CHARLOTTE HISTORIC DISTRICTS
NoDa
Where 36th Street meets North Davidson, Charlotte's Historic arts District can be found. Nicknamed "NoDa", this neighborhood houses galleries and shops nestled in with performance venues and great restaurants to create a thriving center for the city's artistically inclined residents. In this former textile mill district two miles northeast of Uptown, NoDa residents can take their pick of modern condos in converted mill space or cozy turn-of-the-century homes built for the workers. But if you are just in the area for a visit, check out Cabo Fish Taco for a lively meal with great bang for your buck and then hop on over to the neighborhood's Gallery Crawls (first and third Fridays of every month).
For More Information about NoDa.
UPTOWN (Wards 1-4)
Charlotte's City Center (bordered by the I-277 loop) has transformed from modest banker's mecca into a vibrant urban residential community. In addition to housing the city government and the headquarters for Bank of America, Duke Energy and Wachovia in the First Ward, Uptown features a variety of restaurants, high-rise condos, historic homes, boutique shops, bars, clubs and entertainment venues. Luxury urban living is all the rage in the Uptown core with condos and town homes being built in all directions. Renovated historic homes with park access in the Fourth Ward are also very popular.
Uptown has no shortage of entertainment options either. Bank of America Stadium houses the NFL's Carolina Panthers. During the summers, Wachovia hosts the Live After Five series of concerts at its outdoor plaza, geared toward young professionals. The Discovery Place on North Tryon hosts family friendly educational exhibits and across the street Belk Theater brings in major touring shows, such as the Lion King. For a night on the town try Aquavina Restaurant, featuring gourmet contemporary seafood, followed by salsa dancing at LaTorre's.
For a jumpstart the next morning, Dunkin' Donuts on North Graham really hits the spot.
SOUTH END
Just outside the southern boundary of the Uptown core is South End. While this area used to claim fame for the Charlotte's first railroad line, now it is known for its renovated mill and warehouse space and urban culture. Amos' Southend Music Hall plays regular host to acts of all sorts-including hip hop celebrities Q-Tip and Common, R&B artist Robin Thicke and the Christian Pop/Rock group, Flyleaf.
DILWORTH
The front porches adorning many of the bungalow homes in this neighborhood are telltale of the vibrant social culture that exists in what was originally planned as the Eighth Ward in Charlotte. The Dilworth neighborhood has enough restaurants and coffee shops-most of which line the treetop canopied streets of East Boulevard-to meet and greet all of your friends. Also popular for social gatherings are sprawling Freedom Park and Latta Park, both off of East Boulevard and featuring exercise trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and grassy lounging areas for soaking up the sun on those wonderful Southern afternoons. An additional plus: Charlotte's largest hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, is located here on Blythe Boulevard.
ELIZABETH
The Elizabeth neighborhood has something for everyone. Along Elizabeth Avenue, the Visulite Theater-a renovated movie theater from Charlotte's early days-hosts bands and entertainment acts from various genres. Restaurants, shops and local businesses are also there to meet your everyday needs. Presbyterian Hospital and Mercy Hospital supply easy access to quality healthcare, while Central Piedmont Community College provides post-secondary education opportunities for approximately 70,000 regional residents. One of Elizabeth's most striking visual qualities is the century-old oak trees, which line most of the side-walked streets and yards. Homes in this neighborhood range from stately brick mansions to new town homes, but all possess plenty of character.
MYERS PARK
This picturesque neighborhood boasts some of the city's most luxurious homes and has an old world feel of grandeur about it. Its curving avenues follow the area's natural topography instead of Uptown's grid system and are lined with grand oak trees. Architect John Nolan was hired in 1911 to create a garden-like quality in this former suburb of Charlotte-proper and residents used to commute to Uptown via electric trolley. Now it is an idyllic setting for quiet and luxurious living just a few miles from the main core of the city.
PLAZA-MIDWOOD
Plaza-Midwood, a diverse neighborhood in northeast Charlotte, is all about local flavor. Centered around Central Avenue and bordered by Independence Blvd, The Plaza and Charlotte Country Club, Plaza-Midwood caters to a hip, but down-to-earth crowd of Charlotteans. Its streets are full of offbeat and artistic shops and newly renovated homes with a funky, creative flair. Thomas Street Tavern, The Penguin and Lulu are all great places to enjoy an affordable meal or drink with family and friends.
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