What to Do in Charlotte, NC in One Day: Museums and Great Restaurants
Downtown Charlotte view from First Ward Park
A Whole Child Model conference brought me to Charlotte, where we were launching a new partnership with Rowan-Salisbury Schools. I only had one day in the city before heading north, but it was enough time to get a strong first impression: three excellent museums, three memorable meals, and a downtown area that makes a short visit surprisingly easy to manage. If you’re in Charlotte for a conference, a long layover, or a quick stop on the way to another part of North Carolina, this guide offers a simple way to make the most of limited time.
Where to eat
Start with brunch at Supperland (or the bar next door). We had a spritz and lobster deviled eggs that were great and the bright and energetic ambience of both restaurant spaces and the outdoor patio are lovely.
Have a drink at Ever Andalo on the N. Davidson Street in the NODA area - filled with many other bars, restaurants, and outdoor art. The tuna crudo and beet salad were a great light snack before dinner.
Go to Rada for dinner. Along with Ever Andalo and Supperland, it’s mentioned by the MICHELIN Guide and all three (unlike the others) were open on Sunday. This restaurant has a romantic vibe, along with great service and food. We had top notch martinis and delightful clams while dining here.
Things to do
Visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. It’s a small but mighty museum with four stories of art, carefully curated in a building with design qualities as interesting as the artwork.
Next door to the Bechtler is the Mint Museum with great exhibits and an outstanding museum store to visit for souvenirs even if you don’t have time for a tour.
The last of three awesome downtown museums, just a block up from the Mint is the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, worth the trip to see art that illustrates the experience and influence of African-Americans in the south.
Places to stay
On a non-profit budget for this work trip, the Hyatt House was where we stayed (a decent, if non-luxurious choice), but there are plenty of other options downtown, including a JW Marriott a block from the museums mentioned above and a Ritz Carlton near the stadium.
