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The ‘Old Secretariat’ government building in New Delhi.
The 'Old Secretariat'
This set is inspired by a Roman arena.
Bozdağ Film Platolari
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Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel’s journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
How Elise Wortley Climbed Mont Blanc in 1830s Women’s Attire
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Simplicity is key: Just a slice of bread with a sprinkling of salt and pepper is the perfect accompaniment.
The Sweet Second Life of Creole Cream Cheese
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My rendition of frog legs, popping mushroom curry, pad prik khing with salted egg yolk, and sweet khanom thuai.
Recreating My Favorite Meal From Thailand
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Inside London’s Gorgeously Curated ‘Art Restaurants’
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All the United States North Carolina Charlotte

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Charlotte

12 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Updated December 6, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Charlotte

Paths wind through the rose bushes.

Charlotte, North Carolina

McGill Rose Garden

This scented city oasis was a labor of love.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Musical Parking Garage

This nine-story building can be played like an instrument.
The aligned segments create a human head.

Charlotte, North Carolina

David Černý's Metalmorphosis

A psychological self-portrait in the form of a giant, segmented head.
Big Rock Nature Preserve

Charlotte, North Carolina

Big Rock Nature Preserve

These strange large stones served as a campsite and lookout post for generations of Native Americans.
VisArt Video

Charlotte, North Carolina

VisArt Video

Rare videos and memorabilia await visitors inside this unique store.
The resting place of the Hilton sisters.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Hilton Sisters Grave

Conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton were stars of the vaudeville circuit.
‘The Choice’ by Morri Creech.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Wall Poems of Charlotte

Colorful murals stationed throughout Charlotte bring poetry to everyone.
‘Fairy Ring’ by Meredith Connelly.

Charlotte, North Carolina

‘Fairy Ring’

A permanent outdoor art installation made up of more than 100 mushroom-shaped lights.
See All 12 Things To Do in Charlotte
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Secret History & Hidden Wonders of Charlotte, North Carolina

Sponsored by Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

At the heart of the south, Charlotte is a booming city full of new life. Cranes have dotted the skyline for more than a decade as it has become the most populous city in North Carolina. There is so much to see in Charlotte, from a rose garden hidden just outside the city center to a retro video rental store with over 30,000 titles. What many newcomers don’t know is Charlotte’s deep-rooted history that dates back to before the colonies became the United States. This list of 10 destinations will only scratch the surface of the many special places to visit in the Queen City.

View Itinerary

Explore Charlotte, North Carolina

A
12
Aletrail 5
Graves 2
History & Culture 2

Charlotte Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. hana
    4
  2. igrohs
    2
  3. LiliCurtis
    1
  4. jnleadbetter
    1
  5. paragonstudios
    1
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Add an unusual place to Charlotte.

Places Edited

  1. hana
    5
  2. PushingUpDaisies
    3
  3. Anna Minster
    3
  4. breaingram
    3
  5. Collector of Experiences
    2
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. Liskaliska
    11
  2. igrohs
    10
  3. jogg099
    10
  4. Dr Leia
    9
  5. mackenzieprice13
    9
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Charlotte.

Recent Charlotte Activity

  • thegdthadman

    wants to go to Freshlist's Seasonal Produce Clock

    about 3 hours ago
  • thegdthadman

    wants to go to Wall Poems of Charlotte

    about 3 hours ago
  • thegdthadman

    wants to go to Grave of John King

    about 3 hours ago
  • thegdthadman

    wants to go to Hilton Sisters Grave

    about 3 hours ago
  • sboucherle

    has been to ‘Fairy Ring’

    about 3 hours ago

Stories About Charlotte

“Cheese of all kinds make delicious and nourishing spreads, too,” Adams wrote in her column.

Make This Fallout Shelter–Friendly 1960s Ham Spread

The author of this recipe hoped you would never need it.
by Andrew Coletti
October 13, 2023

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