Best Museums in Lake Norman

"For an in-depth look at Charlotte's history, head to the Levine Museum of the New South. The museum's permanent exhibits explore the history and culture of the South from the Civil War to today, including the award-winning "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Reinventing Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South." The exhibit includes more than 1,000 artifacts, images, and oral histories as well as interactive displays like a sit-in lunch counter and a one-room tenant farmer's home. During the week, the museum validates parking for two hours for visitors using the Seventh Street Station parking deck."

"While you’re in the area, if you love history, we suggest visiting the Levine Museum of the New South, which follows the history of the South after the Civil War with a focus on Charlotte and the surrounding Carolina Piedmont. If you prefer art, check out the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Sozo Gallery or Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture."

"With an 8,000-square-foot exhibit, "Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South," as a jumping-off…"

"Another museum that should be on your radar is the iconic Bechtler, which houses art from some of the world’s most renowned artists including Picasso, Warhol, and Giacometti. You might be lucky enough to find your new favorite painting hanging here, especially as many of the works have been held in private collections for generations, and are often viewed here by the public for the first time. Like the Mint, the building itself has architectural significance, and was designed by the great Swiss architect Mario Botta."

"The best art museums are those that were artistically designed themselves, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art was designed by the eminent architect Mario Botta to be both impressive and intimate. Hear expertly played jazz by Ziad Jazz Quartet and guest performers, learn about the devoted collection the Bechtler family maintained, or see a range of historical and intellectual art pieces. Featured artists include legends like Miró, Giacometti, Calder, Warhol, and more 20th-century greats."

"The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, is a premier modern art museum with architecture to match. A unique terra-cotta structure framed by glass and concrete, the four-story building has a soaring glass atrium that extends siphons in natural light. Works by Miro, Giacometti, Calder, Warhol, Klee, and Picasso fill the museum, with media encompassing sculpture, paintings, drawings, and even tapestries."

"Formerly referred to as the Afro-American Cultural Center, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte was renamed after Harvey Gantt. The center has a rich history of African and American struggle in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harvey Gantt is the city’s first African-American mayor, a well-respected community leader, businessman, and the first African-American student at Clemson University."

"The Harvey B. Gantt Center celebrates African-American culture through visual art, music, dance, theater, and film. It is located in the heart of Charlotte’s business district, alongside other institutions that form the Levine Center For The Arts. In an area that was once the hub of the black community, this stylish new building exhibits works that explore issues relevant to this particular community."

"Celebrate African and African-American culture at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture. In addition to a permanent collection of inspiring works by notable African-American artists, the center also offers a diverse cultural program of music, dance, and theater performances, film screenings, lecures, and workshops.More"

"Imagine giving your children the opportunity to learn all about the fascinating world of raptors. At the Carolina Raptor Center children can experience close encounters of the raptor kind as they follow the Raptor Trail to meet and greet a variety of impressive falcons, eagles, vultures and hawks. Your children will have fun observing the birds at close range and not even realize how much they are learning about raptors and the important part they play in the wilds."

"Carolina Raptor Center is a charitable non-profit organization that relies on public financial support. Next, this company has a wide park that provides bird watches and other animal enclosures. Also, this company is reputable for releasing 1,00 birds a year, conserving the state’s biodiversity and environmental attractions."

"A pleasant woodland stroll within the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve leads past aviaries holding predatory birds that have suffered injuries – you may come across volunteers taking a vulture for a walk."

"This Uptown museum is another who offers free admission year round. Pop in and learn about gold mining in North Carolina Tuesday through Saturday from 9 A.M."

"For a great day of educational family fun you can take your children to meet the residents of Discovery Place, the Charlotte Nature Museum. Here young visitors can meet and touch a variety of animals they would not normally come across at the Live Animal Encounter. Other popular attractions include Insect Alley, Our Big Backyard and Fort Wild, where children are encouraged to use their imagination."

"Formerly the Charlotte Nature Museum, the Discovery Place Nature is a museum to explore nature including both plants and animals. Take the Paw Paw Nature Trail to learn more about all the native flora and fauna. The Creature Cavern is home to many different animals that you can see up close like opossums, turtles, snakes, and more."

"Come visit us and observe live animals in Creature Cavern, buzz by Insect Alley, hang out in our Big ..."

"A post shared by WeLoveCLT (@weloveclt) on Apr 12, 2016 at 9:07am PDT. ImaginOn is a 102,000-square-foot facility dedicated to getting children involved in education, the arts, culture and multimedia. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte came to together to create this resource for children that includes two state-of-the-art theatres, a dedicated library space for kids 11 and under, four multi-use classrooms, a teen-only library, a multimedia production studio and interactive exhibit space in order to create this cultural hub for children of all ages."

"ImaginOn (the Joe and Joan Martin Center) is located in the heart of Charlotte’s culture and art district where it offers a unique space for young people to learn about art and culture. The center includes an enormous children’s library, two remarkable theatres, class rooms, a production studio and an exhibition space. The Spangler Library for Children caters for your children from birth to fifth grade, with a special baby and toddler area and hands-on activities for all ages."

"Home of the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn also serves as a fabulous open air and fun library with attractions that all the kids can enjoy. There is so much to keep your children occupied, from board games, a puppet center, Lego playing area, magnetic poetry wall, touch screens for the little ones, and much more besides. In fact, a great place for the kids to let their imagination run free!"

"Davidson St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the inexpensive brewery 4.5 stars out of 147 reviews. What should you expect here?. In terms of signature items, "At Birdsong Brewing we provide quality, unfiltered craft beer for your drinking pleasure," it states on Yelp in the section about specialties."

"A post shared by Birdsong Brewing Company (@birdsongbrewing). Started by a husband-and-wife team and a brewer friend back in 2011, Birdsong in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood has expanded substantially since. Today, this lively spot is known for their jalapeño pale ale and a variety of seasonal offerings."

"Co-founder Chris Goulet started Birdsong Brewing in 2010 because he thought Charlotte needed a small neighborhood brewery where locals could stop by for a fresh pint, and take a growler home for later. Use their beer finder to see where your favorite craft brews are on tap in the Matthews area."

"Protagonist has two locations now, one in NoDa and another in South End. Their NoDa location is considered a nano-brewery, with small batch tastes on tap alongside offerings from their own favorite local breweries. An added bonus at the South End location is the fact that they have an excellent pizza program going."

"Check their Instagram for information on a weekly beer and movie pairing, as well as their virtual movie trivia. The winner gets a $50 gift card."

"At Rockin’ Rolls, guests can choose from over 50 menu items that pass by each table on a conveyor belt. The eatery has appetizers like shrimp shumai, raw sushi and specialty rolls at their all-you-can-eat feast, which costs just $15."

"Not only does Deejai Thai have some of the best Thai food in Charlotte, an adorable patio and a casual vibe, it also features traditional and specialty sushi rolls on the menu. Keep it simple with a Rainbow Roll, or if you’re looking for a more filling option, try the Lobster Roll featuring lobster tempura and avocado. Maybe even add an order of Drunken Noodles or Duck Curry because you can."

"Located at 613 Providence Road, the sushi bar and Thai and Asian fusion spot is the highest-rated sushi spot in Charlotte, boasting four stars out of 277 reviews on Yelp."

"The Providence Road location is offering free delivery within a five-mile radius and a $40 minimum. Order through their website or call 704-333-7884"