Neighborhood Explorer: Uptown
Known as the heartbeat of the city, Charlotte’s downtown area, which locals refer to as Uptown, is always in the spotlight.
by Liz Logan Feb 26, 2023
Allen Tate
This Neighborhood Explorer is brought to you in partnership with Allen Tate Realtors.
Named for its geographic positioning, the district’s center is at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets, which once served as a Native American trading path. Along with glistening skyscrapers, up-and-coming developments, cathedrals, historic landmarks and four grid-like wards, both residents and visitors alike, have walkable access to it all – from delicious eateries to contemporary museums.
Eat & Drink
Uptown’s dining scene spans the spectrum of cuisine. La Belle Helene, by Top Chef alumn Jamie Lynch, features French fare, with sister restaurant Church & Union featuring thoughtful dishes alongside a daily prix-fixe menu. For classic American dishes, stop in long-standing Alexander Michael’s, or more fine dining, stroll to Fourth Ward for McNinch House Restaurant or Poplar Tapas Wine & Spirits, each housed in one of the many historic homes lining Church, Poplar and Pine Streets.
For multi-option destinations, head to one of Charlotte’s central food hubs that have something for everyone: The Market at 7th Street with favorite’s like Geno D’s Pizza, or Brevard Court/Latta Arcade, featuring Day & Night Cereal Bar for a nostalgic take on childhood favorites. Later in 2023, Monarch Market, a new food hall concept, will find a home in Uptown’s center: One Independence Center at Trade and Tryon Streets.
Take in rooftop views from Búho Bar, Merchant & Trade, Aura and Farhenheit. Sip craft beer at D9 Brewing, Uptown’s only craft brewery, or grab a beer at Rhino Market & Deli. Stop in one of Uptown’s Not Just Coffee or Night Swim Coffee locations for locally roasted coffee and espresso, the perfect in-hand drink for exploring all Uptown has to offer.
Play
Catch the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and Charlotte FC (MLS) take on rivals at Bank of America Stadium and watch the field be transformed in the off-season and bye-weeks for concerts. Root for the Charlotte Knights (MiLB) at Truist Field, complete with an impressive skyline view. Get on your feet in the Spectrum Center as you cheer on the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) or sing along to big-name music acts.
Uptown houses many of Charlotte’s renowned art institutions including the Mint Museum Uptown – North Carolina’s first art museum, featuring rotating exhibits like Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds; the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art – a contemporary museum with 1,400 works from the mid-20th-century including pieces from Andy Warhol; and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture – a museum, named for Charlotte’s first Black mayor, that celebrates African-American to American culture through exhibits and interactive events.
New to Uptown’s museum scene is Museum of Illusions, an interactive museum with exhibits that are more than meet the eye and are perfect for fun photo ops for date night or the whole family. Discovery Place Science, a family-friendly attraction with science and technology events and exhibits, makes for the perfect afternoon of exploring the world's habitats, IMAX cinema and interactive experiments all under one roof. And, whether an avid fan or NASCAR novice, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must-see museum featuring race cars spanning all 75 years of NASCAR’s history on a real-grade race track exhibit, artifacts (including a moonshine still) and engaging hands-on exhibits.
Shop
Walk the streets of Uptown to local shopping destinations, like The Market at 7th Street. In addition to a range of food purveyors, the market is home to CLT Find, featuring clothing, books, candles, jewelry and more from Charlotte-area vendors, and Mano Bella and Orrman’s Cheese Shop with upscale kitchen essentials. Venture to the Uptown Farmers Market for local food and vendors.
Along Tryon Street nestled in the Wells Fargo Plaza is the Charlotte Visitor Info Center. Alongside resources for how to explore Uptown and beyond are Charlotte-centric gifts from koozies to puzzles. Each of Uptown’s museums – Mint, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center, Museum of Illusions and Discovery Place Science – boast extraordinary gift shops with items ranging from high-end art supplies and games to fine art and plush toys.
Live
If walkable neighborhoods, local shopping, plenty of greenspace, and a vibrant nightlife feels like home, give the real estate experts at Allen Tate a call. Consistently ranked #1 in the Carolinas, feel at ease when you trust the real estate experts at Allen Tate.
