Top Rated Parks to Visit 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..."

"If you’re looking for the perfect location for romantic pictures, then Marshall Park is the wedding photography spot you’re looking for. Couples love this location because of its uninterrupted view of the city’s skyline, which ensures that your wedding photographs are both reminders of your big day as well as stunning pieces of art. Location Style: Park"

"If you're looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, Charlotte's best parks provide plenty of options. Whether you're looking for a place to exercise, organize a pick-up game, relax or bring the family, chances are you won't have to go far to find it in the Queen City."

"If you can’t decide between a natural and urban setting, combine both. At Marshall Park in Uptown’s Second Ward, a fountain, pond and trees offer a quiet, picturesque corner of the city for your wedding photography."

"Though it’s known as Rock Hill’s premier baseball and softball facility, having been inducted into the National Softball Association, this park isn’t just known for its athletics. It features a 1.5-mile trail along with a playground and multipurpose field. Athletic programs are also held for both youth and adults."

"Tucked away in a tiny corner of Independence Square, at the intersection of Tryon and Trade Street, the Thomas Polk Park is a serene and quiet little water park where many locals like to relax during their lunch hour. The park offers a pleasant seating area with views of the water feature and is surrounded by colorful plants and shady trees which provide cooling greenery. The park is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Polk, who was one of the city’s founding fathers, and you can spend some time reading the dedication which is etched into the marble surrounding the fountains."

"At one of the most significant places in Charlotte—literally at the center of everything here—is an urban park. At the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets, you’ll find a tribute to one of Charlotte’s founding fathers, Thomas Polk. Arrange your photo here against a 30-foot cascading waterfall fountain with dramatic lighting."

"Though small, Thomas Polk is nothing short of a beautiful sanctuary. As Charlotte area parks go, this is a gem. It features a gorgeous 30-foot cascading waterfall fountain, a raised map depicting the 1780 Battle of Charlotte, and granite pillars that stand 25 feet high."

"Edgehill Park is located in the Myers Park Neighborhood of Charlotte, where it provides locals with a very pleasant urban park offering a variety of recreational activities. The park is popular with local families who can come and enjoy walking and cycling or simply relaxing under the large shady trees. Younger visitors love the children’s playground and there are also tennis courts where you can challenge friends or family to a game."

"Located at the northern end of the Irwin-Stewart Creek Greenway, Seversville Street Park is one of Charlotte’s many urban green spaces. The park is quite small, covering around 11 acres, but is popular with local residents wanting to get out into the fresh air. There is a playground for the children and a nice picnic area with tables and grills."

"Skeptics quickly become converts to the vegan cuisine served at Luna’s original location in the booming South End corridor and at the newly opened suburban Southpark restaurant. Organic- and raw-food fans belly up to the (juice) bar for one of several dozen smoothies and cold-pressed juice blends. The signature Fire and Brimstone Burger is a blended-grain patty loaded with hummus, guacamole, onions and tomatoes; it packs heat in the form of Luna’s housemade hot sauce."

"The restaurant, which used to be known as Luna’s Living Kitchen, offers plant-based, organic dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What to try: The Fire & Brimstone burger ($12), with chipotle sunflower seed hummus, tomato, onion, guac, sprouts, and their special Fire & Brimstone sauce is consistently popular. The yellow curry bowl ($13) is almost too pretty to eat and tastes as good as it looks."

"We’ve been excited to try Living Kitchen ever since they opened up in Raleigh, which was the only other location at the time of writing. If you do some digging into LK, you’ll find their mantra that reads, “food is a labor of love.” After devouring their Sweet Potato Sushi Roll and Yellow Curry Bowl, I tend to agree with them."

"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."

"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!"