Charlotte, NC

About halfway between the Smoky Mountains and Atlantic shores of North Carolina lies a world that offers an amazing mix of beauty, music, and good old down-home friendliness.

Though Charlotte is a major spoke in the wheel of big business (Bank of America, Family Dollar, Belk Stores and Wachovia), its small-town charm is evident everywhere. From tree-lined neighborhoods and “mom-and-pop” stores that are always within reach to the sheer natural beauty of Freedom Park, there’s an undeniable contentment here. Whether you need someone to fix your bank account or lawn mower, talk big business or just “shoot the breeze” with, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for among its people.

There’s always something you can do to be involved in the Queen City, whether it’s with a special event, civic organization or arts guild. You certainly don’t have to go far to find good artwork in Charlotte — sometimes, it finds you: Take the heart of the city as an example: The junction of Trade and Tryon Streets in the downtown district, affectionately known to residents as “The Square”, has statues of its settlers adorning each corner. In fact, the first blocks of West Trade Street are brightened with sculptures by local artists.

The sweet strains of music have always played an important role in the Charlotte attitude, and many of the world’s greatest performers, from symphony orchestras to Reba McIntyre and Paul McCartney have drawn sell-out audiences. Throughout the city, various seasonal festivals such as “Yiasou!” and “Festival In The Park” spotlight talented local acts, and its many clubs and soundstages come alive with the best of every musical genre.

The city lays claim to some famous faces, perhaps none more so than the noted evangelist, Rev. Billy Graham. Actors such as Berlinda Tolbert (”Jeffersons”), blues singers like Wilbert Harrison (”Kansas City”) and Sunshine Anderson, the great African-American artist Romare Bearden, and the creator of the famous “guitar boogie”, Arthur Smith, have also proudly called Charlotte “home.” Even the eleventh President of the United States, James K. Polk, was born just over a mile from the city limit, in the small town of Pineville — the quaint, peaceful “antique capital of the South”.

If you like sports, Charlotte’s definitely the place to be, with the NFL’s mighty Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and, of course, NASCAR, drawing fans in from across the nation. Diehard pro wrestling fans should already know that the WCW (now absorbed by the WWE) was born from Jim Crockett’s Mid-Atlantic Wrestling organization on Briabend Drive in south Charlotte.

With each entry of this blog, you’ll come to know the faces, places and events that have made (and are still making) Charlotte one of the most comfortably liveable cities in America. So be sure to bookmark this site … you’re in for a really refreshing experience!