Car Hire Charlotte - Mini guide to Charlotte

Situated in the heart of North Carolina, the progressive city of Charlotte is an impressive combination of skyscrapers, shopping venues, parks and art galleries. Aptly known as the 'Queen City', Charlotte has managed to retain its old world charm while simultaneously earning a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking cities in the south.

Charlotte is well known for its flourishing art scene and has a number of outstanding museums and galleries that are enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The Mint Museum of Art has the distinction of being the oldest of its kind in North Carolina, and it exhibits a comprehensive selection of European, African and American art, a collection of historical costumes and gold coins, and an exquisite assortment of porcelain and pottery. Forming part of the museum, and responsible for its name, is the original branch of the US Mint.

Independence Square, located among gleaming skyscrapers and guarded by four enormous statues, is downtown Charlotte's busiest thoroughfare. The square is an excellent place to enjoy a meal before heading off to peruse the multitude of shops, boutiques and galleries surrounding it. It is also a central hub of the city's nightlife, with a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafés in the vicinity.

Also in downtown Charlotte is Discovery Place, a state-of-the-art development which brings together technology and environment under one roof. With its interactive science museum, aquarium, indoor rainforest, IMAX theatre and planetarium, it's a fun and educational excursion for the whole family.

Being the largest retail centre in the Carolinas, Charlotte offers shopping of the highest quality, and its numerous malls and department stores in the city centre can keep avid spenders busy for days. The outlying suburbs and villages offer many unique specialities and antiques which make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

For travellers who tire of skyscrapers, spending and sightseeing, Charlotte has approximately 14,000 acres of parks that provide the perfect refuge from the hum of the city. Of these, the Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, founded in 1927, is particularly special. It has a variety of different garden ecosystems designed to attract a plethora of bird species that use the park as a rest stop during their annual migration.