Best Collection of Modern Art: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art houses an impressive collection of art from all of the modern masters. Even the building is a modern marvel.

Best Children’s Museum: The hands-on exhibits at Discovery Place are so much fun that kids don’t feel like they’re learning.

The Best Place for a Picnic Lunch: Public art and people-watching combine to make Uptown hot spot The Green perfect for breaking bread.

Most Iconic Landmark: Four sculptures mark the main intersection in Uptown and tell the story of Charlotte’s past and its future at Independence Square.

Best History Museum: At the Levine Museum of the New South the award-winning permanent exhibit Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers tells the story of Charlotte from 1865 to today.

Most Historic Cemetery: At the Old Settlers Cemetery the graves of Confederate soldiers and members of Charlotte’s most prominent families date back to 1776.

Best Slice of History: Once the home of a prominent doctor, the Queen Anne–style Costner House is now a pizzeria that retains much of its original charm. Grab a slice and admire the historic home.

Best Architecture: The Earle Sumner Draper House is a stunning Tudor home on Queens Road that has caused a lot of heads to turn. It was designed as a living showroom for prospective clients of landscape architect Earle Sumner Draper.

Best Place to Find Peace: The outdoor labyrinth at Myers Park Baptist Church is based on the 14th-century path at Chartres cathedral in France.

Most Interesting Library: The Billy Graham Library is more than just a bunch of books; the on-site museum highlights the life and work of spiritual leader Billy Graham.