Our Host City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is known for its "big city" feel from its charming Southern metropolis nightlife to fine dining. With all the exciting races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the sophisticated displays at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the lively Broadway performances at NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and so much more will show you exactly why Charlotte’s got a lot.
Also, the interactive NASCAR Hall of Fame opened May 11, 2010, which is an attraction focused on the heritage of NASCAR and its history. If you’re looking to dine well in Uptown, there are upscale choices like Aquavina, Mimosa Grill, and Monticello. There is also Mert's Heart and Soul and Brixx Woodfire Pizza, which are more casual but still appetizing options and well-loved spots Charlotte has to offer.
The South End is a renovated historic area which was once the site of many industrial buildings and cotton mills. By jumping on the Charlotte Trolley Tour attractions within South End are both easily accessible and educational! If all this wasn’t intriguing enough, we asked a Charlotte native all the grand things Charlotte has to offer:
“Charlotte is a great city! I’ve lived here for 10 years and the growth and change have been amazing. The downtown area (we call it Uptown) has always been a thriving 9 to 5 business district but has developed into a late night destination spot where there is always something going on! With the NASCAR Hall of Fame, great museums, fine dining and local BBQ (just to name a few options)… there is something for everyone.”
Allan Blattner,
UNC Charlotte Associate Director for Staff and Student Development