Charlotte, NC, City Guide · Things to Do in Charlotte

The Peachy team’s favorite places to eat, stay, shop, and play in and around Charlotte:

EAT

Kindred
For special occasions, make the trip up to Kindred in Davidson for delicious seasonal small plates and their to-die-for milk bread and cocktails. It is consistently excellent and always has an interesting menu. $$$
131 North Main Street
980.231.5000

Thai Orchid
This restaurant has been a favorite of Editor Blair Farris’ family for many years. They love the spicy flavors of the Pad Prik King and Kraw Praw. $$
4223 Providence Road, Unit 7
704.364.1134

Futo Buta
House-made broth and ramen. Get the Rice Crispy Squares (spicy tuna sashimi with crispy fried rice squares) and Fire + Ice Ramen (kimchi and dashi broth with hot smoked salmon). $$
222 East Bland Street
704.376.8400

Little Mama’s
A new Italian restaurant on the scene in Southpark. Their homemade mozzarella melts in your mouth. $$
4521 Sharon Road
980.209.0323

Fiamma Ristorante
Family-owned Italian place tucked into a strip shopping center in Dilworth. It never disappoints! $$
2418 Park Road
704.333.3062

Pasta & Provisions
A Charlotte favorite for all your retail wine and pasta needs, P&P also serves delicious sandwiches, pizzas—and yes, pastas—that make for a perfect grab-and-go lunch al fresco. The Myers Park location is the original, but they also have shops in Madison Park and Wilmore. $$
1528 Providence Road
704.364.2622

Rooster’s
Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but the tomato bisque is the best. If you have a sweet tooth, definitely try the coconut cake. $$
6601 Morrison Boulevard
704.366.8688

Price’s Chicken Coop
If you’re a fan of Southern fried chicken, Price’s is a must. The takeout-only counter has been serving Charlotte for decades, and after one taste you’ll know why. Heads-up: It’s cash only. $
1614 Camden Road
704.333.9866

Leah & Louise
Great food and fun atmosphere. Fresh takes on classic Southern dishes. $
301 Camp Road in Camp North End
980.309.0690

Beef ’N Bottle
Old school steakhouse that’s fun for family dinners and special occasions. $$$
4538 South Boulevard
704.523.9977

Good Food on Montford
An all-time favorite. The mussels in curried broth are to-die-for! $$$
1701 Montford Drive
704.525.0881

Rico’s Açai
Fresh fruit (and tons of it), highly customizable bowls. Order online through their app to skip the wait. Four permanent locations in the Charlotte area (plus multiple moving food trucks). $$
917 Pecan Avenue (Plaza Midwood Location)
704.488.6758

Good Wurst Company
Best Reuben sandwich in town! $$
3001 Central Avenue
980.613.8226

Mezeh
A new lunch favorite. Similar to other fast-casual Mediterranean places in town, but their caramelized eggplant keeps us coming back for more! $
4920 Old Sardis Road
704.558.6317

Dilworth Tasting Room
The patio at this wine bar’s original location in South End has all the secret garden vibes. Enjoy a glass of wine or local craft beer and a selection of small bites at a table next to the koi pond. Try the new SouthPark location too! $$
300 East Tremont Avenue
704.595.3337

4905 Ashley Park Lane (SouthPark Location)
980.938.4959

Idlewild
Best craft cocktails in Charlotte. Pick your liquor and they will customize a drink according to your tastes. $$
424 East 36th Street, Unit 2
704.572.8678

Bar Marcel
Creative cocktails and delicious small plates. $$
3920 Sharon Road #160
980.237.1919

Villani’s Bakery
Everything here is delicious, from savory bialys and big-as-your-face filled croissants to macarons, Italian pastries, and scrumptious cakes (they serve slices big enough to share with a friend…or two!). $$
901 Pecan Avenue
704.334.0550

Amelie’s French Bakery
A great spot for lunch. Delicious soups and salads. They also have the best gourmet pastries and desserts. The chocolate petit gateaux and the salted caramel brownie are must-try’s! Three locations in Charlotte. $$
4321 Park Road
704.405.0570

Two Scoops Creamery
Delicious ice cream crafted in-house with dozens of unique flavors (and some normal ones for the less adventurous). The Central Avenue location is the original, but they also have shops in South End and Lake Norman. $
913 Central Avenue
704.900.5792

STAY

The Duke Mansion
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just having a fun girls’ weekend, this gorgeous historic getaway is the place to be. It’s in the heart of beautiful Myers Park with beautiful gardens.
400 Hermitage Road
704.714.4400

Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre
The Aloft is a great home base if you plan to visit museums and theaters Uptown. It’s a short walk from most major sights and it’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged family can come, too.
210 East Trade Street
704.333.1999

AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte SouthPark
The hotel features a rooftop bar with sweeping views of South Charlotte. It’s also walking distance to luxury shopping at SouthPark Mall and a short drive from Restoration Hardware Charlotte’s two-story stunner retail and dining location at Phillips Place. We always recommend it to friends and family from out of town.
1824 Roxborough Road
980.281.2080

Airbnb Lakeside
Fun to get different scenery and maybe do some water skiing or a booze cruise.

SHOP

Chosen
Love their carefully curated clothes, accessories, and artwork—most items are sourced with a purpose from local enterprises, nonprofits, and fair-trade organizations. $$
2910 Selwyn Avenue
704.919.1077

Monkee’s of Charlotte
Chic selection of clothes, jewelry, and shoes for all ages. A must-stop-by boutique in Myers Park. $$
2839 Selwyn Avenue
704.379.7995

Sloan Boutique
For chic, contemporary fashion. They have a great selection of jewelry, as well. $$
4310 Sharon Road, Suite T01A
704.338.1400

Capitol/Poole Shop
Gorgeous high-end fashion clothing and shoes. Head upstairs to Poole Shop for even more chic finds. $$$

Capitol
4010 Sharon Road
704.366.0388

Poole Shop
4010 Sharon Road
704.553.8868

Paper Skyscraper
A longtime favorite shopping spot in Dilworth, Paper Skyscraper is a go-to for quirky, fun, unique gifts for friends and family—and when you want to treat yourself to something special, too. $
330 East Boulevard
704.333.7130

The Golden Carrot
Delicate fine jewelry heaven at all price points. A go-to for a special gift or just to treat yourself. $$
2120 South Boulevard, Suite 3
704.562.0898

CLTCH
Eclectic and unique gifts, jewelry, accessories, and more. (Pronounced “clutch.”) $$
1512 Central Avenue
704.375.2444

The Buttercup
Best place in Charlotte for stationery, unique hostess gifts, baby items, chic accessories, and other great finds! $$
343 Providence Road
704.333.0544

Slate Interiors
For one-of-a-kind furniture, art, and housewares. $$
1401 Central Avenue
704.930.7890

Woo Skincare and Cosmetics
A slice of heaven for our Beauty Editor, Lesley Downey—it was one of her favorites before she started working there part-time. $$
2900 Selwyn Avenue
704.333.0443

7th Street Public Market
We love a lazy weekend morning wandering this Uptown market. Grab a vanilla latte from Not Just Coffee and a crepe from Hazelnuts, then shop local makers at CLT Find and other vendors. $$
224 East 7th Street
704.230.4346

Secret Chocolatier
Family-owned, award-winning artisan truffles and other sweet treats. The perfect gift for a friend or family member with a refined sweet tooth, or a special treat for yourself. $$
2935 Providence Road #104
704.323.8178

Reid’s Fine Foods
This gourmet grocer has several spots around the city, but the SouthPark location is one of our top places to shop North Carolina foods and then grab a drink on the patio with friends. $$
4331 Barclay Downs Drive
704.377.7686

Savory Spice Shop
A unique spice shop located in South End. They offer a variety of great spice blends. Try the Capitol Hill Seasoning or the Peruvian Chili Lime Seasoning. $$
2000 South Boulevard, Suite 520
980.225.5419

PLAY

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
The best place hands down to see a show in the good weather months—Jess Glynn, Maggie Rogers, and Leon Bridges have all played here—sized just right if you want smaller crowds.
1000 NC Music Factory Boulevard
704.549.1292

Crowders Mountain
Only a 40-minute drive from Charlotte. A great place to hike with the whole family. You will definitely get good exercise from all the “natural stairs.”
522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain
704.853.5375

U.S. National Whitewater Center
This sprawling recreational area just west of Uptown has a lot more to offer than just rafting. Enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails, river kayaking, zip lining, outdoor yoga, testing your limits on the ropes courses, and more.
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway
704.391.3900

Lake Norman
Our Associate Editor Delia McMullen’s happy place! Nothing better than sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset over the lake. Lots of good restaurants accessible by car or boat, plus Lake Norman State Park offers trails and a swim beach.

Little Sugar Creek Greenway
A great spot to ride your bike or walk for miles. A fun family activity.

Freedom Park
Wonderful park for kids to ride bikes around the lake and play on the playground or in the historic train car.

Charlotte Yoga
Want to work up a sweat before (or after) a day full of eating and drinking? Snag a spot in a $10 drop-in class at Charlotte’s original hot power yoga studio. Mat and towel rentals available.
1730 East Woodlawn Road, Suite E
704.665.9003

el Thrifty Social
Great Mexican food and cocktails with fun games like mini bowling, air hockey, shuffleboard, and more! Located at Optimist Hall which is so much fun to explore.
1115 North Brevard Street, Unit 100
980.949.7837

Charlotte Ballet
This professional dance company performs a diverse repertoire each year ranging from cutting-edge contemporary choreography to classical ballets. Don’t miss Innovative Works.
701 North Tryon Street
704.372.0101

The Mint Museum
View stunning artwork from both local and globally recognized artists.

Mint Museum Uptown
500 South Tryon Street
704.337.2000

Mint Museum Randolph
2730 Randolph Road
704.337.2000

The McColl Center for Art + Innovation
A nationally-acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space featuring art talks and exhibitions.
721 North Tryon Street
704.332.5535

Other highly recommended places in Charlotte:

NODA

Cabo Fish Taco
Great tacos. $
3201 N. Davidson Street
704.332.0402

Rat’s Nest
Vintage clothing and boots. $
442 E. 36th Street
704.371.3599

PLAZA MIDWOOD

Bistro La Bon
Interesting and fresh French-inspired food with a huge brunch buffet. $$
1322 Central Avenue
704.333.4646

Boris and Natasha
Unique clothing and shoes. $$
2910 The Plaza
704.375.0079

Lang Van
Voted Best of the Best, this Vietnamese restaurant is great! $$
3019 Shamrock Drive
704.531.9525

Zada Jane’s
Fantastic brunch. Try the Migas. $
1601 Central Avenue
704.332.3663

MYERS PARK

Beads, Inc
Perfect place to design and make your own earrings or necklace. Great gals working there will help. $$
416 Providence Road
704.334.1110

Petit Philippe
For wine and chocolate tasting. Most definitely order a caramel fleur de sel chocolate confection. $$
2820 Selwyn Avenue
704.332.9910

Tabor
This men’s boutique is an experience! Start by checking out the designer apparel and accessories, then grab an espresso from the coffee bar at the entrance. Finish off with a stroll through the gallery of artwork and books just around the corner. $$$$
421 Providence Road
980.207.4860

SOUTH END/DILWORTH

300 East
Creative American cuisine in a fun quirky setting. $$
300 East Blouevard
704.332.6507

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Great burgers, fried pickles, and beer. Try the Sam I Am. $$
1626 East Blouevard
704.714.4888

Campbell’s Nursery
Gorgeous orchids, perennials, and annuals. $
209 McDonald Avenue
704.331.9659

Common Market
Deli with wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and beer. $
235 West Tremont Avenue
980.207.3187

Crisp
Made-to-order salads. Try the grilled salmon with pesto. $
1412-F East Blouevard
704.372.2010

Fern
Delicious vegetarian restaurant. $
1419 East Blvd. Suite A
704.377.1825

GW Boutique
You’ll find amazing deals of name brand items. And each purchase goes toward job training for individuals with barriers to employment. $
3609 South Boulevard
704.916.1630

Jeni’s Ice Creams
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Jeni’s has some original flavors that are outstanding. A favorite is the Wildberry Lavender ice cream on a house-made waffle cone. Yum. $$
1920 Camden Road
980.299.2946

Living Kitchen South End
Vegetarian. $
2102 South Boulevard
704.333.0008

Nikko
Great Sushi, interesting scene. $$
1300 South Blouevard
704.370.0100

Pinky’s
Great burgers and atmosphere. Super cool bar. $
1600 W. Morehead Street
704.332.0402

Pour Olive
The olive oils and vinegars carried at this local gem are worth the trip and will change your culinary game! The chipotle oil and grapefruit vinegar will make you look forward to eating a salad every day. $$
1528 East Boulevard
980.207.1510

Rai Lay
A favorite dish at this Thai restaurant is the Kao Soy. It’s full of flavor and delicious. $$
1520 South Boulevard
980.207.0991

Revolution
This men’s shop has a cool edge to it! They carry unique designer men’s (and women’s) apparel and accessories. $$$
227 East Boulevard
704.971.1990

SOUTHPARK

B.D. Jeffries
Beautiful interiors and gift store. They have the best selection of host/hostess gifts and home accessories. $$$
720 Governor Morrison Street, Suite E110
704.364.4004

Peppervine
Newest to the scene in Charlotte and sister restaurant to Artisanal in Banner Elk, NC. Ambiance, cuisine and service all provide a creative culinary experience. $$$$
4620 Piedmont Row Drive
980.283.2333

YAFO Kitchen
If you are looking for a quick and fresh meal, this is definitely a go-to. $$
720 Governor Morrison Street
704.365.7130

Yama Asian Fusion
Wonderful Sushi. Try the yuzu peppers on white fish. $$
720 Governor Morrison Street #130
704.295.0905

UPTOWN

Community Matters Cafe
Perfect breakfast/lunch spot with room for meetings. Insider tip: Try the Honey Bee Latte and the Sweet Potato Pancakes. $
821 West 1st Street
980.237.2147

Ormann‘s Cheese Shop
Best local cheese shop—their grilled cheese with fig jam is to die for! $$
224 East 7th Street
980.226.3025

Potts Chocolate
If you’re looking to mix it up and try something educational and fun, grab some friends for a Potts Chocolate Tasting, where they pair chocolates with local beer, wine and/or local cheeses. Salted caramel is a favorite. $$$
619 South Cedar Street
704.773.2734

The King’s Kitchen
Have a nice dinner and support their nonprofit restaurant where funds go toward feeding the poor and operating an onsite job training and life skills development program. $$
129 West Trade Street
704.375.1990

STAY: Other great Charlotte hotels

Primland
Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte, this is an intentionally thoughtful, eco-conscious, boutique getaway in the most serene mountain setting.
2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, Virginia
866.960.7746

The Spa at Ballantyne
It’s the perfect place to make you feel like you have gone away on a girls’ weekend even if only for a few hours. Insider tip: Try the Ashiatsu Massage if you need deep tissue relief.
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
704.248.4141

The Dunhill Hotel
237 N. Tryon Street
704.332.4141

The Ivey’s Hotel
This boutique hotel, formerly Ivey’s department store, has been renovated to provide a modern vintage flair. Request a street side room and view all of the uptown action from your beautiful terrace.
127 North Tryon Street
704.228.1111

The Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Don’t miss the rooftop terrace and bar—it provides a spectacular view of the city.
303 South Church Street
704.445.2626

The Marriott City Center
Located right at the center of the city, you’ll have direct access to a stylish cafe, Coco and the Director, and you can enjoy an evening of craft drinks and cuisine at Stoke, the restaurant located inside the hotel (try the oversized donut).
100 West Trade Street
704.333.9000

The Ritz-Carlton
201 E. Trade Street
704.547.2244

The Westin
601 S. College Street
704.375.2600

PLAY: More things to do in Charlotte

Truist Field
Home of the Charlotte Knights, the ballpark is in the heart of the city.
324 South Mint Street
704.274.8300

Concert series at Reid’s Fine Foods
Gather your closet 50 friends and grab a cold drink for the concert series on the patio at Reid’s.
4331 Barclay Downs Drive
704.377.7686

Ritz-Carlton K Lounge
Come for jazz on Friday and Saturday. It’s relaxing, entertaining and you can grab a bite or a craft drink while listening to the tunes.
201 East Trade Street
704.972.4405

Romare Bearden Park
A favorite city park.
300 South Church Street
704.432.4280