Mention the nickname “Queen City” and any resident of North Carolina will probably know that you’re referring to the city of Charlotte. As the largest state in North Carolina, this gem of south-eastern USA is a magnetic metropolis that is family-friendly, outdoorsy and jam-packed with attractions ranging from hair-raising rollercoasters to intriguing museums for the culture-curious. A rental car from Charlotte is a travel essential that makes commute between locations seamless; allowing visitors to optimise their time in this city. Upon landing in Charlotte Douglas International Airport, pick up your hire car and get exploring.
A backstory of how the great California Gold Rush started was when a young boy named Conrad Reed picked up a 17-pound rock by chance. Little did he know that he had chanced upon North America’s first piece of gold. Feeling lucky? Visitors can try panning for this shimmering metal at Reed Gold Mine that is located near Albemarle, North Carolina, which is approximately a 9-hour drive from Charlotte via rental car. Only this time you would know not to give up the rock to a sharp-eyed merchant for only $3.50; which was what Conrad Reed did.
As pretty as the name of the city, Charlotte has an array of gardens featuring spectacular blooms like opulent orchids and lush tropical plants. Drive your hire car down to Charlotte’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for a sanctuary that plays host to awe-striking nature. Visitors can also drive their rental car down to Charlotte’s McGill Rose Garden for a stroll that’s bound to leave visitors rosy and revitalised. Visitors might even momentarily forget that they are in the city, given the immersive experience at these botanical hideaways.
Known for its tender texture and mind-blowing flavour, visitors are in for a gastronomical treat as they indulge in a North Carolina signature—pulled pork. Charlotte is dotted with restaurants and barbeque joints that are cooking up this delicacy beloved by locals. Drive your comfy Charlotte hire car down to various eateries for this exceptional chow. Charlotte’s quickest way to a traveller’s heart, is through their stomachs.
Work up that heart rate at Carowinds Amusement Park as you board Fury 325 and ride through its twists and turns. It’s a hair-raising rollercoaster that is among the tallest and fastest in the world. Visitors can also swing by Catawba River, Lake Wylie or Lake Norman in their Charlotte hire car for a sun-soaked afternoon while paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking.
Hop into your Charlotte rental car and go on a culture crawl. Visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture or Mint Museum Randolph for inspiring visual treats in uptown Charlotte. Ranging from contemporary art to masterpieces from around the world, these exhibits are definitely thought-provokers and crowd-pleasers.
Charlotte is truly a fascinating city with much to offer; it’s poised to leave visitors wishing for more. Before your departure, return your rental car at Charlotte Douglas International Airport or at any other Hertz location. With exciting adventures; the glittering city of Charlotte surprises and awaits you.