Travel Log: Charlotte

Charlotte was destined to be NASCAR's home. The area was born in 1692 at the intersection of two Native American trading paths. Today it's considered the second-largest banking center in the United States.

Money and transportation -- it was a natural fit.

The Queen City is packed full of historical neighborhoods that flank it on all sides. But just a short drive northwest of the city is Concord, where a large chunk of NASCAR calls home.

DID YOU KNOW?

Approximately 82 percent of Nextel Cup teams are based within 500 miles of the Charlotte area.

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS

Race Shop Tours -- To truly get inside the NASCAR garage, the best way is to get inside the shop. The company offers a seven-hour tour through 23 team shops throughout Concord, N.C., and beyond. It's the closest anyone can ever be to a NASCAR team.

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U.S. National Whitewater Center -- Before feeling the raw horsepower at the track, spend a day experiencing hydropower and the best scenery nature has to offer at the newly opened U.S. National Whitewater Center. Climbing, kayaking and whitewater rafting are the draws at the center, and visitors of all ages can rent all the equipment needed for such adventures. Take a breather from the late-May heat and cruise down the multiple-channel, customized whitewater river. Adventures are for all ability levels.

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Charlotte Trolley -- The first public transit system in Charlotte was chartered in 1883 to develop and operate a streetcar line. Since then, the trolley has been an integral part of the Queen City's growth. Now for $2 visitors can ride the trolley from Charlotte's South End to the heart of Uptown, where noted eateries and pubs crowd the tour.

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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT

Big Al's Pub & Grubberia -- Best wings, great sandwiches and cold beer: those are the words from one of NASCAR.COM's own who is privy to the local scene. Big Al's has got a little bit of everything for the family and the sports junkie. There's dogs and pizza, there's broccoli-cheese soup, and of course there's wings of every flavor.

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WEATHER FORECAST

Highs are expected to be in the mid-80s late in the week and could hit 90 degrees by Sunday. Click here for complete forecast.

TRAVEL

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