Charlotte is a place with many faces. First and foremost, it's a city setting the pace for economic development in the Southeast. It has 325 Fortune 500 companies, over 300 international firms and a banking center second only to New York's in size – no one disputes the fact that the Queen City is running on all cylinders. The city is a sports mecca that hosts its fair share of big-time collegiate sports events, from NCAA hoops tourneys to bowl games. Beyond sports, Charlotte's Southern heritage is evident in the succulent flavor of Carolina BBQ and the stately facades of fine old homes and churches. To catch a glimpse of the area's character, visit the Historic Rosedale Plantation or stroll down the streets of the Fourth Ward, lined with restored Victorians. For folks looking for other big city attractions, they're here. Vast shopping centers, like SouthPark Mall and Concord Mills, the mega-mall off I-85, guarantee access to a full selection of national retailers. Meanwhile, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and Charlotte Bobcats Arena attract big-name concerts. A vibrant arts scene is also on the rise in the NoDa Arts District (north of Uptown), where you'll find an assortment of cool galleries and a hot lineup of live bands performing almost every evening.