A Day In South End

Charlotte's hottest neighborhood is the South End. Located just south of Uptown, South End is filled with trendy restaurants, exciting shopping and fun events. It's even reachable via the LYNX Light Rail. The neighborhood is small enough to walk easily and big enough to enjoy. If big box and chain stores are your thing, don't bother. The South End is filled with mom and pop, unique, one-of-a-kind shops, well worth checking out.

First Friday Gallery Crawl
www.gallerycrawl.com

On the first Friday of every month, South End's Art Galleries stay open late so you can browse, shop and enjoy local artists. The best place to start is at Atherton Market, 2000 South Boulevard, for the All Art Market. From there, follow the rail trail and Park Avenue. You'll find a good handful of galleries including Hidell Brooks, Lark and Key, Ciel Elder as well as the Charlotte Art League. These spots have changing exhibits and collections, so go frequently.

Atherton Market
2104 South Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
(877) 283-7909
www.athertonmarket.com

Open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Atherton Market is one of Charlotte's premiere farmers' markets. Local farms, local bakers and local craftspeople all sell their wares from this space. You can get a perfectly brewed cappuccino, a pre-made dinner or stunning earrings for a night out. If you look up to the ceiling, you'll see the remnants of the trolley system. It's a must-visit locale in both South End and Charlotte as a whole.

Charlotte Art League Gallery & Studios
1517 Camden Road
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 376-2787
www.charlotteartleague.org

Charlotte is fortunate to have the Charlotte Art League, a non-profit organization committed to keeping the Queen City a thriving place for visual arts. CAL offers opportunities for local artists that include working studios and display space, along with workshops and monthly exhibitions. There are classes for adults interested in the arts and lectures. It's a great spot for artists and art lovers.

Related: Historic Walking Tour Of Charlotte

Blush Boutique
1504 Camden Road
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 375-7585
www.blushdolls.com

Blush Boutique is one of Charlotte's best spots for finding the perfect outfits and accessories. It specializes in looks for teens and women who enjoy an ultra-feminine look. It's a unique shop where you can find a one-of-a-kind outfit that will help you feel fabulous. It also has a great website if for some reason you can't get out to the South End. Blush Boutique has top-notch customer service and great prices.

Food Truck Friday
1616 Camden Road
Charlotte, NC 28203
www.foodtruckfriday.com

Every Friday night at 5 p.m., Charlotte's best food trucks gather around a vacant lot in the South End to serve up amazing food for the hungry crowds. Bring a folding chair or a blanket along with your friends and dine al fresco. Each week brings different trucks, so there's always a new option. It's a great chance to adventure around the culinary world all on one lot.

Related: Best Museums For Dates In Charlotte