What Is Charlotte, NC Known For?

Charlotte, NC is the largest city in North Carolina and the second-largest city along with Raleigh in the southeastern United States. As such, it has lots to be known for! Before diving in, it’s important to note that Charlotte is also the economic hub of its region, often referred to as “the Queen City.” That comes from the city’s historical role as a transportation and agricultural center of the state. As such, it has many different reasons for being a place people want to live.

Banking & Professional Opportunities

Arguably the most famous industry in Charlotte is banking. The city houses the corporate headquarters of Bank of America, and is also home to Wells Fargo and its southeast regional headquarters. The presence of large banking institutions means lots of employment opportunities. In addition, Charlotte is the home to many large corporate headquarters such as Lowe’s, Duke Energy, and Nucor Steel.

Sports Teams

Charlotte is no stranger to sports either. It is home to both an NFL team, the Carolina Panthers, and an NBA team, the Charlotte Hornets. Fans of professional sports fill the local stadiums for football and basketball games throughout the year. In addition, there are plenty of minor league options for baseball, soccer, and hockey. And for those who want a more informal active experience, Charlotte is home to some great public golf courses.

Museums & Other Attractions

Charlotte has plenty to offer those seeking a more cultural experience as well. The Levine Museum of the New South explores local history and culture while Mint Museum Uptown offers incredible artwork from all around the globe. Nearby Huntersville features attractions such as Sea Life Aquarium, Carolina Renaissance Festival, and Lazy 5 Ranch. Plus the city of Charlotte has an active music scene and arts culture with events like BlumeFest and Bands ontap Music Festival.

High Quality of Life

The quality of life in Charlotte is also very attractive to residents. The primary driver of these quality aspects is the affordable cost of living and higher-than-average wages for most professions. In addition, according to a study by WalletHub, Charlotte ranked 10th in overall livability among all of the cities in America. And finally, Charlotte has access to both mountain hiking near Asheville and beach trips to Myrtle Beach – perfect for both outdoor adventurers and those looking for a relaxing weekend escape from their everyday lives.

In conclusion, Charlotte is known for many things – including banking, professional opportunities, sports teams, museums, attractions, and a high quality of life. It’s a great city for all sorts of people as it has something for everyone. For more information about Charlotte’s features and why people move there, check out Visit NC’s website.

An Insider’s Guide to Discovering Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina, is the largest city in the state and is named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III. Known as the Queen City, it is a thriving urban center full of rich history, bustling nightlife, delicious cuisine, and outdoor activities that offer something for everyone. Here’s your insider’s guide to discovering Charlotte’s top attractions, cultural experiences, dining spots, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for a memorable visit.

Top Attractions in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is packed with a plethora of attractions that are perfect for exploring in a day or over a weekend. Here are some of the must-see places that you should not miss:

• Biltmore Estate: Take a trip out to Asheville to visit the Biltmore Estate, which is America’s largest private residence and a National Historic Landmark. Tour the 1895 mansion, the gardens, and the winery.
• NASCAR Hall of Fame: Charlotte is the home of NASCAR, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s history and showcases the most significant cars and drivers in the industry.
• Freedom Park: Head to Freedom Park for a picnic or a peaceful stroll. The park sits on 98-acres and features a lake, walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and tennis courts.
• Discovery Place Science: Discovery Place Science is an interactive museum that features exhibits about engineering, physics, earth science, and other scientific topics. While there, indulge in learning about the SCUBA diving experience in the Living Seashore exhibit.
• Carowinds: Visit the exciting amusement park in Charlotte’s suburbs, Carowinds, to enjoy dozens of carnival rides, including coasters and waterslides.

Dining Scene in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte boasts a unique and exceptional culinary scene that rivals some of the best southern foodie destinations. Be sure to indulge in the city’s sub-style while also enjoying other international cuisines available. Here are some dining spots essential to experience the food scene:

• The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Looking for an exciting culinary mashup experience, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is the right place to be. Their menu features sushi rolls, burgers, and sushi-burgers! It is a unique dining experience that everyone must try.
• The King’s Kitchen: The King’s Kitchen offers a farm-to-table experience using fresh and locally sourced ingredients in all their dishes while contributing to the charity. They serve southern-inspired bites and are renowned for their mac and cheese and fried chicken.
• Haberdish: Haberdish is a southern neighborhood kitchen that serves southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Enjoy the open-air concept and expansive bar for a great dining experience.
• Nan & Byron’s: Nan & Byron’s has dishes like Nashville hot chicken to New York-style pizza. It has something for everyone, definitely worth a visit.
• The Dumpling Lady: The Dumpling Lady at the 7th Street Public Market, serves traditional Chinese and Taiwanese dumplings that come with various sauces and fillings for a fulfilling meal.

Cultural Experiences in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is rich in history, arts, and cultural experiences. Here are a few museums and institutions that will satisfy a variety of interests:

• Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art hosts an extensive collection of modern art, with nearly 2,000 works by 20th-century artists like Miró, Giacometti, and Calder.
• Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture: The Harvey B. Gantt Center features African-American art, history, and culture with permanent and temporary exhibits, films, and performances.
• Levine Museum of the New South: Learn about Charlotte’s history at the Levine Museum of the New South, where exhibits feature the city’s evolution from the Civil War through new growth and urban development.
• The Mint Museum: The Mint Museum has two locations, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown, which feature American, contemporary, and European art and design in addition to the Craft + Design collection.
• Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is a lively venue that hosts numerous plays, concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year.

Local History in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte has a rich history to learn about, and the best part is that all the key sites are within walking distance of each other. Here are some places that will give visitors an insight into the past:

• Charlotte Museum of History: The Charlotte Museum of History explores the city’s history, from the earliest settlements to present-day Charlotte. See the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, a revolutionary period house, and the Museum’s replica Backcountry Farm for a deep dive into the lives of early settlers.
• Historic Rosedale Plantation: Head to the Historic Rosedale Plantation to explore the lives of those wealthy during the 19th century and antebellum period of America. The plantation contains the original period house, the kitchen, and the slave quarters.
• Carl J. McEwen Historic Village: The Carl J. McEwen Historic Village imitates the community of Piedmont Carolina from the early-19th century, with a school, church, general store, mercantile, homesites, and a jailhouse.
• Independence Square: Independence Square is where you can find the two buildings where America’s most significant documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, were created. Take a walk around the buildings and explore the history of America’s founding documents.
• Old Settlers’ Cemetery: The Old Settlers’ Cemetery is a historic cemetery that sits in the oldest documented graveyard in Charlotte. It contains many graves of residents who created prominent contributions to the growth and development of Charlotte.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Charlotte, North Carolina

Beyond Charlotte’s popular attractions and history spots, there are off-the-beaten-path recommendations that are worth exploring:

• U.S. National Whitewater Center: Spend the day visiting the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and whitewater rafting. Enjoy dining in the Whitewater River Jam event, which hosts live music events around the season.
• The People’s Market: A must-visit destination for shoppers, The People’s Market at Dilworth features vintage clothing, jewelry crafted by Charlotte artisans, and other unique treasures.
• Noda: NoDa, which stands for North Davidson, is Charlotte’s arts district. It’s packed with funky murals and street art, enjoyable shopping experiences, and artistic restaurants to indulge your culinary side.
• The Green: Take a peaceful walk around The Green, an open space with a pond, surrounded by several sculptures from local artists. Enjoy the beautiful natural environment and the art that accompanies it.
• The Greenway: The Carolina Thread Trail is a network of hiking and biking trails that runs through Charlotte suburbs. It’s a lovely place to take a peaceful stroll, rent a bike, or go for a family picnic.

With an endless amount of dining, cultural, and adventurous experiences, Charlotte is a top U.S destination worth exploring. This insider’s guide will help visitors discover the best attractions, dining spots, local history and culture, and more in the Queen City.