For many years, Charlotte, North Carolina was overlooked by her metropolitan sister to the south, Atlanta, Georgia. But this energetic city nestled in North Carolina’s southern foothills doesn’t live in the shadows of Atlanta any longer. In fact, Charlotte’s motto, “Charlotte’s Got A Lot” just might be an understatement these days. This city of more than 775,000 people is quickly emerging as a popular tourist destination and a major metropolitan center in its own right.
North Carolina’s biggest city is the sixteenth largest in the U.S. based on population, spanning almost 300 square miles. Tucked into the heart of the Southeast, just a two-hour drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlotteans have managed to hold on to the southern charm and small-town feel of their hometown even as it booms and attracts visitors from around the world. Dubbed “The International Gateway to the South” because of its accessibility between Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas, it’s easy to get to Charlotte from anywhere in the country or world. Visitors are taking note.
A major U.S. financial center, Charlotte is home to both Bank of America and Wells Fargo’s east coast operation headquarters and is the second largest banking center in the U.S. after New York City. In 2013, Forbes Magazine named Charlotte among its best places for business and careers.
But while Charlotte has long held the reputation of a financial and business hub, it isn’t all work and no play in the Queen City. Charlotte boasts great shopping, dining, sports and culture. From the Carowinds Amusement Park to the U.S. National Whitewater Center to museums and dining options galore, Charlotte checks the boxes on the wish lists of even the most adventurous among us.
Case in point: Charlotte is the hometown of NASCAR, the fast-paced, high-energy racing heritage synonymous with the South. Almost 75 percent of NASCAR racing teams call the Charlotte region home and both the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway (NASCAR’s home track) are located here. But if high-octane racing isn’t up your alley, the city also claims professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA and lacrosse.
With its 199 neighborhoods spanning in all directions from downtown (known as uptown by locals), Charlotte is above all else a city of neighborhoods. From the tree-lined streets of Dilworth, Charlotte’s first trolley neighborhood, to NoDa (North Davidson), a neighborhood of vintage shops, hole-in-the-wall eateries and a thriving arts scene, to the greenways and parks that draw the people of Charlotte outdoors, the heart of Charlotte lies in the diverse communities that make the city a unique and thriving place to call home.
Arts and Culture
You won’t lack for culture in Charlotte. The city’s museum and arts scene offers everything from a glimpse into southern history at the Levine Museum of the New South to quirky, modern exhibits at the Mint Museum.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art opened in 2010 and features works by some of the most influential artists of the mid-20th century including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder and many others. [Walk there! It’s just a two-minute stroll from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
The Levine Museum of the New South is an interactive history museum with a comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War southern society. [Walk there! The Levine is a pleasant 12-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
Celebrating North Carolina’s license plate tag reading, “First in Flight,” Carolina’s Aviation Museum features exhibits in commercial aviation, civil aircraft, military aviation and helicopters.
While the Charlotte Nature Museum may cater to kids, the reptile farms, free-floating butterflies and nature trails all have something to entertain the young and old among us.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture celebrates the contributions of Africans and African-Americans to American culture by celebrating excellence in the art, history and traditions of African-Americans and those of African descent. [Walk there! This cultural gem is a three-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
The Mint Museum is dedicated to collecting, conserving, exhibiting and protecting important works of art and design from around the world with the hopes of stimulating the senses and igniting inner passions. [Walk there! The Mint Museum is a two-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
Entertainment, Adventure and Shopping
Charlotte is a hot spot for entertainment and outdoor adventure. From one of the country’s largest Renaissance Festivals to a world-class whitewater center, you’ll find something to get both your imagination and adrenaline pumping.
The Sea Life Aquarium just opened in spring 2014 and is a 30,000-square-foot aquarium that will bring you face-to-face with the underwater world.
For those seeking a bit of outdoor adventure, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers a wide variety of outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining and mountain biking.
Just outside of town, the Carowinds Amusement Park has been dubbed the thrill-capitol of the Southeast and offers adventurous rides, a 20-acre water park and loads of live entertainment.
Looking for a place to shop? Concord Mills boasts more than 200 stores and is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in the Carolinas.
For a unique and local shopping experience, head over to the NoDa neighborhood to find clothing, handcrafted jewelry, art, accessories and more. On the first and third Fridays of the month, shops open their doors for the NoDa Crawl.
For a peek into the history and heritage of NASCAR, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. [Walk there! It’s only a six-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center, and it’s the site of the Opening Party on October 14.] Or, to see a race for yourself, check out the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Do you want the perfect spot stretch your legs? Head over to the 98-acre Freedom Park situated between the Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods [Walk there! The park is a leisurely 45-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center] or explore Charlotte on two wheels by renting a bike through Charlotte B-Cycle, the largest urban bike-sharing program in the Southeast.
Looking for a quirky way to spend your day? Take a step back in time at the Carolina Renaissance Festival, one of the largest renaissance-themed events in the country operating weekends in October and November.
Eating and Drinking
From organic cafés to traditional steak houses, breweries and restaurants cooking up southern comfort food, Charlotte has an eatery to satisfy any culinary craving.
Luna’s Living Kitchen is an all-organic, mostly vegan eatery in a fabulous south-end space. Great for brunch or lunch. [Walk there! Luna’s is located 30 minutes from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
A great place to grab a drink at the end of the day is international sports pub Courtyard Hooligans . This local haunt has a great selection of craft and import beers and a full bar. Stop by and cheer on your favorite team. [Walk there! Eats and drinks are a short six-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
If a funky atmosphere is what you want, Soul Gastrolounge is a great spot for drinks and appetizers with fun tapas-style food. [Walk there! This intriguing spot is just 45 minutes from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
For a fancier affair, Aria Tuscan Grill will fit the bill. Serving up the flavors of Tuscany, the restaurant also has a great wine selection and bar bites. [Walk there! Aria is a 10-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
Need a late-night snack or a quick bite for lunch? Fuel Pizza is fast and delicious. [Walk there! It’s just one minute away from the Convention Center.]
The one and only place for barbecue is Mac’s Speed Shop, a well-loved Carolina barbecue tradition. [Walk there! Mac’s is a 35-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
In need of some soul food? Mert’s Heart and Soul offers low-country and Gullah-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and award-winning macaroni and cheese. [Walk there in just 10 minutes from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
The Beef ‘N Bottle is a legendary Charlotte steak house with a great atmosphere.
The craft beer scene is booming in Charlotte, and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery stands at the top of the heap.
Voted Charlotte’s best Cajun restaurant, Cajun Queen is located in a 100-year-old house and offers live music in the upstairs dining room. Every day is Mardi Gras here! [Walk there! Laissez les bons temps rouler after a 40-minute walk from the Charlotte Convention Center.]
An American tavern in Charlotte’s historic Fourth Ward, Alexander Michael’s serves fresh food and a wide selection of craft, imported and domestic beers as well as a full bar and wine selection.
The Crepe Cellar in NoDa has amazing food and a fun atmosphere. Take a walk around the nearby art galleries and pop into The Evening Muse to catch some live music.
Lupie’s has been serving up some of the best home cooking in Charlotte for 25 years.
Kim Dinan is a freelance writer who travels the world in search of stories.