Charlotte SHOUT! has been a reoccurring annual arts festival in Uptown since 2019. | Photo via Charlotte SHOUT!
With summer tourist season in full-swing, we’ve got travel on the brain. Some might be searching to escape to the other side of the world — may we suggest one of our sister cities — while others might be looking for a quick weekend getaway. Either way, familiarity is nice wherever you roam.
We asked ChatGPT to find travel destinations sharing similarities with the Queen City. Here’s what the artificial intelligence program said.
Important note: Anything written by AI will be in italics for clarity.
Is it just us or does the AI-generated rendering of Atlanta look pretty close to Charlotte?
Economic Profile | ATL is a major economic hub in the Southeastern United States, known for its diverse economy spanning industries such as finance, technology, logistics, media, and healthcare. Both cities host the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies.
Culture and Lifestyle | Both cities have a rich cultural scene, known for music, art, and history. Charlotte has a more laid-back atmosphere, offering a mix of Southern hospitality, outdoor activities, and a growing culinary scene.
Transportation | Atlanta is a major transportation hub with the busiest airport in the world (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) and network of highways. Charlotte is also well-connected by major highways and an airport which saw nearly 54 million travelers in 2023.
Is this AI-generated rendering of Brisbane what Charlotte would be “down under?”
Quality of Life | Both cities attract residents with job opportunities, affordable housing (relative to their economic growth), and a range of amenities. They both have family-friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community.
Business Environment | Both cities have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and are supportive of startups and small businesses.
Outdoor Lifestyle | The cities boast a subtropical climate and four seasons. Charlotte offers a balance of urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities, with nearby access to mountains and beaches.Brisbane offers access to beaches along the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Asked
What other cities are most like Charlotte?
Now it’s your turn — where is your home away from home?
Kayoh Boxing Lessons | Monday, July 8 | 12-1 p.m. | You Vs Yourself, 1701 N. Graham St., Charlotte | $35 | Reach those fitness goals in a heart-pumping workout + registration required.
Jogger For Lagers Run Club | Monday, July 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Amor Artis Brewing, 204 Main St., Ste. 101, Fort Mill | Cost of purchase | Run three to five miles before cooling down with a post-run brew.
SkillPop: Watercolor for Wellness | Monday, July 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Camp North End, 201 Camp Rd., Ste. 200, Charlotte | $42 | Explore the art of watercolors in this course for beginners.
Tuesday, July 9
Coffee with the Chamber | Tuesday, July 9 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Ruby Sunshine, 12330 Johnston Rd., Charlotte | Cost of purchase | Meet business owners and coffee lovers in this breakfast-networking event.
Duke Energy Free Tuesdays | Tuesday, July 9 | 4-8 p.m. | Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia | Free | Explore the natural world through hands-on activities and programs.
Donny Osmond - Direct From Vegas | Tuesday, July 9 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte | $39-$149 | You’ll call it “Puppy Love” when you see the singer perform in Charlotte.
Wednesday, July 10
Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls | Wednesday, July 10 | 12:05 p.m. | Truist Field, 324 S Mint St., Charlotte | $16+ | See a midday showdown between the Knights vs. the Bulls.
Back to the Future: The Musical | Wednesday, July 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $10 | Marty McFly races against time in this Broadway musical created from the cinematic classic.
Copa America Semifinals | Wednesday, July 10 | Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $135+ | Cheer for international powerhouse teams in the semifinal match of South America’s continental championship.
Temperatures are expected to linger in the low 90s this week with heat index values below 105 degrees. Rain is likely in the afternoon hours all week. (WCNC)
Civic
The Mooresville South Iredell NAACP is looking to rename a busy road. The group wants to remove “plantation” from Morrison Plantation Parkway. The change requires a 100% buy-in from landowners. (WSOC)
Biz
Country clubs across Charlotte are spending millions to upgrade amenities for guests, like The Pensinsula Club adding pickleball courts. Many clubs have ongoing projects but remain open to guests. (Charlotte Business Journal)
State
Drivers in North Carolina can soon have a digital license. Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 199 into law, allowing digital licenses starting July 2025. The DMV says digital licenses may be more secure than a physical card. (WCNC)
Opening
Empire Pizza will open its sixth location on Wednesday, July 10 at 8500 Pineville-Matthews Rd. The restaurant serves New York-style pizza, pasta, burgers + features an arcade. A location is also under construction in Rock Hill. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Ranked
Charlotte ranked No. 10 for American cities to start a career after college. The study by CoworkingCafe analyzed cost of living, employment opportunities, and lifestyle quality. (WCNC)
Sports
Will the Panthers defense make major strides on the field this season? Before training camp opens to the public, go beyond the clipboard on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Sports
⚽️ Goooooaaaaallllllll ⚽️
Copa America coming to Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte professional sports teams like Charlotte FC are credited for attracting thousands of out-of-town fans for games. | Photo by CLTtoday
Soccer fans from around the world will flock to Bank of America Stadium for two CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 matches. A semifinal game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 and the third-place match will take place Saturday, July 13.
Copa América is South America’s premier championship. The tournament began on June 20, pitting 16 of the top international teams, like defending champs Argentina, Brazil, and the US, in a head-to-head tournament.
The field at Bank of America Stadium will be temporarily converted to natural grass for the games. This is the first time the Queen City will host this event. Tickets are on sale for Wednesday’s game between Uruguay and Colombia. Ticket’s for Saturday’s game are also available.
The championship game takes place Sunday, July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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Answered
On Friday, we asked “where’s your favorite spot to go hiking?”
Over Fourth of July, my partner and I spent some time kayaking at the Whitewater Center. Did you know they also have rentals for the bike trails? I’ve decided I need to try that next.
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