Two Takes on Charlotte, North Carolina- Doubletake Travel

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its thriving business community, rich history, diverse culture, and southern hospitality.

Charlotte, North Carolina, has a rich history shaped by its origins as a key trading post during the colonial era. Established in 1768, the city grew rapidly due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major trading routes. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a crucial supply center for the Continental Army.

Throughout the 19th century, Charlotte evolved from a trading hub into a center of textile manufacturing, earning it the nickname “Queen City.” In the 20th century, it became a major banking center, with institutions like Bank of America and Wells Fargo establishing headquarters there. Today, Charlotte continues to thrive as a dynamic city known for its blend of history, culture, and economic vitality.

Neighborhoods

It is diverse city with many distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character, amenities, and attractions.

Uptown (Center City): Uptown is the vibrant urban center of Charlotte, characterized by its skyscrapers, cultural institutions, and bustling nightlife. Attractions include Bank of America Stadium, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
South End: South End is known for its historic industrial buildings, craft breweries, art galleries, and vibrant dining scene. The Rail Trail, a popular walking and biking path, runs through the neighborhood, connecting Uptown with neighboring areas.
NoDa (North Davidson): NoDa is an eclectic and artsy neighborhood known for its colorful murals, galleries, and live music venues. The neighborhood is home to a thriving arts community and hosts monthly gallery crawls and music festivals.
Plaza Midwood: Plaza Midwood is a hip and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of historic homes, trendy boutiques, and quirky shops. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant street art, diverse dining options, and laid-back atmosphere.
Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a charming and historic neighborhood located just east of Uptown. It features tree-lined streets, historic homes, and beautiful parks, including Independence Park and the picturesque Fourth Ward Park.
Dilworth: Dilworth is one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods, known for its historic bungalows, tree-lined streets, and upscale dining and shopping options. Freedom Park, one of the city’s largest parks, is located in Dilworth and offers recreational activities and outdoor events.
Ballantyne: Ballantyne is a suburban neighborhood located in the southern part of Charlotte. It features upscale residential communities, golf courses, and shopping centers, including Ballantyne Village and the Ballantyne Hotel & Resort.
University City: University City is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) and is known for its youthful energy and diverse population. The area offers a mix of student housing, residential neighborhoods, and shopping centers, including the popular Concord Mills mall.
Cotswold: Cotswold is an established neighborhood located southeast of Uptown, known for its upscale homes, shopping centers, and dining options. Cotswold Village Shops and the nearby SouthPark Mall are popular destinations for shopping and entertainment.
Steele Creek: Steele Creek is a rapidly growing neighborhood located southwest of Uptown, known for its suburban developments, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to Lake Wylie. The area offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, retail centers, and parks.

The Same

Having lived in Charlotte for nearly 20 years, the Dinks are true experts when it comes to knowing the best places to visit, dine, and explore in the city. The Family has visited them there multiple times, benefiting from their insider knowledge of Charlotte’s attractions and dining spots.

Freedom Park in Dilworth:

Enjoy outdoor activities at Freedom Park, a 98-acre urban park featuring walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park’s scenic lake and gardens provide a peaceful escape from the city. The Dinks lived close by so we often came here when the Family visited.

US National Whitewater Center:

Explore outdoor thrills at the US National Whitewater Center, situated near Charlotte. This hub offers a range of activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking, drawing adventurers from far and wide. The Family experienced whitewater rafting here before having kids and looks forward to returning once the kids are old enough to join in the excitement.

Local Cuisine

Despite their contrasting styles, both The DINKS and The Family consistently prioritize sampling local cuisine. North Carolina’s cuisine is diverse, influenced by its coastal plains, mountains, and rich agricultural heritage.

Barbecue: North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, particularly two distinct styles:
- Eastern Style: Pork shoulder or whole hog cooked slowly over wood coals and seasoned with a vinegar-based sauce.
- Lexington Style (Western Style): Similar to Eastern style but with a ketchup-based sauce that includes vinegar and spices.

Hush Puppies: Deep-fried cornmeal fritters flavored with onions, a popular side dish served with seafood or barbecue.
Shrimp and Grits: A Southern classic, shrimp sautéed with bacon and served over creamy grits. It’s a popular dish along the coastal regions of North Carolina.
Sweet Tea: A staple beverage, sweet tea is brewed with sugar and served over ice. It’s a refreshing drink enjoyed year-round.
Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens flavored with bacon or ham hock, a traditional side dish often served with cornbread.
Biscuits and Gravy: Fluffy biscuits topped with a creamy sausage gravy, a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Cheerwine: A cherry-flavored soft drink that originated in North Carolina, known for its distinct sweet taste and deep red color.

The DINKs

The Dinks made their home near Charlotte’s vibrant Dilworth neighborhood but were regulars across various other neighborhoods for events and nightlife. Their explorations extended beyond Dilworth’s charming streets to embrace the diverse cultural and entertainment scenes found throughout Charlotte’s bustling districts.

NASCAR

Charlotte, often hailed as the NASCAR capital of the world, stands as a vibrant hub of motorsports culture and innovation. Home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the city attracts racing enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate the sport’s history and heroes.

Hall of Fame: Start your exploration of Charlotte by visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the history of NASCAR racing and its legendary drivers through interactive exhibits and displays.
Charlotte Motor Speedway: Attend a NASCAR race or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. Experience the thrill of stock car racing at one of the premier racing venues in the country.

Professional Sports:

While Charlotte’s professional sports teams may not always rank as the best (a fact I reluctantly admit as a fan), attending live sporting events here is always fun. The city’s vibrant sports scene, though sometimes supported by fair-weather fans (myself included, I must confess), offers frequent opportunities to snag great deals through third-party ticket brokers.

Carolina Panthers (NFL): Catch an NFL game and cheer for the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. The team’s passionate fan base makes game days an exciting experience.
Charlotte Hornets (NBA): Experience NBA basketball action with the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Enjoy the energy of the crowd and watch top-tier basketball talent in action.
Charlotte FC (MLS): Get ready to support Charlotte FC, the city’s newest professional sports team competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). Attend matches at Bank of America Stadium and be part of the excitement of professional soccer in Charlotte. This is our favorite sporting event in Charlotte.
Golf: Charlotte is home to numerous golf courses catering to players of all skill levels. Enjoy a round of golf at courses such as Quail Hollow Club, host of the Wells Fargo Championship, or Charlotte Country Club.

Outdoor Recreation:

While Charlotte itself is primarily urban, there are several nearby areas where you can enjoy outdoor hiking and nature trails. Whether you’re looking for challenging trails with scenic overlooks or leisurely walks through nature, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors in the Charlotte area. Here are some of our favorite places:

McDowell Nature Preserve: Located southwest of Charlotte, McDowell Nature Preserve offers over 1,100 acres of protected woodlands and meadows along the shores of Lake Wylie. The preserve features several hiking trails, including the Lake Wylie Trail and the Ridgeline Trail, which offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
The Carolina Thread Trail is a growing network of greenways, bike paths, and hiking trails that winds its way through North and South Carolina. The Twelve Mile Creek Trail is a portion of the Carolina Thread Trail that follows along Twelve Mile Creek. The Twelve Mile Creek Trail is a 3.7-mile natural surface trail with sections of boardwalk and sidewalks that runs through Walnut Creek Park in Lancaster, South Carolina. The trail then crosses over to North Carolina via a suspension bridge and continues as the Twelve Mile Creek Greenway, eventually connecting to Waxhaw, North Carolina.
Crowders Mountain State Park: Located about 30 miles west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park offers scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park features challenging trails, including the Crowders Mountain Trail and the Pinnacle Trail, as well as easier options for beginners.
Lake Norman State Park: Located about 30 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park offers hiking trails along the shores of Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. The park features several trails, including the Lake Shore Trail and the Alder Trail, which offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.

Craft Beer:

Charlotte, North Carolina, has a vibrant craft beer scene with a multitude of breweries, taprooms, and beer-related events. Some of our favorites include:

Birdsong Brewing Co.: Visit Birdsong Brewing Co. to enjoy a selection of handcrafted beers brewed with a focus on quality and creativity. The brewery’s taproom offers a cozy setting to relax and socialize with friends. Our favorite is the Jalapeno Ale.
Wooden Robot: Wooden Robot Brewery offers a mix of Belgian-inspired and experimental beers, often featuring unique ingredients and flavor combinations. Their taproom in South End is a cozy spot to enjoy a pint with friends. Our favorite is Good Morning Vietnam.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Experience traditional German-style beers at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, one of Charlotte’s oldest and most respected breweries. The expansive beer garden provides a charming outdoor setting to enjoy a pint or two.
NoDa Brewing Company: Sample locally brewed craft beer at NoDa Brewing Company, known for its innovative and flavorful brews. The brewery often hosts events and food trucks, creating a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.

Museums:

Charlotte, North Carolina, boasts a variety of museums covering art, history, science, and culture. Many are apart of Bank Of America’s museums on us program offering free entry the first weekend of each month. Here is more info on some of our favorites:

Discovery Place Science: Explore Discovery Place Science, a hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and an IMAX theater. It’s a great destination for families and science enthusiasts of all ages.
Billy Graham Library: The Billy Graham Library honors the life and legacy of evangelist Billy Graham through exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia presentations. The library’s peaceful surroundings and gardens provide a serene setting for reflection and contemplation.
Levine Museum of the New South: The Levine Museum of the New South explores the history and culture of the American South through exhibits, multimedia presentations, and interactive displays. Topics include the Civil Rights Movement, immigration, and urban development, providing insight into Charlotte’s past and present.

Near By in South Carolina

Charlotte is just a short 20-minute drive from South Carolina. When exploring the neighboring state from Charlotte, there’s an abundance of attractions and activities awaiting. Here are some must-try experiences, starting with the thrilling Carowinds amusement park:

Carowinds: Located on the border between North and South Carolina, Carowinds is a massive amusement park featuring thrilling roller coasters, water rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions. Spend a day riding the iconic Fury 325, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, or cool off in the Carolina Harbor water park.
Lake Wylie: Spend a day on the water at Lake Wylie, a picturesque reservoir located southwest of Charlotte. Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, or relax on the sandy shores and soak up the sun. Lake Wylie also offers scenic picnic areas and waterfront dining options.
Anne Springs Close Greenway: Explore the great outdoors at the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This expansive nature preserve offers miles of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking opportunities amidst scenic woodlands, meadows, and lakes.
Historic Downtown Rock Hill: Discover the charm and history of Historic Downtown Rock Hill, South Carolina. Stroll along Main Street and explore boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes housed in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Don’t miss the impressive public art installations scattered throughout the downtown area.
Kings Mountain National Military Park: Step back in time at Kings Mountain National Military Park, located southwest of Charlotte near Blacksburg, South Carolina. Learn about the pivotal Battle of Kings Mountain during the American Revolutionary War and explore hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and educational exhibits within the park.

Summary

In Charlotte, whether you’re a longtime resident like the DINKs or a visitor like the Family, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. The DINKs, with their two decades in the city, have explored every corner, from the thrill of NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway to the serene beauty of Freedom Park and the buzzing nightlife of Uptown. Meanwhile, the Family, on their occasional visits, have savored the local cuisine and immersed themselves in the city’s natural surroundings like the US National Whitewater Center and Freedom Park. Whether you’re looking to indulge in Southern flavors, explore cultural attractions, or simply relax in Charlotte’s green spaces, both residents and visitors alike find something to cherish in this dynamic city of North Carolina.

Doubletake Travel

Two Takes on Charlotte, North Carolina: Local Insights and Visitors Favorites