The move to and the purchase of a home in Charlotte NC  is only the beginning of a wonderful and exciting new experience that awaits you in this fantastic city. Once thought of as a sleepy little community, Charlotte has grown into a city that will rival the biggest and best in the country. From the Charlotte Bobcats (our NBA team), to the Blumenthal Performing  Arts Theater to Discovery Place  Charlotte has something for everyone. 

            Therefore I have created a list of activities and places of interest that I am certain you will want to visit once you make the move to The Queen City. (Much of the information contained here comes from literature and websites provided by the individuals.)

Activities.

1)      Discovery Place: This is a hands on Museum that is sure to interest people of all ages. In the past Discovery place has hosted many of the largest of traveling exhibits including the Ramses ' exhibit.

                              For more  information go to discoveryplace    

2)      Levine Museum of the New South: The Levine Museum of the old South is an interactive history museum housing the nations  most comprehensive interpretation of Post-Civil War southern history. Through an award- winning exhibition and changing galleries, Levine Museum explores the meaning of the New South and tells the stories of people-men, woman and children, black and white, rich and poor, long-time residents and newcomers-who have reinvented and shaped the region since the end of the Civil War.

Admission is $6.00 for adults; $5.00 for seniors and students; $5.00 for children (6-18) and $17.00 for families.

For groups of 10 or more the fee is $4.00 each and children under 6 are free.

You may also purchase the Levine Museum membership which has many other benefits.

For more  information go to meseumofthenewsouth   

3)      Charlotte Antique and Collectibles show and Outdoor marketplace: For over 35 buyers have come from all over to visit and shop at this most interesting flee market. Located at the Metrolina fairgrounds in North Charlotte you can find just about anything, new or old, throughout the many acres of shops and displays.

Every show features a large selection of fine antiques and collectibles including furniture, accessories, lighting, architectural ceramics, pottery, glass, silver, rugs, linens, textiles, fine art, sculptures and much more.

Current show schedule for 2006 is as follows:

        Jan 5-8;  Feb 2-5;  March 2-5;  March 29-April 2; May 4-7; June 1-4; June 29-July2; August 3-6; August      31- Sept 3; October 5-8; November 1-5; November 30-Dec 3.

  For more  information go to  dmgantiqueshows

4)      Latta Plantation at Latta Nature Preserve: “Step into history and experience life in the 19^th century Carolina backcountry”. “Tour the circa 1800 plantation home of James Latta.  Civil and Revolutionary War special events, folk life, period livestock and school programs are offered”.

For more  information go to lattaplantation

5)     Lazy 5 Ranch (Mooresville, NC) The Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal drive thru park that offers a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasturelands of Piedmont, North Carolina. While visiting at the Lazy 5 Ranch you will have the opportunity to view over 750 animals from six different continents. You can see these animals from the safety of your own car or call for reservations on our horse drawn wagons. And be sure to bring your camera. This is a drive-through experience unique in North Carolina. There is no other collection of animals like this in the Southeast. Other areas of interest at the Lazy 5 Ranch include petting areas, a black smith shop, gift store, horse barn, play ground and picnic areas. Go to lazy5ranch for complete details.

6)      Charlotte Bobcats: The Charlotte Bobcats is Charlotte’s second entry into the NBA. Following the exit of The Charlotte Hornets, Bob Johnson, founder and owner of BET television network petitioned the NBA to bring a team back into the Queen City. While their first few years in the NBA have been less than spectacular prospect are high for a great upcoming season. AND, according to their website, nba.com/bobcats  $199.00 will buy you season tickets for next year.

7)      Carolina Panthers: One of NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders for several years. Led by Coach John Fox, the Panthers have made us proud and are an exciting team to watch. Single game tickets are limited because of the popularity of the sale of PSL’s  but not impossible to obtain. For more information on tickets, schedules etc visit the Panthers web site at carolinapanthers

8)      Carolina Hurricanes: Carolinas entry into the world of the NHL. While not located in Charlotte a short 2.5 hour drive to Raleigh and you can see Carolinas 2006 Stanley Cup Champions.

For more  information go to Carolina hurricanes        

                        9) Queens Landing: Welcome to Queen’s Landing, Lake Norman’s only family Entertainment Center. Experience a day of fun on beautiful Lake Norman, where the possibilities are endless. Conveniently located 30 minutes north of Charlotte, we have so many things to do that you’ll have to keep coming back. You can reach us by car or boat. If you are enjoying Lake Norman in your own boat, tie up at our Floating Dock Bar and cool off with an ice cold beverage. Hungry? Jack’s Lakeside Grill offers a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and including a daily luncheon special. Play a round of miniature golf or cool off with the kids on the bumper boats. Enjoy lunch on The Catawba Queen our replica Mississippi River Boat. Take an 1 ½ hour cruise around  Lake Norman while you are enjoying your lunch. The Catawba Queen offers a full bar.

If you would like to have a romantic 2 ½ hour dinner cruise along with a spectacular Lake Norman sunset, choose our new Lady of the Lake.  The "Lady" is a 90 ft luxury yacht, beautifully decorated with rich cherry wood, enclosed upper and lower salon with large windows for viewing the lake and is fully air-conditioned and heated for our passenger’s year round comfort.  She also offers two full service bars.

Looking for a more casual cruise?  The Catawba Queen returns to the lake in the evening for a 2 hour buffet cruise.  Reservations are required for our evening cruises; please give our friendly staff a call.

The newest attraction to Queens Landing is JOKERS, Dueling Piano Bar.  For an evening of fun, full of surprises, join us Wednesday through Saturday at Jokers.  

Planning an event, such as a wedding reception, family gathering or corporate function?  Both the Catawba Queen and Lady of the Lake are available for private charters.  On land the perfect choice would be our Queens Club Room, we refer to it as our "room with a view”.  Overlooking scenic Lake Norman, it is the perfect place to host any event you have in mind.  We provide full catering and bar service.

For more  information go to queenslanding          

10) Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Known for Broadway productions, the center also develops and promotes community partnerships. For schedules and information www.performingartscenter

These are just a few of the many activities and events that you can enjoy in Charlotte. However, there are many, many more fun and entertaining things to do in the city such as Spirit Square spiritsquare Actor’s theater of Charlotte actgorstheatrecharlotte  Afro-American Cultural Center aacc-charlotte

Claywork  mccollcenter

 I could go on for pages about all the things to do and see in Charlotte but  if you need information on any particular area of interest please contact me at jim@jimbarnett.com and I will send you all the pertinent information that you need.