A common misconception is that Charlotte’s a new city when actually the Queen City predates the Revolutionary War. Settled in 1750, just prior to the War of Independence, the city was named for Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III who ruled the Colonies at the time the city of Charlotte was first chartered by European settlers. And the area surrounding Charlotte was named Mecklenburg after Queen Charlotte’s German homeland.

Charlotte is a city of diverse and electric neighborhoods. Let’s explore some popular things to do in two of them.

Uptown Charlotte refers to the downtown or financial district. If you are looking to buy any type of Charlotte, NC real estate – condo, townhome or single family home – many options exist in Uptown. Proximity to professional sporting events is a huge benefit to living in Uptown.

The Charlotte skyline provides the perfect backdrop for watching the Triple A Charlotte Knights at Truist Field. The Knights, a Chicago White Sox affiliate team, always offers a fun fan experience that includes an array of food offerings, promotional offers, and Friday night fireworks. According to locals, there’s not a bad seat in the ballpark.

As a region known for NCAA basketball powerhouses, Charlotte excitedly welcomed the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Hornets in 1988. Fans can enjoy watching the hometown team at the Spectrum Center in the heart of Uptown.

Charlotte is also home to the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers and Major League Soccer’s, Charlotte Football, who both play at the Bank of America Stadium.

Dilworth is a neighborhood just south of Uptown and is accessible by the Light Rail. Beautiful tree-lined streets welcome you home to this charming residential community filled with an eclectic mix of shopping and dining options. Dilworth is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or a night-out – you may even find your next home.

Many homebuyers of Charlotte, NC real estate chose Dilworth because of its proximity to greenspace. At the southern end of Dilworth you will find Freedom Park. With nearly 100 acres it's a perfect spot for a picnic along the lake, a walk along the trails, or an enthusiastic match of tennis.

Breweries are a huge part of the entertainment scene in Charlotte – it’s how people know where you live – you tell them which brewery you are near. With nearly 50 breweries in Mecklenburg county, here’s a small list of popular places to visit.

Along the Rail Trail you will find that Sycamore Brewery is a great place to bike to. The award-winning brewery with a lively tap house and beer garden is in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte. Live music, food trucks, and a huge outdoor seating area make this a popular spot for locals and visitors – a must-stop on any brewery tour.

Legion Brewing has expanded and in addition to its original taproom in Midwood Plaza, beer enthusiasts can enjoy the cool, laid-back vibe of the original taphouse in two new locations — Southpark and West Moreland. Their tagline says it’s all about beers and friends at Legion Brewing.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten is Charlotte's oldest craft brewery and largest beer garden. This local staple is great for groups and families. Feel free to bring your human kids or canine ones too.