Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535167
5 QUICK & EASY CHARLOTTE EXCURSIONS FOR ATTENDEES 1 . A R T B R E A K Charlotte's range of metropolitan ar t museums, including the Har vey B. Gantt Center for African American Ar ts + Culture and Mint Museum Uptown which showcase vast collections honoring Black ar tists, are located steps from the Charlotte Convention Center. After your visit, savor Southern soul food at owner James Bazzelle's Mer t's Hear t and Soul, or experience Nor th African and Mediterranean small plates at Mariposa led by executive chef Kinsler Josaime. 2 . R E TA I L B R E A K Hop aboard Charlotte's LYNX Blue Line light rail, adjacent to the center, and head to the South End neighborhood. Alongside the pedestrian-friendly Rail Trail, you'll find Black-owned 704 Shop which specializes in the most fashionable Queen City-inspired spor tswear in town. Brunch is always on the menu at Uptown Yolk, a concept from multiple- time James Beard nominee Greg Collier and wife, Subrina, ser ving contemporar y Southern dishes like a sweet potato waffle, brown butter biscuits and shrimp and grits. 3 . S N A C K B R E A K Sample new flavors from two food halls in Uptown Charlotte. Monarch Market's must- haves include Just Chicken's simple yet tasty menu of classic chicken tenders, loaded fries and a chicken sandwich, as well as Seoul Good's Korean corn dogs coated in crunchy ramen. Two blocks away, Charlotte's original food hall, The Market at 7th Street, offers chef-driven, locally sourced sandwiches from Mad Dash, sugar-free Hip Hop Smoothies and creative ice cream flavors from The Social Cow. 4 . N E I G H B O R H O O D B R E A K Nestled just outside of Uptown, head to Plaza Midwood, known for its deep-rooted histor y and ar tistic flair. The eclectic and energetic neighborhood is wor th a stroll to browse stores like Social Status, a sneaker and streetwear boutique. Stay late and fascinate your senses with award-winning liquid alchemist Justin Hazelton at Lorem Ipsum, a listening bar with meticulously curated music and cocktails. 5 . S C E N I C B R E A K After a day full of meetings, attendees can relax in accessible green spaces throughout Uptown. Directly across from the center is literar y-themed The Green with bubbling brook sound effects and book-lover scavenger hunts. Two blocks away is Luminous Lane, an ar t alleyway transformed by more than 40 ar tists who turned a forgotten space into a vibrant, contemporar y ar ts destination to showcase the talent of Charlotte's local creative community. BY THE NUMBERS domestic and international NONSTOP FLIGHTS to/from Charlotte Douglas International Airport 170+ total Charlotte Convention Center SQUARE FOOTAGE 600K RESTAURANTS located within a 10-minute walk of hotels and the Convention Center 200+ days of year-round SUNSHINE 212 UPTOWN YOLK CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER