Local Travel Journal: Charlotte
From quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods, to winding tracts of forest, to booming commercial sprawl, Charlotte has something for everyone. What the city lacks in the glitz and glamour of big cities like Los Angeles and New York, it makes up for in culture and charm.
Anyone that has spent a significant amount of time in Charlotte knows the city’s must-see highlights: the Panther stadium, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the uptown banking district. But as any savvy tourist can tell you, most of the good sightseeing is off the beaten path. As a Charlotte resident for ten years, I’m proud to be able to offer a few suggestions on some parts of Charlotte that are lesser-known but definitely worth checking out.
The Plaza-Midwood area has a rich history and distinct character. Located in central Charlotte, no more than five minutes from uptown, Plaza-Midwood was a thriving neighborhood and local business district until a 20-year period of decline in the ’70s and ’80s. The district saw a rebound of growth and development in the ’90s and is now a comparatively desirable place to live in Charlotte. The heart of the area is the shopping district on Central Avenue. An eclectic blend of cafes, antique shops and art galleries mark an area with a strong sense of local pride and little corporate development.
“The Penguin” is a classic diner-style restaurant that has become one of the trademarks of the Plaza-Midwood area. Famous for its fried pickles, the restaurant offers the standard fried-food cuisine: burgers, sandwiches, fries and a large draft beer selection. It has long been known as a hotspot for teens and twenty-somethings.
“The Penguin” should not be missed if you’re planning on eating a big, greasy meal in the area.
For upscale fashion, Lotus is a pricey boutique, offering a modest selection of stylish dresses, sunglasses, handbags and accessories. Not for the thrifty shopper or bargain-hunter, Lotus is a fitting contrast to the several funky, vintage clothing stores in the Plaza-Midwood area.
Other businesses in Plaza-Midwood include Fuel, a pizzeria built in the style of a rustic gas station. Clark’s Antiques offers classic furniture and home-warming decorations, not generally appropriate for any college residence. Reggae Central specializes in ... well, reggae. Most of the store revolves around Bob Marley-related merchandise, with an interesting jungle-theme window display.
A slightly more popular Charlotte destination is South Park Mall, located in southeast Charlotte on Fairview Road. In the last couple years, the mall has undergone a massive renovation that has made it appealing to a crowd with a more sophisticated fashion sense and most importantly, money to burn. Name brands are key to South Park’s appeal. Clothing retailers include American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste, among others. For accessories and jewelry, there’s Tiffany and Co., Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton. Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s are the three upscale department stores. Also, don’t forget to visit The Cheesecake Factory for a menu with a huge selection and ridiculously delicious cheesecakes. I recommend Dulce De Leche.
If you’re bored in Charlotte, you’re not at the right places. Next time you visit, take time to drive around and get lost; you’ll never be too far from a major highway that will lead you uptown. Everyone who lives in the Carolinas owes it to themselves to spend some quality time in the Queen City.
