Charlotte skyline can be seen for miles when traveling on Interstate 77 in the Piedmont area. At night, the city glows with beautiful skyscrapers and lights the street. Since its inception, Charlotte has grown rapidly into a center of finance and banking. Financial capital is the second largest in the United States. Queen City is the nickname for Charlotte.

Since the county seat, Charlotte is in Mecklenburg County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is just above of the South Carolina border. Charlotte population was estimated at approximately 584,658 in 2003 and growing. Nearby cities include Monroe (NC), Concord (Carolina North), Rock Hill (SC), Pineville (NC), Statesville (North Carolina) and Lancaster (SC).

The area attracts people from all over to the businesses, shops, restaurants, entertainment and leisure. Many people visit South Carolina Charlotte for work or play. For those living in the area, Charlotte is just a couple of hours from the Appalachian Mountains and several hours on the Atlantic coast.

Charlotte, North Carolina Attractions and Events

Charlotte offers activities for all ages. The nightlife of the city is always in motion, with live entertainment and music concerts, ball games, restaurants, comedy clubs, cinemas, and more.

Buyers can visit one of several shopping centers such as Eastland Mall, South Park Mall and Carolina Place Mall (Pineville, South Charlotte). The huge Concord Mills Mall in Concord, North Carolina is just a short drive from Charlotte. At Eastland Mall, an ice rink has provided cover many years of enjoyment for families.

Charlotte Festivals

Charlotte also is home to several large festivals and events throughout the year. One of them is the Festival in the Park, held at Freedom Park. This early autumn event was held in Charlotte since 1964. This is a family oriented festival showing all types of regional works of art and unique crafts. Entertainment and refreshments are provided.

Charlotte headquarters of the Great Grapes Wine & Music Festival, where more than 150 North Carolina wines are available for sampling. Live music and gourmet meals are also provided. Every holiday, Charlotte residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of events, from a fireworks display July 4 holiday to gay parades.

Museums of Charlotte

For the history buff, there are many fascinating museums to explore in Charlotte. Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte has always been one of the Favorite for children with fun hands in many exhibits, an Omnimax theater, a space station, a rain forest, and more. Charlotte Other museums are the New South Levine Museum, Museum of Art Mint, and the Charlotte Museum of History.

Family Fun in Charlotte

For assets the family who are visiting or living in and around Charlotte, there are many parks for biking or hiking trails, walks and family relaxation. One can enjoy fishing, boating, and golfing at Lake Norman. Bird lovers can relax on the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary.

Straddling the North and South Carolina border is Paramount Carowinds. The amusement park is full of exciting attractions for young and old, entertainment and cartoon characters that will surprise children. Roller coasters, rides for children, spinning and whirling rides, wet rides – Carowinds offers something for everyone! During the warmer months, the Carowinds water park and ocean-wave pool provide cool relief for thousands of visitors.

Charlotte, NC North is a great place to live or visit. Come see why Charlotte is one of the cities of America's Choice!

Bob Pardue is a professional stock photographer located in the Southeastern US. You can find rights-managed stock images for your publication at http://www.parduephotos.com

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