pond tour charlotte

Charlotte Koi Club

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Welcome to the charlotte koi club, time to get serious about the pond….

Or maybe we’re just prioritizing what tasks to tackle around the pond and garden. I’m always thinking I’m kind of ahead of the game the last week of March and it usually goes downhill in April. The return of green is lovely but it also brings pollen and weeds sprout overnight. In the blink of an eye we’re out pulling weeds, picking up mulch, and tending to nuisances in the pond. Once our winter cover was off, the sun has been encouraging algae growth in my pond – and it’s not the nice carpet algae that we welcome. The koi are more active and this is the time many koi owners will find signs of infection on their koi. Their immune system is kicking in as they eat more but it’s a race against aeromonas bacteria finding a weak spot to exploit.

Are you prepared to deal with the new pond year? We’ll be talking about this at the May club meeting. It will be at the home of Catherine Goodrich, May 11. 2024, 10:30 – 12:00. Plan to bring a brunch type item to share with other attendees.  The address for this meeting is in the latest club newsletter.

See you soon!

- Lori Vertin, President, Charlotte Koi Club

CHARLOTTE KOI CLUB MISSION

• Social club for koi enthusiasts at all levels of experience and expertise.
• Provide education related to koi, koi keeping, and koi pond management.
• Provide consultative advice on buying koi, koi health, water quality, and general koi pond management.
• Share knowledge on topics of interest to club members such as water gardening, landscaping around ponds, statuary, koi shows, and Asian culture.

Common Koi Varieties

There are over 100 classifications of koi. Here is a visual guide to some of the most common varieties.

Where can you buy high quality Japanese koi?

Common health problems and what you can do to maintain a healthy pond.

Koi Netters is a koi rescue organization for the greater Charlotte area.

“All of a sudden I had the revelation of how enchanting my pond was.” – Claude Monet

Pond Plants and Koi

Pond Supplies

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Piedmont Aquascapes and outdoor living

Charlotte, NC Area Pond Contractor

Dreaming of a Great Water Feature is Step #1

Piedmont Aquascapes serving the Charlotte /  Mecklenburg County, NC area specializes in exquisite water features. Our services include design, installation, repair and servicing of liner ponds, pond-less waterfalls, fountains, rain-water harvesting systems, rain barrels, and artistic outdoor lighting. 

We Care About the Details

Piedmont Aquascapes is Serving the Charlotte NC Area. We are among the most qualified and informed pond builders/installers in the water gardening industry in our area. We attend continual training and education seminars on building ponds and water features. Additionally we try to maintain a proven record of outstanding work and dedicated customer service and maintenance support.

We Service These Areas

Charlotte, Weddington, Waxhaw, Huntersville, Concord, Harrisburg, Ft. Mill, Matthews, Wesley Chapel, Monroe, Pineville, Cornelius, Rock Hill

Piedmont Aquascapes

Copyright © 2018 Piedmont Aquascapes - All Rights Reserved.

Indian Trail, NC Based

Pond Company

Charlotte, nc.

Pondscapes of Charlotte is a pond and water feature contractor located in Charlotte, NC. We would love the opportunity to make your water feature dreams come true or simply clean your backyard pond! We have been installing and servicing ponds and waterfalls in the Charlotte region for over 20 years. We take pride in our work and love what we do. We know the importance of the customer experience and strive to exceed expectations simply by being honest and doing what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it!

Announcements

2023 Water Artisans of The Year Winner!

Pondscapes of Charlotte was recognized as the winner for the category “Best Under 20K” in Pond Trade Magazine. Not only did we win that category but our water feature made the cover of the Pond Trade Magazine! The story behind the project includes a great effort by our team and the involvement of a special customer Mr.Tuttle. Check out the full story of the build below!

Premier Ponds & Pondscapes of Charlotte Team Up Resulting In Viral Video

Digital influencer Mark Pankowski of Premier Ponds teamed up with Pondscapes of Charlotte to create a custom pond for Carolina Panthers’ Marquis Haynes, a fish enthusiast. Their collaboration resulted in a mesmerizing TikTok video on Premier Ponds’ account, racking up 1.5 million views in 24 hours. The viral success showcased the seamless teamwork and expertise of both companies in bringing Marquis’ dream pond to life.

Greg Wittstock, famously known as The Pond Guy and the visionary owner of Aquascape inc., embarked on an extraordinary journey from his base at Aqualand in the water garden capital of the world St. Charles Illinois, to Charlotte, North Carolina. His mission? To personally vlog the mesmerizing Ponds and water features created by the talented team at Pondscapes of Charlotte. With a passion for water features that knows no bounds, Greg traverses the globe, documenting and sharing some of the most stunning water gardens and ponds imaginable. His commitment to showcasing the world’s finest aquatic creations is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the art of water gardening. Greg Wittstock is not just a pioneer in the industry; he’s also an avid explorer of the aquatic wonders that grace our planet.

Urban Rescue Ranch

Pondscapes of Charlotte is proud to have collaborated with YouTube star Uncle Ben, from Urban Ranch Rescue, in a heartwarming project to construct a pond for the animals he rescues. Our team was deeply moved by his dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment for these animals in need. Together, we designed and built a pond that not only enhances the animals’ habitat but also offers a serene and natural retreat for them. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful endeavor, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Urban Ranch Rescue’s mission of compassion and care for these incredible creatures.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for joining us on the spectacular 2023 Charlotte Pond Tour. Your enthusiasm and support made this event an astounding success. We hope you enjoyed exploring the stunning ponds, learning about aquatic ecosystems, and connecting with fellow pond enthusiasts. Your presence added vibrancy to the tour, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Together, we continue to celebrate the beauty of nature and its serene water landscapes. We hope to see you all again for next year’s pond tour, where we promise even more awe-inspiring sights and experiences. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey.

The Pond Life

A Pond Like Never Before

Beautify your backyard today.

Everyone needs a break from the grind of the world but not everyone owns a cabin on a lake. That’s where Aqua Escapes comes in.  A backyard garden is not only peaceful and relaxing but brings family together. 

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What Our Clients Say

Let real testimonials do the speaking! 

Let's Upgrade Your Yard Together!

Questions & answers.

Read more of our FAQs gained from years of installing ponds in the greater Charlotte area.  

Why I should choose your company?

We’ve been installing ponds for 22 years, we’ve seen every aspect of pond filtration and waterfall installation… learning invaluable tips and tricks over these years. We often are hired to fix other inexperienced pond installer mistakes. 

What kind of pond maintenance do you offer?

Depending on your pond’s particular needs we can come out for semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly maintenance. We also offer seasonal spring and fall clean outs. 

Are your employees fully insured?

Aqua Escapes carries comprehensive commercial liability insurance. 

Let's Bring Nature Into Your Lovely Yard

Aqua Escapes can install a wide range of water features for any budget. From small backyard ponds, indoor water features and large commercial projects. Reach out for information and your custom quote

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Pond Country

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Visit the region’s largest pond retail store & gallery

Pond Supplies | Koi & Goldfish | Aquatic Plants

Pond Country has two retail locations to serve you in both the Triad & Charlotte areas. Our Triad retail store & gallery currently showcases over 20 water features including ponds, Infinity Waterfalls, and fountains. Our outdoor walkthrough gallery shows what ponds we offer and helps you visually experience the enjoyment water can bring.

Now shop online! Visit pondcountryshop.com to purchase all of your pond supplies for convenient in-store pickup or delivery.

Our retail stores are fully stocked with the latest pond equipment, parts, treatments, lighting, koi, goldfish, premium fish food, aquatic plants, biological enhancers and more. Knowledgeable staff are available onsite to assist you and help answer any questions.

If you’re looking for koi and goldfish, Pond Country retail stores are the number one choice to visit. With our 20+ tanks, we have the Southeast’s largest selection and variety of koi including domestic standard, butterfly, Israeli, and Japan-imported breeds. Goldfish breeds include ryunkin, orandas, and more.

All of our fish are birthed from high-quality, premium breeding fish families.

We also have the area’s largest selection of pumps & pond equipment. Pond Country carries a huge assortment of filters, pumps, lighting, aeration kits, fish food, fish medicine, planting supplies, and more.

Wanting a DIY project to build your own pond? We can help with that too as we sell everything you need in easy-to-grab boxed pond kits. Just choose your size.

The Pond Country Experience

The region’s only pond showrooms.

Experience a real-time walkthrough & aerial view of the outdoor pond gallery at the Colfax, NC (Greensboro) retail store location

Outdoor Gallery Walkthrough

Outdoor gallery aerial view, buy online, pick up in store.

We offer convenient online shopping of all of our pond supplies. Checkout is easy and select either in-store pickup or delivery.

Store Hours & Directions

Pond Country (Triad | Greensboro) 8401 Endicott Road Colfax, NC 27235 336-782-0339 [email protected]

Located conveniently across from the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge Rd off I-40 near Greensboro.

Pond Country (Mooresville | Charlotte) 182 E. Plaza Dr Mooresville, NC 27235 980-247-2999 [email protected]

Located off I-77 at exit 36 (Mooresville) on Hwy 150 (Plaza Drive) – 1.2 miles from exit. Beside of Mineke Brakes.

DISPLAY POND (No retail supplies sold here) Pond Country (Knoxville) 8718 S Northshore Dr Knoxville, TN 37922 865-414-3664 [email protected]

Located inside of Popes Creekside Nursery. No retail pond supplies sold here except for special seasonal pop-up events. Pond on display.

The Pond Country Difference

Why Choose Us?

The biggest reason? Our amazing crew. Our staff, from sales to construction to retail to service, have been commended for their friendliness, expert knowledge, and genuine desire to help our customers enjoy pond ownership from beginning to end. Staff are Master CAC trained and educated and can help with any question you may have.

Start the process by visiting one of our unique outdoor pond showrooms & retail stores. Click the button below to discover what sets Pond Country apart from everyone else.

Contact us today for a design consultation! You can even pay for your pond in affordable monthly payments with special financing options.

1-888-978-FROG [email protected]

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The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Guide to Charlotte

A local’s tips for experiencing the adventurous side of the Queen City

For one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, Charlotte, North Carolina, has an impressive outdoor scene that offers everything from urban parks and greenways to wild river adventures and hiking and biking trails galore. Outside tapped John Searby, executive director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, for a local’s take on the best ways to enjoy Charlotte’s outdoor scene. Here are Searby’s recommendations in his own words.

Water Adventures

If you’re new to adrenaline-pumping watersports, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is one of the best places in the entire country to explore many facets of the outdoor lifestyle. The center offers folks the chance to explore a variety of experiences in a more programmed and controlled space.

On the flip side, if you want to get away from it all and be totally self-sufficient, plan a paddling adventure on the South Fork Catawba River Corridor , just outside of Charlotte. The South Fork River is the largest tributary of the Catawba River and runs through several early 1900s mill villages. After the mass exodus of textile mills, these villages leaned into ecotourism and embraced the river as a destination. The South Fork River is part of an eight-mile blueway paddle trail that has no motorized boat access and is home to several kayak launch areas, conserved properties, and parks. The river flows through the downtowns of two communities and even has Class 1-2 rapids. The towns along the South Fork—Lowell, McAdenville, Cramerton, and Belmont—all have great outdoor recreation options. Hop on the river for just a few hours, or link together multiple stretches for a full weekend of paddling. Being able to jump in and out of your boat to grab a coffee, lunch, beer, or snack makes the South Fork Corridor a great outdoor enthusiast’s day trip.

Trail Adventures

You don’t have to drive far from Uptown, Charlotte’s city center, to find amazing access to outdoor recreation. About an hour from the city, Crowders Mountain State Park offers access to the 15.8-mile Ridgeline Trail, primitive campsites, and hike-in bouldering areas. Within Mecklenburg County, the 1,400-acre Latta Nature Preserve , on the banks of Mountain Island Lake, features 13 miles of trails, a raptor center where you can get nose to beak with birds of prey, and an interactive science center. Visitors can also access the lake from multiple places in the park. Within a few minutes of the park’s gates, you can return to the “real world” and find restaurants, bars, and accommodations.

For mountain bike trails, check out the Tarheel Trailblazers . This local mountain bike community is dedicated to building trails in the region. They have a great mix of trails in municipal parks and private property that really lends itself to accessibility.

A Blend of Nature and Big-City Vibes

The Cross Charlotte Trail , especially the Little Sugar Creek Greenway segment, is one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the city. This greenway runs from the South Carolina state line all the way to Cabarrus County and goes right through the heart of Charlotte. Along the route, you’ll find numerous parks, wetlands, educational opportunities, and community gathering spots around the Little Sugar Creek stream restoration project. There is also an abundance of singletrack bypass areas, bike parks, and the BYT (Backyard Trails), where you can get your mountain bike or trail running fix along the route. As you cross Charlotte on the trail, you also go through Uptown, NoDa (Charlotte’s art district), and Charlotte’s University area, so there are plenty of opportunities to hop off the trail and experience great food, culture, art, and history. It is really an awesome experience for anyone, no matter what you like.

Just outside of the city, the Anne Springs Close Greenway is one of the most amazing outdoor oases in the region. This 2,100-acre preserve is less than 30 minutes from Uptown and features more than 36 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, trail runners, and equestrians. The park also offers kayaking on a private lake and multiple food and beverage options on-site.

Post-Adventure Hangouts

There are literally dozens of great breweries in Charlotte, and many of them cater to outdoor enthusiasts with outdoor seating areas, close connections to greenways, and dog-friendly spaces. Some of the best include Birdsong Brewing, off Little Sugar Creek Greenway; Sycamore Brewing, by the Charlotte Rail Trail; and Legion Brewing West Morehead, near Stewart Creek Greenway. For multiple food options in an outdoor food hall environment, Camp North End is just six blocks from Uptown and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

The Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the newest outdoor hangouts in the region and is quickly becoming a favorite. Open seven days a week, this renovated log cabin offers coffee, wine, and beer, along with grab-and-go food and snacks. From the front porch, you can access nearly seven miles of trails to hike, trail run, and bike through the 380-acre botanical garden. For an artsy hangout, try Confluence South Fork , on the banks of the South Fork River, just 30 minutes from Uptown. This craft beer venue doubles as an art gallery featuring local nature-themed art and live music. Events here help raise money to protect our local waterways. Several adjacent restaurants deliver food to Confluence. Finally, NoDa Brewing Company , located right next to the Cross Charlotte Trail, is the OG of the Charlotte craft beer scene, with the coolest beer garden and taproom around. The brewery has always been a huge supporter of environmental nonprofits and outdoor recreation events, like the Around the Crown 10K .

The Queen City has no shortage of fresh-air pursuits for your next weekend getaway. Raise a glass at one of Charlotte’s buzzing rooftop bars and outdoor patios, discover the city’s thriving culinary scene, and experience unforgettable adventures under the sun. Check out charlottesgotalot.com to start planning your trip to Charlotte.

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Expert Pond Construction In Charlotte, NC

Discover Nature’s Wonders With The Addition Of A Pond

Passionate professionals serving Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas

Unwind And Embrace The Beauty Around You

Ponds are a great way to bring natural beauty to your yard. Just steps away from your front door is a lively scene that is uniquely your own. Just imagine the rippling surface of the pond glimmering in the summer sun and the greenery blowing in the wind around you. Feel great as you watch your family enjoying all the special features that make this space a custom relaxation oasis. With just one step into your yard, you’ll feel energized and ready to tackle the day.

Ponds come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to have a big backyard to enjoy one. Our Charlotte team is here to design and build a pond that is unique to you and your backyard. Choose your favorite plants, fish, and special features, and we’ll make sure to put them together into an amazing pond.

A Unique Educational Spot

Ponds are unique aquatic habitats that are brimming with biodiversity, right on your own property! Having a pond in your backyard means you and your family can witness a lively ecosystem of your own.

It’s invaluable for your children to appreciate the wonders of nature on a daily basis. Watch them grow as they feed the koi fish and interact with nature in a safe and comfortable environment. 

A pond from Charlotte Backyard Ponds will provide everyone – including your beloved pets – with an excellent opportunity to spend more time outdoors and be more active.

An Easy Process To Your Perfect Pond

We're excited to turn your backyard into a place where you can relax and recharge. The addition of a pond to your home may seem like a big challenge, but we’ve designed a simple process that guarantees a stress-free experience. Sit back and enjoy how easy it is to transform your home into an oasis.

Step 1. Reach Out To Us

Fill out our form and describe your ideas the best you can. We’ll get back to you with a phone call and discuss your budget, the timeline, and set up an on-site consultation.

Step 2. We Work Our Magic

When everything is in place, we get to work. Our team will bring your vision to life and give you the backyard experience you deserve. While we work on your landscape, we’ll always keep you in the loop.

Step 3. Love Your New Pond

When our work is done, we’ll do a walkthrough to present your pond to you and check if everything is perfect. Next, we pack up and let you enjoy your newfound oasis.

FAQs People Ask OUr Pond BUilders IN Charlotte

Here are the popular questions homeowners are asking our pond builders in Charlotte:

Yes, constructing a backyard pond is a project within reach for DIY enthusiasts. Professional pond builders are better at creating more natural-looking features that don’t break down easily.

To start a pond in your backyard, begin by creating a design. You can use rope or plant-friendly spray paint to help you envision the outline. Then, start digging.

Absolutely! A backyard pond enriches your space with aesthetic beauty and a sense of calm. It’s an inviting habitat for wildlife, enhances your property’s value, and can be a fun, educational feature for the whole family. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to maintain, providing more enjoyment than hassle.

Building a backyard pond can range from a single day’s job to a couple of weeks, averaging about 4 days. The duration depends on factors such as the design’s complexity, pond size, weather conditions, and any unforeseen adjustments. Planning and preparation can help streamline the process.

Pond Construction Prices

Enhance your outdoor space with a pond designed specially for you and your backyard.

Basic Pond Construction*

Includes a 4x6 pond, complete with a pump, filtration system, rocks, and a waterfall.

Average Pond Construction*

Includes a 10x14 pond, complete with an upgraded pump, filtration system, rocks, and an upgraded waterfall.

High-End Pond Construction*

Includes a 20x30 pond, complete with pumps, filtration system, two skimmers or intake bog, rocks, and a double waterfall.

*Prices are averages and may change depending on the size of your pond and your choice of materials and features. You’ll receive an exact quote for your unique pond during the in-house consultation.

Pond Construction Gallery

If you want to know how your pond may look, feel free to browse our gallery below. Find the inspiration you need for your next outdoor project.​

Here’s What Our Customers Say…

Growing around ponds and being involved with ponds our entire lives, we are perfectionists and we take a lot of pride in our work. Have a look at what other homeowners like you have to say about working with us.

Bring the Mesmerizing Beauty Of A Pond TO Your Backyard

• POND TOUR-'24

29th Annual  Austin Pond Tour

On June 1st (Sat.), the tour is open from 9am to 5pm. 

On June 2nd (Sun.), the tour will be open from 9am to 5pm.

Each visitor will require a ticket. Once you register online, you will get a receipt for your payment and a ticket. Please keep the receipt and/or the ticket in print or digital format. At the day of the Pond Tour, present your ticket or receipt at your first Pond, to get a wrist band. This wrist band will be your your pass for both days of the tour.

Kids 12 and under are free. Pets are not allowed on the Tour. No refunds.

Registration for the Pond Tour! Tickets are available for: - $20 to early registrants (early ticket sales open till May 31st, 10PM ) - $25 if purchased on either day of the Tour, at any Pond location. This will be online payments only as no cash will be transacted at Pond locations).

One of this year's Pond Owners, Nancy Hall, was featured on Central Texas Gardener! Check out the photos and video below of her amazing pond and gardens:                                                              ** Central Texas Gardener visits Nancy's Garden **

Comments or feedback? Please contact us via email :

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Wells Fargo Championship: How to watch Round 3, featured groups, live scores, tee times, TV times

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Round 3 of the Wells Fargo Championship gets underway Friday from Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The PGA TOUR returns to Quail Hollow for the sixth Signature Event of the season.

Xander Schauffele extended his lead on Friday to four shots after a second-round 67. Schauffele now sits at 11-under heading into the weekend, four shots clear of his nearest competitors and former Wells Fargo Championship winners Rory McIlroy and Jason Day. McIlroy, who carded a bogey-free 68, managed to lose ground on Schauffele in his attempt at a fourth Wells Fargo title. Day, who won the event in 2018, carded a 4-under 67 on Friday that was highlighted by five birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn. Sungjae Im and Taylor Moore sit in T4 at 6-under with some work to do on the weekend to catch Schauffele.

Here's everything you need to know to follow the action.

HOW TO FOLLOW (all times ET):

Television:

• Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS)
• 'PGA TOUR Originals: Greatness Has a Home – The Wells Fargo Championship': Tune in this Saturday from 2:30-3 p.m. on CBS for a look at the illustrious legacy of Quail Hollow Club with a focus on its two decades as the host venue for the PGA TOUR's Wells Fargo Championship. Hosted by CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, the show highlights the origins of Quail Hollow Club and relives pivotal moments on and off the golf course as one of the TOUR's premiere proving grounds for golf's biggest stars.

PGA TOUR LIVE:

PGA TOUR LIVE is available exclusively on ESPN+

• Main feed: Primary tournament-coverage featuring the best action from across the course
• Marquee group: New “marquee group” showcasing every shot from each player in the group
• Featured groups: Traditional PGA TOUR LIVE coverage of two concurrent featured groups
• Featured holes: Combination of par 3s and iconic or pivotal holes

PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and free on PGATOUR.COM/liveaudio :

• Saturday-Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

Featured groups (all times in ET)

Main feed group

• 8:15 a.m.: Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler

Marquee groups

• 9:10 a.m.: Tony Finau, Brian Harman
• 9:40 a.m.: Harris English, Viktor Hovland

Featured groups

• 8:25 a.m.: Gary Woodland, Shane Lowry
• 9 a.m.: Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati

Featured holes

• Nos. 4 (par 3), 6 (par 3), 14 (par 4), 17 (par 3)

Schauffele shoots 67, leads by four over McIlroy, Day at Wells Fargo Championship

Jason Day draws more attention with another unique Malbon look

Explaining Schauffele’s ruling from first round of Wells Fargo Championship

The double meaning of Wyndham Clark’s dream year

Purse breakdown: Wells Fargo Championship

72 Hours of Art Immersion in Charlotte

Brimming with cultural richness, the city’s ever-evolving arts scene offers something memorable for everyone who visits.

It’s the first Friday of the month in Charlotte’s South End, and the atmosphere is buzzing. The neighborhood's many galleries have extended their hours into the evening, beckoning the public with a glowing atmosphere and light refreshments perfect for perusing works of contemporary art and printmaking, while artists in mediums ranging from watercolor to stained glass have opened up their studio spaces, allowing visitors to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes. Winding through the heart of the neighborhood, along its light rail tracks, is the  South End Rail Trail , where patrons pack into adjacent bars and restaurants and families meander along the 3.5-mile-long pathway, encountering various art installations like the  Color Forest —a brilliant display of brightly painted poles in shades of green, blue, and orange, lining either side of the trail—and murals highlighting doughnuts, bottlecaps, and North Carolina’s coastal history en route.    

From these South End First Friday gallery crawls to interactive art walks and world-class museums, Charlotte’s art scene is flourishing. In fact, North Carolina’s most populous city features everything from realist paintings to experimental sculptures for visitors and local residents alike. With so much to do and see, the only trick is knowing where to start. Read on to learn about the can’t-miss art destinations perfect for a long weekend in the Queen City. 

Day 1 - The Levine Center for the Arts 

One of the city’s major cultural destinations, the Levine Center for the Arts is an expansive multi-building complex that contains three of Charlotte’s most prominent art museums—the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Mint Museum Uptown—as well as a performing arts venue. While each institution can be easily explored on its own, the Levine Center for the Arts Pass provides two-day access to all three museums for only $20. Here’s what this small fee gets you:   

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art  

The 36,500-square-foot Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases mid-20th-century modern art with works from such masters as Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, and German painter Max Ernst, a pioneer of Surrealism in Europe. Its permanent collection includes more than 1,400 paintings, prints, sculptures, and textiles, all which reflect on contemporary experimentation with abstract art. Just outside the Bechtler, in the museum’s own welcome plaza, stands one of its most legendary works of art: French-American sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle’s “ Le Grand Oiseau de Feu Sur l’Arche” (The Firebird). At more than 17-feet-tall, this monumental bird-like sculpture is covered in 7,500 pieces of fine mirrored and colored glass. Local residents lovingly refer to it as the “Disco Chicken.”  

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture  

Marking its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is dedicated to the art, history and culture of African Americans and people of African descent. Freelon Group Architects—which later became the lead architects for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.—designed the four-story center. It’s home to The Hewitt Collection of African American Art, 58 distinct works created by 20 Black-American artists, all masters of their craft, including Charlotte native Romare Bearden, Hale Woodruff, a painter, draftsman, and printer best known for his murals, and sculptor and graphic artist Elizabeth Catlett, whose work often focused on the Black-American female experience. The space also hosts rotating exhibits like the current A Superlative Palette: Contemporary Black Women Artists , which runs through August. 

Mint Museum Uptown

Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, the Mint Museum Uptown houses several permanent collections. Front-and-center is its internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, an assemblage of glass, studio jewelry, studio furniture, and more that focuses on 21st century pieces. Other outstanding compilations include American Art—spanning the fields of Federal portraiture, 19th century landscape painting (including works of the Hudson River School painters), and early 20th century realism—and Native American art forms such as performance masks, textiles, and contemporary ceramics. The museum even hosts the first installation in America’s southeast to explore the use of science and math in creating craft art and design. 

What’s more, admission to the Mint includes access to its sister location: the historic Mint Museum Randolph, located three miles south in what was the first branch of the United States Mint. Its collections range from African art to fashion. 

Each Friday evening is  Culture & Cuisine Night  at the Mint Museum Uptown. Simply book a reservation at its onsite restaurant, Mariposa, and secure two tickets to the museum in the process. Since the Mint Museum Uptown extends its hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays, whether you opt for the multicultural dining experience (think shareable dishes like pulled duck arepas and Thai green curry) or stroll through the exhibits first, is completely up to you.

Day 2 - Outdoor Art and Art-centric Walking Tours

Charlotte’s art scene extends well beyond the boundaries of any four walls, and its  public art  reflects the city’s energy and diversity. Take  “Ascendus,”  the wing-like, tilted piece made up of galvanized and stainless steel, aluminum, and laminated glass that stands at the entrance to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This 60-foot-tall sculpture is suggestive of flight and has become a prominent icon for airport visitors. Another popular public art piece is  “Metalmorphosis,”  a mirrored sculpture consisting of 40 steel pieces, including seven rotating segments, which adorns the grounds of southwest Charlotte’s Whitehall Corporate Center. When aligned, the individual segments form a giant silver head that spits water from its mouth into a surrounding pool. 

Another great way to explore local art is through a neighborhood art walk, designed by the nonprofit, ARTWalks CLT. Take a stroll through  NoDa (North Davidson) , Charlotte's arts and culture neighborhood, on a 14-stop walk. The tour begins at the iconic “Bloom” mural, which features a spray-painted lotus flower symbolizing rebirth. Many other works, like the whimsical freestanding sculpture that doubles as a bike rack, titled “Smelly Cat,” can also be spotted within a one-block radius.

Or opt for a more high-tech meander with  South End Interactive , a collection of ten murals throughout Charlotte's South End neighborhood that all feature QR codes. Simply access the codes with a smartphone camera to learn the stories behind each piece, told by the artists themselves. Featured works include a mural of American inventor Thomas Edison as well as local landmarks like the Bechtler's “Firebird.”

Day 3 - Artist Studios

Located within the city’s Uptown neighborhood, Charlotte’s nationally acclaimed  McColl Center  is an ideal place for emerging and mid-career artists looking to spur creativity. Along with being a contemporary arts hub, the center offers multi-month residences to artists working across various mediums, providing them with subsidized artist studios, access to equipment and tools such as communal labs for 3D printing, ceramics, and sculpture fabrication, and 5,000 square feet of gallery space to exhibit and sell their work. Artist-in-residences here have included fabric-based sculptor  Nicole Havekost  and visual artist  Mary Valverde , whose works center on the connection between Indigenous and African communities in the Americas.

The Brooklyn Collective  

From the late 1800s to the early 1960s, Brooklyn was a predominately Black Charlotte neighborhood that functioned as a city within the city, thriving as its own self-sustainable town. During the 1960s and 1970s, much of the community was razed under the guise of “urban renewal,” displacing thousands of residents and leaving few structures standing. Today, The  Brooklyn Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating inclusivity and economic mobility in Charlotte, operates from three of Brooklyn's remaining historic buildings: the Mecklenburg Investment Company Building (MICo), Studio 229 on Brevard, and the Historic Grace Church. The diverse collective aims to bring back the spirit of Brooklyn through a combination of community, history, and arts. The collective also hosts rotating exhibitions, such as the future-inspired “The Next Hundred Years III,” and provides space for performing arts, resident designers and artists, and even a marketplace. 

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