Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Martin McAllister

Since the 1960s, Renaissance Fairs have become major annual events in the lives of a large number of Americans. These outdoor festivals generally focus on the re-enactment of life during the English Renaissance, usually imagined within an English town during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Since the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire was held in North Hollywood in 1963, fairs have spread across North America in epic proportions. Some of the most notable fairs include the New York Renaissance Faire (located in Tuxedo, New York), the Renaissance Faire of Southern California and the Carolina Renaissance Festival, which is held in North Carolina every October and November.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival takes place over six weekends and incorporates a 10-stage theatre, a 20-acre circus, an arts and craft fair, a jousting tournament and a feast – all contained within a medieval-theme amusement park. Established in 1994, the Carolina Renaissance Festival actually began on only 6 acres of land. However, now spanning over 20 acres, the park is home to a range of cottages, castles and a variety of medieval games and rides. Visitors to the fair will also find over 100 food stalls, as well as an array of comedy shows and musical features.

As one of North America’s largest Renaissance fairs, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is now one of the country’s most interactive entertainment events; after all, it has over 500 costumed participants and characters commandeering the festival village. Furthermore, the festival is just a 20 minute drive away from Charlotte, the state capital – so you can escape the madness of the fair if it ever becomes too much.

If you’re planning to visit the Carolina Renaissance Festival, spending some quality time in Charlotte is extremely worthwhile. Charlotte is home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Charlotte Museum of History, the Mint Museums and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte – one of the top youth theatres in the country. What’s more, you can also visit the top tourist attraction in North Carolina, Concord Mills, which features a large range of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment events. Tourists will find an array of top hotels in Charlotte; so if you’re looking for accommodation in the city when you’re enjoying the delights of the Carolina Renaissance Festival, you won’t be short of options.

By Sumit Sharma

United States offers a bunch of magnificent destinations to the tourists. Boston, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and many other names constitute the list of fabulous places for an excursion. Anyone can hardly disagree on the fact that this region in the world map has got a distinction amongst destinations because of fabulous historical and modern credentials. Charlotte is one of the cities that contribute highly in shaping up such an image of United States.

City of Charlotte is one of the major cities with a long history in the United States. It is the historical background of the place what intrigues tourists to land in here. A fine combination of 18th century areas and modern establishments, Charlotte makes you feel quiet and interesting. Walking through some areas takes you back in the 18th century while a glance at the skyscrapers in the Central Business District presents a different picture of modern Charlotte.

Historical venues such as Latta Plantation, Rosedale and several others are as impressive as they were in the past. Stroll through one of the Charlotte’s beautiful historic neighborhoods to get an idea of past life in Old South. On the other hand host of new skyscrapers present a bunch of modern stuff. You should head for the Discovery Place to become aware of the modern assets of the city. A hands-on science museum featuring Planetarium and Omnimax theatre at the Discovery Place entertains people a lot. Nightlife in Charlotte is also exciting. A stroll through the Tyron Street presents you with bouquet of restaurants and bars.