Charlotte, North Carolina is a city on the rise. It has been recognized as the top travel destination in the Carolinas, the No. 1 “up-and-coming city in America” by Yelp and is also one of the fastest-growing major cities in the U.S.

From Olympic-level whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center to high-speed fun at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte offers exclusive experiences only found in this ready-to-be-discovered urban city. Charlotte is continually garnering attention for its ever-evolving cityscape, diverse culinary scene, star-studded sporting events and more. With all the excitement and growth happening in the city, Charlotteans continue to boast hometown pride along with friendly and welcoming attitudes that make visitors and newcomers feel instantly at home.

From authentic old-school North Carolina barbecue restaurants to new food halls with 20+ diverse vendors, Charlotte’s culinary and bar scene is sticking with what they know best while whetting the appetite of a generation expecting options. With nearly 40 new restaurants either recently opened or set to open over the next few months, Charlotte has been recognized by several esteemed organizations in the past year including the James Beard Foundation, Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report and OpenTable Top 100 – further placing Charlotte’s culinary scene amongst the top in the country.

Nearly 60 craft breweries are located in the Charlotte region. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery was the city’s first craft beer producer. Known for their German-inspired flavors and biergarten, this brewery has become a popular staple in the city. Pour Taproom, which boasts over 118 taps, is the world’s largest self-serve taproom and is located outside of Uptown in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Middle James, Three Pillars Brewing and Southern Strain Brewing are just a few of the breweries opening in Charlotte this year.

From Broadway smash hits and top acts at Blumenthal Performing Arts venues, Bojangles’ Entertainment Complex and Spectrum Center to renowned art exhibitions at top museums such as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Mint Museum, Charlotte’s vibrant arts and culture scene offers a diversity of experiences at affordable prices.

Charlotte is home to a number of professional sports teams including NFL football team Carolina Panthers, NBA basketball team the Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte Checkers hockey, Charlotte Knights baseball and more. Additionally, Charlotte hosts a number of national and international sporting events including the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, Concacaf Gold Cup, NASCAR races, PGA Tours and more.