Charlotte, NC- The Queen City

It’s amazing how Charlotte, NC has become the second largest city in the southern US after Jacksonville, FL with a present population of over 2.5 million people but it is growing every day with so many people moving here.

Charlotte is the home town of the well-loved Carolina Panthers. Who doesn’t know Carolina Panthers (NFL)? Starting from the 7 years old I met at the ice cream store to the 55 years old towing service guy who helped me out with my flat tire; everybody is talking about Carolina Panthers.

From Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman to Josh Norman, who is close to getting a $15 million dollars long term contract with the Panthers, they all call Charlotte their home.

Other well known local teams in the Charlotte that heats up the fans are the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and the Charlotte Independence (USL). Charllotians love sports that’s for sure.

How about the racing fans? We all know that Charlotte is the home of the Nascar Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. When you visit the Nascar Hall of Fame you would expect to see artifacts legendary drivers and stock cars, and you will but what you don’t expect is to see so many of them and even the chance to drive and play with some of them.

Between a Carolina Panthers game and a visit to the Nascar Hall of Fame you have to entertain yourself with the tallest gigacoaster in the world, the 325 foot tall Furry 325 from Carowinds amusement park, visit the biggest lake in NC, Lake Norman, with an 845 miles of shoreline.

Being only 30 minutes’ drive from Charlotte, that is if it’s not rush hour, because if it is, your relaxation trip could become a night mare sitting in the traffic for 2 hours like I did. For me it was worth it but for the locals it may be frustrating. The good news they are working to expand the roads.

To remain on the nature side of your trip but still in the uptown Charlotte a nice place to spend a quiet afternoon is Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden with 110 acres of gardens and fountains. You will be amazed by how many different species of orchids you will find here.

If you are more of an adventures type, Charlotte has something for you also. The US National Whitewater Center will offer you the adventure of your life no matter what is your favorite: water, land or air.

White over 17 miles of woodland trails you will be more than happy to explore if you are a runner or a biker you can’t ask for more than that.

The 46 foot climbing wall and the zip lines will compete for the air adventure lover’s taste.

Did you know that the Whitewater Center has the largest man maid river in the world? You can try the Family rafting if you are a beginner because its focus is on the easier Wilderness Channel or for more competitive levels you can try the Competition Channel.

Charlotte has many places to visit that I did not touched yet, but probably will later. If you have a chance to visit the beautiful Queen City, please make time to visit at least a few of this places. You will not regret it.