ASTC 2023 Annual Conference
October 7–10, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
What to See and Do in Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing major cities in the United States, becoming the 15th-most populous city in the country and the largest in North Carolina.
The city was founded in 1768 by European settlers and named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, who was the English monarch at the time. You’ll find queens and crowns located everywhere throughout the Queen City.
Charlotte is one of the country’s largest banking cities, trailing only New York. The nation’s largest bank, Bank of America, is headquartered there; it’s also the East Coast headquarters for Wells Fargo and also hosts significant presence from Truist, Fifth Third Bank, and more.
The city was named the #1 most up and coming city in America by Yelp, one of the 20 best places to live in the U.S. for weather by U.S. News & World Report, and one of the top ten craft beer towns in America by Matador Network.
We’ll be meeting in Uptown Charlotte, the city’s urban center and home to business, culture, cuisine, and sports. In Charlotte, it’s Uptown, not Downtown. And that’s official, thanks to a proclamation by the Charlotte City Council.
If you have some extra time while you’re in the Queen City, there’s plenty to explore, including the following:
Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville
105 Gilead Road
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
Welcome to a world of wonder and excitement designed to ignite the imagination of young minds in a fun, hands-on environment. Nestled in downtown Huntersville, our interactive children’s museum offers numerous activities that engage kids in the joy of learning. From exploring the laws of physics to embarking on thrilling adventures in our, I CAN Create and I CAN Build exhibits, Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville is where curiosity leads to discovery, and every visit sparks a journey of scientific exploration. Free admission to ASTC 2023 registrants. Closed Mondays.
Discovery Place Kids – Rockingham
233 East Washington Street
Rockingham, North Carolina 28379
Discovery Place Kids is an innovative model in regional children’s museums developed by Discovery Place, Inc. By exploring the theme I CAN, the Museum allows children from birth to age 10 to role play, test new ideas, learn how to get along with others and build confidence through developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage imagination, curiosity and skill-building. The Museum also offers Summer Camps and Birthday Parties. Free admission to ASTC 2023 registrants. Closed Mondays.
Discovery Place Nature
1658 Sterling Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28209
Discovery Place Nature offers visitors the chance to get close to wildlife and experience nature through hands-on programming, exhibits and classes. The museum is located adjacent to the 98-acre Freedom Park and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Free admission to ASTC 2023 registrants. Closed Mondays.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
420 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is the only museum in the Southern United States exclusively dedicated to European and American modern art and their legacies. Capturing a remarkable era of art history from the collection of the Zurich-based Bechtler family, the museum includes works by some of the most influential figures of modernism, including Alexander Calder, Le Corbusier, Edgar Degas, Alberto Giacomeii, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Bridget Riley, and Andy Warhol. The museum, designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta, prominent features Niki de Saint Phalle’s iconic Le Grand Oiseau de Feu sur l’Arche on its entrance plaza. Closed Tuesdays.
Carowinds
14523 Carowinds Boulevard
Charlotte, North Carolina 28273
Only at Carowinds will you find more than 60 world-class rides, the Carolinas’ best waterpark, live entertainment, Camp Snoopy, and downhome Carolina cuisine. On select nights, Carowinds becomes SCarowinds, the Carolinas’ premier Halloween event. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
The Raptor Trail is a three-quarter mile walking trail and zoological facility that permanently houses and displays more than 30 birds of prey. The birds act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts and serve an important role in connecting people with wildlife in a safe and respectful manner. Guests can enjoy learning about birds of prey from across the globe during their walk on the Raptor Trail. The center also hoses a medical facility for injured wild raptors. Free admission to ASTC 2023 registrants; just show your badge.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Parkway South
Concord, North Carolina 28027
This 2,000 acre facility features a 1.5-mile quad oval track, short oval, road course, dirt track, and zMAX Dragway which hosts more than 380 events per year, including several premier NASCAR races, racing schools, and more. The speedway will host the Bank of American ROVAL™ 400 on Sunday, October 8.
Charlotte Museum of History
3500 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte, North Carolina 28215
The Charlotte Museum of History saves and shares the Charlotte region’s history, connecting the past to current issues and opportunities. We believe a shared understanding of the past can enrich the community’s future, and we work to tell the stories of all parts of our community and all those who have inhabited our area. On October 10th, we will debut our latest exhibit The Hive at 35, celebrating our beloved Charlotte Hornets’ 35th anniversary. Show your ASTC 2023 badge to receive half off regular admission. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Foundation for the Carolinas
220 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
The Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery at the Foundation for the Carolinas is a welcoming place for the community to enjoy art. The collection features contemporary glass artists such as Lino Tagliapietra, Jon Kuhn and Dale Chihuly, as well as painters such as Chuck Close and Herb Jackson. The sparkling glass, vibrant colors and even a giant cat painting draw thousands of visitors each year. Free admission.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture
551 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
The 46,500 sq ft Gantt Center celebrates the contributions of Africans and African-Americans to American culture and serves as a community epicenter for music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature, and community outreach. Closed Mondays.
Levine Museum of the New South
401 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Thirty years ago, Levine Museum of the New South was founded as a history museum that would tell everyone’s story; it created exhibitions and programs with, for, and about the diverse communities it serves. . Levine Museum builds a stronger, more equitable community by connecting people to Charlotte and to each other through history, culture, and celebration. The museum’s exhibitions and programs foster empathy, ignite dialogue, and inspire action. Free admission. Closed Mondays.
Mint Museum Uptown
500 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Established in 1936 as North Carolina’s first art museum, The Mint Museum is a leading, innovative cultural institution and museum of international art and design. The Uptown location features an array of American art, contemporary art, and craft and design.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
This high-tech venue opened in 2010 as a way to honor the history and heritage of NASCAR, one of the largest spectator sports in America. Its interactive exhibits and experiences showcase not only the drivers, owners, and other contributors to the sport, but also the science and technology that goes into NASCAR. You’ll have a chance to experience much of the museum during the special Racing into the Future event on Monday evening of conference.
President James K. Polk Historic Site
12031 Lancaster Highway
Pineville, North Carolina 28134
This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The state historic site commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings including a log house, separate kitchen, and barn are authentically furnished. The visitor center features a film on Polk’s life and exhibits on his family and tumultuous presidency. Free admission. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Located 14 miles south of the Charlotte Convention Center.
Reed Gold Mine
9621 Reed Mine Road
Midland, North Carolina 28107
Reed Gold Mine is the site of the first documented gold find in the United States. From this discovery, gold mining spread gradually to nearby counties and eventually into other southern states. During its peak years gold mining was second only to farming in the number of North Carolinians it employed. The estimated value of gold recovered reached over one million dollars a year. North Carolina led the nation in gold production until 1848, when it was eclipsed by the great rush to California. Free admission. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
1500 East Garrison Boulevard
Gastonia, North Carolina 28054
Located in Gastonia in the heart of Gaston County, the Schiele Museum of Natural History provides an excellent venue for learning and making memories. Permanent exhibits include the largest collection of mounted land mammals in the Southeast, galleries of natural history, a working farm and planetarium. The museum is one of only 70 in the United States designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, offering exceptional educational programs, and exhibits for a wonderful educational experience. Located 20 miles west of Uptown Charlotte.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
500 Whitewater Center Parkway
Charlotte, North Carolina 28214
Since 2001, the U.S. National Whitewater Center has been bringing people together outdoors with over 30 different recreational activities. Every element and activity is focused on supporting an all-encompassing experience around the outdoor lifestyle. Additionally, the Whitewater Center hosts international competitions in a variety of sports along with numerous festivals and events on a recurring basis. The Whitewater Center is currently comprised of over 1,300 acres of protected land offering 50 miles of trail and access to the Catawba River and Long Creek. The Center’s goal is to continue to increase the size of these protected lands and promote even greater access through land acquisition and natural resource management.