From Wikitravel

Charlotte, [1] is an ambitious and very rapidly growing city in the southern part of central North Carolina. It is the largest city in the state (540,828 city, 1,350,243 metro according to census.gov), and is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. It is the center of finance, industry, technology, and entertainment for the region. Primarily known in the past as a business center, Charlotte is steadily developing its fledgling tourist industry; currently its central core is one of the most visitor-friendly districts in the Carolinas.

Contents 1 Understand 1.1 Overview 1.2 Visitor Information 1.3 History 1.3.1 Origins 1.3.2 Revolutionary War 1.3.3 Pre-Civil War 1.3.4 Civil War 1.3.5 Reconstruction 1.3.6 20th Century 1.3.7 Today 1.4 Population 1.5 Orientation 1.6 Economy 1.7 Climate 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By train 2.3 By car 2.4 By bus 2.5 Parking 3 Get around 3.1 By foot 3.2 By car 3.3 Trolleys 3.4 By bus 3.5 Other 4 See 4.1 Museums 4.2 Sports venues 4.3 Districts 5 Talk 6 Do 6.1 Sports 6.2 Parks 6.3 Music 6.4 Nightclubs 6.5 Tours 6.6 Annual Events 6.7 Itineraries 7 Learn 8 Work 9 Buy 10 Eat 10.1 Budget 10.2 Mid-range 10.3 Splurge 10.4 Health 10.5 Coffeehouses 11 Drink 11.1 Bars 11.2 Breweries 12 Sleep 12.1 Budget 12.2 Mid-Range 12.3 Splurge 13 Contact 14 Radio 15 Television 16 Stay safe 17 Stay healthy 17.1 Breathing 17.2 Smoking 18 Cope 18.1 Libraries 18.2 Restrooms 18.3 Newspapers 19 Get out

Understand

Overview

Heavy growth in the past 20 years has made Charlotte one of the southeastern USA's largest and most successful cities. In many ways, the city is still trying to catch up to its own growth; visitors often comment that it seems understated in terms of culture and development. However, Charlotte is changing at an almost breathtaking speed. A very rapid influx of population and business investment has given it one of the most dynamic urban areas in the region.

Visitor Information

Charlotte's official visitors' center is called "Main Street" (something of a misnomer, as there is no Main St.) and is located in the center of the city, at Tryon and 2nd St. Brochures, souveniers, and advice are available for first-time visitors as well as long-time residents. Along with the public library, this is the best place to go if you are looking for a concentrated source of information about the city. It is worth checking out the brochures for self-guided walking and driving tours.

History

Origins

Charlotte's earliest settlers were Presbyterians of Scotch-Irish descent who built a small courthouse, marketplace and village at the intersection of ancient Native American trading paths (the actual intersection is the Square formed by Trade and Tryon Streets) during the middle of the 18th Century. Both Charlotte and Mecklenburg County were named in honor of the Germanic wife of King George III of England. In addition, the main thoroughfare (Tryon St.) was named in tribute to the English Governor of the day. The establishment of a courthouse made Charlotte the seat of Mecklenburg County, and it was known for little more in its early days.

Revolutionary War

Charlotte's early residents were fiercely independent, in accordance with their rural Protestant heritage. The city was known as a hotbed of separatism well prior to the American Revolution, culminating in the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (signed a year prior to the American equivalent). The Square was the site of a minor skirmish with Cornwallis' army, which led to the city's characterization as a "hornet's nest" of rebellion. Nevertheless, the city remained a relatively obscure village, and was dubbed a "trifling place" by visiting President George Washington.

Pre-Civil War

The first signs of economic prosperity came to Charlotte with the discovery of a massive gold nugget at the site of modern-day Reed's Gold Mine. This triggered the United States' first gold rush, and dotted Mecklenburg County with gold mines. The mines contributed low-grade gold to the city's street-paving program, which led to the joke that the streets were literally paved with gold in Charlotte. Eventually the city earned the establishment of a U.S. Mint for currency production on modern-day Mint St. Perhaps most importantly, the city positioned itself as a railroad hub. With several lines intersecting in Charlotte, the city became a major destination for farmers wishing to distribute their tobacco and cotton crops nationwide. These events presaged Charlotte's future as a city of commerce and distribution.

Civil War

Thankfully, Charlotte was mostly spared the wide-scale destruction of the Civil War. The city contributed troops to the Confederate effort, many of whom are buried in the Confederate graveyard at modern-day Elmwood Cemetary. Curiously, landlocked Charlotte briefly became the home to the Confederate Naval Yard near the end of the war, as a result of its railroad connections. Also, the city was host to the final full meeting of the Confederate Cabinet, and Jefferson Davis was standing on Tryon St. when informed of Lincoln's assassination (Davis' widow later retired to Charlotte). Generally, though, Charlotte was fortunate to play a relatively minor role in the devastating conflict. Its main casualty was the loss of the Mint, which was shut down for obvious reasons by the Union government.

Reconstruction

Charlotte has been noted as one of the South's most resilient cities in the wake of the Civil War. Having been spared the widespread destruction of cities such as Atlanta and Columbia, Charlotte was relatively free of obligations to rebuild infrastructure. It jumped quickly onto the "New South" bandwagon, increasing its ties to the railroads and mill industry. Some of the major mills established here after the War are still standing, and have mostly been converted into modern businesses and condominiums. Perhaps most importantly, Charlotte was a site of heavy financial investment by "carpetbaggers" (northern transplants who were eyed with suspicion or outright hostility). These upstart banks were the predecessors to Charlotte's modern banking giants.

20th Century

At the turn of the century, Charlotte was still a small town in spite of its favorable position. But by the 1950s, it had exploded into the largest city in the Carolinas. Aggressive businessmen transformed the city into a financial juggernaut, and the distribution industry made a smooth transition from the railroad-dominated 19th century into the automotive 20th century. As the local textile and furniture industries faltered, Charlotte invested its energy into finance and transportation, enabling it to avoid the depressions suffered in many other Carolinas cities. By the 1970s, the city was into a full-scale economic boom. The population skyrocketed with immigration from around the USA and foreign countries. The city skyline began to transform as office towers sprouted on an almost yearly basis, and the suburbs pushed farther toward the county borders. By the end of the century, Charlotte had transformed from mill town into metropolis.

Today

It could be said that Charlotte's greatest struggle is with its own identity. The city remains tied to its roots as a giant of finance and transportation, but has diversified as it has grown. The rapid growth of the late-20th century lead to the unfortunate demolition of much of the city's historical infrastructure, giving Uptown a glittering feeling of newness despite its 250-year history. The city continues to focus on the development of its core, despite the explosion of suburban communities out of Mecklenburg County and into surrounding towns. One thing is definite, though: all indications are that the city will continue to grow for the forseeable future, making it one of the United States' most prominent metro areas in the next decade.

Population

North Carolina is one of the USA's most popular sites for relocation (both people and businesses), and Charlotte has been no exception. The city is full of "transplants" from the northeast and midwest, and a sizeable immigrant population. Nevertheless, the city still has a sizeable population of locals who can remember when the city was still a medium-sized town centered around railroad distribution. Like most Southern cities, Charlotte has a sizeable African-American population. Also, it has a large community of Asian descent, and a very rapidly growing Hispanic population. What was once a white-black city has become increasingly colorful with each passing decade.

Orientation

Charlotte's physical arrangment reflects the growth trends of the 20th Century. Like most Southern American cities, it is "sprawled" over a relatively wide area for its size. Most of the city is suburban in nature, and most of those suburbs are less than 50 years old. These suburbs are encircled by the partially-completed I-485.

However, unlike many of its peers Charlotte has a very dense urban core that functions as an axis for its business and cultural life. The center of the city is therefore the primary destination for tourists and business travelers.

What is often lost in this arrangement is a diverse, colorful ring of "inner suburbs" that lie in the zone between the core and the new suburban development. Most of Charlotte's most unique neighborhoods lie in this ring, as well as most of the city's "underground" activity. As a result, these areas have a highly local flavor and are just beginning to be discovered by tourists.

Economy

Charlotte is first and foremost a city of business and commerce. Charlotte is the second leading banking center in the United States, with the headquarters of Bank of America and Wachovia. Charlotte is also a distribution center and has the headquarters for major companies. Fortune 500 companies such as Duke Energy, Nucor, Sonic Automotive, SPX, Lowes and Family Dollar are based in the immediate metro area. Charlotte is regularly listed as one of the USA's fastest-growing business areas, as well as one of the best places to do business in the nation.

Climate

The temperature ranges from about 14 °F (-10 °C) to 104 °F (40 °C). On average, a summer high is about 90 °F (32 °C) and a winter low is about 32 °F (0 °C). Charlotte receives 43.52 in (1105.3 mm) of precipitation annually, most of which is in the form of rain (though there is some snow and ice in the winter). Charlotte is not as well equipped for snow and ice as more northerly cities; significant accumulations of snow (more than 2cm) or ice on the roads can disrupt activity city-wide. Usually, this includes the closing of local businesses and schools, and happens about once a year on average. Charlotte's inland location usually protects it from being hit directly from Atlantic hurricanes (the most recent exception being Hurricane Hugo in 1989), though it often receives heavy rains due to passing tropical systems.

Get in

By plane

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), [2] is located on the west side of town near Billy Graham Parkway. Bus route 5 (Airport)[3] goes there. The airport is a major domestic hub for US Airways, and receives flights from most major airlines.

Though the airport has diversified somewhat in the past few years, US Airways'[4] domestic flights are still its primary source of traffic. As a result, prices for flights can be considerably higher than average in Charlotte. Visitors are well advised to "shop around" in advance for bargains, rather than risk overpaying for a flight. Many travellers have found that it is worth flying into airports in nearby cities, and then taking alternate transportation into Charlotte, in order to save hundreds of dollars.

Taxis charge a flat $20 rate for a trip from the airport to Uptown (for one or two passengers; additional charges apply for groups).

By train

The Amtrak [5] station is located on North Tryon near Dalton, on bus route 11 (North Tryon)[6].

By car

The interstate highways through Charlotte are Interstates 85 (northeast-southwest) and 77 (north-south). I-85 takes you to Burlington and Greensboro. N.C. 74 is also a primary route into the city, and links with I-277.

Note that while I-277 (inner loop) has been completed for some time, I-485 (outer loop) is incomplete and still under construction. The northwestern quadrant of I-485 is still missing, but the rest of the freeway is quite useful for circling the perimeter of the city.

Similarly, I-277 is very useful when moving quickly around the center city. However, it is important to understand that one side of the "loop" is actually I-77, which interchanges with I-277 in two places. It is easy to misread the signs and end up moving farther along I-77 rather than circling back onto I-277. When using the loop, be sure to follow signs for "Downtown" in order to stay on the correct path.

Secondary roads in Charlotte are notoriously difficult to navigate. In particular, visitors and residents alike are often befuddled by frequent name changes in the roads. To make matters worse, many roads in the city share similar names. Also, very few of the city's roads are based on a grid or similarly organized system; most of the roads outside the city core are winding avenues that follow the natural features of the land.

The city can be a delight to explore by car, but visitors are strongly advised to purchase a road map upon arrival.

By bus

The Greyhound[7] station is just northwest of Uptown Charlotte and is served by buses 8 (Tuckaseegee), 34 (Freedom Drive), and 7 (Beatties Ford).

CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System)[8] buses cover most of the city. They depart from the teal-roofed Transit Center in the Uptown business district. Though they are generally clean and safe, they are usually not the most efficient way to get around the city. The Express buses connecting Uptown with the outer suburbs have proven popular among the professional crowd as a way to get in and out of the city without having to fight traffic. Though they only depart and return to their destinations a handful of times per day, they may be a desirable mode of transportation for someone making a day trip to the downtown area.

Parking

Parking is usually abundant in the center city, though it has become something of an issue during large events that overload the area with cars. Visitors will immediately notice the large number of surface lots at the edges of Uptown, which makes finding a parking space relatively easy. However, these lots can be somewhat expensive; their prices will reflect their proximity to Tryon St. Savvy travelers can save money by parking in the cheaper lots ($3 near 277) and use a Gold Rush trolley to take a free trip to the attractions of their choice.

Parking decks are also available in most of the highrises near the center of Uptown. However, they are usually much more expensive than lots and often reserve spaces for regular visitors. If you are interested in taking panoramic photos, park on the top of the 10-story Seventh Street Station parking deck for an open-air view of the city and surrounding areas.

There are curbside parking meters along most streets inside the Loop, which are usually much less expensive than using a lot or deck. However, these meters are usually deactivated during high-traffic hours. It is usually worth an attempt at finding a meter if you are making a brief stop.

Get around

By foot

Uptown Charlotte is very dense, and almost all attractions in that part of town are easily reached by walking. However, only a few other districts (such as NoDa and Dilworth) are truly pedestrian-friendly. Outer districts, such as Ballantyne and University City, are pedestrian-unfriendly areas. If you must walk, give some thought to the weather; summer days in the South are quite hot and it is easy to get dehydrated.

By car

• Driving Uptown is laid out in a grid, with numbered streets running east-west with few exceptions. Streets running north-south have proper names. Charlotte's outer suburbs are often difficult to navigate. Most roads are built according to the natural lay of the land; once you leave the I-277 loop, you are likely to find it increasingly difficult to predict the direction (and often, the name) of the road you are travelling on. Therefore, it is a good idea to make certain your directions are specific and trustworthy before venturing into an unknown area. Otherwise, you will likely find yourself relying on the (usually) friendly natives for directions back to your starting point.

• Taxis Taxi services are available to any part of Charlotte. There are several prominent companies, and unlike larger cities (for instance, New York or London) there is a large variety of designs for the vehicles. However, a taxi is always recognizable by a sign on the roof of the car. If the taxi is vacant, the sign will be lit up; if it has a passenger, the sign will be off. It is customary to give a tip to cab drivers, especially if they help you with luggage or other items. It is usually a good idea to inquire about the fare before boarding if you are planning to make a longer trip; Charlotte's sprawled-out nature can lead to high fares for trips outside the center city.

Cab fares in Charlotte are regulated by the city, and are consistent for all companies. The "drop charge" (pickup rate) is $2.00, and each 1/5th mile is $0.40. During weekday rush hours (7-9AM and 4-6PM), you will also be charged $0.40 for every minute spent in stopped traffic. For a direct one-way trip to or from the airport, the rate is a flat $20. You can save money by sharing a cab with a companion, but be aware that there is a $2 charge for each person after 2.

Trolleys

• Gold Rush Trolleys If you are visiting the center city, one of your first moves should be to get a map of the Gold Rush trolley system. These minibuses are designed to look like historic streetcars, run during daylight hours along three lines (red, blue and orange), and are totally free. They are an excellent way to circulate around the center city without paying cab fares, and may even enable you to avoid parking fees. Unfortunately they only serve the Uptown area and do not run during evening hours (a nod to local cabbies), but are definitely a fun and relaxing way to avoid sore feet.

• Streetcars During the streetcar line's suspension of service, the city is running a special Gold Rush trolley along its route, with the same fares and virtually the same stops. The Charlotte Streetcar is temporarily suspended due to construction of the Light Rail corridor, but is a charming way to travel between Uptown and South End. It costs only a dollar per passenger for each trip, and is a great way to experience the southern end of the center city. It's also worth talking to the conductors, who are usually fountains of local trivia.

• Light Rail When the Light Rail Southern Corridor is finished in the next couple of years, it will be a rapid and efficient way to commute from Uptown to the edges of Mecklenburg County. It will include stops at Bobcats Arena, the Convention Center, and other major locations. In the meantime, construction on the line may block certain streets on the eastern and southern ends of Uptown and along South Blvd.

By bus

• Buses [9] You can rent a car or a taxi at any of several places, but if you're willing to take longer to get where you're going, a bus ride is much cheaper. Most bus routes start at the Transportation Center and go toward the suburbs like spokes on a wheel (roughly). Bus fare is $1.20 for a one-leg or two-leg trip, $1.65 for an express bus (these run mornings and evenings and go to an outlying area without stopping), and 50¢ for a shuttle. Allow 45 minutes for a one-leg trip, 2 hours for a two-leg trip. Also, be aware of the colorfully-painted buses in the suburbs that connect neighborhoods to primary routes.

Other

• Rickshaws [10] 704-777-4508. In the past few years, rickshaws have begun to appear in Uptown as an alternate mode of transportation. They are mostly a novelty for tourists, though they can actually be quite useful in avoiding the steep hills that slope away from the Square. They are recognizable blue carriages with a cyclist in front. At night they use blinking lights and bells to attract customers. Currently they run Wednesday through Saturday nights, 7pm - 2am. $3.50 for a one-way ride.

• Cycling Some parts of Charlotte are very friendly to cyclists, especially the south-central area around Myers Park and Dilworth. It is a good idea to research in advance to identify streets with designated bike lanes on the right-hand side of the road. Be aware that bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws as cars.

• Carriages Picks up on Tryon between 6th and 7th. 704-301-5111. Carriages are becoming increasingly popular as a romantic form of transport around Uptown. They can be rented for either short- or long-term trips, and will not require reservations as long as you can find one vacant. Typically they will only run during the warmer months, when tourists are present and the climate favors open-air rides.

See

Museums

• Discovery Place, on North Tryon between 6th and 7th, 704-372-6261, [11]. 10 AM-6PM or 9AM-5PM, except on Sunday when it opens at 12:30PM. One of the nation's most acclaimed children's museums. Focuses primarily on the sciences, though special exhibits (such as the recent exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls) may have a more general focus. Step into the rainforest, see and feel the fish, watch a hydrogen balloon explode and a frozen banana hammer. $7.50 for Discovery Halls, $7.50 for OMNIMAX, $13 for both.

• The Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 704-337-2000,[12]. Tu 10AM-10PM, W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Charlotte's main art museum is located in the original building of the Charlotte Mint (see History), which was moved from its location at Mint St. Though its permanent collection is somewhat lacking, it regularly hosts high-quality traveling exhibits from around the world. Its primary strengths are American art and ceramics; colonial/pre-colonial art; and costumes and other decorative art from many countries. Not a must-see, but worth a visit if you are in Charlotte for more than a couple of days or have a special interest in art. $6 adults, $5 seniors and college students, $3 6-17, free under 5.

• The Mint Museum of Craft and Design, 220 N. Tryon St., 704-337-2000, [13]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Third Thursdays 10AM - 8PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays. An offshoot of the Mint Museum of Art that has a much more accessible location near the Square in the center of the city. Oddly, this "little brother" project has in some ways outpaced the art museum. Its collection is outstanding for a museum of its size, and its staff quite knowledgeable. Visitors often express surprise that the museum's "niche" can be so interesting, especially due to its contemporary design collection. $6 adults, $5 seniors and college students, $3 6-17, free under 5.

• The Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive, 704-568-1774, [14]. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. Is a museum dedicated to the history of Charlotte. Located on the property of a prominent 18th-century homestead family, and features the original home and related buildings nearby. Offers guided tours of the historic sites as well as the modern museum building. Exhibits inside the museum are relatively small, but of exceptionally high quality due to its collaboration with the Smithsonian. $6 adults, $5 students and seniors, $3 children.

• James K Polk Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy. (Pineville), 704-889-7145,[15]. Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM. From Interstate 77 south of Charlotte take Interstate 485 east (Exit 2). At the Pineville exit take U.S. 521 south through the town of Pineville for about one and one-half miles. The Polk Memorial is on the left. The museum offers tours and information about the home of U.S. President James K. Polk, as well as a reconstruction of his house. Monthly special events. Free.

• Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St., 704-333-1887, [16]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM. An excellent introduction to the South's history and influences over the past centuries. Boasting an excellent standing exhibit with walk-throughs and hands-on experiences, this is a great museum for "new" and old Southerners alike. Highly recommended for visitors seeking an understanding of Southern culture and history. Closed Mondays. $6 adults, $5 seniors and minors, under 6 free, $17 family.

• Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Rd., 704-372-6261,[17]. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1AM-5PM. Discovery Place affiliate, this kid-friendly museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on nature and biology. A butterfly garden, nature trail and live animals offer additional attractions. $5, 2 and under free.

• Carolinas Aviation Museum, 4108 Airport Drive (at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport), 704-359-8442 (fax: 704-359-0057), [18]. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM. This is a big attraction for aviation fanatics. This museum features a wide variety of resources including historic and restored airplanes, air shows and a library (by research request only). Because it is located at Charlotte-Douglas, it is the only attraction in the city that can be reached by airplane. If you want to meet people working on restoring the airplanes, come on a Tuesday or Thursday. It is also a great place to watch takeoffs and landings at the airport!

• Charlotte Trolley Museum, 2104 South Blvd., (at the end of the streetcar line in SouthEnd), 704-375-0850,[19]. This small museum is a good place to drop in when making a trip on the rails. Featuring photos, exhibits, and rides. Also offers walking tours of Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood, two of the city's oldest and most interesting neighborhoods. Free.

• Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. (in the former AME Zion Church on East 7th St.), 704-374-1565 (fax:704-374-9273), [20]. Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 1PM-5PM. One of Uptown's most distinctive historic buildings. Features a regular schedule of cultural events and exhibits, including theater and gallery productions.

Sports venues

• Lowe's Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord NC, 704-455-3200, [21]. A massive race track and host of several NASCAR and other racing events annually. It is not overly impressive from the outside, but if you can get in on race days it is an experience to behold. $5 for guided tours of the facility.

• Bank of America Stadium, 800 South Mint St. (Almost no on-site parking; several lots are adjacent but fill quickly on game days), 704-358-7000, [22]. Typically open only on game days, though some special events are open to the public. Home of Carolina Panthers football team, the stadium seats about 75,000 for an NFL game. Upper-level seats have a partial view of the city skyline. A team store is open at the main entrance throughout the year, selling souveniers and merchandise.

• Cricket Arena, 2700 East Independence Blvd., 704-372-3600, [23]. Historic domed arena in southeast Charlotte on N.C. 74. Once the largest free-standing dome in the world, it has played host to Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and many sporting events. Currently used for community events, conventions and smaller musical acts.

• Bobcats Arena, 333 East Trade St., 1-800-495-2295, [24]. New arena located in Uptown, next to the central transit center. Venue for several large events, and home to the Charlotte Bobcats. Expected to be renamed within the next few months. Box office is open in the main lobby during weekly business hours and 10am - 2pm on Saturday. Tours are available on a limited basis but must be made at least a week in advance.

• Memorial Stadium. 310 North Kings Dr, 704-353-0200. Located adjacent to the CPCC campus south of Uptown, with a spectacular skyline view. Generally used for smaller events such as high school football games and band competitions. In 2006 it was the site of the city's main 4th of July fireworks display.

Districts

Architecture in Charlotte Charlotte's "biggest" attraction is its skyline. Dominated by the Bank of America tower (a Cesar Pelli masterpiece), the skyline is largely composed of striking modern towers. Tucked into the inner avenues are shorter, historic towers; however, only a few of these remain. The result is that Charlotte has a highly recognizable skyline that has been in a state of flux for about 30 years. Visitors to Tryon St. often note that the preponderance of huge towers makes it feel like a slice of Wall Street, though the illusion fades quickly only a few blocks away. When visiting Tryon St. it is worth spending some time in the Bank of America lobby, which is dominated by three massive frescoes by North Carolinian Ben Long. Another Long frescoe is inside a dome at the Transamerica building only a short walk down the street. Another major architectural attraction is the Hearst Tower, which puts a modern spin on Art Deco. Its impressive facade and unusal profile have made it something of a cult favorite among students of architecture. It has often been said that the Hearst Building and Bank of America tower are a scaled-down version of New York City's Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. Not all of Charlotte's architectural energy is spent on Tryon St. Most of the middle-ring neighborhoods have retained their historic styles. 1920s bungalows dominate the old mill-village neighborhoods, while large 19th-Century country estates are to be found in Myers Park. Though these are far more understated than the massive corporate towers Uptown, they are indicative of Charlotte's real architectural heritage.

• Uptown[25]. The literal and figurative "center of things". Uptown is Charlotte's central district, and the location of its somewhat oversized skyline. It is generally agreed that the word "uptown" refers to anything inside the I-277 loop, though some adjacent entities might describe themselves that way. Uptown is the center of Charlotte's commerce, culture, and government. As recently as the mid-1990s, the area was a virtual "office park" -- home to a lot of business but very few residents -- but is rapidly repopulating with highrise condos. The district is home to several Fortune 500 headquarters, museums, nightclubs, restaurants, parks, city and county government offices, theaters... pretty much anything you'd expect to find in a city center. Most of the bustle is centered around Tryon St., the "Main St." of the city. Note that most east-west streets are numbered, whereas most north-south streets have proper names. It is well worth noting that Uptown is statistically one of Charlotte's safest areas, due in large part to a large flow of human traffic at most hours.
• The Wards. Technically part of Uptown, the four Wards were the original political divisions of the city. The axis that determines their boundaries is located along Trade and Tryon St., but few people consider the canyon of skyscrapers at the center of the city to really be identifiable as part of the Wards. Each Ward has its own distinct personality:
• First Ward -- Very heavily residential, but beginning to feed commercially off ambitious projects such as the Trolley and Bobcats Arena. This area was almost entirely public housing for several decades, but was redeveloped with great success as a mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood. Now it is a vibrant and well-kept neighborhood that seems quaint against the backdrop of skyscrapers nearby, and its attractiveness is verified by several major residential developments in the near future.

• Second Ward -- Currently the city's government center, this area was the victim of a short-sighted urban renewal project in the 1960s. Previously, it had been the Brooklyn neighborhood: a largely impoverished but self-sufficient African-American district that was deemed unsightly and dangerous by city planners. Today, Second Ward is by far the most lifeless quarter of Uptown after working hours, as government workers disperse quickly and head to other parts of the city to live and play. A good place to find parking at night, but a bit of a social vacuum that can be a bit isolated.

• Third Ward -- Unfortunately, much of Third Ward was lost to the decline of industry in the center city, but what is left still largely reflects a very blue-collar industrial heritage. Bank of America Stadium (home of the Panthers) is the Ward's most recognizable symbol, though the new Third Ward Park and proposed baseball stadium have provided good reason to believe that this may be a major center of growth in coming years. Third Ward's largest current development is the gleaming Gateway Village, home to many offices and the Johnson and Wales University campus. Straddling W. Trade St. between Third and Fourth Wards, Gateway Village is one of the city's most bustling areas during the daytime.

• Fourth Ward -- The best-preserved part of Uptown, Fourth Ward is host to Charlotte's only remaining Queen Anne architecture. Shady streets and brick sidewalks make for some of the city's best walking, and the homes in this district are the object of envy. Fourth Ward Park is at the center of the neighborhood, and is a common ground for all kinds of city-dwellers. Several major condo projects have been proposed for this area, which will further densify it in the near future.
• NoDa[26]. NoDa, short for North Davidson Street, is one of Charlotte's most eclectic and original neighborhoods. Also known as the Historic Arts District, NoDa is about two miles north of the center city. The district grew up around a large textile mill that closed in the 1970s, sending the surrounding neighborhood into a long period of decline. After artists began moving back into the neighborhood in the 1980s, they began to revitalize and preserve the old brick buildings and quaint mill houses. Even the old Highland Mill, next to the Johnston YMCA, is being renovated for both residential and retail/office space. Enjoy street level art galleries, several restaurants and other unique shops in the district. There is a "gallery crawl" every first and third Friday that attracts many visitors to NoDa.
• South End[27]. This neighborhood is located close to Uptown in the corridor formed by Tryon St. and South Blvd. It was previously a mill district located along the railroad tracks, but has gradually converted into a hip, semi-upscale entertainment/cultural district. The addition of trolley tracks (and soon, light rail) connecting it to Uptown has helped spur massive development here. Possibly the best place in town to take a walk with children, as the neighborhood features ice cream shops, a trolley museum and several kids-oriented stores. Also home to Charlotte's emerging design industry, South End features several galleries and a "gallery crawl" parallel to those in NoDa.
• Plaza-Midwood[28]. Similar in some ways to NoDa and South End, but a little rougher around the edges. Plaza-Midwood (named in part for its location along The Plaza) prides itself on its "old Charlotte" feel, and a grungy underbelly that has resisted gentrification. This neighborhood has quickly become a vibrant alternative to the upscale scene, and is home to several local institutions (including the legendary Penguin restaurant).
• Myers Park. Once located altogether outside the city, Myers Park is near the heart of modern-day Charlotte. Its reputation as an "old money" neighborhood is accentuated by its cathedral-esque tree canopy and slowly winding avenues. It is home to some of Charlotte's oldest and most expensive homes (formerly country estates), as well as Queens University of Charlotte and Freedom Park. A driving tour of Myers Park is a popular way for tourists to get acquainted with the city, but bring a map; some of Charlotte's most difficult intersections are located here.
• Dilworth[29]. Charlotte's first "streetcar suburb", Dilworth has never lost its reputation as a desirable place to make a home. In recent years the neighborhood has blossomed into an upscale district dotted with eateries and galleries. The promise of increased public transit service has added even more development to this already walkable neighborhood.

Talk

The major language is English, and English will be more than enough to get around.

In recent years, the number of foreign-language establishments in Charlotte has begun to rise. In particular, Spanish-speaking shops and restaurants have become numerous on the city's east side. Also, there are a fair number of Asian establishments as well. There is a large shopping area called "Asian Corners", and a part of the east side nicknamed "little Hanoi". It is worth noting, however, that these areas make up a relatively small part of the English-dominated city.

Do

Sports

Professional sports are one of Charlotte's most popular forms of entertainment. Though its roots are primarily in stock car racing, the city offers something for fans of nearly every kind of sport. In particular, its success in the NFL and NBA have given it widespread exposure as a growing sports hub:

• Carolina Panthers (American Football). 800 South Mint St. (Almost no on-site parking; several lots are adjacent but fill quickly on game days), 704-358-7000, [30]. The local NFL team, playing uptown in the 73,000 seat Bank of America stadium. Due to a sudden surge in popularity, it is becoming more difficult to find tickets to home games. This is especially the case late in the season, when the team is expected to be in the playoff hunt. Scalpers roam the sidewalks in front of the stadium, so it is possible to find gameday tickets at a premium cost. It is technically illegal to charge more than a small percentage above the face value of a ticket, though this law is generally uninforced.
• Charlotte Bobcats (Basketball). 333 E. Trade St., (park in adjacent lots and decks; they are generally easy to spot), 1-800-495-2295 (Tickets) or 704-688-8600 (Arena), [31]. Charlotte's new NBA team plays in a brand-new arena located uptown. Support for the team has been inconsistent due to an ugly divorce with the Charlotte Hornets franchise in 2003. Ticket prices are being lowered for the upcoming season, and it is generally not a problem to purchase a ticket on game day. Understand that when the New Orleans Hornets (ex-Charlotte Hornets) are in town the fans may be disgruntled or angry due to the unfiltered hatred for the team in Charlotte.
• Charlotte Knights (Baseball). 2280 Deerfield Drive (Fort Mill, SC), 704-357-8071 (803-548-8050 in South Carolina), [32]. A minor-league baseball side operating out of Fort Mill, South Carolina. The Knights play many home games in the summer, though its far-flung location makes it somewhat inconvenient to visitors. The organization prides itself on providing a family-friendly atomosphere, making this option a favorite for those with children. There are negotiations under way to build an uptown stadium for the team.
• Charlotte Checkers (Ice Hockey). 333 E. Trade St. (It is usually easy to find parking in adjacent lots and decks for hockey games), 704-342-4423, [33]. Minor-league hockey team, playing in Bobcats Arena uptown. This is perhaps the best entertainment value in Charlotte, with very low ticket prices for a relatively upscale experience. Charlotte was the first city south of Baltimore to host professional hockey, and has had a team for most of the last 50 years. The team is an affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers. $10-$27.
• Racing. Charlotte is the de facto hub of stock car racing in America, several NASCAR[34] teams call Charlotte home. The city's race track (Lowes' Motor Speedway: Charlotte; in Concord, NC) hosts 3 NASCAR Nextel Cup races a season, including the All-Star Race[35] and the Coca-Cola 600. Also, Charlotte was recently chosen to build the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which will be located near the uptown Convention Center. Each year Charlotte hosts "Speed Street", a large festival featuring various racing-themed attractions and a long list of musical guests. Speed Street is one of the city's largest annual events.
• Charlotte Eagles (Soccer). E.E. Waddell High School (Head North/West out of Charlotte on I-77, take Exit 4 to Nations Ford Rd.), (704) 841-8644, [36] A minor-league semi-nomadic soccer team, currently playing at Waddell High School, in search of a home stadium.

• Charlotte Rugby Football Club, [37] (Rugby Union). Local rugby side that in recent years has been the top side in the South and the Mid-Atlantic. And has recently joined the Super League, the highest club level in the American Rugby Union.

Parks

Charlotte has been noted for its "green" appearance, due to its extensive tree canopy and abundance of parks. Listed below are some of the major city parks.

• Fourth Ward Park[38] - Though small, this central park is one of the city's most attractive. Tucked between the central business district and the Fourth Ward historic neighborhood, it is heavily traveled and safe at almost any hour. It features brick walking paths under shade, a gorgeous view of the skyline, and a booth with free maps for a walking tour of the Ward.
• Freedom Park[39] - A large and scenic park located in the historic Myers Park neighborhood. Walking trails circle a large pond, which is populated by friendly ducks and geese. This is also a relatively busy park, and a favorite of joggers and families. Each year it is host to a number of special events, including a large festival each fall. It includes a bandshell for performances, and extensive sporting facilities.
• Marshall Park - Located in Second Ward near the government center, Marshall Park is a vestige of 1960s urban renewal. Though it offers an excellent view of the skyline and is a good place to eat carry-out lunch from nearby restaurants, it lacks the vibrance of some other city parks. Though it should not be considered dangerous, wise travelers will find a way around it at night.
• Independence Park[40] - The city's oldest public park, located in the Dilworth neighborhood. Though its edges have been eroded by development over the years, it is still sizeable and pleasant.
• Latta Park[41] - Located at the edge of Dilworth, this historic park is well-positioned to serve the lunch crowd coming from South Blvd. restaurants. It includes a "sprayground" for children, making it a summertime favorite.
• Third Ward Park[42] - This park has recently been approved, and is not yet landscaped. It currently consists of a few blocks of grass near Bank of America Stadium. When completed, it is expected to be a center of development in Third Ward.

Music

• Bobcats Arena. This venue has become the primary destination for big-name concerts in Charlotte, especially in the colder months when an indoor venue is necessary. The location in the heart of Uptown's entertainment district makes this a great place to catch a show. Even "nosebleed" seats aren't very far from the stage.

• Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre. 707 Pavilion Blvd., 704-549-5555, [43]. Located in the University area, this is the location of Charlotte's summer concert series. Seats up to 20,000 including general-admission lawn space; larger concerts will typically sell out. If you purchase lawn seats you may rent chairs, but for a larger show you will probably not be able to use them.
• Tremont Music Hall. 400 W Tremont Ave., 704-343-9494, [44]. Home of the city's best series of underground concerts. Its gritty location on the edge of SouthEnd is right in tune with the personality of the music hall. At maximum capacity it can only hold a few hundred people, and the lack of permanent seating allows you to get as close as you like to the stage. A good mix of local and national acts.
• Neighborhood Theater. 511 E. 36th St., 704-358-9298, [45]. The heart and soul of NoDa, this was once a burlesque theater but has been converted to an intimate venue with comfortable seating. A wide variety of acts play here, from hard rock to acoustic jazz.
• The Double Door Inn. 218 E. Independence Blvd., 704-376-1446, [46]. Legendary for its blues history, and one of the city's most beloved institutions. Any long-time Charlottean will tell you the story about Eric Clapton's impromptu set at the Double Door; a framed newspaper article over the bar is proof. Hosts musical acts on most nights of the week. Very intimate, and more for the drink-and-watch crowd.
• Visulite Theater. 1615 Elizabeth Ave., 704-358-9200, [47]. Long-lived movie theater-turned-music house on Elizabeth Ave. near Uptown. Hosts a variety of acts, and is well-reputed as one of the city's most intimate atmospheres.
• The Milestone. 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd, 704-398-0472, [48]. Almost forgotten in Charlotte's mainstream entertainment scene, this veteran club has a shockingly prestigious music history -- Nirvana, the Flaming Lips, and REM have all graced the stage here. Though the interior looks like something out of skid row, there is a well-cultivated hipster vibe at the Milestone that is virtually untouched anywhere else in the city. Mention this one in conversation to guage a friend's true cool-factor.
• Amos' SouthEnd. 1423 S Tryon St, 704-377-6874, [49]. Like SouthEnd Brewery, Amos' popularity exceeds the mere gentrification of the neighborhood; it helped make SouthEnd hip. Amos' hosts a very diverse range of live acts, but the proprietors have good taste and shows there are generally expected to be pretty good. One of the best singles joints in town, and typically a good stop for a beer regardless of who's on stage.

Nightclubs

• BAR Charlotte, 300 N. College St. (the main entrance to the bar faces the alley in back of the building), 704-342-2557,[50]. Open Thurs-Sat, 9PM - 2AM. A survivor in the competitive nightclub market, this is now a mainstay on College St. More a dance club than a bar, this is always a hot spot on weekends. Dress code is enforced, and be prepared to dance. Recently, the club has opened on Monday nights for kids up to 18.
• Time, 514 N. College St., 704-373-2515, [51]. 9PM-2AM daily. Thriving on the north side of Uptown, Time is something of a rival to Crush on the south side of the city. Hip-hop and trance music, with an extremely crowded dance floor. Be prepared to wait to get in if you arrive late. Though there is a dress code, for the most part Time is one of the least restrictive clubs in Uptown.
• Breakfast Club, 225 N. Caldwell St., 704-374-1982. Tues and Thurs-Sat 9PM-2:30AM. An 80s-themed club that has caught on strong with the development of the entertainment district in First Ward. Relatively cheap, with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" Fridays (free before 11am for ladies), this is one of the most shamelessly-fun clubs in Uptown. All ages welcome on Thursday nights. $3 admission.
• The Forum, 300 N. College St., 704-375-8765, [52]. Thurs-Sun 10PM-until. This large club made a huge splash on the scene when it replaced Mythos. In a matter of weeks it joined the heavyweights of the city club scene in attracting long lines, beautiful people and well-reputed DJs. The multi-level layout allows for a variety of experiences, and the clientele is attractive and fun. If you're on the College St. scene, Forum is a can't-miss.
• Lava Lounge, 1420 Elizabeth Ave., 704-376-3347. Tue-Thurs 8PM-2AM, Fri-Sat 8PM-4AM. By far the hippest place to go for post-dance chillout. This is literally a lounge, though the small dance floor is often quite active. DJs play a diverse array of music while hookah smoke floats in front of live candles. A very low-key, exotic vibe. Cover charged only after 2am on Fri. and Sat. ($5).
• Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Drive, 704-373-9124. Wed-Sat 9PM-2AM, and Sun 9PM-4AM. By far Charlotte's most established gay club. Cabaret-style shows and a packed dance floor make this a favorite not only for gays and lesbians, but also for anyone heading out on a slow Sunday night. Cover varies from $2-$6.
• Coyote Joe's
• Coyote Ugly
• Crush, 300 E Stonewall St, 704-377-1010, [53]. Mon-Thurs 9PM-2:30AM; Fri-Sat 9PM-2:30AM. One of the city's newer and most successful clubs. Highly fashionable, Crush is often packed to the walls on weekends. The hip-hop dominated soundtrack and light show can make for sensory overload, but there is also a decent patio area to cool off. Decor is very "Miami", and the five bars make it pretty easy to get a drink. Dress code enforced.
• Liquid Lounge, 127 W. Trade St., 704-374-0111. Fahsionable and tenured, the Lounge is one of Charlotte's most well-reputed clubs. House and industrial music keeps the crowded dance floor moving, but the bar and lounge are still comfortable and spacious.
• Palomino
• Club Myxx, 3110 S. Tryon St., 704-525-5001. Fri-Sat 10:30PM-4AM. Something of an underground institution, Myxx offers one of the most diverse selections of entertainment in Charlotte. A very broad variety of music is played on dance nights, which are punctuated by drag shows, open-mike poetry slams, and other alt-scene attractions. Fairly small and somewhat stifling, but the crowd doesn't seem to mind. The late closing time makes it a popular after-party spot.
• Velocity, 935 S. Summit Ave., 704-333-0060. Fri-Sat 10PM-4AM. Huge warehouse converted into a gay/lesbian club in the funky South Blvd. area. Known for its large area and variety of attractions inside, Velocity is reputed as one of the more entertaining clubs in the city. Very large dance floor, usually filled with a diverse crowd.

Tours

• Driving Tours [54] Queen City Tours covers most of the center city and surrounding area. Note that they offer different types of tour service for different group sizes. This tour shows you Uptown, Dilworth and Myers Park.

• Walking Tours 330 S. Tryon St. 704-847-3302. Main Street Charlotte is an information center in the middle of Uptown that offers guided walking tours around the center of the city. Also, they offer three brochures for self-guided tours.

• Carriage Tours. Picks up in front of Discovery Place on Tryon between 6th and 7th Streets. 704-301-5111. This is a slightly slower-paced and more unique alternative to a walking tour. The traditional horse-drawn carriages take you around Uptown and through the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. Be sure to allow enough time for the casually-paced tour.

Annual Events

• The CIAA Basketball Tournament [55] will come to Charlotte in early March for the next several years. Historically-black colleges from across the country bring their teams, alums and fans to the center city for a week of games... and accompanying parties and conventions. Games are held in Bobcats Arena. Other events take place throughout the city, including a festival along Tryon St.

• The St. Patrick's Day Parade [56] is not on the scale of Boston or NYC, but always well-attended and a fun time to visit the Irish restaurants Uptown. The parade goes up Tryon St., and the best place to view is at the Square.

• Southern Spring Home & Garden Show [57] has brought designers and experts to the city for nearly 50 years. Held in March, and located at the Merchandise Mart. $9 at the door, kids free.

• In mid-March, Speed Street [58] brings half a million partiers to the center city for major musical acts and events related to the NASCAR All-Star Race. This event shuts down several major streets, and covers the entirety of Uptown with crowds after sundown. Parking is usually stretched to the limit, and hotels will be difficult to find. However, this is an excellent time for hard partiers to see the city at its most active.

• Charlotte is not known as a horse-racing hub, but the Queen's Cup Steeplechase [59] gives the city an event to call its own. Located about 45 minutes from the center city in Mineral Springs. Held in mid-April.

• There is no better time to visit South End than during the Art and Soul of South End Festival [60] in April. Several major events coincide to bring the district a variety of visual art, music and entertainment. Prices vary based on event, but most is free to attend.

• The PGA Wachovia Championship [61] brings the world's best golfers to Quail Hollow Country Club for a weekend in April. As one would expect, there are plenty of wine-and-cheese events associated with the championship... as well as a noticeable upturn in Polo shirts at Uptown clubs.

• The Taste of Charlotte [62] festival in June is far and away the best time to bring an appetite to the city. Tryon St. closes down for the weekend and many of the city's best restaurants are represented with samples of their signature dishes.

• The Fourth of July Fireworks Display has shifted locations several times lately, but is always located somewhere in Uptown. This event draws nearly 100,000 visitors to the center city at once; be prepared to sit in gridlock, especially during the display when streets will come to a complete halt. Using public transit to park-and-ride from another district is recommended.

• Also in July, comic book collectors meet for the annual Heroes Convention at the Convention Center.

• The Black Gay Pride Festival has made inroads as an annual festival in July.

• Charlotte Pride is a more general gay-pride festival in August. It has shifted locations, most recently to the Gateway Village area on the edge of Uptown. It has grown significantly since its inception.

• September is one of the best times to visit the city. The city's Labor Day Parade along Tryon St. is modest, but a well-established annual event. The month-long Charlotte Shout [63] collaboration includes not only cultural festivals and events, but also a day of free admissions to important cultural locations. For over 40 years, Festival in the Park [64] has transformed Freedom Park into a massive marketplace and fair. The new Charlotte Film Festival [65] is a collaboration between the city's most prominent theaters in and around the center city. Also, the Yiasou Greek Festival [66] is a long-running tradition at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church that draws a huge crowd for its mouth-watering food and unique shopping opportunities.

• The Public Library of Charlotte hosts the Novello Festival of Reading [67] in October. This series of readings and events brings well-known authors (such as Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Toni Morrison) to the city. Prices vary based on event, most of which are held at the Central Branch.

• Scarowinds [68] is the city's most unique Halloween event. The Carowinds theme park turns ghoulish after dark, with special decor and events. Though it's a bit pricey, it never draws complaints of overpricing. $29, no kids.

• The Carolina Renaissance Festival [69] is in late Fall. Located just outside the city, it is a family-friendly reenactment of Elizabethan times. Features a wide array of shopping and themed events. $15 for adults, $5 for children.

• The Southern Christmas Show [70] in late November is one of the region's biggest holiday shopping events. The Merchandise Mart on E. Independence Blvd. hosts the event. $8 at the door for adults, $3 for kids. $6 per car to park all day.

• EclecFest [71] is a fledgling November festival in NoDa, started by the owner of a local bookstore. A combination flea market and cultural festival, this event is a good way to get introduced to the stores and locals of NoDa. Parking is typically available on and around N. Davidson St.

• The Charlotte International Auto Show [72] brings various dealers and buyers together. Located in the Convention Center and usually in November. Adults $8, kids free.

• Carrousel Thanksgiving Day Parade [73] is one of the city's most beloved annual events. Televised regionally, this parade has run along Tryon St. for half a century. A great time to visit.

• The large Charlotte Collectible & Antique Show [74] comes to Metrolina Expo on Statesville Rd. each December. The name says it all: shopping opportunities abound. $5, kids free.

• For college football fans, the Meineke Car Care Bowl [75] is a chance to catch a great game as well as a football-themed festival. An ACC team and a Big East team close out their seasons in Bank of America Stadium. Price varies year-to-year.

Itineraries

• Charlotte with children - itinerary for travellers with children

Learn

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte[76] - The city's public university, located in the growing northern side of the city. It is a suburban campus, and not noted for architectural brilliance (i.e., probably not worth the trip unless you have business there).
• Central Piedmont Community College[77] - The main branch is located just southeast of I-277, though there are others scattered around the area. CPCC has been noted as a relatively high-quality community college, and has increasingly integrated itself into the life of the city (though the central campus itself is still a bit bland). Recently, the college constructed a major new theater building, with a landmark statue on its front lawn.
• Queens University of Charlotte [78] - A historic liberal arts university in the Myers Park neighborhood, noted for its scenic setting. Once a Presbyterian women's college, Queens went co-ed in the 1980s and features a business school founded by prominent Charlotte businessman Hugh McColl.
• Johnson C. Smith University [79] - A historically African-American university located just outside Uptown. The centerpiece of the historic Biddleville community, J.C. Smith's campus is a picturesque gateway to the north/west side of the city.
• Johnson & Wales University [80] - The most centrally-located university in the city, only blocks from the central business district. This culinary arts university is only a few years old, but has already spurred major redevelopment in Third and Fourth Wards, with its location in the Gateway Village complex.

Work

Charlotte is a city that thrives on big business. Its most visible employers are Wachovia (the city's largest employer), Bank of America, and Duke Energy. Though the Uptown area has the largest concentration of business offices, the entire metro area has sprouted office/industrial parks. In particular, the gleaming midrises of SouthPark and Ballantyne are worth noting if you're in those areas. There are several Fortune 500 companies located in Charlotte and its surrounding towns.

Buy

One of Charlotte's biggest weaknesses is the relative lack of retail shopping in the center city. Though this will change somewhat in the near future, you will generally have to venture into the suburbs to do your shopping. As with most American cities, most retail is located in malls and shopping centers, though some areas (especially the inner suburbs) have stores along the streets.

• Concord Mills [81]. Though not technically located in Charlotte, this is the largest shopping destination in the region. Only minutes from the Charlotte city line. Over a linear mile of outlet-sized stores; if you can think of it, you can buy it here. 200 factory-size stores, a 24 screen theatre, large NASCAR-themed race track/arcade, and many restaurants, this Mall's motto is "Eat. Drink. Play". This is the largest tourist attraction in North Carolina.
• SouthPark Mall [82]. Charlotte's upscale shopping destination, including Nordstrom, Dillard's and Belk. This is the lynchpin of the rapidly-developing SouthPark neighborhood, about 15 minutes south of Uptown. The mall is reputed for having a slightly snobbish atmosphere, but the upscale shopping is the best in the area.
• Carolina Place Mall [83]. Large mall near the southern city line, convenient to the southern suburbs and South Carolina. This is a somewhat more middle-class alternative to SouthPark, and extremely popular among teens in the southern part of the city. Its location off I-485 puts it in the middle of traffic, but also locates it near a large number of other shopping centers and restaurants (though the food court is more than adequate to feed a family). Anchors include Belk's Dillard's, Sears, J.C. Penney, and Hecht's.
• Northlake Mall [84]. Brand-new mall in north Charlotte, convenient to the University area. On the same price level as Carolina Place. Anchors are Belks, Dillard's, Hecht's and (coming soon) Macy's. Includes an AMC movie theater.
• Eastland Mall [85]. Once the largest mall in the state, Eastland has seen better days. Located in east Charlotte, it has reflected that area's decline from its upscale origins. Eastland is still generally a safe place to shop, but the experience has been made considerably less comfortable by negative press arising from gangs and robberies at the mall and surrounding area. However, there is hope on the horizon; a new transit hub located adjacent to the mall is expected to pump some life (and money) back into the area. Includes a movie theater that specializes in "G" and "PG" films; anchors are Belk's, Dillard's and Sears.

• If you are looking to shop outside the commercial retail sector, try exploring some of the districts just outside the I-277 loop. In particular, the Dilworth and Plaza-Midwood areas are good places to visit unique, funky stores. East Blvd. (upscale) and Thomas St. (downscale) are both good places to find unusual items.

• Park Road Shopping Center is worth a visit, and can easily take up an afternoon of leisurely shopping. Charlotte's first true shopping center, this long strip of stores still has its old 1950s-style sign. Included among its tenants are a good bookstore, a record store (specializing in vinyl), an excellent toy store, an old-fashioned hardware store, a drug store, restaurants, a barber shop and a movie theater. Visit during the fall when the leaves of Myers Park are in full color, and outdoor shopping is most comfortable.

• There are several market-style locations scattered across the city. There is a "green market" [86] during the warmer months on E. 7th St. near Tryon, the EclecFest market [87] (every second Saturday) behind the Neighborhood Theater on N. Davidson St., and many flea markets in and around the city.

• Wal-Mart - If you must, the nearest location to Uptown is on Wilkinson Blvd. Starting on I-277, head west on NC-74 and look for it on the right. While you're at it, there are several restaurants in the area that will make the excursion worthwhile.

Eat

For the most part, Charlotte's culinary tastes are in line with the rest of the American South. Standards such as grits, sweet potatoes (yams), and greens are common in kitchens and restaurants. Southern food is typically high in fats and carbohydrates, so dieters should be careful to stick to higher-end restaurants that serve a more cosmopolitan fare. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy the richness of the Southern diet.

Many of Charlotte's older restaurants are owned by Greek families. Often, you will unexpectedly find Greek items on the menus of restaurants that otherwise serve American fare (South 21 and Athens Restaurant are good examples).

North Carolinians have long been fiercely competitive about their barbecue, and Charlotte's eateries reflect that heritage. Outsiders beware: Carolinas "barbeque" is chopped and sauced pork. The sauce will depend on which region it comes from (east or west), and it all works well as a sandwich (though you usually get to choose between sandwich or plate).

"Carolinas style" hamburgers and hot dogs are typically served with mustard, chili, and cole slaw, though some restaurants will vary their toppings slightly to create a "signature".

Krispy Kreme donuts are produced in nearby Winston-Salem, and are widely available. Also, Lance Snacks is based in Charlotte.

The dominant local grocery chains are Harris Teeter and Food Lion, both owned by N.C. companies. Harris Teeter is relatively expensive but more upscale. Food Lion is a middle-class favorite, and usually has an extensive ethnic section. Other groceries include Bi-Lo, ALDI, Lowes Foods, and Bloom (a high-tech spinoff of Food Lion). The city is also dotted with dozens of ethnic groceries, especially Hispanic, Indian and Vietnamese.

Budget

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including drink:
Budget Mid-range Splurge	Under $10; $10-$30 $31+

• Green's Lunch, 309 W. 4th St. One of Charlotte's oldest establishments, and Uptown's oldest restaurant at over 80 years. A relatively simple diner atmosphere, with city memorabilia covering the walls. Order your hot-dog or hamburger "Carolina Style", and don't forget that it's cash-only!
• Athens Restaurant, 101 E Independence Blvd. Another long-time favorite among locals, this is one of Charlotte's most understated gems. It never closes, and is therefore a favorite among late-nighters. All walks of life can be found eating here, from club kids to retirees.
• The Penguin, 1921 Commonwealth Ave. One of Plaza-Midwood's dogged survivors, this restaurant has earned its high reputation among locals. The eclectic patronage fits well with the gritty-artsy area surrounding the restaurant. The menu features many Carolinas-themed delicacies, including barbeque and "Brunswick stew".
• South 21. Of only four surviving drive-in restaurants in Charlotte, two belong to South 21. With one location on South Blvd., and one on East Independence Blvd., this chain has over 50 years of experience in serving Charlotte's best onion rings. A particularly good choice if you have a roomy vehicle.
• Open Kitchen, 1318 W. Morehead St., [88]. Once the only restaurant in Charlotte to serve pizza (back when it was considered an exotic delicacy), this restaurant continues to thrive on the outskirts of Uptown. It's not difficult to find three generations of patrons at a single table.
• House of Pizza, 3640 Central Av. Somewhat less trendy than its competitors, House of Pizza has an old-Charlotte appeal that has weathered the decades. Very low-key and friendly, this is an establishment among the working-class families in the Plaza-Midwood area. The food also happens to be cheap and well-made.
• Fuel, [89]. A fast-growing, homegrown chain that started in a converted gas station (if you're curious, visit the original location on Central Ave. to see it for yourself). Fuel sells pizza by the slice, making it convenient and cheap to stop for a quick bite. There are two Uptown locations, both convenient to major attractions.
• Price's Chicken Coop, [90]. Simply the best fried chicken in all of Charlotte, having earned an enviable reputation after several decades of service to locals of all descriptions. The restaurant is take-out only, and the line often stretches out the door during lunch. Your best bet is to find a spot in nearby Latta Park to eat.
• Simmons Soul Food, 516 N. Graham St., [91]. A more down-home alternative to Mert's, located not far away in the middle of the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. The walls are covered with pictures of famous patrons, including star players from the Panthers, Hornets and Bobcats. Located in a shopping center that is full of African-American owned businesses.
• Lang Van. 3019 Shamrock Dr. By far Charlotte's best-reputed Vietnamese restaurant. Located in an unassuming building on Shamrock Dr., this has become a quiet favorite among fans of Asian cuisine. The neighborhood is perfectly safe by day, but be alert if going for dinner.
• Little Italy. 2221 Central Ave., 704-375-1625. Italian for the rest of us. The neon sign directs you to this long-tenured establishment on gritty Central Avenue. Low prices and lots of neighborhood character.
• Showmars. Many locations citywide. Home-grown chain restaurant that has made a name for its excellent Greek "fast" food. Don't be put off by the odd concept or gaudy neon signs; this chain is successful for a reason. Mouth-watering Greek fare and excellent sweet tea.

Mid-range

• Cosmos. 300 N. College St. A survivor of the days when Uptown rolled up the sidewalks after sundown, Cosmos has thrived as a hip spot to grab dinner before the clubs open. Artsy decor and creative entrees have kept the doors open, and now Cosmos reaps the benefit of its location near the heart of the entertainment scene. Prices are slightly higher than average, but there are lower-priced options available.
• Brixx Pizza, 225 E. 6th St. (also has locations in SouthPark, Dilworth and Huntersville), [92]. Critically acclaimed and very family-friendly, Brixx goes far beyond the norm with its pizza selection. Lots of variety on the menu, including pasta dishes and full-size salad options. Very conveniently located at the bottom of the massive 7th St. Station parking deck, and only a couple of blocks from Bobcats arena. Very busy on game days, but the service is quick.
• Wolfman Pizza, [93]. Four south Charlotte locations, and one in Mooresville. Take it on reputation: Wolfman was voted "Charlotte's Best Pizza" for eleven years in a row. California-style pizza highlights a diverse and interesting menu.
• Mellow Mushroom, 3228 N. Davidson St. (also two South Charlotte locations), [94]. Neo-hippie pizza dining at its finest. The NoDa location is not only very convenient to the artsy attractions of the district, but the building itself (formerly a large Victorian home) is decorated with a fine-art twist (think Picasso meets pizza). Very kid-friendly and comfortable. Also, two locations in south Charlotte.
• Mert's Heart and Soul, 214 N. College St., [95]. Upscale soul food located very near the city's entertainment center. Charlotte's most prominent African-American owned restaurant, Mert's is a favorite among people of all walks of life. The hip decor matches its proximity to clubs and Bobcats Arena. Don't count calories.
• Boudreaux's, 501 E. 3th. At the corner of N. Davidson St. and East 36th St. at the center of NoDa, [96]. Cajun food and drinks, plus vegetarian versions of their jambalaya and etouffee. A great bet if you're checking out the art galleries or a concert in the neighborhood. Occasional jazz.
• Ri Ra, 208 N. Tryon St., [97]. As authentic as Irish pubs get without requiring plane tickets; Ri Ra has come up with the clever idea of physically relocating Irish pubs to the United States. A highly authentic menu and beer selection complement the warm surroundings and reasonable prices. Very convenient to nightclubs and the arena. Be ready to fight for a seat on St. Patty's Day.
• Sir Edmond Halley's, 4151 Park Road, 704-525-2555. Can you say "beer by the yard?" Located in a neat alcove of Charlotte's oldest shopping center, Sir Edmond's is a good place to stop for lunch while exploring the nearby shops.
• Mama Ricotta's, 601 S. Kings Dr. Excellent italian food and pizza at reasonable prices ($8-$14 entrees, less at lunch). Penne alla vodka is their signature dish. Known for its highly fashionable interior and attentive service.
• SoHo Bistro. Big-city visitors might smirk at the lack of Chinese options Uptown, but SoHo Bistro does its best to help fill the void. Not the kind of place to stop for a cheap box of noodles, but excellent if you're looking for a quality lunch or dinner.
• French Quarter Restaurant. 321 S. Church St., 704-377-7415. One of the best restaurant locations in all of Charlotte, as part of historic Latta Arcade. Give some thought to passing by this restaurant, even if only to grab a drink. The ambience and service are both excellent, and the food quality is very high.
• Zapata's. 8927 J.M. Keynes Blvd (just off N. Tryon St. in the University area), 704-503-1979. Probably Charlotte's best Mexican (though some Spanish-speaking joints on the east side might beg to differ). Relatively upscale, Zapata's enjoys one of the best restaurant locations in the University area: perched over a picturesque lake, across from the Hilton hotel, and within minutes of shopping destinations. Almost everything on the menu is good, including the drink specials.
• Dixie's Tavern. See Bars.
• Cajun Queen. 1800 E. 7th St., 704-377-9017. Set in a refurbished century-old home, this is one of the jewels of the Elizabeth neighborhood. Very good Cajun cuisine is only one of the attractions; the artsy decor and live jazz bands (upstairs) add to an attractive atmosphere. The service is on-and-off because the restaurant is usually busy. Dinner only.
• Cajun Yard Dog. 8036 Providence Rd., 704-752-1750. Located in the large Arboretum shopping center near I-485 in south Charlotte. Though this is somewhat less authentic than Charlotte's other offerings, it is also a bit more affordable. Plenty of other options in the area if the line is long.
• Riverview Inn. 10012 Moore's Chapel Loop, 704-399-3385. A bit off the beaten path, but more than worth the drive. Located right on the Catawba River, giving it a rare waterfront view in this area. 60 years strong, this has one of the best reputations of any restaurant in the area. The seafood buffet is extremely complete, and to die for... bring a big appetite.
• Greek Isles. 200 E. Bland St., 704-444-9000. Located right in the middle of South End, very convenient to the ameneties that the district has to offer. A larger restaurant that serves primarily Greek fare.

Splurge

• Charleston House, 3120 The Plaza, [98]. Another well-established soul food restaurant, owned and operated by African Americans. Located in the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood, Charleston House is known for its exemplary service, coat-and-tie atmosphere and tasteful live music. A bit pricier than Mert's or Simmons, but worth every penny.
• Harry & Jean's. 201 S. Tryon St., 704-333-4300. Italian-based menu in the center of the city. One of the best places in town to elect to eat outside; busy Tryon St. makes for great people-watching over your meal. The high prices are justified by excellent service and very good food.
• Bentley's on 27, 201 S. College St., [99]. If you're looking for a "wow" factor with your meal, this is it. Bentley's offers upscale dining from the 27th floor of the Grant Thornton building uptown. Panoramic views of south Charlotte accompany your meal. Has a reputation for being a bit overpriced, though for obvious reasons.
• Patou. 2400 Park Rd., 704-376-2233. Well-reputed as one of Charlotte's long-standing French restaurants. The location in the fashionable Myers Park neighborhood adds to the ambience.
• Alexander Michael's, 401 W. 9th St. If you're touring Fourth Ward, a stop at "Al Mike's" is a must. The building is nearly a century old, and has probably never looked better. The menu is somewhat expensive but the food is good, and the beer selection is one of the best in the city. A slightly dim, pubbish atmosphere creates ambience. Kids are welcome but this is probably a better place for a date.
• Ciro's. 8927 J M Keynes Dr., 704-510-0012. Upscale Italian located in the strollable center of the University area. High-end service and prices, and an excellent wine menu.
• Frankie's Italian Grille. 800 E Morehead St., 704-358-8004. One of Charlotte's best-reputed Italian restaurants. Very good service, though the prices are a bit high. Located in the ritzy south-central area.
• La Bibliotheque. 1901 Roxborough Rd, 704-635-5000. French-American fusion restaurant, complete with a wide variety of wines available. Boasts of being voted Charlotte's most romantic restaurant. Reservations advise
• Melting Pot. 2 locations: one on Kings Dr., one in the University area. Very upscale fondue restaurant. Excellent service and fine taste in cuisine help you forget how much the bill will come to. If you're looking to splurge, this should be one of your top options. Reservations suggested.
• LaVecchia's. 225 E. 6th St., 704-370-6776. This upscale seafood restaurant deserves its reputation as one of Uptown's best. Very convenient to the arena and the 10-story 7th St. station parking deck. The prices are a bit high, but you enjoy first-rate seafood, live jazz music and excellent decor.

Health

• Absolute Organics, (704) 470-4963, [100]. Free home or office delivery of organic produce. Three sizes of variety organic produce boxes to choose from tailored to your individual preferences. Each week 6-7 different vegetables and 4-5 different fruits are selected based on price and availability, but you will never get anything you will not use or eat.
• The Kosher Mart, International Way off Providence (bus 14), [101]. Su 10AM-3:30PM, M-W 10AM-6PM, Th 10AM-7PM, F 10AM-3PM. The only eat-in kosher deli in the Carolinas. A variety of meats, soups, frozen foods, wines, and at Passover, all sorts of matzos.
• Home Economist, [102]. Two locations: South Boulevard across from Pepsi (bus 12 or 24), Su 10AM-7PM, Mo-Sa 8AM-8PM; and Idlewild and Independence (bus 17), Su 11AM-6PM, Mo-Sa 9AM-8PM. Whole-grain bread, free-range poultry, organic produce. The South Boulevard location is larger and has a deli counter.
• New Century Food and International Supermarket, both at Sugar Creek and Tryon (bus 11). Two full-size East Asian supermarkets in the same building. Come here for fresh durians, assorted cow stomachs, honeysuckle flowers (labeled in Latin!), and a wide variety of seitan.

Coffeehouses

• The Smelly Cat. 514 E. 36th St. Located in the heart of the NoDa district. A comfortable, friendly place with a lot of approachable regulars. Located only a short walk from NoDa's galleries, restaurants and the Neighborhood Theater.
• Lava Java. 5724 E. WT Harris Blvd. Classy and chic, this is a good place for lunch or dinner as well as coffee. Reputed for its excellent desserts.
• La-Tea-Da's. 1942 E. 7th St., 704-372-9599. A quaint coffee-and-tea cafe in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Very close to where 7th St. turns into Monroe Rd., La-Tea-Da's is surrounded by other excellent restaurants and unique shops.
• Queen's Beans. 1510 Camden Rd., 704-790-2326. Your best bet in South End, located on funky Camden Rd. alongside galleries and other "artsy" fixtures.
• Tic Toc Coffee Shop. 512 N. Tryon St., 704-375-5750. Easy to miss among the skyscrapers and bistros of North Tryon St. If you're uptown for the day, this is a good place to step away from the crowd and have a cup o' joe.
• Starbucks. Like them or not, you have to mention them. As with most American cities, Charlotte is dotted with Starbucks locations. The trendiest is on N. Tryon Street a stone's throw from the Square; this location is a wi-fi hotspot (very convenient if you need to get online for directions while visiting).

Drink

Liquor is available by the drink in the city of Charlotte. However, some smaller towns in the region prohibit liquor sales. If you plan to explore nearby counties, there is a chance you may encounter a "dry" area. Open containers of alcohol are never permitted on the street; if you order a beverage you must finish it before leaving the restaurant or bar. If you want to buy liquor by the bottle, you must do it at state-run ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) stores, rather than at traditional liquor stores. Beer and wine are available for purchase at most markets, grocery stores and gas stations.

Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink, is a local favorite. Sundrop[103], available in a unique citrus blend and cherry-lemon, is based out of Gastonia, NC and is a favorite among locals. R.C. Cola is also a "traditional" Southern soft drink.

If you are not from the American South, be aware that sweet iced tea is the predominant non-carbonated drink. When ordering tea, you will need to be specific as to whether you want sweet or un-sweet tea. Diabetics should take particular note of the distinction, as a glass of sweet tea is roughly as sugary as a glass of soft drink.

Bars

• Therapy, 401 N. Tryon St., 704-333-1353, [104]. M,Tu,Th 7AM-11PM; W,F 7AM-2AM; Sat 5pm-2am. If you're in the middle of a head-splitting barhop, the name "Therapy" will make sense to you. The bar is low-key, quiet and very urban-chic. It's got the features of both a cafe and a martini bar, and the clientele reflects that blend. A cool, quiet place to recover or prep yourself for a late night of sensory overload.
• Blue, corner of 5th and College (inside the Hearst Tower, with a streetside entrance), 704-927-2583,[105]. Open M-Th 5PM-10PM, F,Sa 5PM-11PM. Trendy but not overbearing, this bar has gained a reputation among Charlotte's high-rollers as a place to rub elbows. A bit lower key than some of its neighbors, this is a good place to relax and have a signature blue martini. Cocktails in the $10 range with $6 martini specials.
• Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. 7th St., 704-374-1700, fax: 704.374.1710, [106]. Open M-Sa 11AM-2AM. One of the city's most appealing restaurant-bar combos. Good cajun food and reasonable drink prices make this a great place to begin a night of Uptown bar-hopping. Frequently has live music acts, and occasionally hosts large events in the parking lot.
• Fox & Hound. This bar has quickly gained a reputation among the hard-partying Uptown crowd as a place to shoot pool, get good beer and be able to have an audible conversation. Somewhat casual, but still very trendy and safe.
• Hartigan's, 601 S. Cedar St., [107]. Open M-Sa; lunch only Mondays; open from lunchtime till 11:30PM during the week, till 2:30PM on weekends. "Irish" pub located on the edge of Uptown near the football stadium. A good place to grab a sandwich for lunch, Hartigan's has solid traffic as a bar after sundown. Upstairs is mostly casual dining and drinking; downstairs is Charlotte's best-known all-lesbian bar. Gay-friendly, but very welcoming of straight clientele.
• Thomas St. Tavern, 1228 Thomas Avenue, 704-376-1622, [108]. Open M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 12PM-2AM. Well-established in the heart of Plaza-Midwood, this is also a good place to grab lunch or dinner before the heavy drinking begins. It's well worth giving some thought to combining dinner at the Penguin with drinking at the Tavern. Very intimate with lots of regulars. Beer between $2 - $7, Shots between $4 - $10, Wine $4/glass.
• Liaisons, 316 Rensselaer Ave, 704-376-1617, [109]. It might not look like a gay club from the outside, but this iconic Victorian house in Southend is one of the city's hidden gems. Music videos, TV-watching parties during the week, and a nice balcony overlooking the skyline all make for a very cozy atmosphere.
• Elizabeth Billiards, 1400 Central Ave., 704-342-2663. Daily 3:30PM-2AM. Again and again, this pool bar ranks at the top of Charlotte's dive-bar scene. Its small size and smoky atmosphere are perfect for clientele seeking a "neighborhood bar" feel. It doesn't take long to notice that everyone seems to know each other; the regulars are welcoming and among pool bars this is one of the safest.

Breweries

• SouthEnd Brewery, 2100 S. Blvd., 704-358-4677, [110]. Open Sun-Tue 11:30am-9pm; Wed-Sat 11:30am-10pm. A fixture on South Blvd. before the area was fashionable. Produces several excellent beers; SouthEnd Blonde is the signature. Also serves a decent food menu. Draws big crowds on football Sundays, who usually fill the bar near the massive "Tank 5" vat.
• Rock Bottom Brewery, 401 N. Tryon St., 704-334-2739. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12am; Sun 11am-9pm. Aside from its beer menu, this place has developed a reputation as one of Uptown's better places to grab a bite to eat. The burgers have an especially high reputation. Note that the kitchen closes a couple of hours before the bar.

Sleep

If you are not driving or renting a car during your visit, it is highly advisable to try to find lodging near the center city. Otherwise you will be stuck paying cab and bus fares, and you will find it quite difficult to move around as freely as you'd like. Most of the city's large hotels are located either uptown, near the airport, or in the University area. There are also some luxury hotels appearing in Ballantyne, and there are the typical options off the highways and interstate exits.

Budget

• InTown Suites, 110 Rocky River Rd West, 704-599-2380. Possibly the cheapest hotel in the city. Located off Tryon St. in a somewhat gritty area, but easily accessible to a lot of the city's amenities (you can get to almost anything in Uptown, University City and NoDa within 15 minutes' drive). Most rooms run about $25/night.

• Super 8 Motel, 11300 Texland Blvd, 704-588-8488. Upside: immediate access to I-77 and I-485. Downside: train tracks run nearby. Give some thought to this one especially if you’re planning on going to Carowinds, which is only a few minutes’ drive down the interstate. Continental breakfast. $28 - $150.

• Microtel Inns & Suites Charlotte (Airport), 3412 S. I-85 Service Road, 704-398-9606,[111]. A good low-fare option for business travelers planning to fly into the city. Immediate access to I-85 lets you get about the city quickly. $45 - $55.

• Red Roof Inn, 3300 Queen City Drive, 704-392-2316. Nothing fancy, but cheaper than most hotels in the area. This is an economy chain, so the rooms are sparse but clean. Immediate access to the airport and surrounding amenities. $52 - $60.

• Microtel Inn & Suites, 6309 Banner Elk Dr., 704-227-3377. Located immediately off I-77 (Exit 16B) on the northwest side. You sacrifice location for a cheaper price, but the hotel itself is of acceptible quality. Features a pool and business center. $45 - $70.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites, 4900 S Tryon St., 704-523-5599. Reasonable prices and a location that works for air travelers. From the hotel, you have a short drive to the airport and a straight shot through SouthEnd into Uptown. Fitness center, pool, hot tub. $50 - $115.

Mid-Range

• AmeriSuites Charlotte/Airport, 2950 Oak Lake Boulevard, 704-423-9931, [112]. Convenient to the airport, and primarily aimed at business travelers. Pool, family rooms, fitness center, breakfast buffet. $79 - $99.

• Wyndham Garden Charlotte Airport Hotel, 2600 Yorkmont Road, 704-357-9100 (Fax: 704-357-9159), [113]. Located across the road from the now-defunct Charlotte Coliseum, the Wyndham nevertheless offers an extremely high standard of accommodations. Huge rooms, landscaped garden area, and no expense spared on the details (they use Bath and Body Works for their bathroom supplies) make this an excellent buy for visitors staying in the airport area. Continental breakfast, fitness facility, restaurant, pool, airport shuttle. $55 - $170.

• AmeriSuites Charlotte/Coliseum, 4119 South Stream Blvd, 704-357-8555, [114] . Formerly this hotel’s main attraction was its proximity to the Charlotte Coliseum. Since the Coliseum’s closing in 2005, it is now primarily a business hotel with relatively convenient access to the airport. Offers a complimentary airport shuttle and has rooms designed for business travelers. Fitness center, breakfast buffet, pool. $89 -$119.

• Morgan Hotel & Suites, 315 E Woodlawn Rd (southwestern suburbs), 704-522-0852. If you don't mind staying outside the center city, this offers everything you need. Immediately accessible to I-77. Also, located just off South Blvd. with easy driving to SouthEnd and Uptown. Kids 12 and under stay free. Valet parking, pool, continental breakfast, restaurant, workout room. $84 - $111.

• Marriott City Center 100 West Trade St, 704-333-9000. A good value with immediate access to the center of the city. Only short walk from the Convention Center and many other attractions. Location is excellent for nightlife, as it is on one of the safest and best-lit blocks in the city. A bit pricy, but surprisingly luxurious for its price range. Valet, restaurant, pool, parking deck. $99 - $169.

• Renaissance Suites, 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive, 704-357-1414, [115]. Ideally situated near sporting events, arts and entertainment, shopping and dining.

• Uptown Hilton, 222 E. 3rd St. 704-377-1500, [116]. There are Hiltons scattered across town, but this one has the swankiest location. Part of the complex containing Wachovia Bank's national headquarters, this hotel offers access to an indoor mall and YMCA (reportedly, rooms there include a complimentary guest pass), and is directly across the street from the Convention Center. Excellent views from the upper floors, except those facing the adjacent office tower. Fitness center, restaurants, pool, parking deck. $75 - $199.

• University Place Hilton 8629 J.M. Keynes Dr., 704-547-7444, [117]. If staying Uptown isn't your cup of tea, consider this one of the best alternatives around. This hotel is one of the vibrant University City area's keystones, and is located adjacent to a major shopping complex. Take a stroll around the lake, try out the paddleboats, eat dinner on a patio balcony only a few minutes' walk from your room. Upper rooms have excellent views of the surrounding area, and most lower rooms have a nice view of the lake. $98 - $140.

• Courtyard by Marriott City Center, 237 S Tryon St., 704-926-5800. For value and location, this might be the best deal in town. Located only two blocks from the Square, literally around the corner from the Bank of America and Wachovia headquarters. Immediate access to an array of restaurants, clubs, and other attractions. $89 - $170. Pool, breakfast buffet, parking deck ($10/night).

Splurge

• Omni Hotel, 132 E. Trade St. 704-377-0400,[118]. It doesn't get more central than this; the shard-shaped Omni is located directly on the Square. Aside from its excellent views and relatively affordable package deals, the Omni is also located on top of an indoor mall area. In addition, it is connected to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and features a rooftop pool with excellent skyline views. Most rooms have great views, except those on the backside of the building. Business travelers tend to favor this one for location. Pool, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, airport shuttle, sauna. $99 - $229.

• Westin Hotel601 S. College St., 704-335-2100, [119]. Charlotte's largest hotel, and one of its best-located. The distinctive shape of the hotel gives an indication of its prominence in connecting Uptown and SouthEnd, both of which are within walking distance. An added bonus: the streetcar stops right at the base of the hotel and the Gold Rush trolley passes close by. The in-house restaurant has an excellent reputation. Fitness center, pool, grand ballroom. $119 - $209.

• Residence Inn by Marriott, 404 S Mint St., 704-340-400. A favorite for visitors to Panthers games. Features a large number of suites, making this a favorite of celebrities who are in town for the game. Most rooms face the stadium and it is a short walk to the game and surrounding amenities. The hotel is only 5 years old, so the rooms have a very “new” feel. Restaurant, fitness center, continental breakfast. $144 - $289.

• The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd., 704-714-4400, [120]. If you can afford it (but then again, you're reading the Slurge section) this is one of the city's most unique experiences. Everything about the historic mansion (built 1915 and the home of the famous Duke family) screams old-money, and a stay there is second to none in luxury. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Great for weddings or retreats. $169 - $249.

• Dunhill Hotel, 237 N. Tryon St., 704-332-4141, [121]. If you're thinking high-class, this is your best bet. Listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this is one of only a handful of historic high-rises in Charlotte. Its attractive location on Tryon St., 19th-century decor, and high-end restaurant (the Monticello) make this a favorite for honeymooners and other romantics. $199 - $269.

• Ballantyne Resort, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., 704-341-4653. Located adjacent to posh Ballantyne Country Club. Features a spa, pool, and golf club. Also, nice details such as babysitting service and shopping-shuttles are offered to guests. The restaurant gets rave reviews. Probably the city's best resort spa, located on the southern edge of town. If you want to create a buzz, ask for a $300 "Ballantini" from the bar; it has gold leaf around the rim and you get a bottle of champagne to boot. $160 - $400.

Contact

The city of Charlotte has mandatory 10-digit dialing, so you must include the area code even on local calls. Charlotte has two area codes: 704 and 980.

There are some public pay phones scattered around the city, but they are becoming increasingly rare with the predominance of cell phones. It is not safe to assume you will be able to find a pay phone at any given time.

All ZIP codes in the city of Charlotte begin with 282. The cental district's code is 28202.

Radio

• FM Stations

88.9 - Jazz

89.9 - College

90.3 - National Public Radio

90.7 - National Public Radio, Jazz

91.7 - College

91.9 - College, some Christian

92.7 - R&B

93.5 - Religio