The Best Bar in North Carolina for 2022 Calls Charlotte Home

Is drinking something you enjoy? Do you enjoy getting a drink in new places? You’re in luck because North Carolina has some great bars, and here’s the lowdown on the best.

Mashed recently compiled a list of the best bars in every state. In North Carolina, the winner was the one and only Thirsty Beaver Saloon. As you may know, this is the dive bar that resides in Plaza Midwood and is a local favorite. It is a true hidden gem and only a few months ago Mick Jagger paid it a visit.

The Thirsty Beaver Saloon is located at 1225 Central Avenue in Charlotte if you want to head there yourself. For the full list click here.

20 Fun Things To Do This Spring In Charlotte

• Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

  Share

  While DSBG is open year round, perhaps the most gorgeous time to visit is in the spring while all the flowers are blooming. It's just a short drive from uptown Charlotte. The Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. DSBG is located within 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie. You can experience spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion, a garden store and nature trails.

• Go to a farmers market

  Share

  The Charlotte area has several farmers markets you can shop. The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is located on Yorkmont Road and open Tuesday-Saturday and is state run. There is also the Mecklenburg County Market, Matthews Farmers Market, Davidson Famers Market, Southend Market, and several others.

• Attend an outdoor concert

  Share

  April kicks off outdoor concert season at PNC Music Pavilion and the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater. Both venues offer a wide variety of music styles so you're sure to find something you're interested in.
• Walk or bike on a greenway

  Share

  Mecklenburg County has 62 miles of greenway to explore. You can view a full list of them at https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Parks/Greenways/Pages/default.aspx

• Spend the day at the Whitewater Center

  Share

  Whether you want to hike, raft, bike, zipline, attend an event, drink, or just watch the WWC is a must do in Charlotte.

• Attend A Horserace

  Share

  You don't have to go all the way to Churchill Downs. Did you know Waxhaw is home to a horse race? Get dressed in your finest, tailgate, place a friendly wager, and take in all the excitement of the Queens Cup Steelechase. This years event will be held April 30th at Brooklandwood.
• Take Some Swings At Topgolf

  Share

  Spring is the perfect time to visit one of Charlotte's two Topgolf locations. Grab your friends for some friendly competition. Make sure to try the food and drinks. The injectable donuts are a must eat!

• Spend the day at the Carolina Raptor Center

  Share

  The Carolina Raptor Center is located on 57 acres inside of the Latta Nature Preserve. The self guided raptor trail is approximately 3/4 mile long and features over 20 species of birds. Guests can photograph the animals and learn more about them.

• Shop at the Charlotte Premium Outlets

  Share

  Between the spring clothes and the nice weather there's no better time to visit the outlets. And with over 100 stores and great deals you're sure to find something to take home. Maybe something to wear while you cross some other things off this list?
• Picnic in the park

  Share

  Or walk, watch your kids play, fish, bike, or any other activity. My personal favorite is Freedom Park but the city and county have plenty of options! Another favorite is McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie!

• Get spooked on a ghost tour

  Share

  I love ghost tours and they are a must do when I visit a city. But you don't have to travel to see and hear some haunts. You can learn about Charlotte's darker history one on of several ghost tour offerings!

• Attend a Charlotte Knights Game

  Share

  Charlotte is home to one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country. The Knights host theme nights, wine nights, thirsty Thursday, and more so even if baseball isn't your favorite sport you can still have a wonderful time!
• Take the short drive to the Zoo

  Share

  Both the North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro) and Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia) are about 90 minutes from Charlotte. The spring weather is perfect for the animals and guests alike!

• Take a funny bus tour

  Share

  The Funny Bus offers the perfect blend of laughter and learning about the history of Charlotte. This hilarious 90 minute city features a comedian host and is BYOB.

• Ride the rides at Carowinds

  Share

  The theme park is now open on the weekends and this is a great time to visit and check out some of the best coasters in the country.
• Drive through the Lazy 5 Ranch

  Share

  The Lazy 5 Ranch is home to over 750 animals from 6 different continents. You can drive through or take a wagon ride. Animals include giraffes, sheep, goats, zebras, and more!

• Grab a beer or wine

  Share

  I know, I know breweries are perhaps the most basic Charlotte thing ever. But they are popular for a reason. If beer isn't your thing Kings Mountain is home to a good winery and the Yadkin Valley is just a short drive away.

• Learn at the Charlotte Nature Museum

  Share

  The Charlotte Nature Museum is actually part of Discovery Place. It's located at Freedom Park and features animals, nature trails, an insect alley, nature pavilion, and more!
• Experience the inaugural Charlotte Football Club season

  Share

  The team set MLS attendance records in it's first game, but there will be plenty of other opportunities. Don't miss your chance to check out the city's newest team.

• Get fancy at the Duke Mansion

  Share

  The Duke Mansion is gorgeous in the spring time. They host Cocktails In The Garden in March, Music in the Garden monthly, and other dinner events periodically!