Beyond art, the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and the Knight Theater at the Levine Center for the Arts offer even more variety. All conditions were met, and the Charlotte Carnegie Library opened in an imposing classical building on July 2, 1903. 22 Best Day Trips from Charlotte, NC - VacationIdea.com Special events, such as Green River Revival in March, are particularly fun the water gets dyed green for St Patricks Day festivities! Charlotte Tourism: Best of Charlotte About Charlotte Dubbed the Queen City, Charlotte reigns over a 300-square-mile (482-square-kilometer) hodgepodge of neighborhoods that spin out from the banks of the Catawba River. Dubbed the Queen City, Charlotte reigns over a 300-square-mile (482-square-kilometre) hodgepodge of neighbourhoods that spin out from the banks of the Catawba River. Spindale also has parks, a library, fitness centers, playground among other recreational places to explore. [247][248][249], In 2013, Forbes named Charlotte among its list of Best Places for Business and Careers. They made up the principal founding population in the backcountry. [190] In June 2019, Lowe's announced it will be building its Lowe's Global Technology Center worth $153 million, which is set to be complete in 2021 and will be headquartered in South End neighborhood in Charlotte. Reserve a spot at the spa for a detox massage, which includes the application of honey harvested from beehives kept on the top of the hotels roof. Beech Mountain is the snowiest town in the state, so we couldn't possibly leave it off of a list of great winter towns to visit! Come for its restaurants, shopping, and soak in the fantastic views. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Founded in 1982, it is one of the oldest and largest independent comic book conventions in the United States. Here are some of the Queen City's must-see spots to add to the itinerary for your next trip. Favorite entrees include fried chicken; smoked and pulled meats like chicken, turkey, brisket, and pork; and ribs. Even if you don't stay there, it's worth dropping by the jaw-droppingly beautiful bar for a drink. MEDIC received over 160,000 calls in 2022 and transported over 107,000 patients in Mecklenburg County. This makes it the perfect city to visit as part of an extended road trip. Needing a drink? The town became a thriving textile hub and all homes and most businesses here were owned by Cone Mills Corporation. [387][388], Charlotte is home to a number of universities and colleges such as Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, Johnson & Wales University, Queens University of Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. [185][186], Charlotte also operates major offices for other large companies Microsoft and Centene Corporation also operate their East Coast headquarters in Charlotte. The different creative professions have enabled him to travel to East and West African countries and immortalize special moments on camera and video. It sits on 10 acres of land and includes a variety of plant life, from tropical flowers to local plants. Of course, Gucci-level clothing isnt accessible to most people. [100] Ballantyne, in the south of Charlotte, and nearly every area on the I485 perimeter, has experienced rapid growth over the past ten years. [406][407][408] The Universal Technical Institute has the NASCAR Technical Institute in nearby Mooresville, serving the Charlotte area. Natural attractions to explore through road trips include Shunkawauken Falls, White Oak Mountain Road, Sunset Rock, The Blue Wall Passage trails, plus lush recreation parks. It is a major hub for American Airlines, having historically been a hub for its predecessors US Airways and Piedmont Airlines. On August 18, 2012, Channel 14 News says that the initiative is " still a few years away" and the plot of land is " just seven miles from the center of uptown". North Carolina has charming small towns a short drive away from Charlotte with many attractions that draw visitors here. 1. [309] The Brevard Street Library was the first library for African Americans in the state of North Carolina,[309] and some sources say in the southeast. [454] Charlotte's sludge is handled, transported, and spread on farm fields in Chester by a company called Synagro, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Carlyle Group[455] Charlotte's sludge is of the "CLASS B" variety, which means it still contains detectable levels of pathogens. [129] The current lowest angle of the radar, based in Greer, is quite far above the surface over Charlotte, so the velocities measurement for detecting rotations cannot be below mid-level in potential tornado-forming storms and thus cannot indicate whether said rotation extends closer to the ground (below 5,000ft (1,500m)). [14][15][16][17] It is the third-fastest-growing major city in the United States. Measured by control of assets, Charlotte became the second largest banking headquarters in the United States after New York City. They enjoy hiking and adventures, road trips, backyard fire pits, and pizza night. It's an independently owned gift shop filled with unique items including delicious candles, fun books, and hostess gifts she'll actually use. Whether you're a beer buff, a sports fan, or into the arts scene, you'll find something to love during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina. [236] The company as of August 2022 has 357 local employees. In 2019, the event attracted 200,000 people to Uptown Charlotte. [405] The Connecticut School of Broadcasting, DeVry University, and ECPI University all have branches in Charlotte. The mayor is exofficio chair of the City Council, and only votes in case of a tie. City leaders have taken big strides toward making Charlotte more pedestrian-friendly, and the Rail Trail is a perfect example. The new company has 750 local employees and $4.7 billion in annual revenue[238][239] Also in October 2022 Armstrong Transport Group formerly located in the University area after relocating to South End would be adding 100 jobs to its current local headcount of 125. [24][25][26][27], Charlotte's notable attractions include three professional sports teams, the Carolina Panthers of the NFL, the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA, and Charlotte FC of the MLS. [311][312][313] The Panthers have been located in Charlotte since the team's creation in 1995, and the current Hornets franchise has been located in Charlotte since its creation in 1988 (with the exception of the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons). Charlotte School of Law, once the largest law school in the Carolinas, has ceased to operate. In 2020, CNN established a Charlotte bureau spearheaded by national correspondent Dianne Gallagher. Stroll down the historic main streets lined with a fun mix of boutique shops, galleries and restaurants or experience the beautiful scenery by boating and fishing or hiking and biking. The church has over 15,000 congregants at nine Charlotte locations. The largest religion in Charlotte is Christianity, with Baptists (13.26%) having the largest number of adherents. You better believe it. AtVeterans Memorial Park, the splash pad and shady trees are especially welcoming in the summer months, and once spring is in full swing, the University of North Carolina's Botanical Garden and the McGill Rose Garden provide nice floral backdrops for a picnic. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. [40] Charlotte was selected in 2011 to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention, which was held at the Spectrum Center. Beyond rafting, the Whitewater Center offers rock climbing, mountain biking, flat water SUP and kayak, and hiking. Indecisive diners will want to visit Optimist Hall, a 147,000-square-foot food hall housed in a former gingham mill. Tweetsie Railroad is a small amusement park centered around a running steam locomotive. Stop by Blue Ridge Distilling Company and sample their signature Defiant Whisky brand. The Food Soul food is one of the reasons you simply must visit Charlotte. North Carolina has charming small towns a short drive away from Charlotte where visitors can explore and enjoy. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a thrilling roller coaster built into the mountainside. Freedom Park. Charlotte is served daily by three Amtrak routes with ten daily trips from a station on North Tryon Street, just outside downtown. [124] The following narrative reflects 1991-2020 climate data. [339] In 2021, Charlotte hosted the ACC baseball tournament. The median income for a household in the city was $48,670, and the median income for a family was $59,452. Whether youre after frothy Class IV rapids, hiking trails, climbing walls or ropes courses, you can book a single activity or try them all. [237], The Charlotte Center city has seen remarkable growth over the last decade. Lake Norman is one of the best lakes in North Carolina. [323] On the same day, the franchise reclaimed the history and records of the original 19882002 Hornets. ", "The American Revolution in North Carolina", "The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story: History Timeline: Founding a New City", "Queen Charlotte (19 May 1744 - 17 November 1818)", Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: A Welcome for Cornwallis, "A Compleat map of North-Carolina from an actual survey", "The marches of Lord Cornwallis in the Southern Provinces, now States of North America; comprehending the two Carolinas, with Virginia and Maryland, and the Delaware counties", "The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story: History Timeline: Designing a New City", "The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story: History Timeline: The City of Churches", "Survey and Research Report on the Mecklenburg County Courthouse", "Northwest Almanac: When Winston-Salem was the state's largest city", "The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Story: History Timeline: NationsBank Soars", "Hurricane Hugo left Charlotte in the dark; the electric grid is smarter now", "Ice Storm Knocks Out Power Across North Carolina", "Two arrested during Kerrick trial protests in Charlotte", "Staggered by protests, city regains its footing", "State of North Carolina Incorporated Places - Current/BAS19 - Data as of January 1, 2018", "The Formation of Mecklenburg County The Charlotte Museum of History", "Why it's called Uptown & Why Charlotte's Uptown streets go Northeast", "Distance between Concord, NC and Charlotte, NC", "Distance between Rock Hill, SC and Charlotte, NC", "Distance between Greensboro, NC and Charlotte, NC", "Distance between Fayetteville, NC and Charlotte, NC", "Distance between Raleigh, NC and Charlotte, NC", "Archive version of neighborhood listing waybackmachine October 2007", "A walk through Black History in Biddleville Spectrum News", "White people in Biddleville: The story of a changing neighborhood", "History Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association", "Keep it Cool and Quirky in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood", "The changing look of Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood", "City of Charlotte to focus on Sugar Creek neighborhood improvements", "Charlotte's Southeast Asian immigrants open a community center", "Welcome to NoDa Charlotte's Historic Arts and Entertainment District", "NoDa Is Charlotte's Island of Interesting", "Myers Park: Tradition and Beauty, Minutes from Downtown Charlotte", "21 things to do, see, and eat in Dilworth", "Charlotte neighborhood among 'most beautiful' in the South, says Thrillist", "Zip codes with the most expensive homes in Charlotte metro area", "Major SouthPark development moves ahead despite COVID setbacks", "Apartments and retail could come to SouthPark Towers office site after $129M sale", "The Charlotte area is becoming more diverse", "Not a one-trick pony: the 5 best things about living in SouthPark", "How UNC Charlotte is powering University City's dramatic growth", "Forecasting Urbanization in the Carolina Piedmont Region", "Ballentyne Neighborhood: Upscale Style on Charlotte's South Side", "Ballentyne may be more racially diverse than you think", "Charlotte's Steele Creek: From Sleepy Corner to Bustling Neighborhood", "Steele Creek is the next hot neighborhood in Charlotte", "Steele Creek's growth and location attracts businesses and residents", "From Countryside to Bustling Suburb: Steele Creek's Rapid Evolution", "New report says Uptown Charlotte is poised for more growth", "First look at latest addition to Charlotte skyline, a 24-story uptown office tower", "Popular part of Uptown Charlotte set to receive major makeover", "New report on Charlotte's growth: We're really fortunate we're not Atlanta", "Here are 6 facts about uptown's newest tower, $170 million apartment project", "First Ward Park Charlotte's got a lot", "Getting to Know Charlotte's SouthPark Neighborhood", "Romare Bearden Park opens to public on Friday", "Little Sugar Creek Greenway section is done", "Little Sugar Greenway Mecklenburg County Government", "One city's plan to combat climate change: Bulldoze homes, rebuild paradise", "The complete guide to Charlotte's greenways", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Charlotte sees first measurable April snow in 37 years", "What is Charlotte's record snowfall? 5. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Still, though Charlotte is a proud North Carolina city, it is nice that South Carolina locations are so accessible. Leah and Louise is a popular pick, so you'll want to grab a reservation. [69] Charlotte is 25 miles (40km) southwest of Concord,[70] 26 miles (42km) northeast of Rock Hill, South Carolina,[71] 83 miles (134km) southwest of Greensboro,[72] 135 miles (217km) west of Fayetteville,[73] and 165 miles (266km) southwest of Raleigh, the state capitol. Charlotte is the 24th largest radio market in the nation, according to Nielsen Audio. [450][451], Charlotte has a municipal waste system consisting of trash pickup, water distribution, and waste treatment. [174][175] [400] CPCC is part of the statewide North Carolina Community College System. There are five waste water treatment plants operated by Charlotte Water (previously Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department). [58], Until 1958, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad operated a daily passenger train from its own station (which had opened in 1896) to Wilmington. [171] Charlotte also serves as the headquarters for Wells Fargo's capital markets activities. In August 2015 and September 2016, the city experienced several days of protests related to the police shootings of Jonathan Ferrell and Keith Scott. [359] On March 26, 2014, Cannon was arrested on public corruption charges. Three years later, a jeweler determined it was nearly solid gold, paying the family a paltry $3.50. [428], Cable television customers are served by Spectrum, which offers a localized feed of Raleigh-based Spectrum News North Carolina. The city's first boom came after the Civil War, as Charlotte became a cotton processing center and railroad hub. Regardless of where you dine, end your meal on a sweet note with a visit to The Batchmaker, where Cristina Rojas-Agurcia serves up delectable treats that are almost too pretty to eat. In May 2021 Ally Financial moved into their newly built Ally Charlotte Center which houses all 2,100 Charlotte-based employees and contractors across 725,000 square feet (67,400m2) of the building. You will find fine dining at national chains and local spots famous for Charlotte BBQ. [55], Charlotte's city population at the 1890 census grew to 11,557. Those with little travelers in tow should add a visit to Discovery Place to the itinerary. Due to COVID-19, visitor restrictions are in place. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Charlotte - Tripadvisor 14 June 2018 View North Carolina has built a reputation for having great beer, championship basketball and tons of opportunities for outdoor adventures, and these reasons alone make any trip to the state a worthwhile endeavor. [363], Historically, voters have been friendly to moderates of both parties. [341][342] Charlotte will also host the 2022 Presidents Cup. Charlotte Airport (CLT) Is Charlotte North Carolina Worth Visiting? - PartyShopMaine Start by examining the cost of housing in the area you're thinking about moving to. Forest City town epitomizes southern charm, rich history, modernity, and country life. 20 BEST Lakes In North Carolina to Visit - Lost In The Carolinas The best things to do, eat, and see on your next visit to North Carolina's Queen City. [396][397][398], UNC Charlotte is the city's largest university. Charlotte has been historically Protestant and remains predominantly Protestant today. There are many incredible hikes near Charlotte that you can venture off to on a sunny day. Try your hand at bowling, or sip on Pinball Wizards and Kenny Gs while you ping-pong your way to legendary status. [245][246] Several projects are transforming the Midtown Charlotte/Elizabeth area. The corresponding record since the observation site was moved to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in 1948 is 79F (26C), last recorded on July 25, 2010. Numerous residential units continue to be built uptown, including over 20 skyscrapers under construction, recently completed, or in the planning stage. The restaurant's tasty offerings, including their signature brisket, ribs, and burnt ends, have a celebrity following. Visiting during baseball season? The Carolinas are known for their many outdoor adventures, and we love that Charlotte is a big city with access to an outdoor lifestyle. Located near the intersection of NC73 and Poplar Tent Road, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is one of the largest renaissance themed events in the country. 1 tech town in America", "Where the rubber meets the road for Charlotte's trucking industry", "FedEx eyes Concord for 800-employee distribution hub", "Coke Consolidated unit to add nearly 300 jobs in Charlotte", "Largest Charlotte-area logistics companies", "XPO Logistics spinoff to create new Charlotte publicly traded company", "XPO Logistics will now focus just on trucking, as it spins off and sell other businesses", "Charlotte logistics company Armstrong Transport Group moves into new HQ at Vantage South End", "Cargo Transporters to open Charlotte location next month", "State of the Center City 2021: $3B in development planned in uptown, midtown, South End", "South End's meteoric rise into a bustling submarket chronicled in CBRE report, is more growth to follow? [464][465], A 2011 study by Walk Score ranked Charlotte the 49th most walkable of the 50 largest cities in the United States. The record cold daily maximum is 14F (10C) on February 12 and 13, 1899,[125] and the record warm daily minimum is 82F (28C) on August 13, 1881. The dining scene in Charlotte is all-encompassing when it comes to international cuisine, but sometimes its nice to keep things close to home and in the Carolinas, that means chowing down on barbecue with all the fixins. Why You Should Move to or Visit Charlotte, North Carolina Airport? Second, geographically it is also positioned within a 650-mile drive to 53% of the US population. Visit the Girl Tribe flagship store for cheeky shirts, accessories, home goods, and more, all with an emphasis on female empowerment. [356] The Council appoints a city manager to serve as chief administrative officer. Pair that with a visit to the NASCAR Museum, andconsider your education on stock-car racing complete. A local's ultimate guide to visiting Charlotte, North Carolina. The northern half of the city is in the 12th District, represented by Democrat Alma Adams. Out of the total population, 13.8% of those under the age of 18 and 9.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. You can also check out some of the cool museums in Charlotte, like the Charlotte Museum of History, North Carolina Transportation Museum, and Carolinas Aviation Museum. Home to its own mini-desert at Jockey's Ridge, the largest active sand dune on the east coast is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in North Carolina. U.S. Bank leases 81,424 square feet (7,564.5m2) in Truist Center to house 850 employees[176][177] MUFG Union Bank, which is being acquired by U.S. Bank, leases 26,710 square feet (2,481m2) in Regions 615 to house 400 employees. [411] The research campus is part of a larger effort by leaders in the Charlotte area to attract energy, health, and other knowledge-based industries that contribute to North Carolina's strength in biotechnology.[412]. View Trip Public transportation Unfortunately, Charlotte's public transportation leaves something to be desired, but you can make it around the city car-less. [149][150][151] In total, Charlotte proper has over 700 places of worship. [87][88][89] Myers Park, Dilworth, and Eastover are home to some of Charlotte's most affluent, oldest and largest houses, on tree-lined boulevards, with Freedom Park nearby. [466][467][468][469], Charlotte's central location between the population centers of the northeast and southeast has made it a transportation focal point and primary distribution center, with two major interstate highways, I-85 and I-77, intersecting near the city's center. Browse the town's galleries, furniture stores, the local brewery, and more. Located in the South End neighborhood, this trendy purveyor of games for grownups has spots in several other major cities as well. Washburn's General Store, established in 1831, is South Carolina's oldest, consecutively owned family business and is worth visiting to learn its longevity secret. The botanical garden on the grounds of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is also worth visiting. The aquarium opened on February 20, 2014. Most African Americans in Charlotte are Baptists affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, the largest predominantly African American denomination in the United States. Related: St. Augustine: What To See In Americas Oldest City. From Beaufort, you can take a boat to Shackleford Banks and see the wild ponies, also. Charlotte one of the best cities to rent in US, ranking says [129], As of the 2020 United States census, there were 874,579 people, 342,448 households, and 195,614 families residing in the city. There is also less rain in the fall, which will give you . Visitors can end their tours by passing by Russian Chapel Hills Winery to imbibe local Columbus wines. Soul food is one of the reasons you simply must visit Charlotte. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is only about 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, but you would never know. [330][331], The Charlotte Independence are a minor professional soccer club who play in USL League One the third tier of US professional soccer. within a days drive of both the beach and the mountains, waterfalls within driving distance from Charlotte. While Charlotte has a moderate climate, it still gets hot and sticky during the summer. Take the time to see the Downtown Pineville Farmers Market on Saturdays and enjoy a family day out. Located in the western part of Mecklenburg County is the U.S.National Whitewater Center, which consists of human-made rapids of varying degrees, and is open to the public year-round. Enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Charlotte with our list of the best 10 free or cheap things to do in the Queen City. While the Charlotte food scene is constantly evolving, there are several Queen City classics that should earn a spot on your list. Unlike other mayors in council-manager systems, Charlotte's mayor has the power to veto ordinances passed by the council; the council can override a mayoral veto by a vote of seven of its ten members. Here are 8 of the best small towns in North Carolina to explore when the temperatures drop. [365][366][367], The city council has 11 members (7 from districts and 4 at-large). Our favorite beaches to visit include Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, and Folly Beach, near Charleston. 1. It is located several miles east of the Catawba River and southeast of Lake Norman, the largest human-made lake in North Carolina. [122][123], Like much of the Piedmont region of the southeastern United States, Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate (Kppen Cfa), with four distinct seasons; the city itself is part of USDA hardiness zone 8a, transitioning to 7b in the suburbs in all directions except the south. You could easily while away an entire afternoon here, sending your senses into overdrive in a good way.