ECLECTIC, ARTSY, PLAYFUL
Just a few minutes north of the city center by car or LYNX light rail, you’ll find Charlotte’s arts and entertainment district, NoDa (so named for its main drag, North Davidson Street).
Brightly colored murals, galleries filled with local artwork, live performance spaces and more await in this hipster haven, which was once home to turn-of-the-century textile mills — as do ample restaurants, coffee shops, bars and breweries.
Explore the NoDa Craft Beer Trail
NoDa
By Morning
Whether you’re a “Friends” fan or not, you’ll want to start your day off at Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Coffee Roasters for your caffeinated beverage of choice along with a breakfast sandwich or pastry. Once you’re sufficiently satiated, walk a block up E. 36th St. to The Barre Code or a block down N. Davidson St. to NoDa Yoga for your morning sweat session of choice.
From there, peruse the shops in the heart of the neighborhood. You can find home goods, apparel, toys and jewelry from cultures around the globe at Pura Vida Worldly Art. Or explore a world of magick and wonder next door at Curio, Craft & Conjure.
Things to do
NoDa
By Afternoon
Lunchtime calls for a visit to Sabor Latin Street Grill for fresh, authentic dishes inspired by countries like El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia.
Get mural hopping at spots like the Confetti Stripes Wall outside of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, the NoDa Wall outside of Johnny Fly Co. and the Bloom Mural outside of Fu’s Custom Tattoo.
If you need a little afternoon pick-me-up after that self-guided street art tour, head over to Optimist Hall, 147,000-square-foot redevelopment of a mill house turned food and beverage hall featuring some of Charlotte’s favorite foodie spots.
NoDa
By Night
A day in NoDa wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Haberdish, easily one of Charlotte’s most popular restaurants, serving upscale craft cocktails alongside crispy fried chicken and comforting Southern-inspired side dishes.
After dinner, catch a show at The Neighborhood Theatre or The Evening Muse, local venues that play host to nightly performances ranging from live music to slam poetry and stand-up comedy.
