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Charlotte, [1] is an ambitious and very rapidly growing city in the southern part of central North Carolina. It is the largest city in the state 664,332 (2007 estimate), As of 2006,the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury combined statistical are (CSA) had a regional population of 2,191,604, and Charlotte is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. It is the center of finance, industry, technology, and entertainment for the region. Primarily known in the past as a business center, Charlotte is steadily developing its fledgling tourist industry; currently its central core is one of the most visitor-friendly districts in the Carolinas.
For information on the city's central district, see Uptown Charlotte.
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SEE DO EAT
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Professional sports are one of Charlotte's most popular forms of entertainment. Though its roots are primarily in stock car racing, the city offers something for fans of nearly every kind of sport. In particular, its success in the NFL and NBA have given it widespread exposure as a growing sports hub:
- Carolina Panthers (American Football). 800 South Mint St. (Almost no on-site parking; several lots are adjacent but fill quickly on game days), +1 704-358-7000, [22]. The local NFL team, playing uptown in the 73,000 seat Bank of America stadium. Due to a sudden surge in popularity, it is becoming more difficult to find tickets to home games. This is especially the case late in the season, when the team is expected to be in the playoff hunt. Scalpers roam the sidewalks in front of the stadium, so it is possible to find gameday tickets at a premium cost. It is technically illegal to charge more than a small percentage above the face value of a ticket, though this law is generally uninforced.
- Charlotte Bobcats (Basketball). 333 E. Trade St., (park in adjacent lots and decks; they are generally easy to spot), 1-800-495-2295 (Tickets) or +1 704-688-8600 (Arena), [23]. Charlotte's new NBA team plays in a brand-new arena located uptown. Support for the team has been inconsistent due to an ugly divorce with the Charlotte Hornets franchise in 2002. Ticket prices are being lowered for the upcoming season, and it is generally not a problem to purchase a ticket on game day.
- Charlotte Knights (Baseball). 2280 Deerfield Drive (Fort Mill, SC), +1 704-357-8071 (+1 803 548-8050 in South Carolina), [24]. A minor-league baseball side operating out of Fort Mill, South Carolina. The Knights play many home games in the summer, though its far-flung location makes it somewhat inconvenient to visitors. The organization prides itself on providing a family-friendly atmosphere, making this option a favorite for those with children. There are negotiations under way to build an uptown stadium for the team.
- Charlotte Checkers (Ice Hockey). 333 E. Trade St. (It is usually easy to find parking in adjacent lots and decks for hockey games), +1 704-342-4423, [25]. Minor-league hockey team, playing in Bobcats Arena uptown. This is perhaps the best entertainment value in Charlotte, with very low ticket prices for a relatively upscale experience. Charlotte was the first city south of Baltimore to host professional hockey, and has had a team for most of the last 50 years. The team is an affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers. $10-27.
- Racing. Charlotte is the de facto hub of stock car racing in America, several NASCAR [26] teams call Charlotte home. The city's race track (Lowes' Motor Speedway: Charlotte; in Concord) hosts 3 NASCAR Nextel Cup races a season, including the All-Star Race [27] and the Coca-Cola 600. Also, Charlotte was recently chosen to build the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which will be located near the uptown Convention Center. Each year Charlotte hosts "Speed Street", a large festival featuring various racing-themed attractions and a long list of musical guests. Speed Street is one of the city's largest annual events.
- Charlotte Eagles (Soccer). E.E. Waddell High School (Head North/West out of Charlotte on I-77, take Exit 4 to Nations Ford Rd.), +1 704-841-8644, [28] A minor-league semi-nomadic soccer team, currently playing at Waddell High School, in search of a home stadium.
- Charlotte Rugby Football Club, [29] (Rugby Union). Local rugby side that in recent years has been the top side in the South and the Mid-Atlantic. And has recently joined the Super League, the highest club level in the American Rugby Union.
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Put plainly, Charlotte's restaurant scene is lacking. For the most part, Charlotte's culinary tastes are in line with the rest of the American South. Standards such as grits, sweet potatoes (yams), and greens are common in kitchens and restaurants. Southern food is typically high in fats and carbohydrates, so dieters should be careful to stick to higher-end restaurants that serve a more cosmopolitan fare. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy the richness of the Southern diet.
Many of Charlotte's older restaurants are owned by Greek families. Often, you will unexpectedly find Greek items on the menus of restaurants that otherwise serve American fare.
North Carolinians have long been fiercely competitive about their barbecue, and Charlotte's eateries reflect that heritage. Outsiders beware: Carolinas "barbeque" is chopped and sauced pork. The sauce will depend on which region it comes from (east or west), and it all works well as a sandwich (though you usually get to choose between sandwich or plate). Barbecue sandwiches are invariably served with slaw (either a vinegar-based red slaw, or a mayonnaise-based white slaw) on the meat, though it will be left out or on the side if you request. This is a local custom and one of the many things that makes Charlotte and more generally NC interesting.
"Carolinas style" hamburgers and hot dogs are typically served with mustard, chili, and cole slaw, though some restaurants will vary their toppings slightly to create a "signature".
Krispy Kreme donuts are produced in nearby Winston-Salem, and are widely available. Also, Lance Snacks is based in Charlotte.
The dominant local grocery chains are Harris Teeter and Food Lion, both owned by N.C. companies. Harris Teeter is relatively expensive but more upscale. Food Lion is a middle-class favorite, and usually has an extensive ethnic section. Other groceries include Bi-Lo, ALDI, Lowes Foods, and Bloom (a high-tech spinoff of Food Lion). The city is also dotted with dozens of ethnic groceries, especially Hispanic, Indian and Vietnamese.
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