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THE QUEEN CITY charlotte North Carolina
An indian trading crossroads, populated by a fleeting gold-rush now emerges as a modern banking powerhouse, a city rich in arts, entertainment, sports franchises, and dedicated to retaining southern culture, charm and heritage. he Queen City, it is called. And rest-assured, it is a city fit for a Queen. From the gold and silver-laden skyline to the posh hotels, elite shopping destinations and fine dining you’ll find—it’s a truly world-class city. If you’re the adventurous type, you might start with a walk, right out of the New Convention Center, where the National Square Dance Convention is held. Take a right and follow Tryon Street for eight or so blocks and you’ll see for your self how this bright, new, shiny metropolis has become a crown jewel of the South. You’ll pass dozens of restaurantts, an Overstreet Mall, CHARLOTTE IS GROWING AT A the Wachovia and Bank of America headquarters (3rd and PHENOMENAL PACE. AS A VISITOR YOU 2nd largest banks in America, respectively), one of the most CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THE LEISURELY beautiful squares in all of America, Discovery Place (Charlotte’s learning and science museum, complete with PACE OF A CHARLOTTE TROLLEY RIDE iMax theatre), the newly-opened Mint Museum of Arts and Crafts, and several wonderful historic Charlotte churches—all OR GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A on the same picturesque tree-lined stretch of street. And if NASCAR™ SPEED DEMON AT LOWE’S you walk far enough, you’ll come face-to-face with the Tryon MOTOR SPEEDWAY WITH THE RICHARD Center for the Arts—where one historic Charlotte church met tragedy by fire and was resurrected as an artist’s colony, PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE. home to some of the finest artisans around the globe. If your feet haven’t had enough, and your adventurous spirit calls out for more, take 7th Street one block East to College Street. Along the way you’ll see Spirit Square, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Uptown Entertainment District and the New Bobcats Arena, home to the Charlotte Bobcats—which, by-the-way, are owned in-part by the one and only, Michael Jordan.
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THE OLD WEST wichita Kansas
Hooray! Preparations are underway in Wichita, Kansas for the 57th Annual National Square Dance Convention in 2008. s the largest city in Kansas, Wichita is avibrant city with all the amenities found in large cities but with the convenience of centralized attractions downtown near the Century II Convention Center. Old Town, the city's historic red-brick district, Museums on the River, and the Delano Old West red-light district are a few areas just a few blocks from Century II. Dancers will enjoy the city's central location in the United States, affordability, and the ease of getting around (only a 15-minute drive across the city). Plus, just in time for next year's convention Wichita will have new entertainment options including the opening of the only allwestern themed amusement park Wild West World, the dedication of a 44-foot Keeper of the Plains sculpture, and the only Underground Salt Museum in the western hemisphere opening nearby in Hutchinson, Kansas.
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The delegation will be able to satisfy their culinary desires by diningat any of our thousands of restaurants that pepper the city. From distinctive international cuisine, homestyle cooking to fine dining, they'll find there's plenty to choose from. And they can spend the day shopping at one or all five distinct outdoor shopping districts. There are plenty of choices in Wichita as they explore the boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and dining experiences during their stay. Or they can relax by trying out the city's selection of day spas or enjoy one of the 250 days of sunshine by playing at any of the 22 area golf courses. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to plan a few additional days in Wichita. It's amazing what a few days here can do! For more information on Wichita go on-line to our wonderful site at www.VisitWichita.com or call for a free Visitor Guide at 1.800.288.9424.
A TALE OF TWO TROLLEYS Wichita or Charlotte? Or both!? While they are both southern cities with elegance, history and charm, they are quite different.
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ATTRACTIONS From the host cities of the National Square Dance Convention for 2007 and 2008— Charlotte, NC and Wichita, KS
WHAT TO DO WHEN BEST DINING You’re here, and you’re hungry and boy—are you in luck! Around each corner and on each tree-lined street you find restaurants and eateries of every kind—some 1,500 and counting dining destinations are here to serve you. We’ve compiled a quick list of close and not-tomiss restaurants to make the trip a tasty treat for all in your group. ONLY IN CHARLOTTE
LaVecchia’s-Seafood with flare, served fresh as you can find it, in a blustering, seeand-be-seen spot that has remained hot for years, despite diner’s thirst for the next-bigthing. And have a look at the decor while you’re there. A must.
Trendy AND tasty. Multiple locations with the nearest at corner of East and South Boulevard. Southend Brewery-Bistro and hand-crafted brews. Huge menu with great appetizers, entrees, salads and desserts. On South Boulevard, one light past East Boulevard. Cosmos’ Café-Tapas, martinis and crazy style. This uptown eatery is on College at 6th and features an onsite mini art gallery. Cool. Mimosa Grill-From the purveyors of Harper’s at Southpark comes this uptown masterpiece. Fine dining for those on a culinary conquest. Harper’s is the dresseddown but still great food choice of the two. WORLD-RENOWNED, RIGHT HERE
UpStream-No surprise that this culinary excursion will cost you a pretty penny—it’s nestled in Phillip’s Place—a shopping destination including world-famous Palm steak house as well. Near SouthPark. McIntosh’s—Steaks, chops, seafood. On South Boulevard near intersection of East Boulevard. Fuel Pizza—Great, fresh pizzas of most any kind in a 1960s gas-station environment.
Morton’s-Uptown on W. Trade and at SouthPark Ruth’s Chris- Across Fairview Road from SouthPark Palm Steakhouse-at Phillip’s Place on Fairview Road near SouthPark Quaker Steak-At Park Road Shopping Center Cheesecake Factory-SouthPark Pizza Uno-S. College Street LOCAL SECRETS
Lupie’-Great big servings of veggies, mac and cheese, specials and more in a decidely bohemian environment. Prepare to wait any time of day—but it’s worth it. On
7th(where it becomes Monroe Road Eastbound). Longhorn Steakhouse-Warm bread, peanuts on the floor, great steaks (and lobster!) and wonderful appetizers. REALLY close to the Charlotte Convention Center on Morehead Street. Good kid’s menu, too. Red Rocks Café—World’s best chicken fingers, among other appetizers, an assortment of bistro specialties, great pies and cakes and fast, friendly service. Art’s BBQ—A quick jaunt down Morehead to the McDowell intersection and you’re at one of Charlotte’s lunch counter favs, serving burgers, BBQ, and a variety of lunch classics. Quick and cheap. Mr. K’s Burgers-Good, greasy and only in the Queen City. Drive South on South Boulevard it’s just past Scaleybark. South 21 Drive-In-The last of the drive-up diners, this historic Charlotte icon delivers a feast for the eyes and the hungry belly. Great burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, fries, onion rings (a must) and more. A real QC treat. Take I-77 to East Independence Boulevard. South 21 Restaurant is on the left. You’ll need to loop around at the Eastway Drive cloverleave and come back to town to get to it. A small price to pay for a trip back in time. Open Kitchen-Real italino bistro—served the same way for decades, and waiting for you on West Morehead. All the traditional delicious dishes and a Charlotte history lesson on the walls—images of past and present movers and shakers, and some celebrity passers-through. Happy dining, dancers!
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YOU’RE NOT
DANCING...
BEST SHOPPING Now that you’ve satified your craving for a great meal you can get to the matter at hand—shopping! And once again, you’ve come to the right place. From top to bottom, side to side, Charlotte holds premier stores, outlets and boutiques. And if you dig a little, some things you’ll find only here in the Queen City. BEYOND COMPARE
SouthPark-Evolving over decades, this beautiful, seemingly endless mall, the namesake of it’s area (one of the largest, most wealthy business parks in the U.S.), has become in it’s own right a crown jewel of Charlotte. Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Mont Blanc, Tiffany & Co., J. Crew, Banana Republic, St. John’s Boutique, Belk, Dillard’s, Coach, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, and many other world-class stores. Eat there—The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano’s, Morton’s, McCormick & Schmick’s (great seafood), Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip, Villa Pizza, Maki of Japan, California Pizza Kitchen, Bistro 7 and dozens more. Corner of Sharon road and Fairview road.
Phillips Place-Here you’ll find a beautiful stroll amongst specialty shops including Lion’s Jewelers, Coplon’s, Capitol, Fore The Links, Restoration Hardware, Via Veneto, Taylor, Richards & Conger Menswear, TRC W, Smith & Hawken. Restaurants Palm, Dean & Deluca, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and more. Fairview road near intersection of Sharon road. BARGAINS AND TREASURES
Black Lion-A nifty-thrifty idea that corrals Charlotte’s design community under one roof, albeit separated by measured and fenced areas so that no one is injured. You’ll find incredible bargains on furniture, furnishings and artistic treasures. Park Road extension near Pineville-Matthews Road (Highway 51).
BEST ATTRACTIONS
Purple Picket-Get hand-picked, one-of-akind items including armoires, dining sets, couches, lounges, love seats, chairs, lamps and more. South Boulevard to Pineville— 601 North Polk Street. Concord Mills-Get hand-picked, one-of-akind items. Metrolina Expo and Antiques Show The 1st and 3rd weekend of each month— if you’re here before or after the National Convention, or want to come back, this is a tremendous flea market grown in to an amazing market of goods of every kind. Take 77 North to Sunset Road exit. Go one block to light and turn left, Metrolina Expo is on right. Royal Gardens Garden and outdoor decor with flare and style. One-of-a-kind and even a few antique items. Nestled neatly on 7th before Pecan. NoDa The North Davidson Arts District features a strip of small galleries and a few larger, established galleries featuring contemporary arts and crafts. Hours are odd, but finds are often worth the investigative trip. North Davidson and 33rd. A must see—Center of the Earth Gallery.
Aside from beautiful skyshows at sunset Charlotte offers many attractions and an incredible line-up of sports and entertainment. Just a few that top the list are below. Carowinds Theme Park The Mint Museum Mint Museum of Arts & Crafts Sam Bass NASCAR Gallery Freedom Park Tours of Bank of America Stadium, Home of the Carolina Panthers Bobcats, Panthers, Knights, Checkers souveniers iMax Movies at Discovery Place Charlotte Museum of History Charlotte Trolley Rides
>> FOR DETAILED INFORMATION VISIT WWW.VISITCHARLOTTE.ORG
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COMMON
HREADS
SQUARE DANCING—the common thread of each of us who receive and read this
magazine—has gathered, bonded and held individuals and groups of all kinds, around the world, across all borders for two hundred years and beyond. In the modern world of connectivity, things seem to be dividing us all. Our group represents one of too-few efforts to reach out to our neighbors near and far with something as simple and universal as a friendly smile—an invitation to dance. Surviving world wars, civil wars, unrest and generations; square dancing is a part of our heritage here in the United States, but truly is a cross-cultural activity that beckons unpretentiously to all who encounter it. There was a saying in early America: “The English arrived and built churches on their land. The Dutch, first built barns. The Scotch and Irish built pubs.” But just as the last timber fell, completing sthe tructures requied, and food was on the table, Americans made song. And dance followed. Celebratory dance! Dance and song with no allegiance to any particular ruling party, institution, or denomination. Songs that were not hymns, commissioned for kings or following any agenda whatsoever. How’s that for revolutionary? Remarkably, this dance created and populated in early America largely by commoners, and since enjoyed by kings and even leaders of the free world, built it’s foundation on fellowship, manners and order. The National Square Dance Convention, over 50 years strong, is a testament to the diversity, tenacity and enthusiasm that knits the square dance community together across fifty states, across oceans and together again. Charlotte, North Carolina; Wichita, Kansas and Long Beach California—all distinctly American cities with history, heritage and a visible, thriving American spirit. Makes you want to dance.
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