travel agent near charlotte nc

Located in Charlotte, NC

Call us at  704-697-1500, to make an  appointment, with one of our local agents..

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At world travel mates we are real people with real experience. , we create your dream vacation so the only surprise — is the view..

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Travel means something different to everyone—some people want to climb snowy mountains in the Himalayas and others prefer to soak up the sun on a stunning beach in Jamaica.

Our highly experienced staff will help you navigate the world to create a perfect adventure. All you have to do is relish the journey.

World Travel Mates is a full-service Virtuoso Agency ,  an association of the top vendors worldwide. We offer our clients the most exclusive deals and benefits for a customized and extraordinary travel experience. 

Whether you travel solo, as a family, a partner, a school group or ministry—World Travel Mates will be there each step of the way.

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WELCOME to APRIL POWERS TRAVEL

Planning travel should be a completely worry-free experience. When it comes to creating the dream trip for your honeymoon, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime vacation, you shouldn’t feel stressed out about which destination to choose, the best accommodations, or how to design your itinerary. You also shouldn’t feel overwhelmed trying to fit trip planning into a busy schedule.

If you’re looking to have an expert travel agent handle every detail of your vacation with care and personalization, then you’ve come to the right place! April Powers Travel is dedicated to building out your ideal vacation—from flights and accommodations to activities, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy peace of mind knowing a luxury vacation awaits you without any of the hassles.

I’m April Powers, your personal travel agent, and I’m ready to send you on the trip of a lifetime! With over 14 years of experience, I’ve worked with many couples and families who want to go on exceptional trips without all the stress of planning and booking. I’m here to take care of those little tedious tasks so that you can focus on all the big, awe-inspiring moments. I specialize in custom honeymoons, vacations, and special occasion travel—and I’m well-versed in a variety of stunning destinations.

I pride myself on being personable, caring, and attentive. I will be your sole point of contact throughout the planning process. I believe luxury vacations begin with luxury-style service. I make sure all your needs are met, you stay relaxed, and every detail is taken care of. I also love to add personal touches that make your trip extra special. My goal is to tailor your vacation to you and your personality—because you’re unique, and therefore your trip should be too!

My Destinations of Expertise

• Cabo San Lucas
• Dominican Rep.
• Hawaiian Islands

April Powers Travel is a first-rate agency that gives you attentive and comprehensive support every step of the way. You’ll have insider knowledge of the most outstanding destinations, accommodations, and experiences all at your fingertips. My agency learns precisely what you’re looking for and executes on it flawlessly. I work to design a customized itinerary for you that incorporates the best flights, experiences that match your interests and personality, accommodations that sweep you off your feet, and special amenities and services.

Most importantly, I’ll be there for you before, during, and after your trip, so everything goes smoothly from start to finish. Whether it’s deciding on the destination, needing in-country assistance, or changing your seat on the flight home, I’ll be here to advocate for you and ensure you’re getting the most well-rounded experience.

WELCOME TO APRIL POWERS TRAVEL

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ABOUT APRIL POWERS

A Word From Our Clients

Matthew and Louise’s – Honeymoon in Greece

Paul and Alyssa’s – Honeymoon in Costa Rica

Jim and Kelly’s – Authentic Italy Experience

Tyler and Karina’s – Honeymoon in Italy

Sandy and Britton’s – Honeymoon in Aruba

Taylor and Joe’s – Honeymoon in Playa Mujeres

Jason and Jacki’s – Honeymoon in Iceland

Susan & Brianna’s Italian Birthday Adventure

She did an AMAZING job! She kept our interests in mind. She was always available while we were gone and was able to answer all of our questions.  ... Read Full Review

From our first call through to the end of our honeymoon to Costa Rica, April was super helpful and kind. Our trip was amazing... Read Full Review

I HIGHLY recommend April as your travel specialist! April arranged our dream Italy trip! She listened to our desires and provided insightful recommendations and arranged the perfect itinerary... Read Full Review

Where Will Your Next Dream Vacation Be?

Lets Get Started on That Next Set of Memories!

• Tel : 704-372-4231
• [email protected]
• Uptown Charlotte, NC

If luxury travel were a symphony, we'd be your composer.

Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte, Court Travel Ltd has been providing customized luxury international travel planning for 26 years. We are a local, Virtuoso travel agency coordinating extraordinary trips.

In your search for a Travel Agent, you have found a team of dedicated Travel Advisors, who are re-defining the role of travel agent for the benefit of our travelers. We put our experience and knowledge to work bringing added value and memorable sparkle to every trip we manage.

Court Travel Advisors understand that the most important part of our agency is the satisfaction of our clients. With this in mind, our talented team of Leisure Travel Specialists set to work creating stunning itineraries that are sure to leave even the most skeptical DIY traveler impressed. We don't just design itineraries; we orchestrate unforgettable experiences, and deliver "Return on Life".

There are so many reasons to travel, and they are as varied as the trips you dream of taking. We're here to help you every step of the way. Our global connections, paired with decades of experience, transform your travel dreams into amazing realities. We are your local contact with a global reach.  Please read our testimonials , about our process and contact us .

Where would you like to go?

• Court Travel Ltd.
• 119 Brevard Court,
• Charlotte, NC 28202
• (704) 372-4231, 800-849-4231

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Mann Travels – The People with the Right Connections!

For more than 40 years, Mann Travels has been serving travelers throughout the Carolinas. We pride ourselves on offering personalized services and the best value for your travel dollar. Our connections and relationships to the best travel providers in the world help us create unforgettable experiences for all our clients.

The secret to our success lies in our people. We have a strong team of travel professionals with extensive industry experience and outstanding customer service skills. Mann Travels been recognized with multiple awards over the years, including being voted Best Travel Agency and Travel Agency of the Year from a variety of sources. Half of our employees have been with the company for decades and this insures that you, our valued clients, are working with experienced, qualified professionals every time you connect with Mann Travels.

We thank you for trusting us with your business.

 "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

                   So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails."

                                                                                       - Mark Twain 

        Explore.    Dream.    Discover.

Creative travel , we are a full-service travel agency operating out of belmont, north carolina since 1990. we have earned a reputation for customer satisfaction with our uncompromising commitment to service, innovation, and excellence..

We will be your personal travel industry consultants. We take our job seriously, assisting in the efficient management of your travel dollars. Everything we do is focused on providing you with unparalleled savings and service. We provide our  services  to individuals, businesses, and groups of all sizes. At Creative Travel, we each have our own specialties to maximize our efficiency and better serve our valued customers. We provide a hometown connection to the world.

Our Mission 

Serving the Charlotte region, Creative Travel provides a hometown connection to the world. We are travel educators who go the extra mile to make business travel pleasant and vacation travel extraordinary .

Core Values

Professionalism.

Our clients tell us that they love working with us because we know what we are doing.  Expertise breeds professionalism , and with over a hundred years of combined experience in the travel industry, we have plenty enough knowledge to guide you through your next vacation! We have been to most of the destinations our clients want to travel to which gives us a level of expertise you will rarely find in any other agency. Our experience and professionalism  allows  us to serve our clients consistently and accurately. In the event that anything goes wrong, we will go as far as necessary to make it right.

Friendliness

Our clients work with us because of the personal touches. Here at Creative Travel, we believe in the small things... A smile that you can hear over the phone; a friendly setting to do business in, and a willingness to accommodate your requests. As our client, you become more than just another customer.  We take steps to know your destination and activity preferences, what you like and what you'd prefer to stay away from. Our clients enjoy our passion for educating them about new and different places, allowing them to travel with ease and grace while we do all of the footwork.  

Value-Minded

We value our clients and employees enough to do the right thing. We set honest expectations, put them in writing and deliver. Our travel recommendations are based on what is best for our clients, not best or most convenient for us.  We listen to our customers' concerns and grow with each suggestion.  We are continually looking for better ways of doing things and building a better agency. Additionally, we are committed to being a good community steward, supporting worthwhile projects and organizations.

"Hi. I'm Rebecca Johns, president of Creative Travel, Inc. No two travel agencies are alike, and at Creative Travel we'd like to show you just how different we are. We hope you'll select us because of the quality of our service and our tireless dedication to you, whether you're a corporate client or just seeking a weekend getaway. Let us show you just how enthusiastic, competent, and friendly we are!" Rebecca Johns, President of Creative Travel, Inc.

Creative Travel

Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM 

Extended hours by appointment.

34 W Myrtle St. Belmont, NC 28012

✆: 704-825-1865 ✉: [email protected]

All Rights Reserved 2018

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5 Best Travel Agencies in Charlotte, NC🥇

Below is a list of the top and leading Travel Agencies in Charlotte, NC. To help you find the best Travel Agencies located near you in Charlotte, NC, we put together our own list based on this rating points list .

Charlotte’s Best Travel Agencies:

The top-rated Travel Agencies in Charlotte, NC are:

• April Powers Travel, LLC – honeymoon specialists
• Travel With Me Amoira – group travel and events agency
• Corporate Travel Management – for corporate and business travel planning
• Superior Cruise & Travel Charlotte – provides the best deals for vacation packages
• World Travel Mates – a full-service Virtuoso Agency

April Powers Travel, LLC

April Powers Travel, LLC has over 14 years of experience planning intimate travel vacations. From custom honeymoons, vacations, and special occasion travel, they can provide every assistance needed to make it as smooth and personalized as possible. Their full itinerary planning includes flight bookings, transportation coordination, reservations, entertainment bookings, travel insurance, custom requests, and exclusive amenities and perks. Moreover, in your entire trip, April Powers is with you available through email, phone, and instant message. Plan your cruise, resort, or next guided tour with them!

Products/ Services: Romance-Inspired Travel

Address: 10130 Perimeter Pkwy #200, Charlotte, NC 28216 Phone: 704-817-4414 Website: aprilpowerstravel.com

“We used April to help us plan our first wedding anniversary trip. She was a delight to work with. She took the time to get to know us and understand the types of things we like to do before proposing itineraries to us and she really hit the nail on the head with her ideas! We traveled to Scottsdale and Sedona, AZ and the resorts April booked for us were amazing! She even set up little anniversary surprises for us at each of the resorts, which was such a treat and incredibly thoughtful! She was very responsive and helpful throughout the entire process and we look forward to using her services for trips in the future! 10/10 recommend!” – Austin Dyches

Travel With Me Amoira

Travel With Me Amoira offers custom-designed experiences such as golf vacations, Australia and New Zealand packages, Hawaii Cruise packages, Alaska Cruise packages, and Night Greek Isles Cruise packages, to name a few. Whether you plan to go sunbathing in tropical destinations, car adventures in Australia and New Zealand, or watch the Borealis in Alaska, this travel agency guarantees you a memorable experience with extra perks under competitive prices. Have extraordinary team building or take your family for a trip with their excellent group vacation deals or create one with their planner!

Products/ Services: Cruise & Tours

Address: Inside of Regus Building, Ayrsley Town Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: 980-999-5010 Website: travelwithmeamoira.com

“This team is superbly awesome. I’ve traveled twice through them and have been my third trip in two years. Customer service is second to none. Quick responses to emails and telephone calls. If you want to travel worry-free…put your travel plans in the hands of Amoira & her team.” – Jessica D

Corporate Travel Management

Corporate Travel Management specializes in business travel and leisure. Providing reliable business travel solutions since 1990, they pride themselves to be responsive and flexible. Thus, they can always provide your traveler’s and administrator’s needs. Furthermore, all CTM staff are ASTA Verified Travel Advisors. Similarly, Corporate Travel Management is also associated with Virtuoso, provider of the world’s best luxury travel advisors and hotels. As such, whether it be a cruise, airline, spa, or hotel inquiries, they are sure to provide the best travel experiences for your employees. Book with them now!

Products/ Services: Business Travel

Address: 11301 Carmel Commons Blvd STE 116, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704-561-0707 Website: goctm.com

“CTM is a great service. They are always available even for last-minute submissions for travel!” – Javier Balaguer

Superior Cruise & Travel Charlotte

Superior Cruise & Travel Charlotte has been providing 5-star travel experiences for over 14 years now. Their services span from intimate travel trips to relaxing family destinations. From the Caribbean and Mexico to South America and Antarctica, Superior Cruise and Travel has packages fit for every budget. Travel by air, rail, sea, and ocean to well-known vacation destinations or “secret spots” offered by Superior Travel Agents. Book your next leisure vacation, group travel, or corporate event with one of the top travel agencies in the country.

Products/ Services: Adventure, Romance, Family Travel

Address: 9805 Statesville Rd Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: (704) 312-9405 Website: superiorcruiseandtravel.com

“We had an outstanding experience using this company for our trip to Europe, everything was amazing and we will use them again. Our agent Fred was the best to deal with and was so knowledgeable about everything. This is our second trip with him (Our firs was a Hawaii vacation) he never disappoints” – Tabitha Morning

World Travel Mates

World Travel Mates has customized travel packages for solo, family, partner, or group excursions. These may be honeymoons, business travels, cruises, group trips, or classified as adventure-seeking. Moreover, they are proud to provide Voluntourism or Mission Works. As an established partner in various countries, your next travel can put your skills and talents to good use in the chosen local community. In addition, World Travel Mates is also a Virtuoso agency and is a partner with the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons ensuring you an extraordinary and memorable vacation. Book with them now!

Products/ Services: Voluntourism, Destination Weddings, Cruises, and more

Address: 7422 Carmel Executive Park Dr #108, Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704-697-1500 Website: worldtravelmates.com

“Cathy helped plan an amazing honeymoon for my fiancé and me! She was extremely helpful throughout the process. It was our first time traveling overseas alone so we had a lot of questions; Cathy was great at sharing her insights without pushing us in any specific direction. She was also available and responsive while we were overseas which I found very comforting. We had one issue with a booking (the tour guide broke his ankle the night before our tour) and she made sure we were aware and everything went smoothly with rescheduling.

We highly recommend Cathy and World Travel Mates and plan on using them for our trips moving forward!” – Nick Heim

Frances has lived in Chicago her whole life. She has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Frances covers national and local businesses.

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• North Carolina

North Carolina's Biggest City Is Home to the Largest Human-made Whitewater River

Here’s how to plan a trip to Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina.

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Best shopping, best time to visit, neighborhoods to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

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If you regularly travel the East Coast, there’s a good chance you’ve had a layover or two in Charlotte. To understand the vibrance and dynamic nature of North Carolina’s most populous city, though, you’ll need to make your way out of the airport terminals and into the neighborhoods that comprise the bustling metropolis and surrounding areas.

“Charlotte has many different cultures, and their influence can be seen and experienced throughout the city,” explains Andres Kaifer, the executive chef and owner of Customshop . From its robust culinary scene — it regularly boasts James Beard Award nominees — to its art galleries, esteemed museums, and appreciation of green spaces and public parks, the Queen City repeatedly proves its role as a financial center is just part of its larger narrative. Yes, Bank of America’s headquarters are located in Uptown Charlotte, but the city is also the home of NASCAR , the Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets. As Ashley Creft, co-founder of Charlotte Black-Owned (@ cltblackowned ), shares, Charlotte is “very diverse, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with locally-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses in the city,” many of which you’ll discover below. 

Scroll on to read Travel + Leisure ’s guide to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a five-star stay at The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte, which recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation.
• Root for the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or the Charlotte Knights while on their home turf. 
• Take a tasting tour of some of Charlotte’s best breweries — The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Divine Barrel Brewing, and Resident Culture Brewing among them. 
• Fill up on Southern fare at Jimmy Pearls. 
• Plan your trip in the spring or fall to experience Charlotte’s best weather (and fewer crowds).

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte

The Ritz Carlton, Charlotte comes recommended by Kaifer, who credits its “easy accessibility to the light rail” and newly renovated wellness amenities as top reasons to book a stay. With a pool, steam room, hot tub, and sauna, the Uptown hotel’s spa is the perfect place to relax after a travel day — or before a big night out in Charlotte. 

The Ivey's Hotel

Another Uptown favorite, The Ivey’s Hotel has 47 rooms decorated to give off a “Parisian-style elegance with modern luxury” vibe. In its past life, the building functioned as The Ivey's Department Store (which opened in 1924). Today, it offers guests a range of comfortable rooms and amenities, including a 1,500-square-foot fitness center, the cozy Library Lounge, and a daily complimentary wine social.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Courtesy of The Ballantyne

As the name suggests, The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte is located in the upscale Ballantyne neighborhood, 20 minutes south of Uptown. Ideal for travelers who want to be away from the city center (or closer to The Amp Ballantyne ), it’s the type of hotel where you’re more than happy to spend time relaxing on the property — there’s even an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and spa.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection

“For mainstream hotel folks, I think the Grand Bohemian has the most character,” says Corri Smith, owner of Black Wednesday . She shares that its “stellar location in Uptown” is also a plus, but the inside of the property is unexpectedly artistic and bohemian, a contrast from the more buttoned-up look of the neighborhood. 

Best Things to Do 

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Raft the largest human-made whitewater river in the world.

If everyone in your party is eight years old and above, you can book a guided whitewater rafting experience at the U.S. National Whitewater Center . “The Whitewater Center is incredibly unique and special… [and] it has a wild amount of activities and events,” says Smith — and that includes things to do on dry land. “My favorite things are the Thursday night live music shows ( River Jam ) as well as free outdoor yoga.” According to Kaifer, there’s also the option to “enjoy a nice hike through one of their many trails.”

Explore Charlotte’s art scene.

“Art has become a more honored part of our culture,” says Smith, who recommends checking out a number of local Charlotte artists, including Grace Stott , Kathryn Godwin , Saloan Dunlap , Davita Galloway , and Matt Moore (take a look at their Instagrams or websites to see where their work is on display). Alternatively, travelers can add several of the city’s art museums and galleries to their list;  The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art , the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture , and the Mint Museum are some of the most popular. “ Goodyear Arts is a modern art gallery with a residency program that supports under-the-radar artists,” adds Smith. 

Sip on some local brews at any one of Charlotte’s numerous breweries. 

Like many major U.S. cities, Charlotte has an ever-growing craft beer scene; in fact, the Queen City has more than four dozen breweries to choose from. Once you’ve chosen your designated driver — or booked with City Brew Tours , Trolley Pub Charlotte , or Brew Ha-Ha Tours — visit some of the breweries that catch your eye. Don't know where to start? Stop by Sycamore Brewing , The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery , Birdsong Brewing Co. , Divine Barrel Brewing , and Resident Culture Brewing .

Cheer on Charlotte’s professional sports teams.

When it comes to athletics, Charlotte does it big. Depending on the exact time of year (and how far ahead you’re planning your trip), you might be able to catch a Charlotte Knights baseball game at Truist Field, watch the Carolina Panthers or Charlotte FC play at the Bank of America Stadium, or see the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center.

Peter Taylor/Restaurant Constance

Restaurant Constance

To narrow down Charlotte’s restaurants to just a handful is tough, but a few specific ones stood out to the Charlotteans we spoke with. Restaurant Constance was one of the first picks from Kaifer: “Chef Sam Diminich does an incredible job of featuring ingredients from local farms and making unique, delicious, and honest food,” he explains. 

Jimmy Pearls

Creft has Jimmy Pearls , the only Charlotte restaurant to receive a nomination in the 2024 James Beard Awards, on her list. Chefs Daryl Cooper and Oscar Johnson are the masterminds behind Jimmy Peals, which is described as an “ode to Virginia soul.” Expect menu items like crispy chicken gizzards, fish sandwiches, and fried shrimp — all made, according to the restaurant, to honor “Virginia’s rich history of Black food.”

Uptown Yolk

Not all meals need to be fancy affairs, especially if you’re in the mood for something casual (but equally tasty). For a “delicious” breakfast, Creft suggests Uptown Yolk . It has all of the classics — scrambled eggs, omelets, and pancakes — as well as some “Yolk Way” favorites, like shrimp and grits with smoked gouda and jerk shrimp and the Belgian waffle with chicken wings.

Menya Daruma

“ Menya [Daruma] is some of the most underrated food in the city, in my opinion,” says Kaifer. “The entire menu is delicious, and they have the best fried chicken sandwich in the city.” If the aforementioned Tori Katsu Sando doesn’t call your name, there’s also the ramen and abura soba (or soup-less ramen) dishes.

Customshop 

Travelers who like to pair a nice atmosphere with their meal should make a reservation at Customshop , a “chef-driven restaurant” in Midtown. “They recently changed ownership and though the chef-owner, Andres Kaifer, has created a giant impact and switched some things up (for the better), it remains one of the city's most beloved restaurants,” says Smith. “It's a spot where you can rely on the consistency of a delicious, creative, and special meal... It's [also] cozy and romantic and feels like a break from reality.”

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Travelers with an affinity for high-end designer clothes may already know of Capitol , the legendary luxury boutique founded by Laura Vinroot Poole, as well as its sibling property, Poole Shop . The SouthPark stores are known for their expertly curated inventories — expect to see names such as Saint Laurent, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, and Carolina Herrera among the racks. 

Along with several large shopping complexes —  SouthPark Mall , Atherton Mill and Market , and Phillips Place — Charlotte has a variety of smaller shops, many of which are frequented by Creft and Smith. “I love stopping by 704 Shop to pick up Charlotte paraphernalia and [The] Brown Sugar Collab to shop products by BIPOC women suppliers,” says Creft. To add to your plant collection, head to Oakdale Greenhouses . “The owner, Bill, is a plant expert and is on-call for plant emergencies and education or tips. It's a family-run shop that is super welcoming,” says Smith. She also adds she regularly visits “ The Jungle [for] gifts and home decor, Boris and Natasha [for] clothing and accessories, and Paper Skyscraper [for] gifts.” 

For a slightly different shopping experience, keep an eye out for pop-ups. “I also do a lot of shopping during pop-up events which are often held at Camp North End or other industrial venues or warehouses,” says Smith. “ VTGCLT happens a few times a year and is a cool way to learn about new and fresh vendors and to scoop up unique antiques/pieces.”

JillLang/Getty Images

“Spring and fall are the prettiest seasons in Charlotte,” says Kaifer, who shares that the weather this time of year is “almost always perfect.” Smith agrees, noting that Charlotte has a “very short spring,” but travelers should aim to visit in April, October, or early November. The shoulder seasons also give way to quite a few festivals and sporting events. In the spring, mark your calendar for the Wells Fargo Championship , Charlotte Wine and Food Week , and the Coca-Cola 600 . Autumn festivities include the Charlotte International Arts Festival , Charlotte Craft Beer Week , and the Festival in the Park . 

Skyhobo/Getty Images

If you’re searching for the city center, or the “downtown,” you’ll need to make your way to Uptown Charlotte. Here, you’ll find the central business district, as well as a plethora of museums and sporting areas. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, and the Mint Museum are all located in the neighborhood, as are the Bank of America Stadium, the Spectrum Center, and Truist Field. Uptown Charlotte is also broken down into four wards — within the Second Ward, you’ll find the area that was once known as Brooklyn , which Creft recommends for travelers looking “to learn more about the history of the predominantly Black community that thrived there many years ago.”

Smith adds NoDa, short for North Davidson, to her list of must-experience Charlotte neighborhoods. The city’s arts and entertainment district, NoDa has a wide range of sights and activities to keep you busy. Embark on a self-guided street art tour to see the area’s impressive murals, pop in and out of vintage shops, or check the schedules at Neighborhood Theatre or The Evening Muse to see if any live performances strike your fancy. 

Plaza Midwood

Both Kaifer and Smith share their affinity for Plaza Midwood. Similarly to the NoDa neighborhood, Kaifer says it has a “great variety of retail and great restaurants, and [it’s] also nice to walk around in.” The pedestrian-friendly area is populated with historic homes, consignment shops, boutiques, breweries, and Veterans Park , where you can explore 19 acres of trails, green space, and more. 

Camp North End

Camp North End is technically billed as a “creative hub” versus a full neighborhood, but the 76-acre campus — which once served as Charlotte’s first Ford Motor Company factory — is filled with interesting tenants with stories to tell. “There is a local coffee and [natural] wines shop ( Hex ), a record store ( Hardy Boys Records ), a dairy-free ice cream shop ( Seemingly Overzealous ), a salon ( Explicit ), artist studios, shops , a charcuterie bar , and more,” says Smith. 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the country. An American Airlines hub, it’s also served by seven other major airlines — including Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and United — and offers flights to 180 destinations around the world. Uber or Lyft are readily available at the airport, but travelers can also opt to use the CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) Sprinter Service . The bus provides rides (which take anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes) between CLT and Uptown Charlotte, and one-way tickets cost $2.20. 

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Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and a car is necessary if you’re going to explore beyond Uptown. Still, there are a few other ways to get around the city center. The LYNX Blue Line light rail line serves 26 stations, and its routes span over 20 miles. One-way, one-day, seven-day, and round-trip tickets can be purchased through the self-service ticket vending machines at the stations or via the CATS-Pass app . If you prefer to tour the city on two wheels, hop on a Charlotte Joy Rides e-bike. A Flash Pass grants you a 30-minute membership for $5, and a $30 Joy Pass gives you bike access for 24 hours. 

Vice president’s visit to Charlotte causes traffic delays; police say expect congestion

P olice are warning Charlotte commuters to anticipate traffic delays and road closures Thursday afternoon because of Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit.

According to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police alert, uptown and southeast Charlotte will be impacted by the closures and delays, as well as roads near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

This is Harris’ second visit to the city in two weeks as the Biden-Harris administration ramps up its re-election campaign in North Carolina. Former president Donald Trump won North Carolina in 2016 and again in 2020 despite losing that contest to President Joe Biden.

On Thursday, Harris is scheduled to make an announcement about investments in climate action by the administration and speak at a campaign reception.

The vice president is scheduled to depart from Charlotte Douglas for Washington around 5:15 p.m.

CMPD spokesperson Michael Allinger said the delays should clear up by 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.

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