It's time to celebrate!
Things To Do
Explore our Home 'Hood
Plaza Midwood is where Bon and Em call home. Packed with lively restaurants and eclectic shops, head to the PM for anything your heart desires. Have a drink on the patio at Common Market and people watch, shop on Thomas Ave (and don't forget Moxie Mercantile!), catch a yoga class at Okra, have a coffee at Undercurrent or Giddy Goat, brunch at Snooze, compete with a ping-pong professional at Thomas Street Tavern, or catch a late night bev at the Thirsty Beaver--a tiny bar that's given "a big ole' middle finger to those evil developers overrunning our city!" Pro-tip: If you do visit the Beave, be on the lookout for Mick Jagger, who recently stopped by for a patio PBR.
Stroll through City Center
Uptown (Charlotte's downtown area) is often overlooked by visitors but that is absolutely a mistake! Just a small central area made up of four wards, all of which are packed with businesses and residents, take some time to explore the quaint beauty of our central business district. Start with a walk through First Ward park and then stroll through the quaint and Victorian Fourth Ward Neighborhood (perhaps with a stop for a cup of she-crab soup at Alexander Michael's!). Then head west on Tryon Street while admiring the unique architecture that makes up our city center. Stop in for some arts and culture at the Bechtler Museum and then End up at Fourth Ward park and the "French Quarter" alley to top off your walk with a bev and a view!
Shop in NoDa Arts District
Coming in early or staying later? NoDa is Charotte's best (my favorite) arts district with several unique shops, fun local restaurants, lively bars and a couple of quirky coffee shops all within walking distance! Pro-tip: Pura Vida Worldly Art is by far my favorite shop.
Try One of Everything at Optimist Hall
Located just near the Parkwood Ave Light Rail stop you'll find this awesome food hall with eclectic main, dessert and coffee options. Up for an adventure? Order one thing small item from several stalls--your taste buds will thank you!
Bike the Rail Trail
Charlotte has an incredible rail trail / greenway that spans the city and goes through almost all of the city's central neighborhoods. Rent an e-bike and explore the art, neighborhoods and lively activity throughout the city!
Ride the Rail Trail
Want to see a broad range of the city but... pedal less? The Light Rail is for you! Stopping in most of Charlotte's most popular neighborhoods, you can easily scroll through the stop options, see what activities suit your fancy and plan your adventure starting at your nearest station! And, if a neighborhood interests you that's not right next to a stop, you can easily Uber, rent an e-bike or walk to any and all surrounding areas.
Vibe in South End
Coming from a big city and wanting some familiar big-city vibes? South-end often feels more like a big city than even Uptown. Grab an ice-cream at Jeni's, shop in a variety of unique boutiques, try a morning indoor rock climb, have a beer at Sycamore (located on the Rail Trail!) or even catch a drop-in exercise class--the activity and location options are quite endless!
Catch Waves at the Whitewater Center
This site is just outside the city limits but well worth the trip if you are wanting some outdoor adventure. Whether it's whitewater rafting, rock climbing, kayaking or hiking, the WWC has it all. Pro-tip: if you're only here for the weekend but an early riser, get out there first thing Saturday morning and spend a solid half-day before heading back to town to get ready for the wedding!