Charlotte - nicknamed the Queen City – is located right in heart of the Southeast. Despite a population of less than a million this dynamic city is a key financial hub in the US, with many national banks based here. But for those looking for a more leisurely experience, this is your gateway to the south-east and a vibrant city that plays home to major NFL and NBA franchises.
Blasts of the past
A lot of the old Charlotte has been replaced by shiny new buildings, but a range of tours shed light on the charming architecture of the past. The Charlotte Cotton Mill and the Lyles-Sims House built in 1867 are both well worth visiting, with most of the historic homes situated in uptown Charlotte. Join the History and Haunts tour where you’ll see some of these by lantern light.
Tastes of the south
A tour where you can walk off some of the excesses of lunch is also a good idea, and with Tour De Food you can stretch your legs and enjoy the indulgences of southern food. They offer seven tours, including one of the historic south end. Explore the modern dining scene in Charlotte and take advantage of the ample opportunity to enjoy the unique, traditional southern cuisine. Barbecue here tends to be eastern style, and you can use your hire car in Charlotte to visit Bar-B-Q-King for classic southern drive-through food. Bill Spoon’s on South Boulevard is a renowned belt-buster, offering ribs with their homemade rub, chicken, Brunswick stew, fried okra and more. The $11 daily special is a bargain.
The sporting south
Charlotte is a great city to visit if you’re a sports fan. American Football enthusiasts can attend NFL games at the Bank of America Stadium. Despite only being founded in 1995, the Carolina Panthers have played in two Super Bowls. Those with hoop dreams can visit the Spectrum Center to see the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Basketball legend Michael Jordan has a stake in the team, and while they’ve yet to win any championships, they’re on an upward curve. Elsewhere, you can see soccer from the American second tier, as well as minor league ice hockey and baseball.
With plenty more venues of historical, cultural and culinary importance, Charlotte is a wonderful place to explore in your hire car and one of the south’s most charming cities.