Went to Charlotte (Huntersville: apartment, trip , work)

[ssd3]

I went to Charlotte on Friday to pay my sons tuition at CPCC. We drove around the uptown area. It is very nice and clean with pretty fountains and nice restaurants and office buildings. What I didn't see were nice(ANY) shops. Just restaurants and office buildings. Did I miss something? I wanted to get out and walk around but I really didn't see anything I wanted to walk to (I like to shop). I remember my cousin saying the same thing when she came for a visit to Charlotte. It seems that unless you work in the area there is no other reason to go. Can anyone tell me is there an area that I missed that has these things? Thanks
PS - I had my first Cheerwine...

[MrConfigT]

If you catch uptown during the work week, over street mall has a bunch of shops and there are a few here and there. But largely on the weekends its mostly restaurants and bars with little 'big city shopping' areas. But that's changing. I just don't know exactly when or what is coming.

[bandibadji]

Originally Posted by ssd3

I went to Charlotte on Friday to pay my sons tuition at CPCC. We drove around the uptown area. It is very nice and clean with pretty fountains and nice restaurants and office buildings. What I didn't see were nice(ANY) shops. Just restaurants and office buildings. Did I miss something? I wanted to get out and walk around but I really didn't see anything I wanted to walk to (I like to shop). I remember my cousin saying the same thing when she came for a visit to Charlotte. It seems that unless you work in the area there is no other reason to go. Can anyone tell me is there an area that I missed that has these things? Thanks
PS - I had my first Cheerwine...

Basically, uptown is a business place during daylight hours and an entertainment place after sundown. Sorry, good shopping requires driving someplace else. So, how was the cheerwine?

[ssd3]

Originally Posted by bandibadji

Basically, uptown is a business place during daylight hours and an entertainment place after sundown. Sorry, good shopping requires driving someplace else. So, how was the cheerwine?

Loved the cheerwine

[ssd3]

Originally Posted by MrConfigT

If you catch uptown during the work week, over street mall has a bunch of shops and there are a few here and there. But largely on the weekends its mostly restaurants and bars with little 'big city shopping' areas. But that's changing. I just don't know exactly when or what is coming.

Thanks for the info. It's too bad about the shopping. It would be nice to have shopping (not chain stores) so we could spend the day eating and shopping on the weekends. Charlotte really is a pretty city, it would be nice if everyone could enjoy it. Is this something that others have been missing too or is it just me.

[carolina_guy]

Originally Posted by ssd3

Thanks for the info. It's too bad about the shopping. It would be nice to have shopping (not chain stores) so we could spend the day eating and shopping on the weekends. Charlotte really is a pretty city, it would be nice if everyone could enjoy it. Is this something that others have been missing too or is it just me.

I think it will eventually happen. I think we'll look back at the Epicenter in a few years and realize it was the catalyst that transformed downtown to a thriving, self-supporting city. One that the residents would never have to leave to shop, dine, or receive routine medical services.

[anifani821]

SSD: so glad you got out and about - and makes me smile to know you sought out Cheerwine, LOL!!!!

Used to be, when I was a child, the trip to Belk uptown was a big deal. Now, things shifted to SouthPark Mall and the area around the mall. Great shopping there. Also, lots of good shopping in other areas south of the city.

I agree w/ Carolina Guy - Epicenter is gonna add a much needed dimension uptown.

[XcapefromNJ]

I paid my son's tuition online! But we did also go down to CPCC last week (It was a gorgeous sunny but not too hot day) to buy some books and scout out the express bus stops, and we walked up to the court house at 4th and McDowell and had lunch at Quiznos.

CPCC is having an orientation I think Friday August 1 so we will be back then and you might want to attend also.

[ssd3]

Originally Posted by anifani821

SSD: so glad you got out and about - and makes me smile to know you sought out Cheerwine, LOL!!!!

Used to be, when I was a child, the trip to Belk uptown was a big deal. Now, things shifted to SouthPark Mall and the area around the mall. Great shopping there. Also, lots of good shopping in other areas south of the city.

I agree w/ Carolina Guy - Epicenter is gonna add a much needed dimension uptown.

Thanks Ani. It is nice to get out and about. I am enjoying my temporary stay in Huntersville. There is a lot of shopping and the apartment has a nice pool (we're there 5-6 hours a day!!!!) My DH is not loving having to get take out every night be the kids and I are really enjoying the pool.I will miss all of the conviences once we move out to the "country" next week but am looking forward to the peace and quiet and space in my new neighborhood. I'm not really into mall and chain store shopping. Don't get me wrong they are great for everyday stuff but when going into the city I love specialty type of shops.

[ssd3]

Originally Posted by XcapefromNJ

I paid my son's tuition online! But we did also go down to CPCC last week (It was a gorgeous sunny but not too hot day) to buy some books and scout out the express bus stops, and we walked up to the court house at 4th and McDowell and had lunch at Quiznos.

CPCC is having an orientation I think Friday August 1 so we will be back then and you might want to attend also.

Thanks Xcape. My son won't be down until Aug 10th. But thanks for the info. I wish my son could take public transportation. I'm a little nervious about him driving an hour into the city. He is a country boy who never really drives in traffic. Oh well I guess he has to learn sometime and I need to learn how to cut the "cord".