Whether you’re looking for the best places to live in Charlotte, the most walkable neighborhoods, what to do when you visit, or simply a new discovery in your own backyard, we’ve got all the best things to do, see, and experience in each of these Charlotte neighborhoods.
Dilworth
Located right near Uptown, Dilworth was established as Charlotte’s first streetcar suburb in 1891, and now is a bustling neighborhood with a ton of great stuff to do, see, and eat.
Dilworth boasts shady, walkable, tree-lined streets and is rich with history; much of the neighborhood consists of the Dilworth Historical District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to do: Walk around Freedom Park, enjoy a wine tasting at Dilworth Tasting Room, play tennis at Latta Park, relax and get a facial from Toska European Spa.
What to see: Discovery Place science museum, the “Timeline” public sculpture by Robert Winkler, the fun stationary and paper products at Paper Skyscraper.
What to eat: Scratch-made biscuits at Sunflour Baking Company, a weekend brunch at 300 East, all-you-can-eat sushi at Ru-San’s, vegetarian fare at Fern, Flavors From the Garden.
Ballantyne
Ballantyne, which is close to the South Carolina border, is a thriving upscale neighborhood where you can find everything from fun shopping centers to golf courses to corporate parks.
What to do: Go golfing at The Golf Club, enjoy a spa day at The Ballantyne hotel, go fishing at Cullman Pond.
What to see: Ballantyne Village, the central shopping area; Big Rock Nature Preserve, a 22-acre park with the largest exposed boulders in Mecklenburg County.
What to eat: Brunch at Terrace Cafe, Italian food at OGGI Ristorante Italiano, Indian food at the Blue Taj.
Eastover
Eastover is one of the top-rated upscale neighborhoods in Charlotte. It’s a beautiful area, with a distinct suburban feel and known for its highly-rated public schools.
What to do: Go see a movie at The Manor Theatre, check out the stationary at The Buttercup.
What to see: The Mint Museum Uptown, an internationally renowned art museum that houses various collections of contemporary, American, and European art, including the Craft + Design collection.
What to eat: Pizza at Zio, sushi at Deejai Thai, tacos outside on the patio at RuRu’s.
Foxcroft
In Foxcroft, you can experience a quiet, suburban lifestyle while also having access to Uptown nearby, along with tons of great shopping and eating options nearby. Foxcroft has highly-rated public schools, and there is a large population of young professionals and families.
What to do: Shopping at Cotswold Village, take a long walk through the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
What to see: Symphony Park.
What to eat: Bagels for brunch at Poppy’s Bagels, sushi at Baku, chicken and waffles at Eddie’s Place.
Elizabeth/Myers Park
Surrounded by Dilworth, Eastover, and South Park, Myers Park is an ideal location for a suburban neighborhood. It has a highly-rated school system, public transportation, and a historical district with notable architecture.
What to do: Check out the exhibits at Discovery Place, walk around Queens University campus, cycle the Booty Loop.
What to see: The Duke Mansion, a picturesque bed and breakfast built in 1915 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Park Road Shopping Center, a major shopping center that houses unique and popular retailers like Blackhawk Hardware, Jeni’s Splending Ice Creams, Park Road Books, and Your Mom’s Donuts; The Mint Museum Randolph, located in what used to be the original branch of the U.S. Mint. It was North Carolina’s first art museum, opening in 1936.
What to eat: European fare at Aix En Provence, enjoy brunch at littleSpoon Eatery, casual American at Providence Road Sundries.
First Ward
Part of Uptown, First Ward offers an urban feel, and features lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping. It is one of the best places to live in Charlotte, and feeds into highly-rated schools.
What to do: Walk around First Ward Park, have a pint at Connolly’s on 5th, bike ride on B-cycles.
What to see: Seventh Street Public Market, a collection of unique food vendors such as Zia Pia Italian, Viva Raw, and Uptown Yolk; Levine Museum of the New South, a museum with interactive exhibits about the history of the area; ImaginOn, recently ranked the #1 children’s library in the U.S.
What to eat: Upscale Italian at Aria, a sushi burrito at Bonsai Fusion, crepes at Hazelnut Creperie.
Plaza Midwood
One of Charlotte’s most diverse and historic areas, Plaza Midwood is located one mile from Uptown and has a laid-back vibe. It has a lively, inclusive culture and is a fun place to explore.
What to do: Beer and board games at Legion Brewing, take a yoga class at Okra Yoga, go duckpin bowling at Pinhouse.
What to see: Veterans Memorial Park, a 19-acre park with walking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds; Common Market, a unique convenience store, deli and bar; Buffalo Exchange, a trendy clothing thrift store.
What to eat: Asian fusion at Soul Gastrolounge, grab drinks at Whiskey Warehouse, enjoy a bubble tea at Central Tea House.
NoDa
NoDa is Charlotte’s art district, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s known for art galleries, restaurants, and music venues.
What to do: Play with the cats at Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, Shop at Curio, Craft and Conjure, Watch a show at The Neighborhood Theatre.
What to see: Fun murals on the walls of buildings, the multi-use food hall Optimist Hall.
What to eat: Fried chicken at Haberdish, enjoy tacos at Sabor Street Latin Grill, get a fresh, still hot donut at Reigning Doughnuts.
