You need to arrange car hire prior to any visit to the city of Charlotte, because many of the most interesting areas are set apart from each other. Car rental for Charlotte can be arranged cheaply prior to travel and you need to ensure that you take out comprehensive insurance as part of the package. The roads are of an excellent standard, and petrol is pretty cheap to buy.
Offering even more freedom than a hire car, if you're planning a really comprehensive tour of the region, then hire a motor home instead, and then you can travel more comfortably at your own pace through the area.