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5-mile hike less than three hours from Charlotte boasts 360 mountain views

A 5-mile Roan Highlands hike offers sweeping views and an summer escape.

Things to Do

Less than three hours from Charlotte is a roughly 5-mile hike with stunning views of the mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. Why it matters: If high flight prices have you rethinking your summer travel plans, there&#x27;s plenty to do in and around North Carolina.

4 insanely extra things inside Charlotte's first Wegmans

News

Northeast grocery chain Wegmans expects fans to line up when its massive Ballantyne store opens Oct. 14 at 9am.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t just any supermarket. It&#x27;s what Wegmans calls an &quot;animated&quot; shopping experience, with workers cracking cheese wheels and rolling sushi for an audience.

Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend

Events happening May 22-25 include the Water Lantern Festival, Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series, Charlotte FC game, Soul Food Festival, concerts and parties.

Whether you&#x27;re headed to The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coca-Cola 600" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" data-vars-content-id="ac4ba7d7-531c-4280-b13f-e6fa63731293" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 31 things to do in Charlotte this Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/30/charlotte-biggest-may-events-2026" target="_self">Coca-Cola 600</a> or planning to check out the Water Lantern Festival, plenty is happening to keep you busy all three days of the holiday weekend.

50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte

Whether it’s too hot, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.

Whether it’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" data-vars-content-id="0bd07521-b01a-4015-afb7-fce72218acdb" data-vars-headline="50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" target="_self">too hot</a>, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.Here&#x27;s a list of more than 50 things to do inside in Charlotte to escape the elements, listed in no particular order.

Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment

The program aims to make soccer more accessible.

Sports

More than 500 Pinewood Elementary School students participated in a soccer clinic for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soccer at Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" target="_self">Soccer at Schools</a>, which featured former U.S. Soccer national team players Clint Dempsey and Crystal Dunn.Why it matters: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is part of Bank of America&#x27;s investment in youth soccer leading up to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a>, which takes place in North America from June 11 through July 19.

Pro women's basketball returns to Charlotte

The new team hopes to revive Charlotte's pro women's basketball energy.

Charlotte&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="professional women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" data-vars-content-id="034f6b43-3bcc-42ab-9738-413a31e5af66" data-vars-headline="Pro women&#x27;s basketball returns to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" target="_self">professional women&#x27;s basketball team</a> tips off this month. Why it matters: The Charlotte Crown is the latest pro women&#x27;s sports team to call Charlotte home, and it&#x27;s part of a wave of new opportunities for women to compete professionally.

Charlotte FC's highest-paid player is delivering

Pep Biel leads Charlotte FC in pay and production.

Charlotte FC has a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top-paid player" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-fc-highest-paid-players-2025" data-vars-content-id="b5118c79-c3cb-4fe7-9fbb-e752e3b82ccd" data-vars-headline="Charlotte FC&#x27;s highest-paid player is delivering" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-fc-highest-paid-players-2025" target="_self">top-paid player</a>, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="b5118c79-c3cb-4fe7-9fbb-e752e3b82ccd" data-vars-headline="Charlotte FC&#x27;s highest-paid player is delivering" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">salary guide</a>.Why it matters: Midfielder Pep Biel is making a club-record $3.01 million in guaranteed compensation and he has the stats to back up Charlotte FC&#x27;s investment.

Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience in Charlotte

Your guide to the schedule, details, experiences and new offerings at the tournament.

<figure><img alt="Truist Championship sign." height="448" id="2c2cc76c-a949-47f1-b80e-8d57e2e37797" src="https://images.axios.com/P20rQDb4ofELUzp7DiDACG_m1ck=/2026/05/06/1778089739292.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The buildout for this year&#x27;s tournament took roughly 84 days. There are 15 video boards and 136 structures. Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truist Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="1caf8cf4-f140-4e28-866d-d8ebe802c5a7" data-vars-headline="Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" target="_self">Truist Championship</a> tees off this spring at Quail Hollow Club. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the dawn of a new era for Charlotte&#x27;s annual PGA Tour event, with a new title sponsor for one of the city&#x27;s most popular springtime events.

Hornets' $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027

The Hornets' new facility signals Charlotte's sports surge as the team pushes toward relevance.

<figure><img alt="Confetti going off in front of construction on the Hornets new practice facility." height="450" id="ab21be48-5727-41c3-8bf7-3d9a375c1027" src="https://images.axios.com/RL6y8VxswZ8VUyYMzEYiySDuDIs=/2026/05/04/1777916537904.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Charlotte Hornets&#x27; new roughly $180 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="practice facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/hornets-practice-facility-novant-health-performance-center" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/hornets-practice-facility-novant-health-performance-center" target="_self">practice facility</a> will open next spring. Why it matters: Charlotte is in the midst of a sports facility renaissance, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadiums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/23/charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-800-million-renovation-uptown-panthers-charlotte-fc-2045-deal" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/23/charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-800-million-renovation-uptown-panthers-charlotte-fc-2045-deal" target="_self">stadiums</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arenas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" target="_self">arenas</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="practice facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/16/charlotte-carolina-panthers-atrium-health-training-facility-uptown-stadium-district" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/16/charlotte-carolina-panthers-atrium-health-training-facility-uptown-stadium-district" target="_self">practice facilities</a>. For the first time in years, the product on the court and field is beginning to match that investment.

Why landing an MLB team is an "uphill battle" for North Carolina

Experts say North Carolina is a strong contender, but Nashville's push may be harder to beat.

Major League Baseball has its sights set on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/22/raleigh-mlb-expansion-charlotte-study" data-vars-content-id="ac2194a1-7498-49d7-a418-73bb10fdcaae" data-vars-headline="Why landing an MLB team is an &quot;uphill battle&quot; for North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/22/raleigh-mlb-expansion-charlotte-study" target="_self">expansion</a>, with potential new teams in the Eastern and Western parts of the country. Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s bid is strong, but competing markets may have clearer momentum, infrastructure and branding advantages.

Fresh renderings: Panthers tap Atrium Health for practice facility

The project ties into a broader $800 million stadium renovation and new venues reshaping Uptown.

<figure><img alt="Panthers head coach Dave Canales banging the team&#x27;s Keep Pounding drum. " height="450" id="32d9d800-6046-4cc1-8f69-2f5f91e5c94e" src="https://images.axios.com/97gOVu9UOd6tiVazgA7t7nB9k3s=/2026/04/16/1776348664486.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Panthers head coach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave Canales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/06/carolina-panthers-head-coach-dave-canales-things-to-know" data-vars-content-id="9350fe99-4c85-4552-85cf-30a395cce8cd" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: Panthers tap Atrium Health for practice facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/06/carolina-panthers-head-coach-dave-canales-things-to-know" target="_self">Dave Canales</a> hits the Keeep Pounding drum at the Atrium Health Training Facility unveiling. Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Carolina Panthers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Uptown practice facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/29/carolina-panthers-practice-facilities-uptown" data-vars-content-id="9350fe99-4c85-4552-85cf-30a395cce8cd" data-vars-headline="Fresh renderings: Panthers tap Atrium Health for practice facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/29/carolina-panthers-practice-facilities-uptown" target="_self">Uptown practice facility</a> will be called the Atrium Health Training Facility. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest layer for the long envisioned district surrounding Bank of America Stadium where the Panthers and Charlotte FC call home (both the NFL team and the MLS club are owned by Tepper Sports &amp; Entertainment). <ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s a vision for a new downtown Charlotte,&quot; TSE owner David Tepper said during Thursday morning&#x27;s announcement. </li></ul>

The countdown is on: Charlotte gears up for Truist Championship

Experience golf, local flavor and community impact at the Truist Championship, May 6-10.

Partners

Charlotte&#x27;s spring calendar is filling up fast — and with just over two weeks until gates open on May 6, excitement for the Truist Championship is building across the city.Why it&#x27;s important: The 24th annual event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sporting and social events of the year, drawing energy from golf fans and the Charlotte community eager to experience something new.

9 Charlotte residents running the 2026 Boston Marathon

More than 500 North Carolinians will run the Boston Marathon this year.

More than 500 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North Carolinians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/04/17/charlotteans-running-boston-marathon-325320" data-vars-content-id="4b155214-6802-4b44-a78c-11014846a19e" data-vars-headline="9 Charlotte residents running the 2026 Boston Marathon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/04/17/charlotteans-running-boston-marathon-325320" target="_self">North Carolinians</a> will run the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Marathon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/15/charlotte-boston-marathon" data-vars-content-id="4b155214-6802-4b44-a78c-11014846a19e" data-vars-headline="9 Charlotte residents running the 2026 Boston Marathon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/15/charlotte-boston-marathon" target="_self">Boston Marathon</a> this year.Why it matters: Boston has long been one of the world&#x27;s most renowned road races. It&#x27;s among the seven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Marathon Majors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/six-star/seven-star-hall-of-fame" data-vars-content-id="4b155214-6802-4b44-a78c-11014846a19e" data-vars-headline="9 Charlotte residents running the 2026 Boston Marathon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/six-star/seven-star-hall-of-fame" target="_blank">World Marathon Majors</a>, along with New York, Chicago, Tokyo, London, Berlin and Sydney.

USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary

The men's national rugby team will play two matches in North Carolina this summer.

The men&#x27;s national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rugby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" data-vars-content-id="886d161c-c033-49a0-9e19-18e7e2ecce72" data-vars-headline="USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/18/usa-rugby-matches-summer-2025-american-legion-memorial-stadium" target="_self">rugby</a> team will play two matches in North Carolina this summer.Why it matters: More than two dozen cities across the country, including Charlotte, are vying to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2031 Rugby World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/31/charlotte-2031-rugby-world-cup-bid" data-vars-content-id="886d161c-c033-49a0-9e19-18e7e2ecce72" data-vars-headline="USA Rugby to play summer matches in Charlotte and Cary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/31/charlotte-2031-rugby-world-cup-bid" target="_self">2031 Rugby World Cup</a>. A successful turnout during these matches will help make a case for Charlotte as a host city.

Sports 🏅

Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment

USMNT defender Tim Ream's morning routine

Carolina Ascent hosts league-leading Sporting JAX in finale

Pro women's basketball returns to Charlotte

Charlotte FC's highest-paid player is delivering