Friday, April 8, 2011
LINKS
- Official Travel Resource
www.charlottesgotalot.com - North Carolina Tourism
www.visitnc.com - Charlotte USA - The Charlotte Regional Partnership
www.charlotteusa.com - Charlotte Center City Partners
www.charlottecentercity.org - South Carolina Tourism
www.discoversouthcarolina.com - Virginia Tourism
www.virginia.org
WHAT TO AVOID
This Huffington Post Article is a bit outdated. I am posting with the following notes:
*Steele Creek Area is completely rehabilitated with plenty of places to eat and shop.
*The same goes for the University/North Charlotte Area.
Charlotte, N.C., is one of the fastest-growing cities of the Southeast. With an increase in population comes an increase in crime; but don't that let deter you from visiting Charlotte. The city has so many distinct and inviting areas that it continues to draw many tourists each year. With so many popular attractions and beautiful neighborhoods, it is evident the safe areas clearly outnumber the areas to avoid in Charlotte.
Charlotte is the largest city in the state, and houses nearly three quarters of million residents. With such a heavily populated city comes the good, bad, and the ugly.
Let's start with the safe places. Several areas of the city have been touted as some of the safest neighborhoods in the Charlotte metro area.
The South Park area of Charlotte is by far the safest area. This particular area boasts of some of the best schools, shopping areas, and lowest crime rates. One of the largest churches --the Calvary Church-- is in this area. The opulent "pink church" is located on Pineville-Matthews Road and has thousands of members. Not only is the church located here but also the most prestigious neighborhoods are found in this area. Piper Glen contains magnificent homes and one of the finest golf courses, TPC at Piper Glen. Here you will also find the infamous Quail Hollow Golf Course where the Wachovia Golf Tournament is held each year. Finally, there is theSouth Park Mall, which is home to Nordstrom's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and many more distinguished shops. This makes this area one of the best and safest to live or visit.
Close by is the quaint town of Matthews, which is in the southeast region of the city and has a beautiful historic downtown area with many locally owned shops and restaurants. The town itself has several excellent schools and established neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods in Matthews have been well preserved and well kept for decades.
Yet another safe area of Charlotte is the Ballantyne area. This up-and-coming area has several new shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and is home to the Ballantyne resort and country club, two hot spots where many visitors flock each year. Ballantyne also is home to several golf courses and is famous for its beautiful landscape and manicured lawns. This area also has many well established business and medical parks which continue to thrive despite the down turn in the economy.
Another safe neighborhood with low crime rates is the Hickory Grove area. This area is in the northeast section of the city and is home to one of the oldest churches in the region, Hickory Grove Baptist Church. The church has expanded over the years and built satellite churches in North Charlotte and reached out to the Latin American community.
The downtown area of the city of Charlotte is known as "Uptown" and is another safe area to visit and spend time. By far, the Uptown area has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade. With the relocation here of theTime Warner Cable Arena, home to the Charlotte Bobcats, many clubs, restaurants, and art galleries have opened for business. Also, the new Epicenter was created to house several night clubs, restaurants, a piano bar, bowling alley, and much more. And as of May the new NASCAR Hall of Fame opened to the public and is an architectural phenomenon.
On the other hand, Charlotte does have several areas that are not deemed safe. Listed below are some areas to avoid in Charlotte.
One such area is the University area. This area is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and was once known as a great area to live. Over the years, crime has been on the rise, and outside of the actual campus, this area is not safe.
Several other areas of Charlotte have higher crime rates than the rest of the city. The Coulwood neighborhood is one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods. As the years have gone by, the neighborhood has had a high crime rate and keeps the North Division of the Charlotte Mecklenburg police department very busy. The city has recognized the problem, and is working diligently to make the neighborhood safer. In fact, an iniative was put in place to establish more playgrounds and sidewalks. More police officers have been assigned to this area, but it still has the highest crime rates as of the end of 2009.
Yet, another area plagued by crime and to avoid is the Steele Creek area. Located off South Boulevard, this area has seen an increase in dangerous crimes. Many shopping centers and restaurants in the area have closed down because of this.
Another area to avoid is Freedom Drive. Businesses have shut down, and there is an increasing population of homeless people here. Driving through this area makes it evident that this is not a safe part of town. There is a push to demolish and rebuild this area, but nothing has been started as of yet. With time, drug-related crimes have increased; this part of town is best avoided.
Finally, West Charlotte is another area that is not safe. Wilkinson Boulevard runs through this area also known as the Metro Charlotte. Property values have plummeted, and crime has increased. Subsidizing housing occupies much of this area. The schools perform poorly, and have several issues with crime. With a high crime rate, and an increased problem with drug-related crimes, this area should be avoided at all costs.
Overall, in 2009, the crime rate did decrease in the city, but as always there are areas that do not reflect these numbers. With a new police chief who has made fighting crime a top priority, the city will continue to thrive and attract more visitors to one of the safest cities in the Southeast.
*Steele Creek Area is completely rehabilitated with plenty of places to eat and shop.
*The same goes for the University/North Charlotte Area.
Safe and Dangerous Places in Charlotte
by Jennifer Perkins, an AOL Travel ContributorPosted Aug 16th 2010 02:21 PM
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Alamy
Charlotte is the largest city in the state, and houses nearly three quarters of million residents. With such a heavily populated city comes the good, bad, and the ugly.
Safest areas
Let's start with the safe places. Several areas of the city have been touted as some of the safest neighborhoods in the Charlotte metro area.
The South Park area of Charlotte is by far the safest area. This particular area boasts of some of the best schools, shopping areas, and lowest crime rates. One of the largest churches --the Calvary Church-- is in this area. The opulent "pink church" is located on Pineville-Matthews Road and has thousands of members. Not only is the church located here but also the most prestigious neighborhoods are found in this area. Piper Glen contains magnificent homes and one of the finest golf courses, TPC at Piper Glen. Here you will also find the infamous Quail Hollow Golf Course where the Wachovia Golf Tournament is held each year. Finally, there is theSouth Park Mall, which is home to Nordstrom's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and many more distinguished shops. This makes this area one of the best and safest to live or visit.
Close by is the quaint town of Matthews, which is in the southeast region of the city and has a beautiful historic downtown area with many locally owned shops and restaurants. The town itself has several excellent schools and established neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods in Matthews have been well preserved and well kept for decades.
Yet another safe area of Charlotte is the Ballantyne area. This up-and-coming area has several new shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and is home to the Ballantyne resort and country club, two hot spots where many visitors flock each year. Ballantyne also is home to several golf courses and is famous for its beautiful landscape and manicured lawns. This area also has many well established business and medical parks which continue to thrive despite the down turn in the economy.
Another safe neighborhood with low crime rates is the Hickory Grove area. This area is in the northeast section of the city and is home to one of the oldest churches in the region, Hickory Grove Baptist Church. The church has expanded over the years and built satellite churches in North Charlotte and reached out to the Latin American community.
The downtown area of the city of Charlotte is known as "Uptown" and is another safe area to visit and spend time. By far, the Uptown area has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade. With the relocation here of theTime Warner Cable Arena, home to the Charlotte Bobcats, many clubs, restaurants, and art galleries have opened for business. Also, the new Epicenter was created to house several night clubs, restaurants, a piano bar, bowling alley, and much more. And as of May the new NASCAR Hall of Fame opened to the public and is an architectural phenomenon.
Areas to avoid
On the other hand, Charlotte does have several areas that are not deemed safe. Listed below are some areas to avoid in Charlotte.
One such area is the University area. This area is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and was once known as a great area to live. Over the years, crime has been on the rise, and outside of the actual campus, this area is not safe.
Several other areas of Charlotte have higher crime rates than the rest of the city. The Coulwood neighborhood is one of Charlotte's oldest neighborhoods. As the years have gone by, the neighborhood has had a high crime rate and keeps the North Division of the Charlotte Mecklenburg police department very busy. The city has recognized the problem, and is working diligently to make the neighborhood safer. In fact, an iniative was put in place to establish more playgrounds and sidewalks. More police officers have been assigned to this area, but it still has the highest crime rates as of the end of 2009.
Yet, another area plagued by crime and to avoid is the Steele Creek area. Located off South Boulevard, this area has seen an increase in dangerous crimes. Many shopping centers and restaurants in the area have closed down because of this.
Another area to avoid is Freedom Drive. Businesses have shut down, and there is an increasing population of homeless people here. Driving through this area makes it evident that this is not a safe part of town. There is a push to demolish and rebuild this area, but nothing has been started as of yet. With time, drug-related crimes have increased; this part of town is best avoided.
Finally, West Charlotte is another area that is not safe. Wilkinson Boulevard runs through this area also known as the Metro Charlotte. Property values have plummeted, and crime has increased. Subsidizing housing occupies much of this area. The schools perform poorly, and have several issues with crime. With a high crime rate, and an increased problem with drug-related crimes, this area should be avoided at all costs.
Overall, in 2009, the crime rate did decrease in the city, but as always there are areas that do not reflect these numbers. With a new police chief who has made fighting crime a top priority, the city will continue to thrive and attract more visitors to one of the safest cities in the Southeast.
LEGENDS & LORE
North Carolina Legends and Ghost Stories
The following stories all come from North Carolina Legends by Richard Walser. This book is available from the Historical Publications Section, Division of Archives and History, 109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-2816 or 919-733-7442.
We greatly appreciate their generosity in allowing us to reprint these stories.
Click on one of the following links to read the stories:
SOUTHERN BAR-B-QUE
WHERE TO FIND SKINNY GIRL COCKTAILS IN CHARLOTTE
NO PARTY IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A VISIT TO FRUGAL MAGDOUGALS, THE MAC DADDY OF BEVERAGE STORES.
SKINNY GIRL IS IN THE HOUSE!
PUBS & BREWERIES
NODA BREWING COMPANY
http://www.nodabrewing.com/
Breweries:
Bars / Eateries:
Stores:
Homebrew:
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WHERE TO EAT
Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte
Dining for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, big date, or any special occasion
By Artie Beaty, About.com Guide
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Charlotte has a huge variety of fine dining establishments, but not all have romance on the agenda. Here is a listing of Charlotte's most romantic restaurants for the perfect date-night, Valentine's Day dinner or anniversary celebration. Your favorite not on the list? Let me know at charlotte.guide@about.com
Nestled in the Fox Croft East Shopping Center in South Park, this intimate restaurant serves up upscale American cuisine courtesy of Chef Bruce Moffett. Barrington's is only open Monday through Saturday for dinner only, so reservations are recommended as space is limited.
This restaurants is known for excellent views of the Queen City, and it doesn't disappoint. Owner Jim Emad's vision includes classic French dishes prepared and presented at the table with the use of a gueridon - a mobile cooking cart used in French tableside service. 27th Floor Charlotte Plaza
Ambiance and good food are about all Bonterra needs to make this list. Owner John Duncan, who also owns Mac's Speed Shop and Las Ramblas, opened Bonterra Dining and Wine room in 1999 in the former Dilworth Methodist Episcopal Church South where much of the original architecture remains. Blake Hartwick began his run as Executive Chef in 2000.
Carpe Diem
1535 Elizabeth Ave.
Charlotte, NC
704-377-7976
Sisters Tricia Maddrey and Bonnie Warford opened Carpe Diem in 1989 and while in its third Charlotte location, the same quality food and atmosphere remains the same. Chef John Blumreich prepares delectable New American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere complete with mahogany doors, copper lighting and marble floors.
1535 Elizabeth Ave.
Charlotte, NC
704-377-7976
Sisters Tricia Maddrey and Bonnie Warford opened Carpe Diem in 1989 and while in its third Charlotte location, the same quality food and atmosphere remains the same. Chef John Blumreich prepares delectable New American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere complete with mahogany doors, copper lighting and marble floors.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
139 S Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 601-4141
"Superior service and excellent ambiance" reads one review of this restaurant. If you look up other reviews, you'll see that's a trend. Calling the salad bar here a salad bar is an injustice. It's been referred to as a "salad paradise" by some, as it includes a huge amount of various meats and cheeses to compliment your salad. Chima has an incredible selection of meat, and here's the best part - you eat until you've had your fill. The staff circles the dining area with plate after plate of different meats, from chicken to bacon wrapped mignon to sirloin and parmesan infused selection (and so many more).
139 S Tryon St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 601-4141
"Superior service and excellent ambiance" reads one review of this restaurant. If you look up other reviews, you'll see that's a trend. Calling the salad bar here a salad bar is an injustice. It's been referred to as a "salad paradise" by some, as it includes a huge amount of various meats and cheeses to compliment your salad. Chima has an incredible selection of meat, and here's the best part - you eat until you've had your fill. The staff circles the dining area with plate after plate of different meats, from chicken to bacon wrapped mignon to sirloin and parmesan infused selection (and so many more).
Copper
311 East Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 333-0063
Located in the Mayor House of SouthEnd, Copper puts a modern, upscale presentation on classic Indian cuisine. The interior is intimate, with contemporary Indian art and music. If there's a trend that resonates in reviews of Copper, it's " beautiful decor, fanciful plating, and superior service."
311 East Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 333-0063
Located in the Mayor House of SouthEnd, Copper puts a modern, upscale presentation on classic Indian cuisine. The interior is intimate, with contemporary Indian art and music. If there's a trend that resonates in reviews of Copper, it's " beautiful decor, fanciful plating, and superior service."
Owner Sara Scheidler and Chef Greg Zanitsch opened The Fig Tree in 2005, providing seasonal Continental Cuisine with French and Italian influences in one of Charlotte's Registered Historic Landmark homes -- the Lucas Home -- in the charming Elizabeth neighborhood.
Billed as "authentic" Italian cuisine, Luce doesn't disappoint. The gnocchi is excellent, the decro oppulent, and the ambiance intimate. Luce's website bills the restaurant as "Charlotte’s premier Italian restaurant." They offer "a warm inviting atmosphere, our fine Italian marble, sandstone balusters and Venetian plaster are accented by art from esteemed Ben Long. We offer fine northern Italian fare with house made pasta, prime meats and the freshest seafood. Our very extensive wine list features Tuscan and Piedmonte wines, with some great selections for all over Italy."
The McNinch House was the residence of Charlotte's McNinch family from 1891 until 1978 when Mattie McNinch -- who never married -- passed away. Ellen Davis then purchased the home, helping to fund the ongoing restoration as part of the Fourth Ward revitalization project. The McNinch House Restaurant fine features richly molded woodwork and ten tiled fireplaces where visitors feast on seven courses in a Victorian setting by reservation only.
Who doesn't love fondue? At The Melting Pot you and your date converse while preparing and feasting on your meal right at your table. Once the food is brought to your table there are very few staff interruptions making for a great night out.
One of Charlotte's most popular establishments,the restaurant is situated in the second floor of a turn-of-the-century textile warehouse. Original wood beams still line the soaring ceiling. Ask any Charlottean where to get the best brunch, and Pewter Rose will often top the list. From cheese frittata and Thai noodle pot to down-home shrimp and grits, you can experience flavors from around the globe, or from your grandmother's kitchen. Healthy options also abound. There are several unique house specialties, including a mashed potato omelet and Bananas Foster French Toast. Complimentary butterscotch scones are provided, and they're worth an extra round (or two). They're a highlight of the meal for many.
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