Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Newcomer questions about Charlotte

Most days, I receive up to a half-dozen questions from newcomers who want to know more about Charlotte. Some I can answer off the top of my head. Others, I’ll research and answer in my columns in the paper.

Today’s questions include:

--Kenny D. wanted to know where he should take his two kids, ages 11 and 13, when he takes a couple of days off later this week. They don’t like Carowinds, he said, but they like music.

I suggested he take them rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center; investigate a free outdoor music performance from my earlier list; and try Birkdale Village in Huntersville, a favorite hangout for both teens and families.

If they don't get uptown much, they might also enjoy a walk down Tryon Street with stops at Discovery Place (especially if they're mature enough for the Body Worlds exhibit) and the Mint Museum of Craft + Design.

--B.W. wrote to ask how to get involved in ballroom dancing in Charlotte. I referred him to the Highlighter’s Singles Dance Club, which is for singles over 40 and meets every first and third Friday for dancing with live music. Turns out B.W. isn’t single, but the club was able to refer him to local ballroom dancing resources. If you want to know more about the club, e-mail HighlightersClub@aol.com.

--And for a follow-up from an earlier reader’s question about where to find gifts that say “Charlotte” for out-of-town friends and relatives, a member of the Mecklenburg Historical Association e-mailed to let me know the association has a limited supply of Queen Charlotte Christmas ornaments, patterned after the statue of our city’s namesake in uptown Charlotte. They’re 7 inches tall, made of blown glass and come boxed with a brief history of Charlotte. They cost $35 and proceeds go to the historical group. E-mail me if you want the contact info.

What other questions do you have about this place?

19 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kenny D. might also want to take his kids to ImaginOn. The upper floor is surprisingly tween-friendly, and there's usually some kind of play or performance going on in the evening.

I like the Historical Society suggestion for souveniers. I'd also chip in the Visit Charlotte! store on College St., which has lots of stuff to choose from.

9:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The botanical gardens at UNCC are fun to explore - the greenhouse and the actual gardens. Parking and admission are free.

you might also want to swing by the Asian grocery stores on North Tryon - that's always a fun place to take people!

10:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Take your kids to see a show at the Milestone, a famous Charlotte landmark.

1:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Asian stores on North Tryon is a fun place to visit. It would be nice if the city would renovate the mall and turn it into a "China/Asian Town" with Asian businesses like a bank, salons, restaurants, apartments on top of retail and office space, greenway with water fountains.
This would be a good cultural attraction for the city.

2:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

^ All that development would make it too expensive to be authentic. The whole reason the Asian shops are there is because it's cheap land close to immigrant neighborhoods.

2:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uptown Cabaret is a great place to visit!

5:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about visiting the DMV? Judging by all the New York, New Jersey and Ohio plates driving around our city, these "newcomers" need to visit the local DMV. If we have to pay, so do they. Hmmm, is there anyone left in NY, NJ or OH...iust curious? PS: Enough with the Yankees and Red Sox stickers/plates....if you covet them so much...go back.

9:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yep, there are plenty of people still in NY, NJ, and Ohio. Afterall, somebody's gotta by their house (unless they have an apartment)!! Nativecharlotte - you need to get over yourself. There is nothing wrong with living somewhere else and supporting a team you grew up with. Didn't know that was a crime and I don't know what the hell that has to do with the topic of this blog? Just another bitter idiot...

12:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did you ever stop and think that maybe half of those license plates are from people VISITING?

12:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

look NATIVE CHARLOTTE Maybe you should move out of Charlotte somewhere else; People have been coming here by the boat loads and you dont have enough money to stop that flow. Besides most NY, OHIO and N.J. cant speak hillbilly and thats why they dont stop in the DMV.

6:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If they have any sense at all they will go somewhere else or go back to civilization up NORTH. signed YANKEE

6:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh really anon? Why are you even on a charlotte blog? If you have any sense at all, you will get over yourself and leave the south... there is obviously nothing here for you... signed, southern belle

11:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

12:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow. Way to represent, guys.

3:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yea, no kidding 3:36. You are an idiot, 11:40! You make those of us who are truly southern look as ridiculous as yourself.

However, she does have a point... what do you mean by "real"? If that attitude is "real", you can have it. I would take hospitality, where it still exists, any day.

7:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow....I've been considering moving to Charlotte, but now I'm 2nd guessing if that's the sort of welcome that out of staters get.

12:43 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anon 12:43, don't let the weirdo's discourage you. Charlotte is a beautiful city and the people really are friendly. Depending on what you're looking for; it is nice place to be.

1:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It would be good if people would get over the silly boundary lines they draw. A little Peace in the Valley would benefit all of us.

2:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We have just moved here from Santa Barbara California. We live in Matthews and have been here a month. We are liking Charlotte and all it has to offer. We need a lot of house services, as our house needs a lot of work. We love health food, spirituality and personal growth,
and red wine of course. We'd love to meet people like us....Tess and Mick
704-443-6196

6:11 PM  

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