With the excitement of a cosmopolitan city and the ease of Southern charm, Charlotte presents a unique atmosphere where big city style meets down-home appeal. Other cities may boast must-see attractions, but Charlotte offers things to see and do unlike any destination in the country.
Charlotte
is the largest city in North Carolina and the 20th largest in the United States, with a population of approximately 610,949 (2005 estimate).[2]
It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County,GR6
and is located in the south-central part of the state in the Piedmont region, near the South Carolina border. The city's economy has matured in the late 1900s and early 2000s to become dominated by financial services, as well as retail commerce.
Charlotte has become a major U.S. financial center, and, based on assets, both the nation's second largest and fourth largest financial institutions call the city home (Bank of America and Wachovia, respectively). Bank of America' headquarters, along with other regional banking and financial services companies, are located primarily in the uptown financial district. Thanks in large part to the expansion of the city's banking industry, the Charlotte skyline has mushroomed in the past two decades and boasts the Bank of America Corporate Center, the tallest skyscraper between Philadelphia and Atlanta. The 60-story postmodern gothic tower, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, stands 871 feet tall and was completed in 1992.
The following Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Charlotte metropolitan area:
Other major companies headquartered in the Metro Charlotte include Time Warner Cable (a business unit of Fortune 500 company Time Warner), Muzak, Belk, Harris Teeter, Meineke Car Care Centers, Lance, Inc, Bojangles' , Carlisle Companies, LendingTree, Compass Group USA and Royal+SunAlliance and Food Lion in suburban Salisbury. Also, neighboring Gastonia is home to Choice Beverage, Inc., makers of SunDrop and Cheerwine, and Parkdale Mills world headquarters.
Charlotte is also a major center in the US motorsports industry, with NASCAR having multiple offices in and around Charlotte. Approximately 75% of the industry's employees and drivers are based within two hours of downtown Charlotte. Charlotte is also the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, expected to be completed in 2009. The center city/uptown area of Charlotte has seen remarkable growth over the last decade. Numerous residential units continue to be built uptown. Many new restaurants, bars and clubs now operate in the uptown area.
Charlotte Attractions
Charlotte's culturally-enriched tapestry is a distinction that beckons visitors to return to the city year after year. Vibrant and robust, the cultural scene and innovative museums of the Queen City offer limitless possibilities as diverse as its people and lifestyles. Recognized as a leading cultural capital, Charlotte continues to build on its reputation as a world-class city through arts, science and historical attractions drawing nearly 2.9 million people in attendance annually.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Charlotte's vibrant spirit can be seen throughout the city. Boasting an eclectic array of nightlife and dining, Charlotte's unique entertainment and feasting options create a real sense of character.
Named one the the "Top 50 Cities that Sizzle" by Nation's Restaurant News
Magazine, Charlotte offers a wide array of dining options including local flavor, international cuisine and upscale dining. Step out on the town to enjoy a relaxing meal or into music venues and dance clubs, wine and martini bars, coffeehouses and more. Charlotte's nightlife and dining scene is exploding with options.
Charlotte Shopping
From the top names in manufacturer and retail outlets, to upscale boutiques and unique shops nestled in neighborhood shopping centers, from destination megamalls, to antique villages, art galleries and outdoor markets, Charlotte offers a truly unique shopping experience with a wide range of retail options. Charlotte features several destination shopping malls including Concord Mills, SouthPark, Phillips Place, Carolina Place and Northlake Mall.
Transportation
Use our Charlotte Airport Map and our Center City and Mecklenburg County Maps to help you find your way to and around Charlotte.
Navigating through Center City Charlotte is easy due in part to a grid pattern of city blocks. Tryon Street serves as the main thoroughfare in Center City intersecting with Trade Street at the Square. Blocks increase by 100 in each direction from this intersection.
Hop aboard CATS when you get tired of walking around. Charlotte currently operates the largest transit system between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, GA. (CATS) The Charlotte Area Transportation System operates a citywide bus service and a Center City motorized trolley line, the Gold Rush.
Colleges and Universities
For-profit universities
Public schools
Education is also first rate in Mecklenburg County with four of the nation’s top 100 high schools located here.Charlotte Regional Partnership
Private schools
External links
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