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We asked ChatGPT how to spend a weekend in Charlotte. It was kinda accurate.

By Catherine Muccigrosso

As use of artificial intelligence product grows in Charlotte, it’s also becoming embedded in people’s personal daily life.

One of the most popular chatbot apps is ChatGPT.

Here’s how it works: After creating an account at ChatGPT, users ask the chatbot a question to create a written response. The content response created is in essay-like form.

READ MORE: 7 ways AI is impacting your life across Charlotte. ‘It’s the new future.’

So we here at The Charlotte Observer decided to give it a whirl and asked ChatGPT: Can you give me a weekend itinerary to experience in Charlotte, NC?

But user beware: The new tech doesn’t always respond with accurate information. Updates and errors in the response have been noted below. There’s also zero mention of Charlotte’s prolific breweries. Our take: It would be nice if the response was more descriptive and included addresses.

Here was ChatGPT’s response to create a weekend visit itinerary in Charlotte:

ChapGPT answers: Can you give me a weekend itinerary to experience in Charlotte, NC?
ChapGPT answers: Can you give me a weekend itinerary to experience in Charlotte, NC? Catherine Muccigrosso cmuccigrosso@charlotteobserver.com
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Day 1: Exploring Uptown Charlotte

Morning:

1. Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe. Amelie’s French Bakery or Not Just Coffee are great options.

Amelie’s French Bakery has five Charlotte-area locations, including one uptown at 380 S College St.
Amelie’s French Bakery has five Charlotte-area locations, including one uptown at 380 S College St. Joshua Vasko

2. Head to the Levine Museum of the New South to learn about the history of the South, including Charlotte’s role in it.

Levine Museum of the New South is at Three Wells Fargo, 401 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte.
Levine Museum of the New South is at Three Wells Fargo, 401 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte. Levine Museum of the New South

3. Take a stroll through Romare Bearden Park, a beautiful urban park with fountains and green spaces.

Charlotte’s skyline is the back drop to the over 5-acre Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte. The park is named for Charlotte native Bearden, an artist, author and songwriter.
Charlotte’s skyline is the back drop to the over 5-acre Romare Bearden Park in uptown Charlotte. The park is named for Charlotte native Bearden, an artist, author and songwriter. John D. Simmons jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com

Lunch:

4. Enjoy lunch at 7th Street Public Market, offering a variety of food stalls and local products.

(Note: Two years ago, the nonprofit food hall rebranded to Market at 7th Street.)

Market at 7th Street is an indoor, nonprofit food hall at 224 E. 7th St. in Charlotte on the ground floor of the parking garage.
Market at 7th Street is an indoor, nonprofit food hall at 224 E. 7th St. in Charlotte on the ground floor of the parking garage. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive

5. After lunch, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame to explore the history of stock car racing.

NASCAR Hall of Fame at 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd. in uptown Charlotte opened in 2010.
NASCAR Hall of Fame at 400 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd. in uptown Charlotte opened in 2010. Observer file

Afternoon:

6. Visit the Mint Museum Uptown, which features an impressive collection of American, contemporary, and European art.

The Mint Museum has two Charlotte locations at 500 S. Tryon St. in uptown and 2730 Randolph Road. This year, the Mint was one of three museums in the U.S. to exhibit “Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds” in 2023.
The Mint Museum has two Charlotte locations at 500 S. Tryon St. in uptown and 2730 Randolph Road. This year, the Mint was one of three museums in the U.S. to exhibit “Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds” in 2023. Adam Bell abell@charlotteobserver.com

7. Take a walk to The Green, a rooftop bar with great views of the city, for some refreshments.

The Green is a 1.5-acre park adjacent to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in uptown Charlotte.
The Green is a 1.5-acre park adjacent to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in uptown Charlotte. Melissa Oyler

Dinner:

8. Head to the EpiCentre for dinner. It’s a lively entertainment complex with various dining options. Try Vida Cantina for Mexican cuisine or Rooftop 210 for a trendy atmosphere.

(Note: The 320,324-square-foot complex on E. Trade Street is now Queen City Quarter and is undergoing a major makeover. Both Vida Cantina and Rooftop 210 are closed.)

Renovations at Queen City Quarter, formerly Epicentre, in uptown Charlotte includes improvements like new pavers in the 15,462-square-foot plaza.
Renovations at Queen City Quarter, formerly Epicentre, in uptown Charlotte includes improvements like new pavers in the 15,462-square-foot plaza. CBRE

Day 2: Charlotte’s Outdoor Attractions

Morning:

1. Start your day with breakfast at Tupelo Honey, known for its Southern-inspired cuisine.

Tupelo Honey Cafe at 101 S. Tryon St. serves fried chicken and other Southern dishes.
Tupelo Honey Cafe at 101 S. Tryon St. serves fried chicken and other Southern dishes. Photo provided

2. Drive or take a short trip to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. You can go whitewater rafting, zip-lining, or just enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Tupelo Honey Cafe at 101 S. Tryon St. serves fried chicken and other Southern dishes.
Tupelo Honey Cafe at 101 S. Tryon St. serves fried chicken and other Southern dishes. Photo provided

Lunch:

3. Have lunch at River’s Edge Bar & Grill at the Whitewater Center, which offers a scenic view of the Catawba River.

(Note: The restaurant with patio seating overlooks the man-made whitewater river. The 1,300-acre park does have trails to the Catawba.)

The U.S. National Whitewater Center at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. in Charlotte includes a restaurant and outdoor activities including rafting, hiking and ziplines.
The U.S. National Whitewater Center at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. in Charlotte includes a restaurant and outdoor activities including rafting, hiking and ziplines.

Afternoon:

4. Visit Freedom Park, a large urban park with walking trails, a lake and beautiful gardens.

5. Explore the South End neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art and galleries. Take a stroll along the Rail Trail to see the artwork.

Southend’s Design Center District is a walkable area centered on Camden, Tremont, Worthington and Hawkins.
Southend’s Design Center District is a walkable area centered on Camden, Tremont, Worthington and Hawkins. JEFF WILLHELM jwillhelm@charlotteobserver.com

Dinner:

6. For dinner, dine at the South End location of Mac’s Speed Shop, famous for its barbecue and craft beer selection.

Mac’s Speed Shop was started in Charlotte in 2005 by Wynn Davis and Hall Johnson, who serve comfort foods such as mac and cheese and brisket chili.
Mac’s Speed Shop was started in Charlotte in 2005 by Wynn Davis and Hall Johnson, who serve comfort foods such as mac and cheese and brisket chili. Peter Taylor

Day 3: Cultural and Historic Charlotte

Morning:

1. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.

2. Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, which showcases African-American art, history, and culture.

Artist Georgie Nakima created a large-scale mural, “Earth Keeper,” at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at 551 S. Tryon St.
Artist Georgie Nakima created a large-scale mural, “Earth Keeper,” at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at 551 S. Tryon St. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

Lunch:

3. Have lunch at Mert’s Heart and Soul, a soul food restaurant with a fantastic reputation.

Afternoon:

4. Explore the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood, known for its charming Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.

Alexander Michael’s is a classic comfort food restaurant in the heart of Fourth Ward, Charlotte, NC.
Alexander Michael’s is a classic comfort food restaurant in the heart of Fourth Ward, Charlotte, NC. Alex Cason

5. Visit the Historic Rosedale Plantation, a preserved antebellum plantation with beautiful gardens and historic tours.

Dinner:

6. End your weekend with dinner at Haberdish, a Southern-inspired restaurant serving comfort food with a modern twist.

Haberdish severs Southern inspired food and craft cocktails at 3106 N. Davidson St. in NoDa.
Haberdish severs Southern inspired food and craft cocktails at 3106 N. Davidson St. in NoDa. Allie Papajohn

This itinerary covers a mix of cultural, outdoor, and culinary experiences to help you make the most of your weekend in Charlotte. Enjoy your trip!

This story was originally published November 20, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "We asked ChatGPT how to spend a weekend in Charlotte. It was kinda accurate.."

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