Travel With the Falcons: Charlotte, N.C.

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Photos: Travel With the Falcons: Charlotte, N.C.

So you have tickets to see the Falcons play the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium? Give yourself a few extra days to explore Charlotte.

So you have tickets to see the Falcons play the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium? Give yourself a few extra days to explore what else Charlotte has to offer.

If you're a NASCAR fan, you won't want to miss Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR events take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The venue hosts three NASCAR Sprint Cup races each season.

The Duke Mansion in Charlotte, N.C., now a bed and breakfast and corporate retreat, was once the 32,000-square-foot private home of James B. 'Buck' Duke. Its basement had room for 14 cars.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center near Charlotte, N.C., the largest man-made whitewater river in the world, offers frothing water for kayakers and rafters as well as other zesty outdoor activities.

The 98-acre Freedom Park features a lake, paved trails, athletic equipment and facilities, and a steam engine. Charlotte Nature Museum and the Discovery Place children's center are adjacent to the park.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art features works by Miro, Giacometti, Picasso, Warhol and more.

Mint Museum has two locations -- Randolph and Uptown. The Randolph location features ancient American art, ceramics, fashion, and European and African art. The Uptown facility focuses on contemporary art, American art and European paintings.

Don't forget to take a stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in nearby Belmont, N.C. The attraction features 10 acres of themed gardens and 12 fountains.

The James K. Polk Historic Site offers a reconstruction of the former president's home, as well as tours and information. Here, Barbara Goodwin checks on the Indian cornmeal pudding she prepares on an open hearth.

The Carolinas Aviation Museum features airshows and historic airplanes. Here, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger returns to the cockpit of US Airways jet flight 1549 at the museum.

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So you have tickets to see the Falcons play the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium? Give yourself a few extra days to explore what else Charlotte has to offer.

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