• Daniel Stowe Botanical GardensPhoto by Robert Nunnally

While The Source Realty Group believes this list to be a great introduction to attractions in the Charlotte Metro Area’, it is by no means comprehensive. Please let us know if you discover anything you think should be included here!

Anne Springs Close Greenway
A protected natural area of 2,300 acres includes 32 miles of trails, a nature center and a 35-acre reservoir for fishing. 1600 U.S. 21 Bypass, Fort Mill. 803-547-1003. www.leroysprings.com/Greenway.html.

Backing Up Classics
A classic car museum near Lowe’s Motor Speedway. 4545 U.S. 29, Concord. 704-788-9500. www.backingupclassics.com.

Bank of America Stadium
The home of the Carolina Panthers, this stadium is an Uptown landmark. Tours are conducted each Wednesday and group tours can be scheduled during the week. 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte. 704-358-7000. www.panthers.com/stadium.

Billy Graham Library
This complex features a library with exhibits, the Graham family homeplace, a bookstore and a café. 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte. 704.401.3200. www.billygraham.org/BGLibrary_Index.asp.

Bojangles Coliseum
This venue seats 10,500 and hosts popular music concerts and other special events. 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. 704.372.3600. www.bojanglescoliseum.com.

Carolina Raptor Center
Birds of prey are the focus at this center, located at Latta Plantation Park. 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-6521. www.carolinaraptorcenter.org.

Catawba Cultural Center
The culture of the Catawba Nation is preserved at this center, located on the Catawba Reservation. 1536 Tom Steven Road, Rock Hill. 803-328-2427. www.ccppcrafts.com.

Charlotte Motor Speedway
Take a tour of the speedway that includes pit road and the garage area. On days when the track isn’t in use, you can also ride around the 1.5-mile oval. 5555 Concord Pwky. S., Concord. 704-455-3200. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite
The oldest home in Charlotte is featured on this site, as well as the Charlotte Museum of History. 3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte. 704-568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
These gardens feature flowers, native plants, fountains and trails and encompass 110 acres. DSBG also hosts special events. 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. www.dsbg.org.

Discovery Place
This is a hands on science and technology museum with special exhibits, discovery halls, an aquarium, the Charlotte Observer IMAX® Dome Theatre, the Challenger Learning Center, an aquarium and KidsPlace toddler room. 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.

Historic Rosedale
Once part of a 911-acre plantation this historic home is open for visitors. 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-335-0325. http://libweb.uncc.edu/archives/crhc/rosedale.htm.

ImaginOn Center
a collaboration between the Public Library and the Children’s Theatre is an exciting and educational facility for children and teens. Kids can enjoy a hands on experience with drama, music and literature. 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-376-5745. www.imagineon.org.

Latta Place
An 1800s era home in Latta Plantation Park. 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville. 704-875-2312. www.lattaplantation.org.

McDowell Nature Center
Kids enjoy learning about nature at this education center and the surrounding 1,108-acre McDowell Park on Lake Wylie. 15222 York Road, Charlotte. 704-588-5224. www.parkandrec.com.

Mooresville Racers’ Shops
Mooresville is home to many NASCAR racing teams and fans, all of whom are invited to tour the racing shops . For locations visit the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Museum of the Waxhaws/Andrew Jackson Memorial
President Andrew Jackson grew up near here. 8215 Waxhaw Hwy. (N.C. 75 East), Waxhaw. 704-843-1832. www.perigee.net/~mwaxhaw.

Museum of York County
Films, planetarium, art galleries, nature trail land exhibits including more than 200 mounted African animals. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-2121. www.yorkcounty.org.

Nature Museum
Next to Freedom Park, this urban science center exhibits animals and plants of the Piedmont and includes a butterfly garden. 1658 Sterling Road, Charlotte. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.

NASCAR Hall of Fame
Opened in May 2010 this state of the art facility honors the history and heritage of NASCAR. 501 S. College St. Charlotte (704)654-4400 www.nascarhall.com

Ovens Auditorium
This auditorium hosts music concerts, comedy ,theatrical productions and other special events throughout the year. 2700 Independence Blvd., Charlotte. 704.372.3600. www.ovensauditorium.com.

Paramount’s Carowinds
Visitors of all ages will enjoy this amusement park that also includes a water park and open air concert venue. 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte. 704-588-2600. www.carowinds.com.

James K. Polk Memorial
A memorial honoring the nation’s 11th president, who was born here in 1795. 308 S. Polk Street, Pineville. 704-889-7145. www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/polk/polk.htm.

Reed’s Gold Mine
Cabarrus County was the site of the nation’s first authenticated gold find. 9621 Reed Mine Road, Stanfield. 704-721-4653. www.itpi.dpi.state.nc.us/reed.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
There are three separate gardens: the Van Landingham Glen, a rhododendron garden; the Susie Harwood Garden, with year-round displays; and the McMillan Greenhouse, which includes a rain forest and orchids. UNC Charlotte, 9201 University Blvd., Charlotte. 704-687-2364. http://gardens.uncc.edu.

US National Whitewater Center
This rafting and kayaking facility is great fun for both experienced and beginner water sport enthusiasts. The park features a multi-channeled whitewater river as well as trails, a camping area and a climbing center. 820 Hawfield Road, Charlotte. 704.391.3900. www.usnwc.org.

Wing Haven
A garden and bird sanctuary in Myers Park. 248 Ridgewood Ave., Charlotte. 704-331-0664. www.winghavengardens.com.