Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and was settled in 1755. There was a population boom after WWI, as the soldiers stayed and settled in the area they had fought in. This city is very diverse and consists of 199 neighborhoods. With winter temperatures at a low of 40 and average summer high of 90, Charlotte is described as having a subtropical environment.

Sports fans will have a great time in Charlotte, NC with various attractions. The Charlotte motor speedway offers not only various races throughout the year but hosts campers during special event goers. Adrenaline junkies can get thrills at the National Whitewater Center when kayaking in the world’s largest man made river. Paddling boarding and zip lines are additional attractions available at this U.S. Olympic training site.

Charlotte is home to many team sports, from football to basketball. The Carolina Panthers have been a staple since 1995 and currently call Bank of America Stadium their home. Time Warner Cable Arena hosts the Charlotte Hornets basketball team. The sports theme continues with Charlotte Checkers hockey team and the Charlotte Knights baseball.

For those traveling with kids, don’t worry because  your options are plentiful too. Several indoor and outdoor recreation choices include, ImaginOn and Children’s Theater of Charlotte. Children can get an up close, hands on animal encounter at Discovery Places aquarium and rain forest. The IMAX theater opens up a whole new world with 3-D movies. For sunny day activities be sure to visit the over 400 acre Carowinds Amusement Park. Coaster enthusiast will relish the ride on the worlds largest and fastest coaster and remember to bring your bathing suit so you can explore the multi-acre water park.

There are several museums with varied themes for transportation buffs. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Exhibits include commercial, civil and military planes from the 1920’s to WWII. Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park butterflies, hands on kids crafts and live shows with animals. Take a tour throughout the 100 year old forest and view the turtles and owls in their natural habitat.Charlotte Trolley Museum offers a glimpse into the past with restored cars and education classes.

Artist lovers can immerse themselves in the culture of Charlotte’s many theaters. Charlotte Symphony Orchestra offers year round concerts presented by residency students and professionals musicians as well. Thespians can view or participate in numerous shows put on by the Charlotte Shakespeare Theater. Founded in 2006, this theater has ongoing auditions for live performance and puts on multiple shows throughout the year, including summer fest.

Nature buffs will enjoy traveling back in time while visiting The Levine Museum, with its post civil war exhibits. Guides are available to share their real life experiences and stories of the period. Head over to Latta Plantation Nature Preserve to continue your historical education. The kids will enjoy the Raptor Center trail with replicas of 25 dinosaur species. Horse lovers can enjoy a four legged tour that begins at the Equestrian Center and tours the grounds.

Shoppers can delight in an unlimited number of venues from malls to big box stores. the SouthPark Mall offers selections from high end stores such as, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. DIY enthusiasts can find a myriad of projects from the Swedish company Ikea, while indulge their culinary appetites in the cafeteria.

After a full day of shopping, pamper yourself in one of Charlotte’s many spas, there is nothing more relaxing than a full body massage. Facials and mud baths feature extracts from indigenous plants, for a green spa experience.

Charlotte is a great place to live and visit and travel is a breeze with its three Amtrak routes and various buses. Its international airport is the 6th largest in the U.S. and offers domestic flights to locations from Canada to South America. North Carolinas long and rich history includes a long list of artists, musicians and politicians. The city’s is well known for its love of sports teams and includes Michael Jordan, owner the Hornets and 1972 Olympian Bobby Jones.

Following are a few links to some of the attractions mentioned above:
http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/
http://www.panthers.com/
http://www.ctcharlotte.org/
http://www.charlottesymphony.org/