Lavrishin Photography

Alexander Michael's, or "Al Mike's" as it's affectionately known, is one of those special nightlife hangouts where you'll feel right at home the minute you set foot in the door. The low-key atmosphere and laid-back attitude of its patrons will ensure that your first visit won't be your last. There's a tasty menu available that features burgers, nachos and fried pickles, among many other delectable choices. And even though the kitchen closes early, the bar is open late, and that alone is reason enough to stay late at Al Mike's.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway is a mecca for NASCAR fans, and the venue consistently attracts motorsports fans from all over the country. Several of the races that are run in this highly popular venue include the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Bank of America 500. Find out what it's like behind the scenes when you take one of the tours or feel the immense power when you drive an 800-horsepower stock car, just two of the many activities and attractions you can enjoy when you visit what many consider to be the Greatest Place to See the Race!

Hit the lanes at Strike City, the best place for bowling and fun in Charlotte. Strike City is much more than just a bowling alley. There's a great restaurant with all your favorites like burgers, sandwiches and nachos, just to name a few. There's also a sports bar area with several eye-popping flat screen televisions to ensure that you won't miss a minute of the big game. And of course, the state-of-the-art bowling lanes are always in pristine condition and keep track of your score digitally. You won't strike out on a good time when you head to Strike City!

Charlotte's Festival in the Park takes place every September in Freedom Park and offers locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the spirit of the city in a variety of ways. There's live music, great food, and a large selection of arts and crafts created by local artisans that truly capture the spirit of the area. There are also several displays of art from local, regional and even nationally recognized talents. Just be prepared for a long walk into the park, as parking spaces are at a premium and often the only one you'll find is relatively far away - just look at the walk as a chance to enjoy the scenery and bond with fellow festival-goers.