Our Charlotte City Guide update come for local graphic designer, Dora B. A lover of typography, awesome logos, old movies, books, colorful cupcakes and anything botanical related, dora thinks living in this charming southern city is pretty sweet. Today she shares with us a wonderful update full of great new stores, galleries, restaurants, and more. Thanks dora for this spectacular guide!–Stephanie
CLICK HERE for the full guide after the jump!
NODA
Short for North Davidson, NoDa is home to some of the very best art galleries and Friday night art crawls which happen once a month. One of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods, it is experiencing a true renaissance, especially over the past couple of years. An onslaught of new-build lofts and condos means a constant hum of construction here; let’s hope it remains affordable. Home to some great restaurants and music venues, NoDa is a favorite both day and night.
- Fabric Art B3 Designs is a full service print studio for custom printed fabric digitally. They print original artwork or photography on fabric from silk scarves to upholstery fabrics.
- Garden Shoppe & Gallery / McGill Rose Garden (www.mcgillrosegarden.org/) McGill Rose Garden is a center for learning and experiences related to roses, gardens, gardening, art and culture. The rose garden is a living work of art, nestled in an intimate urban setting that links Charlotte’s Garden District and Historic/Arts District.
- Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique (www.larkandkey.com) An intersect of art, design and craft Lark & Key showcases the work of artists/owners Duy Huynh and Sandy Snead as well as goods from other independent artists and designers.
- Anthea Designs: (http://antheadesigns.com/default.aspx) Anthea touts itself as Charlotte’s first and only resource for sustainable interior design. With organic bath and bedding, natural rugs, non-toxic furniture and fair trade décor, it’s a great place to get your green on. Prices are as expected with glassware starting at around $10 and sofas running around $2500
- Center of the Earth Gallery Inc. (www.centeroftheearth.com )Voted Best Gallery 1995-2008 by area publications, CTE Gallery is a premiere fine art destination in the Southeast. This award winning gallery features original paintings, sculpture, and glass by over 50 national emerging and established artists.
- The Evening Muse (www.TheEveningMuse.com) The Evening Muse is a listening room, art gallery and café featuring live music 5+ nights each week.
- NoDaRioty (www.nodarioty.com) NoDaRioty is a grass-roots community effort, led by a committee of NoDa neighborhood residents, business owners, artists and patrons. Their goal is to preserve and grow the artistic and cultural identity of NoDa as The Arts District of Charlotte in the wake of rapid social and economic change.
- BEET: (http://www.charlottecultureguide.com/organization.php?id=287) a well organized collective of contemporary crafts and functional art by American artists, many are local. Pottery, fiber, metal and wood mean there is definitely something to delight all senses. Toys, instruments and furniture are just some of the unique finds here. Case in point; the whimsy yet modern grandfather clock painted with colorful cat tails is more of an investment piece than gift.
- Other galleries and collectives worth mentioning include Milkweed(http://www.milkweedcollection.com/), Green Rice Gallery (http://www.green-rice.com/), and The Boulevard (http://www.blvdnoda.com/).
- The Neighborhood Theatre (www.neighborhoodtheatre.com) Originally built as a movie theatre in 1945, it has been restored and turned into a performance place. The venue is great for any event where the audience’s listening pleasure is paramount. The room is designed for exceptional acoustics and provides excellent sound quality for any event.
NoDa is home to some great places to grab a bite including:
- Amelie’s (www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com) Amelie’s a French Bakery is a 24hour bakery and café (NoDa @ 28th St.) The shabby-chic living room invites you to sink into a comfy couch or sit around a table with friends and stay awhile. The smell of freshly baked French pastries and gourmet coffee will tempt the senses and please even the most discriminating of palates.
- Cabo Fish Taco (http://www.cabofishtaco.com/) (3201 North Davidson) for fish tacos and great seafood
- Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen(http://www.boudreauxs.com/Charlotte_HomeFrame.htm )(501 E. 36th St) for tasty Cajun treats
- Salvador Deli (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-salvador-deli-charlotte )(3215 North Davidson) for cheap but delicious eats
- Crêpe Cellar (www.crepecellar.com) Crêpe Cellar offers a variety of menu options including savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, salads, French bread pizzas, European entrées, carafes of wine and French press coffee.
- Smelly Cat Coffee House (www.smellycatcoffee.com) Smelly Cat is a cozy little coffeehouse that has been an important part of the NoDa neighborhood for years.
There are also three local artists that have their wares displayed. They’re pretty cool guys so check them out!
- David French (www.davidfrenchoriginals.com) A local NoDa artist known for his illustrations of Charlotte, as well as his charcoal drawings.
- Cameron Todd (Camerontoddart@gmail.com) He doesn’t have a website, but his paintings are beautiful. (photo attached)
- Muddy Muse Pottery (www.muddymuse.com) They are family owned and operated, creating artful clay work.
NoDa wouldn’t be NoDa without mentioning the most interesting bar in town, The Dog Bar(http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dog-bar-charlotte) (3307 North Davidson) Yup, bring the pooch, grab a membership (liability issues make it a requirement) and a tall one and watch your beloved mingle. In a city where off leash parks are the exception, The Dog Bar is an excellent place to socialize yourself and your pet.
HISTORIC SOUTHEND
Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food.
- South End Exchange: (http://www.southendexchange.com/) this is my favorite spot to trove for antique and reproduction furniture as well as art, accessories, rugs and linens. A unique pricing system (prices drop on designated dates) lets you plan for purchases but means you have to stop by frequently.
- The Common Market South End (www.commonmarketisgood.com)
- Pewter Rose Bistro (www.pewterrose.com)
- Copper, Modern Cuisine of India (www.copperrestaurant.com)
- Barn Wood Classic (www.barnwoodclassics) Barn Wood Classics produces hand built and hand finished furniture from reclaimed antique barn boards and beams. nnThe wood we use ranges in age from 80 to 200 years of age.
- Interiors Marketplace: (http://www.interiorsmarketplace.com/) this store has an endless selection of new and old, with well named pedigree pieces. Be prepared to spend some money here. Exquisite accessories for refined tastes.
- Furniture Solutions: (http://www.furnituresolutionsinc.net/) further down on Camden is home to a huge selection of leather sofas, chairs and office furniture. It’s not cheap, but has great quality pieces.
There’s plenty of art available. The place to start is Charlotte Art League: (http://www.charlotteartleague.org/wp/) On the main drag where you can buy art, rent space to hang or create art, take classes or browse in this large industrial space.
Renee George Gallery: (http://www.reneegeorgegallery.com/) Solo exhibits by emerging and established artists in the contemporary vein. On East Worthington.
DoMA Gallery: (http://www.domaart.com/home.htm ) Fine photography is still affordable for those looking to start a collection. Located on South Tryon.
Southend has great places for tasty bites including renowned fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop on Camden St. Also check out Phat Burrito, Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop and Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream for great eats and sweets. All spots can be found on the Historic Southend website (http://www.findyourcenter.com/places-to-go/historic-southend/).
PLAZA MIDWOOD
One of Charlotte’s most historic neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood is centrally located and quickly becoming a place for great food, fashion, antiques and design. The vibe is extremely cool and welcoming.
- City Supply Co: (http://www.citysupplycharlotte.com/www.citysupplycharlotte.com/Home.html) located on Thomas Ave, this shop is full of chic and affordable furniture such as a gorgeous, organic petrified-wood console, colorful gourd lamps and coconut shell chandeliers. Also has great selection of cards, barware, magnets, jewelry and bags.
- Fifteen Ten Antiques: (http://www.1510-antiques.com/) around the corner on Central Ave is full of amazing finds. Antique furniture, glass, china, and artwork from all eras, including a few mid century pieces. Prices are listed but can be negotiated.
- Century Vintage: (http://www.yelp.com/biz/century-vintage-charlotte) just a few doors down, Century Vintage is home to fantastic modern and mid century pieces. Loaded with toys, lamps and some cool threads as well make it a must-see for the Plaza. Hours vary.
- Pura Vida: (http://www.puravidaart.com/) Pur Vida is just across the street and has beautiful Latin, Spanish and African art, clothing, jewelry and home accessories. Also serves some of the best hot chocolate around.
- Hong Kong Vintage: (http://www.hongkongvintage.com/) This vintage shop carries used furniture, clothing and accessories.
Plaza has tons of great places to shop and eat. Don’t miss:
- The Penguin (http://www.yelp.com/biz/penguin-drive-in-charlotte) – Where business people, rockers, and everything in between come to have a beer and delicious fried pickles
- Dish: (http://www.eatatdish.com/) delicious, and healthy, Southern comfort food
- Fuel Café (http://www.fuelpizza.com) Grab a pizza slice and a cold Coke, and enjoy the cool retro vibe.
- Nova’s Bakery (http://www.novasbakery.com/) Offering specialty breads like brioche, kalamata olive loafs and ficelle, Nova’s provides Charlotte with traditional European favorites such as baguettes, foccaccia and country sourdough breads.
There’s Snug Harbor for music later in the evening, as well as Thomas Street Tavern (1228 Thomas Ave) for a relaxed bar vibe. Be sure and check out Boris & Natasha and Lotus for the very latest in fashion with labels such as Penguin and self appointed represented.
UPTOWN
- The Mint Museum: (http://www.mintmuseum.org/) These two must-visit museums (Craft+Design, Art) are wonderful local gems.
- NC Music Factory (http://ncmusicfactory.com/) The N.C. Music Factory, which opened in 2006, is currently comprised of roughly 300,000 square feet of existing buildings — a former textile factory — on 35 acres of property on Seaboard Street on the northeast side of Uptown Charlotte. It has the hottest nightclub and restaurants, as well as outdoor music venues
- Mid-Century Charlotte: (http://www.moderncharlotte.com/) a guide to Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary real estate in the greater Charlotte area
- Jack and Lulu: (http://www.jackandlulu.com/) these are one of Grace’s favorite stationery designers. Though they don’t have a store it’s good to know they’re on hand if you live in town and need some custom work.
- Paper Skyscraper: (http://www.paperskyscraper.com/) a fun shop for stationery and papergoods.
- Papitre: (http://www.yelp.com/biz/papitre-at-morrocroft-village-charlotte) papergoods, gift wrap and invitations
60 Comments
Thank you so much!!!
I’m visiting there next month and you have helped me target some great places to visit!!
Yipee! Living in Blowing Rock, NC has it’s shopping challenges so I often drive 2 hours down the road to Charlotte. Can’t wait to hit up all these great places. Thanks!
awesome!! that’s my neck of the woods!
To add a couple names to the list,
I think Joie Lassiter Gallery is the most exciting gallery Charlotte has to offer, located in Southend.
A new gallery in NoDa will open in early 2008 called Lark and Key, I know some of the artists on the roster, and it should be amazing!
Metro Designs on Morehead street ( http://www.metroformodern.com/)is a great resource for interesting and contemporary lighting, as well as well-designed home goods.
Home sweet home. I will be opening Lark & Key gallery and boutique in NODA this February. Great to see the are getting some recognition!
Congrats on this addition Grace! To my good friend Meaghan – I benefitted from your expertise on my recent trip to Charlotte – can’t wait to get back to Hong Kong, Paper Skyscraper and Dog Bar (and to see all you Clarks!)
Charlotte is the most beautiful city in North Carolina. I grew up there and returned recently and the city is breathtaking with year round bursts of color and it is so clean and offers so much entertainment and shopping. I will be back soon!!!
I hope someone will do one for Nashville (where I live). I’ve moved here from Baltimore a few months ago and I am totally lost!
Charlotte is relatively close by though, so this guide will definitely come in handy.
So great! I’m on the NC coast, so I’ll have to roadtrip and check these places out!
Thank you so much for doing a design guide for CLT! I’m originally from Philly and still getting used to it here (after 3yrs) but I live in NODA now so I feel a bit more at home with all the shops and galleries around. I look forward to checking out the places on the list in the upcoming weekends! Thanks again!!
hooray! thanks for this. I never thought we’d make the city list!
My hometown! Yay! I now live in Houston and man do I miss Charlotte sometimes.
So great to have this recognition and guide to Charlotte. I would like to add a fantastic destination in Charlotte to the list:
Design Within Reach opened in Charlotte in May of this year and is located next to Southpark Mall at 4310 Sharon Road. It is a fantastic studio and the source for fully licensed classics!
I am in charlotte quite frequently visiting friends and was not aware of some of these places….especially the DWR! That’s exciting and Cabo Fish Taco is one of my fav places to eat!
so excited that you posted a guide to my hometown. though i don’t live there anymore, you posted many of my favorite haunts. one more suggestion: visit blis in founders hall. http://www.blisuptown.com. a good friendsowns it, and you can find great candles, stationary and home accessories there.
Another great local artist is Keeley Carrigan of BlooEmpire. He may be a little outside the range of this design style, but his art is very graphical and toy-based. His stuff really brightens up a room. Check him out! http://www.blooempire.com
Thanks for the mention! We have some other great local designers that are all part of the Charlotte Craft Mafia too!! :)
As a (mostly) proud Raleigh-ite, I generally overlook Charlotte. It’s great to see there’s some wonderful design-y things happening in that other town.
Can’t wait to take the train over, and spend a day checking out the tips.
Although I am more fond of Asheville, NC Charlotte does have some good stuff!
So happy you are blogging city guides! So sad that this wasn’t published mid-September before a Charlotte trip. So glad I have something to go back there for!
Yeah. I’ll be visiting my sister this Christmas so now we have something to do! Thanks. Maybe the next city guide could be Columbia, SC, since I’ll be there too (I’m a little selfish that way!).
Thanks so much for doing a write-up on Charlotte- I’m new to the city and while I’ve heard / eaten at most of the restaurants I’m still on the look-out for places to shop for those vintage finds- love it! You’ll have to try the grilled pimiento cheese sandwich at the penguin- and if we’re talking southern, the fried pickles are notorious.
good to hear Baltimore will soon be added! The small-big-cities are the best for buying cheap, unique stuff.
Greetings from the Queen City! This is a great guide. I live in Charlotte and haven’t heard of some of these places. Can’t wait to visit Zoe’s Elf Gift Gallery and City Supply. Thanks bunches.
The Common Market in Plaza Midwood should NOT be missed. With a little bit of everything – yummy deli, fine wine AND an eclectic assortment of novelties!
hey, this is great me, my boyfriend and our son just moved here to charlotte. I’m trying to get all my sewing in order from the move and Kris is the brand spanking tattoo artist at Imortal Images on monroe rd, if you have never been there check it out, the artists are some of the best on the east coast.
I moved from Charlotte to NYC 2 years ago and am so glad to see my hometown getting some recognition. I’m also glad to see how many new shops and venues are popping up all over the place. It’s definitely a new “it” place for young professionals.
Does anyone know of a dragon store? I heard about it from a bookstore clerk. It’s supposed to be wonderful for apparel and other left-of-center stuff.
Appreciate everyones help.
I hope you will visit and mention
Redsky Gallery. A 6000 sq ft
fine craft and art gallery on East
Blvd. It carries paintings, sculpture, glass, furniture, lighting,ceramics,jewelry art to wear and more. Represents over 400 regional and national artists.
More common remark form customers
I could spend all day here and Im coming back. They even have customers who come from Asheville!
I just moved to Charlotte from NYC and despite loving the weather and noncommute, I very much miss having design and art establishments easily available. Thank you for this list – I can’t wait to visit all the tips!!
I just moved to Charlotte this year. I live in NODA. A neighborhood you won’t want to miss. Make sure you stop by The Boulevard (N. Davidson and 36th). It is a great place to find a little bit of everything. For your shopping pleasure it is located next door to Lark and Key (beautiful gallery) and Green Rice Gallery (very cool). Hop across the street to Canvas Monkey for some great art and funky gifts. NODA is the best place to find affordable original artwork!
As some additional content for Charlotte Design, be sure to check out http://www.DesignCharlotte.org – a blog created specifically to chronicle and promote great design (web design, architecture, etc) in the Queen City.
WOW! Thank you so much. I am visiting Charlotte in a couple of weeks. I was so thrilled to see this list. I can’t wait to check out the shops!
Thanks for this! You may also want to check out Origami Ink which is new in Southpark by Crate & Barrel. It’s kind of hidden below the residences there. An AMAZING eclectic new independent store with a very cool grouping of artisan gifts in their gallery. Extrememly unusual and interesting. I was very impressed with their pen selection and luxury letterpress stationery. If I ever get married i’ll be getting my invitations there. Extremely artsy yet sophisticated, too. When I first walked in I felt like I stepped right out of the homogenized feel of Southpark and into some funky San Francisco gallery.
I’d heard great things about Lark & Key. Thanks for giving me a kick in the pants to go check it out. I had forgotten.
Keep up the great work!
I moved to Charlotte about 2 years ago and I couldn’t be happier, there is so much to do here and so many local things going on all the time.
I am hoping to move to Charlotte this summer after graduation and I am looking for jobs with event planners or interior designers…does anyone have any suggestions!
I work at Center of the Earth Gallery in NoDa–thank you for the mention! I must mention The Rat’s Nest in NoDA–excellent vintage clothing and furniture.
<3 my current home, I live in the dorms which are in downtown Charlotte :)
YAY CHAR CHAR!!!
I live here and I’m currently trying to start up a small knitting business. Here’s the practice site before I go ahead and purchase a full .com. I’m also thinking about expanding it to shabby chic refurbishments as well. Check it out.
Love this blog and this post. Also moved here from NYC.
Be sure to stop in to Limerick Studios to meet a diverse group of artists, designers and animators! (it’s where I work and one of the wonderful places that keeps me in Charlotte!)
Also, don’t forget to check out NoDa’s awesome new restaurants: The Crepe Cellar and for dessert, Tasty-Yo! And look for The Orange Panda jewelry line when you visit (I am a little biased as one of the designers haha)!
I have been in charlotte for a few years now and have bounced around a few up and coming cities! Those of you in and around the Uptown area the nightlife has really started to grow with the Nightlife complexs. The Epicenter has something for everyone. I am really liking Howl at the Moon, its different than the normal bar or club and the live piano show is so great! If you have a birthday party or something coming up they are a great spot!
Soul Gastro Lounge is amazing. On the corner of Central and Pecan. I reside in NYC and it’s the best Sushi and Tapas on the East Coast. MMMmmm.
I think it might be like time to update this city guide and stuff. A lot has changed since 2007 y’all. And how about some like pics and stuff. and what about the west side off morehead? Elizabeth? and Southpark? Uptown w/ new arts and stuff? Seems to be some big gaps in your coverage’n'stuff???
and don’t forget east blvd/kenilworth (red rice and stuff), selwyn ave (renee george), montford dr, and how about like, um, a comprehensive like gallery guide? oh, and Cigi Guzman is a local clothing designer along with Michele Nassaney, and many others. Oh, and like maybe some links to Charlotte Viewpoint and CLT Blog?
raphan
woah, hold up a second. we’re updating all the guides we’ve posted since 2007, which is a lot. i’ve announced this several times on d*s and our twitter feed, so we’re working as quickly as possible to upload them.
grace
Totally Cool, hadn’t seen that. I guess I’ll like join the twitter feed. I’m pumped. Love your site! xo.
thanks raphan
we’ve posted a large number of guides over the past 3 years so we’re working to update them all one by one :)
g
so happy to call Charlotte my home. and i can’t wait to go see some of these stores for the first time. i have to also mention Black Lion in Pineville for cool design finds.
Love the Charlotte guide! A recommended addition to the Plaza-Midwood area: Green with Envy. A gift/garden/furniture shop with everything from great clothes to vintage art and amazing refinished furniture. The owners scout estate sales for great pieces and give them new life at great prices. Definitely a spot to check out!
This guide is Exquisite! Thank you Bunches! I study Interior Design and planning too take a trip the weekend of Oct.9-10 for inspiration. After reading this guide my inspiration has already begun!
Hi! I live in Charlotte and am so glad to see it included in your guides. I agreed with all that was mentioned, well done! Also, I’ve noticed Julia Rothman illustrates some of your city guide designs… any chance she could do one for Charlotte?
hi meagan!
when we update the guide for the new year we’ll have julia do an illustration :)
g
I just moved to Philly from Charlotte-was there for 12 years and worked as an interior designer…if you ever need any help updating this guide I’d love to participate! I know all the hot spots!
Hi there. I see above that you plan to do an illustration of the QC. I can’t wait. I dabble in line art (and trust me it is a far cry from what you guys do)… but i do love seeing the ideas you come up with! Looking forward to it!
Hi. So glad I found this web-site. Been here 23 years and love finding new ideas. Lately trying hard to purchase items for home, gifts etc. that are made as locally as possible, using local materials. I love recycled glass, for example, but much glassware now that has a traditional Mexican design, is from China. Same thing with simple “green glass” pieces in a Central Ave. shop. While looking for kitchen items at Home Goods and Marshalls for my oldest daughter, I noticed even glass storage containers were from China. At Anthropologie, the french-looking bowls say, “fabrique en Chine”!(enough with the chains!) So from smaller accessories, kitchen tools, linens…. to furniture etc., I would appreciate any resources that are “local”….Charlotte, NC, USA…Art galleries are great sources, and I like crafts from different countries, but many thanks for ideas on finding local/domestic items. .Take care! Sue
A few places are a must to check out in Plaza Midwood::
1. Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe: On the corner of Central & Thomas Ave. Amazing organic (& mostly vegetarian) food. Breakfast is the time to go!!
2. The Penguin: http://www.360charlotte.com/Restaurants/ThePenguin.html
3. The Common Market: (Someone already mentioned, but it must be said again). Check out their website – http://www.commonmarketisgood.com/
I will be living in Charlotte this summer while doing an internship, so I’ll have to make sure to check all of these places out!
Sadly, the Penguin’s management has changed and the managers/chef who made this place incredible have moved on. It was a high school favorite of mine and much missed.
Thanks for a great guide! I’m moving up to Charlotte from Orlando in a couple months and I am curious if anyone has some suggestions for areas I should look into for apartment/house to rent. Thanks!
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