| Charlotte, known as the "Queen City," offers a fascinating mix of southern culture and growing business mecca. A major economic center with growing finance and defense industries, the city's economic base continues to develop at a rate more than twice that of the rest of the country. An excellent interstate highway system, good railroad access, and an inland port facility are other factors that have made Charlotte the major distribution center of the Southeast and one growing in both national and international importance. Charlotte Nature Museum - This small, urban nature center adjacent to Freedom Park features live animal room, a nature trail and puppet theater. Discovery Place - As one of the nation's top hands- on science museums, Discovery Place provides ever- changing entertainment in areas from life science to space exploration. Each year, more than a half- million people visit its IMAX Dome Theatre and planetarium.McDowell Nature Preserve - A playground, picnic area with shelters and decks hiking tails, boat ramps, canoe and paddleboat rentals are all part of this 956- acre nature center with insect displays and interactive games. As the Carolinas' premier shopping destination, South Park offers an experience like no other. South Park is home to one of two Nordstroms in the Carolinas, and is now home to the first Neiman Marcus in the region and the first full- line Crate & Barrel store. South Park offers several other exclusive stores, including Apple, Bob Ellis Shoes, Burberry, Cole Haan, Frontgate, Kate Spade, Janie and Jack, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, MontBlanc, St. John, Sur La Table, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, Intermix and more. Dilworth has some of the best shopping around. Dilworth Gardens, the Courtyard, Atherton Mill, Kenilworth Commons, Twin Oaks and shops scattered along East, South, Morehead and Kings Drive offer a wide selection of goods and services. As one of the largest cities in the New South, Charlotte offers many authentic southern dining options. And whether your interest is in a palette- pleasing experience or just plain- ol' comfort food everything you get at reasonable price. |
