Neighborhoods
Midtown
Where nature and contemporary living find peaceful harmony
MANEUVER MIDTOWN
The story of Midtown is one of revitalization; of reclaiming nature, honoring history and celebrating the new. Midtown was once known for its sprawling mall and asphalt, but through intentional environmental rehabilitation and mindful design now boasts a high density of parks, historical markers, unique shopping destinations, original restaurants and diverse living communities.
The shining trophy of Midtown is Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Once forgotten, capped with concrete and polluted, this creek is now considered Charlotte’s “waterfront” and serves as an example for innovative urban renewal, unifying animals and people with their environment. Drawing visitors from all over Charlotte and beyond, Little Sugar Creek Greenway connects one end of Midtown to the other.
Arts & Culture
Midtown is a small area packed with vibrant cultural touchstones. From Elizabeth Ave to East Morehead, The Charlotte Trail of History has erected multiple statues and memorials to honor notable Charlotte figures, places and events. The Trail includes a fountain for Captain James Jack in “Spirit of Mecklenburg,” a bronze statue of children to remember the work of the Thompson Orphanage and Training Institute and the contemplative Vietnam Veterans Memorial along East 4th Street.
Central Piedmont Community College Performing Arts center features musicals, plays, ballets and musical performances. The center also hosts speakers, screenings and other events throughout the year.
With a front-row view of the greenway, Metropolitan is a development meeting the lifestyle needs of Charlotte visitors and residents. The center is home to eight bright, colorful murals by local artists, hosts the eclectic Metropolitan Market throughout the year and regularly presents Music at the Met. It’s also the home of Midtown Ballroom, which offers social and competitive Latin, Ballroom, Social, Country and Line dance lessons for people of all ages and experience levels.
Eat & Drink
Midtown offers diners many global options, from the Italian cuisine of longtime Charlotte staple Mama Ricotta’s to the flavorful delights of Maharani Indian Cuisine, to the blended traditional and modern Asian culinary experience of Open Rice. For more local fare, Dressler’s features a high-end interpretation of Southern cuisine in its family-owned, family-run waterfront restaurant.
Visitors to the Midtown area seeking unique drink opportunities have several tasty choices. Devil’s Logic Brewing sports a wide selection of craft beers, kombucha, cider and wines to be enjoyed at one of two outdoor patios, including one elevated to present a clear view of Uptown.
Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge, inside Metropolitan, proffers an extensive wine and sake menu, along with freshly crafted cocktails and local draft beers to go with their full menu of delicious sushi and entrees.
Coming soon to the Metropolitan are three new establishments that will present guests with delicious food and drink alongside a view of the picturesque Sugar Creek Greenway. 3rd & Fernwood will be a new extraordinary dining experience from James Beard Award Nominee, Greg Colliers. Lost Worlds Brewing will serve up brews with a fun archaeological theme and Joan’s Bakery and Deli will be baking up the famous Dressler’s cheesecake along with apple cake and carrot cake and will also carry staples including pastrami, corned beef sandwiches and more.
Outdoor & Adventure
The paved paths of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway serve as a corridor for walkers, strollers and cyclists to admire water fowl, turtles, fish and small mammals. The linear park links Elizabeth Park, with its landscaped greenspace, swings and statues, to Pearl Street Park and its walking paths, multipurpose fields and basketball court.
Midtown Park sits along the greenway near Pearl Park Way and features works of conscientious art and design. The large spherical sculpture “Braille Music Box” was created with the sight-impaired in mind. It translates Braille letters into musical notes that can be heard when visitors move the mechanism around the sphere.
Cherry Park is located in the historic Cherry district and is within walking distance from Midtown. The two acre park sports a multipurpose field, baseball field, basketball courts and a children’s playground.
Shop & See
Midtown boasts an eclectic assortment of shopping options. The popular Kings Drive Farmers Market sells local fruits, veggies and goods, along with seasonal pumpkins and Christmas trees. Biggs Camera specializes in high quality photo printing and new and used camera gear. The Bag Lady is a unique metaphysical bookstore and crystal shop. Request Boutique is a premier sneaker and streetwear store, and the Charlotte Cycles sales center is on Kings Drive.
Where to Stay
The historic Cherry neighborhood has several charmingly renovated bungalows available for short-term stays through Airbnb for visitors looking to keep within walking distance of all Midtown has to offer. Just on the other side of the beltway from Midtown, Uptown hotels such as Le Méridien and Sheraton Charlotte have luxury amenities on offer.
