J. Pasta’s and N.Y. Style Pizza, Charlotte, NC

Authentic New York Style Pizza

by Ericka Foster | July 26, 2010

Being from the South, I've only heard about getting "a slice", from my friends from New York. Outside of NYC, a slice is as mythical as unicorns and flying cars. For those of you who haven't heard, it is just what it sounds like -- there are places where you can get a slice of pizza, instead of the whole pie. I knew I was in an authentic New York style pizza place when I …

Amos Southend, Charlotte, NC

Standing Room Only

by Ericka Foster | July 24, 2010

If you love live music, then those three words send a tingle down your spine. If you've done it before, you know that standing room only is not for the faint of heart. Bodies packed together moving to the same beat, the flashing lights of cameras and cell phones – for hours. "Yes, I'm at the show right now!!!!" the young lady beside you screams into her phone. Then she takes a photo and texts …

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, Charlotte, NC

You Won't Find a Card Catalog Here!

by Ericka Foster | July 19, 2010

Opened in 1995, ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, is a collaboration between the Children's Theatre of Charlotte and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. The place was designed to bring fun and education to young people.

Of course, there are books, it's a library! But there is so much more - classes, theater productions and exhibits. In addition, there is a place …

Historic Rosedale Plantation, Charlotte, NC

Part of Charlotte's Heritage and History

by Ericka Foster | July 17, 2010

Rosedale Plantation was built in 1815 by Archibald Frew, a merchant, postmaster and tax collector. Now the plantation is a historical site located in north Charlotte. From the 1930's, Dr. D.T. Caldwell and his family were the owners of the plantation, where Dr. Caldwell saw patients and ran the 919 acre plantation with the help of two slave families.

Within the plantation are elaborate gardens, designed by Mrs. Craighead Davidson upon her arrival in …

NC Music Factory, Charlotte, NC

Party Like a Rock Star

by Ericka Foster | July 12, 2010

If live music is what you are looking for, look no further than the NC Music Factory. The new Charlotte resident combines work, life and play and has become the hottest spot in Charlotte. The NC Music Factory includes the Fillmore, the Road Runner Amphitheatre, and the NC Music Factory Front Stage.

If you are dying to make your way to the dance floor under strobe lights, you can find them at …

Maddi’s Southern Bistro

Southern Art and Cuisine

by Ericka Foster | July 10, 2010

Maddi's Southern Bistro offers an eclectic twist on traditional Southern cuisine. On the menu you will find Asiago, Collard Greens and Artichoke Dip, Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, and Fried Stone Ground Grits with Blue Cheese and Thyme butter. And no Southern menu would be complete without pecan pie! Executive Chef Peter DeLuca, as well as the entire staff take care to use fresh ingredients and provide not just a meal, …

Lake Norman, Charlotte, NC

More than just a lake

by Ericka Foster | July 05, 2010

You may not be able to get to the ocean in Charlotte, but you can still get to the beach! Only a hop, skip and a jump from Charlotte, Lake Norman has a beach, along with sailing, boating, fishing, dining, shopping and entertainment.  With a shoreline of 520 miles, covering four counties, you can find everything you are looking for to relax.

Located at 159 Inland Sea Lane, Troutman, NC 28166, you …

Carolina Raptor Center, Charlotte, NC

Study Birds of Prey

by Ericka Foster | June 30, 2010

Also known as birds of prey, raptors are classified as birds that primarily eat meat. They possess similar physical characteristics such as sharp talons and hooked beaks. Hawks, eagles, falcons, osprey, secretary birds, condors, vultures, and owls are all considered raptors and can be found at the Carolina Raptor Center. Nestled inside of the Latta Nature Preserve, you can stroll 3/4 miles along the Mountain Island Lake observing over 23 different species of …

Charlotte Film Festival, September 20-26, Charlotte,NC

Let's All Go to the Movies

by Ericka Foster | June 28, 2010

September 20 through 26, filmmakers from Charlotte and surrounding areas have an opportunity to showcase their talents and their passion at the Charlotte Film Festival. 

This year, attendees will have an opportunity to check out A Puppet Intervention, from director Mark Barroso, along with Hugh Schultze’s Credits, and Keren Atzmon’s Failing Better Now.

The festival gives filmgoers the chance to see movies outside of Hollywood’s mainstream, and created by artists in their …

Festival in the Park, September 23-26, 2010, Charlotte, NC

Arts and crafts for everyone in Charlotte

by Ericka Foster | June 25, 2010

With a mission to "Bring the community together through the arts.", the Festival in the Park has been ranked as one of the top 200 festivals in the U.S.. Each year, over 100,000 attendees come out to see exhibiting artists compete for cash prizes and ribbons. The Festival in the park began in 1964 by John Belk to bring arts and crafts to the entire population of Charlotte, regardless of class, race or …

Carowinds, Charlotte, NC

A Great Place to Spend the Fourth of July

by Ericka Foster | June 21, 2010

Rides, rides, rides - roller coasters, thrill rides, water rides. Carowinds theme park is located in Charlotte, NC, close to the South Carolina border. Boasting thirteen roller coasters, Carowinds is the place to be if you are looking for thrills on your vacation. From the Afterburn, the Carolina Cobra, the Hurler and the Vortex you can spin sideways, spin upside down or drop more than 200 feet.

If you aren't into roller …

Reed Gold Mine, Charlotte, NC

Panning for Gold

by Ericka Foster | June 17, 2010

If you thought that the first gold find was on the West Coast, you'd be sadly mistaken. In fact, the first U.S. gold find was in North Carolina. If you're traveling in or through Charlotte, you can live like a panhandler at Reed Gold Mine.

You can take a tour through one of the underground tunnels, check out the visitor center, view the orientation film and tour a restored ore-crushing stamp mill while on …

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte, NC

Liquid Bread

by Ericka Foster | June 14, 2010

Contrary to wine, which is best as it gets older, beer is meant to be enjoyed fresh. According to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's website, beer is known as liquid bread. So taking a walk around a brewery, enjoying beer immediately after it is brewed is a beer lover's dream. You can enjoy the beer in the Olde Mecklenberg Brewery's Tap Room or in the Biergarten.

Founded in 2007, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery specializes in …

Aloft Hotel, Charlotte, NC

Trendy hotel in the heart of the Queen City

by Ericka Foster | June 12, 2010

Whether you are in Charlotte for business or for pleasure, Aloft Hotel will put you in the middle of everything.

With 175 guest rooms, each one has a nine-foot ceiling and signature platform beds. The rooms also include a hairdryer, walk-in shower, individual climate control, plug & play Connectivity Station, alarm clock, complimentary coffee and tea, iron and ironbing boards and customizable wake-up calls.

With its modern decor and …

Sunset Hills Golf Course, Charlotte, NC

FOOOOOOORE!

by Ericka Foster | June 07, 2010

Wanna play some rounds of golf without the hoity-toity atmosphere? Sunset Hills Golf course is one of Charlotte's public golf courses. Sunset Hills has two courses: a nine-hole learning course, as well as an 18-hole regulation course. The course is perfect for visitors looking to get in a round of fun.

On weekdays, a round of golf on the 18-hole course will cost $29.00. It is a few more on …

Charlotte Museum of History, Charlotte, NC

Learn what it is like to be a Charlottean

by Ericka Foster | June 03, 2010

Located at 3500 Shamrock Drive, the Charlotte Museum of History, along with the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, provide an afternoon to discover how Charlotte came to be. The museum seeks to bring to life Charlotte's past, its present and its future.

The Charlotte Museum of History currently has four permanent exhibits: Settlement in the Backcountry, Mecklenburg: Crossroads of Commerce, Solving Rock House Mysteries, and Charlotte's Pole to Pole Flag.

Changing exhibits include Charlotte …

St. Mary’s Chapel, Charlotte, NC

Perfect for an intimate ceremony

by Ericka Foster | May 31, 2010

Come live with me and be my love,
And we will some new pleasures prove
Of golden sands and crystal brooks,
With silken lines and silver hooks. - John Donne

St. Mary's Chapel was designated as a historic landmark in 1975 and provides a beautiful setting for an intimate wedding ceremony. Located at 1129a E. 3rd St., the chapel holds up to 100 guests. The gardens surrounding the chapel provide the …

Ciro’s, Charlotte, NC

A Taste of Italy

by Ericka Foster | May 28, 2010

When you walk into Ciro’s Italian restaurant, you are likely to be greeted by the owner, and there is a chance that your waiter will actually speak Italian. Located in Charlotte’s University area, at the Shoppes at University Place, the restaurant serves Italian cuisine including all your favorites, pizza, manicotti, lasagna and tiramisu. And my favorite calamari.

The address is 8927 J M Keynes Drive, in Charlotte, NC 28262. You can call to make …

Discovery Place, Charlotte,NC

Spend the Day Discovering Science

by Ericka Foster | May 24, 2010

Discovery Place is the science museum where adults can pretend they're taking kids and have their own fun.

For children ages 7 years and younger, Discovery offers KidScience, specifically designed for the little ones to explore science through six main topic areas: build, move, color, air, water and sound.

The museum has many other exhibits including Think It Up, Project Build, Science Buzz, Discover 3D …

Gotta Yoga Studio, Charlotte, NC

Vacations are for Relaxing

by Ericka Foster | May 21, 2010

Even when you are on vacation, sometimes, you have to get your workout on. You may be one of those people who doesn't feel right without a workout. Or you may have been squished in a minivan for hours on end, watching perpetual episodes of Spongebob Squarepants. GottaYoga Studio gives you an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate through yoga.

The studio offers various types of classes for kids, teens …

Historic Latta Plantation

Discover North Carolina life in the 1800s

by Ericka Foster | May 17, 2010

On May 29, between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., the Latta Plantation will come to life with history demos. During the event, visitors get an inside look into what it was like to live on a plantation in the 1800s, complete with blacksmithing, weaving, open-hearth cooking, and farm life.

All events, including children's crafts and maypole dancing are free with the price of admission.  Entry costs are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 Seniors …

Zen Massage, Charlotte, NC

Orange houses in the heart of Dilworth

by Ericka Foster | May 15, 2010

At 1021 East Boulevard, you will find two charming orange multilevel homes that have been renovated to be Zen Massage. Even from outside, the spa sets the tone for a quaint, relaxing experience.

Located in the heart of Charlotte's Dilworth district, Zen Massage offers any kind of massage that you can imagine. You can take your pick of a Swedish massage to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and release toxin …

McDowell Nature Preserve, Charlotte, NC

Roughing it in Charlotte

by Ericka Foster | May 10, 2010

Don't be misled by the name. McDowell Nature Preserve has 56 campsites including RV and primitive camping. The nature preserve is located in southwest Charlotte, at 15222 York Road. All kinds of family fun is easily accessible from McDowell Nature Preserve. The park is located only two miles from Carowinds Amusement Park and 17 miles from the U.S. National Whitewater Center. You can also spend an afternoon at Daniel …

Mez, Charlotte, NC

Reinventing Dinner and a Movie

by Ericka Foster | May 05, 2010

Located in Charlotte's Epicentre, Mez is a restaurant and bar. The restaurant was named Charlotte’s best new restaurant by the Charlotte Observer. The coolest thing about Mez is that it is connected to the movie theater. In addition to stadium seating with reclining chairs and dual arm rests, moviegoers can order from the Mez menu, including alcoholic beverages.

But the Mez has an appeal all on its own with a …

Oasis Day Spa, Charlotte, NC

Exhale

by Ericka Foster | May 03, 2010

Located in the historic Elizabeth area of Charlotte, Oasis Day Spa feels like home from the moment you walk in. And not just because it is a renovated three-level antebellum-style house. The owners and staff go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and comfortable as they give you permission to take care of yourself.

Oasis Day Spa offers an assortment of body treatments, including Reiki, body wraps, and body …

Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Make Eye Contact With Your Favorite Singer

by Ericka Foster | April 29, 2010

The Fillmore Charlotte is one of those places where there is no such thing as a bad seat—and not just because the venue is standing-room only (save some VIP seating). Though the place is small for a concert venue, it gives you the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with your favorite artist. Some of the nation's most popular artists have graced the stage of the Fillmore, including Chrisette Michele, Korn, and Five for Fighting.

Mac’s Speed Shop, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte's best barbecue, with a side of motorcycles

by Ericka Foster | April 26, 2010

With a name like Mac's Speed Shop, it is easy to think that you'd come in to get your car or bike tuned up. But the restaurant was actually voted the Best Barbecue in Charlotte by the Kansas City BBQ Society.

As you would imagine, the place has a definitive sense of style, decorated with motorcyle art. Anywhere you look up, you'll find a flat-screen TV playing the sporting event du jour.

Concord Mills Mall, Concord, NC

More than just a shopping mall

by Ericka Foster | April 22, 2010

Right down the road from Great Wolf Lodge and from Charlotte Motor Speedway (just 2 miles!) is Concord Mills Mall. With over 200 stores, a 24-screen movie theater, and a food court, the mall has everything you need for fun.

Concord Mills Mall includes a 24-theater AMC Cinema with stadium seating and discounted rates throughout the week. The theater offers 3D and IMAX.

Enjoy food and games …

Race Week, Charlotte, NC

NASCAR Takes Over the Town

by Ericka Foster | April 18, 2010

This year's Race Week begins with the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22 and ends with the Coca-Cola 600, which takes place on May 28, 2010. Between these two races is the 16th Annual Food Lion Speed Street.

The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on kicks off with a pre-race concert starring rock band Creed. This year, they've added a twist to the 10-lap race, which …

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte, NC

NYC in the Queen City

by Ericka Foster | April 14, 2010

If you are going to be in Charlotte, you can find some of the hottest tickets in town at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Whether you are looking for a Broadway show on tour, a performance by a dance company, live music by your favorite artist or just something different to try, you can find it at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

The Blumenthal PAC is dedicated to bringing the arts to …

Epicentre, Charlotte, NC

All the fun you can stand in just one place

by Ericka Foster | April 12, 2010

For the logistally challenged, the Epicentre is heaven, because you can find food, fun and entertainment all under the same roof. In fact, the Aloft Hotel is adjacent to the Epicentre, and they share the same elevator (which comes in handy after a long night of partying). You can start your day by heading over to Bruegger's Bagels.

Then walk around, and get in a little shopping at …

NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte, NC

Grand Opening of new 150,000-square-foot museum is set for May 11

by Ericka Foster | April 09, 2010

In addition to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte has the nation's highest concentration of NASCAR teams. So it is a no-brainer that the Queen City will be home to the new NASCAR Hall of Fame. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot interactive adventure into the world of NASCAR. With artifacts, exhibits, simulator rides, NASCAR Media Group-operated broadcast studio, and the 260-seat High Octane …

Diversity Den, Concord, NC

Get a Taste of the Local Flavor

by Ericka Foster | April 08, 2010

After hitting the Charlotte Speedway, get a taste of the local flavor by heading a few miles north to Diversity Den in Concord, NC to “sit a spell”. The café offers coffee—even Irish coffee—smoothies, and a variety of snacks including muffins, made-to-order chicken wings, and cake. More than likely, you can run into the owner, Joyce Saint-Cyr, who opened Diversity Den to not just be a restaurant, but a gathering place.

…

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, NC

Stop and Smell the Flowers

by Ericka Foster | April 05, 2010

Located just west of Charlotte in Belmont, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is seated on 400 acres at the NC/SC state line. Open to the public since 1992, the gardens include 19 different attractions situated along the banks of Lake Wylie. The botanical gardens boast a 13,500-square-foot visitor pavilion featuring a stained-glass dome.

There are 10 acres of manicured gardens including the Four Seasons Garden, the tropically-themed Canal Garden, and …

Ballantyne Hotel, Charlotte, NC

Defines the notion of relaxation

by Ericka Foster | April 02, 2010

If getaway means never having to leave the hotel, The Ballantyne Hotel is the kind of place where you won’t ever have to leave. You won’t ever want to leave. This Forbes Four Star & AAA Four Diamond hotel includes a spa, golf course (including lessons), outdoor and indoor pools, and health facilities that offer both fitness equipment and exercise classes. One of the best hotels in Charlotte, the Ballantyne Hotel …

The Quail Hollow Championship, Charlotte, NC

The PGA Tour Makes a Stop in the Queen City

by Ericka Foster | March 29, 2010

This is your chance to see the PGA tour as it comes through Charlotte, North Carolina. The prestigious Quail Hollow Golf Championship has hosted some of the biggest names in golf, including 2007 winner Tiger Woods and last year's winner Sean O'Hair.

"Yeah, I think winning the Quail Hollow Championship has been my biggest win," Sean said in reference to last year's win, where he recorded rounds of 69, 72, 67, and …

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, Charlotte, NC

Foodies for Charity

by Ericka Foster | March 26, 2010

This tour for foodies makes one of only six Southern stops in Charlotte on April 14. Renowned chefs and mixologists like RJ Cooper of Vidalia in Washington, DC and John Tesar of Tesar’s Modern Steak and Sustainable Seafood in Houston come together to support Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by 2015. There are very few times when you can eat food in the name of charity, but this …

Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC

From Platform Shoes to Indigenous Masks, This Museum Has it All

by Ericka Foster | March 22, 2010

Originally serving as the region's first branch of the U.S. Mint, the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte now home to various art collections in  American Art, Ancient American Art, African Art, Asian Art, Contemporary Art and photography, among others.

Be sure to leave at least two hours to tour the museum. Through June 30, 2010, the museum is running an exhibit entitled The Art of Affluence: Haute …

North Davidson Historical District, Charlotte, NC

Up-and-coming neighborhood holds a wealth of hip galleries, restaurants, and nightlife

by Ericka Foster | March 18, 2010

Charlotte's emerging arts neighborhood is known as NoDa, short for North Davidson, the street on which it resides. Formerly home to various mills between 1903 and 1975, this artist-heavy neighborhood is now host to funky art, cool restaurants, and live music.  

Home to a handful of art galleries, such as BEET Contemporary Crafts and Function Art and Green Rice Gallery and Studios, NoDa highlights the work of …

A Celebration of Arts and Crafts, Charlotte, NC

Free Arts and Crafts Fair May 1 and 2

by Ericka Foster | March 15, 2010

This will be the second year that The Shoppes at University Place will host Mayfair: A Celebration of Arts and Crafts. On the weekend of May 1 and 2, they will again gather the area’s most interesting and talented artists on the lakefront to display purses, hand-blown glass, jewelry, pottery and much, much more. Artists such as Unique Wreaths, Fotofont  and C’s Unique Boutique will display …

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, NC

Start Your Engines

by Ericka Foster | March 12, 2010

You can’t say Charlotte and not talk about Nascar! Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, NC  (just minutes outside of Charlotte), is home to the Superspeedway, zMax Dragway, a Dirt Track, driving school and a gift shop. Right off of Interstate 85, the speedway is in close proximity to the Fleetwood RV Campground, several hotels including Springhill Suites, Hampton Inn, and Embassy Suites. There are plenty of restaurants including Sticky Fingers, The Olive …

Irish Pubs, Charlotte, NC

Wishing for the luck of the Irish

by Ericka Foster | March 08, 2010

According to their Web site, "Rí Rá comes from 'Rí Rá agus Ruaile Buaile,' a phrase translating roughly as divilment, good fun or any sociable activity that improves with fine food, a nice pint of Guinness or dram of Uisce Beatha (whiskey)." With locations in Atlanta, Atlantic City, Louisville, among others, you may find a bit of home in Charlotte. Ri Ra is located in Charlotte's banking district. The pub refers to its …

Amelie’s French Bakery, Charlotte, NC

A Feast for the Eyes and the Tastebuds

by Ericka Foster | March 03, 2010

When you can't make it to Paris, you can head over to Amelie's French Bakery for a little taste of the City of Lights. Located in Charlotte's trendy NoDa arts district (short for North Davidson) this bakery fits right in with a distinctive menu and a unique décor. They offer a variety of pastries, soups and sandwiches.

If it is possible to get a food high, you are sure to get one …

University of North Carolina - Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Get on the 49er Express

by Ericka Foster | February 28, 2010

The University of North Carolina - Charlotte (UNCC), provides the total experience for local and out-of-state students. Holed up in the northern part of the city, known as the University area, UNCC has on-campus, off-campus, single-gender, and substance-free housing. With seven colleges and a myriad of academic programs to choose from, the university supports its students with various services such as advising, a career center, and a writing center.The school offers support to …

Urbana Cityspa and Teabar, Charlotte, NC

Get Your Relax On!

by Ericka Foster | February 25, 2010

No vacation would be complete without some time to let your hair down. Urbana Cityspa and Teabar combines two of the best ways to relax: massage and tea. You can choose from over 100 types of tea—many of which are organic and/or fair trade—to take with you or drink in the beautiful lounge. Decorated with plush furniture, one-of-a-kind art and eye-catching décor, the spa is designed in the image of a New York …

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, Charlotte, NC

Education and Entertainment in the Same Place

by Ericka Foster | February 21, 2010

Named after Charlotte's first African-American mayor, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture (formerly known as the Afro-American Cultural Center) showcases African-American art in the form of exhibitions, performing arts presentations and educational programs.

Founded by Dr. Mary Harper and Dr. Bertha Roddey during the civil rights movement of the 1960's, the center began as a place to bring to light the artistic contributions of African Americans, and promote African-American …

2010 CIAA Tournament , Charlotte, NC

Slam dunk in the Queen City

by Ericka Foster | February 19, 2010

Between Tuesday, February 23, 2010 and Saturday, February 27, 2010 the Queen City becomes a playground. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournament has the city of Charlotte jumping with basketball fans and partygoers. For some, it’s the basketball, for others it’s the social scene, but every year, fans come from all across the country for this basketball tournament. The CIAA event includes women’s and men’s basketball teams from historically Black colleges and …

Travel Guide to Charlotte

Why you should visit Charlotte, NC

by Ericka Foster | February 14, 2010

Charlotte possesses a unique combination of cultural diversity with the laid-back vibe that the South is known for. Whether you define relaxation as good food and conversation, family fun (indoors or outdoors), or tearing the roof off the sucker, you can find it in the Queen City.

Home to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights, the Charlotte Checkers, and NASCAR, Charlotte has family …