All about Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina. As it is a center of finance, transportation, wholesale distribution, and manufacturing, Charlotte is the metropolis of the Carolinas. Located just north of the border between North and South Carolina, the Queen City is quickly becoming a major urban area in the south.
Site of America's first gold rush, Charlotte even had its own mint until the beginning of the Civil War. The city's modern-day banking industry achieved prominence in the 1970s, largely under the leadership of financier Hugh McColl. McColl transformed North Carolina National Bank (NCNB) into a formidable national player that, through a series of aggressive acquisitions, would eventually become Bank of America. Another hometown bank, First Union, experienced similar growth, and is now known as Wachovia. Today, Charlotte is the second largest banking center in the country after New York City.
As Charlotte has grown so has the number of attractions available to residents and visitors. Long known as a center for NASCAR you can find many other sports events available for you to enjoy. The Carolina Panthers have been among the most successful new franchises in the NFL. While there is no major league baseball in North Carolina there are many wonderful minor league teams including the Charlotte Knights who actually play their games in nearby South Carolina. The NBA has returned to Charlotte with the Bobcats being the second NBA franchise to call Charlotte their home.
As in any big town, shopping opportunities abound. All the big retailers are available to fulfill any desire you may have. Look for malls all around the region. Most of the malls are found in the surrounding towns but downtown is home to many of the best shops in the region.
Golfers do not have to drive far to find quality golfing in the Charlotte area. Two of Golf Digest top courses are in Charlotte at the Charlotte County Club and Quail Hollow. In addition, there are approximately 63 public and private golf courses in the Charlotte region to choose from.
The city's mild climate makes it perfect for walking, jogging, or running outdoors most of the year. Water lovers are fortunate to be near the wide Catawba River and its system of man-made lakes, one of the biggest being Lake Norman. Sailing, windsurfing, power boating and fishing are just a few of the activities to be enjoyed. Be sure to visit Paramount's Carowinds, a 105-acre theme park located on the North and South Carolina border.
Downtown Charlotte hosts many outdoor festivals including CityFest Live and Speed Street, a festival in conjunction with the Coca-Cola 600. The Carolina Renaissance Festival and the Loch Norman Highland Games in nearby Huntersville are very popular attractions.
When you want to travel to Charlotte be certain to use the services of Golden Hare Travel to get the best service and information available on the Internet.