Charlotte/Myers Park

Myers Park is best traveled by car or bike. Despite its location near the city center, the neighborhood was originally intended to be an auto-oriented suburb. Thus, attempting to walk through the district can be a tiring and sometimes dangerous ordeal.
For visitors without an automobile, a bus or taxi is the next-best option for visiting Myers Park. If taking the bus , the #6 (Kings Rd), #14 (Providence Rd), #15 (Randolph Rd), #19 (Park Rd) and #20 (Queens/Sharon Rd) bus routes all serve the neighborhood; consult a map before embarking if you are trying to end up in a particular destination.

Most of the attractions in Myers Park involve sightseeing and low-intensity tourism. The neighborhood is full of elegant avenues, which are lined with huge oak trees. The trees create a canopy (often compared to a cathedral ceiling) which keeps the streets cool even during the oppressive North Carolina summertime. For visitors short on time, a simple drive through the neighborhood is worthwhile in order to view the large, historic mansions along the major thoroughfares.
For visitors with more time on their hands, there are several attractions worth a casual visit:

• Freedom ParkA large and scenic park located in the historic Myers Park neighborhood. Walking trails circle a large pond, which is populated by friendly ducks and geese. This is also a relatively busy park, and a favorite of joggers and families. Each year it is host to a number of special events, including a large festival each fall. It includes a bandshell for performances, and extensive sporting facilities.

• Queens University of CharlotteA historic liberal arts university in the Myers Park neighborhood, noted for its scenic setting. Once a Presbyterian women's college, Queens went co-ed in the 1980s and features a business school founded by prominent Charlotte businessman Hugh McColl. Its brick-lined sidewalks are pleasant and scenic, and its landmarks a statue of the goddess Diana and a large, modern clock tower -- are good for snapshots.

Myers Park is home to some of Charlotte's most important cultural attractions. Queens University regularly hosts major performers and speakers, and Freedom Park's events list includes the can't-miss Festival In The Park: a huge collection of regional artisans and performers, and countless food vendors.
In addition, the neighborhood quietly hosts two major museums:

• The Mint Museum of Art

  address: 2730 Randolph Rd
  Charlotte's main art museum is located in the original building of the Charlotte Mint (see History), which was moved from its location at Mint St. Though its permanent collection is somewhat lacking, it regularly hosts high-quality traveling exhibits from around the world. Its primary strengths are American art and ceramics; colonial/pre-colonial art; and costumes and other decorative art from many countries. Not a must-see, but worth a visit if you are in Charlotte for more than a couple of days or have a special interest in art.

• Nature Museum

  address: 1658 Sterling Rd
  Discovery Place affiliate, this kid-friendly museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on nature and biology. A butterfly garden, nature trail and live animals offer additional attractions.

Other neighborhood attractions:

• Manor Theater

  address: 607 Providence Rd
  The best place in Charlotte for independent and "artsy" cinema. Very well-reputed, even though it doesn't have the cutting-edge amenities of larger theaters. Just south of Uptown.

• Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary

  address: 248 Ridgewood Ave
  Only three acres in scope, it is designed to make the most of its winding paths, reflecting pools and formal gardens. A breathtakingly beautiful attraction in the springtime, it is ideal for relaxation and escape from city bustle. The large home in front of the sanctuary was built in 1927.

• Park Terrace 6

  address: 4289 Park Rd
  Small (six-screen) theater in the Park Road Shopping Center. Shows independent and limited-run films, and occasional foreign movies. Cozy and friendly, very non-commercial in nature.

• Park Road Shopping Center is worth a visit, and can easily take up an afternoon of leisurely shopping. Charlotte's first true shopping center, this long strip of stores still has its old 1950s-style sign. Included among its tenants are a good bookstore, a pet store, an excellent toy store, an old-fashioned hardware store, a drug store, restaurants, a bakery, a barber shop and a movie theater. Visit during the fall when the leaves of Myers Park are in full color, and outdoor shopping is most comfortable.

• Mint Museum of Art Gift Shop

  address: 2730 Randolph Rd
  Not a major retail destination, but it's bursting with unique gift and souvenir ideas.

• Park Road Books

  phone: +1 704 525-9239
  address: 4139 Park Rd
  Charlotte is not known for having an abundance of bookstores, but this is among the better ones in the area. Has a decent selection, and a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

If you are traveling on the cheap, don't bother trying to eat in the heart of Myers Park (unless you visit the student union at Queens University). The neighborhood's restaurant selection is predominantly upscale, with prices and attitudes to match. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-quality dining experience, Myers Park has some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants.
Those looking for more moderate prices would do well to try the area around Park Road Shopping Center, which has a fair variety of options.

• Etienne Jaulin's Townhouse

  address: 1011 Providence Rd

• Fenwick's

  address: 511 Providence Rd

• Fuel Pizza

  address: 4267 Park Rd
  Pizza by the slice, for reasonably low prices. This local chain has been successful with a menu of pizza, wings and calzones.

• Maharani Indian Cuisine

  address: 601 S Kings Dr

• Mama Fu's Noodle House

  address: 1600 E Woodlawn Rd
  Upscale Chinese takeout that is relatively easy on the wallet. Easy to find -- you can't miss the giant bowl of noodles over the front door.

• Mama Ricotta's

  address: 601 S Kings Dr
  Excellent Italian food and pizza at reasonable prices ($8-14 entrees, less at lunch). Penne alla vodka is their signature dish. Known for its highly fashionable interior and attentive service.

• The Melting Pot

  address: 901 S Kings Dr
  Ste 140-B (2F). Pricey, but worthwhile fondue restaurant. Excellent for romantic and special occasions; offers packages for couples on Valentine's Day and other special events. Good atmosphere and service.

• Meskere

  address: 601 S Kings Dr

• Nolen Kitchen

  address: 2839 Selwyn Ave
  Contemporary American cuisine with a large wine list.

• Sir Edmond Halley's

  address: 4151 Park Rd
  Can you say "beer by the yard?" Located in a neat alcove of Charlotte's oldest shopping center, it is a good place to stop for lunch while exploring the nearby shops.

• Suarez Bakery

  address: 4245 Park Rd
  Having been a bakery since the early 1950s, this location has become a favorite among Charlotte residents of all ages. Everything from cakes, doughnuts, and cookies, to pies, breads, various deserts, and special order confections are made fresh from scratch every day.

• Selwyn Avenue Pub

  address: 2801 Selwyn Ave

• Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar

  address: 801 Providence Rd
  Well-reputed wine bar with award-winning wine list.

As a residential neighborhood, Myers Park only has a few hotel options. If you need to sleep nearby, look for accommodations in Uptown or SouthPark.

• The Duke Mansion

  phone: +1 704 714-4400
  address: 400 Hermitage Rd
  If you can afford it, this is one of the city's most unique experiences. Everything about the historic mansion (built 1915 and the home of the famous Duke family) screams old-money, and a stay there is second to none in luxury. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Worship

• Charlotte Community of Mindfulness

  phone: +1 704 583-1279
  address: 1931 Selwyn Ave
  Meets in Room 27 for weekly meditation.

• Myers Park Presbyterian Church

  phone: +1 704 376-3695
  address: 2501 Oxford Pl
  Long-tenured church in a landmark Gothic building.