Charlotte/Elizabeth

• Independence ParkThe city's oldest public park. Though its edges have been eroded by development over the years, it is still sizable and pleasant.

• Central Piedmont Community College

  phone: +1 704 330-6534
  address: 1201 Elizabeth Ave
  This excellent community college is a center of activity. It regularly hosts events of all sizes, and its newly-constructed theater building is already a landmark.

• Charlotte Roller Girls

  address: 310 N Kings Dr, Grade Cole Center
  Quite the bruising and fascinating experience that has really grabbed the attention of many folks in Charlotte. Steadily attracting fans to watch this fast paced sporting event.

• Visulite Theater

  phone: +1 704 358-9200
  address: 1615 Elizabeth Ave
  Long-lived movie theater-turned-music house. Hosts a variety of acts, and is well-reputed as one of the city's most intimate atmospheres.

• Lava Lounge

  phone: +1 704 376-3347
  address: 1420 Elizabeth Ave
  By far the hippest place to go for post-dance chillout. This is literally a lounge, though the small dance floor is often quite active. DJs play a diverse array of music while hookah smoke floats in front of live candles. A very low-key, exotic vibe. Cover charged only after 2AM on Friday and Saturday.

• Heroes Aren't Hard To Find

  address: 1957 E 7th St
  This inviting comic book store has served Charlotte's kids (and kids-at-heart) for nearly 30 years. Friendly service, vivid decor and convenient location nearby are a deli and a coffeeshop for reading -- make this one of Elizabeth's most endearing stores.

• VisArt Video

  address: 1945 E 7th St
  The city's best video store, hands-down. Specializing in independent and foreign films, VisArt's selection puts larger chains to shame. The employees are knowledgeable (and tasteful), and can help you navigate the labyrinth of shelves. Also, the front end of the store has an excellent community bulletin board that is part of the pulse of the local alternative scene.

• Lupie's

  address: 2718 Monroe Rd
  One of the best-loved restaurants in Charlotte, for a variety of reasons. A highly diverse crowd (from families to punk rockers) and casual atmosphere allow anyone to feel at home; the low prices and oversized servings make sure you won't go home hungry. The menu is somewhat limited, but most items are commendable; experiment with the three varieties of chili or the daily specials if you're not sure what to order.

• Cajun Queen

  address: 1800 E 7th St
  Set in a refurbished century-old home, this is one of the jewels of the Elizabeth neighborhood. Very good Cajun cuisine is only one of the attractions; the artsy decor and live jazz bands (upstairs) add to an attractive atmosphere. The service is on-and-off because the restaurant is usually busy. Dinner only.

• Philosopher's Stone

  address: 1958 E 7th St
  Very popular restaurant with both the lunch and dinner crowd, and reasonably priced. A well-rounded beer list and philosophy-themed decor distinguish "the Stone", and it has a solid after-hours scene.

• La-Tea-Da's

  address: 1942 E 7th St
  A quaint coffee-and-tea cafe in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Very close to where 7th St. turns into Monroe Rd., La-Tea-Da's is surrounded by other excellent restaurants and unique shops.

• Fig Tree

  address: 1601 E 7th St
  Continental cuisine with French and Italian influences. Located in a restored 1913 bungalow in the heart of the neighborhood, this is a slightly pricey but well-reputed option for fine dining.

• Carpe Diem Restaurant

  address: 1535 Elizabeth Ave
  This local favorite has survived 20 years in three different locations. Menu has a good variety, including vegetarian options. Consistent quality, service, and interior have kept this restaurant on Zagat and local paper's top restaurants in Charlotte.

• Hawthorne's NY Pizza

  address: 1701 E 7th St
  One of the cornerstones of the neighborhood, this pizza place rarely has a quiet night. Though parking can be a little frustrating during peak hours, Hawthorne's is one of the few good NY-style pizza joints in Charlotte.

• NOFO on Liz

  address: 1609 Elizabeth Ave

• Volare Ristorante Italiano

  address: 1523 Elizabeth Ave

• Showmars

  address: 2004 E. 7th St
  One of many of the local chain's citywide locations, this Greek restaurant is probably the most unique fast-food fare in town. This location is easily walkable from nearby shopping.

• Meskerem

  address: 601 S. Kings Dr
  Lentils or meat served on a large round sheet of bread called injera. Try the avocado salad. Lunch buffet and dinner. Within walking distance of CPCC, or take the Kings Drive bus.

• Eds Tavern

• The Philosophers Stone

• Jackalope Jacks

• Central Piedmont Community College - The main branch is located just southeast of I-277, though there are others scattered around the area. CPCC has been noted as a relatively high-quality community college, and has increasingly integrated itself into the life of the city (though the central campus itself is still a bit bland). Recently, the college constructed a major new theater building, with a landmark statue on its front lawn.

Worship

• Charlotte True Buddha Temple

  phone: +1 704 788-6278
  address: 1601 E 4th St
  Services are held in a Chinese dialect, though many members speak English.

• First United Pentecostal Church

  phone: +1 704 535-1000
  address: 4929 Amity Rd, North Sharon

• Hickory Grove Baptist Church

  phone: +1 704 531-4000
  address: 6050 Hickory Grove Rd
  Just off of busy Harris Blvd, this church has one of the largest membership base in the area. They also have a north campus.

• Revolution Charlotte

  address: 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd
  "Church for the rest of us."

• St. Martin's Episcopal ChurchSitting between 7th Street on Independence Park, St. Martin's is known for being a highly diverse church, which accepts LGBT worshippers.