Welcome to Charlotte, North Carolina, the Queen City. On this driving tour, you’ll explore the heart of Charlotte and learn how this crossroads town grew into one of the South’s fastest-growing cities. The name Queen City comes from Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England. But despite that royal connection, Charlotte has always had a rebellious streak. During the Revolutionary War, locals resisted the British so fiercely that General Cornwallis called Charlotte a “hornet’s nest of rebellion.” That spirit is still part of the city’s identity today. As we drive, you’ll hear us refer to this area inside the I-277 beltway as Uptown Charlotte. Most cities have a “downtown,” but Charlotte is different. In the city’s early days, the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets sat on the highest point of land in the area. People said they were going “up to town” when they headed here, and that phrase never disappeared. By the 1980s, “Uptown” was officially adopted as the name. So here, you don’t go downtown — you go Uptown. Today, Charlotte is known as America’s second-largest banking center, home to Bank of America and Truist, and as the capital of NASCAR, with most of the sport’s teams based nearby. But you’ll also find world-class museums, historic neighborhoods, vibrant parks, and a skyline that reflects the city’s growth and ambition. Over the course of this tour, we’ll highlight Charlotte’s landmarks, share its history, and point out some fun surprises along the way. Our route starts right here with a tribute to Charlotte’s need for speed — the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Carteret County, North Carolina
Hello there and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Carteret County, North Carolina, specifically the cities of Beaufort and Morehead. I encourage you to slow down and enjoy the drive. You may even want to pull over entirely at some of our stops because I have so much I want to share with you about this exciting, historic county along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. First, let me introduce you to the Star Team, our local real estate experts and the sponsor of today’s tour. With a proven reputation based on more than 20 years of exceeding client expectations, this experienced, highly-qualified team of brokers and support staff has what it takes to keep you – the client – the number one priority. Knowledge of the local market, clear communication and, above all, integrity combine to make The Star Team your trusted team for Crystal Coast real estate. You can reach them at infor@starteamrealestate.com or call 252-727-5656. Now, let’s get started with the tour. Follow the GPS navigation to our first destination.