Things to Do in North Carolina

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Independence Square sits at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets providing a place to take in public art, admire local architecture and people watch. Those who visit the attraction should know they're standing on a piece of important history, which can be explored through the public art standing on the square.

Littered around Independence Square you'll find four bronze statues created by sculptor Raymond Kaskey titled "Transportation," "Commerce," "Industry" and "Future." The Transportation statue is of an African American laborer, paying homage to the city's first railroads from the 1850s. The creation of this metro is what laid the foundation for Charlotte becoming a major transportation hub. You'll also notice an eagle, which gives a nod to the city's advancements in aviation. Next is the Commerce statue, which depicts someone panning for gold, commemorating the discovery of this valuable precious metal near Charlotte in 1799. You'll also notice a figure of a banker underneath that's part of the statue that references the opening of the U.S. Mint in the city in 1837. Then there's the Industry statue, which shows a female textile factory worker with her child, representing a time before laws that banned such a practice. This art-spoken story all ties together with the Transportation, Commerce and Industry statues gazing toward the "Future" statue -- a sculpture of a mother with a child and the state dogwood flower -- representing the city's fruitful economic past paving the way for a positive future.

The history behind the name of the square is interesting, although controversial. According to The Big Story, an Associated Press news website, the square is named after the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Some people believe this document was signed on May 20, 1775 -- before the colonies approved Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

This one-and-a-half acre park is a well-known landmark in Uptown Charlotte. The Green has an artsy flair, with colorful sculptures and fountains, and there are numerous options alongside the park to grab a bite to eat, while the park itself has all the makings for a nice picnic. It’s a frequent lunch spot for employees who work nearby and plays host to the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival every summer.

There was once a time, not too long ago, where the River Arts District was one of Asheville’s least desirable areas. Abandoned warehouses lined a riverfront that was frequently laden with trash, and the only sign of economic life was the train pulling into the station. Today, after a massive artistic and creative resurgence, new life has been breathed into the district on the banks of the French Broad River, and where empty warehouses and buildings once stood, there are now spectacular studios full of sculptors, glass blowers, woodworkers, and painters. When visiting Asheville’s River Arts District, peruse the 180 studios that line the narrow streets, or stop for a drink at the ferociously popular microbrewery, The Wedge. At the city’s best restaurant for barbecue—12 Bones—enjoy your meal by the banks of the river that flows through the center of town, and watch as tubers, kayakers, and paddleboards all navigate the gently flowing waters. You can stop by a local farmers’ market by day and enjoy live music by night, and the River Arts District is the funkiest district in the funkiest town in the South. 

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of four distinct components of Charlotte’s Levine Center for the Arts. The Bechtler collection includes more than 1,400 works by 20th-century modern artists including Picasso, Calder and Warhol. Visitors should set aside an afternoon to enjoy the Museum in its entirety. A free audio guide and museum map can be picked up at the visitor services desk. The Bechtler also has special materials available for visiting families.