Charlotte rolls out the red carpet showering visitors with southern hospitality complemented by 101 things to do in Charlotte. The city has earned several nicknames through the years. Originally Charlotte was called the “Queen City,” in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, wife of King George III of England. Later, when General Cornwallis was repelled from the city during the American Revolution, he called Charlotte “a rebellious hornet’s nest.” Intrepid residents considered it a compliment. The nickname stuck and was adopted by today’s Charlotte Hornets basketball team. Another little known claim to fame: Charlotte was the site of the first verified gold find in the U.S and led the nation in gold production until the California find in 1848. Today, Charlotte boasts being the “International Gateway to the South.” The city is within a two-hour flight of over 55% of the U.S. population. Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers service to 117 destinations worldwide and is home base for U.S. Airways. Amtrak’s Crescent and Carolinian/Piedmont trains connect the city with major metropolitan cities like New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans. As a modern day financial center, Bank of America and Wachovia are headquartered in Charlotte home along with other Fortune 500 companies and 340 international firms. Three city meeting and convention facilities and a host of hotels with meeting rooms make Charlotte a natural choice for large conferences, business retreats, special events and family reunions.
Taxis and Charlotte rental cars are available at the airport and inner city agencies.
Charlotte transportation is provided by a large and efficient transit system (CATS) operating historical trolleys, express shuttles and bus service. And, getting around Charlotte is getting even easier. The first phase of a new light rail project is nearing completion, connecting a 10-mile corridor from I-77 to South Boulevard.
|
