Charlotte

Charlotte is the state's largest metropolis and commercial center. Its modern city center is home to the Levine Museum of the New South, which studies post-Civil War history in the South, as well as Discovery Place, which features hands-on science displays. The NASCAR Hall of Fame, which honors the sport of car racing through interactive displays and videos, is also located in Uptown.

This bustling town, nestled in the tranquil rolling hills of the Piedmont area, is anything but a quiet Southern belle. Charlotte, North Carolina, is exploding with new enterprises, thriving sports franchises, and a blossoming culinary scene. Though the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are well-known, the Queen City is much more than a haven for speed freaks. Uptown Charlotte - don't call it downtown - is swarming with suits and tourists, while the Plaza Midwood and NoDa (or North Davidson) areas are teeming with art connoisseurs and cultural hounds. Meanwhile, those looking for a pint of local beer can head to South End, which is home to some of the city's best brewers.

This ever-expanding city has a knack for maintaining an East Coast's evolution while remaining true to its Southern heritage; residents are committed to preserving genuine Southern charm. The combination of these two personalities is energizing.

Location: North Carolina, United States

Best time to visit: March through May or September through November

Price: $1,527 for a solo traveler, $2,742 for a couple, and $5,141 for a family of 4 for one week

Ranking: #7 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas

Website: https://charlottenc.gov/Pages/Home.aspx