Looking for something to do before the rehearsal dinner? Head over to the 76-acre Camp North End which is right by the venue. A former Army depot, Camp (Charlotte Area Missile Plant) North End was converted into a public space filled with food stalls, shops and art. It is also used as event space and holds concerts. Grab a beer to go at Free Range Brewing (FBR) and explore the area!
Stop in one of our most frequented places in the city for a tour. When we moved into our apartment, one of the biggest appeals was that we could walk to the stadium in about 5-10 minutes. In our short time as residents of Charlotte we have become inaugural season ticket holders for the newest MLS club, Charlotte FC, and joined “The Queen’s Firm”, a CLTFC supporters group that we tailgate with before games.
Looking for a place to get some steps in? Check out the Charlotte Rail Trail. Charlotte is loaded with walkways and this particular trail takes you from the South End neighborhood to Uptown. Some of our favorite spots are Elsewhere Cocktail Bar and Jeni’s Ice Cream. On Saturday morning you can even catch the farmers market.
There is plenty of art around the city and each neighborhood is unique. Pop over for a selfie at the Confetti Hearts Wall and enjoy other murals in the surrounding South End neighborhood. It’s a quick detour from the Rail Trail.
Looking for a cocktail bar? Check out the members only Elsewhere. But don’t worry, memberships only cost $5 for one person and you get one free guest. Plus if you visit us again (please do!) within a year the membership is still good!
One of our favorite food markets. We go to the one by our apartment several times a week. Grab a sandwich from the deli or if you need some alcohol for your hotel room - great place to get some local flavors. Some of our favorite sandwiches include the Rhino Club (sub the bacon for the brown sugar peppered bacon, trust us) and the cold turkey. Would also highly recommend the hot roast beef or chicken salad.
Grab some grub at the Market at 7th Street. For those of you NY pizza lovers, the closest thing we’ve had to good pizza is Geno’s. We recommend the grandma pie.
Head over to NoDa and grab a beer at Billy Jack’s Shack, one of Joe’s regulars stops during his weekly guy’s night. If you’re feeling crazy sign up for the 100 Bone Club and see if you can catch up to Joe’s list!
Need a pick me up? Check out the Smelly Cat Coffee House in NoDa, named after Phoebe Buffay’s hit song. Sip your beverage of choice while you take a walk down North Davidson Street, an artsy neighborhood in Charlotte.
Gentlemen, in need a haircut or beard trim on Friday before the weekend festivities kick off? Schedule an appointment at the salon and enjoy a beer or whiskey while you get pampered. Don't forget to tell them you were recommended to go here by Joe - he is a member and they will take extra good care of you!
Up for a little adventure? Try your hand at riding a segway during a guided tour! In addition to learning about our city on a segway, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimse of a couple of celebrities or their cars. A little local knowledge, this tour kicks off by Chimas Restaurant, and for those of you who are basketball fans, there are two players that live right above the restaurant - LaMelo Ball and some guy named Mike, but you may know him better as His Airness or MJ.