Insiders' Guide to the Urban South What hotel in Chattanooga let's you sleep in a train car? Where can you hear a free concert in Charlotte? We've scavenged the shops, sampled restaurant menus, relaxed in the parks, and more to find the best of the best. With these don't-miss tips from our writers (and their contacts), you'll have what it takes to navigate your way through some of the hottest spots in the South.

Haven't been downtown lately? Well, it's time to make the return trip. Sparked by innovative plans, the cities of the South are changing for the better. They're reclaiming long-overlooked waterfronts, revitalizing city centers, renovating classic parks, and erecting new landmarks.

Chattanooga's wave of transformation rolled in with the Tennessee Aquarium. Sundance Square infused Fort Worth with terrific shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Jacksonville, Florida, has revived its riverbanks, while Oklahoma City has created new ones. Atlanta, for its part, continues to capitalize on the Olympic dream. And these aren't the only sites accentuating positives. A similar success story can be found in Charlotte as well.

Each place we visited lays proud claim to something uniquely its own. Come with us as we explore a few of our favorite cities, and allow us to introduce you to the new heart of the urban South.

Urban South: Fort Worth, Texas In the past few decades, this Cowtown exploded into a cultural phenomenon.

Urban South: Chattanooga, Tennessee The "little city that could" reclaims its riverfront, creating an interesting transformation.

Urban South: Atlanta, Georgia After a downtown revitalization, this city doesn't just mean busy any more.

Urban South: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma From a man-made waterfront to arts and sports, this city has it all.

Urban South: Charlotte, North Carolina This old city of historic architecture evolved into a youthful metropolis of steel and glass.

Urban South: Jacksonville, Florida Abandon ship and discover this distinct city along the St. Johns River.