CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Tuesday, May 8) – The No. 1 travel destination in the Carolinas and one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Charlotte, North Carolina, is a city on the rise. From Olympic-level whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center to high-speed fun at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte offers exclusive experiences only found in this ready-to-be-discovered urban city.

As the 16th largest city in America and home to 2.5 million people in the region and counting, Charlotte continues to garner attention for its ever-evolving cityscape, but the area's friendly and welcoming attitude and longstanding tradition of hometown pride are what make visitors and newcomers feel instantly at home.

Founded in 1768, the city celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, and these crown jewels top the list of unforgettable experiences in North Carolina's largest city. Plus, hidden gems and new-to-the-scene developments add to the allure of this New South destination.

1. Hidden History – The first U.S city to seek independence and the first gold rush are just two of the little-known historical happenings that are part of Charlotte's intriguing past. The city's rich history is on display at attractions like The Charlotte Museum of History, Wells Fargo History Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South.
2. Only-in-Charlotte Experiences – The Billy Graham Library retraces Charlotte native and Christian evangelist Billy Graham's dynamic journey from a North Carolina dairy farm to stadiums across the globe. Carowinds is home to the tallest and fastest giga coaster in the world—Fury 325. And the U.S. National Whitewater Center features the world's largest man-made whitewater river and first permanent deep water solo complex.
3. Motorsports Mecca – Home to nearly 90 percent of NASCAR race teams, Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is connected to the Charlotte Convention Center, the Charlotte area offers high-octane experiences found nowhere else.
4. A City to Savor – Although Uptown (what locals call downtown) boasts 200-plus dining options spanning regional, national and international flavors, there are tributes to Southern fare on every block. Restaurants like The King's Kitchen, The Asbury, Stoke Charlotte and Mert's Heart & Soul serve mouthwatering biscuits, fried chicken, North Carolina catfish and sides galore.
5. Nightlife Know-how – Charlotte's nightlife is as diverse as its neighborhoods. When the sun goes down, entertainment hot spots like the EpiCentre and AvidXchange Music Factory feature themed nightclubs, live music and see-and-be-seen dance floors.
6. Rooftop Bars – To enjoy striking views (and social-worthy shots) of the city's shiny skyline, visitors can sip sky-high cocktails at Fahrenheit Charlotte, City Lights Rooftop Bar, Merchant & Trade at the new Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel or Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo atop the new dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn Charlotte City Center.
7. Charlotte on Tap – Nearly 50 craft breweries call the Queen City home. The city's first craft beer producer, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, follows the Reinheitsgebot beer purity law and invites enthusiasts to enjoy ales in a German-inspired restaurant and biergarten. Cideries, distilleries and speakeasies anchor the city's forward-thinking beverage scene.
8. Hometown Teams – Several professional sports teams call the Charlotte region home, hosting more than 200 sporting events throughout the year. Hometown teams include the NBA Charlotte Hornets, NFL Carolina Panthers, MLL Charlotte Hounds, Triple-A Charlotte Knights, AHL Charlotte Checkers and USL Charlotte Independence, among others.
9. Regal Retail – Featuring the most exclusive retailers between Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., Charlotte's shopping scene is haute. SouthPark Mall features top designers, while Charlotte Premium Outlets and Concord Mills are best known for bargains. Local boutiques carry one-of-a-kind finds, and local markets like 7th Street Public Market, Atherton Mill and Market, and Tompkins Hall (coming late 2018) are hot spots for artisan and edible goods.
10. Arts & Culture – From Broadway smash hits at Blumenthal Performing Arts to renowned art exhibitions at top museums like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Mint Museum, Charlotte's vibrant arts and culture scene offers a diversity of experiences. The Levine Center for the Arts Access Pass offers 48-hour access to three top museums for $20.

With so much to do, see and discover, there is no better time to explore Charlotte. For more information on events, attractions, hotels, dining and more, visit charlottesgotalot.com.

About the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) works to deliver experiences that uniquely enrich the lives of our visitors and residents. Through leadership in destination development, marketing and venue management expertise, the CRVA leads efforts to maximize the region's economic potential through visitor spending, creating jobs and opportunities for the community. Brands supported by the CRVA include the Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, Bojangles' Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Regional Film Commission and Visit Charlotte in conjunction with the region's destination marketing brand. For more information, visit crva.com.

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