Nicknamed ‘Queen City’ for its associations with the wife of King George lll, the North Carolina city of Charlotte dates back to the Catawba tribe, while Spanish settlers arrived in the region during the 1500s. Afterwards, further immigation continued, with a large influx of Presbyterian Irish helping establish modern Charlotte in 1755. As the location of the States’ first gold rush, the Civil War transformed Charlotte significantly, causing General Charles Cornwallis to coin the name ‘The Hornet’s Nest’ on the back of the ferocious fighting demonstrated by locals. Today, the city acts as a headquarters for many leading banks, including Wells Fargo and the Bank of America.
Sport is one of the most important pastimes in Charlotte and it's worth catching a game during your visit. The three main franchises are the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the Charlotte FC soccer team. Watching one of these three teams play will offer a glimpse into the city’s competitive culture, as well as a starting point for many of Charlotte’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Charlotte’s best landmarks are its museums with many showcasing the city’s history, contemporary art, and of course, NASCAR. During your time in the city, visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art or the uniquely designed Mint Charlotte Museum to see artworks spanning the decades. Alternatively, the Charlotte Museum of History offers insight into Charlotte’s past while the Discovery Centre provides plenty of activity for children.