Staycation in the Carolinas Part 1
Rediscover your hometown this summer by checking out some of Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union’s staff favorites spots. Follow along as we explore the different cities we serve.
Charlotte, NC
The Queen City is home to three of our branches; this metropolitan area is a hot spot for arts and culture. There truly is something for everyone!
Things to Do
Immerse Yourself in the Mint Museum
North Carolina’s first art museum with exhibits that span five floors and two locations. Located in Uptown Charlotte with another location on Randolph Rd. The variety in exhibits is sure to captivate all tastes. You can see presentations from local artists while also exploring art that dates all the way back to 27,000 BCE.
Recommended by Susan P. and Kavita B. in the Project Management Department
Stay Cool at Ray’s Splash Planet
You can find a 117,000-gallon water park built on the campus of Irwin Academic Center. Fun for the whole family Ray’s Splash Planet includes; a lazy river, a 3-story slide, a vortex pool, and more attractions for guaranteed fun!
Recommended by Erica M. in the Lending Department
Take Your Knowledge about Birds of Prey to New Heights at Carolina Raptor Center
Located just outside Charlotte in Huntersville, you can find this 57-acre oasis dedicated to conserving birds of prey. Take a stroll on the ¾-mile self-guided raptor trail to learn more about over 20 species of birds.
Recommended by Susan P. in the Project Management Department
Food to Try
Give Yourself an Elevated Fry Experience with What the Fries
Have you ever wanted more out of your basic french fries? Well, What the Fries provides just that with innovative fry options to suit all tastes. You can choose between their multiple options, from Flaming Hot Fries to Crab Rangoon Fries. Not a fry lover? They also have sandwiches, quesadillas, and wings!
Recommended by Erica M. in the Lending Department
Curb Your Sweet Tooth at Amélie’s
Amélie’s is a celebration of French cooking birthed in NODA in 2008. Similar to CTFCU, Amélie’s has three locations around Charlotte. There are many options: build yourself a breakfast sandwich, craft your perfect coffee/tea, and indulge in the many pastries on display. We recommend trying the macarons.
Recommended by Jordan R. in the Marketing Department
Chow Down at Kid Cashew
Find unique healthier options at this Mediterranean wood-fired grill that combines a local farm-to-table experience with international flavors. They have small plate options for a tapas dining experience, big salads, meat straight off the grill, burgers, vegan options, and boast an expansive cocktail menu.
Recommended by Daisy T. in the Marketing Department
Cornelius, NC
This suburban town just outside of Charlotte is home to one of our branches. Right off the coast of Lake Norman, the possibilities for a nature getaway are endless!
Things to Do
Jump on in at Carrigan Farms
Located just outside Cornelius in Mooresville, there are many things to do on this farm with deep roots going back five generations. You can make a reservation to swim in the natural quarry or visit the farm and pick whatever is in season! A picturesque landscape, Carrigan Farms is the perfect backdrop for corporate events and weddings.
Recommended by Julio D. in the Facilities Department
Get Up Close and Personal with Animals at Lazy 5 Ranch
Open for almost 30 years, Lazy 5 Ranch is the home to over 750 animals from 6 different continents. There are two ways to view the animals. The park allows you to drive through or ride a wagon. With wildlife ranging from giraffes to scarlet macaws. An urban safari experience is just waiting for you.
Recommended by Shelly L. in our Card Services Department and Gracyn H. in the Learning & Development Department
Explore Nature at Ramsey Creek Park
This waterfront park brings sandy shores to the city with a public beach that’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check out the playground, picnic shelters, nature trails, and fishing pier for year-round fun.
Food to Try
Get a Taste of Cuba at Havana33
Enjoy Miami-style Cuban food on the shores of Lake Norman. Whether you want to order appetizers and drinks with lakeside views or get a quick Cuban sandwich on your lunch break, Havana33 has something for you.
Recommended by Julio D. in the Facilities Department
Get your Mexican Food Fix at Del Sur Fresh Mex & Cantina
Del Sur offers an expansive menu with many options to choose from. If you like seafood, the Creamy Chipotle Shrimp is a must-try! This restaurant is the place to be for Mexican food close to Cornelius!
Recommended by Gracyn H. in the Learning & Development Department
Taste NC Style BBQ at Lancaster’s BBQ
What started in a small former gas station now is a thriving BBQ restaurant with two locations and successful catering business. This classic NC-style BBQ has been a cult favorite for locals and famous clientele for the past 30 years.
Recommended by Gracyn H. in the Learning & Development Department
Greenville, SC
This city might have one of the most extraordinary downtown areas in the Carolinas, with a river running through it. Greenville is a rapidly expanding city that has become a hub for outdoor entertainment and an emerging culinary scene.
Things to Do
Expand Your Knowledge at Roper Mountain Science Center
Want to get up close and personal with the stars? Every Friday night, The T.C. Hooper Planetarium puts on three shows where you can experience a story and check out the beautiful stars that fill our night sky. Make sure to check out the laser shows throughout the year for another exciting display!
Experience Wildlife at Greenville Zoo
Open for over 50 years, the Greenville Zoo is home to animals from four continents. Pro tip: for a more interactive way to explore the zoo with your family, head to the ticket booth. There you can check out a Safari Adventure Pack, allowing you to enjoy games and activities as you explore.
Soak in Music History at Sigal Music Museum
Located in the former Coca-Cola Bottling Company building, the Sigal Music Museum displays hundreds of historically significant instruments. In 2020 the museum acquired the collection of Marlowe Sigal, which included almost 700 instruments spanning over 400 years. With engaging exhibits and unique instruments dating back to the 1700s, it’s easy to see how they earned the third spot in USA Today’s “10 Best New Museums”.
Food to Eat
Let Your Taste Buds Explore Latin American Fusion at Asada
A great place to experience modern Latin American dishes. Asada’s menu is full of unexpected dishes that fuse the familiar with the unfamiliar. You can choose from the core menu that houses “mission-style” items or pick something from their special menu, where they are constantly experimenting with new fusions of food items from around the world.
Devour Delicious Japanese Cuisine at Sushi Go
If you are looking for authentic Asian cuisine with westernized options, even the pickiest eater can enjoy look no further than Sushi Go. They have everything from Japanese fried chicken (karaage) to your classic sushi rolls.
Share a Meal at Trio A Brick Oven Café
Right on the corner of N Main St. and E Coffee St., this quaint spot is easy to miss in the hustle and bustle of downtown. This gem offers patrons a unique atmosphere to enjoy gourmet wood-fired pizzas, with topping combinations for every type of pizza lover. Insider tip: Having a dinner dilemma? Grab food to go! Trio offers take and bake pastas that feed a family of four.
