Featured
Motorsports in Charlotte is Major Driver of Economic Development
The motorsports industry is a driving force of the Charlotte USA economy. Dozens of racing teams from the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck series are headquartered in the region, and so are hundreds of companies that supply parts and engineering technology to the teams. In fact, nearly 700 motorsports-related businesses generate a $5 billion economic impact within the 16 counties that make up Charlotte USA.Racing teams, a specialized labor pool, a well-developed supplier... Read More »
Charlotte, NC Has a Top Library for Children
ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin CenterRepeatedly, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center in Charlotte, NC, got the most mention alongside phrases such as "excellent programs and environments for kids." This colorful, 102,000-square-foot facility opened in 2005 to serve area youth of all ages.Since ImaginOn is a partnership between the Children's Theatre of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklengburg Library, both the programming and the facility... Read More »
Charlotte, NC is City for Book Lovers
Book shopping in Charlotte is a common occurrence – 48 stores cater to the reading crowd. Make a stop in Park Road Books and you're sure to leave with something great and unexpected, thanks to a staff that receives high praise for truly being helpful, friendly and obvious fellow book-lovers. Where to go: Park Road BooksAuthors from here: Harry Golden, Cheris F. Hodges, Travis Jeppesen Read More »
Charlotte's Sports Make it a Manly Place to Play
In 2010, Charlotte, NC, was named "America's Manliest City" in a study done by the maker of the snack food COMBOS. Salty snack sales accounted for some of the ranking. We think it's a manly city because of its sports scene, abundant outdoor adventures, motorsports, and strong selection of food and restaurants that slap a thick steak on their grills. Charlotte, a.k.a. the Queen City, is home to the largest man-made whitewater river and one of the largest outdoor climbing... Read More »
U.S. Whitewater Center Provides Indoor, Outdoor Thrills
For those who like to experience nature first hand, the U.S. Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC, is just the spot to visit.
This U.S. Olympic training site is the world’s premier outdoor adventure and environmental education center, and it's just the place to raft the world’s largest man-made whitewater river.
Not only that, visitors can also flatwater kayak, mountain bike, trail run, hike more than 11 miles of trails and even climb one of the largest outdoor climbing structures in the U.S... Read More »
Charlotte USA Blends Southern Tradition With Cosmopolitan Flair
The 16-county Charlotte USA region is in the heart of the South and offers a healthy dose of Southern hospitality, charm and tradition.
But that's to be expected in a region that hosts more than 850 foreign companies, eight Fortune 500 corporate headquarters and is the No. 2 financial center in the United States. Charlotte USA is highly diverse and sophisticated, offering cultural, recreational and lifestyle choices that are the envy of far larger areas.
“Charlotte USA is a robust region... Read More »
Charlotte, NC Offers Trails, Museums and High Quality of Life
Charlotte USA offers a wealth of cultural, recreational, educational and attractions. Here are just a few fun things to do:
Carolina Thread TrailThe trail is a regional network of greenways and trails that will eventually include 15 counties and link people, places, cities, towns and attractions. The trail is designed to preserve the region's natural areas and foster exploration of nature, culture, science and history.
Discovery PlaceLocated in the heart of Charlotte, this hands-on... Read More »
Catawba River Provides Outdoor Fun to Charlotte Area
Hang onto your helmets. The U.S. National Whitewater Center has become a raging success on the Catawba River, just outside of Charlotte.
The center brings outdoor recreational opportunities to the public thanks to activities that include kayaking on Class IV whitewater rapids. There is also canoeing and rafting along flat water portions of the river near the center.
Besides water activities, the facility is home to 400 acres of woodlands and one of the world's largest outdoor climbing... Read More »
Outdoor Fun in Charlotte Can Be For the Dogs
A fetching setting for national-level field and retriever dog competitions is located a short drive away from Charlotte, NC.
Chesterfield County, in South Carolina, is home to the H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area. The expanse covers 7,000 acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, and the park’s facilities include stables, kennels, corrals, arenas, waterfowl ponds and campgrounds. Besides the ideal accommodations for hunting dogs, also on site are more than 20 miles... Read More »
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Near Charlotte, NC
More than 35,000 people visit Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge each year. The refuge features more than 8,400 acres of bottomland hardwoods, a pine forest, croplands, old fields and moist soil units. It serves as an ideal habitat for 180 bird, 50 amphibian and reptile, 25 mammal, and 20 fish species. The refuge was established in 1963 and is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a regional network of greenways and paths that is currently being developed to span 15 counties. The Pee Dee refuge is... Read More »
