Nature Museum
1658 sterling rd, +1 704 372-6261, (http://www.discoveryplace...). m-f 9am-5pm, sa 10am-5pm, su 11am-5pm. discovery place affiliate, this kid-friendly museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on nature and biology. a butterfly garden, nature trail and live animals offer additional attractions. $5, 2 and under free.
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
248 ridgewood ave, +1 704 331-0664, (http://www.winghavengarde...). tu 3pm-5pm, w 10am-noon, sa 10am-5pm. only three acres in scope, it is designed to make the most of its winding paths, reflecting pools and formal gardens. a breathtakingly beautiful attraction in the springtime, it is ideal for relaxation and escape from city bustle. the large home in front of the sanctuary was built in 1927. free, donations suggested.
Park Terrace 6
4289 park rd, +1 704 556-6843. small six-screen theater in the park road shopping center. shows independent and limited-run films, and occasional foreign movies. cozy and friendly, very non-commercial in nature.
Myers Park is home to some of Charlotte's most important cultural attractions. Queens University regularly hosts major performers and speakers, and Freedom Park's events list includes the can't-miss Festival In The Park: a huge collection of regional artisans and performers, and countless food vendors.
In addition, the neighborhood quietly hosts two major museums:
The Mint Museum of Art
2730 randolph rd, +1 704 337-2000, (http://www.mintmuseum.org/). tu 10am-10pm, w-sa 10am-5pm, su noon-5pm. closed mondays and major holidays. charlotte's main art museum is located in the original building of the charlotte mint see history, which was moved from its location at mint st. though its permanent collection is somewhat lacking, it regularly hosts high-quality traveling exhibits from around the world. its primary strengths are american art and ceramics; colonial/pre-colonial art; and costumes and other decorative art from many countries. not a must-see, but worth a visit if you are in charlotte for more than a couple of days or have a special interest in art. $6, $5 seniors and college students, $3 6-17, free under 5.
Other neighborhood attractions:
Manor Theater
607 providence rd, +1 704 334-2727. the best place in charlotte for independent and "artsy" cinema. very well-reputed, even though it doesn't have the cutting-edge amenities of larger theaters. just south of uptown.