If you’re a woman considering her first solo trip, but apprehensive about heading overseas—why not visit a destination in the U.S. instead? This way: you don’t have to worry about long flights, language barriers, or cultural differences. All you have to do find your own rhythm, and discover firsthand why millions of women now prefer to travel alone.

Though you have plenty of choices here in the States, cities are a smart starting point since they’ll expose you to many things that make traveling so rewarding, from cultural attractions to diverse restaurants. And while major urban hubs like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami are great for group vacations, they can be a bit daunting for the first-time solo traveler.

This is when Charlotte enters the picture. As a true mid-sized city, it offers a unique urban experience merging warm Southern hospitality with a wonderfully progressive spirit. As I’ve learned during my recent excursions to North Carolina’s biggest city, Charlotte is a hidden gem in plain sight.

Where to Stay in Charlotte

Opened in 2020, Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection provides a refreshing alternative to Uptown’s more corporate stays with Argentinian flair and an array of luxurious amenities, from Poseidon Spa to the Executive Lounge. The main lobby and public spaces drip with opulent accents like Venetian chandeliers and eye-catching pieces—note the lobby’s oversized paintings from Argentine artist Andrea Carreras—plucked from the private collection of Richard Kessler, who was one of the founders of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The 254 guestrooms and suites, too, are aesthetically striking and generously splashed with bold jewel tones, shimmering gold accents, and vibrant artwork.

Argentina’s creative spirit is reflected in the hotel’s restaurant and bar as well. Taking its name from the playful black-tailed monkey native to South America, Mico is an all-day eatery turning out hearty fare heavy on Argentine influences, from churro donuts with chili chocolate sauce for breakfast to dinner’s whole branzino a la parilla (grilled over an open fire). Be sure to order A Taste of Malbec: Altitude Flight, a sippable journey through some of Argentina’s most esteemed wineries. In the mood for a cocktail? Try the ‘Grand Bo’ Old Fashioned made with the hotel’s own barrel bourbon. For a proper nightcap, zip up to the top floor’s Búho Bar, a swanky lounge marrying sweeping views of the city with spirited cocktails and savory small plates.

What to Do in Charlotte

For a workout that’s equal parts effective and fun, head to Rally. Founded by Barrett Worthington and Meg Charity, this unique space in LoSo combines indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a cafe, restaurant—the Neopolitan-style pizzas are terrrific—and cocktail lounge under one roof. The vibe is wonderfully open and inclusive, making it a perfect spot to socialize as a solo female.

For your skin and hair, you’re in luck since Charlotte is home to two of the most sought-after experts in the country. Facialist-to-the-stars Toska Husted—who’s expanding her business to Miami, Dallas, and Nashville—is trusted by some of the most photographed faces in the world (Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston) for her gentle demeanor and highly personalized approach to skin. At The Carriage House, New York City transplant Dhiran Mistry and his talented team deftly do it all, from undone bobs to subtle hightlights, in a stylish space that feels more like a hip clubhouse—help yourself to coffee or a cocktail from the kitchen—than a stuffy urban salon.

When it’s time for a culture fix, twenty dollars will grant you access to three of Charlotte’s top cultural institutions: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and The Mint Museum. The best part is how they’re all just a two-minute walk from each other. Within one afternoon, you can immerse yourself in masterpieces by Giacometti and Calder; learn about the irreplaceable contributions of African-Americans in American culture; and dig deep into the world of American and European design.

Where to Eat in Charlotte

One of Charlotte’s most anticipated restaurant openings, 3rd & Fernwood by James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier and his wife Subrina (Leah & Louise) blends Southern and West African influences in flavorful, soul-soothing dishes like purple eye pea mafe, caramalized plantain pudding, and seared trout smothered with okra gravy in a colorful and welcoming space.

What’s old is new again at Customshop. Opened in 2007 by Trey Wilson and bought in 2022 by chef Andres Kaifer and general manager Alex Bridges, this city staple has attracted a new generation of diners with a shareable globetrotting menu, from handmade pastas—get the highly craveable Blue Crab Agnolotti—to North Carolina scallops accompanied by Carolina Gold rice middlins (grits) and seasonal vegetables.

Other dining recommendations include Supperland, a steakhouse-bar-speakeasy housed in a lovingly restored mid-century church by the husband-wife team of Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown (Ever Andalo, Haberdish, and the upcoming Leluia Hall). Brimming with tea sandwiches, made-to-order eggs and carved meat stations, and baked sweet treats galore, Supperland’s popular weekend brunch buffet is a must.

From Joe and Katy Kindred, the pair behind Kindred, one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed restaurants, comes the quality-casual concept Milkbread. Taking up residence in a former Dairy Queen, the Plaza Midwood location cooks up pure comfort: glazed donuts, toasts heaped with assorted toppings, and fried chicken sandwiches. Opening soon is a downtown Milkbread location, along with Albertine, a fine dining Mediterranean spot in Uptown.

If you love sushi, but don’t want to spend three figures on a tedious, drawn-out omakase, make a reservation at O-Ku. Despite opening in 2016, Charlotte’s outpost of the beloved East Coast Japanese restaurant chain consistently send out super-fresh nigiri, sashimi, and other creative raw seafood dishes like buttery yellowtail sushi topped with serrano pepper and Thai basil pesto. If you’re in town on a Monday or Wednesday, take advantage of the half-priced sushi happy hours.