Hotel info:
The Summit will take place at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Book your room at our special rate of $129/night now.
More to Do in Charlotte
Flat Water Kayaking on the Catawba River
U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER (USNWC) (A 40-minute drive from the hotel)
Paddle along the scenic Catawba River to enjoy one of the more relaxing sides of the USNWC. Flatwater kayaking allows guests to explore the region’s natural environment, wildlife, and ecology, while tandem kayaking provides the opportunity to paddle down the river with a friend or family member in the boat.
No previous experience is required. All flatwater kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding gear (boat, PFD and paddle) is provided with pass purchase, and guests with their own gear are welcome to use the flatwater put-in. Adult Day Pass is $59, Single activity pass (for just the kayaking for example) is $25-$30. Parking is $6. They also have hiking trails.
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NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC (20-minute drive + parking or 45-minutes by light rail)
Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, opened May 11, 2010, and includes artifacts, hands-on exhibits, a 278-person state-of-the-art theater, Hall of Honor, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, NASCAR Hall of Fame Gear Shop, NASCAR Productions-operated broadcast studio and an attached parking garage on Brevard Street. The 5-acre site also includes a privately developed 19-story office tower and 102,000-square-foot expansion to the Charlotte Convention Center, highlighted by a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The goal of the facility is to honor NASCAR icons and create an enduring tribute to the drivers, crew members, team owners and others that have impacted the sport in the past, present and future.
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Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC (15-minute drive from hotel)
https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track and zMAX Dragway! Learn the illustrious history of each track while taking in the sights and sounds of America’s Home for Racing!
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Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite
3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215 (15-minute drive from hotel)
The Charlotte Museum of History interprets and preserves Charlotte’s unique history, enriching the community through shared understanding of the past and inspiring dialogue about the future. The Museum is the steward of the ca. 1774 Hezekiah Alexander Home Site, a National Register of Historic Places site, and places an emphasis on the settlement of the Carolina Backcountry and the ideas and events that led to the American Revolution. The Alexander House is the last extant home of a framer of North Carolina’s 1776 Constitution and Bill of Rights and the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. In addition to the house, the Alexander home site contains a reproduction log kitchen, reconstructed two-story springhouse and log barn.
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Shop ‘til You Drop
Concord Mills
8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC (10-minute drive from hotel)
https://www.simon.com/mall/concord-mills
As the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Carolina, Concord Mills brings together more than 200 stores, plus great dining and family entertainment options. Popular retailers include Banana Republic Factory Store, Coach, LEGO Brand Retail Store, Michael Kors Outlet and the only Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in the state. Shoppers can also discover quality dining and entertainment at AMC 24 Theatres, Dave & Buster’s and The SPEEDPARK. Further enhancing its unparalleled shopping experience, Concord Mills is home to Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, a 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium featuring more than 5,000 sea creatures and more than 20 spectacular displays of diverse marine life.
IKEA
8300 IKEA Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262 (7-minute drive)
https://goo.gl/maps/Eu9S7owLPUD4A8q49
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NoDa Arts District (20 minutes on Light Rail)
https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/neighborhoods/noda
NoDa, short for North Davidson, is the city’s arts and entertainment district. It's known for its eclectic galleries and music venues, including the Neighborhood Theatre, host to big-name acts, and intimate spots like the Evening Muse. Artisan gift shops, jewelry stores and tattoo parlors dot North Davidson Street. Local eats include Southern fare, Cajun cuisine and pizza, and there are a number of hip dive bars.
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Greenway Biking
University of North Carolina Charlotte Campus (10-minute bike ride from the hotel)
Just want to get out and move? The Toby Creek/Mallard Creek/Clark’s Creek Greenway complex provides almost 21 miles of roundtrip pedaling pleasure. You can access the complex from the UNC Charlotte campus, where you’ll encounter a few challenging hills. Once you’re on the greenway, it will be smooth sailing.
