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Making memories that will last a lifetime with the kids in Charlotte, NC

When my husband died the kids didn’t say anything about what dad bought them…they always talk about the adventures we took and the memories we made by traveling. This Spring Break I wanted to do a little of that. At first I didn’t want to go anywhere for Spring break because I already have plans to travel in May, June, and July of this year.  I thought I would sit Spring break out but after watching one of the last episodes of This is Us where Randall and his father took their last trip together to Memphis I thought you know what…let’s hit the road and enjoy life. My kids are getting bigger and growing up fast….they no longer need a bunch of stuff I want to create memories with them one that includes traveling to new and exciting places. I have been to Charlotte, NC a few times before when I was little but hadn’t been in years isn’t it funny how you can always come back to a place and remember all the good memories……..

I didn’t really have any plans for the kids in Charlotte we just knew that it was a new city and we wanted to explore. Of course we checked out the Nascar Hall of Fame and the Discovery Museum but we also ate at new places and walked around the city. First stop when we got in that was to eat somewhere we’ve never been. We decided to check out Midwood Smokehouse for some grub for dinner

The BBQ was so good…sorry I didn’t get a picture it was in my tummy before I knew what happened. Next we went exploring around the city so many colorful murals

The next day we decided to head out to the Nascar Hall of Fame here are some pointers

  • Wear comfortable shoes it’s a lot of walking
  • It was so much to see and read I would suggest you take in the moments and not worry about pictures take a few but get to know about nascar
  • If you are staying in the downtown area catch the bus so that you can see the area (I wish I had done that)
  • you can’t touch all of the cars as most are behind ropes but you can get up close and personal and read about them
  • They have a movie that you can watch that will tell you a little history about Nascar
  • They have a kids area that is awesome!
  • You do have to pay for parking but get on that bus and don’t be caught in the rain like we were

My son was in love and he learned about some of Nascar’s greats. My daughter who I thought wouldn’t love the place actually did and said she will become the first African American Female driver..sorry there is already one Tia Norfleet but I told her that she can become anything she wants and I love that the sport is opened to women period. Anything that boys can do we can do it to and I hope she never forgets that!

She said she was calling daddy up in heaven to tell him we found his car. My hubs had something similar that he use to work on when we first met…she didn’t even know that funny how that happened

She was telling her brother how she would beat him in a race…I let them argue about that in the sky box

They had a great kids area that tested the speed of a pit crew….these two…..I would lose the race if they were in my pit crew

They also had a simulator that you could get into that showed you driving an actual car. I came in 10th place out of 12….*sigh* At least I didn’t finish last. After we were done with the Nascar Hall of Fame the bottom fell out and it poured something serious. Of course I was worried about my hair so we stood outside trying to be brave…..I think one of the managers took pity on us and took us through another entrance to the garage where we were parked so that we wouldn’t get wet. Thank you to whomever that was, goodness you saved us lol.

The next day we visited the Discovery Museum. I put my camera down for this spot so that I can enjoy it with the kids. So many things to learn about science and how stuff works…you will be in here for hours learning ..I loved that they had something for every age group even adults

After we visited the Museum we felt the need for a good burger. We searched online and asked a couple of people at the hotel whats the best burger place in Charlotte and everyone told us Cowbell Burger and Whiskey. Now at first I’m thinking well this might not be a great place for kids so I asked around. No one knew if it was or wasn’t so we took a chance and sure enough kids could come and they had a kids menu. The onion rings…make sure you all get that if you go.

Charlotte was different than what I remembered years ago. One thing I will say it’s not as congested as Atlanta. We were in a major city and the traffic was pretty much nonexistent. I have never been in a city where it’s not a madhouse of cars all around. I loved that! You could pretty much go out and about any time of the day and not sit in bumper to bumper traffic. We truly relaxed and had a great time seeing what Charlotte had to offer.

  • When visiting a new city always go somewhere new to eat for breakfast and dinner
  • Ask the locals where you are staying what they recommend and don’t be afraid to look on google for reviews
  • I had a plan but didn’t have a plan. I wanted to relax and not make any but I knew a few places (based on suggestions) that I definitely wanted to visit
  • Carry your umbrella because you never know what the weather may bring
  • Be in the moment and don’t always try to take pictures just take in the scenery and if you must take photos snap a few and then put your camera up

Have you ever been to Charlotte? Do you love Nascar?

When my husband died the kids didn't say anything about what dad bought them...they always talk about the adventures we took and the memories we made by traveling. This year I decided to make memories with the kids in Charlotte, NC.

This post was sponsored in part by the Charlotte,NC Travel and Tourism Board. All Opinions and photos are my own! 

 

35 Comments

  • Robin rue
    April 17, 2017 at 11:48 am

    I have always wanted to go to Charlotte. It sounds like a lovely city to visit.

    Reply
  • Alli Smith
    April 17, 2017 at 11:51 am

    I only live 45 minutes from Charlotte so I’m in Charlotte often – shopping, eating, etc. It’s such a fun city and I’m so glad you enjoyed your visit. I always enjoy Taste of Charlotte – all that good food!

    Reply
  • Ra'Nesha
    April 17, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    The photos of the kids made my day! Great food, attractions, and quality time with me is winning in my book.

    Reply
  • Katie Kinsley
    April 17, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    It looks like you’ve had a great time in Charlotte! I love graffiti walls. I have not been, but I have been to Asheville and it was a wonderful vacation.

    Reply
  • Christy Maurer
    April 17, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    My dad would love to visit the Nascar HOF! You’re lucky you got to visit. We have the football HOF close to me, and I’ve visited a couple of times. It is a lot of fun and walking too!

    Reply
  • Kemkem
    April 17, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    What a great decision to have this outing. The kids looked like they had a lot of fun. I also think l would have enjoyed the Hall of Fame. It’s cool that your daughter enjoyed it. The food looks amazing and my mouth is watering just looking at that burger :-).

    Reply
  • Doria
    April 17, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    Wow, looks like you guys had a great time! It’s true, memories from travel will last a lifetime and we try to pack in as many as possible!

    Reply
  • Ngumabi
    April 17, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    What a lovely adventure to take with your kids. It’s really a memorable time spent with each other. The pictures say it all and the food is so yum. Great post!

    Reply
  • Jacqui Stewart
    April 17, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    This looks like a great time! I’ve been to Charlotte before, but didn’t visit these locations. Will have to add them to my list!

    Reply
  • candy
    April 17, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    Looks like the outing was a success. From your photos the kids had a wonderful time seeing the sights and enjoying some great burgers and other food. Good decision.

    Reply
  • Jay Colby
    April 17, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    I’ve always wanted to visit Charlotte. From your photos it seems like an great city!

    Reply
  • Jenn
    April 17, 2017 at 11:51 pm

    Looks like a really fun day. Interesting places to visit, and some tasty food. I love a good burger.

    Reply
  • Marysa
    April 18, 2017 at 2:07 am

    Really looks like you guys did a lot of cool exploring! I haven’t been to that area and it seems like there is plenty to do. Sounds like a fun day of quality time with the kids 🙂

    Reply
  • Marsha
    April 18, 2017 at 3:22 am

    Aww I’m glad the show inspired you to put the kids in the car and do something different! I need to do that myself. I’ve been to Charlotte but I didn’t tour anything. Looks like you guys had a fun and delicious trip!! My boys would love the Nascar place!

    Reply
  • Heather
    April 18, 2017 at 4:25 am

    I’m glad you decided to go out and travel for spring break. It can be really good to reset or refresh from the everyday. I’m sure the kids loved it too. I’m sorry to hear about your loss.

    Reply
  • David Elliott
    April 18, 2017 at 5:14 am

    Looks like you had an amazing time with your kids. I am sure my daughter would love to do those things. The Nascar museum looks like a lot of fun.

    Reply
  • My Teen Guide
    April 18, 2017 at 5:42 am

    I have a good friend from college that absolutely loves Nascar. She adores the sport so much that she and her husband moved to Charlotte! I think the museum would be a great place to visit. I’m asking her to take me there when I get to meet up with her sometime in the Fall.

    Reply
  • Keisha
    April 18, 2017 at 7:12 am

    Love the colorful murals! Those onion rings have me drooling a little lol. I’ve been through Charlotte but didn’t get a chance to explore the city. I’m not a huge fan of Nascar but the museum looks cool I would definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing ♥

    Reply
  • Rebecca Swenor
    April 18, 2017 at 7:30 am

    It sounds like you had an amazing time with the kids. The photos of them with the murals are awesome. This trip has memories that they will never forget and will treasure forever. It is so important to remember that life really is to short not to enjoy each day and to make them memories with our children because they grow up so fast. Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences.

    Reply
  • Jaime Nicole
    April 18, 2017 at 10:19 am

    I’ve never been to North Carolina, but it looks awesome. Looks like you and your kids had a great time so maybe this would be a great spot for a family vacation!

    Reply
  • K. Elizabeth
    April 18, 2017 at 6:26 pm

    I’m glad you all enjoyed your trip to Charlotte! My kids love the Discovery Place. It never gets old for them.

    Reply
  • Bren | A Splash of Cray
    April 18, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    Oh my gosh, Kita! I just realized how much DMan is looking like Decarlo! xoxoxo Looks like y’all had a fabulous time! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

    Reply
    • Kita
      April 18, 2017 at 11:30 pm

      he is they both are looking like him! He has my personality though she has his

      Reply
  • Anosa
    April 18, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    Charlotte sounds and looks like an amazing place to visit and even vacation

    Reply
  • Amy @ Marvelous Mommy
    April 18, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    I totally agree, experiences are way better than stuff. We spent spring break in North Carolina too!

    Reply
  • Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
    April 18, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Looks like you guys really had fun there! It’s always nice to create new memories with the kids and traveling with them in one of the best ways to do so.

    Reply
  • Bonnie @wemake7
    April 19, 2017 at 1:34 am

    I totally agree, having a memorable experience by taking outings is worth more than material gifts.

    Reply
  • rika
    April 19, 2017 at 3:56 am

    Your kids look so adorable. Looks like they had so much fun! I love making memories with my family!

    Reply
  • Mimi Green
    April 19, 2017 at 4:04 am

    Kita, I love that you and the kids got out. Road trips are some of my fondest memories of my childhood. We used to road trip all the time, I love that you created that memory with you kids.

    Lots of cool places, I’ve never been to Charlotte, NC.

    Reply
  • Tia | Pennies In My Pocket
    April 19, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    Charlotte is one of the cities I want to explore soon. It looks like you guys had a really good time. Thanks for sharing your experience so that I can add a few things to my to do list when I visit.

    Reply
  • Lauren
    April 19, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I still haven’t been to Charlotte but that burger looks amazeballs!

    Reply
  • Walk One Day In Our Shoes
    April 20, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I love these photos of your children! They are so vibrant and beautiful. I enjoy Charlotte and visit there often. The line that stuck out the most was to take a few pictures then put your camera away ; to live in the moment. I will do that more.

    Reply
  • Vany|misscoilyhair
    April 20, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Awesome you took that trip with the kiddos. They look so happy in those shots. Experiences are worth so much more than material things. Took me a while to realize that.

    Reply
  • Kirstin Fuller
    May 3, 2017 at 1:25 am

    I love Charlotte! I haven’t visited the NASCAR museum but it looks like a lot of fun so I’ll have to visit on my next trip to good old Charlotte!

    Reply
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