photo by gusto

One of North Carolina’s most popular vacation destinations is Charlotte. Nicknamed “Queen City,” Charlotte represents the perfect amalgam of Southern hospitality and contemporary charm. If you love NASCAR, make time for a trip to Lowe’s Motor Speedway. One of NASCAR’s most popular venues, Lowe’s Motor Speedway is an exciting place to visit, even for those who aren’t huge fans of racing. In addition to the numerous races that take place there throughout the year, the Motor Speedway is also host to a variety of exciting tours. The Over the Wall Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at NASCAR, offers visitors an in-depth racing tutorial.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit Discovery Place. With a reputation as one of the top science museums in the United States, Discovery Place offers nearly 50,000 feet of high-tech, state-of-the-art exhibits and attractions. Some of the things to experience at Discovery Place include a petting aquarium, an indoor tropical rain forest, IMAX theatre presentations and much more. If Charlotte’s professional sports teams are in town, let the Panthers or the Sting liven up your afternoon or evening. After you’ve cheered on the hometown heroes, stop by Irish pub Ri Ra for a frosty mug of ale and live blues music.