How to Explore Charlotte Based on Your Enneagram Type
Make travel plans in Charlotte according to your Enneagram type.
by Chelsea Galusky Sep 18, 2019
With so much to see and do in the Queen City, it may be hard for visitors and even locals to choose which neighborhood to visit or restaurant to try. To make things easier for your weekend or week-long stay, here are some of the best places to explore in Charlotte based on your Enneagram number.
Type 1: The Reformer
If you’re a Type 1, you’re principled, purposeful and most likely, a perfectionist. Driven by being your best self every day, you appreciate structure, organization and also uphold high standards — even on vacation.
Stay: Ones will appreciate the clean and modern European design inside the AC Hotel Charlotte City Center in the heart of Uptown. When the sun starts setting, venture upstairs to Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo for a spectacular view of the city skyline.
Eat: Mark your calendar to participate in Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, happening every January and July. Select your cuisine of choice from one of the 130+ participating restaurants and look through the three-course prix fixe menus online before making your reservation.
Do: Head over to the U.S. National Whitewater Center for any of the outdoor facility’s year-round events, festivals, trail races and film screenings. These activities will inspire you to find your purpose and become a better person inside and out.
Annual Charlotte Event: Ones will thrive on diligently training for the city’s yearly Novant Health Charlotte Marathon occurring every November.
Type 2: The Helper
If you’re a two, you like to love and be loved. Typically, you’re a generous, emotionally supportive person who is constantly putting others before yourself. When it comes to vacation, you get the most joy out of planning a special trip for friends or family.
Stay: Surprise your loved one with a stay at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel and get ready to be treated like royalty. After taking in views of the sunset at its rooftop bar, Merchant & Trade, help cheer on the Charlotte Knights at the BB&T Ballpark or support any of the worthy events happening at Romare Bearden Park.
Eat: Speaking of generosity, The King’s Kitchen donates 100% of its profits to feed those in need. Started by Chef Jim Noble of Noble Food and Pursuits, The King’s Kitchen partners with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Dream Center and other local nonprofits to provide job training for Charlotteans in search of a fresh start.
For an extra dose of Southern hospitality, stop by Mert’s Heart & Soul or Queen City Q as well.
Do: Learn about the humble beginnings and far-reaching impact of Charlotte native Billy Graham at The Billy Graham Library. If you feel so inspired, offer to shop for good or volunteer with SHARE Charlotte while you’re in town.
Annual Charlotte Event: Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for equal rights by attending the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in February.
Type 3: The Achiever
Threes are success-oriented and won’t settle for an average vacation. Motivated by success, you aim to excel at everything you do.
Stay: To feel “simply the best, better than all the rest,” threes are encouraged to check out the newly renovated Omni Charlotte Hotel. With the Queen City’s ties to gold mining and being a financial banking powerhouse, don’t miss out on observing the hotel’s luxe décor and lounging on the rooftop pool.
Eat: Fahrenheit will take you on an impressive culinary trip around the world. After devouring menu items like the Crispy Tempura Rock Shrimp, head out to the restaurant’s rooftop patio for a breathtaking view of the city. And because you’re an overachiever, stand out from the crowd and capture yourself in front of the stunning backdrop for a new LinkedIn profile photo.
Do: Since Charlotte is in the heart of NASCAR country, make sure to mark your calendars to attend the NASCAR All-Star Race, Coca-Cola 600 or Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then, learn about the legends of sport at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Pro tip: If you upgrade to an annual membership at the Hall, you’ll receive free admission and will be one of the first to know about exclusive members-only events and special announcements.
Annual Charlotte Event: To catch even more action, attend the International Champions Cup, featuring the world’s top soccer clubs, or the Wells Fargo Championship, a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour.
Type 4: The Individualist
Fours are romantics that appreciate what is special and unique, even when traveling. As an individualist, you relish art, music, theater and fashion as a way to inspire your own self-expression.
Stay: Originally the home of J.B. Ivey & Company Department Store, The Ivey’s Hotel is a boutique hotel redefining luxury travel, offering an eclectic mix of custom décor and Parisian-inspired details. An extra perk: The hotel is also within walking distance to Blumenthal Performing Arts, the city’s hub for Broadway shows, theater performances and concerts.
Eat: 5Church is an industrial-chic steakhouse with dramatic interior design. Read Sun Tzu’s The Art of War painted on the ceiling, and see for yourself why Condé Nast Traveler calls this hot spot “Charlotte’s sexiest restaurant.”
Do: Travel back in time to an era where chivalry reigns supreme at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. The festival’s outdoor theater, jousting tournaments and artisan market are available to the public from October to November.
Annual Charlotte Event: Show your true colors and celebrate the LGBTQ community at the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade held in August.
Type 5: The Investigator
Fives are constantly curious, appreciate history and are life-long learners. If you have this personality type, research the City of Charlotte beforehand so you can understand the city’s history and embrace the future.
Stay: As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Dunhill Hotel was designed by North Carolina’s first architect, Louis H. Asbury, whose works are listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Those with an eye for period design will appreciate its American, British and Italian décor.
Eat: Wine and dine on food you can make yourself at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. Cooking classes take place throughout the week and range from beginner to advanced. Book a spot early – these classes fill up quickly (especially when top Charlotte chefs stop by to be guest teachers).
Do: Experience the Queen City by going on a tour of Charlotte’s most historical landmarks. If you’d rather learn on your own, try a self-guided tour through any of the museums in Charlotte.
Annual Charlotte Event: Attend a college sports event in the city including the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, Belk Bowl or ACC Baseball Championship.
Type 6: The Loyalist
If you’re a six, you’re committed and responsible when it comes to your personal and professional life. As a security-focused six, traveling to the Queen City will be a breeze if you book one of the 700-plus direct flights to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. When it comes to play, all-inclusive activities are ideal so that you don’t have to worry about all of the details.
Stay: The Ritz-Carlton has everything you need without even having to go outside. Spend the day at the Spa and Aqua Lounge; meet up for cocktails at The Punch Room; feast at BLT Steakhouse; listen to live music at K Lounge; and get dessert at Bar Cocoa. The swanky hotel also has beehives at its rooftop garden, so make sure to pack a jar of chemical-free, raw Cloister Honey as a souvenir.
Eat: There are quite a few tried and true casual eateries that got their start in Charlotte. Find your new go-to meal at any of these original Charlotte chain restaurant franchises—from Midwood Smokehouse to YAFO Kitchen.
Do: Topgolf, a high-tech driving range with a full-service restaurant and bar, is a premier entertainment destination for people of all ages. Book one of the venue’s 102 climate-controlled bays or head inside to play a competitive arcade game.
Annual Charlotte Event: As a loyalist, holidays and traditions are extremely important to you. To recognize the day of giving thanks, go to one of the largest celebrations in Charlotte: the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade, started in 1947.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
When it comes to planning new adventures, sevens are certified experts. As a spontaneous adventurer, avoid FOMO by planning a trip to Charlotte centered around an event, concert or game.
Stay: Steps away from the Charlotte Convention Center, Bank of America Stadium and Whole Foods, The Westin is close to it all. Release the extra energy of being in a new city on one of the hotel’s Peloton bikes or by taking a ride on the LYNX light rail.
Eat: Charlotte food halls are great for those who want a one-stop spot to try a little bit of everything. 7th Street Public Market and the newly opened Optimist Hall offers just that.
Do: Fan out over your favorite artist at a show happening at any of Charlotte’s live music venues. This is your chance to belt your heart out and bond with other adoring fans.
Annual Charlotte Event: Cheer on Charlotte pro sports teams including the NFL Carolina Panthers, NBA Charlotte Hornets, AHL Charlotte Checkers, MiLB Charlotte Knights and Charlotte Independence soccer team.
Type 8: The Challenger
If you’re an eight, you’re strong-willed, confident and bold. Make yourself feel right at home in settings where you can turn up the heat and let your free spirit soar.
Stay: Aloft Charlotte Uptown at the EpiCentre has a cool vibe that puts you right in the middle of all of the action. If you’re not ready to go to bed, head downstairs to the Epicentre to experience Charlotte’s electric nightlife.
Eat: Charlotte breweries serve more than just craft beer. Pair your pint with menu items offered from local food trucks or the brewery’s in-house restaurant. Then, challenge friends to pub trivia, a fitness class or board game.
Do: Whether you prefer boats, jet skis, tubing or water slides, make a splash at any of Charlotte’s lakes or waterparks.
Annual Charlotte Event: Go green at the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival featuring Irish dance performances, floats, flags and more.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Nines like to connect with people and their inner selves. Make space in your travel plans to disconnect from the noise of daily life with ample time to chill.
Stay: Charlotte Marriott City Center will pique your curiosity. Tuck away for some reading time at Coco and the Director; wine and dine at Stoke; and share feedback at any of the “like buttons” installed throughout the hotel.
Eat: Feel one with nature by eating at any of the Charlotte plant-based restaurants. Local favorites include: Living Kitchen, Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth, Fern, Roots Café and Bean.
Do: There’s something about dancing in Charlotte that makes you feel one with the music and those around you. For a tutorial beforehand, check out events like The Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night to learn something new.
Annual Charlotte Event: For more than 20 years, the family-friendly Festival of India event draws thousands of visitors to the city for a weekend filled with educational activities, yoga demonstrations and Indian dance.
