For Nature Lovers: Charlotte, North Carolina

CLT:The U.S. National Whitewater Center is, hands down, the most unique place in Charlotte. You can kayak, raft, climb, bike, hike and so much more. Go for the adventure, or go for dinner. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events, prices, and specials: usnwc.org Here's a link to their daily activity schedule: https://usnwc.org/visit/daily-activity-schedule/ And here's a link to their facility (and trail) map: https://usnwc.org/visit/facility-map/ You're only seven miles away from the USNWC when you stay at the #CLTtreehouse

CLT:Sixteen miles of trails, many of which are alongside Mountain Island Lake. Go for a forest bath, rent a canoe, check out the fairy houses in the spring -- made with found objects by locals, visit the nature center and more. Also at Latta: The Raptor Center and Latta Plantation, a living history exhibit. Only 10 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:Rural Hill has a lot going on. For starters, there is a two-mile hike around the property, which is cut through by the paved road. (See if you can find the bench of sanity!) On your walk, you might notice a circular rock formation. There is also a historic graveyard that is surrounded by one of the area's trademark stone fences. Inside the graveyard you'll find tombstones dating back to pre-Revolutionary times; even some women's graves note their contributions to that war. Across the street from the old Davidson graveyard is the working historical farm that is Rural Hill. There are many types of festivals held here throughout the year; check their website for details: ruralhill.net. Parking when closed and you're there to walk the trail: Simply park at one of the gates. My preference is to park near the old one-room school house to the far end of the property. It's not usually open, but there is a picnic area where you can rest. If you were to keep driving, bear to the left and you might see a llama, alpaca, ostrich, or peacock. Drive further and you'll be at Cowen Ford Nature Preserve.

CLT:RibbonWalk is truly one of Charlotte's hidden gems. It is in the middle of the city, yet secluded. You could see all sorts of wildlife here, including beavers and herons. It's a lovely place to get a little forest bathing. Here's a trail map for you: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/Documents/RibbonWalkNaturePreserveTrailMap020106.pdf Only 12 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:If you're traveling with dogs or kids, this is a great place for both of them to work off some energy. There is a fenced dog park and a playground. Only 2.5 miles from the #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:A great place for picnics and outdoor sports near UNC Charlotte. Here's a trail map for you: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/NatureCenters/Documents/reedymap20184web.pdf Only 21 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:Check out their website for special shows and sales. They host a lovely collection of orchids, and there is a Zen Garden on the property, too. Admission is often free, but check their website for daily details: https://gardens.uncc.edu/gardens-and-greenhouse/ Only 17 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:Absolutely lovely immersion into the world of plants. In addition to the gardens, there is a walking trail. Learn more: https://www.dsbg.org/ Only 17 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:Hike to the top of Crowder Mountain for a view of Uptown Charlotte from afar, rent a canoe, fish ... and enjoy that you're only 25 miles from #CLTtreehouse when you're ready to come home. Learn more: https://www.ncparks.gov/crowders-mountain-state-park

CLT:On Lake Wylie, which is part of the Catawba River, McDowell Nature Preserve offers seven miles of hiking trails, and dogs are welcome. Learn more: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/NatureCenters/Pages/McDowell.aspx#trails ... and download a map to your phone. Only 20 miles from #CLTtreehouse.

CLT:Did you bring your own boat? Well, #CLTtreehouse is less than three miles from this easy-to-access boat launch on Mountain Island Lake ... it's tiny, but mighty since it provides the bulk of Charlotte's drinking water. It is also part of the Catawba River, as is Lake Norman (to the north) and Lake Wylie (to the south).

CLT:Launch your boat, hang out on a beach, play volleyball, have a picnic ... and it's only 16 miles from #CLTtreehouse on Lake Norman. P.S. Call ahead to rent sail boats.

CLT:This is a family-owned, paid boat landing on Lake Wylie (a.k.a. the Catawba River). It's located in Mount Holly, only 5 miles from #CLTtreehouse. Not the best place to hang out, but an easy way to access Lake Wylie. Very close to the U.S. National Whitewater Center.