West of North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks and east of its heavenly Mountain Region lies buzzy Charlotte—the “Queen City,” as locals fondly call it. Beyond the flashing lights of its professional sports teams and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the city is home to world-class shopping, hidden-gem restaurants, and an emerging art and design scene (hello, new Schumacher boutique!). We called on some of Charlotte’s most fabulous style mavens— interior designer Barrie Benson, Peachy editor-in-chief Blair Farris, and Laura Vinroot Poole, founder of Capitol, Tabor, and Poole Shop—to show us why, as the saying goes, “Charlotte’s got a lot.”
SHOP
CAPITOL
“A stunning boutique from Laura Vinroot Poole. She has the best eye and you will not find a better curation of women’s fashion than at this shop.” —Barrie Benson
4010 Sharon Road
Open Monday–Saturday, shop-capitol.com
SCHUMACHER BOUTIQUE
“For interior design and home accessories, we may be a bit biased, but the new Schumacher boutique is fabulous!” —BB
301 East Boulevard
Open Monday–Saturday, schumacherboutique.com
THIRTY-ONE JANE
“This mother and daughter team has thoughtfully curated looks from some of the best brands around.” —Blair Farris
908 Pecan Avenue
Open Tuesday–Sunday, thirtyonejane.com.
TABOR, SOCO GALLERY, and NOT JUST COFFEE
“Full disclosure, I do own part of [TABOR], but it is truly my favorite place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Not Just Coffee has the very best coffee on earth, and if you are over-caffeinated, men’s clothing shop Tabor makes their own beer! At Soco, my friend Chandra Johnson curates work from exciting and talented artists from around the globe, as well as the book selection of your dreams. Come for a coffee, then happily linger on the porch for the entire afternoon.” —Laura Vinroot
421 Providence Road
Open Monday–Saturday, taborclt.com and socogallery.com
R. RUNBERG CURIOSITIES
“R. Runberg Curiosities is also a must. Ruth is bringing unusual, show-stopping artisan items from all over the world to Charlotte. There is always something in her showroom that catches my eye.” —BB
2321 Crescent Avenue
Open by appointment, rrunberg.com. Email [email protected] or call (980) 244-1042
PAPER SKYSCRAPER
“Shop Local” doesn’t get any better than this. A terrific store for cards, candles, books, and more. The perfect place to find the perfect gift.” —BF
330 East Boulevard and 101 South Tryon Street
Open daily, paperskyscraper.com
SEE
WING HAVEN and THE ELIZABETH LAWRENCE HOUSE & GARDEN
“This is an absolute treasure in Charlotte, hidden in plain sight. Wing Haven’s gardens and bird sanctuary are an oasis in the middle of historic Myers Park, but for a garden nerd like me, Elizabeth Lawrence’s home and garden are absolute nirvana. Highly recommended.” —LV
260 Ridgewood Avenue
Open Wednesday–Sunday, winghavengardens.org
SIMPSON’S PRODUCE at KINGS DRIVE FARMERS MARKET
“Situated on Kings Drive in Myers Park, this locally owned farmers market is a must. Of course it has fruits and vegetables, but you can also get seafood, eggs, baked goods, and the most gorgeous flowers.” —BF
938 S. Kings Drive
Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from April to December; learn more here
THE MINT MUSEUM
“The Mint Museum was established in 1936 in an actual U.S. Mint by Mary Myers Dwelle and a group of women as North Carolina’s first art museum. The Uptown location houses their stellar craft and design collections, but I’ve always been partial to the Randolph location, two blocks from where I grew up and spent hours mesmerized by the historic fashion collection and the Delhom Gallery.” —LV
2730 Randolph Road & 500 South Tryon Street
Open Tuesday–Sunday, mintmuseum.org
BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
“The Bechtler is an inspiring museum that has beautiful permanent collections as well as exciting shows throughout the year.” —BB
420 South Tryon St.
Open Wednesday–Monday, bechtler.org
DINE
EVER ANDALO
“Ever Andalo, for their delicious cocktails and the cloud of parmesan you can order to pour over your favorite pasta dish.” —BB
3116 North Davidson Street
Open Tuesday–Sunday, everandalo.com
LANG VAN
“The best Vietnamese food you didn’t know you wanted. Coming to Lang Van is like coming home for me. The owner Dan Nguyen will memorize your last order or even better, she’ll psychically read your mood and tell you what you want to eat… and she’s always right. For me, it’s Bánh Xèo with shrimp and tofu and a Vietnamese coffee.” —LV
3019 Shamrock Drive
Open Tuesday–Sunday
AMELIE’S
“Coffee, baked goods, and more. The salted caramel brownie is sinful but worth it!” —BF
4321 Park Road and other locations
Open Tuesday–Sunday, ameliesfrenchbakery.com
RESTAURANT CONSTANCE
“I love this restaurant for their thoughtful, farm-fresh menu. I have loved every morsel I’ve ever had there.” —BB
2200 Thrift Road
Open Tuesday–Saturday
BEEF ’N BOTTLE
“Charlotte is a city that has been striving for more since its inception in 1755 as a trading hub between two rivers. With that ethos comes amazing progress, but it also means we knock down some of our favorite institutions in favor of innovation. Thankfully we’ve had the good sense to save some of our best, and Beef ’N Bottle tops this list. Since 1958, they have been serving the most delicious steaks and throwback cheese balls in a dining room with perfect lighting, straight out of Goodfellas.” —LV
4538 South Boulevard
Open daily, beefandbottle.net
STAY
THE DUKE MANSION
“Doris Duke’s childhood home is a Colonial Revival architectural marvel tucked away in the middle of Myers Park. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so that means that most of the bathrooms are (nearly) original and things like Mrs. Duke’s shoe closets will never be destroyed. The gardens are an oasis and a cool respite in the North Carolina humidity. Try to book a room with a screened porch, especially in the fall!” —LV
400 Hermitage Road
For rates and availability, visit dukemansion.org
THE HYATT CENTRIC SOUTHPARK
“The perfect location if you are staying in SouthPark. Beautiful rooms and lovely rooftop restaurant.” —BF
3100 Apex Drive
For rates and availability, visit hyatt.com
