The 10 ultimate day trips from Charlotte to fill your next lazy weekend

Our guide to the best things to do in Charleston describes it as “one of America’s most atmospheric and inviting cities,” which is just simply a true statement. A trip to Charleston is also something of a choose-your-own-adventure. It can be all about the vibrant restaurant scene. Or a journey into the past of one of the continent’s most historic cities through its forts and architecture. Or even a beach vacation by venturing out into the coastal communities nearby. And yes, we already mentioned the Charleston restaurant scene once, but it’s worth saying again that this city seems to always be opening some new, exciting restaurant, justifying another trip this weekend.

Let’s put together a perfect Asheville day trip. For the more refined among us, it starts with coffee at a home of creative types, Farewell; continues with a leisurely tour of the Biltmore Estate; and then concludes at one of the country’s most lauded restaurants, chef Katie Button’s Cúrate. For the adventurous, it begins with breakfast at Taco Billy, followed by a strenuous trek up the multiple peaks of Black Balsam, flowing right into an adventure into the South Slope brewery scene and maybe burgers and cocktails at Buxton Hall Barbecue. A perfect day trip for anyone? Check.

While most places shut down for the thing-that-won’t-be-mentioned-again of 2020, Greenville trucked on like the “This is fine” dog in the burning house meme. What that means is Greenville’s already thriving downtown only got better these past few years, still full of bars and restaurants and enough hiking trails to exhaust any day-tripper. For a good journey around downtown, rent bikes or take a stroll through Falls Park, across Liberty Bridge and down the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Before heading back to Charlotte, journey down into the basement restaurant Trappe Door, which feels and tastes like a trip to Belgium.

Lake Norman's 500 miles of shoreline is reachable within well under an hour from anywhere in the Charlotte metro. The lake twists and curves into hundreds of tiny coves, mostly all dotted with well-heeled homes and docks sporting the newest speedboats. Explore the lake with a rented kayak, or just take in the views of the water from the mountain bike trails twisting through Lake Norman State Park. There's exploring and shopping to do in villages clinging to the lakeside, like in downtown Mooresville and Birkdale Village, or check out the scene at Ghostface and Lost Words breweries.

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Billed as the "southeast's largest outdoor playground," CAW spreads out on 2,600 acres, with 100 miles of trails for dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides. There are lots of spots to find your inner outdoorsman, including a 300-foot drag strip, rock crawls and a banked oval track. Oh, and if you want a story to tell when you go back to work at the bank on Monday, seek out one of the mud bogs: pits of soupy water as thick as molten chocolate and as deep as—well, you won’t know until you are two wheels in. Remember: when in doubt, give it gas.

Unlike Charleston and Savannah, Wilmington remains lesser known to those outside the Carolinas. And that's just fine. Because it means you won't be competing with tour groups while strolling the 230 blocks of its historic district, shaded by moss-draped oaks and full of architectural styles that span a couple of centuries. Just to the east is the charming village of Wrightsville Beach, with some of the East Coast’s best surfing.

There may be lots of reasons to head toward the South Carolina state line for a day trip to the Carowinds amusement park. But let’s talk about just one, the reason that brings in all the coaster enthusiasts (yup, that’s what they’re called). It’s the Fury 325, the longest and fastest steel roller coaster on the continent. It rises, rumbling along ominously, up to 325 feet, taller than the Statue of Liberty. From that perch high up in the Carolina-blue sky, it drops, steeply, quickly, at a stomach-lurching 81 degrees, nearly straight down. Thrill-seekers, speed junkies, or just plain coaster enthusiasts know this moment is where life begins, that quick plummet from a spot up high into whatever waits at the end of Fury 325.

From Charlotte, it's just over 30 minutes to the hiking trails that wind their way through Crowders Mountain State Park. The trails take the casual day-trippers through old-growth forests full of songbirds, or they can lead the hard-chargers up two difficult peaks or to rock climbing and bouldering sites. For those willing to make the trek up the twin mountains, Pinnacle and Crowders, panoramic views wait and stretch 25 miles out across the Carolina Piedmont.

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Phil and Dianne Nordan began planting rows of the Carolina native muscadine grapes in 2005 and have kept the vineyard organic ever since, even as they expanded to Carlos and Noble grapes. That combination of the unique grapes and natural growing environment means a distinct flavor to the wines of Treehouse Vineyards. And while some wine snobs may not appreciate that terroir, it would be hard not to fall for the setting, a popular spot nowadays for weddings and adventures into the North Carolina countryside.

The Triangle is well known to Charlotteans, considering many go back to relive their college days. For the regulars, they know coming here doesn’t have to be about frat-level beer bars and basketball, considering the area is now home to five-star hotels like the Umstead Hotel & Spa and a vibrant dining scene that includes spots such as Glori, The Waiting Room and East End Bistrot.