Charlotte, a visitor-friendly city in the US state of North Carolina, is located very close to the border with South Carolina and was named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, England. The city is second only to New York in the US in terms of financial importance, as many of the country’s banks have their headquarters here. But perhaps more importantly, Charlotte offers a fast developing tourist industry and a number of exciting entertainment options.
The suburbs surrounding Charlotte are beautiful, boasting impressive scenery and a fascinating history. It is possible to take yourself back in time and experience what Charlotte was like during the era of slavery and plantations. Brattonsville, home of the Bratton family, boasts excellent colonial architecture and examples of period furnishings.
The city itself boasts a number of popular tourist attractions including the Bank of America Stadium, which is host to many major sporting events; the Bank of America Corporate Center; Charlotte's Carolina Raptor Centre, a popular birds of prey park; Lowe's Motor Speedway and Carowinds, a large theme park with activities to please all of the family.
When it comes to accommodation, Charlotte has a wide choice of lodgings ranging from five-star hotels to more modest establishments which are suitable for the whole family. Businessmen will find suitable hotels which have business facilities aplenty.
Hotel chains can be found in abundance, as can cheap motels and guesthouses. If you are on a tight budget, cheaper accommodation can be found on East Irvington, South Craycroft Road and West Starr Pass Boulevard. Booking online in advance is recommended.
Charlotte International Airport is a busy facility, offering connections to major domestic, European and international destinations. It is also possible to arrive by train or bus as the city is served by Amtrak and Greyhound, offering connections with New York, Washington and Atlanta.
Charlotte experiences a temperate climate throughout the year which ensures its popularity as a holiday destination year round. It enjoys hot summers and mild winters with the average daytime temperatures throughout the winter months rarely falling below 10°C.
The hottest month of the year is July, with daytime temperatures regularly hitting highs of 32°C. A downside of the summer months is that humidity levels are also high, which can make things uncomfortable. Despite being on the hurricane trail, hurricanes usually loose much of their power and are more like strong winds by the time they reach Charlotte.
