The Necessities

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!

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord sends guests through a 36,000 square foot interactive aquarium experience that brings you face-to-face with over 5,000 creatures including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses and much more! SEA LIFE transports visitors into the amazing underwater world. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything!

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.