19 Essential Day Trips from Charlotte, North Carolina

Rounding up my curated picks for the best day trips from Charlotte

If you ask someone why they chose to move to Charlotte, chances are you’ll hear the following reason first:

“It’s two hours from the mountains and three hours from the beach.”

Now, I don’t agree that the best part of living in Charlotte is how easy it is to leave, but it is a pretty nice perk to have so many incredible destinations within a short distance. Since moving here in 2019, I’ve made a conscious effort to explore our region through day and weekend getaways, soaking up as much of each unique community as possible in a short amount of time and relaying it all to you here on the blog and Instagram – but until now, I’ve never captured the magic for you in one central location.

So, meet my Charlotte Day Trips Guide! Consider this your go-to resource when deciding how to spend your next free day. Your time and travel budget are valuable, so as always, this guide only features places I’ve personally visited and experienced to give you a curated and vetted approach to travel.

Exploring further afield? Check out my travel guides for over 100 destinations.

I’ve sorted this post by one-way driving distance in minutes* from Charlotte’s city center (that’s the intersection of Trade and Tryon in Uptown!) so you can quickly choose your day trip destination, and everything is under three hours away.

Why three hours? This allows you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time for meals and activities before returning home at a not-too-late hour. My only request is that you consider making these trips on any day but Sunday – this being the south, some key sights and restaurants may not be open (particularly in our region’s smaller towns).

Ready to pack some snacks, organize a playlist, and hit the road? Let’s explore:

FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

25 minutes from Charlotte

A lamppost with a sign that reads "Fort Mill" — Fort Mill boasts both a charming Main Street and a modern shopping and dining destination | *photo credit*: Comma Photography

Alyssa chooses hot sauces at PuckerButt in Fort Mill — Spice up your life at PuckerButt in downtown Fort Mill | *photo credit*: Comma Photography

Cross over the South Carolina border on I-77 Southbound, and you’re mere minutes from the quaint downtown area of Fort Mill. Here you’ll find excellent dining options and even a couple of breweries for a leisurely afternoon – but if you really want to spice up your day in Fort Mill, you must pay a visit to PuckerButt Pepper Co. Founded by the creator of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X, Smokin’ Ed Currie, this shop serves up some of the world’s spiciest hot sauces.

The adventurous might consider exploring the Anne Springs Close Greenway with a day of kayaking, hiking, or biking, while the thrillseekers may enjoy some time at Carowinds (a portion of the park is in Fort Mill!). But no matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure to wind down your time away at Kingsley Town Center. Here you can indulge in a pre-dinner drink at Corkscrew Wine Shop & Bar before moseying across the street to a hearty and flavorful meal at Spice Asian Kitchen. The best part? Fort Mill is so close, if you ran out of time before completing your list, well, there’s always tomorrow.

→Check out my York County shopping and dining guide to start planning your meals

MATTHEWS

25 minutes from Charlotte

Shoppers at the Matthews Farmers Market — The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest in the region

I know, I know – thanks to so much development along the Independence Boulevard corridor, a visit to Matthews hardly feels like you’re actually leaving Charlotte. Start your day by getting schooled in local history at the Matthews Heritage Museum, a small, free museum bursting with information on life in Matthews back in the day before heading to grab a cup of locally roasted coffee at Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply and scoping out the local produce at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market.

For lunch, you’ll have the choice of a world of cuisine (I’m partial to Pepero and Kabab-Je!). Properly fueled for shopping, check out spots like Moxie Mercantile, Minos Imported Foods Inc., and Backporch Treasures Thrift Shop – or head to your favorite big-name stores over in Sycamore Commons. Wind down your evening on the lawn of Carolina Beer Temple and toast to the fact that it’s just a quick drive back to Charlotte.

→Head over to my Matthews Day Trip Guide to find more to explore

DAVIDSON

30 minutes from Charlotte

A loaf of Milkbread on the table at Kindred — One must-have reservation in Davidson is Kindred, a James Beard Award Semifinalist

A quick hop on the highway takes you to the college town of Davidson, nestled on the shores of Lake Norman. With a picturesque small-town-style Main Street that really comes alive on a Saturday morning thanks in part to the wonderful farmers market, Davidson is ideal for an easy day away.

Of utmost importance during your visit to Davidson is food. You’ll find the acclaimed restaurant Kindred here, with its famous milkbread (and its offshoot cafe, aptly named Milkbread), as well as several restaurants with international flair. Of course, all of your time can’t be spent eating, so work up your appetite again by walking the charming Davidson College campus or hitting up local shops like Davidson Provision Company, Main Street Books, and Hearts on Fiber. End your night with some local live music on the square – with such a full community calendar, there’s bound to be an event during your visit.

→Find my full itinerary for the perfect Day Trip to Davidson and a review of Kindred

CONCORD

35 minutes from Charlotte

A cat looks at the camera in Mac Tabby Cat Cafe — Hang out with feline friends at Mac Tabby Cat Cafe in downtown Concord

Alyssa looks back at the Gibson Mill Market in Concord — Gibson Mill is home to the South’s largest antique mall and an excellent food hall (the perfect combination!)

I think many visitors to our area are surprised to learn that Charlotte Motor Speedway isn’t located in Charlotte – it’s located in Concord. Motorsports entertainment is big in Concord, as you might expect, but the city has so much more to offer visitors.

A day trip to Concord starts with great coffee, and you’ll find it at Press & Porter on Union Street. Fueled up for the day, wander up and down the strip of cute shops and restaurants to your heart’s content. My non-negotiable? A visit to Mac Tabby Cat Cafe to pet all the cats (note: the author will not be liable for any furry souvenirs you might choose to bring home). Heading away from downtown, budget more time than you think for your stop at Gibson Mill. This former textile mill now houses the region’s largest antique mall, two breweries, a top-notch food hall, a board game cafe, and so much more. In fact, I would plan to make this your final stop of the day – with so much to do, you just might stay until closing time.

→Plan your day using my Concord Day Trip Guide

KANNAPOLIS

35 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa walks in front of a mural in Kannapolis — Downtown Kannapolis is designed with the pedestrian in mind

Alyssa walks in front of the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis — Kannapolis’ Gem Theatre is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating, single-screen movie theaters

There’s nothing quite like exploring a destination on foot, and downtown Kannapolis is the perfect place to get your steps in for the day. Ditch your car in the free city lot just outside the downtown core, or even better, hop aboard Amtrak (it takes you right downtown!).

Start your day with a sweet pastry and coffee from neighbors Eat Cakes Bakery and Local Patriot Coffee before checking out local shops like 118 Marketplace on Main, 3 jem’s boutique, and Cannon Honey Mill. When it’s time to rest your barking dogs, do so by relaxing on a bench and discovering the numerology in Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza, sipping on a local pint at Old Armor Beer Company or Tipsy Hare Ciderworks, or watching the latest feature at the Gem Theatre. Well, unless you have kids just bursting with energy, then only a trip to Village Park will do! Ride off into the Kannapolis sunset on the park’s charming Venetian carousel.

→Choose your adventure with my Kannapolis Day Trip Guide

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA

35 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa walks through an alley with murals in Rock Hill, SC — Rock Hill’s Mural Mile offers visitors the chance to explore free public art

Alyssa shops at The Mercantile in Rock Hill — The Mercantile is a charming modern-day general store in downtown Rock Hill

Rock Hill, South Carolina, is the most populous city in York County, and the fourth most populous city in the Charlotte metro area – yet it maintains a classic downtown atmosphere with local retail, restaurants, and other businesses lining the sidewalks. The Mercantile is a popular stop with visitors for a reason – this modern-day general store offers local goods, sustainable clothing, a flower bar, and a coffee shop all under one roof. Art and design enthusiasts will have a heyday picking through the selection of curated art and furniture at The Hickory Post. And my beer lovers (hi!), will appreciate having four breweries in the downtown vicinity. Throughout it all, the city feels youthful, thanks surely to the students attending Rock Hill’s Winthrop University.

Need a little more excitement in your life? The Catawba River snakes through the city, offering paddlers the chance to explore the area from a unique vantage point. If you time your visit for April, you just might get the chance to experience the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. And if not? A stroll through Glencairn Garden is just what Mother Nature ordered.

→Check out my York County shopping and dining guide to start planning your day

SALISBURY

45 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa drinks from a bottle of Cheerwine in Salisbury, NC — The city’s most notable export is Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soda which launched in 1917

A mural in Salisbury — Salisbury’s events calendar is flush with activities that bring the community together

Salisbury is purported to be the oldest continually populated colonial town in our region, but why should you visit today? Well, it’s easily accessible by rail with departure times that perfectly align for a quick day trip, and once you arrive, you won’t need a car to explore the downtown core. This frees up visitors to explore everything Salisbury has to offer on foot, from the local history museum to an art gallery that would feel at home in any major city.

Car-free visitors also have the luxury of partaking in Salisbury’s Social District, which permits customers to take their alcoholic beverages to-go. It’s quite a treat to visit the local brewery and then peruse local shops like Local Focal Marketplace & Antiques, South Main Book Company, and Lost & Found. Of course, teetotalers are free to tote the local soda of choice, Cheerwine, anywhere they please. Pick up one in a glass bottle along with a hot dog or hamburger at another local favorite, Hap’s Grill (bring cash!).

→Read my full Day Trip Guide to Salisbury

WAXHAW

45 minutes from Charlotte

A trio of pastries from Virtuoso Breadworks in Waxhaw — You can’t say you’ve visited Waxhaw until you’ve tried a cruffin (bottom right) from Virtuoso Breadworks

What town has two bridges, one bakery, and a constant friendly smile on its face? That’s easy – Waxhaw! This tiny town just forty-five minutes from Charlotte is a Goldilocks destination: it offers so much for visitors to do but doesn’t leave them feeling pressed for time.

A good day in Waxhaw starts with a coffee and a cruffin from Virtuoso Breadworks. This bakery prides itself on clean sourdough and beautifully laminated pastries, and I can say it lives up to my very high pastry connoisseur standards. After that, shop to your heart’s content at some of the town’s antique and thrift stores like Second Chance Boutique by Turning Point, Sweet Repeats Resale and Boutique, Waxhaw Antique Mart, Mule Barn Mercantile, and Tangles Knitting On Main.

For lunch, head to Vera’s Kitchen for a perfect mix of homestyle Mexican and American diner classics – you’re going to want to fuel up for your hike to the Carolina Thread Trail Suspension Bridge which crosses into South Carolina. If you haven’t had enough bridge time, trek back to downtown’s Waxhaw Overhead Bridge to watch trains cross beneath you. End your night with a bit of culture – either via a show at The Storefront Theatre or a pint at Waxhaw Tap House.

→Fill in the rest of your itinerary with my Waxhaw Day Trip Guide

LEXINGTON

55 minutes from Charlotte

A picnic of BBQ in Lexington — If you ask me, the best way to sample barbecue in Lexington is to build-your-own picnic

Does the “Barbecue Capital of the World” really need an introduction? I promise, even if you prefer Eastern Carolina barbecue, a day trip to Lexington is well worth your time. According to Visit Lexington, there are fifteen local barbecue spots, and unless you’re a competitive eater, you probably won’t be able to visit them all in a day. Everyone has their own opinion and favorite, but Lexington Barbecue, Speedy’s BBQ, and Barbecue Center generally crop up on most lists. As they’re all relatively close to one another, my recommendation is ordering a plate from each, and building your own barbecue picnic to decide on a winner (local parks are the perfect place to enjoy a takeout meal!).

Okay, so you can’t eat all day. Between your barbecue feasts, explore downtown Lexington with stops at Goose and the Monkey Brew House, Davidson County Historical Museum, The Candy Factory (don’t forget the Red Birds – they’re made right here in Lexington!), Conrad & Hinkle, and SML Retro Gaming. While you’re wandering, see how many Pigs in the City you spot!

→Get ready for your day of BBQ with my Lexington BBQ Guide

ALBEMARLE

60 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa walks in front of the Greetings from Stanly County Mural — Albemarle is the county seat of Stanly County

A water tower that reads "Albemarle" — Many visitors only spot Albemarle from a distance on their way to Morrow Mountain (a grave mistake, in my opinion!)

A tray of cookies decorated like clowns — A signature souvenir: A Clown Cookie from century-old Albemarle Sweet Shop

For a classic Carolina small-town experience with a dose of the great outdoors, head to Albemarle. Situated just minutes away from Morrow Mountain State Park, Lake Tillery, and the Uwharrie National Forest, it’s the perfect place to mix leisure with activity.

Start your day with a coffee and hearty breakfast at GloryBeans CoffeeHouse and explore the cute downtown through places like Courthouse Square Park, Whiskey Eunoia, and Uwharrie Soap Co. Not quite enough excitement for you? The Tomahawk Throwing Range & Blade Shop is sure to keep you on your toes. This throwing range is the perfect place to give axe throwing a try, as the team emphasizes safety above everything else. And my fellow sweet tooth friends can’t miss a stop at Albemarle Sweet Shop, a century-old bakery with shelves and shelves of tempting treats. Slip away for a hike if you must, but be sure to return in time for a post-hike beer at Badin Brews.

→Read my full Albemarle Day Trip Guide

WINSTON-SALEM

1 hour, 15 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa stands in front of the bridge in Old Salem — Old Salem offers visitors a unique way to learn about the region’s history and people

Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro is seen at night — Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro serves a taste of local cuisine

Once two distinct cities, secular Winston (founded in 1849 and named in 1851) and Moravian Salem (founded in 1766), the cities were officially hyphenated and combined as one in 1913. But no matter how they came together, this city with two names is one you must visit. Start your day with a visit to Old Salem Museum & Gardens, a living history museum that depicts life for the Moravians who settled in the area, and pick up some of their famous ultra-thin cookies at Winkler Bakery. Those wanting to dive even deeper into the region’s history at a fast pace will also want to book a Segway tour with Triad ECO Adventures.

After you’ve had your fill of the past, it’s time to explore the present. Art is embedded in the city, from great public art at Artivity on the Green to SECCA to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. And I have more favorite restaurants in the Winston-Salem area than you have meals in a day, so you’ll have to handle the task of narrowing things down according to your cravings: Bobby Boy Bake Shop for great bread and treats, New Sichuan for authentic Sichuan food in down-to-earth digs, Six Hundredº for wood-fired everything, May Way Dumplings for the best takeout on a budget (pro tip: bring them to Joymongers Barrel Hall to enjoy with a local beer), and Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro for elevated Southern fare. As you can tell, it’s a favorite local destination of mine – perhaps I’ll see you there!

→Explore Winston-Salem through my Day Trip Guide or extend your stay with my full Weekend Getaway Guide

GREENSBORO

1 hour, 30 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa swings on a swing at Elsewhere — Nowhere is quite like Greensboro’s Elsewhere, a hard-to-define art museum on Elm Street

A photo outside Chez Genèse in Greensboro — Chez Genèse brings a touch of French elegance with a full helping of heart to Greensboro’s dining scene

Part of the Piedmont Triad, it’s not an overstatement to say that Greensboro has shaped our nation’s history. Greensboro served as the backdrop for the heritage denim emerging from Cone Denim’s White Oak plant to fill the wardrobes of so many Americans and the historic Woolworth’s sit-in that sparked the civil rights movement. Today you can explore the city’s history in depth at the Greensboro History Museum and The International Civil Rights Center & Museum, both must-visits during a day in the Gate City; both can be somber stops at times, but both are crucial to understanding Greensboro’s place in history.

Pair these visits with a heartwarming brunch at Chez Genèse, a French-inspired restaurant with a mission to employ and empower people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. You may have to wait a while to get in the door, but that’s all due to the community’s support of this valuable initiative. Art is another thing that locals hold dear; check out the GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art for their excellent gallery and shop filled with art from NC artists and Elsewhere for a memorable art experience. Cap off your evening with an innovative dinner at MACHETE before making the trek home after dark.

→Explore even more of Greensboro through my dedicated Travel Guide

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

1 hour, 30 minutes from Charlotte

A crowd at the Soda City Market — Soda City Market averages 150 local vendors and operates every Saturday, rain or shine

Alyssa at the Columbia Museum of Art — The Columbia Museum of Art has a diverse collection of works and is approachable in size (i.e. perfect for a day trip!)

A giraffe at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden — The two sections of the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden span the Saluda River

I wish I knew why the capital of South Carolina isn’t all that high on traveler’s lists – but I suppose that just frees up more of Columbia for the rest of us! If you take only one thing away from this guide, let it be that the best day to visit Columbia is on Saturday. Why? Because it’s the day for Soda City Market, a producer’s-only market that spans several blocks of downtown (and honest to goodness, one of my favorite markets ever). Stroll and eat your way down the line of local vendors for as long as your feet allow, and then head for a tasty lunch at Market on Main.

Post-lunch, decide whether you’re up for art or animals – the Columbia Museum of Art and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden are both worth your time, but you’ll probably only have the chance to do just one. After that, I regret to inform you that you have another decision to make: Coa Agaveria y Cocina for an excellent margarita or Savage Craft Ale Works for a cold beer on the roof. Be grateful, though, that I’ve already made your final stop and dinner choice for you. “Frenchish” Black Rooster delivers perfectly executed shareables and mains to your table (I know it’s tempting, but don’t order too much – you have to drive home, after all!).

→Find the city's best things to see, do, and eat in my Columbia Travel Guide

BLOWING ROCK

1 hour, 45 minutes from Charlotte

The Speckled Trout with snow on the ground — The Speckled Trout is a popular restaurant for regional fare

Alyssa in downtown Blowing Rock in winter — Blowing Rock is worth a visit in all four seasons

Most of the destinations on this list have climates similar to Charlotte, but once you start heading up in the mountains to places like Blowing Rock, you might be treated to a different weather pattern than back home. I highly suggest using this to your advantage, whether that’s a fun snow day trip in the winter or a lovely break from a heatwave during the summer.

A day in Blowing Rock is a treat no matter the season, but naturally, it will impact your itinerary a little. Whether you choose to tackle a warm-weather hike, pay a visit to The Blowing Rock, or choose to hit the ski slopes (bonus points if you make the trek to the region’s best snow tubing!), be sure to balance your time with a little leisure. The charming town of Blowing Rock is compact and walkable, and it offers the daytripper the chance to see it all. Breakfast should be none other than a warm biscuit from Hellbender Bed & Beverage. For lunch, create your own picnic at Blowing Rock Market and dine al fresco. Wind down your day with a local pint at Blowing Rock Brewing, before enjoying an early-ish dinner at The Speckled Trout and heading home.

→Explore Blowing Rock's cool side in my Winter Guide, and if you decide to stay longer, check out this cozy log cabin

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

1 hour, 45 minutes from Charlotte

Alyssa at The Commons in Greenville — Start your day in Greenville at The Commons

Waterfall at Falls Park on the Reedy — Greenville is one of just a few cities with an urban waterfall

Tacos at Asada — Enjoy lunch at Greenville’s vibrant ASADA

If you were to get in your car, drive toward Atlanta, and stop halfway, you’d find yourself in Greenville. But this unique South Carolina city is so much more than a pit stop. Start your day at The Commons, a row of converted warehouses that is now filled with local businesses. Stop and shop at Billiam Jeans or Greenville Bike and Tri if time allows, but remember your important mission: a flaky pastry from Bake Room and a cup of locally roasted coffee from Methodical Coffee. Wandering out back, you’ll notice plenty of locals taking to the trail on two wheels; don’t worry, you’ll be joining them soon enough! But first, it’s time to head downtown.

Falls Park on the Reedy is an urban waterfall right in downtown Greenville, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or serving as the backdrop for your next family photograph. Once you’ve had your fill of the falls, head to ASADA for a delightful fusion lunch. Once you’re raring and ready to go, punch Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery into your GPS. It’s a great launch point for biking a portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile trail that connects Greenville to the cute town of Travelers Rest (don’t have your bike with you? Pick one up at one of the rental spots downtown!). Once you’re all biked out, pick up some edible souvenirs at the grocery (and maybe a celebratory beer!). End your day with a flavorful meal from local favorite Aryana Afghan Cuisine, which offers exquisite dishes that are often vegan/vegetarian-friendly. After that? Well, I suppose it’s time to hit the road again.

ASHEVILLE

2 hours, 10 minutes from Charlotte

A glass blowing in the River Arts District — Head to the River Arts District to check out Asheville’s modern day arts scene

Entrance to the previous East Fork shop — Pottery lovers should consider a pilgrimage to East Fork

Asheville’s a city I’ll gladly return to over and over, and if you live in Charlotte, chances are you feel the same way. Anecdotally speaking, I’ve noticed an increase in Asheville lodging prices over the years, so it’s lucky for our wallets that we can make easy day trips whenever the mood strikes.

Breakfast is always the first order of business on a day trip, and in Asheville, my picks are Sunny Point Cafe, Hole Doughnuts, and Taco Billy, depending on my appetite and my willingness to wait for a table (looking at you, Sunny Point). After breakfast, head over to the River Arts District to explore the local galleries and workshops. It’s here you’ll also find my favorite Asheville bakery, Mother, for an excellent yet simple jambon beurre for a light lunch. How you spend your afternoon is dealer’s choice: 1. picking up a coffee from Rowan Coffee or Session and bopping around downtown shops like East Fork (my pick!) or 2. heading down for a tour of the Biltmore Estate. As sunset nears, pop into any one of the 40+ breweries for a local pint before polishing off your day in Asheville at plant, Cúrate, or RosaBees.

→Check out my Asheville City Guide before your visit

CHAPEL HILL

2 hours, 10 minutes from Charlotte

The water fountain on the UNC Chapel Hill campus — Wander UNC Chapel Hill’s campus for a lovely dose of nostalgia (even if you were never enrolled!)

Alyssa enters Perennial in Chapel Hill — A university town offers no shortage of coffee shops…

It may be because I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, but I have such a soft spot in my heart for college towns; they’re generally youthful, vibrant, walkable, and perfect for the budget-conscious. Even if you’re not a sports fan, Chapel Hill still makes for a delightful day away.

You might expect a college town to be flush with coffee shops, and Chapel Hill most certainly is. Perennial is the coffee shop I can’t quit thanks to an excellent coffee and tea program, so head here first before making the walk to nearby Brandwein’s Bagels for a yummy bagel sandwich. In fact, you’ll want to stay on foot all day, as the town is exceptionally walkable (find current parking information for your visit). After your morning sustenance, it’s time to explore. Shopping is a fun way to spend the morning, with stops at Rumors, Epilogue Books, and Shrunken Head. Once lunchtime hunger sets in, head to Time-Out Restaurant for a student favorite meal (they’re open 24/7!) or to Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe for more worldly flavors. After lunch, take in an otherworldly show at the Morehead Planetarium (if available) or explore the collections at the admission-free Ackland Art Museum. You’ll have just enough time to pop up for one drink at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery before making your dinner reservation at Talullas. With a two-hour drive back to Charlotte, you just might find yourself considering enrolling so you can repeat this day over and over.

→Ditch the car and explore Chapel Hill in my car-free travel guide - or if you decide to make a weekend of it, find my review of Graduate Chapel Hill

DURHAM

2 hours, 15 minutes from Charlotte

A table of dishes at the Durham Food Hall — Curate your own feast at the Durham Food Hall

Alyssa looks out on the American Tobacco Campus — Today, the American Tobacco Campus is a hub for local businesses and a public space for gathering

If you only take a single day trip on this list, let it be to Durham! The fourth-largest city in the state by population offers so much for visitors to explore. Yes, it’s a two-hour-plus drive from Charlotte, but that’s plenty of time to work up your appetite for a delicious day. Start your morning at Cocoa Cinnamon’s Lakewood location for the freshest brews from Little Waves Coffee Roasters (roasted right there!) and made-to-order churros. Yes, you can have churros for breakfast on vacation. After breakfast, head across the street to Lakewood Shopping Center to do some door-to-door shopping. With great local spots like Scrap Thrift (classic thrift store), The Scrap Exchange (incredible secondhand craft store), Bright Black (beautifully crafted candles), and Freeman’s Creative (a modern maker’s dream), it makes for a unique shopping experience.

Now that you’ve shopped up an appetite, it’s time to head downtown to Durham Food Hall. Food halls are an excellent place for travelers short on time as they allow visitors to taste the city’s local favorites in an approachable space. Take a lap around the space and create your own feast from ten food and beverage vendors. Once you’ve had your fill, it’s time to explore! Pick up a to-go beverage at any of the bars or breweries that are on The Bullpen list. Durham’s social district is the largest in the state, and it extends all the way to your next destination, the American Tobacco Campus. The former tobacco factory has been repurposed into an entertainment hub, with retail, restaurants, and more – but honestly, it’s just a really great space to explore. Afterward, stroll the city’s walkable downtown until your dinner reservation at modern Greek Nikos or local favorite M Sushi. It’ll be good to stretch your legs before making the drive home!

→Get the full Durham scoop with my Durham Travel Guide

RALEIGH

2 hours, 40 minutes from Charlotte

Loaves of bread on a rack at Boulted Bread — Boulted Bread’s naturally fermented bread and pastries are made from heirloom grains ground daily

Shirts that say "North Freaking Carolina" at Edge of Urge — Raleigh’s Edge of Urge is a fun place to pick up a souvenir

True, there’s seemingly always beef between Charlotte and Raleigh, but you should still make a day trip to our state’s capital and second-most-populous city (I’m not a North Carolina native, so I don’t really have a dog in the fight – but I will tell you I considered both as a potential home base and landed in Charlotte…). My very first stop in Raleigh is always Boulted Bread, to stock my stomach with flaky pastry and my freezer with their impeccable loaves – and I highly suggest you do the same (and maybe bring something back for me?). After filling up on yummy carb goodness and coffee or tea from nearby Heirloom, take a stroll through North Carolina’s oldest public park, the very charming Pullen Park. Young travelers will love to take a spin on the park’s iconic carousel!

By now you’re probably ready for lunch, and not to sound like a broken record, but food halls are an excellent place for travelers short on time. Transfer Co. Food Hall boasts ten vendors for excellent regional and international fare, all under one roof. After lunch, decide whether you’re up for a little art or a little shopping. The North Carolina Museum of Art, whose collection galleries span more than 5,000 years of art and human history. Got a little bit of a shopping bug? Explore cute shops like Edge of Urge, DECO, and MunjoMunjo. If you’re anything like I am by this point in the day, you’re craving a little something sweet. Satisfy your cravings with an artisan pastry from lucettegrace or take a full chocolatey tour at Videri Chocolate Factory. Afterward, it’s nearly time to hit the road for home, but don’t skip out on a dinner reservation at one of two Raleigh classics: Poole’s or Bida Manda.

→Tour the Triangle's largest city with my Raleigh guide

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DAY-TRIPPING FROM CHARLOTTE

Day-tripping is the perfect way for travelers who are short on time or budget to explore. Without bearing the costs of a lengthy car or plane trip, finding accommodations, and paying for meal after meal out, it’s always the answer when people insist that travel is expensive (best of all, you get to sleep in your very own bed!).

We’re spoiled for choice for day trip options here in Charlotte, from quaint mountain towns to outdoor paradises to vibrant cities, we’ve got a little bit of it all. The only question is, where to next?

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Questions for you

How far are you willing to drive for a day trip?

Do you have a go-to road trip playlist?

Have another destination that should be on this list? Make the case for it in the comments below!

*These times are approximate and your travel time may vary. Why not miles? Well, time seems like the most important factor in committing to a day trip, wouldn't you agree?