Things to eat, drink & do while you're in the Queen City.
Neighborhoods
Some notable areas within the city you might enjoy checking out.
Uptown as we call it is the downtown area. There are museums, restaurants, bars, and parks available. This is also were most of the professional sports matches happen.
176 locals recommend
Charlotte center city
Uptown as we call it is the downtown area. There are museums, restaurants, bars, and parks available. This is also were most of the professional sports matches happen.
NoDa, short for North Davidson, is the art centered part of town. There are a lot of quirky little shops and often street markets on the weekends.
355 locals recommend
NoDa
NoDa, short for North Davidson, is the art centered part of town. There are a lot of quirky little shops and often street markets on the weekends.
South End is where all the young professionals tend to congregate. There is a lot going on during most hours of the day and night. If you are looking for a crowd, bar, or lively dinner spot this is a good place to start.
208 locals recommend
South End
South End is where all the young professionals tend to congregate. There is a lot going on during most hours of the day and night. If you are looking for a crowd, bar, or lively dinner spot this is a good place to start.
Local flavor, quirky but less so than NoDa and a hair closer to the house. You can find mostly small shops, bars, and local restaurants here. There are also events fairly regularly on the weekends.
183 locals recommend
Plaza Midwood
Local flavor, quirky but less so than NoDa and a hair closer to the house. You can find mostly small shops, bars, and local restaurants here. There are also events fairly regularly on the weekends.
Things to Do
Outdoors and indoors, lots of fun stuff in various categories.
Good place for a yoga class. Okra is an established studio in the city and tends to have more spiritual options as opposed to mostly physical practices though they have some of those to choose from too.
12 locals recommend
Okra
1912 Commonwealth AveGood place for a yoga class. Okra is an established studio in the city and tends to have more spiritual options as opposed to mostly physical practices though they have some of those to choose from too.
Lot of people would say this is a must visit at some point for anyone spending time in Charlotte. LOTS to do in the outdoor activity realm, even in winter.
405 locals recommend
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center PkwyLot of people would say this is a must visit at some point for anyone spending time in Charlotte. LOTS to do in the outdoor activity realm, even in winter.
Consummate Charlotte area hike. It is relatively close and a standby for many. You are likely to find the trails well traveled so if you want a secluded hike, this is not likely the one for you on most days (it can happen sometimes but don't count on it). It DOES have a great view of the city over an expanse of treetops to reward you though and can offer a solid bit of cardio if you want it to.
118 locals recommend
Crowders Mountain State Park
522 Park Office LnConsummate Charlotte area hike. It is relatively close and a standby for many. You are likely to find the trails well traveled so if you want a secluded hike, this is not likely the one for you on most days (it can happen sometimes but don't count on it). It DOES have a great view of the city over an expanse of treetops to reward you though and can offer a solid bit of cardio if you want it to.
Mint Museum Uptown
500 S Tryon StFine Art museum in uptown.
Beautiful park to walk in, have a picnic, play some games or just sit by the water.
338 locals recommend
Freedom Park
1908 East BlvdBeautiful park to walk in, have a picnic, play some games or just sit by the water.
I don't know a lot about this other than people who love NASCAR are bound to enjoy it!
409 locals recommend
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E M.L.K. Jr BlvdI don't know a lot about this other than people who love NASCAR are bound to enjoy it!
This venue it very close to the house. They host a wide array of events throughout the year. If you have tickets to anything at the Coliseum and that is what is bringing you to Charlotte, this is a very handy location for you.
54 locals recommend
Bojangles' Coliseum
2700 E Independence BlvdThis venue it very close to the house. They host a wide array of events throughout the year. If you have tickets to anything at the Coliseum and that is what is bringing you to Charlotte, this is a very handy location for you.
Eat
Restaurants, coffee shops- generally things to fill your belly.
Local almost dive bar feeling community hangout/food/beer/sometimes live music spot. You can also check out their locations in Plaza Midwood or South End if you are there.
22 locals recommend
Common Market Oakwold
4420-A Monroe RdLocal almost dive bar feeling community hangout/food/beer/sometimes live music spot. You can also check out their locations in Plaza Midwood or South End if you are there.
Delicious bahn-mi, totally uncomplicated and not a place to really dine in but a good sandwich and excellent fries if you're into that.
Crispy Banh Mi
5100 South BlvdDelicious bahn-mi, totally uncomplicated and not a place to really dine in but a good sandwich and excellent fries if you're into that.
Highly recommend if you are in Plaza Midwood. Local owners and great spot.
30 locals recommend
Undercurrent Coffee
2012 Commonwealth AveHighly recommend if you are in Plaza Midwood. Local owners and great spot.
Night Swim Coffee
1620 Oakhurst Commons DriveClose by and delicious coffee and treats, they also have a roastery.
Living Kitchen
2000 South BlvdHealthy, vegan, vegetarian and raw food.
Oh My Soul
3046 N Davidson StDelicious vegan food and desserts.
They are open until they run out usually. Made to order and passed through a window...that's fun.
13 locals recommend
Reigning Doughnuts
3120 N Davidson StThey are open until they run out usually. Made to order and passed through a window...that's fun.
There is almost always a line at Jenny's, no matter which one you go to. They are also in some of the grocery stores in the area as well.
54 locals recommend
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1920 Camden RdThere is almost always a line at Jenny's, no matter which one you go to. They are also in some of the grocery stores in the area as well.
Soul Gastrolounge
1500 B Central AveOpen late, cool vibe, good food.
Drink & Be Merry
Charlotte has a well established local brewery scene. These are the ones that have gotten the best reviews from friends and local favorite contests as well as some notable bars of various repute.
Wooden Robot Brewery
1440 S Tryon StOne of the favorite local breweries
Lenny Boy
3000 S Tryon Stthey also have good kombucha :)
Resident Culture Brewing Company
2101 Central Avebeer and events for the win
Birdsong Brewing Company
1016 N Davidson StFun place to chill and enjoy a local beer
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson StAnother local fave
Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson StThe people love Heist.
Very cool dive bar on a plot of land the owners refused to sell so it's surrounded by a housing development. Fun fact, Mick Jagger was recently hanging out there after a show...so there's that to lend to the dive bar credit I suppose.
33 locals recommend
Thirsty Beaver Salooon
1225 Central AveVery cool dive bar on a plot of land the owners refused to sell so it's surrounded by a housing development. Fun fact, Mick Jagger was recently hanging out there after a show...so there's that to lend to the dive bar credit I suppose.