The upcoming Charlotte Museum of Nature is at the site of the former Discovery Place Nature. | Rendering via Discovery Place
We’re counting the days until explorers and nature lovers alike can wander a treetop canopy or encounter river otters in the heart of Myers Park.
Charlotte Museum of Nature, a reimagining of Discovery Place’s nature museum, looks to become a dynamic hub for nature exploration, education, and community connection when it opens in Freedom Park in 2026.
Charlotte Museum of Nature will offer visitors opportunities to interact in a natural setting.
Rendering via Discovery Place
The upcoming museum will redefine nature education in the Carolinas, offering world-class experiences like a treetop canopy walk, owl aviary, frog bog, and North American river otter habitat. Visitors will also explore interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art naturalist lab, and learn about animals native to the Charlotte area.
“We’re creating a museum for everyone — one that will inspire joy, wonder, and understanding in the heart of our growing city,” said Catherine Wilson Horne, Discovery Place President and CEO.
Fun fact: Discovery Place Nature was once named “Charlotte Nature Museum.” The new name honors the nonprofit’s history, educating Charlotteans since 1947.
Bird-Day Party for the Birds| 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville | $16 | Meet a raptor up-close while celebrating a “birthday” party for the birds of the conservation center.
Laser Show: Taylor Swift | 7-7:45 p.m. | Schiele Museum of Natural History | $8+ | Spend the evening in “Style” seeing the pop icon’s top songs accompanied by state-of-the-art laser graphics.
Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics | 7-9 p.m. | Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. | $32+ | Feel the music during an evening of timeless soul classics, featuring special guests, The Blue Notes.
Who needs a spa day? SWTHZ debuts in SouthPark’s Sharon Square tomorrow. The contrast therapy studio offers private studios with infrared saunas, cold plunge baths, and vitamin C showers. Memberships are now available and sessions begin at $35.
Announced
Camp North End is welcoming five new shops at Kinship West. The tenants include a salon and barbershop, clothing boutique, hat store,tattoo parlor, and nail studio. The shops begin opening in April. Check out our social media today for the names of all the businesses.
Real Estate
Huntersville has become the most expensive suburb for renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Charlotte metro, with median rent now at $1,530 per month. Prices are being driven by high demand, limited inventory, and rapid population growth despite new construction efforts. (WCNC)
Development
Northlake Mall will be sold after years of financial uncertainty. The two-story mall off Harris Boulevard near I-77 is being acquired by three Georgia-based limited liability companies under Hull Property Group for $39 million. The mall opened in 2005, featuring over 100 retailers, including Belk, Dillard’s, and Forever 21. (WCNC)
Number
$64,000. That’s how much the City of Charlotte’s November 2024 trip to Germany ended up costing taxpayers. All 13 Charlotte City Council representatives traveled to Munich, partlyto watch the Carolina Panthers.Leadersemphasizedthat the trip’s primary focus was on urban solutions and economic development. (WCNC)
Environment
Keep a close eye on your pets. Wildlife experts warn coyote sightings are on the rise around Charlotte due to mating season. For the next couple of months, the animals are expected to become more aggressive and territorial. Hear a Charlotte woman share her recent coyote encounter. (WBTV)
Charlotteans
Local restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown spoke with Charlotte Magazine previewing their upcoming opening of LeLuia Hall. The couple shared the unique challenges of opening a restaurant hall inside a 107-year-old building. LeLuia Hall aims to open in February. (Charlotte Magazine)
Trending
You go, Bo. The award-winning K-9 bloodhound from the Gastonia Police Department attended the 14th annual Hero Dog Awards in Florida where he was honored for his bravery and service. Bo helped find a missing child last year and was recognized as Law Enforcement “Hero Dog of the Year.” (WCNC)
Sports
Tickets are on sale for the upcoming FiFA World Cup matches at Bank of America Stadium this summer. Spain faces Mexico on June 22 followed by Portugal vs. Germany on June 24 — and then two matches in the Round of 16 on June 28 (Group 1C v 2D) and June 30 (Group 1E v 2F).
Listen
Let’s revisit the 2024 Draft Night trades: Was selecting Xavier Legette a mistake? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Upgrade your home printing with the HP Smart Tank 7602, featuring wireless setup, fast printing speeds, and two years of ink included. Get $120 off for a limited time.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026. Cha-ching.*
Category
Festival
🥤 Something to “Cheer” about
The Cheerwine Festival has been an annual party in downtown Salisbury since 2017. | Photo via Studio 35 Photography
Pro tip: Salisbury is a short 45-minute drive north of Uptown.
Prepare to party. This beloved celebration for the 108-year-old drink will feature more than five hours of live musical entertainment from local and regional acts + Cheerwine-inspired food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and crafts.
“There’s nothing better than seeing our community come together, and we can’t wait to celebrate with old friends and new faces while sharing the unique charm and hospitality that makes Salisbury so special,” said Joy Ritchie Harper, vice president of marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member.
The annual event began in 2017 to commemorate the soda’s 100th anniversary, kickstarting what’s become a major economic driver for Salisbury. The 2024 festival welcomed 100,000+ guests and generated $6.3 million for Rowan County.
A reading journal. Use it to write notes about the books you’re reading — like quotes that catch your eye, pages you want to come back to, and your overall rating. Pro tip: Use multicolor pens to make filling out your journal even more fun.
I’m already considering the opening of Charlotte Museum of Nature to be one of my most anticipated stories of 2026. I’ll do everything I can to bring you otter and owl content as soon as I can. Stay tuned.
