What can I say about Charlotte, North Carolina? It is a wonderful city to travel to in the United States. This place is also wonderful to live in!
Charlotte is an American city located in the southeastern United States. It was founded in 1755 and given its nickname of the queen city by those founders. The original inhabitants were the Catawba tribe, the indigenous people that lived here before the Europeans came. The city would suffer economically after the civil war and then find success as one of the top places to move to the United States.
With its affordable living and many attractions, the queen city should be a traveler’s top priority when visiting the United States. Like most cities in this country, the best way to travel is by car. So grab your car, and let’s get into the things to do in Charlotte.
History of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina is a city steeped in history. From its early days as a trading post to its role in the American Revolution and beyond, Charlotte has played an important role in the history of the United States. In this article, we will explore the history of Charlotte, North Carolina, including a timeline of key events.
Early History:
The area now known as Charlotte was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee. The first European settlement in the area was established in 1755 by Thomas Spratt and his family, who built a cabin near the intersection of two Native American trading paths.
1775 – American Revolution:
In 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed in Charlotte, making it the first city in the United States to declare independence from Great Britain. The city was also the site of the Battle of Charlotte in 1780, during which the British army was defeated by American forces led by Thomas Polk.
1800s – 1900s:
During the 1800s and early 1900s, Charlotte became a major cotton processing center, with several mills and factories located in the city. The city also played an important role in the gold rush of the 1800s, with several mines located in the surrounding area.
1920s – 1930s:
During the 1920s and 1930s, Charlotte experienced significant growth and development. The city became a major banking center, with several major banks establishing headquarters in the city. Charlotte also saw significant growth in its population, with the city’s population increasing from approximately 50,000 in 1920 to over 100,000 by 1940.
1960s – 1970s:
During the 1960s and 1970s, Charlotte continued to grow and develop, with the city becoming a major transportation hub. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport was established in 1935, and by the 1970s, the airport had become one of the busiest in the country.
1990s – Present:
During the 1990s and beyond, Charlotte has continued to experience significant growth and development. The city has become a major center for finance, technology, and healthcare, with several major corporations establishing headquarters in the city. In recent years, Charlotte has also become known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with several museums, galleries, and performing arts venues located throughout the city.
Timeline:
1755 – First European settlement established in the area. 1775 – Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence signed in Charlotte. 1780 – Battle of Charlotte takes place during the American Revolution. 1799 – Charlotte incorporated as a town. 1837 – First railroad line established in Charlotte. 1861 – Charlotte serves as the site of the first Confederate cabinet meeting. 1875 – First electric streetcar line established in Charlotte. 1899 – First automobile race held in Charlotte. 1920 – Population of Charlotte exceeds 50,000. 1935 – Charlotte Douglas International Airport established. 1960 – Charlotte becomes a major transportation hub. 1970 – Charlotte Douglas International Airport becomes one of the busiest airports in the country. 1990 – Charlotte becomes a major center for finance, technology, and healthcare. 2004 – Bank of America Stadium opens in Charlotte. 2012 – Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte.
In conclusion, the history of Charlotte, North Carolina is rich and varied, with the city playing an important role in the American Revolution, the cotton industry, and the growth and development of the United States as a whole. Today, Charlotte continues to thrive as a major center for finance, technology, and healthcare, while also maintaining its unique cultural heritage and identity.
Must Do
When visiting Charlotte, you should check out all of the eclectic neighborhoods that give the queen city its wonder. Noda, Southend, Plaza Midwood, and the downtown area. All of these areas provide fun entertainment, such as bars, venues, and delicious restaurants. They are all unique and offer something different for travelers.
Freedom Park
If you love parks and natural settings, Freedom Park is an ideal place for a family outing. Located at 1900 East Boulevard, the park sits between the historic neighborhoods of Dilworth and Myers Park, about 3 miles from downtown Charlotte. Founded in 1929, Freedom Park is comprised of 98 acres and a 7-acre lake. The park’s unique design is a combination of modern and historical, and will make any family outing enjoyable.
Parking is free but limited at Freedom Park, so it is advisable to park on surrounding streets. There are no food facilities at the park, but there are many restaurants, shops, and coffee houses within walking distance. If you’re looking for an affordable meal or a quick snack, you can find one nearby at Kid Cashew, The Summit Room, or JJ’s Red Hots. The park is open daily, but tennis court hours vary.
Located near downtown Charlotte, Freedom Park is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. The seven-acre lake and sports fields at this park provide a beautiful backdrop for any event. It’s a wonderful place to stroll, play, or simply relax. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the park, you’ll enjoy the nearby Charlotte Convention Center and EpiCentre. And if you love sports, the Charlotte Parks Department has an outdoor stadium in the park.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC, to honor the finest drivers, crew chiefs, owners, broadcasters, and other major contributors to the competition. The Hall of Fame honors the most knowledgeable NASCAR drivers in history. Those who are inducted are considered the best in the world. You can also check out the Hall of Fame’s collection of historical documents. While in Charlotte, be sure to learn about the Hall of Fame’s honorary inductees.
The Hall of Fame is also an ideal event location, hosting more than 300 unique events each year. Events held in this space have included high school proms, weddings, and collegiate pep rallies. It’s also a great space for corporate events, including business meetings and conferences. Non-profits also use the NASCAR Hall of Fame for their events. This Charlotte event venue also serves as a popular location for corporate events, including conferences and team meetings.
Discovery Place Science
If you’re looking for a fun science museum, you’ll want to check out Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina. Located in Uptown Charlotte, this museum features a variety of hands-on experiences. Besides hands-on exhibits, you can also learn about the science behind the world around us. Afterward, you can relax at the museum’s cafe and learn about the latest advancements in science.
The museum opened in 1981 and is home to several world-class exhibits and a space-age IMAX dome theater. The IMAX Dome was opened in 1991 after the Charlotte Observer purchased naming rights to the theater. During the space race, interest in science education was at an all-time high. As a result, the community voted to fund a hands-on science center, which opened on North Tryon Street. It’s located on the city’s historic South End and uptown Charlotte, which encouraged development in the area and positioned the museum in a strategic location for maximum access.
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or an evening, Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, NC is sure to delight you. There are hands-on exhibits, 3-D movies, and games for the entire family to enjoy. You can even spend a birthday at the museum and plan a family night out with your loved ones. It’s a great place to spend a day with your family, and the best part is that it’s conveniently located close to downtown Charlotte.
Hendrick Motorsports Complex
The Hendrick Motorsports Complex in Charlotte, NC, is the home of many NASCAR race cars. This sophisticated complex designs and tests race cars for various teams. While the main purpose of the complex is to manufacture and build race cars for professional drivers, the facility is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can see how race cars are made as well as the technology behind them. Here, they can also learn more about the history of the sport and the teams who compete in it.
A museum at the Hendrick Motorsports Complex features many different cars that have made Charlotte famous. Guests can view the engines and trophies that were used to manufacture the cars. The museum also contains the manuscript that was used for the movie “Days of Thunder.” You can also see how race cars are built in the Museum’s car shops. Visitors can also enjoy a live race in the museum’s simulator, and check out the cars on display.
Mint Museum Uptown
The Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte, North Carolinian, is a must-see place for art lovers. This art museum features an international collection of art, live performances, and educational programs. Whether you enjoy contemporary art, traditional works of art, or a combination of the two, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy. And, if you like to learn, there are educational programs for children as well.
For a truly unique experience, you should visit the Mint Museum Uptown. This museum, located on 500 S. Tryon Street, showcases a wide variety of modern and contemporary art. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, the Mint is a great place to get lost in the works of modern artists. The museum also showcases a craft collection that includes furniture, pottery, and glass. Visitors can also browse the modern and contemporary art collection, which includes works of glass, metal, wood, and metal.
The Mint Museum Uptown has many unique features. The building, which is 145,000 square feet, features a modern interior and innovative exhibits. In October, visitors can view the Foragers exhibit, which honors women makers in North Carolina history. And, there are also art studios, restaurants, and a museum store. A visit to the Mint Museum Uptown will give you a sense of what Charlotte has to offer.
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Belk Theatre at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center opened its doors in 1992. It was named after the Blumenthal Foundation, a charitable organization established by I.D. Blumenthal, who founded RSC Brands and was the largest private donor to the capital campaign. The Belk Theatre has hosted many renowned artists including Janet Cardiff, the late Whitney Houston, and many others.
The Belk Theatre at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte has state-of-the-art equipment and production and is a versatile space for any type of event. From conferences to operas, the Belk Theatre can accommodate your event. Whether you’re planning a corporate event or a family reunion, the Belk is the perfect venue. And since it’s independently owned, you can also find resale tickets here.
Located at 130 N. Tryon St., the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center includes the Belk Theater, Stage Door Theater, and Booth Playhouse. Depending on the event, you can enjoy everything from internationally-known shows to family-friendly shows. And there’s always something to do in Charlotte! Check out the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s calendar to see what’s on.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
If you are looking for an art museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, then you should consider the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This museum contains exceptional works of art and offers comprehensive tours. The museum emphasizes the history of the Bechtler family and 20th century modernism. Some of the museum’s highlights include the mirrored Firebird sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle. You can also visit the museum’s café and shop.
Located at 420 S. Tryon St., the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is a 36,500-square-foot gallery and part of the Levine Center for the Arts in Uptown Charlotte. You can visit this museum for free during March, though the fourth-floor gallery is closed for the installation of an exhibit by Swiss artist Annemarie Schwarzenbach. You can also enjoy a jazz performance or a lecture while you’re there.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in Charlotte offers guided tours and self-guided tours. You should book your tour at least a month in advance. During your tour, you can choose to learn more about the architecture of the museum, the history of the Bechtler family, or the permanent collection. Whatever you choose to focus on, you’ll be sure to enjoy your visit. If you have a family, you should consider taking them on a tour and see what they have to offer.
Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library is a museum and library dedicated to the religious leader who made Charlotte, North Carolina famous. There’s even a tour of his original home! You can learn a lot about the man and his life. There are also tours of his original home, where he preached his sermons. But before you go to the museum, you should visit his original house. Here are the things you should know:
The Billy Graham Library features a multimedia tour called the Journey of Faith. The tour takes you through six exhibits and four galleries based on Graham’s life. There are also theaters and galleries to enjoy. The museum was designed by Disney consultants. A key piece of historical memorabilia at the Billy Graham Library is a signed “Decision for Christ” card by 15-year-old Billy. Some of the highlights include Graham’s sermons to a wildly popular Los Angeles revival fifteen years later. The charismatic preacher used an enormous megaphone for his voice and often exhibited dramatic gestures like pointing fingers, waving arms, and making faces.
The library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. Visitors should allow two to three hours to explore the museum and gardens. The Journey of Faith tour takes about an hour and a half. You can also stop by the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar to enjoy a meal or snack. The Billy Graham Library also has a bookstore, Ruth’s Attic.
What is best about Charlotte is the people and everything that there is to do here. People from all over the United States choose to move to the queen city, it is affordable, and that is its biggest draw. Because we have many people who come here, there is a wide range of people from all walks of life. This brings diversity, and you can see this in many of the neighborhoods in this city.
Wow, there is so much to do here in Charlotte. If you travel here, you will not be bored. It may not be all out in the open you will have to look closer, but there is a lot to do. From musical acts to events to art shows and even skateboarding competitions, you have a lot to choose from on any given day. Go and explore the city while traveling here; you are bound to find something fun to do.
Best Walks in Charlotte
This is one of the best cities to go for a walk. There are so many paths you can go on, both urban and some out in the woods. For all of you travelers who love to hike, Charlotte has got you covered. Let’s look at some of the best walks in the city.
Freedom Park
Freedom Park is amazing; if you travel to Charlotte, you have to stop here for a walk. This park is huge and has a nice path to walk around a beautiful pond. There are even paths that branch off the pond and go through the woods. The layout of the park is pretty simple, so you won’t get lost.
The park has picnic tables, so families or large groups can spend the day here. Whether you are traveling on foot or on a bike, this park is well worth the visit.
Greenway Path
Charlotte has a greenway path that loops around the whole city. It is a great way to travel around the city to avoid cars and traffic. The path branches out into the many neighborhoods all over Charlotte. You can ride a bike, skateboard, or even walk on these paths. Perfect for any traveler looking for a good day of exercise.
You can start at any part of the city; the greenway is everywhere. Many people take these paths, but they are never too crowded. If you travel along this path, then take a bike so you can cover more ground. The path goes through woods, under bridges, and even into the city’s more urban parts. Take a day during your travels and walk along the greenway.
Best Restaurants in Charlotte
Charlotte has a lot of great places to eat. Whatever type of food you want, the city has an amazing restaurant serving that type of food. Here is a list of recommendations for food types.
- Chinese- Dim Sum
- Japanese- Futo Buta
- Italian- Momma Ricottas
- American- The Diamond
- Mexican- Three Amigos
- German- Waldhorns
There are many other places around Charlotte where you can get amazing food; these are just some of the best in town. When you travel to Charlotte, explore, and you will find something good. You won’t have to look too hard, either.
The Stanley is an elegant and stylish restaurant and taproom located in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood. Chef Paul Verica serves up whimsical renditions of classic dishes. You’ll appreciate the bright, airy interior, replete with smooth oak tables and industrial-style ceiling lamps. Haymaker, a modern restaurant focusing on farm-fresh fare and craft cocktails, is another Charlotte restaurant worth a visit. The restaurant features a patio and hosts a weekly Habana festival.
The Asbury is known for its southern charm and brunch is popular. Kindred is another great restaurant, serving contemporary southern cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Dishes like squid ink pasta are highly rated, as are their potatoes cooked in duck fat. The menu also features small plates, such as fried okra, which is popular among Charlotte diners. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a delicious brunch for two, there’s something for everyone in Charlotte.
The Fig Tree is another excellent restaurant in Charlotte. It is located in the historic Reynolds-Gourmajenko House and has a stunning, modern ambiance. The taqueria’s menu features a wide selection of small plates and tacos that are served with house-made flour tortillas. The restaurant also has a full bar and margaritas. And if you’re looking for a nice drink, you can find a local beer on draft.
Best Hotels in Charlotte
Best Music/Festival in Charlotte
This one is for all the travelers who are music lovers. Charlotte has many different venues where you can listen to a variety of music from different genres. Here is a list of some of the best venues.
- The Milestone- best venue for punk or alternative music
- Snug Harbor- All kinds of acts come through to play here, both local and big time
- The Fillmore- A great place to find big-name bands or groups; many perform here
- Amos- Another venture for both big and small acts and a variety of musical genres
Music travelers will not be disappointed coming here looking for music. Come travel to Charlotte and enjoy the music scene.
Best Nightlife in Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant and bustling city that is home to a thriving nightlife scene. From nightclubs and discos to live music venues and bars, Charlotte has something for everyone when it comes to enjoying a night out on the town. In this article, we will explore the best nightlife in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nightclubs:
- Roxbury Nightclub
Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Roxbury Nightclub is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The club features multiple dance floors, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a VIP lounge area. The music ranges from Top 40 hits to classic throwbacks, and the club often hosts themed parties and events.
- Bubble Nightclub
Bubble Nightclub is another popular spot for dancing and partying in Charlotte. Located in the South End neighborhood, the club features a large dance floor, multiple bars, and a patio area. The music is primarily electronic dance music (EDM), with local and national DJs performing regularly.
- Suite
If you’re looking for a more upscale and sophisticated nightclub experience, then Suite is the place to go. Located in the EpiCentre complex in Uptown Charlotte, the club features a chic and modern interior, multiple bars, and a VIP section. The music ranges from Top 40 hits to hip hop and R&B.
Live Music Venues:
- The Fillmore Charlotte
The Fillmore Charlotte is a popular live music venue that has hosted a variety of local and national acts. Located in the Music Factory complex in Uptown Charlotte, the venue features a large stage, multiple bars, and a balcony area for VIPs. The music ranges from rock and alternative to hip hop and electronic.
- The Evening Muse
The Evening Muse is a cozy and intimate music venue located in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. The venue features a small stage and seating area, and hosts a variety of local and touring musicians. The music ranges from folk and acoustic to rock and indie.
- Neighborhood Theatre
The Neighborhood Theatre is another popular live music venue located in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. The venue features a large stage, multiple bars, and a balcony area. The music ranges from rock and blues to country and Americana.
Bars:
- The Thirsty Beaver Saloon
The Thirsty Beaver Saloon is a popular dive bar located in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte. The bar features a laid-back atmosphere, cheap drinks, and live music on select nights. The bar is also known for its eclectic decor, which includes taxidermy animals and vintage signs.
- The Common Market
The Common Market is a unique bar and convenience store hybrid located in several neighborhoods throughout Charlotte. The bar features a large selection of craft beer and wine, as well as a menu of sandwiches and snacks. The bar also hosts live music and events, and has a cozy and eclectic atmosphere.
- The Gin Mill South End
The Gin Mill South End is a popular sports bar located in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte. The bar features multiple TVs for watching sports games, as well as a large outdoor patio area. The bar also hosts live music and events, and serves a menu of pub fare and drinks.
The Best Day Trip out of Charlotte
If the city proves too much during your travels and you need to escape from the urban sprawl, you are in luck. Charlotte is a three-hour drive from both the mountains and the beach. You can make a day trip going to either to have some fun.
In the mountains you can enjoy some skiing or hike the Appalachian mountains.
The beach is perfect for any travelers. North Carolina has some beautiful beaches to relax and soak in some rays. If you stay in Charlotte, it is worth the trip to make it out to one of these places. Your travels will not be complete if you don’t take the time to do so.
Something that Travelers may not know about Charlotte
If you are going to travel to Charlotte, you should know something about the city that not many travelers know about. This area in Charlotte would be Camp North End. This old weapons factory has been converted to an area where restaurants, bars, and even art shows happen frequently. If you are hungry?, come to Camp North End. Want to have a delicious drink?, come to Camp North End. Do you want to have some fun? Camp North End is perfect for your travels.
One of the best Places for Travel
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the best cities to travel to in the United States. The city has everything to keep your travels fun. You will not be disappointed coming to the queen city. Make sure you put this city on your list of places to travel!