The rapidly growing city of Charlotte, North Carolina has become such a convenient town that it now stands as the center for industry, technology, entertainment and finance throughout the surrounding region. Steeped in historical significance and culture, Charlotte enjoys celebrating the events that helped to shape the region throughout the years. The city does this with a variety of historical museums and other facilities that have come to be popular stops for area tourists. With the flourishing real estate market in the area, its burgeoning business district and its year-round mild weather, Charlotte is sure to be a pleasing addition to any vacation that involves visiting the Southeastern United States.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Sleep Inn University Place 8525 N Tryon St 4. Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown 530 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd 2. Hyatt Summerfield Suites Charlotte Airport 4920 South Tryon Street 5. Charlotte Marriott SouthPark 2200 Rexford Road 3. Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Airport 2770 Yorkmont Road 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport South 4900 South Tryon Street View more Charlotte hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Charlotte 1. Go back in time at an area plantation Because of Charlotte’s connection with the slave period in America, there are several well-known plantations in the area. The Rosedale Plantation is one of the most popular because of its natural beauty and architecture. Currently, it stands as one of the best examples of architecture from the Federal period in the state. Inside, there are three rooms that are still covered with the original French wallpaper from the early 1800s. You can take a walking tour through the beautiful gardens and along the grounds on the outside of the home, too.  « hide 2. Excitement abounds at Laser Quest This unique opportunity is fun for families and adults of many ages. This science-fiction maze lets players play the popular game of laser tag in an environment that will be sure to excite anybody. For first-time players or those who are inexperienced, the facility has special accommodations so anybody can join in the fun. There are also different types of games so everybody is sure to be pleased by the time they leave.  « hide 3. View natural beauty at the UNC Botanical Gardens One of the most beautiful attractions in Charlotte is the University of North Carolina Botanical Gardens facility. These indoor and outdoor gardens on the campus include three main areas, each with their own distinctive beauties. Many of the plants are native to the Carolinas region, but there are also several varieties from other areas of the nation and the world. Since the 1960s, these botanical gardens have been a resource for learning about the natural fauna of many different areas for students of UNC and visitors to this facility.  « hide 4. Enjoy the area’s fun festivals throughout the year Charlotte has several festivals throughout the year that are sure to satisfy that urge for fun and excitement. One of the biggest festivals – the Speed Street Festival – attracts a half million fun-seekers to the town’s center for a variety of musical performances that relate to the NASCAR All-Star Race. The event is big enough to shut down the streets in the surrounding area and everybody just comes to have a good time.  « hide 5. Enjoy the Middle Ages with the Carolina Renaissance Festival This enjoyable festival is one of the largest annual events in the entire region of the Carolinas. Families will appreciate the different entertainment opportunities available with an educational twist. There is also a medieval amusement park complete with rides characteristic of this time period. A 10-stage theater and huge circus are ideal accents to the arts and crafts that you will find as you walk through the area. Plan to spend the entire day if you visit, though. There will be things there that you will want to spend time with to get the maximum amount of fun and enjoyment from the experience.  « hide 6. Savor a night of music with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is an expert group of musicians that is guaranteed to dazzle and impress those who come to listen. Their belief that orchestral music helps to nurture the human spirit comes through with each note played for each concert. The orchestra is trained in several different varieties of music, including traditional standards and contemporary favorites. With the full schedule of events and concerts that the orchestra offers to Charlotte residents and visitors, you can be sure that you’ll catch an incredible performance. Call for ticket prices and schedule.  « hide 7. Bring your charge cards for the many shopping opportunities Within Charlotte and the surrounding area, there are several large malls and shopping centers designed to fit the needs of any shopper. The Concord Mills facility has over one mile of large stores, including 200 factory-sized stores. You can plan to spend the entire day here and then take in a movie when you’re done shopping at one of the 24 screens at the adjoining theater. An arcade and variety of restaurants makes this one of North Carolina’s favorite places to visit for families and adults alike.  « hide View more Charlotte attractions » « View less Charlotte attractions

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Nikko’s Nikko’s, Charlotte, offers delicious sushi and other unique seafood dishes for discerning diners. There is a huge selection and you can even choose from a variety of combination plates for easier ordering. Ask for Nobu for an added thrill with your meal.  « hide 6. Steak-Out Charbroiled Delivery Steak-Out Charbroiled Delivery, Charlotte, is ideal if you feel like just staying in your hotel room for an evening during your visit. This steak restaurant will deliver you a delicious steak cooked just the way you like it and with all the fixin’s. Several locations throughout town also make it a convenient option.  « hide 2. Pewter Rose Bistro Pewter Rose Bistro, Charlotte, gives diners the chance to experience a variety of cultures within the walls of the restaurant. You can expect various menu offerings prepared with fresh and local ingredients. There are also several American standards on the menu and the wine list is quite impressive. Come for brunch or dinner.  « hide 7. Mert’s Heart and Soul Mert’s Heart and Soul, Charlotte, offers soul cooking on a hoagie bun. For an example of what to expect, you can get soft-shell crab with grits and fried catfish on a bun or even a Po’ Boy sandwich. You’re in for a unique meal either way you slice it.  « hide 3. Southend Brewery and Steakhouse Southend Brewery and Steakhouse, Charlotte, has a cozy atmosphere located in one of the popular historic areas of Charlotte. You can find something to please your individual taste buds, ranging from pizza to seafood and everything in between. Choose from the long list of beers to wash it all down.  « hide 8. Rainbow Café Rainbow Café, Charlotte, is conveniently located in Charlotte Plaza for visitors taking advantage of other opportunities in the area. Simple food with great prices are what you can expect, but you will also enjoy the views of the surrounding area and the full lounge.  « hide 4. Zydeco Cajun, Caribbean and Creole Zydeco Cajun, Caribbean and Creole, Charlotte, has a long name but great food. Cajun foods mixed with steak and seafood are the specialty, but you can find other authentic choices, too. The décor of original paintings from the creole culture adds to the allure of this dining facility.  « hide 9. The Pita Pit The Pita Pit, Charlotte, has a catchy name but even better food. The staff has the efficiency of popular sandwich chains, but the food is much better than the normal chains. The pitas add a healthy aspect to the normal taste of the sandwich, too.  « hide 5. Longhorn Steakhouse Longhorn Steakhouse, Charlotte, is a family-friendly atmosphere with a menu full of choices. The atmosphere is loud and fun so bringing the kids is ideal. While you’re enjoying your meal, the kids can be kids and they won’t disturb anybody sitting around you.  « hide

	Charlotte Insider tips
	1. Notice the variety of personalities as you stroll about town Charlotte is a popular place for people who are moving from the north as well as people who already live there. As a result, there is a blend of traditional southerners with a friendly disposition and northerners with a New York-style attitude. You will also notice very few eccentricities, even though there are a lot of people with money in the area. Enjoy the cultural diversity and appreciate the differences that help to make Charlotte a unique metropolitan area to visit.  « hide 2. Beware of the races Charlotte is notorious for their NASCAR fans and races. There are two major races during the year in October and May. If you plan your trip during these two times and you’re not a race fan, be sure to plan things that are nowhere near the speedway. Traffic is brutal within miles of the race track and many of the fans can get pretty crazy when they get some alcohol in them. On the other hand, if you are a race fan, this can be a great place to visit and you might even enjoy being surrounded by so many other fans.  « hide 3. Charlotte is in the heart of the Bible Belt Charlotte has a rich history of being a conservative area with religious values. Although this is not a dominant characteristic of the city anymore, you might still encounter people who hold strong to these values. You will also notice a church on practically every street corner in Charlotte. Try to be respectful of those who have strong religious convictions in the area.  « hide 4. The tea can be too sweet If you are at a restaurant in Charlotte or the southeastern region of the United States, be careful when you order tea. In many other areas of the nation, the sweetening is left up to the individual person. In this region, however, the kitchen staff often makes the tea already sweetened which can ruin your fresh glass of iced tea if you are unaware of it. If you don’t like your tea already sweetened, you might be better off just ordering water or another soft drink that you enjoy.  « hide

	Charlotte nightlife
	In Charlotte 1. Menage Ultra Lounge With three different dance floors and a variety of alcoholic drinks, this dance club is perfect for anybody who wants to have a good time. Although it is a bit on the pricey side, you can expect to find more affluent and sophisticated partygoers here. One of the best things about Menage is that it is never packed so full that you can’t even walk through it.  « hide 2. Bar Charlotte The flashy décor is one of the attractions of this popular dance club in the area. Partygoers frequent this place because of the thrilling atmosphere and no-frills menu. Each night of the week, there is also a special theme and Thursdays are often College Night. Come to dance or just enjoy watching those who do.  « hide 3. Ri-Ra Irish Pub This laid-back bar is a great place to gather with friends or family or just to enjoy a drink on your own. Their specialty is Guinness, but you can get a variety of other traditional favorites to wash down the delicious bar food made by the cooking staff. Live music and other fun events throughout the week make this an ideal stop for any resident or visitor.  « hide 4. Fox and Hound Pub and Grill As soon as you walk in the front door, you’re hit with the feeling that everybody is just here to have a good time, including the waitstaff. The atmosphere isn’t pretentious or tense like you might find in other places and you can come dressed as you are. Not only can you enjoy a well-made drink, but the food is really good, too.  « hide 5. Dixie’s Tavern Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a drink with friends or somewhere to have a delicious meal, Dixie’s Tavern is sure to satisfy. Reasonable prices and a wide selection on the menu make this a great place to just relax while being surrounded by friendly patrons and staff members. Enjoy live entertainment many nights throughout the week, too.  « hide 6. Fox and Hound Pub and Grill As soon as you walk in the front door, you’re hit with the feeling that everybody is just here to have a good time, including the waitstaff. The atmosphere isn’t pretentious or tense like you might find in other places and you can come dressed as you are. Not only can you enjoy a well-made drink, but the food is really good, too.  « hide View more Charlotte attractions » « View less Charlotte attractions