Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Norman

"It’s the gem of Uptown, and photos here offer a breathtaking view of the city towering in the distance. During the day, a bright-blue sky accentuates the silver skyline. At night, a colorfully lit fountain pops against the sparkling lights of the buildings."

"This small park celebrates the African American artist and writer Romare Bearden, born in Charlotte in 1911. A pretty spot to admire the Uptown skyline or watch the sunset, it hosts free live music in summer..."

"This serene spot is perfect for the bird lovers of the family or if you’re simply in the mood for some quiet time. The Gardens and Bird Sanctuary were created between 1927 and 1930 by Elizabeth Clarkson who was diagnosed with a chronic disease and had turned her attention to ornithology. Built with an emphasis on providing nesting sites, together with food and water for birds and other wildlife, the gardens are protected with high walls which keep the sanctuary calm and peaceful."

"An enclosed garden filled with cobblestone pathways, the historic Wing Haven is an attraction in Charlotte dedicated to — you guessed it — birds!. Walk under stately awnings and past old colonial homes in search of the right bench to sit, wait, and watch."

"Get back to nature without leaving Charlotte at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. The park itself is 146 acres with over 10 miles of hiking trails, but it joins 727-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature Center. Fish from the fishing pier, bring your pups to the dog park, or enjoy a wide variety of sports facilities: basketball court, two softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, four volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits."

"For a fantastic family-friendly hiking option, the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center Trail is one of the best spots for hiking near Charlotte. This paved path is easy to navigate and brings hikers to some very beautiful scenery, including small creeks, a peaceful lake, and some old stone ruins. Because it’s located in a city park, there are also lots of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and more."

"Of course, the libraries in the Charlotte area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination."

"Situated on approximately eight and a half acres of fabulous grounds which include stately century old trees, a visit to this luscious plantation will transport you back to life in the south in the 1900s. The house itself, built in 1815 by merchant and tax collector Archibald Frew, is known and admired for being one of the best pieces of Federal period architecture in North Carolina. Restoration and work on the historic gardens are continuing, but public tours are available and certainly worth a visit."

"Just like South Carolina, North Carolina in Charlotte offers a long history that dates back since 1768. Historic Rosedale Plantation is one of the oldest pieces of architecture in the city, being established during 1807. Now, it is still well-preserved to tell its story to the general public."

"Juxtaposed by Charlotte’s hip NoDa neighborhood, the Historic Rosedale Plantation is a fully restored home taking up over 900 acres. Open for tours through the creaky building and ever-blooming garden, the space is perfect for those in search of long walks through history."

"Fourth Ward Park is so quiet and beautiful and you’d never realize that you were two blocks away from Uptown Charlotte!. It’s a sweet little oasis in the heart of Uptown, but just a few steps away you can find historic homes and urban vibes. This is a great Charlotte Engagement Session location for the couple that wants the best of both worlds!"

"Get back to nature without leaving Charlotte at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve. The park itself is 146 acres with over 10 miles of hiking trails, but it joins 727-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature Center. Fish from the fishing pier, bring your pups to the dog park, or enjoy a wide variety of sports facilities: basketball court, two softball fields, soccer field, cricket field, four volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits."

"For a fantastic family-friendly hiking option, the Reedy Creek Park and Nature Center Trail is one of the best spots for hiking near Charlotte. This paved path is easy to navigate and brings hikers to some very beautiful scenery, including small creeks, a peaceful lake, and some old stone ruins. Because it’s located in a city park, there are also lots of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, sports fields, and more."

"You can treat your taste buds to an authentic taste of France at one of four Amélie’s French Bakery and Cafés in the Charlotte area. Each of the venues offers mouthwatering French breakfast favorites, such as golden, flaky croissants (with or without chocolate and almonds), rich and satisfying classic quiches as well as your choice of breakfast sandwich with the works. In addition, the café serves many other sweet treats, such as muffins, sticky buns, and apple turnovers, all of which perfectly pair with a cup of freshly brewed French or Italian-style coffee or a selection of teas."

"Tucked inside Charlotte’s Uptown district, this Charlotte coffee shop is a French-inspired bakery that will transport you to Paris. The gate outside of the entrance even showcases an imitation of the Love Lock Bridge in Paris, where couples can place a padlock with their names on it as a symbol of their love. This coffee shop in Charlotte offers a cozy atmosphere boasting decor paying homage to its French ambiance."

"You may be spending more time at home, but at least you can spend time at home with gourmet, made-from-scratch doughnuts. The popular square-shaped doughnuts come in a variety of flavors like vanilla bean, salted caramel and lemon honey as well as a weekly rotating list of creative specialty flavors. The Matthews and Park Road Shopping Center locations are accepting pre-orders online or walk-up orders (only card payments will be accepted)."

"This farm-to-table concept began as a delivery donut service in October 2013. Due to intense demand from customers, they opened their first storefront location months later. The shop sources as many ingredients (dairy, eggs, fruit, flour) from the local farming community as possible."

"Offering curbside takeout, including a deal every Thursday for a dozen donuts for $20. A dozen donuts from Your Mom’s Donuts."

"I go to Sunflour often but have never tried this raspberry pop tart @urbangirlgranolaworld 😱 It looks like this flaky, fresh pastry would be the perfect afternoon snack or breakfast!. Thanks for the photo. – 📷 by @urbangirlgranolaworld 📝 by @queencitychic #myfab5 #clteats #cltnoms #clt #cltfood"

"Continuing the breakfast theme, these cupcakes take a brunch favorite and infuse its flavor into their recipe. Sunflour features many delicious breakfast and lunch options, but will surely blow you away with their dessert lineup."

"Blue Blaze Brewing is known for American, English and German-style beers. Think golden ales and milk stouts, wheat beers and crisp pale ales. If you’re well-versed in all things Appalachian Trail, you’ll understand the West End brewery’s inspiration."

"Follow the Stewart Creek Greenway and you’ll run right into Blue Blaze. It has a large selection of American, English, and German beer — all brewed with locally sourced ingredients. Location: West End, 528 South Turner Ave."