Don't expect to hear many Southern accents in this melting pot, the biggest city in the state. Visiting this banking hub of the Southeast is much more of an urban experience than a down-home one, but that's all part of the fun of being in this bustling, forward-focused place. Here, local custom focuses less on preserving the old than building the new. Although controversial, this tradition is responsible for the ultramodern feel of Uptown Charlotte. With little doubt, it's also why the city is home to so many brand-new sports complexes, museums, and chic lofts. This lack of dwelling in the past brings people from across the country to start new lives—and also to start restaurants, galleries, and high-concept bars.

Things are always in motion here, but history lovers shouldn’t despair. Bits and pieces of Charlotte's past still linger. With their antique architecture and shaded streets, neighborhoods like Dilworth and the Fourth Ward offer lovely glimpses of what once was. Other areas, like hip Plaza Midwood and Montford, are a fusion of the new and old. There, historic houses have been converted into wine bars and late-night eateries.

Heavy development has created typical urban problems like traffic and restaurants that fill up quickly on weekends. But don't let that scare you away from the Queen City. When visiting the Piedmont, Charlotte is a must.