Charlotte blends big-city amenities with Southern hospitality, making it a popular destination for travel nurses looking for career opportunity and lifestyle balance. As North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte offers diverse neighborhoods, a booming food scene, pro sports, and easy access to both mountains and lakes for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re working at one of the area’s major health systems or a smaller specialty facility, here’s how to make the most of your time in the Queen City.
Neighborhoods to explore
NoDa (North Davidson)
Charlotte’s arts district is filled with galleries, live music venues, breweries, and creative energy.
South End
Trendy and walkable with restaurants, breweries, light rail access, and a younger professional crowd.
Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Plaza Midwood
Eclectic and vibrant, known for nightlife, vintage shops, and diverse dining options.
Dilworth
A charming, historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and bungalow-style homes.
Uptown
Central and convenient, especially for nurses working in major hospital systems.
Restaurants to try
Haberdish
A modern Southern kitchen known for elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere in NoDa.
Mert’s Heart & Soul
A Charlotte staple serving classic soul food like shrimp and grits, meatloaf, and collard greens.
Photo: Supperland
Supperland
An upscale, creative take on Southern cuisine housed in a restored church—perfect for a special night out.
Optimist Hall
A food hall offering everything from barbecue and seafood to international street food and dessert spots.
Midwood Smokehouse
A go-to for Carolina-style barbecue, brisket, and comfort sides after a long shift.
Things to do
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Even non-race fans will enjoy the interactive exhibits and history of stock car racing.
Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Freedom Park
A favorite local green space with walking paths, ponds, and skyline views.
Mint Museum Uptown
Explore American, contemporary, and international art in a modern setting.
Uptown Charlotte
The city’s business and entertainment hub with museums, restaurants, and professional sports venues.
Carowinds Amusement Park
Just outside the city, this popular park offers thrill rides and seasonal festivals.
Recreation
Photo: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
U.S. National Whitewater Center
A major outdoor attraction offering rafting, kayaking, trail running, rock climbing, and live music.
Hiking and nature trails
Explore nearby trails at Crowders Mountain State Park or Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.
Lake Norman and Lake Wylie
Great for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and weekend relaxation.
Fitness and wellness
Yoga studios, barre classes, and fitness communities are plentiful across the city.
Entertainment
Live music venues
Venues like The Fillmore, PNC Music Pavilion, and Neighborhood Theatre host touring acts year-round.
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Broadway shows, ballet, symphony performances, and theater productions.
Craft breweries
Charlotte has a strong brewery scene, with popular stops including NoDa Brewing Company, Sycamore, and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
Photo: Troy Hull, The Charlotte Post
Professional sports teams
No matter the season, live professional sporting events in Charlotte are easy to come by. The city is home to the Carolina Panthers of the NFL, Charlotte Hornets of the NBA, and Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC.
Festivals and events
Charlotte’s calendar is packed with seasonal events and community celebrations.
Photo: WFAE 90.7 via 600 Festival
Speed Street (May)
Held on the same weekend as the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Speed Street is a NASCAR-themed festival with live music, food, and racing culture.
Charlotte SHOUT! (Spring)
A multi-week arts festival featuring music, food, murals, and interactive installations.
Taste of Charlotte (Summer)
A popular food festival showcasing local restaurants and chefs.
Carolina Renaissance Festival (Fall)
A medieval-themed festival with performances, food, and artisan vendors just outside the city.
Winterfest at Carowinds (December)
Holiday lights, seasonal treats, and festive entertainment.
Big-city energy with a bit of Southern charm
Charlotte offers travel nurses a well-rounded experience with professional opportunity, vibrant culture, outdoor adventure, and livable neighborhoods. Whether you’re grabbing barbecue after a shift, catching a game Uptown, or spending a weekend on the lake, the Queen City makes it easy to feel at home while on a travel assignment.
