Charlotte

[[file:Charlotte Motor Speedway banner.jpg|1280px|Charlotte Motor Speedway}}

Skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina (fall 2007) - The skyline of Uptown Charlotte

Charlotte is an ambitious and rapidly growing city in the southern part of the Piedmont (North Carolina) | Piedmont of North Carolina. It is the largest city in the state, with a population of 809,856 (2014 estimate) residents within the city limits. As of 2006 and the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury combined statistical area (CSA) had a regional population of 2,589,763, and Charlotte is the county seat of Mecklenburg County (North Carolina) | Mecklenburg County. It is the center of finance, industry, technology, and entertainment for the region. It is a renowned financial powerhouse and banking center, with Bank of America's corporate headquarters and Wells Fargo's East Coast Operations in Uptown. It is regarded as the second most important financial hub in the United States, behind New York City. Primarily known in the past as a leading Southern textile and manufacturing center, Charlotte is has modernized and diversified its robust economy through successful applications of urban and economic planning, known as "Vision Plans." It is also developing its fledgling tourist industry; its central core is one of the most visitor-friendly neighborhoods in the Carolinas.

Districts

{{Regionlist|

regionmap=Charlotte neighborhoods map.png | regionmaptext=Districts of Charlotte | regionmapsize=600px

| region1name=Charlotte/Uptown|Uptown | region1color=#be7d7d | region1items= | region1description=Charlotte's central neighborhood, and the location of its somewhat oversized skyline as well as the center of Charlotte's commerce, culture, and government, with most of the bustle centered around Tryon Street and the "Main Street" of the city. The neighborhood is home to several Fortune 500 headquarters, museums, late night restaurants, restaurants, parks, city and county government offices and theaters. It is generally agreed that the word "uptown" refers to anything inside the I-277 loop.

| region2name=Charlotte/NoDa|NoDa | region2color=#a593d2 | region2items= | region2description=NoDa, short for North Davidson Street, is one of Charlotte's most eclectic and original neighborhoods. About two miles north of the center city, this old mill neighborhood has been revitalized by artists moving in and is now home to street level art galleries, several restaurants and other unique shops as well as a popular "gallery crawl".

| region3name=Charlotte/South End|South End | region3color=#5573e3 | region3items= | region3description=Close to Uptown in the corridor formed by Tryon Street and South Blvd along the light rail line, this old mill neighborhood has been gradually converted into a hip, semi-upscale entertainment/cultural neighborhood that is also home to Charlotte's emerging design industry. This neighborhood is also possibly the best place in town to take a walk with children, with its ice cream shops and several kids-oriented stores.

| region4name=Charlotte/Plaza-Midwood|Plaza-Midwood | region4color=#9cb268 | region4items= | region4description=Similar in some ways to NoDa and South End, but a little rougher around the edges because of its alternative and non-conformist crowd. This vibrant neighborhood is home to several local institutions such as: The Diamond (a popular diner), several consignment shops and the famous Nova bakery and local galleries that rival even the most popular ones in Noda.

| region5name=Charlotte/Myers Park|Myers Park | region5color=#67b278 | region5items= | region5description=Once altogether outside the city, Myers Park is near the heart of modern-day Charlotte. Its reputation as an "old money" neighborhood is accentuated by its beautiful tree-lined and winding avenues. Home to some of Charlotte's oldest and most expensive homes as well as Queens University of Charlotte and Freedom Park. A driving tour of Myers Park is a popular way for tourists to get acquainted with the neighborhood.

| region6name=Charlotte/Dilworth|Dilworth | region6color=#dc69b1 | region6items= | region6description=Charlotte's first "streetcar suburb", Dilworth has never lost its reputation as a desirable place to make home. The neighborhood has blossomed into an upscale neighborhood dotted with eateries and galleries. The promise of increased public transit service has added even more development to this already walkable neighborhood.

| region7name=Charlotte/SouthPark|SouthPark | region7color=#92e355 | region7items= | region7description=An affluent neighborhood in south-central Charlotte, and home to the city's second-largest business neighborhood. SouthPark is a newer suburb whose development has mostly occurred in the last 40 years, but it has quickly developed into a semi-urban concentration of office buildings, high rise condos, hotels options.

| region8name=Charlotte/Elizabeth|Elizabeth | region8color=#5fb2ab | region8items= | region8description=Just outside of Uptown, Elizabeth reflects a transition between elegant Myers Park and gritty Plaza-Midwood. Its tree-lined streets and quiet residential blocks provide an air of relaxation, but its commercial blocks are among the city's most colorful. Sometimes characterized as "a poor man's Charlotte/Dilworth|Dilworth", Elizabeth is coming into its own as a center of activity.

| region9name=Charlotte/University City|University City | region9color=#88cc9f | region9items= | region9description=A sprawling 1970s-style suburban neighborhood, focused around the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This area is on the city's northeast side and is largely an area in transition, having formerly been mostly rural or affluent suburbs and now drawing in minority groups and young families. Aside from the University and related research centers, this area is also home to Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (now known as PNC Music Pavilion), a well-defined "downtown" cluster of hotels and retail centers, and many square miles of sprawling shopping centers.

| region10name=Charlotte/East Charlotte|East Charlotte | region10color=#dba5a5 | region10items= | region10description=A somewhat ambiguous, but distinctive, area covering a large portion of the city's eastern end. East Charlotte contains the city's largest concentration of immigrants, and is mostly a middle- to lower-class area. Much of the east side is depressed and unattractive, but it contains some of Charlotte's most interesting cultural development. Virtually any kind of ethnic food can be found here, and much of the city's "street life" gravitates toward this area.

| region11name=Charlotte/Ballantyne|Ballantyne | region11color=#a787be | region11items= | region11description=The most recent large-scale development in Charlotte, Ballantyne is found at the far southern edge of the city. Sprawling and suburban in nature, it is noted for its luxurious "mini-mansions", upscale retail, large hotels and corporate buildings, and distinguished country club. Ballantyne is mostly residential in nature and most tourism attraction is generated by the Ballantyne Resort.

| region12name=Charlotte/West Charlotte|West Charlotte | region12color=#00FFFF | region12items= | region12description=An area unfortunately known for its poverty and crime. This section of town west of Uptown and north of Steele Creek lacks retail opportunities and has a high murder rate. Real estate in West Charlotte is far cheaper than other neighborhoods in Charlotte, but most of the property is not owner-occupied. It has close access to Uptown and the airport.

| region13name=Charlotte/Steele Creek|Steele Creek | region13color=#44c3ea | region13items= | region13description=Area generally defined by the original boundary of Steele Creek Township. This neighborhood is along Lake Wylie in the far southwest quadrant of Charlotte primarily bordered by Interstate 485 to the east and it is south of the Charlotte Airport. This area is home to the Charlotte Outlets and Rivergate shopping centers and to many suburban neighborhoods.

| region14name=Charlotte/North Charlotte|North Charlotte | region14color=#486ec9 | region14items= | region14description= North of Uptown and to the West of University City, North Charlotte consists of numerous nice neighborhoods and shopping opportunities including the upscale NorthLake Mall. This area is bordered by Sunset Road to the West and University City to the east.

| region15name=Charlotte/Cotswold|Cotswold | region15color=#800080 | region15items= | region15description=This area, named for Charlotte's first suburban mall, Cotswold Mall, has been emerging as one of the more desirable areas for living and shopping with close proximity to Uptown. Many 1950s and 1960s homes are being remodeled and sold in this neighborhood neighbored by Myers Park and Plaza-Midwood.

| region16name=Charlotte/South Charlotte|South Charlotte | region16color=#6a1300 | region16items= | region16description=Area bordered by Ballantyne and the towns of Matthews and Pineville to the south, it is home to notable ethnic restaurants and neighborhoods including Starmount and Ashley Park as well as the nationally-known golf course of Quail Hollow that hosts PGA golf tournaments.

Charlotte Halal Travel Guide

Overview

Heavy growth in the past 20 years has made Charlotte one of the South's largest and most successful city's. In many ways and the city is still trying to catch up to its own growth; visitors often comment that it seems understated in terms of culture and development. However, it is changing at a breathtaking speed. A very rapid influx of population and business investment has given it one of the most dynamic urban areas in the region.

Visitor information

• Charlotte Info Center 330 South Tryon Street and 200 E Seventh Street in Uptown, plus a third location inside the airport ☎ +1 704 333-1887 ext 235 +1-800-231-4636 Brochures, souvenirs, and advice are available for first-time visitors and long-time residents. Along with the public library, thit is the best place to go if you are looking for a concentrated source of information about the city. It is worth checking out the brochures for self-guided walking and driving tours.

History

Origins

Queen Charlotte - frame|This statue near the Uptown Holiday Inn honors Charlotte's namesake.

Charlotte's earliest settlers were Presbyterians of Scots-Irish descent who built a small courthouse, marketplace and village at the intersection of ancient Native American trading paths (the actual intersection is the Plaza formed by Trade and Tryon Streets) during the middle of the 18th Century. Both Charlotte and Mecklenburg County were named in honor of the Germanic wife of King George III of England. In addition and the main thoroughfare (Tryon St.) was named in tribute to the English Governor of the day. The establishment of a courthouse made Charlotte the seat of Mecklenburg County, and it was known for little more in its early days.

Revolutionary War

Charlotte's early residents were fiercely independent, in accordance with their rural Protestant legacy. The city was known as a hotbed of separatism well before the American Revolution, culminating in the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (signed a year before the American equivalent). The Plaza was the site of a minor skirmish with Cornwallis' army, which led to the city's characterization as a "hornet's nest" of rebellion. Nevertheless and the city remained a relatively obscure village, and was dubbed a "trifling place" by visiting President George Washington.

Pre-Civil War

The first signs of economic prosperity came to Charlotte with the discovery of a huge Gold nugget at the site of modern-day Reed's Gold Mine. This triggered the United States' first Gold rush, and dotted Mecklenburg County with Gold mines. The mines contributed low-grade Gold to the city's street-paving program, which led to the joke that the streets were literally paved with Gold in Charlotte. Eventually the city earned the establishment of a U.S. Mint for currency production on modern-day Mint St. Perhaps most importantly and the city positioned itself as a railroad hub. With several lines intersecting in Charlotte and the city became a major tourist destination for farmers wishing to distribute their tobacco and cotton crops nationwide. These events presaged Charlotte's future as a city of commerce and distribution.

Civil War

Charlotte was mostly spared the wide-scale destruction of the Civil War. The city contributed troops to the Confederate effort, many of whom are buried in the Confederate graveyard at modern-day Elmwood Cemetery. Curiously, landlocked Charlotte briefly became the home to the Confederate Naval Yard near the end of the war, as a result of its railroad connections. Also and the city was host to the final full meeting of the Confederate Cabinet, and Jefferson Davis was standing on Tryon Street when informed of Lincoln's assassination (Davis' widow later retired to Charlotte). Generally, though, Charlotte was fortunate to play a relatively minor role in the devastating conflict. Its main casualty was the loss of the Mint, which was shut down for obvious reasons by the Union government.

Reconstruction

Charlotte has been noted as one of the South's most resilient city's in the wake of the Civil War. Having been spared the widespread destruction of city's such as Atlanta and Columbia, Charlotte was relatively free of obligations to rebuild infrastructure. It jumped quickly onto the "New South" bandwagon, increasing its ties to the railroads and mill industry. Some of the major mills established here after the War are still standing, and have mostly been converted into modern businesses and condominiums. Perhaps most importantly, Charlotte was a site of heavy financial investment by "carpetbaggers" (northern transplants who were eyed with suspicion or outright hostility). These upstart banks were the predecessors to Charlotte's modern banking giants.

20th century

At the turn of the century, Charlotte was still a small town despite its favorable position. But by the 1950s, it had exploded into the largest city in the Carolinas. Aggressive businessmen transformed the city into a financial juggernaut, and the distribution industry made a smooth transition from the railroad-dominated 19th century into the automotive 20th century. As the local textile and furniture industries faltered, Charlotte invested its energy into finance and transportation, enabling it to avoid the depressions suffered in many other Carolinas city's. By the 1970s and the city was into a full-scale economic boom. The population skyrocketed with immigration from around the USA and foreign countries. The city skyline began to transform as office towers sprouted on an almost yearly basis, and the suburbs pushed farther toward the county borders. By the end of the century, Charlotte had been transformed from mill town into metropolis.

Today

It could be said that Charlotte's greatest struggle is with its own identity. The city remains tied to its roots as a giant of finance and transportation, but has diversified as it has grown. The rapid growth of the late-20th century led to the unfortunate demolition of much of the city's historical infrastructure, giving Uptown a glittering feeling of newness despite its 250-year history. The city continues to focus on the development of its core, despite the explosion of suburban communities out of Mecklenburg County and into surrounding towns. One thing is definite, though: all indications are that the city will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, making it one of the United States' most prominent metro areas in the next decade.

Population

The city is full of "transplants" from New England and the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic region, and a considerable immigrant population. Nevertheless and the city still has a sizeable population of local residents who can remember when the city was still a medium-sized town centered around railroad distribution. Like most Southern city's, Charlotte has a large African-American population. Also, it has a significant community of Asian descent, and a very rapidly growing Hispanic population. What was once a white-and-black city has become increasingly colorful with each passing decade.

Orientation

Charlotte's physical arrangement reflects the growth trends of the 20th Century. Like most Southern American city's, it is "sprawled" over a relatively wide area for its size. Most of the city is suburban in nature, and most of those suburbs are less than 50 years old although some nearby towns such as Mint Hill date back well into the 1700s. These suburbs are encircled by I-485.

However, unlike many of its peers, Charlotte has a very dense urban core that functions as an axis for its business and cultural life. The center of the city is therefore the primary destination for tourists and business travelers.

What is often lost in this arrangement is a diverse, colorful ring of "inner suburbs" that lie in the zone between the core and the new suburban development. Most of Charlotte's unique neighborhoods lie in this ring, as well as most of the city's "underground" activity. As a result and these areas have a highly local flavor and are just beginning to be discovered by tourists.

How is the Climate in Charlotte

{{Climate | units Imperial | janhigh 51 | febhigh 56 | marhigh 64 | aprhigh 73 | mayhigh 80 | junhigh 87 | julhigh 90 | aughigh 88 | sephigh 82 | octhigh 73 | novhigh 63 | dechigh 54 | janlow 32 | feblow 34 | marlow 42 | aprlow 49 | maylow 58 | junlow 66 | jullow 71 | auglow 69 | seplow 63 | octlow 51 | novlow 42 | declow 35 | janprecip 4.0 | febprecip 3.6 | marprecip 4.4 | aprprecip 3.0 | mayprecip 3.7 | junprecip 3.4 | julprecip 3.8 | augprecip 3.7 | sepprecip 3.8 | octprecip 3.7 | novprecip 3.4 | decprecip 3.2 | description

The temperature ranges throughout the year from about 12 °F (-11 °C) in the winter to 98 °F (37 °C) in the summer. On average, a summer high is about 90 °F (32 °C) and a winter low is about 32 °F (0 °C). Charlotte receives 43.52 in (1105.3 mm) of precipitation annually, most of which is in the form of rain (though there is some snow and ice in the winter). Charlotte is not as well equipped for snow and ice as more northerly city's; significant accumulations of snow (more than 2 cm) or ice on the roads can disrupt activity city-wide. Usually, this includes the closing of local businesses and schools, and happens about one to three times a year on average. Charlotte's inland location protects it from being hit directly from Atlantic hurricanes (the most recent exception being Hurricane Hugo in 1989), though it often receives heavy rains due to passing tropical systems.

How to travel to Charlotte

Fly to Charlotte

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport IATA Flight Code: CLT - 35.213889, -80.943056 on the west side of town near Billy Graham Parkway - Charlotte Douglas International Airport - CLT Atrium - The airport is the second-largest hub for Oneworld member American Airlines. American Airlines serves over 120 domestic destinations from Charlotte/Douglas and over 35 international destinations, including Rome, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin, Madrid, and Mexico City, among many others. The airport also receives domestic Flights from Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, and ViaAir. Lufthansa, aligned with Star Alliance, is the only foreign transoceanic carrier, with service to Munich. Air Canada has service to Toronto. Though the airport has diversified somewhat in the past few years, American Airlines domestic flights are still its primary source of traffic. Due to this dominance by a single carrier, finding fare bargains can be a challenge.

Passengers flying on American will arrive and depart from Concourse B, C, D, or E. Lufthansa passengers will arrive and depart from Concourse D and the airport's international concourse. All other airlines arrive and depart from Concourse A. All concourses connect through the Atrium however, so passengers of any airline may clear security at any security checkpoint.

Don't worry if you get hungry at CLT – the airport is home to some Halal restaurants and retail outlets. While many of the restaurants are decently priced and the shops are not - charging upwards of $2 for a Coke.

For those who need to remain connected, free WiFi is available at the Bank of America Business centers in the central concourse. The center has electrical outlets, comfy chairs, and several restaurants nearby. Throughout the airport free WiFi is available. Connect to the SSID CLTNET.

A special bus line called ts/Bus/routes/Pages/sprinter.aspx Sprinter (CATS Route 5)] runs regularly between the airport and Uptown. A one-way ticket costs $2.20. Two ts/Bus/routes/Pages/airport-connector.aspx additional routes connect the airport with Northlake Mall (Route 590) and LYNX Blue Line Archdale Station (Route 591).

Taxis charge a flat $25 rate for a trip from the airport to Uptown (for one or two passengers; additional charges apply for groups).

Travel by train to Charlotte

The Amtrak station is on North Tryon near Dalton, on ts/ bus route 11 (North Tryon)]. Charlotte is the southern end of the Carolinian and Piedmont lines, which head north to Raleigh, with the Carolinian continuing to New York City. It's also a stop along the Crescent between New York City and Atlanta and New Orleans, however this train passes through Charlotte very late at night. The neighborhood of the train station is relatively seedy. Though you will be safe in and around the station, it is not a good idea to "wing it" once you arrive. Try to pre-arrange travel from the station to your next destination; walking is not recommended. A #11 bus meets each arriving Carolinian and Piedmont train to take passengers to Uptown.

By car

The interstate highways through Charlotte are Interstates 85 (northeast-southwest) and 77 (north-south). I-85 takes you to Burlington (North Carolina) | Burlington and Greensboro. N.C. 74 is also a primary route into the city, and links with I-277.

Travel on a Bus in Charlotte

• Greyhound. The station is just northwest of Uptown and is served by buses 1 (Mount Holly), 8 (Tuckaseegee), 34 (Freedom Dr), and 7 (Beatties Ford).
• Megabus. Service from Atlanta, Athens (Georgia) | Athens, Durham (North Carolina) | Durham, Richmond (Virginia) | Richmond, and Washington, D.C. Buses arrive and depart along Whitton Street between Dewitt Ln and South Blvd, near the Scaleybark LYNX station. Fares from $1 and up.

How to get around In Charlotte

By foot

Uptown is very dense, and almost all attractions in that part of town are easily reached by walking. However, only a few other neighborhoods (such as NoDa and Dilworth) are truly pedestrian-friendly. Outer neighborhoods, such as Ballantyne and University City, are pedestrian-unfriendly areas. If you must walk, give some thought to the weather; summer days in the South are quite hot and it is easy to get dehydrated.

By car

Uptown is laid out in a grid, with numbered streets running east-west with few exceptions. Streets running north-south have proper names. Charlotte's outer suburbs are often difficult to navigate. Most roads are built according to the natural lay of the land; once you leave the I-277 loop, you are likely to find it increasingly difficult to predict the direction (and often and the name) of the road you are traveling on. Therefore, it is a good idea to make certain your directions are specific and trustworthy before venturing into an unknown area. Otherwise, you will likely find yourself relying on the (usually) friendly natives for directions back to your starting point.

I-485 is Charlotte's major outer loop.

Similarly, I-277 is very useful when moving quickly around the center city. However, one side of the "loop" is actually I-77, which interchanges with I-277 in two places. It is easy to misread the signs and end up moving farther along I-77 rather than circling back onto I-277. When using the loop, be sure to follow signs for "Downtown" in order to stay on the correct path.

Secondary roads in Charlotte are notoriously difficult to navigate. In particular, visitors and residents alike are often befuddled by frequent name changes in the roads. To make matters worse, many roads in the city share similar names. Also, very few of the city's roads are based on a grid or similarly organized system; most of the roads outside the city core are winding avenues that follow the natural features of the land.

The city can be a delight to explore by car, but visitors are strongly advised to pick up a free map or purchase a road map upon arrival. A GPS unit with the most current updates can, of course, make travel in and around Charlotte immensely more enjoyable.

How to take public transportation in Charlotte

Best way to travel in Charlotte by a Taxi

Available to any part of Charlotte. There are several prominent companies, and unlike larger city's the design of the vehicles is not uniform. However, a taxi is always recognizable by a sign on the roof of the car. If the taxi is vacant and the sign will be lit up; if it has a passenger and the sign will be off. It is customary to give a tip to cab drivers, especially if they help you with luggage or other items. It is a good idea to inquire about the fare before boarding if you are planning to make a longer trip; Charlotte's sprawled-out nature can lead to high fares for trips outside the center city.

Cab fares in Charlotte are regulated by the city, and are consistent for all companies. The "drop charge" (pickup rate) is $2.50, and each 1/5th mile is $0.50. During weekday rush hours (7-9AM and 4-6PM), you will also be charged $0.50 for every minutes spent in stopped traffic. For a direct one-way trip to or from the airport and the rate is a flat $25. You can save money by sharing a cab with a companion, but be aware that there is a $2 charge for each person after 2.

By light rail

LYNX Blue Line is a light rail service that travels in a roughly north-south direction on 18.9 miles of track to 26 stations across Charlotte. The northern terminus is on the campus of the UNC Charlotte. The line travels to Uptown with stops at the Charlotte Transportation Center, Arena, and Convention Center. The line continues to the southern terminus adjacent to the intersection of South Blvd and I-485. Frequency varies from 7–15 minutes on weekdays to 20–30 minutes on weekends. Fares are $2.20 for a one-way ticket (discounts for seniors and youth) and $6.60 for a day pass. Service transfers to local buses are free and must be used within 90 minutes. Additional fares may be applied when transferring to a higher fare service.

Travel on a Bus in Charlotte

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates transit service throughout the Charlotte area. Most bus routes start from the teal-roofed Transportation Center in Uptown (across the street from the Time Warner Cable Arena) and go toward the suburbs like spokes on a wheel (roughly). Though they are generally clean and safe and they are not the most efficient way to get around the town. Bus fare is $2.20 one-way, $6.60 for a day pass. Allow 45 minutes for a one-leg trip, 2 hours for a two-leg trip. Bus transfers can be used on the LYNX light rail and are valid for an hour and 45 minutes after issue. Colorfully-painted buses in the suburbs connect neighborhoods to primary routes.

By streetcar

CityLYNX Gold Line is a streetcar system that operates on Trade and Elizabeth Streets between the neighborhoods of Uptown and Elizabeth. There are 6 stops beginning at the central bus and train depot known as Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) and ending near Hawthorne and Elizabeth Streets, near Presbyterian Hospital. Streetcars generally run every 15-20 minutes depending on the time of day. Service is available 7 days per week although hours may be limited depending on the day. There is no charge to ride the CityLynx and therefore no ticket or transfers are needed. Future phases of expansion will add more stops and eventually require a fare payment for its use.

Travel by bicycle in Charlotte

Some parts of Charlotte are very friendly to cyclists, especially the south-central area around Myers Park and Dilworth, but be aware that most of the city is not friendly toward bikers. The city of Charlotte website provides an interactive map of the suggested street routes and greenways. [https://e2fbf It is a good idea to research in advance to identify streets with designated bike lanes on the right-hand side of the road. Bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws as cars. Helmets are recommended but not required for adults.

• Charlotte B-Cycle - $8/24 hours Bike-sharing program with nearly two dozen stations primarily in Uptown, Southend, and Elizabeth.

• Dockless Bike Share - The city has authorized dockless bike-sharing companies ofo, LimeBike, MoBike, and Spin provide bikes around the metro area throughout 2018.

What to see in Charlotte

Halal Tours and Excursions in Charlotte

• Charlotte with children - itinerary for Muslim travellers with children

Museums

There are numerous museums and historic sites scattered throughout the city, especially in and near Uptown Charlotte|Uptown. A "museum neighborhood" has arisen on Tryon Street on the south side of Uptown. The highlights of this neighborhood are the Mint Museum of Art the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, both housed in stunning buildings and holding impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. Nearby, adjacent to the convention center, is the new NASCAR Hall of Fame, a slick museum with plenty of interactive exhibits and race cars on view. The north side of Uptown is home to two of the city's best museums, Discovery Place, an acclaimed children's and science museum, and the Levine Museum of the New South, which has a fantastic collection of historical artifacts and displays illustrating the history of the South since the Civil War.

Other museums in the Charlotte area include the James K Polk Historic Site in Pineville (North Carolina) | Pineville south of Charlotte and the Carolinas Aviation Museum, and The Charlotte Museum of History in East Charlotte.

• Carolinas Aviation Museum 4108 Airport Dr at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport ☎ +1 704 359-8442 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM Monday - 5PM, Sunday 1PM Monday - 5PM Thit is a big attraction for aviation fanatics. This museum features a wide variety of resources including historic and restored airplanes (most notably the "[[w:US Airways Flight 1549|Miracle on the Hudson" plane), air shows and a library (by research request only). Because it is at Charlotte-Douglas, it is the only attraction in the city that can be visited by airplane. If you want to meet people working on restoring the airplanes, come on a Tuesday or Thursday. (It is also a great place to watch takeoffs and landings at the airport.)

• The Charlotte Museum of History 3500 Shamrock Drive ☎ +1 704 568-1774 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11AM–5PM Adults $10, Children $7 The Charlotte Museum of History is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. It also the steward of a number of historical sites in the area including the oldest standing house Mecklenburg County.

Venues

• Bojangles' Coliseum 2700 E Independence Blvd ☎ +1 704 372-3600 - Bojangles' Coliseum Historic domed arena in southeast Charlotte on NC-74. Once the largest concrete free-standing dome in the world, it has played host to Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and many sporting events. It is used for community events, conventions and smaller musical acts. It used to be known as Cricket Arena and Independence Arena.
• Memorial Stadium 310 North Kings Dr ☎ +1 704 353-0200 - Adjacent to the CPCC campus south of Uptown, with a spectacular skyline view. Generally used for smaller events such as high school and college football games and band competitions. The Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League play there.

• PNC Music Pavilion 707 Pavilion Boulevard ☎ +1 704 549-5555 - Thit is the venue for big shows in Charlotte. You can get on the lawn for cheaper than seating under the canopy, but you may not be able to see the performers except on the huge big screen.

• Spectrum Center 333 E Trade St. ☎ +1 704 688-9000 - Spectrum Center (arena) This venue is in Uptown and is home to the Charlotte Hornets. Popularly known as "The Hive", it hosts musical and sports-related shows each year. Formerly known as Charlotte Bobcats Arena and Time Warner Cable Arena.

Movies

• Ballantyne Village Theatre 14815 John J. Delaney Dr ☎ +1 704 369-5101 - Brand-new theater in the southern suburb of Ballantyne. Noted for its bold decision to show independent films on only 4 screens, despite being part of the landmark Ballantyne Village shopping center. Pitches its product as a "luxury" experience with fine dining and other amenities nearby.

• Regal Manor Twin 609 Providence Road ☎ +1 704 334-2727 - The quintcrucial independent theater in Charlotte, and the oldest cinema that is still in operation. There are only two screens, and parking is limited, but thit is generally the place to find that indie that you can't find anywhere else in the region.

Theater

There are several major theaters and a few fringe groups scattered throughout the city, especially in and near Uptown Charlotte|Uptown.

Imaginon - Imaginon and Children's Theatre of Charlotte

• The Children's Theatre of Charlotte 300 E 7th Street ☎ +1 704 973-2800 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 1PM Monday - 6PM Ticket prices vary For weekend evening performances ImaginOn re-opens one hour prior to performance time. Box Office hours Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 5PM, and one hour prior to all performances for walk-up guests (box office phones are not answered on weekends). Founded in 1948, it has been opening young minds to the wonders of live theater for over half a century. Annually, it reaches more than 320,000 young people and families from preschool to late teens, with four program areas: MainStage productions; Tarradiddle Players and the professional touring company; and Community Involvement Program.

• Actor's Theatre of Charlotte 650 E Stonewall Street ☎ +1 704 342-2251 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 1PM Monday - 6PM Highly awarded professional theater in existence since 1989. Diverse dramas and musicals fill the seasons here and no production fails. Besides their main stage productions and the theater is home to a late night series called 650 which are free, otherwise- ticket prices vary.

• Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Road ☎ +1 704 376-3777 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 6PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 4PM, closed Sunday With a production history dating from 1927, is Charlotte's oldest arts organization as well as the oldest continually producing community theater in the state.

• Charlotte Comedy Theatre - ☎ +1 704 467-7681 Opening from Monday to Saturday 8PM Monday - midnight The only strictly comedy venue in Charlotte. Made of up of Charlotte's most notorious improvisers, founded and directed by a 13-year Chicago improv veteran.

• Blumenthal and Spirit Plaza 130 N. Tryon Street ☎ +1 704 372-1000 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 9PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM, Sunday 1PM Monday - 6PM The Performing Arts Center has three performance spaces: the 2,100-seat Belk Theater; the 434-seat Booth Playhouse, and the Stage Door Theater which seats 150. The Center presents the Broadway Lights Series, featuring national touring Broadway productions and a wide range of special attractions. Home to the seasons of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Opera Carolina, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Carolina Voices and the Carolinas Concert Association, ArtsTeach, Community School of the Arts, and the Light Factory.

• UNC Charlotte Theatre and Dance - ☎ +1 704 687-3625 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 6PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 4PM Performs several times throughout the year.

• Central Piedmont Community College Theatre - ☎ +1 704 330-6534 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 9AM Monday - 6PM, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 4PM Performs several times throughout the year and has a professional summer series.

• Collaborative Arts Theatre - ☎ +1 704 625-1288 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 6PM Monday - midnight, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM Founded in 2006, this small award-winning professional theatre company produces contemporary plays in various locations and the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival, a popular annual free summer festival, which takes place outdoors at the Green Uptown and indoors at the McGlohon Theatre in Spirit Plaza.

• Shakespeare Carolina Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 6PM Monday - midnight, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM Founded in 1997 and they produce Shakespeare plays during the summer.

• Muslims visitors of the Universe - ☎ +1 704 449-9742 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 6PM Monday - midnight, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM COTU is one of two active fringe theaters in Charlotte. With no set season and no set theater, this company performs in the environment available to them. Hard to catch, this theater specializes in book/ film translations to stage.

• Play!Play! Theatre Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 6PM Monday - midnight, F-Sa 9AM Monday - 6PM Active children's theatre. PlayPlay! creates plays specifically for children ages birth to age 3.

Zoos and aquariums

• Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC +1-866-229-1573

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Charlotte

Amusement

Carowinds GPS 35.1045,-80.9379 is most likely one of Charlotte's top attractions. This 398-acre amusement park that sits on the state line between southwest Charlotte and Fort Mill in South Carolina opened in March 1973. This amusement park claims to be the thriller of the southeast with 13 roller coasters and 7 water rides. The entrance is just across the state line on Interstate 77 at exit 90.

Sports

All race - Charlotte Motor Speedway

Professional sports are one of Charlotte's most popular forms of entertainment. Though its roots are primarily in stock vehicle racing and 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.

NASCAR events take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is outside of Charlotte in Concord, North Carolina. Charlotte is the de facto hub of stock vehicle racing in the U.S., with several NASCAR teams based in the city. 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup races take place each season, including the 2005/all_star All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600.Additionally, Charlotte is the home for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and headquarters, which is near the Convention Center in Uptown. Each year Charlotte hosts "Speed Street", a large festival featuring various racing-themed attractions and a long list of musical guests.

The Carolina Panthers is the city's American Football franchise. Games are played at Bank of America Stadium. The city has had a somewhat turbulent National Basketball Association history. The Hornets were founded in 1988, and enjoyed great popularity for over a decade until the owner and the city had a huge falling-out, which ended in a nasty divorce and the team leaving for New Orleans in 2002. Two years later and the city was awarded a new NBA franchise and the Bobcats. After the New Orleans team renamed itself the Pelicans in 2013 and the Bobcats reclaimed the Hornets name in 2014, and also got ownership of the history of the 1988–2002 Hornets. These events take place in Charlotte/Uptown|Uptown.

Minor league sports include the Charlotte Knights (AAA baseball) who play in BB&T Ballpark, one exit past Carowinds. The Charlotte Checkers ice hockey team play in Uptown and is affordable fun (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 Carolina Speed is the fourth professional indoor football team to be based in Charlotte, with games taking place in Charlotte/East Charlotte|East Charlotte. The city also hosts the Charlotte Hounds, a major league lacrosse team. The Charlotte Independence soccer team play near uptown. Charlotte Rugby Football Club, which play northwest of Uptown, and Charlotte Roller Girls, with games in Charlotte/Elizabeth|Elizabeth complete a vast list of professional, minor league and club sports to enjoy in the city.

The immediate Charlotte area also has two NCAA Division I sports programs, one in the city and one in the outlying county. The Charlotte 49ers, representing the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, compete in nine men's sports and eight women's sports as members of Conference USA. Davidson College, in the nearby town of the same name, hosts the Davidson Wildcats, which compete in 11 men's sports and 10 women's sports, mostly in the Atlantic 10 Conference (though the football team plays in the second-level FCS in the Pioneer Football League).

Outdoors

Charlotte has been noted for its "green" appearance, due to its extensive tree canopy and abundance of parks. See the individual neighborhood pages for listings of major city parks.

Outdoor adventurers may revel in the pleasures offered at the U.S. National Whitewater Center including mountain biking and whitewater rafting. As well as hiking and rock climbing opportunities at Crowders Mountain State Park in nearby Kings Mountain, North Carolina and zip-lining tours at Canaan Zip-line tours in Rock Hill.

Music

Charlotte is home to many amazing venues for music, as well as many famous rappers and soul singers, like Fantasia Barrino, and the comeback band Jodeci. Here are the best places to see live music.

• AvidXChange Music Factory 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd GPS users: Enter in 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd and then follow signs to the Music Factory ☎ +1 704-916-8970 - AvidXChange Music Factory is a campus of a wide variety of musical venues. It hosts large acts at the outdoor Charlotte Metro Amphitheater. More intimate indoor venues include The Fillmore and The Underground. AvidXChange is a large promoter in the city and brings in nationally touring acts. The campus also contains restaurants.

• Neighborhood Theatre 511 E 36th Street ☎ +1 704 942-7997 - Neighborhood Theatre underwent restoration in 1997 and was converted into a live performance venue. Neighborhood Theatre is a live music venue hosting local and national acts.

• The Evening Muse - 3227 North Davidson Street ☎ +1 704 376-3737 - In the NoDa neighborhood and the Evening Muse is noted for its variety of music ranging from light folk to rockabilly, and open mic on Monday nights.

• The Gold Standard Chorus - The Men's Barbershop Chorus, The Gold Standard Chorus, meets on Monday nights from 7:30PM - 10PM at Aldersgate Methodist Retirement Home.

• The Milestone - 3400 Tuckaseegee Road ☎ +1 704 398-0472 - Almost forgotten in Charlotte's mainstream entertainment scene, this veteran club has a shockingly prestigious music history—Nirvana and the Flaming Lips, and R.E.M. have all graced the stage here. Though the interior looks like something out of skid row and there is a well-cultivated hipster vibe at the Milestone that is virtually untouched anywhere else in the city. Mention this one in conversation to gauge a friend's true cool-factor.

• Visulite Theatre - 1615 Elizabeth Ave - Charlotte's Premier Live Music Club. Hosts local and national music groups. It also hosts local events. Requires a membership which can be purchased before entering.

Golf

Golf is a major sport in the Carolinas, and is played nearly year-round due to the mild autumn and spring seasons. Several private, semi-private and country clubs courses are available. Quail Hollow Club hosts the PGA Tour'sWells Fargo Championship each Spring.

Tours

• Driving Tours - Queen City Tours covers most of the center city and surrounding area. They offer different types of tour service for different group sizes. This tour shows Uptown, Dilworth and Myers Park.

• Charlotte 101 Class and Tour - Central Piedmont Community College offers a quarterly combination classroom lecture and tour about the Queen City for 6 hours. Pre-registration required.

Annual events

• Heroes Convention - Named "America's favorite comic book convention", Heroes Con has been hosted in Charlotte for the past thirty years and is one of the nations largest and most important comic book conventions. It is held every June in the Charlotte Convention Center and lasts for three days.

• CIAA Basketball Tournament - Will come to Charlotte in early March for the next several years. Historically-black colleges from across the nation bring their teams, alums and fans to the center city for a week of games. and accompanying parties and conventions. Games are held at Spectrum Center. Other events take place throughout the city, including a festival along Tryon St.

• St. Patrick's Day Parade - Is not on the scale of Boston or NYC, but always well-attended and a fun time to visit the Irish restaurants Uptown. The parade goes up Tryon St., and the best place to view is at the Plaza.

• Southern Spring Home and Garden Show - Has brought designers and experts to the city for nearly 50 years. Held in March at the Merchandise Mart. $9 at the door, kids free.

• The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Memorial Day, Speed Street brings half a million partiers to the center city for major musical acts and events related to the NASCAR All-Star Race. This event shuts down several major streets, and covers the entirety of Uptown with crowds after sundown. Parking is stretched to the limit, and hotels will be difficult to find. However, thit is an excellent time for hard partiers to see the city at its most active.
• Charlotte is not known as a horse-racing hub, but the Queen's Cup Steeplechase gives the city an event to call its own. It's about 45 minutes from the center city in Mineral Springs. Held in mid-April.
• There is no better time to visit South End than during the Art and Soul of South End Festival in April. Several major events coincide to bring the neighborhood a variety of visual art, music and entertainment. Prices vary based on event, but most is free to attend.

• PGA Quail Hollow Championship - Brings the world's best golfers to Quail Hollow Country Club for a weekend in April. As one would expect and there are plenty offruit cocktail-and-cheese events associated with the championship. as well as a noticeable upturn in Polo shirts at Uptown clubs.

• Taste of Charlotte - Festival in June is far and away the best time to bring an appetite to the city. Tryon St. closes down for the weekend and many of the city's best restaurants are represented with samples of their signature dishes.

• Fourth of July Fireworks Display has shifted locations several times lately, but is always somewhere in Uptown. This event draws nearly 100,000 visitors to the center city at once; be prepared to sit in gridlock, especially during the display when streets will come to a complete halt. Using public transit to park-and-ride from another neighborhood is recommended.
• Also in July, comic book collectors meet for the annual Heroes Convention at the Convention Center.
• Black Pride Festival has made inroads as an annual festival in July.
• Charlotte Pride is a more general -pride festival in August. It has moved to the Gateway Village area on the edge of Uptown. It has grown significantly since its inception.
• September is one of the best times to visit the city. The city'sLabor Day Parade along Tryon Street is modest, but a well-established annual event. The month-long Charlotte Shout collaboration includes not only cultural festivals and events, but also a day of free admissions to important cultural locations. For over 40 years, Festival in the Park has transformed Freedom Park into a massive marketplace and fair. The new Charlotte Film Festival is a collaboration between the city's most prominent theaters in and around the center city. Also and the Yiasou Greek Festival (September 7-10, 2022) is a long-running tradition at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church that draws a huge crowd for its mouth-watering food and unique shopping opportunities.
• The Public Library of Charlotte hosts the Novello Festival of Reading in October. This series of readings and events brings well-known authors (such as Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Toni Morrison) to the city. Prices vary based on event, most of which are held at the Central Branch.

• Scarowinds - Is the city's most unique Halloween event. The Carowinds theme park turns ghoulish after dark, with special decor and events. Though it's a bit pricey, it never draws complaints of overpricing. $29, no kids.

• Carolina Renaissance Festival - Held in late Fall just outside the city in Huntersville. It is a muslim-friendly reenactment of Elizabethan times. Features a wide array of shopping and themed events. $15 for adults, $5 for children.

• Southern Christmas Show - In late November is one of the region's biggest holiday shopping events. The Merchandise Mart on E Independence Blvd hosts the event. $8 at the door for adults, $3 for kids. $6 per vehicle to park all day.

• EclecFest - Is a fledgling November festival in NoDa, started by the owner of a local bookstore. A combination flea market and cultural festival, this event is a good way to get introduced to the stores and local residents of NoDa. Parking is typically available on and around N. Davidson St.

• Charlotte International Auto Show - Brings various dealers and buyers together in the Convention Center, in November. Adults $8, kids free.

• Carrousel Thanksgiving Day Parade - Is one of the city's most beloved annual events. Televised regionally, this parade has run along Tryon Street for half a century. A great time to visit.

• Charlotte Collectible and Antique Show - Comes to Metrolina Expo on Statesville Rd. each December. The name says it all: shopping opportunities abound. $5, kids free.

• For college football fans and the Belk Bowl is a chance to catch a great game as well as a football-themed festival. Teams from the South's two biggest college football conferences and the ACC and SEC, close out their seasons in Bank of America Stadium. Price varies year-to-year.

Local Language in Charlotte

The major language is English, but the number of foreign-language establishments has begun to rise. In particular, Spanish-speaking shops and restaurants have become numerous on the city's east side. Also and there are a fair number of Asian establishments as well. There is a large shopping area called "Asian Corners", and a part of the east side nicknamed "little Hanoi". It is worth noting, however, that these areas make up a relatively small part of the English-dominated city.

How to work legally in Charlotte

Charlotte is a city that thrives on big business (specifically banking and is thus the second leading banking center in the nation). Its most visible employers are Wells Fargo/Wachovia (the city's largest employer), Bank of America, Duke Energy, Nucor, Sonic Automotive, Continental Tire NA, SPX, Lowe's and Family Dollar. Though the Uptown area has the largest concentration of business offices and the entire metro area has sprouted office and industrial parks. In particular and the gleaming mid rises of SouthPark and Ballantyne are worth noting if you're in those areas. There are several Fortune 500 companies and is regularly listed as one of the U.S.'s fastest-growing business areas, as well as one of the best places to do business in the nation.

Shopping in Charlotte

One of Charlotte's biggest weaknesses is the relative lack of retail shopping in the center city. Though this will change somewhat in the near future, you will generally have to venture into the suburbs to do your shopping. As with most American city's, most retail is in malls and shopping centers, though some areas (especially the inner suburbs) have stores along the streets.

• Metropolitan Midtown, just outside the central business neighborhood, is the redevelopment of the former Charlottetown Mall.
• Concord Mills is the largest shopping destination in the region. It's near the northeastern city line in Concord.
• Carolina Place Mall (Pineville Mall) is a large mall near the southern city line in Pineville, convenient to the southern suburbs and stateline.
• Northlake Mall is a newer mall in north Charlotte, convenient to the University area and Lake Norman. Northlake is arguably Charlotte's largest and most upscale mall, 10 mi north of Uptown.
• SouthPark Mall is an upscale mall featuring national retailers along Sharon Road just south of Uptown.
• Belgate features the first IKEA store in the Carolinas as well as numerous specialty stores.
• Charlotte Premium Outlets is a new outlet center just off of I-485, southwest of Uptown.

If you are looking to shop outside the commercial retail sector, try exploring some of the neighborhoods just outside the I-277 loop. In particular and the Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood areas are good places to visit unique, funky stores. East Blvd. (upscale) and Thomas St. (downscale) are both good places to find unusual items.

There are several market-style locations scattered across the city.

• Center City Green Market 200 E. 7th Street between College Street & North Brevard Street - Opening Hours: May-September: West 8AM - 4PM, Saturday 8 AM Monday - 1 PM Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season. Fresh seafood & flowers, jewelry and crafts.

• The m/eclecfest EclecFest market happens every second Saturday behind the Neighborhood Theater on N. Davidson St.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Charlotte

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 legacy. Outsiders beware: Carolinas "barbeque" is chopped and sauced Beef. The Sauce will depend on which region it comes from (east or west), and it all works well as a sandwiches (though you get to choose between sandwiches 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. Thit 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 Halal restaurants will vary their toppings slightly to create a "signature".

Krispy Kreme Donuts is headquartered in nearby Winston-Salem, and their products are widely available. Also, Lance Snacks is based in Charlotte.

The dominant local grocery chains are Harris Teeter and Food Lion. While both began in North Carolina, and still have their headquarters in the state and they are now divisions of larger companies. Harris Teeter is a division of Cincinnati-based Kroger, and Food Lion is a division of the Dutch company Ahold Delhaize. Harris Teeter is expensive but more upscale. Food Lion is a middle-class favorite, and has an extensive ethnic section. Other groceries include Bi-lo, Aldi, Lowes Foods, and Bloom (a high-tech spin off of Food Lion). The city is also dotted with dozens of ethnic groceries, especially Hispanic, Indian and Vietnamese. Check out Compare Foods stores dotted around the town.

The specialty grocery store scene is also growing, as Charlotte has three Trader Joe's stores, two Earth Fare stores and two Fresh Markets. These stores specialize in natural and organic foods. For something a little bit more local, try the Home Economist or the quaint Berrybrook Farms.

One spot particularly popular with local residents is Amelie's French Bakery on North Davidson Street in NoDa.Amelie's is open 24/7 and has a wide selection of French pastries and baked goods, coffees and teas. There is also a satellite location Uptown.

• Pinky's Westside Grill - 1600 West Morehead Street ☎ +1 704-332-0402 - Roadside grill specializing in Burgers and dogs.

• Viva Chicken - 1617 Elizabeth Ave ☎ +1 980-335-0176 - Busy spot for Peruvian cuisine and rotisserie chicken?

• Midnight Diner - 115 E Carson Blvd ☎ +1 980-207-3641 Diner serving scratch-made comfort food 24/7.

• Fig Tree - 1600 E 7th Street ☎ +1 704-332-3322 Upscale, creative continental fare.

• Carpe Diem - 1535 Elizabeth Ave ☎ +1 704-377-7976 - New American fine dining in an art nouveau style.

• Del Friscos - 4725 Piedmont Row Dr Ste 170 ☎ +1 704-552-5502 - Outfitted restaurant specializing in seafood and Steaks.

Liquor is available by the drink in the city of Charlotte. However, some smaller towns in the region prohibit drink sales. If you plan to explore nearby counties and there is a chance you may encounter a "dry" area. Open containers of drinks are never permitted on the street; if you order a beverage you must finish it before leaving the restaurant or café. If you want to buy drink by the bottle, you must do it at state-run ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) stores, rather than at traditional stores. Fruit Juices andfruit cocktail are available for purchase at most markets, grocery stores and gas stations.

Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink, is a local favorite. Sundrop, available in a unique citrus blend and cherry-lemon, is based out of Gastonia and is a favorite among local residents. R.C. Cola is also a "traditional" Southern soft drink.

If you are not from the American South, you may be surprised to see sweet iced tea is the predominant non-carbonated drink (and is arguably sweeter).

The city's nightlife is centered in Uptown Charlotte|Uptown, which is host to a wide variety of late night restaurants. The largest concentration of clubs in the city is around College St. near its intersection with 5th St.; however, a quick check of local listings reveals plenty of alternatives for those who are seeking a more reserved atmosphere. See neighborhood listings for more details. There is also a large cluster of cafes on Montford Dr. in Myers Park. These bars often run cooperative "bar crawl" events with one another.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Charlotte

Charlotte - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Charlotte, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Charlotte. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Charlotte and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Charlotte. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Charlotte. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Charlotte: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Charlotte.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Charlotte: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Charlotte, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Charlotte.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Charlotte, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Charlotte, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Charlotte and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Charlotte, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Charlotte, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Charlotte without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Charlotte is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Charlotte.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Charlotte is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Charlotte, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Charlotte Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Charlotte

eHalal Group Charlotte is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Charlotte. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Charlotte.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Charlotte ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Charlotte. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Charlotte, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Charlotte are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels/Resorts

If you are not driving or renting a vehicle during your visit, it is highly advisable to try to find lodging near the center city (these can be found in the neighborhood articles). Otherwise you will be stuck paying cab and bus fares, and you will find it quite difficult to move around as freely as you'd like. Most of the city's large hotels are either uptown, near the airport, or in the University area. There are also some luxury hotels appearing in Ballantyne, and there are the typical options off the highways and interstate exits.

Below are listings for locations near the airport and Carowinds theme park as well as top listings for city neighborhoods.

Airport

• Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Lake Pointe| 4119 South Stream Blvd ☎ +1 704 357-8555 +1 704 357-8555 $90 Primarily a business hotel with relatively convenient access to the airport. Offers a complimentary airport shuttle and has rooms designed for business travelers. Fitness center, breakfast buffet, pool.

• Microtel Inns and Suites (Airport) - 3412 South I-85 Service Road ☎ +1 704 398-9606 $50 Good low-fare option for business travelers planning to fly into the city. Immediate access to I-85 lets you get about the city quickly.

• Hyatt House Charlotte Airport 4920 South Tryon Street ☎ +1 704 525-2600 - In the center of a Fortune 500 corridor, 3 mi from downtown and major convention centers.

• La Quinta Inn and Suites | 4900 South Tryon Street ☎ +1 704 523-5599 $50–$115 From the hotel, you have a short trip to the airport and a straight shot through South End into Uptown. Fitness center, pool, hot tub.

• Red Roof Inn | 3300 Queen City Dr ☎ +1 704 392-2316 $55 Nothing fancy, but cheaper than most hotels in the area. Thit is an economy chain, so the rooms are sparse but clean. Immediate access to the airport and surrounding amenities.

• Renaissance Suites - 2800 Coliseum Centre Dr ☎ +1 704 357-1414
• Wingate South Atlantic | 4238 Business Center Dr ☎ +1 704 395-3600 +1-800-228-1000 $90

Carowinds

• MainStay Suites Extended Stay Hotel | 7926 Forest Pine Dr ☎ +1 704 521-3232 - Pet-friendly, cater towards people traveling for business, or for people just taking extended vacations.

• Embassy Suites - 1917 Arsley Town Blvd ☎ +1 704 970-5400 - Contemporary suites in a sleek hotel offering a casual eatery, a swimming swimmingpool & a gym, plus free breakfast.

Northlake

• Drury Suites Charlotte Northlake - 6920 Northlake Dr, Charlotte, NC 28216 ☎ +1 704 599-8882 - Straightforward hotel with an indoor/outdoor swimmingpool & a gym, plus free breakfast & Wi-Fi.

South Park

• Charlotte Marriott South Park - 2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 ☎ +1 704 364-8220 - Refined property offering casual dining & 14 meeting rooms, plus an outdoor swimmingpool & an exercise room.

• Renaissance Charlotte South Park - 5501 Carnegie Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209 ☎ +1 704 501-2510 - Sophisticated lodging with Southern fare & a bar, plus an indoor swimmingpool & a fitness center.

University

• Hilton Charlotte University - 8629 J Monday Keynes Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262 ☎ +1 704 547-7444 - Modern lakeside hotel with free WiFi & shuttle service, plus a restaurant & seasonal outdoor pool.

Uptown

• Sheraton Charlotte - 555 South McDowell St, South Tower, Charlotte, NC 28204 ☎ +1 704 372-4100 - Contemporary property offering American dining & a bar, plus 2 pools & a fitness center.

• Westin Charlotte - 601 South College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 ☎ +1 704 375-2600 - Sleek hotel with earth-toned rooms & Southern dining, plus a 24/7 gym & an on-site Light Rail stop.

• Omni Charlotte - 132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 ☎ +1 704 377-0400 - Chic rooms in a glass-fronted property offering regional dining, a cocktail bar & a rooftop pool.

Telecommunications in Charlotte

The city of Charlotte has mandatory 10-digit dialing, so you must include the area code even on local calls. Charlotte has two area codes: 704 and 980.

There are some public pay phones scattered around the town, but they are becoming increasingly rare with the predominance of cell phones. It is not safe to assume you will be able to find a pay phone at any given time.

All ZIP codes in the city of Charlotte begin with 282. The central neighborhood's code is 28202.

Stay Safe

Though Charlotte is by no means a dangerous city - in fact, crime rates are significantly lower there than in most other Southern U.S. city's -, it is still a big city, so don't let your guard all the way down. If you are uptown and the biggest worry is auto theft/break-in, which is hardly rampant. Violent crime is relatively rare in the central neighborhood, as well as the affluent southern side of town. The most dangerous areas are the west and east sides.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police (CMPD) almost always maintain a visible presence in crowded areas. If you have trouble, look for an officer. In some parts of the city the police are deployed on bikes as well as cars.

Medical Issues in Charlotte

Breathing

Charlotte is not a good allergy city, due to the abundance of flowering trees and greenspace.

Smog has become an increasing concern, as the city becomes more populated and in turn hosts more auto traffic. Local authorities monitor ozone levels and make Ozone/ public announcements when "vulnerable" groups (children and the elderly, etc.) are at risk. These announcements are carried on local television, radio, and newspapers.

Smoking

North Carolina has been known as "Tobacco Road", and cigarettes are almost ubiquitous in Charlotte. However, due to changing attitudes about smoking, North Carolina passed a law that went into effect in January 2010 banning smoking in all restaurants in the state. It is still legal to smoke on the street, though you may want to be considerate of others if you are in a crowded area. Smoking is also permitted at most late night restaurants provided they do not serve food. At concert venues (such as Bobcats Arena) there are outdoor decks for smokers.

In general, it is a good idea to be polite about smoking... whether you smoke or not. If you smoke, try to do it in an area in which others won't be bothered by it. If you are a non-smoker, be aware in advance of whether you will likely be bothered by smoke in a particular place. In North Carolina people tend to be much less sensitive to smoking than in other parts of the nation, so you will likely be received with a bit of bewilderment if you make a scene about it.

Cope in Charlotte

Libraries

Library branches are scattered across the city, and vary in size and function. Typically there are street signs nearby to direct you toward the nearest branch. Also and there are substantial libraries at each of the local universities.

Newspapers

• Charlotte Observer. The Observer is the city's primary newspaper and its only daily periodical. It is standard for a newspaper in a medium-sized city. Politically it is often perceived as left-of-center, though the slant is not very strong and unlikely to be perceived by visitors. The Observer is widely available in stores and boxes, $0.50 ($1.50 Sunday).
• Charlotte Weekly. Probably the most politically-neutral of the weeklies. The Weekly enjoys wide distribution, but seems to prefer a relatively low-key role in local reporting.
• Charlotte Business Journal. Weekly edition devoted to reviewing the city's business climate. Its thorough reporting often "scoops" other sources, and the CBJ can make surprisingly interesting reading even for those uninterested in business affairs. Available primarily at bookstores and other newsstands, though boxes can be found on the street Uptown.
• QNotes. The arts, entertainment and news publication based in Charlotte, N.C.
• La Noticia. Spanish-language weekly newspaper. This has become the primary voice of the Hispanic community in Charlotte. It has no English-language edition, so its circulation is relatively confined to eastern Charlotte. Free.
• Charlotte Post. African-American weekly that enjoys a devoted following but a relatively low circulation. Found mostly at institutions with a high percentage of black consumers, such as restaurants and churches on the west side. Free.
• Mecklenburg Times. Focuses on the workings of County government, especially politics and business issues. In-depth review of court decisions and related issues.
• Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal. Narrow, detailed coverage of the sports-business industry. Available primarily through newsstands and Uptown boxes. Weekly editions.
• NASCAR Scene Daily. Part of Street & Smith's, but focuses only on NASCAR-related news. A weekly newspaper, despite its title.

International visitors

Compared to large tourist destinations, Charlotte has a relatively small international population. Locals are quite friendly toward foreign visitors, especially those who can speak English. Speakers of other languages may find the language barrier more difficult to break than in "international" city's (though Spanish-speakers will likely have an easier time). It is recommended that international visitors keep their passport handy at all times.

• International House 322 Hawthorne Ln ☎ +1 704 333-8099 - International visitors to Charlotte are strongly encouraged to begin their visit at the International House. Though it is worth the trip south of Uptown to visit the historic neoclassical mansion and meet the friendly staff and the IH can also be very helpful for finding interpreters, translated documents, travel information, etc.

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 210 E Woodlawn Road (Ste 138, Bldg 6) Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30AM Monday - 2PM
• Armenian Cultural Association of the Carolinas, +1 704 334-5353 x239.
• Bosnian Organization, +1 704 921-9080.
• Cambodian Community Association, +1 704 566-0155.
• Chinese American Association, +1 704 593-0897.
• Eritrean Community Organization, +1 704 563-9000.
• Ethiopian Community, +1 704 343-6629.
• Filipino-American Community, +1 704 541-5944.
• Ghana National Association, +1 704 567-2510.
• Haitian American Club of the Carolinas, +1 704 537-1785.
• India Association of Charlotte, +1 704 948-7664.
• Iranian Group, +1 704-321-3578.
• Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte, +1 704 568-0907.
• Japan-America Society of Charlotte, +1 704 687-2727.
• Korean Association of Charlotte, +1 704 376-8820.
• Laotian Cultural Center, 2208 Rowan Way, +1 704 393-3588.
• Laos American Association of North Carolina, +1 704 393-7363.
• Metrolina Phoenician Club, +1 704 846-2269.
• Taiwanese-American Association of Greater Charlotte, +1 704 847-6340.
• Vietnamese Community Association of Charlotte, +1 704 568-8744.

Consulates in Charlotte

• Germany (Honorary) | 536 Viking Dr ☎ +1 757 486-9167 +1 757 486-9141

{{flag|Mexico

• Mexico (Honorary) | 4424 Taggart Creek Road ☎ +1 704 394-2190

{{flag|Switzerland

• Switzerland (Honorary) 12333 Old Prairie Road ☎ +1 704 292-1041
• United Kingdom (Honorary) | 301 South College Street 9F ☎ +1 704 383-3944

Worship

Like most city's in the American South, Charlotte's communities have historically been centered around Protestant Christian churches (though thit is changing as the city diversifies and urbanizes). A complete list of worship sites is impractical; below are listings which don't fit into a (as of yet) specified neighborhood so be sure to check out the neighborhood articles.

There are many foreign-language places of worship in the Charlotte area. For information about them, contact the International House at +1 704 333-8099.

• Hindu Center of Charlotte,7400 City View Drive, +1 704 535-3440. A Hindu temple performing Hindu rituals and trainings since 1982.
• Wat Lao Buddharam, 1824 Toddville Road, +1 704 597-5037. Laotian community of Buddhists in a relatively large temple grounds. Services are in Laotian.
• Ash-shaheed Islamic Center, 2717 Tuckaseegee Road, +1 704 394-6579. Primarily an African-American Islamic community on the city's west side.

• Masjid Ali Shah Center 1230 Beatties Ford Road ☎ +1 704 377-9010 - Smaller community in western Charlotte.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Charlotte

Charlotte benefits from a highly centralized location in the Carolinas, giving visitors the option of driving to either the beach or the mountains if they choose. Cities within day-trip range include Asheville, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Greenville (South Carolina) | Greenville, and the Raleigh/Durham (North Carolina) | Durham area. If you are interested in seeing much smaller Southern towns, consider a short trip to Matthews, Davidson, Rock Hill or Huntersville; all are within 20 minutes' drive on the interstate.

• Concord Mills - see Malls.

• Charlotte Motor Speedway - just out of northern Charlotte in nearby Concord (North Carolina) | Concord, off I-85 - Home of near-constant racing events including NASCAR's All-Star race and the Coca-Cola 600. Occasional home of concerts and other special events. Among other special attractions, includes the opportunity to drive around the track or attend racing school.

• Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. In Belmont (North Carolina) | Belmont (just west of Charlotte), thit is one of the most acclaimed attractions in the area. The natural beauty and serenity of the gardens make it a favorite for romantic day trips and family outings. Guided Tours in Charlotte by ehalal.io (email for prices) offered.
• North Carolina Zoo. In Asheboro, about 60 miles northeast of Charlotte. The largest zoo in North Carolina, featuring over 200 species of animal and many more botanical species. Highlights include gorillas, elephants, lions and an aviary.
• Reed Gold Mine. Pan for Gold in the USA's first Gold mine. Very kid-friendly and educational, besides being pretty fun. In Cabarrus County, about 45 minutes from Charlotte.
• Schiele Museum of Natural History. A surprisingly high-quality museum in Gastonia, just west of Charlotte. Includes a planetarium, an aviary, and many special events and exhibits.
• Southwest of Charlotte are the Catawba lands. See how this Native American tribe used to live and lives today.
• South of Charlotte along Route 16, in Waxhaw (North Carolina|Waxhaw, is the Mexico Museum. Items of cultural and historical interest include pottery, costumes, and photographs.
• Carowinds. Large theme park with a focus on movies. Many roller coasters and other such attractions; coasters include The Afterburner, The Intimidator, and The Fury. Give strong consideration to eating beforehand, as concession prices are very high. Go south on I-77 and get off at the state line. Bring sunscreen as most of the park is unshaded.
• Take I-85S to US-321N to Hickory for excellent furniture shopping at a host of furniture outlets. Two such are m Hickory Furniture Mart (huge) and the .com Hickory Furniture Mall (quieter and less expensive).
• Chimney Rock Park. Part of the highly scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in the Appalachian chain. One of the region's most visited parks, primarily because of its unusual rock formations and waterfalls.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center. About 3–4 hours west of Charlotte in the heart of the Appalachians. Excellent whitewater rafting and tubing for all experience levels; the river runs particularly well after big rains. Also an excellent place to hike, bike, bird watch, etc.

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