The Queen City makes a great jumping off point for a day trip or weekend getaway to these nearby attractions.

There’s plenty to do in North Carolina’s largest city, to be sure – just take your pick from Charlotte’s museums, craft breweries, nightlife and more. But the Queen City also makes a great jumping off point for a day trip or weekend getaway.

CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Crowders Mountain and Kings Pinnacle are remnants of an ancient mountain range. At an elevation of 1,625 feet, Crowders Mountain is a registered natural heritage area that features sheer vertical cliffs ranging from 100 to 150 feet in height. Kings Pinnacle, by contrast, has a round, gentle profile and reaches an elevation of 1,705 feet. The 5,000-plus-acre park is a favorite place for nature-watching, camping, hiking, rock climbing and picnics, with a lake perfect for canoeing and fishing.

DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN

More than 380 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands, and lakefront property make up a botanical paradise that features large manicured gardens and natural areas, including a woodland trail and collection of fountains. The Orchid Conservatory is the region’s only public conservatory devoted to the display of tropical plants that enable visitors to learn about tropical ecosystems around the world.

As seen on Visit NC

Author: Gary Carter Gary Carter is an Asheville-based writer who covers a range of topics for magazines, online publications and blogs.