Charlotte

A booming city thanks to a prosperous banking and high-finance industry, Charlotte is a surprising, hip and sophisticated town. Its growth over the past decade has been tremendous and city planners have done well to blend modern skyscrapers with groovy neighborhoods, all the while retaining the city's history. A thriving performing arts community, anchored by the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, has spawned a lively alternative arts scene in areas like NoDa, where old textile mills have been converted to galleries, eateries and small theaters. The relatively young population has inspired excellent restaurants and nightlife. The town is ...

A booming city thanks to a prosperous banking and high-finance industry, Charlotte is a surprising, hip and sophisticated town. Its growth over the past decade has been tremendous and city planners have done well to blend modern skyscrapers with groovy neighborhoods, all the while retaining the city's history. A thriving performing arts community, anchored by the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, has spawned a lively alternative arts scene in areas like NoDa, where old textile mills have been converted to galleries, eateries and small theaters. The relatively young population has inspired excellent restaurants and nightlife. The town is chock full of wonderful museums, including many tailored for kids. Sports fans can catch pro football, amateur baseball and hockey, or join the crowds for NASCAR racing at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Many parks throughout the city beckon visitors, including The Green, where you can watch outdoor movies in the summer. Charlotte is a growing, evolving city with lots of fun things to do.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.