1. Stop Searching. The Best BBQ In The State Is Right Here
Charlotte’s got all the top North Carolina barbecue. From Bobbee O’s BBQ, Midwood Smokehouse and Mac’s Speed Shop to McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon, and the many others, there’s no comparison.
These people understand the art of slow-cooked, juicy, tasty North Carolina Barbecue. Every Charlottean has their favorite, and will be happy to give you a list of reasons that their favorite barbecue joint is the best in the Queen City.
2. You Live And Die By The Carolina Panthers
No one understands Panther pride like Charlotte. The whole town is black and blue and running amok during football season. Every home game has been sold out since 2002, which means one thing: Charlotte loves the Panthers more than life itself. There’s nothing like hearing them sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ to the top of their lungs after a home victory.
3. And You Can’t Wait For The Hornets To Get Back In The Game
Basketball is almost as big a deal in Charlotte as football, and even more so this year. The NBA Charlotte Hornets just announced their schedule as the Hornets once again.
For the last 10 years they have been the Charlotte Bobcats, but now the Hornets are back with a vengeance, accompanied by Hugo T. Hornet and the Charlotte Honey Bees doing their sideline dances. This year is going to be epic.
4. No, “Sharon” Isn’t A Person
If you’re not from Charlotte you might find yourself asking - “Who is Sharon?” There’s Sharon Lane, Sharon Amity, Sharon Road, Sharonview, Sharon Forest Drive, Sharon Acres Road, Sharon Woods Lane…. and the list goes on and on and on. There’s countless churches with the name ‘Sharon’, too. If you aren’t from Charlotte, you’ll decide this Sharon person was definitely an important part of their history. Charlotteans know the truth: Sharon isn’t a person at all. Sharon is a place. In the Bible, Sharon refers to the coastal plain of Palestine, today’s Israel - and is the reason that everything has ‘Sharon’ in the name.
5. If By “Fast” You Mean Awesome, Then Yes, Charlotte Has Fast Food
Charlotte has some of the best fast food in the south. We’re not talking McDonald’s and Burger King here - the fast food in Charlotte puts those chains to shame. Bojangles, based in Charlotte, is known for their famous chicken and biscuits. There’s nothing better than the greasy, delicious burgers and fries at Cookout. They wash it all down with one of Cookout’s forty shake flavors, like strawberry cheesecake, cherry cobbler and banana pudding.
6. NASCAR Race Week Means A Party Or A Vacation
The Charlotte Motor Speedway isn’t actually in Charlotte, it’s in Concord 13 miles a way, but don’t let that fool you. Charlotte is a madhouse during race week, twice yearly in May and October. It’s the week that the locals either head to the races to party with the rest of them, or they head to their favorite NC coastal town to escape the craziness. They’d rather just visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is quieter and located right in Charlotte.
7. Driving In Charlotte Is Like Navigating Through A Hornet’s Nest
Charlotte’s nickname “The Hornet’s Nest” is a great metaphor for the traffic here. Driving here is maddening, even for the locals. It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or a lifelong Charlottean, the repeated intersection names and long road names confuse everyone.
Even the most seasoned Charlottean is known to make wrong turns at the Queens Road/Queens Road and Providence Road/Providence Road intersection, or the Sardis Road and Sardis Road intersection. Let’s not even talk about Idlewild/Rama/Sardis/Fairview/Tyvola Road. That’s too complicated.
8. Of Course Burgers And Sushi Go Great Together, Duh
Some Charlotteans love burgers. Some love sushi. This is the precise reason that “burgushi: exists: A unique fusion of burgers and sushi found at Cowfish in Charlotte. The phenomenon recently spread to a restaurant in Raleigh, which isn’t surprising considering the utter amazingness of this unique flavor bomb. But everyone knows Charlotte was the original source.
9. Carowinds Is The Real Happiest Place On Earth
Carowinds is the best summer adventure in the entire state of North Carolina, and everyone knows it. 13 thrilling coasters including the Carolina Cyclone and the Carolina Cobra, and Planet Snoopy has everything for the little ones. It’s also got the best water park, Boomerang Bay, in the state. Everyone in Charlotte heads here for thrills, spills, adventure and to beat the stress.
10. All The Cool Kids In Charlotte Go To NoDa
Looking for the latest craft beer? How about local, sustainable shopping and art? Incredible indie music? Are you a major foodie?
The North Davidson district, aka “NoDa” is where all the cool folks and hipsters go to enjoy all the best of the Queen City. Wear your coolest tattoos and mustaches out in the open for all to see. Holding your pinky out while drinking craft beer is optional.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Charlotte in the comments below! 
