passport magazine: sweet & sassy charlotte

Sweet and Sassy

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De-planing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with its whitewashed rocking

chairs adorning a tree-lined atrium, even the most jaded traveler’s angst will quickly

diminish. The waft of barbecue hanging in the air, I felt as though I had walked onto the

midway at the county fair instead of arriving at baggage claim. Hello, Queen City!

by Matthew Wexler

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Now home to 700,000 inhabitants, the original Charlottewas named after the wife of King George III in 1769, anhomage to the motherland that would quickly turn sourat the start of the American Revolution. This well-trav-eled trade route was followed by the tobacco industry,

textiles, and banking. Today, Charlotte is the second-largest financialcenter in the US, second only to New York City. It is an adolescentcity—a mixed bag of Old South and burgeoning culture, food, and fash-ion—not always quite sure of what it wants to be when it grows up, butwith genuine heart and hospitality.

All eyes have been on Charlotte this year as the site of the 2012Democratic National Convention. Strong campaigning from MayorAnthony Foxx and support from Duke Energy’s Chief Executive Offi-cer Jim Rogers helped secure the state’s first-ever convention. Withmore than a year of preparation and planning under its belt, the cityexpects an economic impact upwards of $200 million.

North Carolina has also been an LGBT hot button since the spring,when the state passed Amendment 1 banning same-sex marriage. Whilethe amendment passed with a margin of more than 20 percent, Meck-lenburg County (in which Charlotte resides) was one of eight counties(out of a hundred) that voted against the amendment. Lawana Mayfield,Charlotte’s first openly gay city council member was elected this pastfall. “I'm hoping that I've opened a door for others,” she said upon hervictory. “Show up in [the] community and doors will be open to youjust for being who you are."

I found Ms. Mayfield’s statement to be true when I “showed up” inCharlotte. Residents were friendly and inviting, and most of all, hum-ble. On several occasions I would hear, “Well, we’re not New York, orLA, or San Francisco.” And I thought…good. Those coastal gay mec-cas have plenty to offer, but the United States is more than 2,500 mileswide and in-between there are plenty of places for LGBT travelers toexplore and experience our country’s rich and diverse heritage.

Charlotte’s Uptown is a mixed bag of the city’s towering finan-cial institutions as well as first-rate hotels, retail shopping, arts,and a number of fine restaurants. The Dunhill Hotel, built in

1929 and designed by noted architect Louis Asbury, Sr. in a neo-classi-cal style, is one of the city’s benchmark properties. For a truly spectac-ular stay, book the penthouse suite that features the property’s originalmarble floor, private art collection, meticulously crafted draperies, andbest of all—a panoramic view of the Charlotte skyline.

Whether or not you choose to stay at the Dunhill, the adjacent Har-vest Moon Grille is a must-stop dining experience. Executive Chef andproprietor Cassie Parsons (named “Restaurateur of the Year” by CharlotteMagazine) crafts a seasonal menu that draws upon independent farmersfrom within a 100-mile radius. One of these is Grateful Growers Farmin nearby Lincoln County, which is overseen by her partner Natalie Veres.The couple is an understated powerhouse in Charlotte’s food movementand as down to earth as a plate of Parsons’ Glen Reid Farms Love Loaf(a homestyle spin on meatloaf). You’ll also find international flair on themenu with an Asian sesame salad or Moroccan–style raised pork shank.After my meal, I took a stroll through the nearby Fourth Ward, a charm-ing neighborhood nestled with tree-lined streets and restored Victorianhomes. If you happen to visit during the holidays, you can take a peekinside these luxurious properties during the Friends of the Fourth WardHoliday Home Tour.

Also located uptown is The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte’s first LEEDGold-certified hotel. Eco-friendly construction initiatives helpedreduce the property’s energy use by 30 percent. Sustainable businesspractices include a vegetated roof that reduces “urban island heateffect” and the Spa & Wellness Center, that features a bromine-treatedswimming pool and organic products. Skip the taxi and, instead, takeadvantage of the complimentary bike valet. The 146-room boutiquehotel still maintains the luxurious amenities that have become synony-mous with the brand. I took advantage of afternoon tea and sampled adelightful array of tea sandwiches, petits fours, and loose-leaf teas.Urban Sip, on the 15th floor, offers a dizzying 90 wines by the glassand another 35 single-malt and other Scotches. The pièce de résistance,though, is Bar Cocoa. Enjoy exquisite chocolates and desserts any timeof day, or skip a traditional dinner altogether and enjoy a Chocolate &Champagne Prixe Fix eDessert Dinner. If you feel as if you need toearn your sweet tooth, take a class at the Cocoa Lab, the hotel’s state-

of-the-art culinary facility offering hands-onworkshops ranging from Southern favorites toclassical French desserts.

From the art of chocolate to a thriving artsscene, Charlotte’s cultural landscape hasfervently evolved over the past several

years, due in large part to the collaborativeefforts of public and private funding to buildthe Duke Energy Center, a 48-story officetower valued at $883 million. Begun byWachovia and completed by Wells Fargo, thecampus includes four cultural venues that weretied into the project and further made possibleby The Campaign for Cultural Facilities and asubstantial grant from the Levine Foundation.The resulting Levine Center for the Arts(which includes the Mint Museum Uptown,Knight Theater, Bechtler Museum of ModernArt and the Harvey B. Gantt Center) is a gemfit for Queen Charlotte’s crown. “These muse-ums have fed a deep seeded love of art in thecity,” says Charlotte Center City Partner’s Sen-

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A brushstroke away is the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, afamily collection generously donated to the city by Andreas Bechtler.An artist himself, Bechtler inherited a substantial number of modernmasterpieces amassed by his parents, Hans and Bessie Bechtler, manyof which had never been seen before in the United States. Walkingamong the intimate works of Miró, Giacometti, Picasso, and Warhol, Iimagined being a fly on the wall at a Bechtler dinner party, as theseartists were often invited to one of the Bechtler estates to hone theircraft. This fall the museum presents “Giacometti: Memory and Pres-ence,” a collection of sculptures, paintings, prints, and drawings thatexemplifies the work of the master of 20th-century modernism.

For live performance, head to the North Carolina Blumenthal Per-forming Arts Center, home to North Carolina Dance Theatre,Opera Carolina, and Queen City Theatre Company (the city’sLGBT-friendly producing organization), among others. The multi-venue complex offers everything from touring Broadway shows andinternationally recognized artists to local musical performers, poetryslams, and comedy shows.

Charlotte continues to blossom into a city that respects peopleof all walks of life, including their LGBT community.

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ior Vice President of Communications and Chief Operating OfficerMoira Quinn, “Visitors and residents alike flock to the museums andto the streets to see the public art installations. Debates rage over‘what is art?’ but that is the heart of excellent art; it speaks to eachof us in its own way and fosters discussion and emotion.”

The Mint Museum Uptown (the Randolph Road location was NorthCarolina’s first art museum and an original branch of the US Mint) hous-es the Mint Museum of Craft + Design as well as notable pieces ofAmerican, contemporary, and European art. To celebrate the opening in2010, the museum commissioned ten of the world’s leading craft artists tocreate pieces in a variety of mediums. “Sophisticated Surfaces: The Pot-tery of Herb Cohen” shows at the Randolph location through January2013. The openly gay master potter served as the Mint’s Acting Directorin the late 1960s and only recently returned back to Charlotte after decadesof running his own studio in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. “Against theGrain,” an examination of woodworking in contemporary art, premiers atthe Mint Uptown in September before transferring in February 2013 toNew York City’s Museum of Arts and Design.

Charlotte Royals Rugby Team

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Meanwhile, Center City, home of the splashy multi-million dol-lar arts complex, NoDa (North of Davidson), is seeing its own cre-ative renaissance as a historic arts district. You might show up as Idid wondering what all the fuss is about. The first time I visited, Iwandered up and down North Davidson Street on a Sunday afternoonand was underwhelmed, with the exception of $3 Bloody Marys andsuper-fresh Baja cuisine from Cabo Fish Taco. Take two: visit on thefirst or third Friday night of the month for the local Gallery Crawland you will find doors ajar that lead to tiny art galleries, whilemusic spills onto the street. Quirky finds include Dog Bar, the onlypet-friendly bar in town; the Neighborhood Theatre, an old moviehouse that has been converted into a live performance venue; andSmelly Cat Coffeehouse, where you can mingle with the locals overa steaming cup of Vienna roast.

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Charlotte’s retail scene requires a bit more navigation, but withpersistence and a keen eye, you’ll discover independentretailers that are a cut above the usual chain stores. Wander-

ing around uptown one afternoon, I stumbled upon EpiCentre, amainstream entertainment complex that is better suited for a bache-lor party gone awry. Unless you’re craving karaoke and Buffalowings, put on your tunnel vision and head to Revolution, a fantasticshop that features brands like Hudson denim, Jonathan Adler homefurnishings, and Junk Food graphic t-shirts. Revolution’s president,Brandon Viebrock, believes a fashion-forward Charlotte is in thefuture, but that there is a ways to go. “It is our philosophy to pioneerand stay a bit avant-garde, but the economy limits the ability to pushthe envelope like we would like to,” says Viebrock, “I think we arecloser to the beat when it comes to food and beverage.” Maybe so,but I couldn’t have been happier with my stylish Ben Sherman over-coat and would have shopped longer had I not planned to check outViebrock’s new concept restaurant, Leroy Fox, an enigmatic fiction-al character who apparently has a penchant for Kosher, free-rangefried chicken, and whiskey.

My favorite neighborhood in Charlotte is an under-the-radar sec-tion northeast of Center City. Plaza Midwood is peppered with thriftstores, tattoo shops, and a handful of über cool spots that put theirstamps on the New South. Soul Gastrolounge features a globalmash-up menu ranging from sushi and small plates to panini and“soul made” ice cream. If the menu doesn’t leave your head spinning,the rotating roster of disc jockeys will, creating a friendly vibe rem-iniscent of your favorite late night pub-crawl. Common Market,around the corner, riffs on the general store but takes it to a wholenew level with wine and beer tastings and free live music every Sat-urday night. It’s a local hangout where you can drop by for a sand-wich or unpretentious bottle of wine. For a splash of something dif-ferent head to Petra’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, where you can findeverything from an amateur drag night to a jazz piano performance.

The city’s gay scene is “a diamond in the rough” according toShane Windmeyer, LGBT civil rights pioneer and founder andexecutive director of Campus Pride, the only national non-

profit organization for student leaders and campus groups working tocreate a safer college environment for LGBT students. “I moved withmy partner to Charlotte in 1997, and Charlotte has grown quite a bitsince then,” Windmeyer shares, “People ask ‘Why Charlotte?’ and Ianswer ‘Why not?’ Southern states and cities need to have LGBT rep-resentation to positively influence the city by having progressiveorganizations based here. Charlotte continues to blossom into a citythat respects people of all walks of life, including their LGBT com-munity.” The Human Rights Campaign Gala at the Charlotte Con-vention Center last February attracted approximately 1,500 guests.Mayor Anthony Foxx announced, even at that time, that he would bevoting against Amendment 1. Also in attendance was Steve Kerrigan,the first openly gay Democratic National Convention CommitteeCEO. For the next generation, Campus Pride has established theNational LGBT-Friendly College Fair Program that will host events insix cities across the country, including Charlotte.

These efforts have trickled down to Charlotte’s gay nightlife scene.Sonny Kong, co-promotions manager at Marigny, a decadent night-club that has helped gentrify the South End, says, “I was born andraised in Charlotte but left to pursue my creative passions. When Icame back ten years later, the community was much more acceptingand progressive. Now I’m finding I can do anything here and bring it

Discover your inner Ironman at the US National WhitewaterCenter. The breathtaking 400-acre complex features the world’s

largest, man-made whitewater river. Whether you are an experi-

enced kayaker or want to hop in a raft with a professional guide,

a trip down the Class II, III, and IV rapids is undeniably exhilarat-

ing. The USNWC offers an Olympic-worthy array of activities

beyond the river. Grab an AllSport Daily Pass for a bargain price

of $54 and take advantage of the many offerings that will exhila-

rate you. Highlights include the Ridge Course, an aerial ropes

course comprising a seven unique challenges, a 46-foot climbing

wall (one of the largest in the world), mountain biking amid 14

miles of scenic woodland trails, and various zip lines through

South Ridge canyon. For a final Oscar-worthy stunt, jump off the

46-foot-tall Mega Tower, which utilizes a free fall system pio-

neered in the film industry. At the end of your day, enjoy a well-

earned meal at the River’s Edge Bar and Grill overlooking the

river. Be sure to try one of their 20 craft beers on tap, including

many microbrews from North Carolina. Free concerts are sched-

uled throughout the summer months and will provide the perfect

end to your outdoor adventure. www.usnwc.org. –Matthew Wexler

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to the forefront. I’ve seen that many establishments can now co-existwith the same creative vision.” Kong has used the nightclub platformto benefit local and national LGBT organizations with Be Proud, amonthly awareness-raising dance party. Past beneficiaries haveincluded HRC, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, and PrideCharlotte. Charlotte has a handful of other gay establishments, alleasy to navigate with the help of The Pocket Rocket Guide. Someclubs are membership-only, so be sure to investigate ahead of time soyou’re not turned away.

For a city of less than a million, Charlotte has a surprisingly largenumber of LGBT bars and clubs, many of which have a longstandingpresence in the community. Whether you’re a bear or a twink, skinny orbuff, there is a place for you among the dozen or so spots. Casual hang-outs include the lesbian-friendly Hartigan’s Irish Pub, that features aninviting outdoor patio, The Bar at 316, a neighborhood landmark formore than 20 years, and Central Station, a low-key hangout in thePlaza Midwood neighborhood where you can mingle with the localsand shoot pool for free until 8 P.M.

If you have a specific kind of night in mind, Charlotte won’t dis-appoint. The Woodshed Lounge draws a manly crowd of leatherand scruff (be sure to check out Boxer Night on Thursdays) while

The Nickel Bar is one of the newer establishments on the scenewhich caters to the African American community, although all arewelcome. Want to catch the latest sports event? Head to Sidelines

Sports Bar & Billards where you also have your hand at darts, foos-ball, or one of the local rugby players. For something more on thewild side, head to Chasers, Charlotte’s only male exotic dance clubthat also features a rotating roster of drag divas including FeliciaMonet, ‘the Mouth of the South’ Elaine Davis, and Angela Lopez’sdrag extravaganza. The Scorpio is Charlotte’s longest-running night-club complex (42 years!) but you won’t feel your age—or theirs—with a revolving roster of drag superstars, many of which haveappeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

My night at Marigny involved dodging Mardi Gras beads, aerialballet (observing, not participating), and plenty of time on the dancefloor, pulsing with the crowd to the remixes of DJ Peter Presta. Amidthe multi-cultural, cross-generational packed house, one incident inparticular reminded me of what makes cities like Charlotte so charm-ing. A young guy with a Justin Bieber frock, polyester disco shirt,and oversized wool coat walked by. I must have given an eye roll—not uncommon when you’ve reached a certain age and unbridledfashion disasters somehow become stylish—and a passer-by noticed,saying to me without the slightest tinge of piss and vinegar, “Aw,come on. He’s just here to have a good time like everyone else.”

These are just some of the examples of Charlotte’s special charms.The city also has sweet tea and an even sweeter disposition, it’s hometo the Charlotte Royals gay rugby team and Buff Faye’s DragBrunch, and arguably it has the best barbecue east of the Mississip-pi. Most of all, Charlotte has the ability to change.

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$%&%'()*#&+,'-(.#,&/01234*56789, Tel: 704-277-6710. Based in Charlotte,the organization celebrates ten years as the only nationalnon-profit committed to developing resources, programs,and services to support LGBT and ally students at col-leges across the United States. :::;<0123426789;=6>

/?06@=AA9*'9>7=B0@*C747A=64*(3A?=67AD*is a comprehen-sive online resource for what’s happening throughout theQueen City. www.crva.com

.?9* )$E.* /=113B7AD* /9BA96* =F* /?06@=AA9* offerseverything from Bear Yoga to knitting classes, along witha host of special events throughout the year. :::;>0DG<?06@=AA9;<=1*

.?9*5=<H9A*'=<H9A*$3789* is your treasure map to allthings queer in Charlotte and fits snuggly in your backpocket, or hop online for a virtual tour of the city’s bestqueer haunts. :::;2=<H9A6=<H9A>3789;<=1I<?06@=AA9

(//,--,J(.#,&K*.?9*J3H9*-0B47=B, 400 Hermitage Road. Tel: 704-714-4400. This Meyers Park neighborhood gem, part ofJames B. Duke’s legacy, now operates as a charmingbed and breakfast. Rooms from $179. :::;83H910BG47=B;<=1

.?9*J3B?7@@* L=A9@, 237 N. Tryon Street. Tel: 800-354-4141. Celebrating more than 80 years, the historicalproperty features neo-classical touches and modernamenities, and is within walking distance of the lush,pedestrian-friendly Fourth Ward. Rooms from $199.www.dunhillhotel.com

.?9* '7AMG/06@A=B, 201 E. Trade Street. Tel: 704-547-2244. The first LEED Gold-certified hotel in Charlotte, the146-room boutique hotel features all the deluxe ameni-ties you’d expect, including a bi-level Spa & WellnessCenter and dramatic cityscape views. Rooms from $299.www.ritzcarlton.com/charlotte

'%K.(N'(&.KE06*/=<=0O*.?9*/=<=0*)0PO*0B8*/?=<=@0A9*Q*/?01G20>B9*J94496A*J7BB96, The Ritz Carlton, 201 E. TradeStreet. Tel: 704-547-2244. Grab a sweet confection fromthe European-style café, have your hand at chocolatemaking, or indulge in a decadent multi-course dinner ofsweets and bubbles. :::;67AM<06@A=B;<=1I<?06@=AA9

E3FF* +0D9R4* K3B80D* J60>* E63B<?, Hartigan's Pub &Restaurant, 601 S. Cedar Street. Tel: 704-347-1841. Allyou can eat never tasted so good with the special serv-ings from Buff Faye—former winner of the Miss $1.98Pageant at the HideAway among other illustrious dragtitles. :::;47A9;P3FFF0D9;<=1

/0P=*+74?*.0<=, 3201 N. Davidson Street. Tel: 704-332-8868. Head to NoDa, Charlotte’s historic arts district, fora taste of authentic coastal Mexican cuisine. Don’t missthe barbecue mahi-mahi tacos and Sunday drink spe-cials including $3 Bloody Marys and Mimosas.www.cabofishtaco.com

/=11=B* -06H9A, 2007 Commonwealth Avenue.Tel: 704-334-6209. The local deli gets a makeoverwith a surprising wine and beer selection, live musicon the weekends, and a friendly, neighborhoodatmosphere where all types converge to hang out.www.commonmarketisgood.com

9"*91967@R4*90A96D, 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts. Tel:704-414-4787. Bam! A taste of New Orleans arrives inCharlotte with a splash of Lagasse panache. Add a bevyof young culinary talent from Johnson & Wales, andyou’ve got a recipe for an inventive take on new Ameri-can cuisine. :::;9"91967@4;<=1

L06S94A*-==B* $67@@9, 235 N. Tryon Street. Tel: 704-342-1193. The farm-to-fork cuisine courtesy of Chef

and Proprietor Cassie Parsons features local productsincluding fresh produce, free-range chicken, and pigs.:::;?06S94A1==B>67@@9<?06@=AA9;<=1

)96=D* +=T, 705 S. Sharon Amity Road. Tel: 704-366-3232. Fried chicken and whiskey are the specialties atthe legendary space that was once the Charlotte Hotel.:::;@96=DF=T;<=1

-0<R4*K2998*K?=2, 2511 S. Boulevard. Tel: 704-522-6227. Wear a bib and a helmet for a visit to this barbe-cue/biker joint. Choose your carnage and load up onhand-pulled pork, beer-can chicken, smoked turkey, St.Louis ribs, Texas beef sausage, and beef brisket. Anddon’t forget about the fried apple pie. www.macspeed-shop.com

,44=, 1000 NC Music Factory Boulevard. Tel: 704-971-0550. If you’re wondering what dinner at Liber-ace’s might have been like, head to Osso. Highlightsfrom the Mediterranean-inspired menu include pestoand mozzarella stuffed arancini and osso bucco.www.ossocharlotte.com

K19@@D*/0A*/=FF99?=349, 514 E. 36th Street. Tel: 704-374-9656. Eclectic and inviting, this cozy hangout is theperfect pit stop while exploring the artsy NoDa neighbor-hood. :::;419@@D<0A<=FF99;<=1

K=3@* $04A6=@=3B>9, 1500-B Central Avenue. Tel:704-348-1848. Global light bites, sushi, and paniniget an extra kick by a rotating roster of DJ’s spin-ning original remixes and classic club beats.:::;4=3@>04A6=@=3B>9;<=1

E('KI/)NEKI&#$L.)#+%.?9*E06*0A*UVW, 316 Rensselaer Avenue. Tel: 704-910-1478. A multi-level house has been converted into acasual bar with wrap-around outdoor porches and lots ofrooms to explore. Twitter: @thebarat316.

/9BA60@* KA0A7=B, 2131 Central Avenue, Tel: 704-469-2131. Shoot pool for free from 5-8 P.M. and get to knowthe locals at this popular, low-key hangout. :::;<?06G@=AA9<9BA60@4A0A7=B;<=1

/?04964, 3217 The Plaza, Tel: 704-339-0500. This mem-bership-only club is Charlotte’s only destination for maleexotic dancers and also features high-energy drag showsthroughout the week. Be sure to apply online before arriv-ing to assure entry. :::;<?04964<?06@=AA9;<=1

J?0610*)=3B>9, 1440 S. Tryon. Tel: 704-334-8336. Thisfunky lounge features eclectic musical offerings fromsoul, hip hop, and R&B to Bollywood and trance. The 18and over crowd may test your patience, but channel yourinner Buddah and chill out. :::;8?0610<?06@=AA9;<=1

J=>*E06, 3307 N. Davidson Street. Tel: 704-370-3595.Man’s best friend no longer has to stay at home. It’s a $10cover for your pooch and no kids are allowed at Char-lotte’s only dog-friendly bar. :::;8=>P06<?06@=AA9;<=1

L06A7>0BR4, 601 S. Cedar Street. Tel: 704-347-1841.Discover the luck of the Irish at this neighborhood pub,featuring trivia nights, karaoke, and weekend danceparties. :::;?06A7>0B4;<=1

-067>BD, 1440 S. Tryon Street. Tel: 704-910-4444.Southern decadence in a larger-than-life environmentkeeps this dance club spicier than a bowl of gumbo.:::;1067>BD<?06@=AA9;<=1

.?9*&7<H9@*E06, 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Tel: 704-916-9389. Welcoming to all, the club draws a predomi-nantly African American crowd. :::;A?9B7<H9@P06;<=1

59A60R4, 1919 Commonwealth Avenue. Tel: 704-332-6608. This charming piano bar hosts live entertainmentranging from singer/songwriters to drag throw downs.

The outdoor patio is perfect for intermission.:::;29A604270B=P06;<=1*

K789@7B94*K2=6A4*E06*Q*E7@@0684, 4544 S. Boulevard. Tel:704-525-2608. Grab a draft beer and watch your favoritesports event on one of the venue’s 13 screens.:::;A?94789@7B94P06;<=1

.?9*K<=627=, 2301 Freedom Drive. Tel: 704-373-9124.Forty-two years in the making, Charlotte’s longest-run-ning nightclub complex has earned its senior status.Membership only. :::;A?94<=627=;<=1

.?9*X==84?98* )=3B>9, 4000 Queen City Drive. Tel:704-394-1712. Go bear hunting at this local fave, and ifyou visit on a Thursday, remember to wear your favoriteundies for Boxer Night. www.woodshedlounge.com

N6P0B*K72, The Ritz Carlton, 201 E. Trade Street. Tel:704-547-2244. Head to the 15th floor for spectacular cityviews while enjoying 90 wines by the glass or heftyselection of scotches. www.ritzcarlton.com/charlotte

(..'(/.#,&KYA?*KA699A*53P@7<*-06H9A, 224 E. 7th Street. A celebra-tion of community, local farms, and regional purveyors,the market is a great place to explore Charlotte’s localfood culture. :::;YA?4A699A23P@7<106H9A;<=1

.?9*E9<?A@96*-34931*=F*-=896B* (6A, 420 S. TryonStreet. Tel: 704-353-9200. Designed by Swiss architectMario Botta, this modernist gem featured works by suchmid-century masters as Warhol, Picasso, and Giacomet-ti, among others. :::;P9<?A@96;=6>

/?06@=AA9*'=D0@4, Catch Charlotte’s gay rugby team inaction. :::;<?06@=AA96=D0@4;=6>*

J3H9*%B96>D*/9BA96, 550 S. Tryon Street. Tel: 704-330-2531. Built in 2009 and one of the city’s modern land-marks, the skyscraper houses a variety of restaurantsand retail shops. :::;83H99B96>D<9BA96;7BF=

+679B84*=F*A?9*+=36A?*X068*L=@780D*L=19*.=36, 100 N.Tryon Street, Suite B220. Get an insider’s peek at Victori-an homes decorated for the holidays in one of Charlotte’smost historical neighborhoods. :::;F=F:;=6>

)9S7B9*-34931*=F*A?9*&9:*K=3A?, 200 E. 7th Street.Tel: 704.333.1887. Explore life in the South, post-CivilWar, at this interactive museum, including the award-win-ning permanent exhibit, “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers.”:::;134931=FA?9B9:4=3A?;=6>

.?9* -7BA* -34931, Uptown location: 500 S. TryonStreet. Randolph location: 2730 Randolph Road. Tel:704-337-2000. Two great locations featuring everythingfrom American, contemporary, and European art to dec-orative arts and fashion. :::;17BA134931;=6>

&97>?P=6?==8* .?90A69, 511 E. 36th Street. Tel: 704-358-9298. This family-run live performance venue pres-ents an array of music from indie rock to bluegrass andcountry. :::;B97>?P=6?==8A?90A69;<=1

&=6A?*/06=@7B0*E@319BA?0@*596F=617B>*(6A4*/9BA96,130 N. Tryon Street. Tel: 704-372-1000. Live performanceand astounding exhibitions abound at this multi-venuecomplex. :::;P@319BA?0@06A4;=6>

Z399B*/7AD*.?90A69*/=120BD, Duke Energy Theatre,345 N. College Street. Tel: 704-372-1000. Catch a showat Charlotte’s premier LGBT-friendly theatre company.:::;[399B<7ADA?90A69;<=1

'9S=@3A7=B, 210 E. Trade Street (at the Epicentre). Tel:704-971-1990. Everything from vintage tees to uniquehome accessories and a piercing spa converge withinthe gender-bending walls of this über cool shop.:::;4?=269S=@3A7=B;<=1

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passport magazine: sweet & sassy charlotte

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