Journey to the Land of the Panthers
 

Hi all. I'm taking a M-F business trip to Charlotte next week and staying in the northeast part of Charlotte, close to UNC-Charlotte.

Will be sure to pack some Saints gear for the evenings :). Do you know of any restaurants or attractions in Charlotte than cannot be missed?

The Nascar HOF was a pretty cool place even though I don't care for the sport - luckily I caved in when a friend of mine insisted I went along with him - it's close to where the Panthers play.

No restaurant comes to mind which was above what you normally get from a standard restaurant.

I have an account there and have been there several times over the last few months...and I haven't found anything to write home about. If you find out...let me know, because I will be going back.

There is a British pub/eatery I went to last time, very good food. Can't remember the name of it but should not be hard to find, when I did a search it was the only one to come up. Stay away from a Nascar theme restaurant, again I can't remember the name but it's probably the only one in town. The food was bad and the service was closely behind. There is also a transit system that's fairly new you can use. If you get some free time there is a free (use to be) university green house with tons of unique and interesting plants. I highly recommend it and it was open in the winter when I went.

IBM or Wachovia/Wells Fargo?

There isn't really much around there.. mostly generic stuff you see everywhere, other than The Flying Saucer. A whole lot of beers on tap, pretty decent finger food, and girls wearing plaid mini-skirts with knee-high socks, for feeling really, really old and pervy :)

There's also a Dave & Busters close by.

I'd point you to some BBQ joints, but BBQ in Charlotte blows :)

Charlotte is a very nice area despite its dirty football team. The cant miss spot IMHO is The Cowfish it merges a sushi joint and a burger bar. The BAr B Qushi is awesome, as well as the spicy tuna sandwich. I also recommend ending the meal with a spiked milkshake.

Do like I do wear your Saints gear when ever you can. I go to the Outter Banks every year and do that. LOL Its fun you'll see.

My twin lived in Charlotte when they started the team and has always been fond of them. I don't remember all the restaurants but we always enjoyed going out.(lots of women) The Panthers are in our division so I say screw 'em.

the panthers or the women? :p

There is plenty to do in the area where you are, but its mostly college stuff. IF you get a chance go to the Plaza Midwood area and check out The Penguin and have a few microbrew beers at the Common Market. I lived there a while back, and thats where I lived. I loved the area.

Sir Edmund Haleys. It is closed.
There is another one on Providence/Queens road headed uptown that is pretty fun.

So...as you can see...Charlotte is the hot spot of the south...

I have to admit it is a beautiful city and very very clean. Its also an hour away from the mountains and the beach so there are plenty of day trips to take. One negative is that it has grown so fast that the culture and not kept up with its growth. I lived there 3 years before I met anyone that was actually from Charlotte. Lots of New Yorkers and NE folks, but nice none the less. Nowhere near the diversity we have here, but it is pretty cutting age and we could stand a lot to learn from the way the city operates without destroying our diversity and culture. I really really enjoyed my time there and would go back if it wasn't for the fact the food kinda sucks and its not surrounded by water. LOL even at Panthers games there are more visiting teams fans than charlotte fans. Most of the tickets are bought up by corporations like Wichovia and BOA and they give them away to clients and prospective companies that may want to move to the area.And no, I am in no way saying it is better than Nola or that I like it more than Nola.

An epilogue to my adventures in Charlotte. Was pretty busy with business so I wasn't able to venture out to downtown or the other restaurants cited :(. A few places I would highlight though ...

- Taco Mac - crap-tons of TV's, good wings, beer selection and good Mexican entrees to boot. To me that combination makes for an epic sports bar. In this location they have a lot of glass dividers so you can see many many TV's from virtually any spot in the bar. This is a chain and they have a ton of them around Atlanta too. Perhaps some of you guys have been to this franchise before and already have opinions.

- Boardwalk Billys - food was pretty good, but the unique atmosphere and drinks are what makes this place. Waitresses were friendly and attractive. They have patio seating overlooking the lake and it's just a beautiful looking area with the other businesses and shops nearby. I imagine it is a real spot in the summer for those who like nightlife.