Charlotte NC offers something for everyone. From family fun dates to thrilling adventures, Charlotte has it all. This city showcases Southern hospitality in its full glory.
Tryon Street, a major thoroughfare in the heart of the city, doesn’t align with the compass as it does in many Colonial towns. Instead, the streets follow a natural ridgeline that predates European settlement.
History
Charlotte’s rich heritage spans over 350 years. It all began at a crossroads where two Indian trails met at the Catawba River in South Carolina’s Piedmont region. The city’s residents were loyal to King George III and earned the nickname “The Hornet’s Nest”, for their patriotic fervor, during the American Revolution.
Two events lifted Charlotte out of its minor place on the plantation economy: the discovery of gold in 1799 and the coming of a railroad in 1852. Charlotte was now a major trading town.
Four statues on a monument in Independence Square link Charlotte’s past with its present and future. A prospector panning gold represents commerce, while a millworker and a child represent the city’s first textile factories.
Arts & Culture
Charlotte has a deep history that reaches back to the Revolution. A gold rush in the antebellum period fueled railroads, banking and a booming fabric industry. The city’s museums reflect its rich heritage of civic activism.
Modern performance venues are the perfect setting for Broadway hits as well as local theatre. The Levine Center for the Arts, for example, has collections that showcase Charlotte’s post-civil conflict history. Fine art is also a draw with the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture showcasing pieces by globally influential visionaries.
A plan for strengthening Charlotte’s culture is underway, focusing on equity, affordability and community connection. Staff are using feedback from residents in order to shape the strategy.
Outdoor Adventure
Charlotte Outdoor Adventures organizes outdoor activities for its members. These include coed flag-football and dodge-ball games, kayaking and ice climbing excursions. The group also organizes other active trips ranging from hikes to waterfall rappelling throughout North Carolina and beyond.
Mecklenburg County has 37 miles of greenways that are perfect for biking and running. Alternatively, rent a boat at Lake Norman or Lake Wylie.
Visit the National Whitewater Center in Uptown for a more challenging adventure. Enjoy 30+ outdoor activities from mountain biking to rafting. Crowders Mountain State Park, a short drive from Uptown with its views, and Morrow Mountain State Park, a crisp 54-miles east offer 47 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Food & Drink
Located in Charlotte’s South End, Flower Child serves vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. Healthy, tasty, and colorful food. Fresh salads, wraps and bowls are available for guests. The restaurant also offers a wide range of premium drinks and local craft beers.
At Heist Brewery, the bar menu features a wide variety of drinks and food. Diners can sample foods like smoked bacon mac and cheese, or the Elvis-inspired peanut butter banana cream pie. This restaurant is open seven days a week.
Heist is part of the Optimist Hall complex, where other restaurants and bars are found. Heist also offers dinner and drink specials every day.
Nightlife
Once the sun goes down, Charlotte turns into a dynamic nightlife destination. The city’s bars, lounges, pubs, and clubs offer a mix of musical harmonies, mouthwatering world cuisines, adventurous cocktail combinations, and lively dance floors.
Relax at a wine bar and enjoy a wide selection of wines from around the world, curated by expert sommeliers. Enjoy your drink in a comfortable atmosphere while engaging in conversation with loved ones or friends.
QC Social Lounge is one of the best 18+ bars in Charlotte NC. The drinks are complimented by delicious appetizers. The venue also has a spacious terrace that features stunning views of the city skyline. The staff of this club is committed to safety, and strict age verification policies promote responsible drinking.
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