Charlotte Pictures

Race cars zip around the oval track at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the annual Coca-Cola 600 event.
Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Charlotte is full of growing businesses and burgeoning sports franchises. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

The Carolina Panthers pack in a full house at Bank of America stadium. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Discovery Place's "Cool Stuff" exhibition breaks down some of the fundamental concepts of physics using everyday objects. In one part of the exhibit, visitors can fulfill the Herculean task of crushing a garbage can while simultaneously learning about mechanical advantage and energy transfer. oscarwilliams.com Discovery Place

On weekend mornings, 7th Street Public Market buzzes with families enjoying the local vendors that set up shop here. Patrick Schneider Courtesy 7th Street Public Market

Among the pieces you'll find in the Mint Museum Uptown is this Dale Chihuly chandelier, located in the lobby of the museum. It weighs a whopping 2,200 pounds. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Freedom Park is an idyllic spot for an afternoon stroll almost any time of the year. Catch some photo-worthy colors every autumn. Ann Rivall USN&WR

See authentic artifacts and educational films depicting the story of NASCAR's six-decade history in the Heritage Speedway section of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Courtesy of charlottesgotalot.com

The Levine Museum of the New South focuses on post-Civil War history, from 1865 to the present. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

This Carowinds roller coaster, the Intimidator, is named after NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. daveynin Flickr

About 25 different species of raptors call the Carolina Raptor Center home.
Gary C. Tognoni Shutterstock

LYNX Charlotte, the city's expanding light rail system, runs between Uptown and the suburb of Pineville. Use this if you want to avoid the hassle of parking in Uptown. Find more information in our Getting Around section. Fotoluminate LLC Shutterstock

Whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing ... the U.S. National Whitewater Center has no shortage of heart-pumping activities. Jeremy Thompson Flickr

Lake Norman, a popular retreat for Charlotteans, is situated about 38 miles north of the city center. Come here for sailing, rowing, boating and fishing. Lake Norman also hosts several local wine tasting events and festivals. Serge the Photographer Shutterstock

The Coca-Cola 600 event — NASCAR's longest race — takes place Memorial Day weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Beelde Photography Shutterstock

The Charlotte Knights — the city's minor league baseball team — play at the newly constructed BB&T Ballpark in Uptown.
Ann Rivall USN&WR

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is situated about 19 miles southwest of Charlotte,, in Belmont, North Carolina. The garden's meadows are spread across nearly 400 acres. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Touring Charlotte by segway is a popular way to see the city. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Crowds gather on Tryon Street in the city's Uptown area for the annual foodie fest, Taste of Charlotte. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Enjoy happy hour specials and free live entertainment every Thursday at Alive After Five, held at Charlotte's go-to late-night spot, the EpiCentre. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

The Firebird sculpture at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. You'll find this gallery in Uptown, across the street from the Mint Museum Uptown. Courtesy Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority