Charlotte At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Visitors may opt to visit this Southern city during the fall when the leaves are changing through North Carolina. However, spring is a great time to visit as well, given travelers can head to both the beach and the mountains. The weather is pleasant and mild during the spring and stays nice through October.
Average Weather
Charlotte does get a good dose of the four seasons. Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid and winters are cold with sporadic snow showers. Unlike the Northeast, Charlotte doesn't experience an extreme change in temperature; however, it's smart to pack plenty of warm clothes during the chillier months.
Transportation
Charlotte is best explored by car. The city does have access to public transportation, although it's not very elaborate. And, the public bus may land you in some questionable parts of town. If you have time to explore, Charlotte is within driving distance of several great cities. Having a car will be advantageous.
In-Season Costs
Charlotte, a big little city, won't break the bank. Certain hotels downtown may be pricier than those on the outskirts, but for the most part, prices are consistent and travelers won't find it impossible to visit this city on a budget. Keep in mind that accommodation prices tend to escalate as the leaves begin to change colors.
Day Trips
If you have time and you're visiting during peak leaf-changing season, head a couple hours west to the Blue Ridge Mountains (you can do this anytime of year, it's beautiful year-round). You'll run into Black Mountain, a funky art town with unique shops, coffee houses and bars. Keep going and you'll hit Asheville, home of the Biltmore House and numerous bed and breakfasts. Or, if you're an extreme outdoorsperson, keep going west until you hit Brevard. There are some 200 waterfalls in Brevard, in addition to extraordinary hiking trails.
If you're visiting during the winter and you want to hit some trails, Boone is located about two hours from Charlotte. Home to Appalachian
State University, Boone boasts some great ski resorts and biking trails.
The Outer Banks, the gateway to beautiful Atlantic beaches, are a short three-hour jaunt from Charlotte. Hit Nags Head or Cape Fear for a little beach fun.
If you're a basketball fan, Knoxville is a quick four hours from Charlotte. Home of the University of Tennessee and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Knoxville is a great place to kick around if you have some spare time. Right around Knoxville, you'll also discover Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, a hillbilly's heaven and home to the Dollywood Theme Park--a great place to bring the family.
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