Queens University in Myers Park

Myers Park is a residential district in Charlotte. About a mile from Uptown, it is one of the city's oldest suburban districts. Myers Park is distinguished for its winding tree-lined avenues, large historic homes and architectural variety. Due to its landscaped beauty, it is one of the most-visited parts of Charlotte despite its relative lack of retail attractions.

Get in

Myers Park is best traveled by car or bike. Despite its location near the city center, the neighborhood was originally intended to be an auto-oriented suburb. Thus, attempting to walk through the district can be a tiring and sometimes dangerous ordeal.

For visitors without an automobile, a bus or taxi is the next-best option for visiting Myers Park. If taking the bus , the #6 (Kings Rd), #14 (Providence Rd), #15 (Randolph Rd), #19 (Park Rd) and #20 (Queens/Sharon Rd) bus routes all serve the neighborhood; consult a map before embarking if you are trying to end up in a particular destination.

See

Most of the attractions in Myers Park involve sightseeing and low-intensity tourism. The neighborhood is full of elegant avenues, which are lined with huge oak trees. The trees create a canopy (often compared to a cathedral ceiling) which keeps the streets cool even during the oppressive North Carolina summertime. For visitors short on time, a simple drive through the neighborhood is worthwhile in order to view the large, historic mansions along the major thoroughfares.

For visitors with more time on their hands, there are several attractions worth a casual visit:

• 1 Freedom Park. A large and scenic park located in the historic Myers Park neighborhood. Walking trails circle a large pond, which is populated by friendly ducks and geese. This is also a relatively busy park, and a favorite of joggers and families. Each year it is host to a number of special events, including a large festival each fall. It includes a bandshell for performances, and extensive sporting facilities.  
• Queens University of Charlotte. A historic liberal arts university in the Myers Park neighborhood, noted for its scenic setting. Once a Presbyterian women's college, Queens went co-ed in the 1980s and features a business school founded by prominent Charlotte businessman Hugh McColl. Its brick-lined sidewalks are pleasant and scenic, and its landmarks -- a statue of the goddess Diana and a large, modern clock tower -- are good for snapshots. 

Do

Myers Park is home to some of Charlotte's most important cultural attractions. Queens University regularly hosts major performers and speakers, and Freedom Park's events list includes the can't-miss Festival In The Park: a huge collection of regional artisans and performers, and countless food vendors.

In addition, the neighborhood quietly hosts two major museums:

• The Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd, ☏ +1 704 337-2000. Tu 10AM-10PM, W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Charlotte's main art museum is located in the original building of the Charlotte Mint (see History), which was moved from its location at Mint St. Though its permanent collection is somewhat lacking, it regularly hosts high-quality traveling exhibits from around the world. Its primary strengths are American art and ceramics; colonial/pre-colonial art; and costumes and other decorative art from many countries. Not a must-see, but worth a visit if you are in Charlotte for more than a couple of days or have a special interest in art. $6, $5 seniors and college students, $3 6-17, free under 5. 
• Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Rd, ☏ +1 704 372-6261. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Discovery Place affiliate, this kid-friendly museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on nature and biology. A butterfly garden, nature trail and live animals offer additional attractions. $5, 2 and under free.. 

Other neighborhood attractions:

• Manor Theater, 607 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 704 334-2727. The best place in Charlotte for independent and "artsy" cinema. Very well-reputed, even though it doesn't have the cutting-edge amenities of larger theaters. Just south of Uptown. 
• Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Ave, ☏ +1 704 331-0664. Tu 3PM-5PM, W 10AM-noon, Sa 10AM-5PM. Only three acres in scope, it is designed to make the most of its winding paths, reflecting pools and formal gardens. A breathtakingly beautiful attraction in the springtime, it is ideal for relaxation and escape from city bustle. The large home in front of the sanctuary was built in 1927. Free, donations suggested. 
• Park Terrace 6, 4289 Park Rd, ☏ +1 704 556-6843. Small (six-screen) theater in the Park Road Shopping Center. Shows independent and limited-run films, and occasional foreign movies. Cozy and friendly, very non-commercial in nature. 

Buy

• Park Road Shopping Center is worth a visit, and can easily take up an afternoon of leisurely shopping. Charlotte's first true shopping center, this long strip of stores still has its old 1950s-style sign. Included among its tenants are a good bookstore, a pet store, an excellent toy store, an old-fashioned hardware store, a drug store, restaurants, a bakery, a barber shop and a movie theater. Visit during the fall when the leaves of Myers Park are in full color, and outdoor shopping is most comfortable.
• Mint Museum of Art Gift Shop, 2730 Randolph Rd. Not a major retail destination, but it's bursting with unique gift and souvenir ideas. 
• Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd (Park Road Shopping Center), ☏ +1 704 525-9239. Charlotte is not known for having an abundance of bookstores, but this is among the better ones in the area. Has a decent selection, and a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere. (updated Apr 2016)

Eat

If you are traveling on the cheap, don't bother trying to eat in the heart of Myers Park (unless you visit the student union at Queens University). The neighborhood's restaurant selection is predominantly upscale, with prices and attitudes to match. On the other hand, if you are looking for a high-quality dining experience, Myers Park has some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants.

Those looking for more moderate prices would do well to try the area around Park Road Shopping Center, which has a fair variety of options.

• Etienne Jaulin's Townhouse, 1011 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 704 335-1546. 
• Fenwick's, 511 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 704 333-2750. 
• Fuel Pizza, 4267 Park Rd, ☏ +1 704 525-3220. Pizza by the slice, for reasonably low prices. This local chain has been successful with a menu of pizza, wings and calzones. 
• Maharani Indian Cuisine, 601 S Kings Dr, ☏ +1 704 343-0148. 
• Mama Fu's Noodle House, 1600 E Woodlawn Rd, ☏ +1 704 714-5080. Upscale Chinese takeout that is relatively easy on the wallet. Easy to find -- you can't miss the giant bowl of noodles over the front door. 
• Mama Ricotta's, 601 S Kings Dr. Excellent Italian food and pizza at reasonable prices ($8-14 entrees, less at lunch). Penne alla vodka is their signature dish. Known for its highly fashionable interior and attentive service. 
• The Melting Pot, 901 S Kings Dr, ☏ +1 704 334-4400. Ste 140-B (2F). Pricey, but worthwhile fondue restaurant. Excellent for romantic and special occasions; offers packages for couples on Valentine's Day and other special events. Good atmosphere and service. 
• Meskere, 601 S Kings Dr, ☏ +1 704 335-1197. 
• Nolen Kitchen, 2839 Selwyn Ave, ☏ +1 704 372-1424. Contemporary American cuisine with a large wine list. 
• Sir Edmond Halley's, 4151 Park Rd, ☏ +1 704 525-2555. Can you say "beer by the yard?" Located in a neat alcove of Charlotte's oldest shopping center, it is a good place to stop for lunch while exploring the nearby shops. 
• Suarez Bakery, 4245 Park Rd, ☏ +1 704 525-0145. Having been a bakery since the early 1950s, this location has become a favorite among Charlotte residents of all ages. Everything from cakes, doughnuts, and cookies, to pies, breads, various deserts, and special order confections are made fresh from scratch every day. 

Drink

• Selwyn Avenue Pub, 2801 Selwyn Ave, ☏ +1 704 333-3443. 
• Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar, 801 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 704 377-1333. Well-reputed wine bar with award-winning wine list. 

Sleep

As a residential neighborhood, Myers Park only has a few hotel options. If you need to sleep nearby, look for accommodations in Uptown or SouthPark.

• The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd, ☏ +1 704 714-4400. If you can afford it, this is one of the city's most unique experiences. Everything about the historic mansion (built 1915 and the home of the famous Duke family) screams old-money, and a stay there is second to none in luxury. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. $169-249. 

Cope

Worship

• Charlotte Community of Mindfulness, 1931 Selwyn Ave (in Myers Park Baptist Church), ☏ +1 704 583-1279. Meets in Room 27 for weekly meditation. 
• Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Pl, ☏ +1 704 376-3695. Long-tenured church in a landmark Gothic building. (updated Apr 2016)