The Southern city of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been undergoing rapid expansion and change. An influx of young residents are bringing new life to the city with more attractions and cultural offerings, especially in the compact and walk-able Uptown and NoDa neighborhoods, both of which host monthly gallery crawls among their many independent art galleries. Other areas are less pedestrian-friendly but light rail, bus and trolleys help navigate the city, along with an extensive network of bike paths.

Discovery Place offers children the chance to get hand-on with its acclaimed exhibits and the Levine Museum of the New South traces the historical roots of the region. The Carolinas Aviation Museum, located at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, offers an overview of the history of aviation and provides prime viewing of the planes landing and taking off from the runways.

Cuisine is Charlotte is decidedly Southern. Local favorites like grits, sweet potatoes and barbeque are common menu items. Carolina-style barbeque pork is generally served as a sandwich alongside a portion of slaw and Carolina-style hamburgers and hot dogs are served with mustard, chili and cole slaw. Southern food is notoriously high in calories so dieting here is a challenge!

Links –
Bus and rail - http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Home.htm
Discovery Place - http://www.discoveryplace.org/home/discovery_place-home.php
Levine - http://www.museumofthenewsouth.org/
Aviation - http://www.carolinasaviation.org/