The city is notable as the “Queen City” to honor British queen consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, “The Hornet’s Nest” for being a nest of rebellion and “the International Gateway to the South” for its accessible mid-Atlantic location. The pleasant weather of Charlotte, NC is due to its four seasons including winter, spring, summer, and fall. Visitors are offered with attractions, nightlife and entertainment, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
Its Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools public school system is the second largest in the state with the NAEP Awards in 2009. Among the well-known colleges and universities here are Charlotte School of Law, Queens University of Charlotte, and Central Piedmont Community. The Charlotte Area Transit System through trolleys, bus, express shuttles and light rail transit operates mass transit in the city. Its interstate highway system is highly efficient offering drivers very convenient access to the city using bus service. Trailways and Greyhound cater over 350 arrivals and departures in a week. Sports games, outdoor recreation, culture, history, racing and cosmopolitan art are just among the myriad activities available to tourists and local residents. Everyone is invited to visit its must-see and must-experience attractions such as The Billy Graham Library, Carowinds, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Discovery Place. Its Charlotte Restaurant Week from January 17-26, 2014 highlights the best restaurants and their menu, while the NASCAR Hall of Fame 2014 Induction Ceremony on January 29 will take celebrities, sports legends and drivers on stage.