Did you know Charlotte was the location of the country's first gold rush? Or that legend says city leaders were the first to declare themselves independent of British rule- over a year before the rest of the American colonies? Or that it is the pimento cheese capital of the world?
As one of the oldest colonial cities in the nation, Charlotte has seen its share of tragedy, triumph, wins, and losses. Lovers of history with a side of the macabre will enjoy exploring the fascinating sites of the Queen City.
We invite you to join our Junket Charlotte Experience and learn more about this modern Southern city and how it has shaped the couse of our nation.
Discover Charlotte like a local, with our team of professional guides, historians, and storytellers on one of our entertaining tours:
Join us for an elevated city experience like no other and feel at home in Charlotte.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is known as a place of contrasts. Historical brick buildings mingle with modern skyscrapers in a downtown area known as Uptown. International business and modern entertainment combine with old-fashioned Southern charm and country roots. One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Charlotte's inspiring cultural scene, nationally-acclaimed sports franchises, and spirited Southern energy make for an engaging travel experience.
This bustling borough is called the "Queen City" for having been named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort oof King George III. Founded in 1768 on an ancient Indian path in the southern Piedmont's region's rolling hills, this small settlement quickly became the main market city in the region and enjoyed an era of booming economy with the discovery of gold. Cotton and textile industries grew up around a new railroad hub, and Charlotte soon became North Carolina's largest and most prosperous city.
Prohibition would test the limits of the city's prosperity, so enterprising bootleggers began transporting beer, whiskey, moonshine, and other outlawed adult beverages across state lines in powered-up Ford coupes. Racing against time and law enforcement, these entrepreneurs discovered a need for speed, with many Carolinians taking part in the lucrative but risky enterprise. These high-speed, backroad races would lead to the rise of NASCAR, which has its headquarters in Charlotte.
This love of speed is reflected today in Charlotte's meteoric rise from a colonial outpost to a high-powered banking center and major influential Southern city.
A relentlessly forward-facing city, Charlotte offers a curated selection of historical buildings and an abundance of unique and fulfilling experiences. Art, sportsmanship, legacy, technology, faith, perserverance- the attractions in Charlotte celebrate the greatest traits and contributions of its residents.
"Charlotte is a city with both feet planted firmly in the New South, with the emphasis on the 'new'!"
- Harry Hoover
With a diverse selection of food and drink, and a range of entertaining activities to offer, Charlotte shines as a city with something for everyone- spanning the entire gamut of interests and tastes.
A visit to the Queen City any time of the year will offer a social gathering, whether the focus is music, food, history, art, and more- there is always a reason to come together in Charlotte.
From high-speed adventure to leisurely outings, Charlotte has something for everyone. Here are some attractions that shouldn't be missed: