched knights jousting against one another instead of football games, and it was actually acceptable to eat with your hands instead of using silverware. All of those activities are still possible, thanks to this festival that offers plenty to discover, like Old World arts and crafts, delicious turkey legs and plenty of fun and games. Also, several festival goers dress the part, so feel free to join in!