In an ‘up and coming’ city like Charlotte, North Carolina, it can be hard to keep your wallet from dwindling. Though the city is an affordable place to plant your roots, the amount of activities, events, and restaurants, means you might blow through your paycheck quicker than you want. Luckily, there is no need to always shell out the big bucks to stay entertained in this southern city.
When brewery hopping and fine-dining starts to put a dent in your wallet, grab this list of things to do in Charlotte that are free (or very cheap).
Have a Picnic at the Charlotte Airport Park Overlook
Pack yourself a lunch and head to the airport! The park overlooking the airport is a great spot to watch planes land and take off. Get an airplane tracker app on your phone and see where all the planes are off to!
Watch the Sunrise from the Top of a Parking Garage
The parking garage at CPCC is an excellent place to watch the city of Charlotte come to life. The sun rises behind you, making the color change of the skyline pretty neat.
Take a Nature Walk in Reedy Creek Park & Nature Center
With over ten miles of nature trails, both gravel and natural, you can spend hours meandering through the woods of this park. The trails are easy to navigate and well marked, just choose a route and get moving. You will forget that you are only 15 minutes from downtown Charlotte!
Go for a Run in Freedom Park
One of the most peaceful green spaces in Charlotte, Freedom Park has paved trails that wind around ponds, fields, and trees. The park is connected to Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a 2.88 mile shaded path—perfect for an out-and-back run.
Get a History Lesson on the Charlotte Liberty Walk
This is a DIY guided walk through the uptown area of the city, highlighting some of the notable places during the Revolutionary War. Grab a copy of the map from the Visitors Center (or download it to your phone) and head off on the walk. It should take you about an hour.
Enjoy Yoga and a Beer with Yoga on Tap
Every Tuesday night from 6:30-7:30, Old Mecklenberg Brewery hosts Yoga on Tap. A yoga class + community event where $5 gets you the class and a beer.
Visit the President James K. Polk Historic Site
If you are after a bit of history, head over to the former house of the 11th President of the USA. This is the childhood home of the often overlooked president. The short tour will take you through the two cabins, plus show you a movie about his life. It’s a nice site worth stopping for if you’re a history buff.
Explore Charlotte’s Oldest Cemetery
The Elmwood Cemetery, established in 1768, is home to some notable Revolutionary War veterans including Colonel Thomas Polk and Major General George Graham. It’s a small and well-maintained space filled with history.
Check Out All the Public Art
From giant sculptures to street murals, there is no shortage of public art to discover in Charlotte. It’s so abundant in uptown, it is part of the scenery. Download this walking tour brochure and try to spot all of the art.
Chow Down on Cheap Food at ‘Happy Hour’
Sadly, the city of Charlotte is not allowed to have happy hour drink specials (I know, crazy!). What many restaurants do have to entice you is food specials between 4 and 7. You cannot pass up some of these deals, all under $5:
· 8oz burger at Brio Tuscan Grille
· Duck Fat Popcorn at the Wooden Vine
· Mac and Cheese at Georges Brasserie
· Candied Bacon Ice Cream Cookie at Crave Dessert Bar
Tour the NoDa Brewery
Stop by this small-batch Charlotte Brewery for a free 45-minute tour. You will learn all about the hops, grains, and malts that make the brews. Samples aren’t included in the tour, but you can grab a 16oz pint for just $4. Tours happen Thursdays-Sundays, and sometimes you even can catch live music — for free!
Get a Workout in at STAX
No need to spend hundreds of dollars on a gym membership when you can work out for free every Monday and Wednesday at STAX. From 6:30-7:30, former NFL football player Randy Moss leads participants in an intense boot camp class.
Play With Your Dog
Enjoying some quality time with your pooch should always be free! Luckily, Charlotte is a dog friendly town where your furry BFF is welcome many places. If you need to get your dog out of the house check out these places to let your dog get some exercise.
[tweetthis]Lacking funds? Check out this list of things to do for #free (or cheap) in #Charlotte.[/tweetthis]
Whether you have zero dollars in your bank account, or a magical spare $20 bill, there is something to keep you amused in Charlotte. With these ideas, and some excellent life budgeting tips, your money may just stay in your pocket!
Considering a move to Charlotte? Check out these local apartment listings.