GUIDE TO CHARLOTTE
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
Go full steam ahead at co-labs and coffee shops
PLAY
THE NBA ALL-STAR GAME HOLDS COURT
SEE
ROOFTOP BARS THAT DAZZLE
RELAX
SPAS TO NOURISH YOUR BODY AND SOUL
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And much more!
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Charlotte 01/02.19 CONTENTS
SEE MORE OF CHARLOTTE AT WHERETRAVELER.COM
the plan
the guide
03 Editor’s Itinerary
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Hot Dates The beloved Queen’s Feast returns to town in January. Plus, don’t miss Justin Timberlake, Panic at the Disco, Cher, Patti LaBelle and Fleetwood Mac. Also, Opera Carolina stages the “most famous opera of all time,” Carmen.
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06 Where to Work Smart
The advent of co-labs and free WiFi with your coffee have been a boon to telecommuters. Here are the brightest shared environments and happiest hangouts for your office away from the office.
08 Let the Game Begin
Everything you need to know about the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte.
09 Va-Va-Va Views
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Our favorite way to see the city? Above ground at these panoramic rooftop environments.
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
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NAVIGATE
Tours and transportation, neighborhoods and visitor information
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ENTERTAINMENT
Bars, lounges, sports arenas, performance spaces and entertainment centers
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MAPS
Find your way around Metro Charlotte, including Uptown, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood and other areas
©GETTY IMAGES
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ON THE COVER
READ US ON MAGZSTER
DINING
The tastiest Charlotte restaurants, sorted by neighborhood
where now
CONNECT WITH US
SHOPPING
Cool spots, from malls to gourmet foods shops to specialty boutiques
Seek out these don’t-miss destinations for relaxation seekers, day trippers and brunch enthusiasts.
When you need to fuel yourself for the workday ahead, there’s nothing like a good colab or coffee shop. ©SHUTTERSTOCK
MUSEUMS+ ATTRACTIONS
City sights, museums, tours, exhibits, parks and recreation
04 Where Calendar
32 Charlotte Your Way
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One well-traveled view of what’s essential in the Queen City. When you’ve only got 90 minutes, here’s what to see. This winter, visit Billy Graham Library.
YOUR TRAVELING COMPANION SINCE 1936®
EDITOR’S ITINERARY
JENNIFER MCKEE
CHARLOTTE
N E W S T O T R AV E L B Y MVP | EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITOR Jennifer McKee ART DIRECTOR Olivia Rushbrook ASSISTANT EDITOR Madison Sullivan EDITORIAL INTERN Maya Roberts AD SALES AND SERVICE COORDINATOR
Nichole Buchanan ADVERTISING | JAMES G. ELLIOTT CO., INC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pat O’Donnell PUBLISHER Renata Coker
706.726.2775, r.coker@jgeco.com
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS MVP | EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT Donna W. Kessler CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dennis Kelly VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Angela E. Allen HEAD OF DIGITAL Richard H. Brashear II DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Scott Ferguson
MVP | CREATIVE CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Haines Wilkerson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Margaret Martin MANAGING EDITOR Jennifer McKee DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Isaac Arjonilla CREATIVE COORDINATOR Beverly Mandelblatt
MVP | MANUFACTURING & PUBLICATION SERVICES DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton PUBLICATION SERVICES DIRECTOR Karen Fralick PUBLICATION SERVICES MANAGER Cher Wheeler DIGITAL IMAGING Erik Lewis
E-mails for all MVP employees above except contributors: firstname.lastname@morris.com
MVP | CHARLOTTE
214 W. Tremont Ave., Ste. 302 Charlotte, NC 28203 980.207.5103, 704.335.3757 (fax)
City of Reverence The entire world mourned when Charlotte native Billy Graham died in February 2018. Known as the “Pastor to Presidents,” Graham was a rural farm boy raised in Charlotte who went on to become the world’s foremost Christian evangelist. He pioneered the use of television specials in the 1950s and preached to 215 million people in 185 countries around the world. The Billy Graham Library, where he and his wife Ruth are laid to rest, is just four miles from the Graham homestead, off what is now Park Road.
90 MINUTES IN: NO MATTER WHAT your faith background is, the Billy Graham Library is more than a heartfelt tribute to a great Christian leader. When you walk through the library, the homeplace and the memorial garden, you’ll feel an extraordinary wave of peace wash over you. Let your mind wander as you meander through the memorial garden, visit the burial sites of Billy and Ruth Graham and learn more about longtime members of his crusade team. Next, the homeplace gives you a
Billy Graham Library
window into Graham’s roots; it’s been restored using 80 percent of the original materials. Lastly, visit the library to learn about Graham’s adult life through videos, personal effects, exhibits on leadership
and civil rights and more. You’ll move through the first half of the rooms with a group; the latter can be explored at your own leisure. The tour takes roughly 90 minutes, but offers up inspiration for years to come.
Get going! Explore the city at wheretraveler.com.
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©BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
CHAIRMAN William S. Morris III PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris
IV
Where® magazine is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Where magazine and the where® logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. Where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. MVP is a proud sponsor of Les Clefs d’Or USA
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Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in over 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com. UNITED STATES Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Jacksonville/St. Augustine/ Amelia Island, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington, D.C. ASIA Singapore AUSTRALIA Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Berlin, Budapest, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg 3
WHERE CALENDAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY Search the full calendar at wheretraveler.com
JAN. 18-27: Charlotte Restaurant Week
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Great Things Not to Miss
1 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE > JAN. 8 Following the release of his “Man of the Woods” album, Timberlake takes to the road for a second leg of American dates, due to his sell-out shows. His high-en-
ergy set covers many of his hits—”Cry Me a River,” “Sexy Back” and “Rock Your Body” among them. Spectrum Center, 704.688.9000.
No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, a follow-up to 2017’s Grammy nominated “Death of a Bachelor.” Spectrum Center, 704.688.9000.
2 PANIC AT THE DISCO > JAN. 22 This Grammy-nominated band is flying high with the release of its sixth studio album, “Pray For the Wicked,” which debuted at
3 GREENSKY BLUEGRASS >JAN. 26 “Mixing the acoustic stomp of a string band with the rule-breaking spirit of rock and roll,” Greensky Bluegrass brings its unique
sound to the Fillmore stage. Its music has reached the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums Chart multiple times and has developed a healthy following. 704.916.8970. 4 CHER > JAN. 29 Here we go again! Following her role in “Mama Mia 2,” Cher is on tour and will be gracing the Spectrum
For a full calendar of events, go to wheretraveler.com/charlotte/local-events 4
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
©HENSLEY FONTANA PUBLIC RELATIONS
A royal feast indeed: this culinary celebration is affectionately known as the “Queen’s Feast” and features more than 125 restaurants in nine counties, who serve up grand three prix-fixe dinners for a mere $30-$35. Get your napkins ready and visit CharlotteRestaurantWeek.com for details.
For more information: wheretraveler.com
Justin Timberlake
Center with her presence. Concert-goers will witness her perform well-known chart-toppers alongside songs from her new “Dancing Queen” album, a tribute to ABBA. 704.688.9000.
LEFT: ©RYAN MCGINLEY; RIGHT: ©SHERVIN LAINEZ; BOTTOM: ©LOUISE LEBLANC/OPERA DE QUEBEC
5 ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES > FEB. 12 Known for what AllMusic calls “a tight ensemble with a gospel-tinged, retro-soul
sound,” St. Paul and the Broken Bones heads to Charlotte for a show sure to please. Based in Birmingham, the eight-piece band, made up of stand-out Southern musicians, is touring in support of its new album, “Young Sick Camellia.” The record has been branded as “extremely personal” by its lead vocalist, Paul Janeway. The Fillmore, 704.916.8970. 6 PATTI LABELLE > FEB. 12 Don’t miss the Godmother of Soul belt out chart-topping and Grammy awardwinning hits at the Belk Theater. Known and loved across generations, LaBelle is well-versed in putting on
SPOTLIGHT
Run Wild, Run Free As far as heroines go, Georges Bizet’s Carmen is as bold as you’ll find them—she’s brash, sexy, addicted to danger and always follows her passions. Scandalous, to be sure, when the character debuted in 1875. But despite Carmen’s age, there’s nothing old about this lusty musical—it’s one of the opera world’s most oft-produced and has been called the “most famous opera of all time.” It begs for lush costuming and stage design. Discover Opera Carolina’s take, on stage at the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, on Jan. 19, 20 and 24. 704.372.1000, operacarolina.org/opera/carmen
phenomenal shows, having spent over fifty years in music; performing everywhere from New York’s Metropolitan Opera House (part of the first African American act to ever appear there) to the White House for the “Women of Soul: in Performance,” concert. Fans
Panic! At The Disco
young and old will be glad they started their new year off in the presence of Patti. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 704.372.1000. 7 FLEETWOOD MAC > FEB. 24 Featuring Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, Mike Campbell and Neil Finn, Fleetwood Mac is making its way through fifty-plus cities on its North American tour, stopping for a show at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and plans to play its well-known, many would say, legendary, hits as well as “tracks from [its] historic catalogue of songs” on the tour. 704.688.9000.
TOP STOPS Make merry in the new year with these fun musicals. JAN. 6-12 CINDERELLA Grab your tickets and your glass slippers and head to the Belk Theater for Matthew Bourne’s take on the beloved classic. The performance takes viewers to World War II-era London, where Cinderella’s prince is instead an RAF pilot, and they’re parted, not by the clock striking midnight, but by the Blitz. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 704.372.1000. JAN. 11-12 SHREK THE MUSICAL Lovers of the Oscarwinning, DreamWorks Animated film, “Shrek,” will be delighted by its Tony Award-winning councaption here terpart. Featuring all the classic characters and new songs, the show has been branded as “irreverently fun for the whole family.” Duke Energy Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 704.372.1000. JAN. 15-20 THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL Join Percy Jackson in the Knight Theater as he discovers his powers and sets out to find Zeus’ lightning bolt before its too late in this production lauded by TheaterMania. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 704.372.1000.
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where now
Charlotte
Coffee and coworking, rooftop bars and the thrill of the NBA
What’s Hot Now Whether it’s curling up with your laptop and a large cup of coffee or tea, celebrating the NBA AllStar Game’s visit to Charlotte at the Spectrum Center or snuggling next to the fire pits at the Queen City’s most dazzling rooftop bars, we’ve got everything you need to make January and February the coziest months of the year. Go onward and explore!
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Where to Work Smart
LEFT TO RIGHT: ©JOSHUA VASKO; COURTESY COCO AND THE DIRECTOR; © DEOREN ROBINSON. OPPOSITE: COURTESY TEA FUSION CAFE
The advent of co-labs and free WiFi with your coffee have been a boon to telecommuters. We’ve found the brightest shared envirornments and hippest hangouts for your office away from the office. —By Madison Sullivan
ADVENT COWORKING A creative coworking community, event space and podcast studio, Advent is filled with art. Remote workers can purchase a day pass for $20, 24 hours in advance, for access to flex space, phone booths and free WiFi, coffee and printing. www. adventcoworking.com COCO AND THE DIRECTOR Featuring stadium seating with pillows and plugs, ample tables and three co-lab spaces available on a first- come, first-serve basis (sign up on its chalkboard), Coco and the Director says “whatever it is you want to do, think of us as your source for caffeine, inspo, and yes, free WiFi.” www. cocoandthedirector.com HEX COFFEE Open and airy, with high ceilings and plenty of space to camp out and get a day’s work done, HEX Coffee is
the place to be for iced coffee and free WiFi. After your workday—or during, we don’t judge—grab a brew from its wall of Good Bottle Co. beer and toast to your hard work. www.hex.coffee HYGGE The Danish word for coziness, well-being, comfort and warmth, translates well when applied to the coworking spaces of the same name. Out-of-towners can purchase a day pass for $20 and head to one of its four locations—including a space just minutes from the airport. A team member will get you settled, then leave you to enjoy free WiFi and local coffee. Hygge also offers hourly rentals for its meeting spaces ($30) and its podcast studio ($15). www. wearehygge.com JULIA’S CAFÉ & BOOKS Multi-task: support a charity while knocking out assign-
ments at this fundraising division of Habitat for Humanity Charlotte. The cafe invites customers to drink locally roasted coffee and work in its loft—taking breaks to peruse its used book selection, of course. www.juliascafe.org THE LAUNCH FACTORY “A historic space, for thoroughly modern companies,” The Launch Factory is decked out with hanging chairs, cornhole and a plant wall. The coworking space invites remote workers to purchase a day pass for $25 and utilize, among its other amenities, high-speed internet, equipped kitchen and free parking, coffee and tea. www.thelaunchfactory.com PARLIAMENT With plugs integrated into its tables, Parliament Espresso and Coffee is the perfect place to be productive. Those working
at its communal tables can soak up natural light while sipping on a handcrafted coffee for a boost of energy. Complimentary filtered still and sparkling water are on tap. www.parliamentespresso.com TRADE AND LORE Nestled above Salud Cerveceria, this coffee shop is known for its knowledgeable baristas, locally sourced menu, artistic vibe and free WiFi. Order a pastry, take a seat in a corner jam-packed with pillows and tune into your work. www.tradeandlore.com TEA FUSION Refresh and get that work project finished at this local spot with a comfortable lounge area and free WiFi. Tea Fusion lets workers looking to sip on something other than coffee stop in for boba and fruit teas. www. teafusioncafe.com w w w.wh e re t rave le r.c o m
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SHOW STOPPERS
Let the Game Begin Come February, basketball fans have even more to love about Charlotte: it’s home to the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. Fans can discover interactive basketball activities and panel discussions at Epicentre from the 15-17; visit NBAEvents.com to register.
Schedule of Events Friday, Feb. 15: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, 7 pm, Bojangles Coliseum; NBA MTN DEW ICE Rising Stars, 9 pm, Spectrum Center
Saturday, Feb. 16: Bojangles Coliseum (open for fans to watch); NBA All-Star Practice, begins at noon.
Sunday, Feb. 17: NBA All-Star Game, 8 pm, Spectrum Center
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W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2018
PHOTO CREDIT
NBA All-Star Media Day, 10 am (doors at 9 am),
WHERE NOW Charlotte
Va-Va-Va Views
CITY LIGHTS ROOFTOP Charlotte’s largest rooftop bar and the only one with a full 360-degree view of Queen City, Uptown’s City Lights Rooftop is a great place to raise a glass and drink in the skyline’s lights. The bar is known for its Sparkle & Pop creations— add a fun kick to your champagne with a popsicle in your glass. Thinking of popping the question? Email the staff—they’ll help you create a night to remember. 704.372.9610
Charlotte’s skyline is always changing; Forbes ranked the Queen City No. 8 on its list of the next biggest boom towns in the U.S. Our favorite way to the see the city? Get above ground. Whether you want to keep tabs on the city’s growth or just hang out with a great cocktail, elevated cuisine and good company, you’ll want to sink into these gorgeous rooftop environs—the panaromas are unforgettable, and heat lamps and fire pits make these destinations a balmy spot any time of the year.
FAHRENHEIT Fan the flames of passion at chef Rocco Whalen’s Fahrenheit, where new American cuisine meets an extensive list of wines, craft cocktails and sights that put you in the midst of the city’s skyline. You’ll find the seasonal herb garden on the rooftop,
TOP: COURTESY GWEN POTH COMMUNICATIONS; BOTTOM: ©VISIT NC. OPPOSITE: ©GETTY IMAGES
ON THE SCENE
along with linear fire pits that add drama to Uptown evenings. 980.237.6718 THE IMPERIAL This relaxed lounge is a haven for those who love a good cocktail, and weekend jazz performances only enhance the vibe—both the music and ingredients are locally sourced. Heat lamps on this Uptown rooftop make it the perfect year-round spot. 980.495.5822 MERCHANT & TRADE Those who love a sleek, modern aesthetic should head to this rooftop terrace (above left) filled with lush foliage, modern furnishings and soft lighting. Kick back and enjoy the custom play lists, craft cocktails and nosh on tasty snacks from chef Robert Hoffman. 704.445.2550
For more information: wheretraveler.com
Dramatic fire pits light up the night at Fahrenheit, always a cozy spot for couples.
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the guide Museums+Attractions Jan./Feb.
Modern Masterpiece
Cultural Experience
No visit to Uptown’s cultural corridor would be complete without a stop at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, a Mario Botta-designed building chock-full of 20th-century artworks, most of which have never before been available for public viewing. Now through March 17, view even more previously unavailable works in “Bechtler Unseen: Works from the 50s and 60s.” 704.353.9200
Harvey Gantt was Clemson’s first black student and Charlotte’s first African American mayor. The museum named after him celebrates African-American contributions to American culture. 704.547.3700
CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER— Falcons,
hawks, owls, vultures and the only eagle aviary in the Carolinas are all found here. Learn about 37 different species of raptors along a 3/4-mile nature trail at this facility that’s set up like a zoo. Inquire about special events such as meet-and-greets and bird shows on the weekends. Open W-Sa, 10 am-5 pm; Su, noon-5 pm; from Nov.-Feb. www.carolinaraptorcenter.org. 6000 Sample Road, 704.875.6521. DISCOVERY PLACE KIDS— The kid sister
to Uptown’s Discovery Place Science, this venue is geared towards little ones ages 8 and under. It resembles a pint-sized town with interactive play areas—after a visit, your kid will only have one question: “How soon can I go back?” $10. Open M, W-F, 9 am-4 10
pm; Tu, 9 am-8 pm; Sa, 9 am-5 pm; Su, noon-5 pm. www.kids.discoveryplace. org/huntersville. 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville, 704.372.6261. DISCOVERY PLACE NATURE— An
urban science center geared toward kids ages 3-7. Exhibits focus on the plants of the Piedmont, complete with a butterfly pavilion; Fort Wild, an outdoor exhibit that focuses on imaginative play; Creature Cavern with live animals; the Paw Paw Nature Trail; and Insect Alley. $8. Tu-Sa, 9 am-5 pm; Su, noon-5 pm. www.charlottenaturemuseum.org. 1658 Sterling Road, 704.372.6261. HISTORIC LATTA PLANTATION— An
early-19th-century cotton plantation and living-history farm located within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve north of Charlotte. Take a guided tour of the
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
Latta home and roam the grounds to see rare breeds of historic livestock. Admission: $7-8. Open W-Sa, 10 am-5 pm (tours on the hour between 11 am-4 pm); Su, 1-5 pm (tours on the hour between 2-4 pm). www.lattaplantation.org. 5225 Sample Road, 704.875.2312. HISTORIC ROSEDALE PLANTATION—
This stately, Federal-period plantation house is open for tours; the gardens and grounds are a treasure in their own right and are perfect for a leisurely walk. $8-10. Hours and tour times vary by season. www.historicrosedale. org. 3427 N. Tryon St., 704.335.0325. NASCAR HALL OF FAME— Get a hands-
on experience of the sport of racing through driving simulators, a pit-crew challenge and all the racing memorabilia you can handle. Visit the Hall of
IMAGES ©VISIT NC
Attractions
M U S E U M S + AT T R A C T I O N S Honors to see the racing greats who have been inducted this year. $12-$25. Open daily, 10 am-5 pm. www.nascarhall.com. 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., 888.902.6463. SEA LIFE AQUARIUM— This family-
friendly underwater adventure is located in Concord Mills mall and is full of nooks and crannies for kids to camp out to watch and dream. Visitors can travel through exhibits such the Catawba River section to learn about local underwater habitats or the interactive touch pool with sea stars and urchins. $14.95-$19.95. Open M-F, 10 am-6 pm; Sa, 10 am-8 pm, Su, noon-6 pm. www.visitsealife.com/charlotteconcord. 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., 866.229.1573. U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER—
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is dedicated to the promotion of the active, outdoor lifestyle. Since 2006, the USNWC has been promoting access to the outdoors for all levels of participants through its day-pass activities, instruction and outdoor school as well as festivals, yoga, films, races and other outdoor
events. The USNWC’s 1,300 acres offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. Guests can enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing, zip lines, ropes courses, various canopy tours and mountain biking on a 40-mile trail system. www.usnwc.org. 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, 704.391.3900.
Museums CAROLINAS AVIATION MUSEUM— Lo-
cated across from the CharlotteDouglas International Airport, this engaging museum displays historic aircrafts and artifacts that tell the stories of flight and aviation from the Wright Brothers to today’s high-tech world of flight. It’s also home to US Airways Flight 1549—”The Miracle on the Hudson.” The aircraft collection includes commercial, military and civil aircrafts. $8-$12. Open M-F, 10 am-4 pm; Sa, 10 am-5 pm; Su, 1-5 pm. www. carolinasaviation.org. 4672 First Flight Drive, 704.997.3770. DISCOVERY PLACE SCIENCE & IMAX DOME THEATRE— A popular family
attraction that features hands-on displays in which guests can walk the rain forest, participate in jaw-dropping experiments or wonder at the aquatic world. Become immersed in largerthan-life IMAX adventures or the eyepopping 3D theater, where science and nature spring to life. Museum: $13-$17; IMAX: $9-$10; Museum + IMAX: $18-$22. Open M-F, 9 am-4 pm; Sa, 9 am-5 pm; Su noon-5 pm. www. science.discoveryplace.org. 301 N. Tryon St., 704.372.6261. GASTON COUNTY MUSEUM— Discover
the history of Gaston County with more than 400,000 photos, documents and 5,000 objects that include art, textiles and household items. In the Daniel Stowe Carriage House resides the largest collection of horsedrawn vehicles including a farm wagon and an ice cream wagon. Find out the illustrious past of the neighborhood with the Historic Dallas Court Square Walking Tour. Free. Tu-F, 10 am-5 pm; Sa, 10 am-3 pm. www.gastoncountymuseum.org. 131 W. Main St., Dallas, 704.922.7681.
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THE GUIDE LEVINE MUSEUM OF THE NEW SOUTH—
Home to the nation’s most comprehensive interpretation of post-Civil War Southern history, this museum guides visitors through the Queen City’s evolution from a farming community to a mill town to a thriving (and persevering) financial center. Exhibits include: “K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace,” through May 3; “Splendid Service: Camp Greene & the Making of a New South City,” through March 25. $5-9. Open M-Sa, 10 am-5 pm; Su, noon-5 pm. www.museumofthenewsouth.org. 200 E. 7th St., 704.333.1887. MINT MUSEUM RANDOLPH— Located
in what was the original branch of the U.S. Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood as the state’s first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas as well as ceramic, decorative arts, fashion, European and African art and many other collections. Resources include a reference library with more than 18,000 volumes, a theater for lectures and performances and a museum shop. Current Exhibits: “African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization and Style,” through April 28; “Wares of the World: Asian Influence in Contemporary North Carolina Ceramics,” through July 29. $6-$15; free W from 5-9 pm. Open W, 11 am-9 pm; Th-Sa, 11 am-6 pm; Su, 1-5 pm. www.mintmuseum.org. 2730 Randolph Road, 704.337.2000.
Take Flight with our NEW Flight Simulator Sponsored by American Airlines
www.carolinasaviation.org
MINT MUSEUM UPTOWN— This five-
story architectural marvel located in the heart of Charlotte’s burgeoning city center houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, plus outstanding collections of American, contemporary and European art. Part of the Levine Center for the Arts, Mint comprises a larger campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater and the Duke Energy Center. Current exhibits: Michael Sherrill Retrospective, through April 7. $10-$15. Open W, 11 am-9 pm; Th-Sa, 11 am-6 pm; Su, 1-5 pm. www. mintmuseum.org. 500 S. Tryon St., 704.337.2000.
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Discover Charlotte with C-Charlotte Tours
Daily van tours around Uptown Charlotte and out into beautiful, tree-lined historic neighborhoods. Tours highlight the area’s rich history and bright future. These informative 2 hour tours run daily with a 15 minute break halfway through, M-F 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM; Sat 10 AM and 1:30 PM. Fares from $15 - $28.
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
Call for information and reservations 704-517-6844, www.ccharlottetours.com.
THE GUIDE
Shopping
Beautiful Behemoth
Designs on Sozo
The centerpiece of the South Park neighborhood is the aptly named SouthPark Mall, the largest mall in North Carolina and home to the biggest names in upscale fashion: Louis Vuitton, Lilly Pulitzer, Burberry, David Yurman and Neiman Marcus are among the 150-plus retailers the shopping center boasts. It sits on the former site of a 3,000-acre farm and its location at the corner of Sharon and Fairview roads provides easy access to additional boutiques in the area. 704.364.4411
Visit this stunning gallery and exhibit celebrating Charlotte’s 250th birthday. “FIVE,” runs through Jan. 4, and artist Kenny Nguyen’s solo show runs, Jan. 1-Feb. 14 (grand opening Jan. 25 from 6:30-8:30 pm). 704.575.6777
Shopping Centers
LEFT: COURTESY NEIMAN MARCUS; RIGHT: COURTESY SOZO GALLERY
ATHERTON MILL AND MARKET—The
Atherton Mill and Market is a shopper’s paradise brimming with goods from local farmers and craftsmen. You’ll find locally sourced food, clothing and home goods in addition to high-end boutiques, retailers and restaurants. Stores open daily with varying hours, the Farmers Market is open Sa 9 am-2pm. www.athertonmillandmarket.com. 2000-2140 South Blvd., 704.779.6476. BALLANTYNE VILLAGE— Resembling
an open-air European plaza, Ballantyne Village’s retail district includes shopping, convenient services and dining—from the simple to the exquisite. You can also catch a flick at Ballantyne’s plush movie theater. Hours vary by venue. www.ballantynevillage. com. 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, 704.369.5000.
CHARLOTTE PREMIUM OUTLETS—An
upscale shopping center that offers 25 to 65 percent off retail prices. Open M-Sa, 10 am-9 pm; Su, 10 am-7 pm. www.premiumoutlets.com/charlotte. 5404 New Fashion Way, 704.523.8865. CONCORD MILLS— The top shopping
destination of the Carolinas, this megamall features more than 200 stores to splurge at; plus, shoppers can dine at eateries such as Maki of Japan and Villa Italian kitchen, and enjoy entertainment at AMC 24 Theaters, Sea Life Aquarium and Dave & Buster’s. Open M-Sa, 10 am-9 pm; Su, noon-7 pm. www.concordmills.com. 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, 704.979.3000. NORTHLAKE MALL— This regional,
two-level shopping mall features more than 150 retail stores and restaurants in Charlotte’s northern suburbs. Also included are a children’s play area, a coffee court and free Wi-Fi. Open M-Sa, 10 am-9 pm; Su, noon-6 pm. www.
shopnorthlake.com. 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, 704.921.2000. PARK ROAD SHOPPING CENTER— This
venerable Charlotte institution was the first open-air shopping center in the city and has been going strong for 58 years. The center includes more than 60 stores, restaurants and services such as J. Crew Mercantile, Blackhawk Hardware and Bevello. www.parkroadshoppingcenter.com. 4201 Park Road. PHILLIPS PLACE— Amid its old-world
charm, shoppers will find the top shelf of Charlotte retailing stalwarts such as Paper Source, Eileen Fisher and Brooks Brothers. There’s also fine dining at The Palm, Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen + Bar and Upstream. Hours vary by venue. www.phillipsplacecharlotte.com. 6800 Phillips Place Court, 704.714.7656. SHOPPES AT UNIVERSITY PLACE— Set
on a tranquil lake, this shopping plaza features more than 65 stores—from big box to boutique—plus services and
CHARLOTTE HAS BEEN a textile hub since the Civil War’s end. The city is famous for brands such as Cannon towels and Springmaid sheets.
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THE GUIDE dining options from Italian to ribs and a raw bar. Open M-F, 10 am-9 pm; Sa-Su, noon-6 pm. www.shoppesatuniversityplace.com. 8929 JM Keynes Drive 704.549.4811. SPECIALTY SHOPS SOUTHPARK— This
upscale, open-air shopping center in the heart of SouthPark offers an unparalleled shopping experience with national retailers and one-of-a-kind boutiques including Talbots, WilliamsSonoma and Amina Rubinacci. www. specialtyshopssouthpark.com. 6401 Morrison Blvd., 704.551.2202.
Art Galleries ALLISON SPROCK FINE ART— This cozy
Myers Park home-turned-art-gallery houses various works from nearly 40 artists working across all genres. The Charlotte location often hosts meetthe-artist events and gallery crawls. Open M-F, 10 am-6 pm; Sa-Su, by appointment. www.allisonsprockfineart. com. 600 Queens Road, 704.705.2000. ANNE NEILSON FINE ART GALLERY—
Those in the market for new artwork or just love to browse should come down to noted author and artist Anne H. Neilson’s gallery in Charlotte’s South End. Around the space you’ll find a variety of styles and mediums by featured artists from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. Open F, 10 am-5 pm; Sa, 11 am-3 pm. www.anneneilsonfineart. com. 532 Governor Morrison St., Suite C-110, 704.496.9181. ELDER GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART— Elder Gallery of Contemporary
Art exhibits a robust and diverse group of emerging, mid-career and established contemporary artists who explore both modern and traditional themes and subjects. The gallery is also the only gallery in North Carolina to represent museum quality fine glass art. Open Tu-F, 11 am-6 pm; Sa, 11 am-5 pm. www.eldergalleryclt.com. 1520 South Tryon St., 704.370.6337. HIDELL BROOKS GALLERY— Special-
izing in well-established contemporary regional and national artists, this gallery focuses on matching a buyer, new or veteran, with the perfect piece. Open Tu-F, 10 am-5 pm; Sa, 10 am-3 pm. www.hidellbrooks.com. 1910 South Blvd. Suite 130, 704.334.7302. HODGES TAYLOR GALLERY— Charlotte’s
oldest gallery is now an art consul-
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tancy firm as well as a private gallery for high-end art from contemporary artists. Open W-F, 11 am-4 pm and by appointment. www.hodgestaylor.com. 118 E Kingston Ave., 704.608.2016. JERALD MELBERG— This well-estab-
lished gallery boasts artists from all over the country as well as Argentina and Spain. Owner and namesake Jerald Melberg has been involved in the visual arts for more than 40 years and served as the curator at the Mint Museum of Art prior to opening the gallery. Open M-F, 10 am-6 pm; Sa, 10 am-4 pm. www.jeraldmelberg.com. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road, 704.365.3000. LACA PROJECTS— Found in the heart
of the revitalized FreeMoreWest neighborhood just west of Uptown, exhibits at the Latin American Contemporary Art (LaCa) are meant to foster a discussion of and an appreciation for contemporary Latin American art. It also has studios for artist residencies. Open Tu-F, 11 am-6 pm; Sa, 11 am-2 pm. www.lacaprojects.com. 1429 Bryant St., 704.837.1688. LARK & KEY GALLERY AND BOUTIQUE—
This elegant gallery showcases the work of co-owner Duy Huynh and other independent artists and designers. The warm and inviting space offers a unique selection of artwork, pottery, jewelry and more. Open Tu-Sa, 11 am-5 pm and First Fridays until 8 pm. www.larkandkey.com. 128 E. Park Ave., 704.334.4616. THE LIGHT FACTORY—This gallery exhib-
its artistic photography and film. In addition to the gallery, the Light Factory offers classes, camps and workshops to help shutterbugs hone their skills. Artists who want to learn animation techniques can find a class for that, too. lightfactory.org. 1817 Central Ave., 704.333.9755. MCCOLL CENTER FOR VISUAL ART—
This neo-Gothic center advances contemporary art by providing a stateof-the-art facility, artists’ residencies, affiliation with other arts organizations, exhibitions, educational programs, and community-outreach projects. Th, 10 am-9 pm, F-Sa. 10 am-5 pm. Free admission. www.mccollcenter.org. 721 N. Tryon St., 704.332.5535. NEW GALLERY OF MODERN ART— This
Uptown gallery displays rotating exhibits of nationally recognized, museum-
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
quality art but also nods to local and regional artists. Open Tu-Sa 11 am-5:30 pm. www.newgalleryofmodernart.com. 435 S. Tryon St., 704.373.1464. PICTURE HOUSE GALLERY— Just outside
of Uptown Charlotte, this gallery specializes in fine American and European abstract, expressionist, impressionistic and realistic paintings, sculpture and glass. The gallery also offers estate art collections and retail and corporate services. Open M-F, 10 am-4 pm; Sa, 10 am-3 pm. www.picturehousegallery. com. 1522 E. 4th St., 704.333.8235. PROVIDENCE GALLERY— This venerable
gallery has garnered an excellent reputation over its 38 years as a top purveyor of fine art from a plethora of diverse artists and the go-to stop for custom framing. Open M-F 9 am-6 pm, Sa 10 am-2 pm. www.providencegallery.net. 601-A Providence Road, 704.333.4535. SHAIN GALLERY— Shain Gallery has gar-
nered acclaim throughout the region by matching discriminating homeowners and businesses with high-quality art. The gallery represents more than 40 nationally and regionally acclaimed artists and offers consultation and acquisition assistance. Open M-Sa, 10 am-5 pm. www.shaingallery.com. 2823 Selwyn Ave., 704.334.7744. SOCO GALLERY—This contemporary
art space and bookshop prides itself on community engagement and education. Curating works from local, national and international artists, it also specializes in assisting private collectors as well as institutions grow their collections with the highest-quality pieces. Open Tu-Sa, 10 am-5:30 pm; Su, noon-5 pm; M, by appointment. www.soco-gallery.com. 421 Providence Road, 980.498.2881. SONIA AND ISAAC LUSKI GALLERY—
Founded by a couple who emigrated from Cuba in 1961 with few possessions other than two paintings. They’ve since collected works from around the world, from aspiring artists to well-known sculptors and painters. The gallery also houses works by contemporary glass artists. Open M-F, 9 am-5:30 pm. www. fftc.org/sonia_and_isaac_luski_gallery. Inside the Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St., 704.973.4500.
SHOPPING Gifts & Stationery PAPER SOURCE— Paper products, crafts,
books, knickknacks and much more await patrons at this charming chain shop that is sure to exceed your stationery needs. Open M-Sa, 10 am-6 pm; Su, 1-6 pm. www.paper-source.com. 6800 Phillips Place Court, 704.552.2220. PAPER TWIST— Whether you need to
outfit your office, send out invites, pick up personalized thank you notes, this perfectly pretty paper store at Specialty Shops on the Park has you covered. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm. www.shoppapertwist.com. 2902 Selwyn Ave., 704.366.3100. THREE LITTLE BIRDS— From bridal to
babies to birthdays, this design-centric stationer and gift store offers thank you cards, notes, announcements and the like. It also gets creative with specialty custom design, letterpress, thermography, foil stamping and die cutting stationery. Open Tu-Th, 10 am-7 pm; F ,10 am-5 pm; Sa, 10 am-2 pm. 2115 Southend Drive, 704.379.7778.
Gourmet & Specialty Foods BAR COCOA— This sweets lounge can
be found in the posh lobby of the RitzCarlton Uptown. Featuring pastries, French-style macarons, cupcakes and by-the-slice pies, it’s the go-to spot for a sugary treat. Open M-Th 7 am-10 pm, F 7 am-midnight, Sa 8 am-midnight, Su 8 am-noon. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/ hotels/charlotte/dining/bar-cocoa. 201 E. Trade St., 704.972.4397. ORMANN’S CHEESE SHOP—This
specialty shop focuses on small batch producers and offers a robust selection of local and regional cheeses. Grab a specialty grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, and a cheese platter to take home. www.orrmanscheeseshop.com. 224 E 7th St., 980.226.3025. PASTA & PROVISIONS— Here, you’ll find
plenty of simple, delectable ingredients for your next culinary venture, including freshly grated mozzarella, blocks of salty Parmesan, fresh pasta cut to order, as well as aisles full of wine, oils, spreads and spices. Open M-F, 9 am-8 pm; Sa, 9 am-7 pm; Su, noon-6 pm. www.pastaprovisions.com. 1528 Providence Road, 704.364.2622; 4700 Park Road, 980.938.6433.
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THE GUIDE
Dining
Indescript Dining Metropolis
Seafood Cravings
A cobblestone courtyard hidden in the midst of Uptown Charlotte’s skyscrapers, Brevard Court is home to the Queen City’s most delectable dining gems. Anchored by the French Quarter Restaurant (704.377.1715), great cheer can always be had, especially when digging into a plate of its famous chicken wings. Stunning Turkish fare can be found at Metropolitan Cafe (704.333.5175), popular with the to-go crowd. And Courtyard Hooligans (704.376.2238) is a must for any sporting event.
A non-fussy neighborhood joint great for happy hour and beyond, The Waterman serves up seafood you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss the Bourbon Cheese Fondue (above). 704.275.5558
AMELIE’S FRENCH BAKERY— Bakery.
This inviting lounge and bakery is open 24 hours (NoDa location), which means you’ve got time to savor everything on the authentic, indulgent menu, including savory tartines, precious petit fours and the famous salted caramel brownies. Hours vary by location. www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com. 2424 N. Davidson St., 704.376.1781; 380 S. College St., 704.899.0088; 7715 Pineville Matthews Road, 704.376.1782. CABO FISH TACO— Mexican. This
NoDa “Baja Seagrill” serves its title dish in addition to tasty quesadillas, burritos and salads in a fun, surfthemed atmosphere. L, D (daily). www. cabofishtaco.com. 3201 N. Davidson St., 704.332.8868. HABERDISH—Southern. Honoring the
traditions of this Southern mill town, Haberdish offers up potluck-style dining with plenty of classic sides. It boasts
the “best fried chicken in town.” Br (TuF), L, D (Tu-Su). www.haberdish.com. 3106 N. Davidson St., 704.817.1084.
SouthPark/Park Road AQUA E VINO— Italian. Serves up a bold
Italian menu from fresh local produce and rare delicacies found outside the region. D (Tu-Sa). www.aquaevino.com. 4219 Providence Road, 704.364.4445. AZTECA— Mexican. This Mexican restau-
rant serves up huge, family-style portions with superb, authentic flavors in a festive atmosphere. L, D (daily). www. aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com. 7340 Smith Corners Blvd., 704.598.4068; 116 E. Woodlawn Road, 704.525.5110; 9709 E. Independence Blvd., 704.814.9877; 1863 W Franklin Blvd., 704.866.7574. BARRINGTON’S— American. Bruce Mof-
fett’s comfortable spot is tiny—reservations are recommended—but his work in the kitchen comes up big. The menu changes seasonally, but count on
creative-yet-simple dishes with strong, clean flavors. D (M-Sa). www.barringtonsrestaurant.com. 7822 Fairview Road, 704.364.5755. DOGWOOD SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR— Southern. This farm-to-fork restaurant
serves regional cuisine and uses as many Carolina products as possible. It also serves a regionally spirited craft-cocktail program. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Su). www.dogwoodsoutherntable.com. 4905 Ashley Park Lane, 704.910.4919. RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE— Steakhouse. This famous chain, which
started in New Orleans, offers sizzling, seasoned steaks, flawless service and an excellent wine list. L (M-F) at Uptown location, D (daily) both locations. www.ruthschris.com. 6000 Fairview Rd., 704.556.1115; 222 S. Tryon St., 704.338.9444. THAI ORCHID— Thai. Authentic Thai
dishes—all made from scratch—served
SINCE FOOD NETWORK’S “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” premiered in 2007, Guy Fieri has visited 18 Charlotte restaurants for the show.
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W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
LEFT: ©VISIT NC; RIGHT: ©SARAH CHATHAM
NoDa
NEAR I-77 & BILLY GRAHAM PARKWAY 116 EAST WOODLAWN RD., CHARLOTTE 704-525-5110
SUN-THURS 10:30AM - 10:30PM FRI 10:30AM - 11PM SAT 10:30AM - 2AM (KARAOKE NIGHT)
9709 EAST INDEPENDENCE BLVD., CHARLOTTE 704-814-9877 LIVE MARIACHI BAND PLAYING EVERY SUNDAY 6-9PM
FOSTER-SMITH CORNERS 730 SMITH CORNERS BLVD., CHARLOTTE 704-814-9877 LIVE MARIACHI BAND PLAYING EVERY SUNDAY 12-3PM OPEN TIL 2AM SATURDAY (KARAOKE NIGHT)
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER SUN-THURS 11AM-10PM • FRI-SAT 11AM-11PM ALL ABC PERMITS • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • TAKE OUT ORDERS.
Reservations for groups of 40-60 required.
www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com
THE GUIDE up in an intimate setting. The pad Thai has garnered a local following. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte.com. 4223 Providence Road, 704.364.1134. YAFO KITCHEN— Israeli. This SouthPark
Israeli eatery drew crowds as soon as it opened and has kept a loyal following. Chef Shai Fargian sources ingredients from Israel including amba powder, cumin, tahini, baharat and sumac for incredibly authentic flavor profiles. L, D (daily). www.yafokitchen.com. 720 Governor Morrison St., 704.365.7130.
University City BOARDWALK BILLY’S RAW BAR & RIBS— American. This large, laid-back,
beach-themed restaurant offers daily entrée specials including sandwiches, wings, seafood, oysters on the halfshell and more. But the ribs are what keeps ’em coming back. Plus, there’s a great nightlife vibe for grabbing a beer and watching a game. L, D (daily). www. boardwalkbillys.com. 9005 J.M. Keynes Drive, 704.503.7427; 1636 Sardis Road N., 704.814.7427. CAVA— Greek, Mediterranean. Build
your own healthy sensation—in all, there are more than 58,000 combinations. Grab a greens-and-grain bowl, a salad or pita with dips or spreads and start your culinary masterpiece. L, D (daily). www.cava.com. 8936 JM Keynes Blvd., 704.243.5900. DON PEDRO— Mexican. This authentic
Mexican restaurant offers home-style dishes, plus, seafood specialties and sensational fajitas, all in a colorful, friendly atmosphere. L, D (daily). www. donpedrorestaurant.com. 1009 Chancellor Park Drive, 704.921.2414; 8943 S. Tryon St., 704.504.5037; 10015 Lee St., Pineville, 704.889.1311; 3272 Union Road, Gastonia, 704.866.8180. ZIZI’S VEGAN RESTAURANT— Vegan.
This healthy spot offers vegan menu selections with many plant-based protein options. Selections include everything from fresh avocado subs to mango tofu entrees. L, D (Tu-Su). www. awesomevegan2go.com. 7945 N. Tryon St., 704.595.9170..
Uptown THE ASBURY— New Southern. Named
for Louis Asbury, the Charlotte architect who designed its Dunhill Hotel 18
space, this modern Southern restaurant serves up creative twists on classic dishes. The menu changes with the seasons and incorporates fresh, local produce; the result is truly Carolinian cuisine. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). www.theasbury.com. 235 N. Tryon St., 704.342.1193. BERNARDIN’S— Contemporary American. Across the street from the Levine
Center for the Arts complex, this Uptown fine-dining restaurant is the sister location to its original spot in WinstonSalem and offers creative menu items, such as sauteed brie-stuffed chicken breast with caramelized pearl onions, in a classy, convenient setting. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). www.bernardinsfinedining. com. 435 S. Tryon St., 704.332.3188. CITY SMOKE— Barbecue. Chicken, fish
and hearty salads play second fiddle to the five types of barbecue at this Uptown favorite run by the same outfit as its popular next-door neighbor, Aria. Pop in for a regional craft beer or a glass of bourbon. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). www.citysmokeclt.com. 100 N. Tryon St., 704.376.2295. COWBELL— Burgers. Artisan burgers
meet creative shakes and sides at this rock-and-roll-inspired restaurant. Its gourmet patties are hand-ground and its sauces are made in house. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). www.eatmorecowbell. com. 201 N. Tryon St., 980.224.8674. EVOKE—Steakhouse. Located in Le
Méridien Charlotte, this steakhouse serves prime and dry-aged steaks, homemade pastas and fresh crudos— all meant to entice the guest’s senses. Dinner nightly from 5-10 pm; bar daily from 3 pm-midnight. www.evokerestaurant.com. 555 S. McDowell St., 980.237.5354. FAHRENHEIT— American. This trendy
rooftop eatery brings fine dining to a new level on the 21st floor above Skye Condos. Chef Rocco Whalen puts a creative spin on locally sourced ingredients, whipping up pork, beef, chicken and fish dishes from scratch every night. D (daily), Br (Su). www.chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-charlotte. 222 S. Caldwell St., 980.237.6718. KING’S KITCHEN— Southern. One
hundred percent of every profit dollar made at this Trade Street eatery goes to charities that help feed the poor. You’ll get fed well, too, with a menu
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
of comfort food classics such as fried chicken, fresh-picked green beans and buttery mashed potatoes. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). www.kingskitchen.org. 129 W. Trade St., 704.375.1990. LA BELLE HELENE— French. This lively
and casual take on the French brasserie was designed by Paris’ own Richard LaFond. In it, LaFond pays homage to 19th-century French architecture and the undeniable romance of the “City of Lights.” The restaurant sources local ingredients for its cuisine; there’s also a great selection of French wines. L (M-F), D (Th-Sa). www. labellehelenerestaurant.com. 300 S. Tryon St., 704.969.2550. MERT’S HEART AND SOUL— Southern.
This stylish yet down-home eatery offers patrons simple, savory Southern, soul and Lowcountry cooking: Think award-winng mac ‘n’ cheese or sweet cornbread sitting alongside fried chicken, fried catfish or blackened pork chops. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). www. mertscharlotte.com. 214 N. College St., 704.342.4222. THE MCNINCH HOUSE— New Southern.
Expect to be treated like royalty during this unique five-course meal (you choose your entrée, but everything else, including the wine, is chosen for you). This is Charlotte’s premier special-occasion restaurant located in a stunning 1892 Queen Anne-style home. Reservations required. D (Tu-Sa). www.mcninchhouserestaurant.com. 511 N. Church St., 704.332.6159. MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE— Steakhouse. Morton’s entices patrons with
enormous, succulent steaks and a wine list to match. And the darkly rich interiors provide a cozy, welcoming ambiance. D (daily). www.mortons. com/charlotte/. 227 W. Trade St., 704.333.2602. Uptown/South End F4 POPLAR—Tapas. A refined spot for tapas
and wine inside the historic Morrison House in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward. D (Tu-Su). www.poplartapas.com. 224 W. 10th St., 704.940.5757. SEA LEVEL NC—Seafood. Paul Manley’s
farm-to-fork restaurant and passion project serves up oysters and clams that he cultivates himself in partnership with local farmers. Plenty of options for landlubbers are available. L, D (M-Sa). www.sealevelnc.com. 129 E. Fifth St., 704.412.2616.
PINEVILLE AREA: 10015 LEE ST. 704-889-1311
OPEN TIL 2AM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (KARAOKE NIGHT)
SOUTH TYRON AREA 8943-R S. TRYON ST. 704-504-5037 UNIVERSITY AREA: 1009 CHANCELLOR PARK DR. 704-921-2414 OPEN TIL 2AM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (KARAOKE NIGHT)
THE GUIDE
Navigate
Unleashed: Dog-Friendly Charlotte
Charming South End
From canine parks to dog-friendly bars, options for pet owners abound in the Queen City. Let your best friend run off some steam at Frazier Park, Davie Dog Park or Swaney Pointe K-9 Park, or let your dog indulge in some fun with as you enjoy sake at Futo Buta (704.376.8400), a brew at The Dog Bar (704.370.3595) and wine at NoDa Company Store (above, 980.859.0441). When it’s time to get your pet pampered, Whiskers Dog Spa (704.366.3553) offers full body grooms, hot oil wraps and more.
Carson McCullers wrote the opening chapters of “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” in this neighborhood where the first railroad steamed into Charlotte in 1852. Today, people are transported by Blue Line trains.
BALLANTYNE— An upscale community
to the south of Charlotte proper (and close to the South Carolina border), Ballantyne offers the suburban star treatment. The area is notably home to The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, an exquisite resort and spa that hosts elaborate weddings and PGA Tour players alike. The award-winning Ballantyne Country Club, not to mention great shopping and spa options at such venues as Ballantyne Village, represent this affluent area’s preferred lifestyle. DILWORTH— Originally the brainchild
of Edward Dilworth Latta in the 1890s, Dilworth was Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb. To attract residents and businesses to the area, Latta built a 90-acre park. The community was constructed as a grid that centered on East Boulevard, welcoming families to the turn-of-the-century, colonial-revival
and Craftsman-style architecture. Today, a new generation has discovered the charm and neighborliness of Dilworth. With its tree-lined streets, front porches and family-friendly sidewalks, it continues to thrive as one of the city’s most historic and popular neighborhoods. ELIZABETH—When Uptown’s East Trade
Street turns into Elizabeth Avenue, you’re entering the charmingly hip neighborhood of Elizabeth, which takes its moniker from Elizabeth College, the small Lutheran women’s school that is situated within its bounds. The suburban-style burgh and leafy historic district is another area that thrived in the early part of the 20th century, thanks to the streetcar. MYERS PARK— Driving under a canopy
of towering old willow oaks gives credence to the “Park” in Myers Park. You’ve entered Charlotte’s most prestigious ZIP code. The lush suburb
includes a mix of spacious parks, stately colonial revival and Tudor revival homes, Queens University and exclusive shops. Newcomers know they’re in the right neighborhood not only because of its beauty, but also because every other street is named “Queens.” NODA— Following New York City’s
penchant for catchy neighborhood acronyms (think: SoHo and Nolita), Charlotte presents “North Davidson”at-36th Street enclave as, simply, NoDa. This diverse ‘hood manages to cram a lot into a mere square mile, much of it art-related and all eclectic. Visitors can see the work of local artists in galleries, during monthly art walks and, often, in progress on a street corner. It is equal parts hippie and hip, ground zero for the creative crowd. PLAZA MIDWOOD— The Plaza and Cen-
tral Avenue are the two main drags of this affluent, residential neighborhood that originated in the 1920s as a street-
CHARLOTTE’S DOWNTOWN is called Uptown because it’s the city’s highest elevation point—the rest of the city grew around it.
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W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
©VISIT NC; ©CHARLOTTE’S GOT A LOT
Neighborhoods
N A V I G AT E car suburb. Today, Plaza Midwood attracts a crowd that finance-focused. SOUTH END— The remnants of a thriving,
turn-of-the-century textile industry give this Charlotte enclave a beer-fueled identity with upwards of a dozen local craft breweries and taprooms taking up residency in former mill buildings. But brewers aren’t the only people walking these streets just south of Uptown. In the same neighborhood where the region’s first railroad steamed into Charlotte in 1852, the Blue Line light rail transports visitors from Uptown, SouthPark and, in 2018, NoDa. www. historicsouthend.com. 704.332.2227. SOUTHPARK—The central feature of this
neighborhood is the SouthPark Mall, the largest shopping mall in the entire state of North Carolina. With designer stores such as Burberry, David Yurman, Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch, one can surmise the type of resident SouthPark attracts. Six miles from Uptown, SouthPark sits on the former site of a 3,000-acre farm. UPTOWN— Charlotteans call their
downtown neighborhood Uptown, perhaps because it’s located on a
hill. Major corporation headquarters such as Duke Energy, Bank of America and BB&T keep business travelers in this part of town (and you will notice the suits), while leisure travelers and residents can soak up culture at the Mint Museum, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Gantt Center, the Levine Museum of the New South and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. At night, Uptown’s abundance of restaurants, bars and live music venues keeps things lively. This ‘hood is best experienced on foot.
Regional GASTON COUNTY—Travelers looking
to escape the city can check out the country west of Charlotte. Not too far a drive affords natural and historical wonders, from scenic Crowders Mountain to picturesque downtown Belmont. www.visitgaston.org. 704.825.4044. LAKE NORMAN— Named for a rather
large body of water 20 miles from the center of Charlotte, the Lake Norman region boasts three towns (Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville) and many entertaining pursuits. From nature
preserves and parks to yacht clubs, golf courses and breweries to performing arts and more, there are fun activities for many and most. www.visitlakenorman.org. 759 State Park Road, 704.987.3300.
Tours BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM PUBLIC TOURS— Football fans can take in the
Carolina Panthers’ home field on this NFL stadium tour that explores general seating, luxury suites, press box and media space, visiting the team locker room and the field tunnel. W at 10 am, F at 10 am and noon. Tickets: $4-$6. www.panthers.com/stadium/tours. html. Bank of America Stadium Ticket Office, between the East and South gates, 800 S. Mint St., 704.358.7538. C-CHARLOTTE TOURS— Discover Up-
town Charlotte and venture into beautiful, tree-lined historic neighborhoods. Tours highlight the area’s rich history and bright future. Daily two-hour van tours run M-F, 9:30 am and 1:30 pm; Sa, 10 am and 1:30 pm. $15-$28. Reservations required. www.ccharlottetours. com. 704.517.6844.
THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE. Charlotte - Uptown SouthPark 222 S. Tryon Street 6000 Fairview Road 704.338.9444 704.556.1115 ruthchris.com w w w.wh e re t rave le r.c o m
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THE GUIDE CHARLOTTE BREWS CRUISE— Connects
residents and visitors to the city’s craftbeer community; tours offer guests the opportunity to visit multiple breweries, taste plenty of samples, and go behind the scenes. Tours Sa at 1:30 pm. $49 for drinkers; $24 for non-drinkers. www.brewscruisecharlotte.com. 704.550.2005. CHARLOTTE CENTER CITY CARRIAGE TOURS— See beautiful Center City
from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Tour lengths range from 20 to 60 minutes. Tickets: $6-$40. charlottecentercitytours.com. Trade St. and Tryon St., 704.301.5111. CHARLOTTE NC TOURS— Find every-
thing from van, Segway (including historic uptown tours and markets, museum and parks tours), walking and bike tours, in addition to multiple themed outings, such as the Charlotte Ghost Tour or the Bikes and Brews Tour, at this all-encompassing tour company. Prices and times vary by tour. www.charlottenctours.com. 101 S. Tryon St., 704.962.4548. CHARLOTTE LIBERTY WALK— Red
granite pavers line the three-quartermile urban path that is the Charlotte Liberty Walk. Nineteen sites comprise a historical tour of Uptown Charlotte’s Revolutionary War sites via a downloadable smartphone App. Sites include the Battle of Charlotte Monument, the Ishmael Titus Marker, the Queen Charlotte Statue and others. www.charlottelibertywalk.com. S. Tryon St. and E. Stonewall St. THE DALE TRAIL— Self-guided driving
tour of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., landmarks in his hometown of Kannapolis, a halfhour north of Charlotte. www.daletrail. com. Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, 800.848.3740. FEAST FOOD TOURS— Tour Charlotte’s
eclectic neighborhoods, such as Plaza Midwood and South End, as you sample, sip and chat with local restaurateurs and chefs. Unwind & Dine in South End: F, 4-7 pm, $60; Soul of the South Uptown: F, 4-7 pm, $60; Dishes & Delights of Dilworth: Sa, 3-6 pm, $60; Local Flavors of Historic NoDa: Sa, 11 am-2 pm, $60; Chef-Driven Dining in Uptown: Sa, 3-6 pm, $80; Dives to Dining Plaza Midwood: Sa, 3-6 pm, $60. www.feastfoodtours.com. 980.258.9992.
22
FUNNY BUS COMEDY CITY TOURS—This
isn’t your typical bus tour. Grab a beer or glass of wine (bring your own), and get ready to giggle through the streets of Charlotte. For 90 minutes, a tour guide/comedian will entertain comedy club-style while pointing out points of interest. Choose between PG-13 and Rrated tours. These tours are adult only. funnybus.net. Departs from First Ward Park on 7th St., 704.659.3186. QUEEN CITY TOURS— Explore more than
75 historic sites on the city’s longest running (and climate-controlled) tour. Rides last between 90 minutes and two-and-a-half hours. www.queencitytours.com. 704.566.0104. RACING INSIDERS TOUR— Charlotte is
the hub of NASCAR racing, boasting one of the most important raceways in the sport. Choose the Tour 77 Itinerary, with tours of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Gibbs, JR and Penske Racing headquarters; or the Tour 85 Itinerary, which includes lunch and tours of Stewart Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. www.nascarhall.com/vacations/racinginsiders-tour. 400 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Charlotte, 704.654.4400. TROLLEY PUB— Grab some friends
and a cooler and hop aboard the Trolley Pub for a fun, active way to see Charlotte. Guests pedal the trolley through NoDa, Uptown or the South End, making two to three stops during a two-hour tour. The trolley is built for 14 people, but mixer tours are available for smaller groups and individuals to join. charlotte.trolleypub.com.
Transportation AMTRAK— North Carolina’s Amtrak
offers eight trains daily at Charlotte Station, offering services from destinations between New York and New Orleans. CATS bus to downtown accessible. www.amtrak.com. 1914 N. Tryon St., 800.872.7245. B-CYCLE— This automated bike sharing
program, with 24 stations near Uptown, provides travelers with a set of wheels designed for short 30-minute trips. $8 for a 24-hour pass (plus $4 for each additional 30 min.); $100 annual membership. Must be 18 to ride. www. charlottebcycle.com. Uptown Charlotte, 704.332.9585.
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM—
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is one way to get around Charlotte, with more than 70 bus routes and tons of convenient stops locally and regionally. www.ridetransit.org. 704.336.7433. CITYLINX GOLD LINE— This free street-
car service begins at the Spectrum Center and travels through six stations to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Open M-Th, 6 am-11 pm; F, 6 am-midnight; Sa, 8 am-midnight; Su, 9 am-7 pm, at 15- to 20-minute intervals. www.ridetransit.org. LYNX BLUE LINE LIGHT RAIL— Char-
lotte’s first light rail services travelers and commuters in Uptown all the way to UNC Charlotte. Fare: $2.20. Open daily, 5:26 am-1:26 am at 10- to 20-minute intervals; 30-minute during late-night hours. www.charlottenc.gov/ cats/rail/lynx-blue-line. NEXXA TRANSPORTATION— An
exhilarating rental car experience for the discriminating customer. Vehicles include Corvette Stingrays, Vanderhall Venices, Polaris Slingshots and other ultra-high-end, hard-to-find luxury vehicles. Daily and weekly rentals are available; inquire about monthly rates. www.nexxatransport.com. 3605 Latrobe Drive, 704.763.8349.
Visitor Information CABARRUS COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU— Need help finding
your favorite race shop? Stop in and get the help you need to make all the right pit stops. Just consider this local CVB your crew chief. They’ll tell you where to refuel, where to relax and how to make the most of your visit to the racing capital of the country. Visitor Center open M-F, 8:30 am-5 pm; Sa, 10 am-4 pm. www.visitcabarrus.com. 10099 Weddington Road, Concord, 704.782.4340. CHARLOTTE CENTER CITY PARTNERS—
Charlotte Center City houses more than 1,200 businesses from startups to Fortune 500 corporate headquarters and has nearly 26,000 residents. The entertainment center of the region, this metropolis boasts a vast array of dining options and plenty of nightlife. Center City has something for everyone, whether you are a full-time resident or first-time visitor to Charlotte. www. charlottecentercity.org/contact-us. 200 S. Tryon St., 704.332.2227.
Bernardin’s Fine Dining is renowned for its impeccable service, elegant atmosphere and sophisticated, succulent Modern American Cuisine. Specializing in Seafood, Lamb, Steaks, Game Meats, Poultry and Pasta. Relax and enjoy soothing music, inviting accommodations, unbelievable entrees, specialty desserts and an extensive wine list. Serving the Triad of North Carolina since 1992.
Lunch, Monday thru Friday, 11 AM to 2:00 PM Dinner Daily, 5 PM to 10 PM; Reservations Accepted
435 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 704-332-3188 ∙ www.bernardinsfinedining.com
THE GUIDE
Classical Music Must
Howling Good Time
One of the region’s most celebrated, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra gives more than 100 performances each season, under the baton of music director Christopher Warren Green—who is also the music director of the London Chamber Orchestra and conducted the music at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Don’t miss Rachimaninoff’s Symphonic Dances on Jan. 25-26, Scheherezade on Feb. 8-9 and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty on Feb. 22-23. 704.972.2000
Part bar, part live music venue, night owls flock to Epicentre’s Howl at the Moon, where dueling pianists take requests all night long. Throw your wildest suggestions at them—they always rise to the occasion. 704.936.4695
Bars & Lounges ABARI— Craft beers and cocktails coin-
cide with more than 20 classic arcade games, new and old pinball machines and game consoles such as the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis. Kids can get in on the action, sans alcohol, between noon and 5 pm on the weekends. Open M-F, 5 pm-2 am; Sa-Su, noon-2 am. www.abarigamebar.com. 1721 N. Davidson St., 980.430.4587. KANDY BAR— Get a sugar rush before
hitting the dance floor at this dessert bar—it opens at 5 pm daily and offers 32 different sweet treats, 37 different wines and 30 different champagnes available at two bars and the party doesn’t stop until closing time. www. kandybarcharlotte.com. 210 E. Trade St., 980.585.4337. NODA 101—Warm up those pipes before
heading out the door because there’s karaoke seven days a week here in the entertainment district. There’s a selec-
tion of almost 3,000 songs—everything from Three Dog Night to 3 Doors Down. M-Th, 9 pm-2 am; F-Su, 8 pm-2 am. noda101.com. 3205 N. Davidson St., 980.729.8019. QC SOCIAL LOUNGE— Expertly crafted
cocktails and culinary creations in a chic space with an ever-changing roster of local musicians and entertainers. Dress to impress. Lunch hours: M-Sa, 11 am-3 pm; dinner hours: W-Sa, 5-10 pm; lounge hours: Th-Sa, 10:30 pm-2 am. www.qcslounge.com. 300 N. College St., Suite 105, 980.430.3081. TILT ON TRADE— Casual is the name of
the game at the bar with a patio in the front and a porch in its backyard. In between is the main bar, with flat screen TVs and a dance floor. Open daily from 4 pm-2 am. www.tiltontrade.com. 127 W. Trade St., 704.347.4870.
Entertainment Centers AVIDXCHANGE MUSIC FACTORY—For-
merly known as the NC Music Factory, this enormous refurbished textile mill offers a one-stop shop for dining, entertainment, live music and more. Catch a show at The Fillmore or an act at the Comedy Zone. Schedule of events online. Hours vary by venue. www. avidxchangemusicfactory.com. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., 704.916.8970. EPICENTRE— Like moths to a flame,
this multi-story complex of clubs, restaurants and shops draws revelers from all over Uptown. Ample parking is available in the underground lot, and it’s easily accessed by LYNX Blue Line light rail. Hot tip: Outside this nightlife behemoth is the best spot to get a cab in Uptown after dark. Hours vary by venue. www.epicentrenc.com. 210 E. Trade St., 704.688.5980. NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE—This one-
time movie theater in NoDa offers up a more personal experience for music lovers in an intimate venue. www.
OVENS AUDITORIUM opened in 1955 and has hosted more than 7,000 events—and 9.4 million people—since that time.
24
W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
©CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; COURTESY HOWL AT THE MOON
Entertainment
E N T E R TA I N M E N T neighborhoodtheatre.com. 511 E. 36th St., 704.942.7997.
Gentlemen’s Clubs THE MEN’S CLUB OF CHARLOTTE— This
five-star-rated premier gentlemen’s club features a Wine Spectator awardwinning wine list and upscale dining, as well as entertainers. There’s also an upstairs Sky Lounge. www.mensclub. com. 444 Tyvola Road, 704.525.8525.
Music/Dance Performances BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER— Re-
nowned architect Cesar Pelli designed this state-of-the-art theater with a contemporary European horseshoe arrangement. Full schedule online. Ticket prices vary. www.blumenthalarts.org. 130 N. Tryon St., 704.372.1000. OVENS AUDITORIUM—A Charlotte
300 N COLLEGE ST, #105 (ALLEYWAY ENTRANCE) | CHARLOTTE, NC 28202 www.qcsociallounge.com | t. (980) 430-3081 | e. hello@qcslounge.com
Where do you want to go? Find the best of the city
institution since 1955, Ovens Auditorium has played host to legendary performers like Led Zeppelin and Aretha Franklin and continues to cater to music lovers. Full schedule online. www.ovensauditorium.com. 2900 Independence Blvd., 704.335.3100. SPECTRUM CENTER— Home to the
Charlotte Hornets, this 20,200-seat arena also plays host to major concerts and events throughout the year. www. spectrumcentercharlotte.com. 333 E. Trade St., 704.688.9000.
Theater ACTOR’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE—
Charlotte’s leading professional theater company presents Broadway, off-Broadway and off-the-wall works by contemporary playwrights. $28-$50. Upcoming: “Nina Simone: Four Women,” Jan. 23-Feb. 16. www. atcharlotte.org. Queens University’s Hadley Theater, 2132 Radcliffe Ave., 704.342.2251. CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE—
With the creative extravagance normally associated with big-ticket Broadway shows, the Children’s Theatre has built a stellar reputation. Upcoming: “Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt,” Jan. 18-Feb. 10; “Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds,” Feb. 8-24. Tickets: $12-$28. www.ctcharlotte. org. 300 E. Seventh St., 704.973.2828. w w w.wh e re t rave le r.c o m
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Charlotte Your Way UNIQUE TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS, FIT TO MATCH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. FIND THE CITY CURATED FOR YOU AT WHERETRAVELER.COM/CHARLOTTE
Relaxation
Day Trip
Brunch
Despite its bustling atmosphere, the Queen City boasts plenty of places to relax. (1) Spa at Ballantyne allows guests to step into nature—sans tennis shoes—for “indigenous treatments,” such as the Carolina Lavender Spa Collection. Those looking to combine pampering with coiffing can head to (2) Re Salon and Med Spa, where they’ll receive a relaxing aroma infused massage with each hair service. (3) Ritz-Carlton Spa and Wellness Center is the epitome of serenity, inviting spa-goers into its bi-level penthouse spa for bespoke, holistic treatments.
Charlotte is home to so many activities it’s hard to imagine leaving, but we understand the desire to branch off the beaten path. Wine connoisseurs can head to (1) Childress Vineyards, which boasts a bistro, tours of its winemaking facility and tastings. Branding itself, “as timeless as the game that inspired it,” (2) Pinehurst is a three-time U.S. Open site and America’s first golf resort, a perfect place to stay, eat, play and shop. Nirvana for nature lovers, (3) South Mountains State Park offers 40 miles of trails, an 80-foot waterfall, and drive-to, riverside campsites.
Offering “dishes that are uniquely Carolinian,” (1) The Asbury, located in the historic Dunhill Hotel, is the place to be for seasonal brunch items, such as Squash Toast. Pop over to (2) BLT Steak for a meal chock-full of delicious flavors, whether you’re craving Country Style Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes or its signature stuffed popovers. Renowned for its breakfast and brunch items, (3) Terrace Cafe’s menu ranges from Lemon Poppy Seed French Toast, to a Vegan Breakfast, replete with vegan “chicken,” grilled tomatoes, hash browns and a gluten-free waffle.
32 W H E R E C H A R LOT T E I J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2019
RELAXATION: ©SPA AT BALLANTYNE; ©RE SALON AND MED SPA; ©RITZ-CARLTON. DAY TRIP: ©ORIANA KOREN; ©VISIT NC; ©JILL LANG/SHUTTERSTOCK; BRUNCH: ©VISIT NC; ©BLT STEAK; COURTESY CHARLOTTE MAGAZINE
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