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TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC
Carowinds is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

1. Carowinds

9.0
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Amusement Park · 139 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: Charlotte averages in the 80s in early September, so catch a breeze on the Intimidator, the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the Southeast!

Fourth Ward is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

2. Fourth Ward

Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood · 2 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: Take a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Fourth Ward or Northwest Quadrant of Charlotte’s Uptown area.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

3. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

9.5
130 N Tryon St (at 5th St), Charlotte, NC
Performing Arts Venue · First Ward · 29 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: From September 3-6, there will be multiple political events going on at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Billy Graham Library is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

4. Billy Graham Library

8.9
4330 Westmont Dr, Charlotte, NC
Museum · 37 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: Tour the restored home Billy Graham lived in from age 9 until he left for college, Ruth Bell Graham’s burial site, and learn the journey of the Grahams’ faith. Closed on Sunday, free admission.

U.S. National Whitewater Center is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

5. U.S. National Whitewater Center

9.2
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Rafting Spot · 120 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: USNWC is billed as the “world’s premier outdoor adventure and environmental education center.” Home to the world’s largest man-made recirculating river, it features rapids, hiking and biking trails.

Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

6. Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary

6.8
248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC
Garden · Myers Park · 2 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: A far different world from the bustling downtown, their mission is “cultivating sanctuary in nature, environmental stewardship and the legacy of southern horticulture.”

The Spa at Ballantyne is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

7. The Spa at Ballantyne

8.8
10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
Spa · Ballantyne East · 5 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: The Bellantyne features a host of award-winning services at their full-service spa, from massages to beauty treatments.

NoDa Historic Arts District is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

8. NoDa Historic Arts District

Charlotte, NC
Neighborhood · 27 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: Referred to as Soho’s little sister, Charlotte’s historic arts district is a gem. Something for everyone, NoDa is home to art galleries, funky restaurants, local musicians, and even a bar for dogs.

Carolinas Aviation Museum is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

9. Carolinas Aviation Museum

7.5
4672 First Flight Dr (at Charlotte/Douglas Inernational), Charlotte, NC
Museum · 18 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: The museum has been collecting and restoring vintage historical aircraft for more than 20 years, and is the largest aviation museum between Washington, D.C., and Robbins, Ga.

The Mint Museum is one of TIME's Guide to Escape the DNC.

10. The Mint Museum

8.8
2730 Randolph Rd (at Museum Plz), Charlotte, NC
Art Museum · Eastover · 15 tips and reviews

TIMETIME: Art enthusiasts, enjoy The Mint Museum's collections of objects in ceramics, glass, fiber, metal and wood.