Charlotte originated as a railroad town, and as you would expect from a regional transport hub, it’s a city with a cosmopolitan population. You’ll recognize this aspect in a range of cultural offerings throughout the city. From high-end cuisine to traditional Southern staples, the food and drink here is well worth trying. Members of the local Greek community run many of the older restaurants here, giving the city a distinctive dining experience. Whether you prefer music and theater or exploring galleries and museums, culture vultures will find so much to enjoy in Charlotte’s vibrant cultural scene.
Charlotte’s Performing Arts Scene
Image via Flickr by James Willamor
The music and theater scene in Charlotte is absolutely thriving, and several professional performing companies, including the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte and the Collaborative Arts Theatre, produce regular shows in the city. The dramatic Children’s Theatre of Charlotte building is also worth a visit, and the performances feature local youth.
Charlotte’s live music scene is also very good, and the city’s music venues represents genres ranging from rock and punk to rap and soul. The Double Door Inn is a top pick for blues music, while the Evening Muse offers live acoustic performances. The Bojangles Coliseum and the PNC Music Pavilion both host the city’s larger music events. Charlotte is also home to several festivals, and summer is a lively time to visit, with Black Gay Pride in July and Charlotte Pride in August.
Galleries and Museums in the City
Art lovers will find several places worth visiting in Charlotte. The Mint Museum of Art and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art both have some wonderful exhibitions, and the summertime Festival in the Park is one of the biggest art events in the region. Other museums worth visiting include the Carolinas Aviation Museum, a fascinating place that looks at the history of flight and displays historic aircraft, as well as the Levine Museum of the New South, which examines at the history of the South since the Civil War.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of great hotels in Charlotte, whether you’re on a tight budget or you’re looking for more luxurious accommodations. Luxury options here include the Courtyard by Marriott, which is near the city center, and Le Meridien, which has a swimming pool and spa. Among Charlotte’s best budget options are Motel 6 Charlotte and the Knights Inn, which both have convenient locations and high-quality accommodations.
Traveling To and From Charlotte
Charlotte offers good links to domestic destinations from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport also has international flights to Munich, Rome, and London. You’ll also find convenient rail connections here, with Amtrak serving routes to New York, New Orleans, and Raleigh.
This former railroad town is now much more than a mere stop along the way to bigger destinations. Charlotte is easy to access and offers a wide range of cuisine and activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s time to start packing your bags so you can enjoy all that this great city has to offer.
nice…blog
it is good article. thank you
You are right about this place. Very calm and natural. Yes, the local foods around here are really fantastic. Thanks Michael for this nice post:)