What to eat, do and experience in Charlotte

The American Legion National Convention returns this year to Charlotte, N.C., for the third time since 2002. Whether convention attendees will be visiting the Queen City again or for the first time, there are plenty of options for entertainment, food and more. Among the highlights:

C — Chow down. Various types of barbecue are found in North Carolina via the state’s diverse population. One style to try in Charlotte is Eastern-style, characterized by using every part of the hog. Eastern-style sauce is vinegar- and pepper-based, with no tomato.
H — Honor NASCAR’s history. Connected to the Charlotte Convention Center is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The venue is celebrating NASCAR’s 75th anniversary with special features, in addition to its regular exhibits featuring drivers, cars and teams.
A — Activate your skills. Wind down from a busy day by challenging friends at one of the many places to test your playing skills. Among them: indoor miniature golf, bowling alleys with nontraditional menus, and the Super Abari Game Bar (arcade games).
R — Ride the rails. The 26-station, 19.3-mile LYNX Blue Line light rail is a good way to get from Uptown to nearby neighborhoods in Charlotte. It also connects to the CityLYNX Gold Line. The 4-mile-long streetcar line has 17 stops and connects the Historic West End through Center City Charlotte to the Elizabeth neighborhood.
L — Lose your illusion. The Museum of Illusions offers a mind-bending experience of optical illusions. (Note: The museum is wheelchair-accessible, but some rooms have slanted floors and are not accessible.)
O — Order different meals. The Market at 7th Street offers eclectic options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The nonprofit culinary and retail incubator helps entrepreneurs and minority businesses grow while promoting the region’s varied food and artisans.
T — Take in history. The Charlotte Regional History Consortium offers a wealth of resources, museums and other opportunities to learn about the region’s history dating back centuries.
T — Tour the city. Horse carriage rides offer a laid-back, relaxed tour of the city. A plethora of options are available.
E — Explore the area. The NoDa (North Davidson) neighborhood offers a vibrant mix of food, drinks and artists. Take a mural tour through the city’s art district.

For more details about convention-related events, resources and more, visit legion.org/convention.