Published Jan 2, 2018

The 9 Very Best Boutiques You’ll Want To Visit In Charlotte

Discover unique boutiques in Charlotte for fashionable clothing, accessories, and gifts.

Published Jan 2, 2018

Written by

Carolyn Mulvihill

Experiences

Published Oct 26, 2023

The Haunted Ghost Tour In North Carolina Is A Paranormal Experience Like No Other

Published Oct 26, 2023

Written by

Carolyn Harmon

For some spooky fun this Halloween season, sign up for a haunted ghost tour in North Carolina: the Historic Charlotte Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl. This frightening journey begins at the Old Settler's Cemetery with a hair-raising history. Folks often find orbs in their photographs from the historic burial ground. From there, you will wander through some of the Queen City's most haunted bars, learning about the eerie legends of ghosts that have remained. Be sure to look behind you as some have been known to lean over your shoulder. Your experienced tour guide will point out some of Charlotte's spookiest spirits as you hike to the city's notoriously haunted hotels, historic buildings, and haunted pubs. The cost for this excursion is $34, and purchasing drinks is not required.

Old Settler's Cemetery starts this frightening tour, the final resting place of some early Charlotte settlers.

Interments began before the city was established in 1768.

It was apparently the prime location for bodies to be reburied after use in medical schools.

Folks describe a creepy feeling here, even during the day.

Without knowing the exact locations of the Historic Charlotte Ghost Tour and Pub Crawl, here are a few interesting places.

alt — Shirleycressdudley, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Since the 1800s, Fourth Ward has been home to a flourishing community. Folks say it is one of the most haunted spots in the Queen City, and many have never left some of their historic homes.

Several bars and restaurants are said to be haunted, as Charlotte is such an old town.

alt — James Willamor, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Look closely — is that a ghost on the left side?

We find it especially interesting that in the mid-1700s, Tryon Street, pictured, and Trade Street in Uptown Charlotte originated as a major Native American trading path.

alt — James Willamor, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And some places look downright creepy at night, such as this LYNX station in Uptown.

alt — Ms angie gray, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

By day, Charlotte is a beautiful, historic city; but what happens when the sun goes down?

alt — James Willamor, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

For more information about this haunted ghost tour in North Carolina, visit the Virgin Experience Gifts website. While you're in Charlotte, explore the city's vast possibilities for fun and cool places to stay the night, hopefully without spirits.

Experiences

Published Nov 17, 2022

11 Reasons Living In Charlotte Is The Best And Everyone Should Move Here

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a rapidly growing city known for its employment opportunities, excellent schools, diverse recreational activities, and vibrant cultural scene.

Published Nov 17, 2022

Written by

Carolyn Harmon

With almost 880,000 residents making it the most populated city in North Carolina, these people already know why everyone should move to Charlotte. It is the third-fastest-growing major city in the U.S., and with good reason as between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was ranked as the country's fastest-growing metro area, with 888,000 new residents, and between 2005 and 2015, the city topped the U.S. in millennial population growth. Let's find out what makes The Queen City so popular.

1. Employment

A city park with green grass and trees, featuring modern skyscrapers and a sculpture in the background under a blue sky. — Bruce Emmerling, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Listed as one of the top 25 tech cities by job-posting volume and job-posting growth, employment is the No. 1 reason to move to Charlotte. See which employers are hiring.

2. Schools

A large crowd of people seated in a gymnasium, mostly women, attending an event. The image is in black and white. — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Torch_(1967)_-_DPLA_-_083eebe6db6fb8264253a2ee24bdaced_(page_36).jpg

And if you have children, with 670 preschools, 229 elementary schools, 116 middle schools, and 82 high schools, Charlotte schools are ranked above average with some of the top-ranked schools in the area. Find out more about Charlotte's schools

3. Rafting

A vibrant outdoor event at sunset, with a crowd gathered around a water park featuring a wave pool and activities. — Whitewater/Facebook

The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers more than 30 different recreational activities hosting international competitions in a variety of sports and festivals, and other events. From family rafting to rodeo rafting, find a fit for you.

4. Hiking

A person rides a bike on a path as a group of deer crosses in front of them in a wooded area. — Ekram Mukbil/Facebook

Charlotte offers 78 outdoor trails with a variety of attractions and skill levels. Check out the deer walking through Little Sugar Creek Greenway at Huntington Farms Park. This is an easy, 5-mile out-and-back trail perfect for hikers and bikers. As you can see, there is always a great reason to keep your camera ready.

5. Dining

A charming restaurant with a large porch, surrounded by trees and outdoor seating, featuring a sign that reads "300 East." — 300 East/Facebook

All of this recreation builds up a good appetite and Charlotte offers an abundance of excellent dining options, such as 300 East. This lovely eatery is open seven days a week with weekend brunch.

Try the bronzed sesame salmon with shoyu glaze, brown rice, and sautéed kale.

A plate of grilled salmon on a bed of grains and sautéed greens, garnished with sprouts and a drizzle of sauce. — 300 East/Facebook

And the desserts here are amazing, such as the Duke’s Mayo caramel cake baked fresh with sugared pecans and caramel sauce. Be sure to make a reservation.

6. Music

A large crowd at an outdoor concert venue, with a beach ball flying above the audience under colorful stage lights. — PNC Music Pavilion

Check out the year-round events at the PNC Music Pavilion, which is near the University of North Carolina. From heavy metal to rock-n-roll and country, you are sure to find something you like in this fantastic venue.

7. Ballet

A ballet performance featuring a dancer in a pink tutu, flanked by two elegantly dressed male dancers on stage. — Charlotte Ballet/Facebook

To experience ballet at its finest, reserve tickets to Charlotte Ballet, which has received national critical recognition for excellence in education, outreach, programming, and dance training.

8. Visual Arts

Modern architectural building with a unique geometric design, featuring large windows and a warm color palette at sunset. — The Mint Museum/Facebook

Established in 1936, The Mint Museum boasts one of the largest collections in the Southeast. It is accessible by two locations: Uptown and Randolph.

9. NASCAR

Exterior view of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, featuring a modern design and a spacious plaza in front. — NASCAR Hall of Fame/Facebook

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive adventure honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR.

10. Sports

A player in a teal uniform leaps to dunk a basketball while two defenders watch in a packed arena. — Charlotte Hornets/Facebook

For the sports fans out there, Charlotte is also home to the Carolina Panthers of the NFL, and the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA. For an exciting event, be sure to book a ticket to support these local teams.

11. Airport

An American Airlines Boeing 737 taxiing on an airport runway under a partly cloudy sky. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport - CLT/Facebook

With Charlotte Douglas International Airport in your backyard, the sky's the limit on travel. Whether it is for business or fun, your destination awaits right here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Do you see why everyone should move to Charlotte? Pack a bag for a weekend stay to experience this exciting North Carolina city for yourself. And while you're there, visit some of the best flea markets for a great shopping adventure.

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National & State Parks

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The 9 Very Best Boutiques You’ll Want To Visit In Charlotte

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The Haunted Ghost Tour In North Carolina Is A Paranormal Experience Like No Other

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11 Reasons Living In Charlotte Is The Best And Everyone Should Move Here

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All Stories

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