Join the Queen’s Feast

The winter version of Charlotte Restaurant Week returns January 22 – 31 – yes, this is a 10-day week – bigger and better than ever. New and established eateries throughout the area offer a prix fixe menu of 3 courses for $30. Uptown alone features 20 participants, from “cow houses” to seafood, Americana to ethnic.

Personal favorites include Blue where Executive Chef Gene Bridges creates dishes with a Mediterranean flair. For the Queen’s Feast, sample Papa al Pomodoro, a classic tomato and basil peasant soup, and Seared Jumbo Scallops – then finish it off with the Cake di Chocolate.

For an Asian twist, venture into Basil Thai – one of the hottest additions to the Uptown dining scene. Here, a glass of house red or white accompanies the Feast selections, which include stuffed shrimp – a house (and personal) favorite, and Pad Kee Mow – a spicy, noodle dish that’s just divine.

Tables book up, so reserve early. Reservations for many of the participating restaurants can be made through Open Table, a free and convenient service.

Blues, Brews and BBQ

It is time again for the annual Blues, Brews & BBQ festival in Uptown Charlotte.The event is held in our wonderful center city on September 11th and 12th. Come in and experience live music, great food and of course brews.

Click here for the event schedule.

Food Lion Speed Street

For more than 25 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Lowe's Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events that personify the tremendous growth of motor sports.

Celebrating its 15th year, Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on three stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators.

600 Festival

Urban Living Showcase

Please join us at the Savvy booth on May 8th & 9th at the EpiCenter. We will have agents on hand to answer questions and help you navigate the urban marketplace.

Experience the Urban Lifestyle!

Are you ready to discover the extraordinary...the unexpected in our Center City? Are you curious about urban living? Get to know the new residential developments and all the amenities of Uptown and South End...dining, nightlife, entertainment, sports, parks and recreation, shopping, family fun, arts & culture and all the conveniences. Center City is more than an address. It's a lifestyle!

It's all here for you and it's available now! Learn about owning or renting a home in Uptown or South End. Take a trolley, guided or "skyline" tour. Come explore our urban lifestyle through the Urban Living Showcase.

Register and join us on May 8th and 9th. Tours begin at the EpiCenter on May 9th.

Urban Living Showcase

Lessons of History

Last week, a handful of movers and shakers from the last decades of Charlotte's development converged to discuss the future of Uptown. Hugh McColl, Jr., Harvey Gantt, Rolfe Neill, Wendell White and David Ivey all played a role in creating the vibrant center city we enjoy today. Having watched Charlotte grow across a forty-year period, this group remembers that the climb was not always directly upward, and views our current condition as a short pause in our long-term economic rise. Click here for the complete Charlotte Observer story by Doug Smith.

Charlotte leaders predict uptown will rise again
By Doug Smith
dougsmith@charlotteobserver.com

High-rise residences, office towers, museums, an arena and an entertainment complex have fueled an unprecedented boom in the urban core that could surpass $6 billion in investment by the end of the decade.

Now, as that wave of projects nears completion, center city backers worry that the lingering recession and the troubles of uptown's big banks will bring development to a halt.

There is a pause, but uptown's growth will resume, say five leaders who helped guide center city development during the past 30 years.

Like them, I lived in Charlotte in the late-1980s when mortgage rates ran in double digits and homes languished on the market for ages. I feared this was the new norm and that I would never afford my own home. Well, in time things did change - interest rates dropped (they're currently at their lowest point since the 1950s) and homes sold. I even bought one. So, as we ponder whether we are now living the new norm, pause and remember the ups and downs of our recent past.

First Night

First Night Charlotte is back!!

Wednesday, December 31
3:00pm - 7:00pm First Night Kids
7:00pm – People’s Processional
8:00pm – Midnight – First Night Charlotte

www.FirstNightCharlotte.com

Where will you be on December 31? If your plans to bring in the New Year are still up in the air (and even if they’re not) consider First Night Charlotte. It’s no secret that with the current state of the economy and the holidays being just around the corner, wallets have been feeling the pinch. First Night is the most affordable, exciting, imaginative, and dynamic option for your New Year’s Eve festivities.

Click here for more information.

Charlotte Center City Partners

WBT Holiday On Ice 2008

Great traditions start with WBT... and WBT's Holiday on Ice is no exception. Tucked away in Uptown Charlotte's most scenic park is the area's only outdoor ice rink. There's no better way to get in the holiday spirit than skating with your friends and family among the holiday decorations in uptown. Join us for skating and holiday cheer at WBT's Holiday on Ice... on the Green in Uptown.

The Grand Opening is Wednesday, November 26th and runs until Saturday, January 10th.



Hours vary between holidays and school dates.

Admission: $7
Skate Rental: $3

wbt.com