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From major league baseball to modern art, Charlotte, North Carolina is a never-ending source of entertainment and inspiration. That kind of energy can be a delight to the senses, but can also lead to overload.

For a relaxing reset to combat the frazzled or frenetic pace of the city, strike out on any of these six day trips from the Queen City.

Exterior shot of an elegant home, Belmont, NC  USA
Enjoy small a small-town vibe in the historic city of Belmont 漏 J. Michael Jones / Getty Images

Belmont

Why go? To enjoy a dose of small-town simplicity

The city of Belmont has a Norman Rockwell-esque feel and makes for an ideal last-minute trip. Located about 25 minutes from Charlotte, Belmont鈥檚 downtown is only a few blocks long so you鈥檙e safe from decision-overload.

Get that classic English pub feel at on Catawba Street. Unwind as the kiddies run wild at on Main Street or indulge on a Nutter Butter shake at . If there鈥檚 still time to kill, browse the crowded shelves of secondhand treasures at Piccolo Antiques.

How to get to Belmont from Charlotte: By car, jump on 85 South for 15 miles. Take Exit 27 and turn onto NC-273 South until you reach Main Street. Alternatively, hop aboard a Route 4 CAT bus (adult single-fares start around US$2) to Abbey Square in Belmont.

Statesville

Why go? It鈥檚 the 鈥渂allooning capital鈥 of the country

Hot-air ballooning is the name of the game in Statesville, located about 45 minutes from Charlotte. The season runs 365 days a year. Reserve a romantic sunset ride and see the Piedmont region of North Carolina from new heights. Save time for a visit to for a guided tour and bourbon tasting.

Once the taste buds are primed, satisfy your appetite with down-home American fare from on South Center Street. Go ahead and put in an order of the stuffed Portobello mushrooms while you decide on your main dish.

How to get to Statesville from Charlotte: Take I-77 North out of town for roughly 40 miles. Look for exit 49B and Salisbury Road to lead you in the direction of the historic district.

A 13 seater pedal-powered touring vehicle transports tourists around town, with stops at pubs en route - Asheville, USA
A pedal-powered touring vehicle taking tourists around Asheville, stopping at pubs en route 漏 J. Michael Jones / Shutterstock

Asheville

Why go? For a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

You can鈥檛 drive all 500 miles on this iconic byway but you can stop at interesting points like the Folk Art Center or .

If you decide to tour Asheville, pick one neighborhood like Montford or the River Arts District, and spend your time there.

While the city has always had a killer food scene, more diverse culinary options have been opening up around town. A short distance from downtown, in trendy South Slope, is a brand new place highlighting Latin American dishes.

From there, walk to any of the 10 breweries in the district like , or Burial Beer.

How to get to Asheville from Charlotte: The most direct route is via Interstate 40 but you鈥檒l leave Charlotte by way of I-85 to 321. Once you鈥檙e in Asheville, follow the signs to enter the BRP from any of its access points. Greyhound does offer round-trip service. It takes about three hours and fares start around US$50.

Beech Mountain

Why go? Ski the slopes

If you fancy a few runs, you can get to the snow in a matter of hours. The Beech Mountain resort is about two and a half hours from Charlotte and offers an array of lodging, some spots just minutes from the ski lift.

Not a skier but still want to do some exploring? Visit the theme park for an under-the-radar attraction that鈥檚 unlike anything else in the state. It鈥檚 been around since the 1970s but went defunct for years due to neglect and lack of funding.

Its abandoned ruins in the middle of the woods added to its eerie, oddball mystique and eventually a growing interest led to its reopening. Now, it hosts sold-out shows and Autumn at Oz, the world鈥檚 largest Wizard of Oz festival.

How to get to Beech Mountain from Charlotte: Take 85 South to 321 until you get to I-40. Head east and around Morganton you鈥檒l jump on NC-181. Follow that, heading north, as it winds up into the mountains.

Best time to visit Charlotte

Wilson

Why go? To find out what a 鈥渨hirligig鈥 is

is worth the three-hour drive from Charlotte and there鈥檚 no cost to view the whimsical, wind-powered sculptures. The colorful, metallic folk art looks like a small-scale cross between a carnival ride and a cell tower and the pieces are all the more intriguing when you see them in person.

Check the park鈥檚 for activities and the yearly festival. The Electric Light Fantasy laser show during the holiday season is worth checking out as is the local food truck round-up Beats and Eats.

How to get to Wilson from Charlotte: Take 85-N to 40-E. On the other side of Raleigh, you鈥檒l catch 264-E to NC-1163 into Wilson.

Lights wrapped around tress at riverfront district, Wilmington
If you can spare the time, plan an overnight stay at the seaside city of Wilmington 漏 Getty Images

Wilmington

Why go? Because the beach is calling

At four hours, a visit to Wilmington is a stretch. But, it鈥檚 the coast and there鈥檚 no respite quite like the sea, so if you have the time make this one an overnighter.

Carolina Beach鈥檚 boardwalk is home to the ultra-popular . Bobby Nivens has owned the donut shop for nearly 50 years (though the shop originally opened in 1939). Be ready for long lines and don鈥檛 bother asking what flavors they make 鈥 Britt鈥檚 only serves glazed donuts.

At Wrightsville Beach, get deep into the marshy waterways with a SUP rental or fish for flounder from historic Johnnie Mercer鈥檚 pier. Upscale dining abounds with restaurants such as , , and the . The more casual is a popular favorite for Panamanian fare and colorful cocktails.

How to get to Wilmington from Charlotte: It鈥檚 an easy 200 miles on Interstate 74 E until you reach Highway 17. Follow signs to Wrightsville Beach or take 421 South towards Carolina Beach.

You might also like:
The 7 best Charlotte neighborhoods for walking, art hopping and luxury shopping
Charlotte rising: Why sports fans and thrill seekers flock to the Queen City
10 free or cheap things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina

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