About Charlotte

The 19th largest city in the United States, Charlotte is the largest trading center in the southeast and second largest financial center in the United States and the center of the nation's fifth largest urban region. Charlotte's key attractions include Paramount's Carowinds Theme and Water Park, Discovery Place science center and IMAX Dome Theatre and the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Charlotte is a sports enthusiast's dream! World-class professional sporting events are held in Charlotte throughout the year, many of which call Charlotte home. We are very proud of all of our teams; The Carolina Panthers NFL franchise, The Charlotte Bobcats NBA franchise, The Charlotte Sting WNBA franchise, The Charlotte Knights AAA Baseball, and The Charlotte Checkers ECHL Hockey. From over 175 parks throughout the county to more than 50 beautiful golf courses, to the 2 major lakes, Charlotte's climate is conducive to sports and recreation year round.

The Charlotte region is composed of 16 counties, including two counties in South Carolina, with the city of Charlotte serving as the hub. Located in the heart of the Southeast, Charlotte lies within the southern Piedmont of North Carolina along the state's border with South Carolina. Charlotte is the largest and most accessible city between Washington, D.C. and Dallas, TX. Owing to its mid-Atlantic location, getting to Charlotte is easy from anywhere in the country or world, garnering its nickname the "International Gateway to the South".

More than 55 percent of the country's population lives within a two hour flight of Charlotte and 6 million people live within a 100-mile radius. Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the national hub of US Airways, carries on average more than 500 flights a day and has more flights per capita than any other airport in the nation.

Main Areas of Charlotte

Charlotte is truly a dynamic city. Walk along the bustling streets of Center City Charlotte, step aboard the historic Charlotte Trolley or stroll along the tree-lined streets of our neighborhoods and experience the warmth and southern hospitality visitors to the Queen City have come to know.

Center City comprises the key business, cultural and entertainment district of Charlotte. Historic neighborhoods South End, NoDa, Dilworth, Myers Park and Plaza Midwood offer a glimpse into the city's past and offer new, eclectic options for dining and entertainment.

South Park, Charlotte's original upscale shopping destination, SouthPark Mall, and neighboring Phillips Place have been touted "One of the Four Best Places in the South for Luxury Shopping," not to mention living and entertainment. Ballantyne, a pre-planned community further south, offers a perfect mix of dining, entertainment, and the five-star Ballantyne Golf Resort & Spa. Just a short drive from Charlotte, Historic Waxhaw, Pineville and the Metrolina Expo offer shoppers a wealth of antiques and home furnishings.

The suburban Birkdale Village to the north is dotted with clothing stores for men, women and children. And while on the waters of two major man-made lakes within 20 minutes of Charlotte - Lake Norman to the north and Lake Wylie to the south - enjoy excellent water recreation, including fishing, boating and swimming abounds. Fans of NASCAR find Charlotte a dream. Ninety percent of all NASCAR NEXTEL teams are headquartered within 50 miles of Charlotte, several of which offer gift shops and retail stores.