Charlotte is nestled in the Mecklenburg County of North Carolina and is known as the largest city in the state. The southern ambience of this developing city is eminent in the diverse cultural attractions and historical architecture. The cosmopolitan setting of this colourful city captures the hearts of visitors without fail, making it the perfect holiday destination for the family or couples who are seeking a relaxed weekend escape.
Of all of the cites in North Carolina, Charlotte is the most convenient when it comes to collecting your hire car. With seven locations spread across the city, picking up your car has never been so easy! Hiring a car will make your trip to Charlotte an enjoyable and rememberable experience as it will allow you to explore all that this magnificent city has to offer, without the hassle of public transport!
When visiting Charlotte, the essential things to see and do include:
1. Carrowinds
Carrowinds is a family friendly theme park located just a 15 minute drive south of Uptown Charlotte. The park is home to over 50 world class rides, ranging from thrill rides to family rides. The park also features Nickelodeon Central, which is a must-see for the kids, live shows and Boomerang Bay, which is home to the water park theme of the park. For those young or young at heart, a trip to Carrowinds is guaranteed to offer something for you!
2. Dirt Track Racing School
Following the theme of thrills and spills, a trip to the Dirt Track Racing School is also a must-do. The track offers visitors the chance to drive on the dirt in 3 different types of race cars. Take driving lessons with trained professionals and learn how the experts do it. Experience all the excitement and thrill of the Carolina Speedway and soak up the adventurous atmosphere that will keep you wanting more!
3. The Museums of Uptown Charlotte
The heart of Charlotte is filled to the brim with culture and history. On Tryon Street alone you will find two of the city's most prominent museums, 'Discovery Place' and 'The Mint Museum of Craft and Design'.
Discovery Place is where science is brought to life! The museum boasts interactive rainforest exhibits and features a world-class aquarium which is sure to keep the kids fascinated for ages. Here you will also find the largest movie screen in the Carolinas, on which you can watch and learn about interesting scientific facts that are guaranteed to leave you amazed.
A visit to the Mint Museum of Craft and Design will take you through the works of regional, national and international artists. Gain knowledge of contemporary craft traditions as you view the masterpieces of a wide range of artistic mediums. A visit to the Min Museum is sure to offer a unique experience!
4. The Beautiful Gardens
Charlotte is home to some of the state's most magnificent and blooming gardens. Take a short drive west of Charlotte, where on the Stateline of North and South Carolina you will find the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The colour and vibrancy of these stunning gardens will simply take your breath away.
Heading back into the city centre will bring you to the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Watching Sanctuary, which is situated within Elizabeth/ Myers Park. These beautiful gardens bring a natural contrast to the metropolitan area and offer a refreshing change to the otherwise built landscape.
5. Shopping
Charlotte is home to an abundance of antique villages, art galleries and outdoor markets. Specialising in the sale of unique furniture, the shopping in this vibrant city is sure to offer something for all. From Asian American Art to designer clothing stores or antiques, the variety of goods on offer makes Charlotte a shopper's haven.
6. The Local Vineyards
Put your hire car to good use and venture approximately an hour's drive north-west of Charlotte to the rolling hills and valleys of Yadkin Valley. Here you will find Childress Vineyards, a winery that specialises in creating some of the finest wines in the country. Take a guided tour or sample some of the fine wines on offer. A visit to the vineyards is the ideal day trip for couples seeking a romantic adventure and its close distance to Charlotte makes it the ideal driving journey.
7. The North Carolina Zoo
Heading west from the winery for about 49 minutes will bring you to the North Carolina Zoo. Known as home to the "great grasslands of Africa" the zoo is home to an abundance of elephants and rhinos, as well as a multitude of other national and international species. An afternoon is well spent here, wandering the exhibits and unique wildlife that makes this park such an interesting tourist attraction.
Visiting Charlotte is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy a contrast between inner-city life and the vastness and beauty of the natural surrounds. Hiring a car truly is the way to explore this amazing city as it allows you to pick and choose from the activities, the things that suit you best!
Christine Barton
