A hundred years ago, Charlotte was an industrial town focused on making textiles for the southeast. The city's foresighted leaders were able to see that the textile industry wouldn't sustain the area forever. As other parts of the south saw their jobs move overseas, Charlotte began focusing on transportation and finance. The change in industry saw the city grow rapidly. The current population of the metropolitan Charlotte area tops two million.

Charlotte is an example of the so-called "New South." It has moved beyond manufacturing and agriculture into the global marketplace. What does this mean for tourists?

Uptown Charlotte has all the trapping of any major city: nightclubs, restaurants, pro sports, shopping. Some of the outer districts offer a taste of the old south. Ice cream shops, neighborhoods, and even an old-style trolley can be found in the South End area of the city. The NoDa neighborhood is home to one of the south's biggest art scenes. Unless you are a NASCAR fan, there are few events in Charlotte. But if you are interested in exploring a city or getting a taste of the southeast, Charlotte is a great place to start.

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