While nothing in life is truly free, there are certain activities that still pack plenty of fun without breaking the bank. You might have to spend a bit on gas to get there, but it’s totally worth it. These 10 things will give you all the adventure and experience you crave without draining your checking account.
- Spend a day at the park.
Flickr / James Willamor From the heart of downtown - like Charlotte’s Romare Bearden pictured above - to cozy nature scenery like Jordan Lake, parks are a great way to have some fun (for free). Many also have playgrounds or play areas for the children. Enjoy walking trails, scenery, and the natural surroundings.
- Explore Main Street.
Flickr / -ted North Carolina has no shortage of wildly charming small towns, from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. While you might spend a pretty penny if you decide to dine out or stay the night, a trip to visit, stroll the main street, and experience the culture is completely free. These 17 are a great start.
- Take a hike.
Flickr / Carol Von Cannon Nature is always free, and luckily North Carolina has no shortage or trails and hikes that can turn any day into a spectacular one. Try these ten easy hikes with great views.
- While you’re on your hike, find some amazing waterfalls.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson Transylvania County alone has over 250 waterfalls; WNC is brimming with them! Any hike you take, there’s usually a waterfall at the end or on the trail. These 20 are the best in North Carolina.
- Visit UNCC Botanical Gardens.
Flickr / Chris Ballance This 10-acre botanical garden is magical. Located on the UNC Charlotte Campus, there’s the Susie Harwood Garden with asian-inspired decor and water garden. Van Landingham is filled with native wildflowers and a greenhouse packed with orchids and a Venus fly trap. This popular destination is a beautiful, quick way to escape from the usual hustle and bustle.
- Listen to the waves crash.
Flickr / Virginia (Ginny) Sanderson If you’re on the eastern side of the state, a trip to the beach is (relatively) free…minus gas. Spending a whole day here is a truly magical way to unwind. Pack a lunch and spend the day miles away from it all.
- Gallery hop.
Flickr / anoldent From Burnsville to Asheville to Seagrove and all over the state - so many artists reside here, and a lot of galleries are free to enter. You could spend a whole day browsing art in North Carolina. The River Arts District in Asheville is packed to the brim with studios and galleries, so pay it a visit!
- Catch some live music.
Flickr / Connie Ma North Carolina is a music haven, and that culture is still celebrated today. Many bars and restaurants offer free live music on the weekend. In the summer, music takes over many parks in the cities and small towns. Winter calls for a more cozy indoor setting, so check in your local area to search concerts and free shows.
- Count stars in the sky.
Flickr / John Flannery One thing I love about North Carolina is that, regardless of how close you are to the city, you’re usually only a 30-minute drive from the country. On a clear night, pack up the car or truck with blankets and snacks, drive out to the countryside and relax beneath the stars. Romantic!
- Take a trip to Christmas Town USA.
Facebook / Christmas Town U.S.A This is a more seasonal free topic - but with Christmas coming up, why not? McAdenville, AKA Christmas Town USA, is totally free to visit! The 1.3 mile stretch transforms into something straight out of a movie where you can drive or walk to admire the houses, trees, street lights…everything, really, decorated with lights and transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
I’d love to do all of these, and a lot of them I already have! It doesn’t take much money to find happiness or adventure in North Carolina. What are some of your favorite free activities?
Flickr / James Willamor
From the heart of downtown - like Charlotte’s Romare Bearden pictured above - to cozy nature scenery like Jordan Lake, parks are a great way to have some fun (for free). Many also have playgrounds or play areas for the children. Enjoy walking trails, scenery, and the natural surroundings.
Flickr / -ted
North Carolina has no shortage of wildly charming small towns, from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. While you might spend a pretty penny if you decide to dine out or stay the night, a trip to visit, stroll the main street, and experience the culture is completely free. These 17 are a great start.
Flickr / Carol Von Cannon
Nature is always free, and luckily North Carolina has no shortage or trails and hikes that can turn any day into a spectacular one. Try these ten easy hikes with great views.
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
Transylvania County alone has over 250 waterfalls; WNC is brimming with them! Any hike you take, there’s usually a waterfall at the end or on the trail. These 20 are the best in North Carolina.
Flickr / Chris Ballance
This 10-acre botanical garden is magical. Located on the UNC Charlotte Campus, there’s the Susie Harwood Garden with asian-inspired decor and water garden. Van Landingham is filled with native wildflowers and a greenhouse packed with orchids and a Venus fly trap. This popular destination is a beautiful, quick way to escape from the usual hustle and bustle.
Flickr / Virginia (Ginny) Sanderson
If you’re on the eastern side of the state, a trip to the beach is (relatively) free…minus gas. Spending a whole day here is a truly magical way to unwind. Pack a lunch and spend the day miles away from it all.
Flickr / anoldent
From Burnsville to Asheville to Seagrove and all over the state - so many artists reside here, and a lot of galleries are free to enter. You could spend a whole day browsing art in North Carolina. The River Arts District in Asheville is packed to the brim with studios and galleries, so pay it a visit!
Flickr / Connie Ma
North Carolina is a music haven, and that culture is still celebrated today. Many bars and restaurants offer free live music on the weekend. In the summer, music takes over many parks in the cities and small towns. Winter calls for a more cozy indoor setting, so check in your local area to search concerts and free shows.
Flickr / John Flannery
One thing I love about North Carolina is that, regardless of how close you are to the city, you’re usually only a 30-minute drive from the country. On a clear night, pack up the car or truck with blankets and snacks, drive out to the countryside and relax beneath the stars. Romantic!
Facebook / Christmas Town U.S.A
This is a more seasonal free topic - but with Christmas coming up, why not? McAdenville, AKA Christmas Town USA, is totally free to visit! The 1.3 mile stretch transforms into something straight out of a movie where you can drive or walk to admire the houses, trees, street lights…everything, really, decorated with lights and transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
If you’re looking for history and adventure, exploring North Carolina’s oldest town is (practically) free and totally great!
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