Everything You Need to Know About Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant and exciting city in the United States. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply doing research on the area, our guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the city of Charlotte.

Fast Facts – What You Need to Know

Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina and the second largest banking center in the United States behind New York City. It covers an area of 466 square miles and has a population of over 827,000 people. The city is divided into 16 distinct neighborhoods, the most notable of which are Uptown, South End, Dilworth, and Elizabeth. The three major school systems in the area are Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Carolina Public Schools, and Charlotte Independent School District.

History

The first settlers in the Charlotte area arrived around 1755. The area was officially named Charlotte Town in 1768 after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz when she married King George III. The city’s first business district was established in 1774 and the city was incorporated in 1799.

In 1837, the first railroad was built in Charlotte and it quickly gained prominence as a major railroad junction and distribution center. By the mid-1800s, the city was one of the South’s leading industrial centers, producing textiles, furniture, and leather goods. With the growth of the cotton industry in the region, Charlotte became an important banking center and home to many of the nation’s most prominent banking institutions.

In 1892, Charlotte was chosen as the site of East Carolina University, the first state university in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte was founded in 1946 and today is one of the most respected universities in the nation.

The city experienced rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s as its economy diversified to include banking, technology, and manufacturing. During this period, modern stadiums and arenas were built to host major sporting events such as the National Basketball Association All-Star Game and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Several major sites in downtown Charlotte are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and attract visitors from around the world each year. These include Squire House Museum, The old Charlotte Mint, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, The Carolina Theatre, and The Heinz Building.

Culture & Arts

Charlotte is a culturally diverse city with an abundance of attractions for families, couples, and singles alike. As one of the fastest growing cities in America, its citizens continually strive to create unique cultural experiences for visitors from around the world.

The city has an impressive list of museums and galleries that feature a variety of work from local, national, and international artists. These include the Mint Museum Uptown, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Levine Museum of the New South, and The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

The city also offers a wide range of performing arts venues such as Blumenthal Performing Arts, Ovens Auditorium, and Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Theaters such as Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Theatre Charlotte, and Theatre73 produce a variety of shows each year to entertain audiences of all ages.

Music is another prominent part of the Charlotte culture. Popular music venues such as The Fillmore, Neighborhood Theatre, and Amos’ Southend have hosted a variety of national acts over the years, ranging from hip hop to alternative rock.

Sports & Recreation

Charlotte is home to four professional sports teams: Charlotte Hornets (NBA), Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Knights (Minor League Baseball) and Charlotte Independence (USL Championship). The city also hosts several collegiate sports teams including Carolina Panthers (NCAA College Football), Davidson Wildcats (NCAA College Basketball), and Charlotte 49ers (NCAA Division I).

The city offers a variety of recreational activities for those looking for outdoor adventures. Lake Wylie is home to more than 700 docks and boat ramps for fishing, water skiing, and swimming activities. Other outdoor attractions include US National Whitewater Center, McDowell Nature Preserve, Fisher Farm Park, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

Golfers will find plenty of options too: Charlotte is home to some of the finest golf courses in the United States including Quail Hollow Club (host of PGA Championships) Ascot Golf Course (host to PGA Tour Qualifying), Rocky River Golf Club (host to LPGA Tour Champions Tour Qualifying), Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation (host of PGA Nationwide Tour), and Skybrooke Country Club (host of LPGA Legends Tour).

For those looking for an adventure off the beaten path, visiting one of Charlotte’s haunted sites may be just the ticket. From haunted museums to creepy cemeteries, there are plenty of ways to get your thrills in Charlotte with the Charlotte Haunted Ghost and Pub Walking Tour, where adventurous visitors can explore all that this historic city has to offer after dark with a professional historian tour guide leading the way!

Shopping & Dining

Whether you are looking for high end fashion or unique boutiques, local art stores or souvenir shops – there is something for everyone in Charlotte when it comes to shopping! Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall and Northlake Mall offer retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus while smaller malls like Pineville Mall offer dozens of stores selling everything from electronics to furniture.

Food lovers will love exploring all that Charlotte has to offer in terms of cuisine. The city is home to a variety of eateries ranging from European influenced fine dining establishments to downhome southern fare. Some popular restaurants include Harper’s Restaurant & Bar (European fusion), Common Market (regional favorites), Crispy Crepe (artisanal crepes), Halcyon Flavors from Far & Near (modern American), and 5Church (Mediterranean style food).

No matter what kind of food you’re craving – or what kind of shopping you’re looking to do – there’s something for everyone in Charlotte!

Transportation & Accommodation

Getting around Charlotte is easy with its extensive public transportation network comprised of buses, light rail, streetcars and shuttles as well as many bike paths throughout the city. Amtrak services multiple cities on its daily line based at Charlotte Station while Greyhound services multiple destinations through its downtown station. Taxis can also be found throughout town while Uber has become popular among locals and visitors alike.

Accommodation options abound in Charlotte with plenty hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the most popular hotels include The Ritz-Carlton (luxury hotel), Hilton Charlotte Center City (upscale hotel), The Dunhill Hotel (boutique hotel) and Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre (contemporary hotel).

Discovering Charlotte

Charlotte offers many opportunities for fun and exploration for locals and visitors alike! Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation, shopping or nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this exciting city! And if you’re looking for a unique way to explore all that Charlotte has to offer after dark consider booking a Charlotte Haunted Ghost and Pub Walking Tour, join professional historians for a spooky evening stroll through downtown Charlotte – uncovering some of its hidden secrets along the way!

So grab your map and explore one of America’s greatest cities – from historic sites to cultural attractions – you’ll never find yourself wanting for something to do in beautiful Charlotte!