At least you have a sense of humor about it!!!

- HF

Think Salt Lake City with Baptists.

Indeed, to the family values crowd it's not too far off from a model city. Even if you point out shortcomings, you won't get agreement that those are shortcomings. Sprawl and long commuting times? A necessary component of "the good life!" Museums, restaurants, bars, etc. Sure, we got one!

They also like NASCAR so much that they get a longer race than anyone else. NASCAR fans are famously loyal to sponsors...even though some of the same companies are the ones laying people off or sending jobs to India. The local independent small business that still has jobs doesn't likely have the bucks to be a NASCAR sponsor.

I grew up in Charlotte and left on my 18th birthday. I agree with the general picture that is being painted here.

Ok, I am familiar with both Ireland and the Carolinas. So let me try and help you. Dublin is similar to Charlotte just more sprawled out. How do you get around in Dublin, same in Charlotte except no commuter train around town, only between cities. Taxi, bicycle, foot or friend should be considered. The coast is the equivelant of traveling from Dublin to Gorey (if you don't know where that is I can give another reference). Metrolina is a train, in case you did not know. I have never seen a town that was boring and I have never been bored. People that are bored are usually boring and spend a lot of time typing repetitive things and being lonely. Life is what you make of it. If you like history, there is plenty to see. Charlotte is the Queen city and you will understand that if you are into history. The weather will be similar to that in Cork in April just slightly warmer. There are many great things to see that are nearby and if you are into history consider one of the local tour companies. NYC can be undesirable for many reasons (similar to those in London) but hey, there is plenty to do. Same for Charlotte, just not so many choices.

However, bankers are known for having extremely large houses and very nice cars because it takes so long for them to get to said large houses in suburbia. Not that this will entertain you much ...

If you're looking to attend a lot of church, I guess that is one way that Charlotte shines. I went to the largest church I'd ever been in when I last visited. I don't really know much else about it.

Oh what a bunch of malarkey.....I can argue that you are easily amused...

- HF

Those who look for the positive, live longer and happier than those who look for the negative!

Honesty sometimes is perceived as negativity...you should change your name from Dr. Bond to Mr. Sunshine then...

There are six NASCAR SpeedPark�s racetracks.
Mint Museum of Art.
Mint Museum of Craft + Design.
Paramount�s Carowinds.
Zuma Fun Center.
Chimney Rock Park.
wild animal park, a bird conservatory, and an ostrich farm.
Charlotte is home to layers of history: Catawba Indians roaming the land, the arrival of Scotch-Irish settlers from the North, the first gold rush in the country, and famous Revolutionary War battles.
Carolinas Aviation Museum
Schiele Museum
Charlotte Museum of History
Levine Museum of the New South
Museum of York County
Discovery Place
NC Transportation Museum
Charlotte Trolley
RESTAURANTS:
Aquavina
Arpa
Azteca
Baoding
Boardwalk Billy�s
Brixx
Caffe Siena
Camille's
Don Pedro
Fox and Hound
Frank Manzetti's
Harper�s
Jo Jo's
Lakefront Restaurant
Latorre's
LaVecchia's Seafood Grille
McCormick & Schmick's
Mimosa Grill
Nakato
Nikko
Omaha SteakHouse (this one is located in the Embassy Suites and is GOOD)
The Grape
Upstream
Wan Fu
Zink
Brazas
Copeland's
Dilworth
Neighborhood Grille
Gold Pepper Grill & Lounge
Lava Bistro
Mert's Heart & Soul
Namaste
Original Pancake House
Pewter Rose
Savannah Red
Shun Lee Palace
Sushi at the Lake
Vinnie's Sardine
And for a more detailed list of things to do, go here:
http://www.charlottecvb.org
Also remember that you are within a short distance to many other locations. The only problem there is your transportation.

I refer to my original post.

You wouldn't say that if you read some of his posts in the Delta forum. It's ok, Bondy, I like you anyway.

HF, I have lived in Charlotte and Greenville. Honestly, there is a difference between living and visiting and maybe that's the source of our disagreement. Living in a place, you are more familiar with what's there, but often looking for something different from what a visitor seeks.

That is true...I am sure people hate NY and for good reason...it's not for everybody...knowing my luck, I will fall MADLY in love with a woman and will make her my wife and she will be from Charlotte and she will want to live there. My punishment for bad-mouthing the city...

Also, my opinion of Charlotte is formed while in my early 20's, as I reach my mid-30's life may deal some changes that may make me soften my opinion of the city....it still ain't NY, though.

- HF

Nor will it ever be. What Charlotte aspires to is to become Atlanta!

How true. Let us hope it never achieves that!

If you're still there I'd recommend you check out Charleston over Myrtle Beach. Much more history but there are still beaches at the outlying areas.

Drive over to Asheville as well...