I'm going to be visiting Charlotte

[joneschick]

my husband has been working in Charlotte and home to Milwaukee on weekends since January. Now I will get to see where he's been. I will be there July 20-24. He's been bringing me issues of your free newspaper "skirt" and I see sooooo many wonderful things! Help me plan a great weekend? We like the outdoors, theatre, books (especially used book stores)dining other than the usual chains.....tours of historic homes, coffee and the occasional game of Scrabble. Anybody want to show us their favorite haunts?
thx!

[wildeyed]

1. Welcome!

I love Skirt!

For music, The Evening Muse is fun. http://www.queencitymusic.com/theeveningmuse/default.htm It is a small venue in the NoDa neighborhood, and there are many restaurants and galleries in that area, too.

For a small theater experience, I really like CAST. http://www.nccast.com/

If you wanted to do something outside, the botanical gardens is nice, although it may be a bit on the warm side in late July. http://www.dsbg.org/index.php

For historic houses, here is an idea. http://www.charlottemuseum.org/learn/exhibits/homesite.html I have not actually been here, but I am planning to go this summer.

Enjoy your visit to the Queen City!

[GreenInNC]

2. Welcome

I want to second the suggestions that Wildeyed has made, she has good taste.

A fun area to visit that has several of things you are looking for is the Plaza Midwood area. There is a used book store on the corner of Plaza and Central. There are several really cool antique/second hand stores along Central Ave as well as a very good bakery (Nova's) and a pretty good pizza place (Fuel Pizza). Along Thomas St. you have a funky shops along with Thomas St. Tavern and The Penquin.