Charlotte is the perfect hybrid of southern charm and urban sophistication—a great place for personal and professional growth as well as a spot for culturally enriching experiences—that is, if you know where to look.

Blessed with generally mild weather year-round (winter temperatures hardly kick in until late October/early November), many choose Charlotte as an ideal weekend getaway. Our city is truly an unexpected travel treat. Yes, it’s a hotbed for business and corporate wheeling and dealing due to the city serving as headquarters for several major corporations, including powerhouses Bank of America and Goodrich. But Charlotte is more than just a financial center: it is a place of artistic diversity, cultural enrichment and stylish flair.

Charlotte has a plethora of great places for food and entertainment, with many wonderful options within walking distance of Center City in Uptown. Sometimes it just takes a little exploring.

Where to Go: Art & Culture NoDa. Yes, Charlotte has an eclectic side, which often manifests itself in Charlotte’s Historic Arts District. The heart of the district is located at North Davidson and 36th Street. The area is called NoDa, and houses art galleries, restaurants …

Originally located at 403 North Myers Street, as part of the historic Little Rock AME Zion Church, The Afro-American Cultural Center is now the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Culture and is housed in a brand new facility in Uptown Charlotte. The newly constructed center is located at 551 South Tryon Street. Opening on October 24, it will serve a dual function as both an art and history museum as well as a cultural center. This four-story building will contain 7,000 square feet of gallery space. The new center will feature the Hewitt Collection, originally purchased in 1998 by Bank of America. Artists on display in that collection include: Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Jonathan Green and Ann Tanksley. The Center holds a variety of events throughout the year. Everything from summer camps for children to independent film showings and book signings by leading African American authors have been showcased at the Center. It is a place of ongoing learning and development in an open and welcoming atmosphere for the entire community.