Get different perspectives on the Uptown skyline.
Welcome to the heart of the Queen City. Pick a route to wind through and go beyond the skyline as you explore the beauty of the outdoors. Don’t forget to pause occasionally and look up – or back.
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Take a look at the trail details while you’re on the move.
Time/Distance Estimates
Route 1
The Green to Pinky’s Westside Grill
- 2.6 miles
- 51-min walk
- 18-min bike ride
- Moderate intensity
OR
Route 2
The Green to Blue Blaze Brewing
- 2.3 miles
- 51-min walk
- 14-min bike ride
- Moderate intensity
Neighborhoods to Note
Second Ward, Third Ward, Wesley Heights, FreeMoreWest, Seversville
Grab a Bike
Didn't BYOB-ike? Simply rent one along the way.
Rent a bike at the Levine Avenue of the Arts or Romare Bearden Park B-Stations.
A daily pass is just $8 for 2 hours. Don’t forget to return your bike at the end of your adventure!
Learn MoreThe Green, a 1.5-acre park dappled with art and bordered by retail
Make your way across the lush grass and through literary-themed sculptures like “Life is an Open Book.” Need to cool down? Feel the spray from the “Fish Fountain.” Plus, don’t overlook the 60,000 square feet of mixed space that includes dining options like Fuel Pizza.
Iconic museums at Levine Center for the Arts
Mint Museum Uptown
Take in the Mint’s internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, along with American, contemporary and European works. Visit the Museum Store, where a different kind of art awaits. And catch that stunning view of the skyline from the museum steps before you leave.
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Stumble upon nearby Luminous Lane. The purpose of the project was to transform a forgotten, unappealing space into a vibrant, contemporary arts destination to showcase the talent of the local creative community.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
Start with the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection, which showcases 58 works of master artists like Ann Tanksley and Hale Woodruff. Note: the Harvey B. Gantt Center is named for the city’s first African-American mayor, elected in 1983.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Designed by Mario Botta, this museum is considered to be an architectural piece of art. View works collected by the Bechtler family that celebrate mid-century modern art via artists like Joan Miró and Jean Tinguely. Pause in the Museum Store or grab a coffee at the lobby café. Bonus: Take a picture with The Firebird sculpture outside (nicknamed the “Disco Chicken”), which consists of more than 7,500 cuts of mirrored and colored glass.
Romare Bearden Park, a 5.4-acre park surrounded by the skyline
As one of Charlotte’s newest and most Instagrammable public spaces, Romare Bearden Park features the 30-foot Spiral Odyssey sculpture and the Childhood Muse Plaza with its interactive water features including a lighted waterfall. The park is named for the late Romare Bearden, an acclaimed visual artist from Charlotte.
Try this
Pass through nearby Latta Arcade and Brevard Court.
Word on the trail
“Beautiful landscaping and the chance to enjoy some of Charlotte's finest architecture.” - Andreas W., Google Reviews
The Visitor Info Center at the Wells Fargo Plaza
Whether you’re visiting or a local, the Visitor Info Center has all your tourism needs covered. Not only will you learn about the best places to eat and explore from Charlotte experts, but it also offers authentic Charlotte-branded gear as well as specialty items from local makers.
Graham Street Pub & Patio for a cold drink
Come for a brew, glass of wine or a snack. Stay for the sweeping views of the skyline. Head to the rooftop patio for the best perspective.
Try this
Need some sustenance for the trail? Load up on an appetizer platter of nachos, chicken tenders, fried pickles and Asian glazed cauliflower.
Charlotte’s Uptown sports venues
Truist Field, home of Charlotte Knights baseball
The Minor League Baseball team, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, built its new Uptown ballpark in 2014. Since then, the venue has become a popular destination for a ball game, often paired with local craft beers, dog-friendly events and post-game fireworks.
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Check out the murals on the exterior walls of the ballpark to see the fields that housed the Knights in the past.
Bank of America Stadium, home of Carolina Panthers football
The stadium first opened in 1996 for the pure purpose of football. Today, the open-air, grass stadium is also the scene for beer festivals, concerts and Charlotte’s newest MLS team, Charlotte FC, coming in 2022. Pop into the Team Store on the first level to browse collectibles and Panthers gear.
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Notice the statues surrounding the stadium: six fierce panthers known as the Indomitable Spirit.
Along Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways, segments of the Carolina Thread Trail
Catch creek views, skyline views and maybe even get a glimpse of waterfowl like herons and ducks. Also note Frazier Park, a 16.5-acre space known for its huge dog park, and 11-acre Seversville Park.
Veer off from the greenways: to Blue Blaze Brewing or Pinky’s Westside Grill
Option 1: Faces of Freedom, a series of pillars lined with glass mosaic artwork
Turn left onto Stewart Creek Greenway and follow the path to Freedom Drive. Access the crosswalk to reach Pinky’s across the street.
Located at the trailhead along Freedom Drive, these pieces were created in 2006 to convey neighborhood population diversity.
Pinky’s Westside Grill, an eclectic dive with delicious variety
Known for its appearance on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Pinky’s is loved by locals for its quirky, upbeat vibe. It has a balance of fried goodness (read: corn dog shrimp) and vegetarian delights (like heaping salads and fried falafel). Don’t ignore that VW bug on the roof.
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Ask about the craft beer roulette for a surprise.
Word on the trail
"Wonderful staff, fantastic late-night menu, fair prices, and atmosphere galore." - Ryan M., Google Reviews
Option 2: Blue Blaze Brewing for a craft beer
Continue straight along the greenway path to State Street. Turn right onto State Street, then veer left onto South Turner Avenue to reach Blue Blaze.
Named from trail terminology (a “blaze” is a trail marker), Blue Blaze is a low-key spot to stop for a cold one, Lenny Boy kombucha included. Located in the old Savona Mill, the brewery features freshly sourced ingredients. Browse the stickers, glasses and apparel on sale, too.
Try this
Something fruit-forward, perhaps? When available, their Pink Blazer Hefeweizen features banana, pineapple and clove notes.
Word on the trail
“Love the overall vibe and theme of this brewery. The hiking references, good beer and warm fire pits give me a nostalgic Blue Ridge feel.” - Rebecca S., Google Reviews
Trail Complete
Not ready to call it a day?
Head back to the Bank of America Stadium sidewalk to reach the Uptown Charlotte Sidewalk Connector - Stonewall Street and pick your next route.
2.3 Miles
Neighborhoods to Note
Second Ward, Third Ward, Wesley Heights, FreeMoreWest, Seversville
Second Ward
Once a vibrant African-American neighborhood called Brooklyn, Second Ward is now considered Uptown’s hospitality center, containing upwards of 3,000 hotel rooms and the Charlotte Convention Center.
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Third Ward
Still home to residents in historic bungalows mixed with contemporary townhomes and apartment buildings, Third Ward holds Truist Field, home to the Triple-A baseball team Charlotte Knights, and Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
Trails
Wesley Heights
This tree-lined neighborhood – sometimes referred to as FreeMoreWest – became the city’s first historic district on the west side when it was developed on a 19th-century farm. Now, it’s home to emerging breweries, dog bars and coffee shops.
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Seversville
Once a 1920s mill village, the neighborhood was revitalized through a partnership among the Seversville Community Organization, the City of Charlotte and The Housing Partnership. Today, it holds peaceful Seversville Park and up-and-coming residential development.