7.Charlotte
Sports fans will feel right at home in Charlotte, North Carolina. This city features the NASCAR Hall of Fame and is where professional sports teams like the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets play. But Charlotte appeals to travelers with other interests, too. Art and history enthusiasts can spend hours perusing the exhibits at Mint Museum Uptown and the Levine Museum of the New South. Meanwhile, outdoorsy types can take advantage of Freedom Park’s trails and sports courts or try more adventurous pursuits like whitewater rafting and zip lining at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
8.Greenville, SC
Although this South Carolina city doesn’t receive throngs of visitors like other in-state destinations, such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country, meaning it may not remain a hidden gem for much longer. Greenville’s location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has helped it earn a reputation as a hub for outdoor activities. Head to Falls Park on the Reedy to walk across its impressive bridge and explore its beautiful gardens, or visit the 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail for a leisurely bike ride.
