Are you a traveler on the lookout for ways to make the most of your time until your next flight? Layovers can be an unexpected opportunity to relax and recharge, especially with a little planning. If you find yourself at Charlotte Douglas International Airport with some time on your hands, you’re in luck.
Unlike the rest, we do have the top food and beverage spots within the airport to give you a taste of CLT-rich flavors without venturing far. And if the clock is on your side, why not step out to explore Charlotte’s charming scenes and sounds?
This guide helps you enjoy your layover in Charlotte easily, making sure you have a great time whether your stop is short or long.
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Things To Do Inside The Charlotte Douglas International Airport
In the short breaks between your flights, we’ve identified the best places for food and drinks right inside the CLT- airport.
This way, you can experience the wonderful tastes Charlotte is known for without needing to leave the airport.
Our selection ensures that even in these brief moments, you can enjoy a dining experience that reflects the city’s diverse and rich flavor palette, making your layover memorable.
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Local breweries at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport –
1. NoDa Brewing Company:
The NoDa bar at CLT Airport stands out as the go-to spot for beer enthusiasts. It excels in offering an exceptional beer experience.
The bar impresses with a diverse selection of draft beers, featuring 12 taps that showcase the best of NoDa’s offerings.
The bar specializes in a wide array of beers, particularly shining in the IPAs and stouts categories, ensuring a sip far beyond the ordinary.
2. Sycamore Brewing:
Sycamore Brewing stands out as a must-visit spot for those who appreciate friendly service, mouth-watering food, and exceptional craft beer.
This brewery is renowned for its ability to pair its seasonal Stout perfectly with crispy Brussels sprouts, creating a culinary experience that’s hard to forget.
3. The Broken Spoke:
The Broken Spoke is a gem for spirit enthusiasts, spotlighting the finest whiskey and vodka from the beloved local distillery.
presents a curated selection that promises to impress with every sip. It’s the go-to destination for those looking to explore the excellence of local spirits in a welcoming and refined setting.
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Dinner/lunch at CLT Airport –
4. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar:
Whether you want a simple cheeseburger or something new and exciting, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar makes sure you have a good time eating in a cheerful and easygoing place.
They use fresh and good quality stuff to make sure every burger is delicious. Besides burgers, they also offer different sides, salads, and special beers. So, it’s a good spot for all kinds of food lovers.
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5. Auntie Anne’s:
Auntie Anne’s makes fresh and warm pretzel snacks that go perfectly with cool drinks, giving you a special treat.
Our pretzels, shiny with butter and cooked until they’re a perfect golden color, come in twist shapes and small bites that are easy to eat, no matter where you are.
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6. Bojangles:
Bojangles is a fast-food place that serves food inspired by the South, famous for its fried chicken and biscuits, along with special side dishes.
Best Things To Do Near Charlotte Airport
7. Billy Graham Library
Distance from the CLT airport: 9 min (5.3 miles)
Did you know that the Billy Graham Library is one of the Best free things to do near Charlotte Airport?
It’s peaceful and tells a lot about history and Christian beliefs. You can learn a lot about being kind and helping others from the stories of Billy and Ruth Graham.
The gift shop has many things to see, and the Dairy Barn has really good scones. Everyone who helps out there is very nice.
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8. Freedom Park
Distance from the CLT airport: 16 min (9.2 miles)
Freedom Park is a beautiful place where you can relax or go for a run around the lake. There are grassy areas in the park that are great for sitting.
It surrounds a scenic lake, offers paved trails for easy walks and runs, and tennis courts for playing. Sometimes, some performances and events bring people together.
Freedom Park is an excellent place for relaxation, exercise, and spending time with friends or family, with stunning views and attractions like a steam engine, swings, and a playground that families enjoy all year round.
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9. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten
Distance from the CLT airport: 11 min (7.1 miles)
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten is a large brewery featuring a pub and an 8-acre beer garden where it serves its brews in a vibrant atmosphere.
It offers outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the weather, a cozy fireplace for chillier days, and live music that adds to the lively setting.
This spot is great for those looking to enjoy a good beer in a spacious and entertaining environment.
10. NASCAR Hall of Fame
Distance from the CLT airport: 12 min (7.1 miles)
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive and educational museum that’s a must-visit for NASCAR enthusiasts and anyone interested in the sport’s history.
Spread across three or four levels, it encourages visitors to come prepared for a good amount of walking.
The museum includes a theater that offers a 20-minute show available for viewing at any time, adding to the leisurely experience.
If you’re passionate about NASCAR and its legacy, you’ll find the Hall of Fame particularly enjoyable.
11. Mint Museum
Distance from the CLT airport: 11 min (6.6 miles)
Mint Museum Uptown is a premier destination located in the vibrant center of Charlotte, showcasing a globally acclaimed Craft + Design collection alongside significant American and contemporary art collections.
Designed to enhance the visitor experience, Mint Museum Uptown offers numerous facilities such as the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum store, making it a comprehensive cultural hub in Charlotte’s city center.
12. Levine Museum of the New South
Distance from the CLT airport:13 min (6.8 miles)
The Levine Museum of the New South, nestled in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a history museum dedicated to uncovering and understanding the region’s past.
It focuses on the significant aspects of the Charlotte metro area’s history, providing exhibits that not only narrate the events but also engage visitors, prompting them to reflect on contemporary issues.
By fostering curiosity about our current world through the lens of history, the museum serves as a vital educational resource and a catalyst for thought-provoking discussions about the New South’s evolution.
13. Carowinds
Distance from the CLT airport:21 min (16.4 miles)
Carowinds is a thrilling amusement park in the United States packed with excitement for the whole family. Visitors love the festive atmosphere, complete with decorations, hot cocoa, and a variety of warm drinks, making every visit feel special.
The park offers a wide range of rides that cater to everyone’s tastes, ensuring fun-filled experiences. Seasonal events like the Great Pumpkin Fest, SCarowinds, and WinterFest add a unique touch to the park’s attractions, with stunning decorations for each occasion.
Carowinds is the perfect destination for families looking for fun, excitement, and memorable experiences.
14. Blackstone Shooting Sports
Distance from the CLT airport: 12 min (6.7 miles)
Blackstone Shooting Sports is a cool, modern place for indoor shooting that welcomes both people who love shooting and those who are new to it.
It has a top-notch shooting area, classes, a big store, and a special lounge just for members, making it a top spot for fun.
They focus on making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Whether you’re really good at shooting or just starting, Blackstone has everything you need for a great time.
The friendly and smart staff make sure you feel safe and valued, helping you enjoy your shooting adventure.
15.The Market at 7th Street
Distance from CLT airport: 16 min (9.3 miles)
The Market at 7th Street is not just any indoor market—it’s a vibrant hub of local shops, bars, bakeries, and a diverse range of counter-serve eateries all under one roof. Imagine indulging in a delicious seafood board, sipping on fine wine, savoring Italian delicacies, and topping it all off with a decadent waffle dessert without having to leave the building.
That’s the kind of culinary adventure you can expect here. Visitors from out of town and locals alike rave about the quality and variety of options available.
Plus, with parking in the attached complex being both easy and affordable (most vendors even offer a discount on parking), the Market at 7th Street offers convenience alongside its culinary delights.
If you find yourself in the area, this food haven is a must-visit, and it’s so good that you’ll not only plan to return but also recommend it to friends and family. A true gem for foodies and casual diners alike!
Wrap It Up!
In wrapping up our exploration of the 15 best things to do near CLT Airport, it’s clear that whether you’re pressed for time or have hours to spare, there’s no shortage of enjoyable experiences waiting for you. From savoring the rich flavors of CLT inside the airport to venturing out into the charming city of Charlotte, each moment of your layover can be filled with relaxation, excitement, and discovery.
Remember, with a bit of planning and an adventurous spirit, every layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport can be transformed into an unexpected holiday. So, next time you’re passing through, make the most of it and dive into all the wonderful activities Charlotte has to offer. Who knows? You might just find yourself wishing for a longer layover. Safe travels, and enjoy your adventure in Charlotte!