A guide to MoRA

WELCOME TO ONE OF CHARLOTTE’S MOST POPULAR THOROUGHFARES

by Asha Ellison |

photographs

by Justin Driscoll

Some things get better with age: Turner Classic movies, your grandmother’s cast-iron pan, jeans that fit just right, a bold Sangiovese — and the Monroe Road corridor of Charlotte. The long stretch of road picks up at the end of 7th Street — just a stone’s throw from the iconic Lupie’s Cafe and Grier Heights neighborhood — and snakes southeast into the heart of Matthews. With it, Monroe Road carries a legacy of community pride, a hunger for continued cultural expansion, and booming commercial and residential development.

The bare-bones small-business corridor of yesteryear, with parking lots that emptied at dusk, has come a long way. For many southeast Charlotte residents, it’s the place to be: a hub for ethnic cuisine, healing arts, shopping and more. Next time you find yourself in the area, consider checking out a few MoRA favorites.

Create

Clayworks

4506 Monroe Rd.

Don’t be afraid to work with your hands. Clayworks, a nonprofit ceramic arts studio, offers pottery classes for all ages and skill levels.

The Frame

4732 Monroe Rd., Ste. 110

An airy and bright location for studio photography, videography, solo work or small gatherings, The Frame, owned by Camille Hughes, is a venue for creatives of all kinds. “[It] has become a community hub almost overnight,” writes Jennifer (@JennMoxley) via Twitter.

The Photo Outfitters

4732 Monroe Rd., Ste. 130

Your adventure starts here: The Photo Outfitters offers photography accessories, equipment and studio rentals, and classes for all skill levels.

Sweet Spot Studio

4418 Monroe Rd., Ste. C

Owner Jossie Lukacik opened Sweet Spot in 2018, offering everything from baking basics classes for beginners to advanced workshops. Learn the basics of cookie decorating, how to make French macarons, brunch boards and more.

Drink

Edge City Brewery

6209 Old Post Rd.

MoRA’s first brewery, Edge City, fosters community and steals hearts with its beautiful aesthetics. “We love, love, love Edge City — such a great place for families and now that their outdoor area is fenced in, we love to let our little one run around!” writes Danielle (@DSofia21) via Twitter.

Oaklore Distilling

11136 Monroe Rd., Matthews

If the Angel Barrel Program doesn’t win you over, what will? Together with master distillers, local nonprofits bottle their own single-barrel whiskey to benefit their cause. Enjoy a whiskey flight on the patio or pick up a bottle to take home.

Vaulted Oak Brewing

3726 Monroe Rd.

Brewery sangria? It’s worth it every time. Find food trucks, fun, trivia and home at this tried-and-true, well-loved Echo Hills watering hole, located in a former BB&T bank branch.

Fuel Up

Night Swim Coffee

1620 Oakhurst Commons Dr., Ste. 307 Night Swim, from the teams be-

hind Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent

Coffee, continues to make a name for itself throughout Charlotte. In addition to coffee and lattes, the cafe’s food menu features frittatas, avocado toast, and other breakfast and brunch fare. “The addition of Night Swim has improved my life,” says Jenn (@jenn_clark) via Twitter.

OMG Donuts & Coffee

6902 Old Post Rd., Ste. 107

Craft coffee, handmade doughnuts