Your Guide to What’s Happening in Charlotte

Charlotte, NC is a modern jewel of a city that combines art, culture, and business with a uniquely southern twist. Whether you love funky arts festivals, geeky gaming conventions, or revel in history and learning, there’s an event for you.

To get you started, here’s a little taste of what Charlotte has to offer. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’ll give you a sneak peek at the fascinating activities your future home has to offer.

Fill Your Heart with Art at the Charlotte Art Collective – April
The Dilworth/Freedom Park neighborhood in the First Ward is home to this popular spring art show. The one day juried show brings together a wide range of local artists from photographers and jewelers to painters, sculptors, and weavers. No matter what your taste in art, this show has you covered.

One of the most anticipated art shows in the city, this popular event is scheduled for the end of April and, best of all, it’s free. You can browse through artists’ booths for something special, take a chance on the annual raffle to win $500 in art, and then soak up the charm of the historic Dilworth area, one of the first “streetcar suburbs” in the Queen city.

Located at the Avondale Family Life Center, this colorful event is just 9 minutes from Quarterside and 12 minutes from Uptown.

Get Your Geek on at Charlotte Comicon
It’s always a good time to get geeky – and this one-day, family-friendly convention has your love of pop culture, comics, and collectibles covered three seasons out of four. Hosting shows in Spring, Summer, and early Winter, the folks at Charlotte Comicon turn the Charlotte/Concord Convention Center into a veritable carnival of all things comic.

From celebrated writers and artists to cosplay and one-of-a-kind memorabilia, this show has 21,000 square feet of pure, unadulterated geekdom under one roof. There are costume contests, celebrity guests, and an ever-changing lineup of events within the show.

Located in the Second Ward area of vibrant Center City Charlotte, the convention center is easily accessible by the convenient LYNX blue line rail from the historic South End or just drive in and park in the ample lots.

Join the Brew-Ha-Ha at the Queen City Brewers Festival – February
The Queen City Brewers Festival is a great way to kick up your heels and break out of those winter blues. Held in February, this is one of many beer festivals in the area, but arguably the largest and most well-attended.

With over 36 breweries representing the Charlotte area, this one-day event will not only tickle your taste buds with some premium brews, but help support ACEing Autism, a charity devoted to providing programs to serve children with autism.

Located at the Fillmore Hotel, this brewfest is nestled in the Fourth Ward, a charming mix of historic Victorians and modern high-rises.

Jam for Free All Spring – April & May
There’s nothing better than friends and free music to put some spring in your step. The folks at the Music Yard know this, so they’ve arranged for you to have two full months of live music every Saturday in April and May.

Happening rain or shine, these events give you the excuse you need to grab some friends and hang out. SouthBound’s Taco Stand will be open for business and there’s a full bar available if you want something a little stronger than soda or water. Best of all, the event is free, although the Music Yard would like you to register if you’re coming.

Music not your thing? That’s okay. Each jam session will be paired with an art show, mixology lesson, or other fun activity.

Located in the historic South End just 16 minutes from the Southpark area and Southpark Morriosn, this fun venue will keep your toes tapping all through the spring.

First Ward Fridays: Your Free Family Festival Connection
Set in the dynamic First Ward Park, this lively string of on-going festivals will light up your Friday nights all summer long.

The events are free and feature live music, food trucks, and you can even grab a brew from the Old Mecklenburg Brewery. Don’t worry about the kiddos, either. There are plenty of lawn games to keep them (and you!) busy. There’s Giant Chess, Ping-Pong, Corn Hole, Jenga, and Spike Ball to name just a few.

An early start of 6 p.m. gives you plenty of time to go home after work and change, or you can wait until later and beat the traffic. It’s an easy ride from Uptown and Quarterside and there’s plenty of public transportation for those living farther away.

Fun Events for Everyone
With its perfect mix of business and leisure, Charlotte attracts more events than can be listed easily. Good thing the locals are always willing to give you some cheerful advice if you need help finding something to do in your free time. Whether your tastes run to large crowds or more intimate venues, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest in this bustling metropolis.

How to Shop Charlotte Like a Pro

Charlotte has so many shopping venues it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. We’ve taken the stress out of finding the perfect spot with the following list of the top places to get your shop on in Charlotte.

Whether you want fresh local foods, bargain-bin treasures, or a traditional retail experience, you’ll find it all right here.

Have a Ball at South Park Mall
If you’re living in Southpark Morrison, the ultimate retail mall experience is waiting just around the corner. The South Park Mall has over 150 high-end retail stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. in one climate-controlled shopping center. If you’re willing to step outside, there’s another retail center called The Village right next door which offers additional shopping and dining options.

There’s nothing like some good, old-fashioned retail therapy to rev your shopping engines, so South Park is a natural go-to when you need to pick up a special something for yourself or a friend or just spend some quality time window-shopping.

Play at the Arcade
Want a fun shopping experience steeped in history? Try the Latta Arcade and its sister building, Brevard Court. The two-floor atrium of stores and restaurants housed in a lovely historic building constructed in 1914 gives off a nostalgic vibe that will put you in the right frame of mind for a leisurely day of browsing.

The buildings were originally part of a cotton market, with the skylight over the atrium being added to shed light on the cotton graders down below. Nowadays Latta houses eclectic eateries and tucked-away shops. It’s a great place to meet a friend for a shop-and-sip excursion or just soak up the history.

Shopping a Level Above
Imagine shopping while surrounded by sparkling fountains, mounds of flowers, and a sprinkling of park benches to add to the ambiance. Phillips Place, located minutes from Southpark Morriosn, offers all this combined with a selection of quality restaurants and specialty retail stores that carry everything from apparel to jewelry and paper goods.

Get Your Local Fare at the 7th Street Public Market
Conveniently located in Uptown Charlotte near the LYNX Blue Line’s 7th Street stop, the 7th Street Public Market has everything you need to eat, shop, have fun locally. Dedicated to local cuisine and products, this market is open seven days a week serving up only the finest in fresh, local food and handcrafted products.

Best of all, they host occasional “sip and shops” where guests can mingle with vendors and enjoy complimentary drinks while they peruse what’s on offer as well as occasional live entertainment.

Upscale Shopping for Discerning Tastes
If you want a shopping center with an upscale feel, look no further than Ballantyne Village. Not only can you find unique treasures for your shopping bag, but you can slip out of the crowd and indulge in some well-deserved spa treatments if you’re feeling like a pick-me-up.

After that, head to one of the award-winning restaurants to replenish your energy levels and, if there’s time left in the day, catch a movie at the theater.

Get Out to the Outlets
You can’t talk about shopping in Charlotte without mentioning Charlotte Premium Outlets. Located about 30 minutes from Uptown and South End, this outlet center has nearly 400,000 square feet of shopping space filled to the rafters with bargains and deals on the brands you love.

With over 100 noted designer brands like Banana Republic, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand and Saks Off 5th, you’ll have plenty of choices as you sift through the selection of luxury and name brand offerings.

If you need a moment to relax and celebrate your bargains, stop in and grab a bite at the food court before heading back out to hunt your next find.

Your Only Limit is Time
With a diverse population and a booming economy, Charlotte offers visitors and residents alike an unparalleled shopping experience, limited only by the number of hours in the day.

Must-Have Eats in Charlotte

When a city is as diverse as Charlotte, you know you’re going to find eclectic, exciting cuisine options that will tickle any palate, even the most jaded. Rather than listing the usual suspects, we’re going to showcase a list of the best, most praiseworthy eateries within easy distance of our properties.

Try them —your taste buds will thank you.

Evoke: A New Kind of Steakhouse
An Uptown Charlotte favorite, Evoke is a modern steakhouse that takes simple cooking to a new level. Located inside Le Meridien, Evoke strives to elevate food with serious consideration for preparation and garnish. In fact, if you order one of their melt-in-your-mouth steaks—and we recommend you do—you’ll receive a tray with a selection of gourmet salts so you can garnish your meat with the flavor of your choice.

Dishes are locally sourced but inspired by global flavors. For example, you’ll find Southern staples like Carolina grits where the chef has added Perigord truffle, Roquefort foam, and a sprinkle of chive dust to turn ordinary into extraordinary. The pork crackling, another Southern favorite, is elevated by a breath of smoked air, some sweet barbecue dust, and beer mustard for dipping. It’s mouthwateringly good stuff.

Fish on the Level: Sea Level
We’ve talked turf, now let’s add some surf. Whether Coastal Carolina cuisine is your jam or you just want to try some of the best seafood dishes that have ever passed your lips, Sea Level has got you covered.

Owner Paul Manley spent six years designing his restaurant around sustainable local fare. Now, he’s proud to say he has the only farm-to-fork oyster in North Carolina, which he serves on the half-shell, in oyster tacos, and in his special oyster steam bun with aioli, spicy peppers, and slaw.

If oysters aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There are duck and pork belly tacos, po’ boys, fried catfish, lobster rolls, and braised beef and burgers. He’s even got some veggie burgers and delectable salads for vegetarians and vegans.

Use Your Noodle
Ramen restaurants are springing up all over the country, but not many are as highly rated as Mike Shortino’s Futo Buta. There are no reservations offered at this South End Charlotte jewel, so make sure you get there early. Service is on a first-come, first-slurp basis and customers are still eager for a taste, even years after his first bowl was served.

He offers delicate flavors mixed with bold for an inspired and interpretive take on ramen, but traditional bowls are available for the purists among you. For appetizers, think fried brussels sprouts with sweet soy and sea salt or shishito peppers lightly fried with sesame, garlic and soy. Then add a traditional miso bowl or try the Buta Bowl, a savory blend of chicken and dashi, noodles, pecan smoked pork belly, duck confit, spicy pork, white corn and more.

If you’re still hungry, he’s got those wonderful steamed buns so common in ramen restaurants, but his are filled with smoked pork belly or roasted eggplant and zucchini. Round it out with your favorite sake or an ice cold Sapporo and you’ve got a meal fit for a samurai.

A Golden Opportunity at Copper
Another treasure in Charlotte’s South End, Copper brings the rich flavors and subtle seasonings of India right to your plate. Located in a turn-of-the-century bungalow, the owner and chefs of Copper seek to merge traditional Indian cuisine with innovative and flavorful twists.

Choose from cardamom-scented scallops, masala prawns, or cauliflower florets glazed with a zesty soy-tomato-scallion sauce as an appetizer before moving on to the main course. There are plentiful curries of lamb, chicken, and prawns as well as a large selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Copper’s “Three Excuses” molten chocolate creation is not to be missed.

Feed Your Fire
Forget the chain restaurants and food you can find anywhere. Charlotte has the diversity, creativity, and talent to keep you and your taste buds satisfied and your palate elevated. Don’t settle for mundane food when mouth-watering, innovative fare is right around the corner!

A Night on the Town in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte is a progressive city and nothing showcases that spirit more than its jumpin’ night life. Rich in diversity, you can find a dueling piano bar, a buzzing speakeasy, energetic live entertainment, or just a quiet corner in which to relax and rejuvenate.

The choice is entirely yours, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Run with the Big Dogs
If you’re ready for a high-energy dance session or looking for some serious party vibes, Howl at the Moon is your place. Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, you can practically walk to Quarterside. You might have to: They have an enormous selection of drinks with fun names like Howlin’ Punch and Big Apple that they sell in buckets. They’re small buckets, but buckets nonetheless.

And you’ll be thirsty because dance, dance, dancing is what Howl at the Moon is all about. They’ve got live music based around party anthems and your favorite live songs – what more can your boogie shoes ask for?

When You Need to Be the Center of Attention
The Epicentre is Charlotte’s answer to those who want it all within reach. If you live at Quarterside, you’re only a few minutes away. Located in the First Ward, Epicentre is convenient to Uptown, South End and outlying neighborhoods.

Looking for dinner and a movie? Check out Studio Movie Grill and dine in while you watch the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Live music more your style? Choose Tin Roof for fabulous eats and awesome music by local musicians as well as well-known recording artists. They even have a karaoke night if you’re feeling brave.

If you’re looking for some good old family fun, there’s Strike City, where you can have dinner and bowl a few strikes between bites.

There are so many choices at Epicentre that you’ll never tire of looking around the next corner for something new. Dozens of dining, music, and entertainment venues are side-by-side in a walkable, easy-to-discover layout.

A Place to Watch the Game
With over 140 beers on tap and more than 75 TVs, Taco Mac is the place to be to watch the game with your friends. And you can learn something, too. They have a Brewniversity that will help take your beer knowledge to the next level while introducing you to rare and unique beers from around the world.

When you’re ready to settle back and watch some ball, there’s a 103” plasma TV for your viewing pleasure, in case the other 74 TVs were not enough. And if your stomach starts to rumble, just order up a juicy burger, spicy wings, or even a salad from their diverse menu.

Located in Southpark just 7 minutes from Southpark Morrison, this lively venue is a great way to spend a casual night with friends.

Let’s Get Trivial
Ed’s Tavern in the Dilworth area has that typical tavern vibe. It’s rustic, with exposed brick walls and a barrage of flashy arcade games in the corner. Besides serving your typical Southern bar food (pimento cheese, anyone?) they also have a full bar that is, shall we say, just awesome.

As locals will tell you, one of the highlights of Ed’s is the trivia nights where serious competitors go head-to-head to earn a bucket of beer for each winning round, plus Ed Bucks for the overall winner. Wednesdays feature general trivia, but if you’re a music buff Thursday night is your night for singing.

Just 15 minutes from both Quarterside and Southpark Morrison, Ed’s is sure to become a mainstay in your entertainment lineup.

Entertainment for Every Style of Nightlife
Whether you’re wild and crazy or relaxed and casual, Charlotte offers a smorgasbord of craft beer, delicious food for every palate, and entertainment from energetic to laid-back. The easy thing is finding something to do, the hard thing is to make a choice from all the possibilities

Charlotte: The Big Green City

With over 30 miles of greenway running throughout the city and 150 more in the works, it’s no wonder Charlotte has so much to offer those who like to get out and smell the fresh air. Add to that an average temperature of 61.5 and beautiful blue skies on most days, and you’ll realize there’s no reason not to take advantage of the scenic trails, hiking, biking, and watersports that make Charlotte such a great place to call home.

The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions for Uptown, Southpark, and South End neighborhoods.

Enjoy Your Freedom at Freedom Park
Located in the Dilworth area, Freedom Park features 98 acres of green space. It has a full-court basketball court, volleyball courts, batting cages, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, and a 7-acre lake. Locals claim there’s always a pick-up game on hand at the basketball courts, so don’t be shy if you’re looking for some B-ball action.

If you’ve got kids, there’s an NFL Play 60 KidZone and tons of walking trails and paths for them to explore. You can bring your own food and picnic at one of the five outdoor shelters with grills or stop at the on-site concession stand for a quick nosh or cold drink.

If you want a bit of solitude, take a walk along serene Sugar Creek and feed the ducks in the duck pond. There’s no cost for admission, so come often—the ducks will love you for it.

Get Cheeky at Booty Loop
It’s only 2.8 miles of trail, but Booty Loop is “the” place in Charlotte to go for a run, rollerblade, take a hike, or cycle. In fact, local lore says it got its cheeky nickname from the exceptional physiques of the runners and cyclists that frequent this trail in the heart of the beautiful Myers Park neighborhood.

One thing’s for sure, there are a lot of outdoor enthusiasts who take advantage of this route. The fact that there are no left turns, traffic is minimal, and you can make a continuous loop as many times as you like without stopping probably has something to do with its popularity, but being just 12 minutes from Uptown Charlotte figures into the equation.

With its central location and easy access—not to mention its catchy name—Booty Loop has become the annual site of the Lance Armstrong “24 Hours of Booty,” a cycling fundraiser for cancer charities.

Climb, Fish, Hike
Just 30 minutes from Quarterside is a spectacular state park that offers breathtaking beauty, fantastic fishing opportunities, hiking, rock climbing and just about anything the great outdoors can provide.

With eleven trails from easy to grueling, Crowders Mountain State Park is a hiker’s dream. You’ll never run out of new trails to forge and new scenery to explore. If rock climbing is more your speed, you’re still in luck. Crowders’ close proximity to Charlotte means you can go from couch to climb in no time. And if you don’t want to make the trip home just bring a tent. There are camping sites only a mile from your parking spot, so it’s easy to stay and enjoy the entire day – or even a weekend if you have the time.

With great fishing on the nine-acre lake, you might even be able to catch and cook your own dinner before settling in for a night under the stars.

Lake Living
Known as “The Lakeside of Charlotte,” Lake Norman is anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour away from Uptown Charlotte, depending on where you access the lake. It has over 520 miles of shoreline, so there’s lots of choices when it comes to dipping your toes in the cool blue waters. A water sports paradise, Lake Norman offers paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, and even power boat rentals so you can fish, swim, boat, and waterski without having to own your own equipment. If you want, you can even take a chartered cruise so you can lean back and enjoy the ride.

Besides water activities, there’s hiking, biking, parks, shopping, spas, farmer’s markets and more. There’s always something happening in Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville, the towns that call the lake their own, and the locals are happy to help you find your bliss with some good directions or suggestions for where to grab a cold brew or mouth-watering local food.

Sunshine, Fresh Air, and Charlotte
Whether you prefer angling in the crystal waters, getting your booty toned on a bike, climbing a cliff face or just ambling down a beautiful trail soaking in the sights and sounds of nature, Charlotte has all the options you need to make the most of your day in the sun

Charlotte: Museums, Music and More

With its mix of modernity and history, the city of Charlotte, NC lends itself to a thriving museum and gallery industry.

Whether you like art galleries, NASCAR, or history and culture, you’ll find something to expand your horizons tucked along the tree-lined streets of the First Ward, the bustling South End, or one of the other colorful neighborhoods of this diverse city.

Art Lovers: Visit the Mint
The Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte offers the art lover a cornucopia of visual delights. From Native American Art to modern and contemporary pieces, this innovative gallery has something for everyone. There’s even a fashion collection that includes stunning pieces from the renowned House of Worth.

For the kids, there’s Mini-Masters Wednesday Workshops where little artists and their parents can dabble in a new art project each week. For those who just want a little grown-up time, there are adults-only evenings, too.

Besides summer camps, the museum also offers a lecture series that brings some of the most notable speakers on art and literature up close and personal.

Discover the Diversity of the South at the Levine
Just two minutes from Quarterside is the Levine Museum of the New South, a ground-breaking museum that focuses on the diversity of the South from just after the Civil War to the present day.

With exhibits that explore and educate about the political, cultural, and economic life of the South and Southerners, the Levine is about building community and strength through knowledge. Emily Zimmem, Museum President, was named Charlotte’s Woman of the Year in 2003 in part for her work at the Levine.

Current exhibits focus on artifacts from post-Civil War Southern history, a community-created exhibit about police shootings throughout the country, and an exhibit of photography from former Charlotte resident, New York-based photographer Catalina Kulczar-Marin.

Besides ever-changing exhibits, the Museum offers lectures, members-only appreciation events, and programs for educators and students.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go – to the NASCAR Hall of Fame
There’s nothing more exciting than the roar of engines and the fluttering of those green and yellow flags that start the cars blazing around the track for another thrilling race. If you’re a fan of racing, or NASCAR, or you just love the roar of the engines, the NASCAR Hall of Fame has got you covered.

Tour the hall to get a feel for the history of NASCAR or book a seat in the High Octane Theater for a race viewing party. The 64-foot-wide curved projection screen with a souped-up sound system will make you believe you can smell the gas fumes as the cars go screaming around the bend.

With over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, you won’t run out of things to do or see. Check out the one of the eighteen historic cars on display, see the Transporter— the race center’s hub—up close and personal, or experience the thunder and thrills yourself in a race simulator.

No Duh—For Music and Arts, it’s NoDa
NoDa, Charlotte’s quaint and quirky arts district has got a fun, lively vibe that will make you glad you live here. NoDa, which is short for North Davidson, is an area around two miles from Uptown Charlotte and just a few minutes from Quarterside,

It’s a fun, walkable area with dozens of art galleries, music venues, and restaurants. There are plenty of street vendors selling hand-made wares and original art and even the restaurants serve as eclectic, impromptu galleries for local artists. You can grab a unique culinary taste of NoDa’s best and purchase the art hanging over your table!

Never a Dull Moment in Charlotte
No matter what you love, you’ll find it—and more—somewhere in this amazing city. With art, music, and culture in every neighborhood, from the First Ward to South End Charlotte and beyond, you’ll have your pick of places to visit.

Children and Charlotte: The Perfect Combination

Charlotte has a heart for today’s families that shows in the sheer number of family-oriented activities on offer. From outdoor pastimes like hiking and swimming, to learning centers, museums, and more.

Charlotte opens the door to a world of fun opportunities for children young and old. From Uptown Charlotte to the South End and beyond, the city is brimming with options for the whole family.

Here are just a few of the many things you and your family can expect in the Queen City.

1. Get a Life – SEALIFE, that is!
The SEALIFE Charlotte/Concord Aquarium is an entire day of fun for the whole family. Located in Concord, NC, it’s just 20 minutes from Quarterside and South End, Charlotte.

This is an interactive aquarium, so expect to get your hands wet! Pet a starfish, crab, or sea urchin, watch the aquarists feed the sharks and rays. Or, take a behind-the-scenes tour to get a real fish-eye view of how sea creatures live and grow.

The SEALIFE Aquarium has tons of shows and special exhibits that will immerse you and your family in the wonders of undersea life. Stand in the middle of a shoal of fish as they swim and glide as one. Watch the beauty of glowing jellyfish as they dance through the water, or let your imagination wander at the Shipwreck Exhibit.

Besides the daily excitement, the Aquarium is happy to host birthday parties that include cake, a themed party room, your own aquarium host and a day’s admission to the Aquarium. For those with small children, there’s Toddler Tuesdays with lower rates and activities geared specifically for the young and young at heart, so there’s no reason not to put this great venue on your family fun calendar!

2. Splish, Splash and Smile at the Spraygrounds
Sprinkled around the city like magical fluid fairy dust, the Spraygrounds of Charlotte offer kids and their parents a break from the summer heat. Let your little ones frolic in the water features at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte or First Ward Park, just a few short minutes from Quarterside, or any of six other outdoor spaces with dedicated water features.

Families who like to stay and play in the great outdoors will love these green spaces nestled inside the bustling city. Romare Bearden has over 5 acres of gardens and greenspace and features not only the Children’s Muse area, but free events during the week and on weekends.

3. Take Family Fun to New Heights at Inner Peaks
Not far from Southpark Morrison and Quarterside, and nestled in historic South End Charlotte, Inner Peaks climbing center gives families a way to explore the exciting sport of rock climbing in a climate-controlled and safe environment.

Don’t think that just because it’s safe it isn’t fun, though. Inner Peaks offers state-of-the-art rock climbing walls that cater to just about any skill set and energy level. They offer camps and team opportunities and families can also opt to climb together.

Best of all, Inner Peaks provides everything you need – from equipment to instruction. Just bring yourself, some comfortable clothes, and your sense of adventure.

4. Discover New Ideas at the Discovery Place
There’s lots to discover at this aptly named science center. The Discovery Place Science center and its sister museum, Discovery Place Nature, combine to excite the imaginations of both children and adults. The Discovery Place is located in Uptown Charlotte, just 3 minutes from Quarterside and 20 minutes from Southpark Morrison.

These museums strive to bring science and discovery alive for children of all ages. Their nature center features alligator feedings, a butterfly pavilion, and even a tour through the night sky at their planetarium. Kids can get hands-on with nature through their guided nature walks and sign up for summer camps and activities as well.

Discovery Place Science offers field trips and their permanent exhibits include a “Thinker Space” where kids can do hands-on experiments that will pique their curiosity and expand their knowledge at the same time.

Dynamic shows like “Fired Up” combine oxygen, heat, and fuel in an explosive demonstration of chemistry at work that’s sure to capture the interest of even the most unwilling museum-goer. With this kind of excitement, there’s no way your family won’t love hanging out at Discovery Place all day long.

A Promise of Family Fun for All
As you can see, this city has lots on offer for family fun and adventure. Besides the events listed here, there’s hiking, swimming, botanical gardens, parks, museums, and events galore. No matter what your family likes to do, chances are–Charlotte’s got it.