Parks & Rec
These are basics - best, closest, and for the pups. Also, make sure to note the greenways (bike rentals are available at most of the parks, and you can see a lot of the City by riding the various interconnected greenways)
Check this link for all local parks (there are many): https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Pages/Home.aspx
This is the "Central Park" of Charlotte - not walkable, but you could get there on a bike. Pro tip - park near the south end of the park on Princeton Ave or on a side-street. This is particularly clutch if there is an event at the park, of which there are many throughout the year.
Check out link for more info: https://www.visitnc.com/listing/tqpN/freedom-park
338 locals recommend
Freedom Park
1908 East BlvdThis is the "Central Park" of Charlotte - not walkable, but you could get there on a bike. Pro tip - park near the south end of the park on Princeton Ave or on a side-street. This is particularly clutch if there is an event at the park, of which there are many throughout the year.
Check out link for more info: https://www.visitnc.com/listing/tqpN/freedom-park
This park is slightly less glamorous than Freedom Park, but it is conveniently located just a short walk from the house and has a nice playground, basketball court and plenty of open space to let the dog or whomever run (officially, I believe dogs are required to be leashed, but I have seen many people playing fetch with their pups and they weren't doing any running...)
Carmel Road Neighborhood Park
2365 Carmel RdThis park is slightly less glamorous than Freedom Park, but it is conveniently located just a short walk from the house and has a nice playground, basketball court and plenty of open space to let the dog or whomever run (officially, I believe dogs are required to be leashed, but I have seen many people playing fetch with their pups and they weren't doing any running...)
This is officially a dog park - short drive, worth it for the social pup.
William R. Davie Regional Dog Park
4635 Pineville-Matthews RdThis is officially a dog park - short drive, worth it for the social pup.
Grocery Stores
Quick run through the closest and best, and all in between...
Harris Teeter
7852 Rea RdThis is the closest and has all the basics...
Really not necessarily Whole Paycheck anymore. But, still pricey. Great store!
Local tip: patio offers quiet place to grab lunch or dinner, or just enjoy a drink - quiet and nice views (good weather only)
65 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
400 E Stonewall StReally not necessarily Whole Paycheck anymore. But, still pricey. Great store!
Local tip: patio offers quiet place to grab lunch or dinner, or just enjoy a drink - quiet and nice views (good weather only)
The Fresh Market
4207 Providence RdNew...small, but awesome!
Also ran compared to Whole Foods and Fresh Market, but they did just renovate and it has a funky little bar/dine-in area. Insider trick: they have take and bake pizzas that are amazing - just grab your own fresh toppings.
22 locals recommend
Earth Fare
12235 N Community House RdAlso ran compared to Whole Foods and Fresh Market, but they did just renovate and it has a funky little bar/dine-in area. Insider trick: they have take and bake pizzas that are amazing - just grab your own fresh toppings.
Not that close for a store, but worth the extra mile(s) if you are also a TJs junky!
If not, try the corn salsa and mini ice cream cones...then you will be!
20 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
6418 Rea RdNot that close for a store, but worth the extra mile(s) if you are also a TJs junky!
If not, try the corn salsa and mini ice cream cones...then you will be!
This is the least offensive Walmart in Charlotte, maybe ever. But, it is Walmart still. This is not really the grocery store kind... so this is for anything else (or just really cheap water, etc)
You can always find (almost) anything you need at Southpark Mall...
Walmart @ Arboretum station
This is the least offensive Walmart in Charlotte, maybe ever. But, it is Walmart still. This is not really the grocery store kind... so this is for anything else (or just really cheap water, etc)
You can always find (almost) anything you need at Southpark Mall...
Coffee
Closest Starbucks is one mile south on Carmel Road in the Harris Teeter shopping center - this is closest.
There are at least six other locations within a couple miles!
9 locals recommend
Starbucks
7823 Colony RdClosest Starbucks is one mile south on Carmel Road in the Harris Teeter shopping center - this is closest.
There are at least six other locations within a couple miles!
Dunkin'
231 N Graham StFood scene
Sushi Guru - South Park
6601 Carnegie BoulevardThe original - convenient (best for take out)
The new one - one cool option in super-cool Plaza Midwood...can get an Uber over there all times of day...and night!
7 locals recommend
Sushi Guru - 1217 The Plaza
1217 The PlazaThe new one - one cool option in super-cool Plaza Midwood...can get an Uber over there all times of day...and night!
Fine Dining - just checking a box.
But really, this place is amazing!
Don't forget to make a reservation (Opentable)
11 locals recommend
Barrington's
7822 Fairview RdFine Dining - just checking a box.
But really, this place is amazing!
Don't forget to make a reservation (Opentable)
Thai Orchid Restaurant
4223 Providence RdGreat takeout place
Nearby, convenient, down the middle.
Good for the whole family and more than just pizza
Hawthorne's New York Pizza and Bar Carmel Road
4100 Carmel RdNearby, convenient, down the middle.
Good for the whole family and more than just pizza
This is the fancy pizza place. Not really for kids, or at least not mine.
6 locals recommend
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
10620 Providence RdThis is the fancy pizza place. Not really for kids, or at least not mine.
So popular that this local spot keeps popping up all over Charlotte. Get the empanadas and queso.
40 locals recommend
Sabor Latin Street Grill
415 Hawthorne LnSo popular that this local spot keeps popping up all over Charlotte. Get the empanadas and queso.
The hot spot that fish eaters and meat eaters can all agree on. Trendy so expect a wait.
64 locals recommend
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4310 Sharon RdThe hot spot that fish eaters and meat eaters can all agree on. Trendy so expect a wait.
Golden Cow Creamery Southpark
720 Gov Morrison Stlocal ice cream spot
Duckworth's Kitchen & Taphouse
4435 Park RdSports bar with good food and lots of beer options
Baoding Restaurant
4722 Sharon RdIf you get a hankering for chinese food
Soul Gastrolounge
4110 Central Aveget the pork belly tacos. That is all
Sightseeing
Our favorite movie theater. A little further than others but worth it. Food, booze and reclining seats.
21 locals recommend
Cinemark Movie Bistro
9630 Monroe RdOur favorite movie theater. A little further than others but worth it. Food, booze and reclining seats.
NoDa Brewing Company
150 West 32nd StreetOur favorite local beers come from this brewery
HUGE brewery that is great for families or groups. Dog friendly, kid friendly and close to a ton of other fun options.
164 locals recommend
Old Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey RdHUGE brewery that is great for families or groups. Dog friendly, kid friendly and close to a ton of other fun options.
The cool kids love this brewery (and shhh so do we!). Try a Prosecco Pop and check out the food trucks out back.
111 locals recommend
Sycamore Brewing
2151 Hawkins StThe cool kids love this brewery (and shhh so do we!). Try a Prosecco Pop and check out the food trucks out back.
Legion Brewing South Park
5610 Carnegie BlvdClosest brewery that's a new addition in Southpark.
Carowinds
300 Carowinds BlvdAmusement park right across the boarder into SC. Fun for all ages!!
Adult playground I would describe this as. Play old school games in a really fun atmosphere.
35 locals recommend
Queen Park Social
4125 Yancey RdAdult playground I would describe this as. Play old school games in a really fun atmosphere.
Bowling is a fun option for rainy days. This alley has been renovated and is right on Montford Rd offering a ton of options to hop to after a game.
26 locals recommend
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford DrBowling is a fun option for rainy days. This alley has been renovated and is right on Montford Rd offering a ton of options to hop to after a game.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
400 E M.L.K. Jr BlvdFor all you racing fans
Great place to explore, activities, take the dogs, etc .
405 locals recommend
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center PkwyGreat place to explore, activities, take the dogs, etc .
BB&T Ballpark
324 S Mint StCheckout a Charlotte Knights Baseball game.
Romare Bearden Park
300 S Church Stgreat views of the city
Thomas Street Tavern
1218 Thomas Avelaid back vibe. Play ping pong out back and chill
Merchant & Trade
303 S Church StRooftop bar uptown Charlotte