Shannyn & Jacob
Friday, May 16, 2025 • Charlotte, NC
Shannyn & Jacob
Friday, May 16, 2025 • Charlotte, NC
NoDa (North Davidson)
This is one of the main neighborhoods in Charlotte. It’s known as an area with a lot of arts and culture and is more eclectic. There are a lot of options for food, drinks and shopping. They do a market in the downtown area on the weekends. It is a very walkable area and is easily accessible via the light rail.
Plaza Midwood
This is another main neighborhood in Charlotte. It is quirky, trendy and has a laidback vibe. You’ll find a lot of craft breweries, shops and restaurants. It is a very walkable area. You are not able to access this via the light rail but there are options for free street parking and paid parking lots.
South End
This is a much larger area of Charlotte. It is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood and more urban than NoDa or Plaza Midwood. There are numerous options for food, drink, craft beer and nightlife. There are several light rail stops throughout South End, electric scooters as well as street parking and parking garages.
S & J's Recommendations
Food:
Ru San’s (sushi)
Seoul Food Meat Company (Korean BBQ) - there’s two locations, South End and NoDa (much larger facility)
Optimist Hall (a large food hall)
Mac’s Speed Shop (BBQ)
Spoons (Açaí bowls)
Southbound (Mexican)
Breweries:
Sycamore Brewing
Legion Brewing Plaza Midwood (Juicy Jay is our favorite!)
The Suffolk Punch
Triple C Brewing Company
Wooden Robot Brewery
The Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Coffee Shops:
Smelly Cat Coffee House & Roastery
Sycamore Brewing
The Suffolk Punch
Stable Hand
Killer Coffee at Resident Culture
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
Ice cream:
Golden Cow Creamery (the salted Oreo is amazing)
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Two Scoops Creamery
Rail Trail
The Rail Trail is the walking path that goes along the light rail through South End. The light rail is one of the public transit options in Charlotte. It goes north and south. You can purchase tickets at each light rail stop as well as through the CATS-Pass app. It’s $2.20 each way.
Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
The Whitewater Center is a non-profit outdoor recreation center and athletic training facility. Some of the activities include: whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking trails, zip-lining and so many more. They recently opened a 70 acre off leash dog park as well. This is easily one of our favorite places to go when we’re looking to be outside. There is a restaurant on site as well as fast-casual and grab and go options. Parking is $12 for the day and activity pricing varies.
Top Golf
There are two locations in Charlotte. One is north of the city near UNC Charlotte and the other is in south Charlotte closer to the airport.