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Mid-Atlantic
Road TripsCharlotte Sightseeing
Self-guided TravelExploring on foot is a great way to get to know the Queen City, allowing you to take in the sights, venture to nearby restaurants and see all there is to offer. A walking tour of Uptown highlights 24 places of interest; maps are available at all Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Visitor Info Center locations. Sites on the route include First Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1857; The Green; Kaskey's bronze statues at The Square; Thomas Polk Park; and The Plaza at Two Wells Fargo Center, which features a fountain complete with bronze figures of frolicking children.
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Those interested in Victorian architecture will want to make a trip to Historic Fourth Ward. In 1869 residential Charlotte was divided into four voting districts called wards. Fourth Ward, the northwest quadrant, was occupied by merchants and ministers. This area, between 10th, Graham, 5th and Tryon streets, eventually deteriorated until restoration efforts began in the late 1970s. Today the neighborhood contains approximately 75 “Grand Old Ladies,” colorfully painted Victorian residences. A fountain marks the entrance to Fourth Ward Park, bordered by Pine, Poplar, 6th and 8th streets. Descriptive brochures with a detailed map are available around the neighborhood and at the Visitor Info Center, which is full of more recommendations for things to do in Charlotte, such as the best places to eat and visit while on vacation.
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Or you may just opt to take a relaxing stroll through the McGill Rose Garden at 940 N. Davidson St. This 1.3-acre urban sanctuary contains more than 200 varieties of roses as well as annuals, perennials and herbs; phone (704) 905-9808.
A Revolutionary Destination
The Charlotte Liberty Walk walking tour connects more than a dozen Revolutionary War sites throughout Uptown, including Independence Square, Old Settlers' Cemetery and the Thomas Polk Homesite; the walk begins at the Battle of Charlotte Monument on S. Tryon Street and is marked by red granite pavers.
Charlotte, NC
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlotte895 W Trade St. Charlotte, NC 28202
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Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
The Westin Charlotte601 S College St. Charlotte, NC 28202
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates! Members also receive free breakfast at Hyatt Place/Hyatt House with their World of Hyatt membership!
Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport/Tyvola Road2950 Oak Lake Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28208
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte SouthPark4808 Sharon Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210
Book NowCity Population
731,424
Elevation
734 ft.
Sales Tax
North Carolina has a 4.75 percent state sales tax; Mecklenburg County levies an additional 2 percent sales tax. Mecklenburg County also levies an 8 percent occupancy tax for lodging, a 1 percent prepared food and beverage tax and an 8 percent tax for rental cars.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(704) 336-7600. Info hotline: 311
Fire (non-emergency)
(704) 336-4174
Hospitals
Atrium Health University City, (704) 863-6000; Carolinas Medical Center, (704) 355-2000; Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy, (704) 304-5000; Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, (704) 384-4000.
Visitor Information
501 S. College St. Charlotte, NC 28202. Phone:(704)339-6040 or (800)231-4636
Air Travel
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 6 miles west of the city on Josh Birmingham Parkway, and is accessible from Billy Graham Parkway or Wilkinson Boulevard. A hub for American Airlines, the airport is served by other major airlines as well; phone (704) 359-4910. If you're looking for things to do this weekend, check AAA.com or ask a AAA Travel Agent about airline tickets—sometimes available as part of a AAA Vacations® package.
Rental Cars
Hertz, 5489 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., offers discounts to AAA members; phone (704) 359-0114 or (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
Amtrak, (800) 872-7245, has a station at 1914 N. Tryon St.
Buses
A Greyhound station serves Charlotte at 601 W. Trade St.; phone (704) 372-0456.
Taxis
Cabs are metered and charge a base fare of around $2.50, plus approximately $2.50 per mile or 50c per minute when the vehicle drops below 15 miles per hour. These companies operate from the airport's queue—City Cab, (704) 333-3327; Crown Cab, (704) 334-6666; Green Cab, (704) 777-1117; and Yellow Cab, (980) 785-1405; they all increase the base fare $2 per person for more than two passengers.
Public Transportation
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), (704) 336-7433, serves the city with more than 70 local and express routes. One-way fare is $2.20; $1.10 (children in kindergarten through grade 12, ages 62+ and the physically impaired); free (ages 0-5). Express fare (buses pick up in a limited area and travel directly to Uptown) is $3; $1.50 (children in kindergarten through grade 12, ages 62+ and the physically impaired); free (ages 0-5). Transfers from local to express are 80c; local to local transfers are free.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
