Charlotte

The Villages is just 45 minutes from Charlotte — a major metropolitan hub for business, shopping, arts, culture, and four full seasons of food, fun, and entertainment.

Pro Sports
For its size, Charlotte has an incredible abundance of pro sports excitement usually found in much larger centers. Here you'll find the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, and of course NASCAR's spectacular Charlotte Motor Speedway, the infamous "Beast of the Southeast."

Charlotte is also home to several minor league sports perfect for a family night out including Knights baseball, Checkers hockey, and Eagles soccer.

Shopping
Practically anything you can't seem to find in Shelby or Gastonia is just a little further down the road in Charlotte. Charlotte boasts the distinction of being the largest retail center in the Carolinas.

IKEA
Earth Fare (healthy grocery stores)
Concord Mills (largest mall in NC)
South Park Mall
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
Black Lion (discount furniture)
Outdoor Furniture
Barnes & Noble

Arts and Culture
Charlotte is packed with wonderful museums that will give you a true appreciation for the history, culture, and people of this historic area. There's never a shortage of places to take your out-of-town visitors!