Destination Charlotte
“Charlotte’s got-a-lot”, in the words of the city’s convention and business bureau, and the time couldn’t be cooler than to be visiting Queen City. The largest city in North Carolina and one of the fastest growing in the country, Charlotte is sprouting skyscrapers and sprouting culture at the same time. While mostly known as a financial center (home to Bank of America and Wachovia), there’s still much to do for those on the more casual side. You’ll find that most of Charlotte’s to-dos are a little off the beaten path, however there’s many places to eat, drink and see. Downtown Charlotte is just a quick trip down the road from the Hilton University Place.
Hilton Charlotte University Place (8629 JM Keynes Dr.)
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CLTHUHF-Hilton-Charlotte-University-Place-North-Carolina/index.do
The host hotel for the 2009 Pretreatment Workshop is located just outside of downtown Charlotte, offering convenient access to everything Charlotte has to offer. The hotel is located on a lakefront and is next to the Shoppes at University, which boasts more than 80 dining and shopping venues among a lake setting.
Charlotte Convention and Business Bureau
http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/
Website has information on the Charlotte area, including a current calendar of events, entertainment and other suggestions.
Mint Museum of Art (2730 Randolph Rd.)
http://www.mintmuseum.org/
The Mint Museum has a good assortment of European and American Art. The best deal, however, is the Mint’s sister museum of Craft & Design located at 220 N. Tryon St., a few miles away. The Craft & Design Museum has a stellar assortment of contemporary crafts and also has a 40-foot glass wall. During the Pretreament Conference, the Mint Museum will be exhibiting a collection of Andy Warhol pieces dealing with the American West.
Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary (248 Ridgewood Ave.)
http://www.winghavengardens.com/
The sanctuary has been around since 1927 and is home to over 142 species of birds. The gardens, because it will be early spring during the Pretreatment Conference, will be about to bloom and should be splendid.
Reedy Creek Park (2900 Rocky River Rd.)
Just a few miles away from the hotel, the Reedy Creek Park is a nice, quiet space with great trails and a lake.
Restaurants Near the Hotel
Melting Pot (230 E WT Harris Blvd. Phone: (704) 548-2432)
http://www.meltingpot.com/
The Melting Pot is a fun fondue experience and makes for a great group outing.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (9605 N Tryon St. Phone: (704) 568-7253)
http://www.beerknurd.com/
Few important facts: Beer! This place has a huge beer selection. The food is good too. Did we mention there’s a large beer selection?
Revolution Pizza & Ale House (3228 N Davidson St. Phone: (704) 333-4440)
http://www.revolutionpizza.com/
Revolution serves simple, hearty pizzas, and they’re reportedly top-notch.
Zapata's Cantina Mexican Restaurant (8927 J M Keynes Dr. Phone: (704) 503-1979)
http://www.zapatasrestaurant.com/
Located just a block away from the hotel, this Mexican restaurant serves up what some believe is the best Mexican in Charlotte.
Shopping
Shoppes at University Place
http://www.shoppesatuniversityplace.com/home.aspx
The shopping area located adjacent to the Hilton has a large array of shops and restaurants.
Northlake Mall (6801 Northlake Mall Dr.)
http://www.shopnorthlake.com/
One of the best malls in the Charlotte area is located just a few miles away from the Hilton University Place
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