Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ally inspired selection of small plates, from spanakopita to Korean BBQ, a Cuban panini
and sushi rolls.
Information
Check out the alt-weekly
Creative Loafing
(
charlotte.creativeloafting.com
) for entertain-
ment listings.
Public Library
(College St)
The public libraryhas 90 terminals with free internet.
Visitor Center
( 800-231-4636, 704-331-2700;
www.charlottesgotalot.com
; 330 S Tryon St;
8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Sat)
The downtown visitor center publishes maps and a vis-
itors' guide.
Getting There & Around
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
(CLT; 704-359-4027;
www.charmeck.org/depart
ments/airport; 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy)
is a US Airways hub with direct flights from
Europe and the UK. Both the
Greyhound station
(601 W Trade St)
and
Amtrak
(1914 N Try-
local bus and light-rail services.
TOP OF CHAPTER
North Carolina Mountains
These ancient mountains have drawn seekers for generations. Cherokee came here to
hunt, followed by 18th-century Scots-Irish immigrants looking for a better life. Lofty
towns like Blowing Rock drew the sickly, who came for the fresh air. Today, scenic
drives, leafy trails and roaring rivers draw outdoor adventurers.
The Appalachians in the western part of the state include the Great Smoky, Blue
Ridge, Pisgah and Black Mountain sub-ranges. Carpeted in blue-green hemlock, pine and
oak trees, these cool hills are home to cougars, deer, black bears, wild turkeys and great
horned owls. Hiking, camping, climbing and rafting adventures abound, and there's an-
other jaw-dropping photo opportunity around every bend.
High Country
The northwestern corner of the state is known as 'High Country.' Its main towns are
Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, all short drives from the Blue Ridge Pkwy.
