Charlotte Neighbors

The excitement of Charlotte does not end with the city limits—Charlotte’s neighboring areas each possess unique qualities and countless attractions. Venture beyond the city and spend the day exploring the thriving cities and charming towns of the Charlotte region. 

Lake Norman Area
Just a few miles north of Charlotte is Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. Completed by Duke Power in 1963, the lake was built to supply hydroelectric power or energy to this ‘up and coming’ area of NC.  With 520 miles of shoreline and 32,500 acres of sparkling water, the Lake Norman area is a great place to live and work. With the natural beauty of the lake, a wide variety of entertainment and leisure activities, rich histories and small town atmospheres, these Lake Norman communities offer the best of Carolina living.

In Huntersville, the largest of the lake towns, you’ll find historic sites such as Latta Plantation Nature Reserve, which houses the Carolina Raptor Center and an original 1800 farmhouse. You can also enjoy fabulous shopping & dining at Birkdale Village, an open-air retail destination.

The town of Cornelius’ roots can be traced to cotton but it was the damming of Lake Norman when the town came into it’s own.  Today, Cornelius is known for its unique, small town feel combined with a resort setting and amenities.  With Jetton Park, a 106-acre lakefront park, featuring hiking trails, tennis courts, picnic areas & a large playground, this quaint little town is not to be missed.

Mooresville
With racing museums, race shop tours, and the NASCAR Technical Institute, it’s no wonder that Mooresville is known as “Race City USA”. Just 30 miles up I-77 from Charlotte, Mooresville is home to over 70 race teams.

With Lake Norman hugging the town, fishing, boating, and water sports are just as popular as NASCAR.

Mooresville’s main street brings back memories of yesteryear America while visitors enjoy quaint shops in historic buildings. And during your visit be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the famous racecar drivers who call Mooresville home.

Concord/Kannapolis
Once known for its thriving textile industry, Concord/Kannapolis has reinvented itself as “the heart of NASCAR.” Lowe’s Motor Speedway, The Dirt Track, NASCAR SpeedPark, and Concord’s racing museums and galleries all make the area a racing mecca for this sport’s fans.

With almost 200 stores, Concord Mills mall is the number one tourist attraction in North Carolina.

The nearby town of Kannapolis is the hometown of legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, and its charming downtown is perfect for shopping for art and home furnishings.

Rock Hill, SC
Due South and just across the border, Rock Hill is known for being an outdoor recreation haven.

From nature parks to sports parks to trails and greenways, the city’s endless outdoor activities will keep you busy year round.

With dozens of city parks as well, Rock Hill is truly a city devoted to community and fun. Nearby Paramount’s Carowinds features thriller rides, shows, and a water park.

Art lovers will want to visit galleries at Winthrop University and City Hall. As the largest city in York County, SC, Rock Hill’s mild climate and ideal location make it a splendid place to visit.