I often get emails from readers asking for recommendations for restaurants, things to do and places to say when visiting Charlotte. When considering which recommendations to give, I think about what I like to do and where I like to take my out of town visitors, rather than the touristy things. So today I’m sharing my Charlotte City Guide for those of you who want to experience the Queen City like a local. But warning, you will probably want to relocate here after your visit.
EAT
- Brunch ($) at littleSpoon Eatery (Myers Park)
- Best bacon ever
- Lunch ($) at Cabo Fish Taco (Noda)
- Featured on Diners, Drives and Dives
- Lunch ($) at Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (South Park)
- Get the Bento Box!
- Dinner ($$) at Dogwood Southern Table (South Park)
- Start with the baked pimento cheese dip
- Dinner ($$) at Essex Bar & Bistro (Uptown)
- Get the brussels sprout salad
- Dinner ($$) 204 North Kitchen (Uptown)
- Wine & small plates ($$) at Foxcroft Wine Co. (Dilworth)
- Pick out a bottle of wine in their shop over $30 to avoid the corkage fee
- BBQ ($) at Midwood Smokehouse (Plaza Midwood)
Additional restaurant recommendations.
DRINK
- Coffee at Not Just Coffee
- Cocktails at Merchant & Trade (Uptown)
- Cocktails at Fahrenheit (Uptown)
- Breweries: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sycamore Brewing, Resident Culture Brewing Company, Wooden Robot
PLAY
- Spend the day at US National Whitewater Center
- Hike Crowders Mountain
- Take a stroll through Freedom Park
- Watch a Charlotte Knights ball game
- Rider roller coasters at Carowinds
- Rent a dockless bike or scooter to ride around Uptown
- Shop at South Park Mall
- Grab a bouquet of flowers and fresh food at the Farmers’ Markets (seasonal)
- Food Truck Friday (seasonal)
- Enjoy the Charlotte Symphony at Pops In the Park (seasonal)
KIDS
STAY
- The Duke Mansion Historical (Historic Neighborhood)
- Omni (Uptown)
- Kimpton Hotel (Uptown)
Kate Delanoy
Thursday 16th of August 2018
So fun! My aunt lives in Charlotte and every time I visit, I always want to stay!! Some day... ;)
Lori Honeycutt
Thursday 16th of August 2018
Soul in plaza midwood for cocktails or dinner. Also in that neighborhood Boris and Natasha is a super cute boutique! I have loved CFT since before it was ever featured on DD&D, another new great place for tacos is Ru'Ru's. There are some really fun places in Metropolitan that I noticed when I did the July 4 miler race. This area is definitely always changing and growing!
Christina
Thursday 16th of August 2018
Soul, YES!!!!!
Nikki
Wednesday 15th of August 2018
I was recently there for work and looked up running routes for my morning run and found the rail trail. It was SO great and I wish we had something like it where we live! All the bars and breweries along it looked awesome as well.
Sonia
Wednesday 15th of August 2018
I miss living in Charlotte, so much! I feel like every time I'm down there, something has changed or something new has popped up - it was just such a great place to live!
Anna-Grace Pryor
Wednesday 15th of August 2018
Thanks for this! We currently live in Atlanta, and my husband was offered a job in Charlotte. We are taking a trip up soon to see if it's move we want to make. SO nervous!!
Laura
Thursday 16th of August 2018
Charlotte is amazing! My friends from Atlanta regularly visit us here and love it.