Charlotte

The Carolinas' largest metropolis, and one of the country's fastest-growing areas, Charlotte is a top banking center. British General Cornwallis occupied the town for a short time in 1780, but met such determined resistance that he called it a "hornet's nest," a name that has been applied to the city seal. There is much to see and do, whether it's history (the birthplace of the 11th president, James K. Polk), religion (the birthplace and headquarters for evangelical minister Billy Graham), sports (professional football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR) or the arts (try the free and fabulous public art walking tour).