A Year In Charlotte

I moved to Charlotte, NC a little over a year ago this weekend (CIAA weekend to be exact) and it’s been quite the roller coaster. I’ve attempted to find work in different industries (including my education background), only to find that I am either over qualified or the pay is below what I am use to making but throughout it all I’ve managed to still have fun.

Check out some of my adventures and some places to see, if you’re ever in the Charlotte area.

NASCAR Allstar Race / Speed Street Festival

I was able to attend the AllStar Race and Speed Street. They both were different but fun experience. NASCAR headquarters are located here.

Adventure Landing

Go-carts, batting cages, arcades and put-put golf. Lots of kid friendly fun!

SeaLife Aquarium

Located inside of Concord Mills. Inexpensive and they offer a behind the scenes tour with your ticket.

Salud Cooking School

I had the opportunity to join in on a cooking class. It’s located inside Whole Foods, near South Park Mall. The class I sat in on was southern themed. It was a girls night out theme so it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for but a nice experience.

PNC Pavilion

Outdoor Old School Concerts (New Edition & Bootsy Collins)

Bojangles Coliseum

I saw Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton here. I also witnessed my sister graduate high school a few years ago.

Time Warner Arena / Spectrum Center

Home of the Charlotte Hornets! I got to attend a team event and a game courtesy of the team. I also attended the Bad Boy Reunion Tour. A few years ago, I got to see Baddie Bey (Beyoncé) in tour too.

Museums

Mint Museum (Uptown and Randolph) | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | Harvey B. Gantt Center (All are free on specific days)

Food Truck Friday (Sycamore Brewery)

There are multiple locations around Charlotte but Sycamore Brewery was the most convenient for me.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

I went here in the Winter. Nice photo opps but the flowers weren’t in full bloom so I didn’t get to capture it all. It’s right outside of Concord and the gardens are free. You just have to get a parking pass. (There are some rules if you’d like to shoot pictures with a professional camera.)

Raleigh

Raleigh was cool. Very busy. They have a lot to do. One of the things I was able to do was attend the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). It’s always free.

Greensboro

It’s a small college town… And it has the same type of shopping as Charlotte.

Shopping Malls

South Park Mall | Carolina Place Mall | Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Charlotte Premium Outlets

Restaurants/Coffee Shops/Groceries

Coco and The Director | Gigi’s Cupcakes | Novas Bakery| Amelie’s French Bakery (in Noda) | JJ’s Red Hots | Fuel Pizza | Chop’t Creative Salad Company | Cook Out (They originated here) | Bojangles (They are everywhere!) | Harris Teeter Grocery Store (They also have Publix and 1 Whole Foods)

Other Attractions Within Minutes

McDowells Nature Preserve (It sits off of Lake Wylie and has a waterfront deck, a playground and a nature center with wild life captured from on site)

U.S. National White Water Center (I experienced a glimpse of fire works 4th of July but they are a man made water rafting Center with many other activities)

Park Lanes (Its a bowling alley! And it is surrounded by several bars.)

Carowinds (I never made it but it’s like Six Flags Over GA and has discounted rates during certain hours)

River Walk Trail (It’s located in Rock Hill, SC and is a very pretty few with lots natural wildlife)

Top Golf

Light Rail Trail (located in South End near a lot of the restaurants, bars and apartments/lofts along side the public transit line (Lynx). You’ll find that here is a lot of art work and room to roam, walk your pets and take pictures. Free parking is available along the street from 5:00pm until 9:00am M-F and on weekends.)

Other Attractions Within Hours

Charleston, SC — One of the very first things I did with family. It’s about 4 hours away. It’s very pretty and has lots of food. Reminded me of Savannah, GA (which is also hours away).

Myrtle Beach, SC — Myrtle Beach is a Carolina staple. Everyone vacations here. From Spring Break to Summer Break. It’s about 3.5 hours away. There are other beaches within hours in NC but this one has the most attractions.

Overall, it is a nice city for a young professional or if you want to start a family. There’s not a shortage of things to do or fun. I’ll admit it’s definitely not Atlanta (or any other large city). I don’t know how much longer I’ll be here but there are still quite a few things for me to explore.

Hope this helps someone!

CH

*I will continue to update periodically.