food tours uptown charlotte

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Charlotte’s beautiful downtown, known as Uptown, celebrates arts and culture with numerous museums, galleries, and sculptures. There is also fascinating history to learn about, lovely parks to explore, and fantastic restaurants to enjoy! Join Taste Carolina and the Queen City’s best chefs and food artisans to sample and explore the heart and tastes of Uptown.

Charlotte Uptown Tasting Tour: Local to Charlotte, Rooted in North Carolina. Explore the flavors of Uptown on a guided walking tour of the city! Visit several unique, independent restaurants to sample chef’s creations while learning about the history and architecture of the city and its culinary culture. This tour highlights locally sourced dishes made with artisan preparations and the city’s most delightful foodie discoveries. Perfect for brunch or lunch!

Charlotte Uptown Evening Tour: The Spirit of Charlotte. Enjoy delicious and innovative food and drinks – and plenty of fun – on this high spirited walking tour of several unique Uptown restaurants! Sample chef’s creations while learning about the history and architecture of the city and its culinary culture. Each food tasting is paired with a small cocktail, local beer, or wine. Explore Charlotte as a VIP at each restaurant. Perfect for dinner & drinks!

Charlotte *NoDa* Tasting Tour: Short for North Davidson Street, Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood is home to art galleries, edgy murals, lively music, historic buildings, and locally owned restaurants. With its compact restaurant locations and authentic vibe, NoDa is a perfect place to explore on a walking food tour! Join us for a unique culinary experience featuring delicious food and ample drink. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the city and its history, as well as a full belly!

To register for a weekend tour: please click the Purchase Tickets! link at the top of the light blue bar to see the full lineup of tours or click the Book Now! buttons below for the particular tour listed. Private and custom tours can be arranged for any day or night of the week for groups.

Charlotte Brewery Tours, in-person or virtual: Explore a locally owned brewery! Includes food pairings. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a private tour.

Charlotte Pokemon Go Tours: Explore augmented reality through Pokemon Go, where the entire city is your playground! You’ll visit parks and historic landmarks to learn more about downtown (Uptown) and catch Pokemon with your Pokemon Guide. Fun for all ages and levels. Please download Pokemon Go in advance to get acquainted. Come play, catch, battle, and trade – and have so much fun. This tour is a little different. Taste Carolina’s food tour guide is also a Pokemon Go expert. While we recommend grabbing lunch at Orrman’s or Geno D’s in the Market at 7th Street beforehand, there is no food included on this tour.

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Custom tours for groups are also available by request.

Charlotte *NoDa* Tasting Tour: $99 (plus a $6 ticketing fee). Afternoon food and drink tours: 3pm, available every Saturday and on other days and times by request.

Charlotte Brewery Tours: These custom tours can be in-person or virtual. Please contact us for more information.

Charlotte Pokemon Go Tours: Contact us to schedule a private group any day of the week.

There are different meeting spots for the different tours . 

Check your confirmation email and messages for directions.

For most brunch and lunch tours: Meet near the back entrance of the 7th Street Public Market, near Assorted Table Wine Shop. The address is 224 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

For most late afternoon/ evening tours: Meet at the “Disco Chicken ” sculpture, who, depending on the weather, sometimes prefers to be called “Firebird.” The sculpture is located in front of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. in Uptown in Charlotte, 28202.

For most NoDa tours: Meet your guide outside of Local Loaf. The address is 800 E. 35th Street, Charlotte, NC 28205. Parking can be found in the neighborhood. Please make a note of where you are parked. Public transportation is available, but time your trip accordingly.

Please give yourself plenty of time to park and arrive on time. The 7th Street Parking Deck is usually available with spots. There are also parking lots along Graham Street and parking decks throughout Uptown.

• Cabo Fish Taco
• Church & Union
• The Artisan’s Palate
• Assorted Table Wine Shoppe
• The Company Store
• The Cotton Room
• Fin & Fino
• Golden Cow Creamery
• Geno D’s
• Jimmy Pearls
• La Belle Helene
• Not Just Coffee
• Orrman’s Cheese Shop
• Potts Chocolate
• Reigning Doughnuts
• Sweet Crunch Waffles

Tours run rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes; walking distance is 2 to 3 miles. Tour runs 3 to 3.5 hours.

Please don’t be late! Meet the group 15 minutes prior to your tour time so that we can arrive at the restaurants promptly.

Bring a government-issued ID if you plan on drinking alcohol.

Register in advance. If you are trying to register for a tour the morning of and registration has closed, please call  (919) 237-2254  to check availability. Sorry, no exchanges or refunds. If we have to cancel the tour due to extreme weather, we will refund your money.

Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

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Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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17 Essential Places to Eat in Uptown Charlotte

From oysters to hot dogs

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Uptown Charlotte stretches across just over two square miles and towers with hotels, office and apartment buildings, museums and, yes, restaurants. Staying in town on business and need a quick bite? Living here and seeking the best classy dining option in the skyline? Here are 17 essential (and local) places to peruse, ranging from upscale to low-key.

Alexander Michael's

Fondly called Al Mike’s by locals, this Charlotte staple that opened in 1983 offers a low-key tavern experience with unpretentious food. It’s impossible to go wrong with the quinoa black bean vegetable burger or the reuben on rye (get a basket of Cajun fries, too).

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The Cellar at Duckworth's

Go back in time (and get a reservation) at this Prohibition-era speakeasy housed in a 106-year-old building near 7th Street. Dig into the gastropub fare (try the truffle mac and cheese and the preserved lemon risotto) and take a peek at the beer cellar stocked with 500 hard-to-find labels. Don’t overlook the signature cocktail list.

5Church Charlotte

Under the prowess of former Top Chef contestant Jamie Lynch, the Charlotte-based eatery has grown in popularity and expanded to Charleston and Atlanta. The decor is stunning — feathered lamps hang above the bar and the restaurant ceiling is covered in writings from The Art of War. With brunch, lunch, late-night eats ,and dinner (from seared scallops to lamb burgers) plus a strong cocktail lineup, there’s something for every occasion.

A mix of modern and Southern styles, this quaint hotel restaurant brings approachable dishes like cast-iron biscuits with bacon jam, deviled eggs, a fried chicken sandwich, rice grits with seasonal vegetables, and more.

Green's Lunch

An Uptown stop since 1926, Green’s has long been known for hot dogs on fresh steamed buns (served with secret-recipe homemade chili), plus hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and other low-key items.

Loft & Cellar

The menu in this lounge-y hangout just got a makeover thanks to the onboarding of chef Greg Collier, known for his Rock Hill brunch hot spot The Yolk, and his leadership with the pop-up dinner series called Soul Food Sessions. Under his direction, the fall menu has been filled with a variety of interesting items — and a hint of comfort food — like ham and biscuits with cider aioli, squash chips, with caramelized onion remoulade, winter Caesar with cured egg yolk, and sea scallops, with brioche.

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Halal Truck

What’s that? The most amazing aroma wafting along the North Tryon Street sidewalk by day or by night (it’s impossible to ignore after stepping out of a show at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center). This cash-only mobile restaurant serves hot food straight out of its walk-up window including chicken and lamb over rice with pita, falafel salad, Philly cheese steaks, and chicken gyros.

7th Street Public Market

Plan to spend a little bit of time at this wide open, one-stop shop for wines, cheeses, coffees and counter-service dining options. Get a cappuccino at Not Just Coffee , artisanal Italian foods at Zia Pia Imports , an acai bowl at Rico’s Acai , a freshly baked pizza by Pure Pizza , a raw juice from Viva Raw — the list goes on. There’s plenty of seating inside, plus free WiFi. Stay awhile.

Sea Level NC

This elegant establishment boasts farm-to-fork oysters grown in North Carolina, as well as other fresh seafood offerings sourced from the coasts of the Carolinas when available. Settle in for oyster shooters (there’s the Oyster Jammer with vodka, pale ale and mignonette), fish tacos, and steam buns, plus house favorites like fried catfish and paella with the daily catch from North Carolina.

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Reid's Fine Foods

The third location of Reid’s opened Uptown this year to focus on more casual yet gourmet grab-and-go options for coffee cravings, breakfast, lunch, dinner (from wraps to build-your-own-salads), and dessert. Refrigerated and frozen items are stocked to grab as well. First thing: check out the avocado toast, the quiche du jour, or the customized breakfast bowl (add grits) to get the day going.

Settle into a seat by the soaring-high windows in this sleek and modern space overlooking Romare Bearden Park and order an exquisitely crafted cocktail with levain bread and cultured butter while picking out a selection of small plates. Farm-fresh, seasonal fare extends to items like squash soup and foraged mushroom toast, while large plates range from herb dumplings to roasted pork shoulder.

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Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina

Warm and festive, Vida is an easygoing (and spicy) stop before a night out Uptown. Start with the queso chipotle dip before veering toward the tacos, all served with black beans and red chile rice. For something slightly lighter, the house salad with jicama and corn comes in a monstrous portion. Don’t skimp on the drinks — margarita and sangria pitchers are both available for sharing.

Rhino Market & Deli

Enter this lighthearted, hipster establishment when searching for a craft beer, bottle of wine, sandwich, or salad (there are plenty of snack-ish items like potato chips and kale chips to pair with either). The second location of its kind, Rhino Uptown is also known for its locally sourced goods (like kombuchas and coffees) and baked items (reach for a cookie). Stop by for weekly entertainment like music trivia and DJs.

JJ’s Red Hots

Easy-going and family-friendly, this hot dog joint has a longstanding devotion to Sahlen’s smokehouse hot dogs and sausages, as well as to handcrafting its own pickles, onion rings and chili. Try the JJ’s No. 1 Red Hot with chile relish, diced onions, mustard, and a dill pickle spear (with the option to deviate with a turkey, veggie, or all-beef dog). And take advantage of $2 hot dogs on Tuesdays after 3 p.m.

Fin & Fino

Soak up the bright and classy atmosphere (white and blue tones are reminiscent of the sand and sea) over fish and shellfish delivered daily. Offerings also feature seasonal ingredients from local farms. The restaurant works to keep at least 12 types of oysters on the raw bar menu around the clock. Sandwiches and entrees range from the crab cake BLT to the poke bowl with tuna and salmon.

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Halcyon flavors from the earth.

This gorgeous, fine dining space is housed within the Mint Museum Uptown. Anticipate artful, seasonally inspired dishes with ingredients often sourced from local farms and dairies. Shareable items include zucchini cakes and shishito peppers, while the entree list features Mediterranean spice lamb rack with tomato confiture, bacon-wrapped rabbit saddle with carrot puree, and beyond.

Amélie's French Bakery & Cafe | Uptown

Drop in for a hot cup of coffee or a bite to eat at this whimsical space (counter service makes it snappy). Named for the 2001 romantic comedy Amélie , this bakery is one of the most interesting coffee shops in town thanks to its clutter of mismatched tables, overstuffed chairs and that huge, faux tree hanging from the ceiling in the corner. Light meals include salads, sandwiches and soups (the signature soup with spinach, asparagus and leek is heaven), and a must-have pastry item is one of those cute macarons in the bakery case.

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Best Food Tours

Food tours in Charlotte – tickets, prices

Food tours in Charlotte provide an engaging and delicious way to experience the city’s culinary scene, taking you through its neighborhoods, local restaurants, and hidden gems.

From savory Southern comfort foods to innovative farm-to-table creations, food tours in Charlotte offer tempting options to satisfy every palate.

Additionally, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic neighborhoods, such as Uptown, South End, NoDa, and Plaza Midwood, each offering a unique culinary landscape that celebrates tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re interested in Southern classics like fried chicken and biscuits, fusion dishes, craft beer, cocktails, or sweets, food tours in Charlotte provide a truly memorable and flavorful experience.

This article shares everything you should know before buying your Charlotte food tour tickets.

Table of contents

What to expect on the food tour, private picnic experience in the queen city, original charlotte brewery tour – craft beer experience, tips for making most of your food tour, charlotte food tour faqs.

Charlotte’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors, reflecting the city’s multicultural influences. You’ll sample dishes ranging from traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors worldwide.

The knowledgeable guides will lead you through the tour, providing insightful commentary on the history, culture, and culinary significance of the places you visit. 

Most food tours take you through specific neighborhoods, allowing you to experience the local ambiance, architecture, and character. 

These food tours provide interaction opportunities with chefs, restaurant owners, or staff. This interaction offers insight into the inspiration behind the cuisine and a chance to learn about the cooking techniques and ingredients used.

Food tours in Charlotte often include historical and cultural elements, sharing stories that tie into the dishes and the city’s heritage. This can deepen your appreciation for both the food and the locale.

You’ll likely learn about ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural influences that contribute to the flavors of each dish. This knowledge can enhance your overall culinary appreciation.

By the end of the tour, you’ll be pleasantly full of all the delicious tastings. The experience is designed to leave you with a satisfied palate and a smile.

This Private Picnic is ideal for couples to learn about Charlotte while spending quality time together.

Couples will be given a guided tour of First Ward Park, highlighting the history of Charlotte and the First Ward area.

You’ll learn about the park’s transformation from a former industrial area to a vibrant community space. Also, you’ll learn about the city’s history, from its founding as a trading post to its current status as a major financial center.

After the tour, you will be led to your picnic, which includes beverages and breathtaking views of the Uptown Charlotte skyline.

The picnic is set up in a private park so couples can enjoy their peaceful meals.

Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 12 pm and will last around 2 hours.

Ticket Price : US$286

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This immersive beer tour is the perfect way to experience the local craft beer scene.

You’ll visit four different breweries, where you’ll get to sample various beers and learn about the brewing process.

Also, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal at Midwood Smokehouse, a popular local restaurant.

The tour is limited to 14 participants, so you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide. Additionally, you’ll travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, and beer is included in the price of the tour.

This tour is a great way to spend an evening with friends or family or to meet new people.

Timings and tour duration: The tour will commence at 5.30 pm and will last around 5 hours.

Ticket Price : US$128

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Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience when you hop on a food tour:

Food tours in Charlotte are all about indulging in delicious bites, so make sure to arrive with an appetite. Pace yourself throughout the tour, as you’ll likely have multiple tastings along the way.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and potentially changing weather conditions. You’ll be exploring different neighborhoods and establishments, so it’s essential to be at ease during the tour.

Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated between tastings. It’s essential to stay refreshed, especially if you’re sampling various flavors and spices.

Capture the memorable moments and tastings during the tour by taking photos and jotting down notes. Sharing your experience on social media can also be a fun way to document your food journey.

Food tours in are not just about the food. They also offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. Take the time to soak in the surroundings, and enjoy the ambiance of each location you visit.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your food tour in Charlotte and create lasting memories.

Here are some general FAQs about food tours in Charlotte.

Uptown, South End, NoDa (North Davidson), and Plaza Midwood are among the popular neighborhoods in Charlotte due to their diverse culinary scenes and cultural attractions.

Charlotte food tours usually include around 4 to 6 stops, offering a variety of dishes and flavors to sample.

Southern cuisine is a major feature of many Charlotte food tours, typically featuring fried chicken, barbecue, and biscuits.

Tour companies in Charlotte offer the option for private group food tours. This is a great way to tailor the experience to your group’s preferences.

Charlotte offers a variety of themed food tours focusing on specific types of cuisine or culinary themes. These can include dessert tours, international cuisine tours, and more.

Food tours in Charlotte include historical and cultural information about the city, providing a well-rounded experience combining food and local insights.

Popular Food attractions in North Carolina

# Food tours in Asheville # Brewery tours in Asheville # Food tours in Charlotte # Brewery tour in Charlotte # Brewery tours in Raleigh, North Carolina # Brewery tour in Wilmington, North Carolina # Wine tours in Wilmington, North Carolina

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UPTOWN'S CULINARY COLLECTIVE

Food Vendors

Monarch Market by Crescent Communities is the highly anticipated culinary collective in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. From birria tacos and smashburgers to Korean street food and falafel, the 18,000-square-foot food & beverage destination on the ground level of the newly renovated One Independence Center offers a curated selection of options from locally owned and nationally acclaimed concepts.

PROGRAMMING

From cocktail classes to live DJs, make plans and meet new friends at our social events

UPTOWN'S SLICE OF PARADISE.

Open air terrace bar with refreshing beverages in a relaxed setting to encourage unwinding and unplugging

AN ARTFUL COCKTAIL EXPRESSION.

Elevated lounge merging cocktails and art with an indoor bar and banquette in addition to an outdoor balcony overlooking Tryon St. 

WE HOST PRIVATE EVENTS, TOO

101 N. Tryon St.Suite 105

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Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours

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Charlotte’s beautiful downtown, known as Uptown, celebrates arts and culture with numerous museums, galleries, and sculptures. There is also fascinating history to learn about, lovely parks to explore, and fantastic restaurants to enjoy! Join Taste Carolina and the Queen City’s best chefs and food artisans to sample and explore the heart and tastes of Uptown. On our Local to Charlotte, Rooted in North Carolina tour you will explore the flavors of Uptown on a guided walking tour of the city! You’ll visit several unique, independent restaurants to sample chef’s creations while learning about the history of the city and its culinary culture. This tour highlights locally sourced dishes made with artisan preparations and the city’s most delightful foodie discoveries. We also offer The Spirit of Charlotte tour; You will enjoy delicious and innovative food and drinks – and plenty of fun – on this high spirited walking tour of several unique Uptown restaurants! Each tasting is paired with a small cocktail, local beer, or wine. You’ll learn about the city along the way and will feel like a VIP at each restaurant! Register by going to our website at tastecarolina.com. Tours run every week, all year ’round. Custom corporate and private tours can be added by request for any weekday or weeknight.

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Historic Uptown Neighborhood Tour

Segway Tour Through Uptown Charlotte

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Clock Tour Times: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Glide Through Charlotte’s Uptown Neighborhood

Discover everything Charlotte has to offer as you glide through the city on this fun and informative tour! As you ride through the city, your knowledgeable guide shares some of Charlotte’s fascinating history and current happenings. Enjoy Charlotte’s diverse architecture and urban design as you explore its streets.

Your tour includes brief instruction on riding the Segways before you set off on your excursion.

Some highlights of this 90-minute tour include:

• Levine Center of the Arts
• Mint Museum
• Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
• Gantt Center
• The Green, Trade & Tyron, Historic 4th Ward

Our upbeat and experienced guides are sure to make you feel like a local in Charlotte, NC.

What is not included?

• Food and drinks

Tour Requirements:

• Must weigh at least 100 pounds
• All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting Location:

101 S Tyron Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Please arrive 30 minutes early to sign waiver and get fitted for equipment.

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• Clock 9 a.m., 3 p.m.
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Markets, Museums, & Parks Segway Tour

Visit Charlotte’s most popular attractions and get to know the best of the city on a Segway PT!

• Clock 7 p.m.
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Haunted Segway Tour

Explore the ghosts of Charlotte, NC, on our spooky and unforgettable haunted Segway tour!

• Clock 3 p.m.

Taste & Glide Segway Tour

Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is an incredible place with beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and great eats. Explore it all on a Segway!

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The Charlotte Special Events Group

Charlotte's Premier Destination Management Resource

33 Unique Tours

Private Southern Spirits Road Tours Our Tour Includes:

• Deluxe transportation 
• Professionally trained tour escort
• Boxed lunches
• Stop at Three  Unique Distilleries : TBD
• TWO Souvenir Shot Glasses 
• Four Door Prizes:   including three giveaways (TBD)  to three lucky winners ($30.00 value) and TWO FREE TICKETS to any of our future tours ($140.00 value)
• Free tastings  
• Three “Behind the Scene” distillery tours (a $30.00 value)
• Complimentary bottled water
• BYOB as well!!! (coolers and plastic cups will be available)

Our tour can depart from anywhere in the Charlotte or Lake Norman Area

  For more information call 704 765 5104 .  

Price: $69.95 /24 person minimum (no children Please)

Private Brew Ha-Ha Tours

Our Tours Include:

• Deluxe motor coach transportation
• Complimentary lunch 
• Stops at Four Unique Breweries
• Two Souvenir Pint Glass  ($16.00 value)
• Four Door Prizes:   including Four flights given away to Four lucky winners ($32.00 value) and TWO FREE TICKETS to a future Brew Ha Ha Tour ($120.00 value)
•  Three beer tastings at each brewery
• TWO “ Behind the Scenes ” Brewery Tours 
• Complimentary bottled water and snacks

For more information call 704 765 5104 .

Price: Starting at $59.95 / 24 person minimum (no children please)

Murder Mystery Dinner @ Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

Wow this will be one amazing “Who Done It”.

A Murder Mystery on a Cruise Ship with 5 actors.

Your Meal Includes: Start with an Unlimited Buffet Bar: Seafood Bar, Kale and Sweet Potato Salad, Spring Salad, Biro Biro Rice, Vegetable Skewer, Beef Carpaccio, Gorgonzola Mousse, Endives Salad and many other meats, cheeses, soups and salads. All of the following are included with unlimited helpings : Top Sirloin, Baby Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Filet Wrapped in Bacon, Ribeye, Flank Steak, Leg of Lamb, Lamb Chops BBQ Ribs, Beef Ribs, Chicken Wrapped in Bacon, Boneless Chicken, Parmesan Pork Loin, Sausage, Salmon and Swordfish. Dessert: Cheese Cake, Key Lime Pie and Tiramisu. Soft Drinks are also included.

Cost: $95.00 per person includes the menu above, the murder mystery (5 actors), CSEG host, room rental fee, 18% gratuity and taxes. This price is based on a 50 person minimum. (We can quote you a price if you have a smaller group.) (Please note that the published price for the buffet bar, meats and desserts, tax and gratuity is $81.00 per person not including soft drinks!)

Tour includes: Tour guide, food, wine, dessert (price varies)

Tour Time: 4 hours Minimum: 12 attendees (no children please) 

Tour includes : Transportation, tour guide and a minimum of 6 beer tastings (lunch/dinner optional at Heist Brewery)

Tour Time: 4 hours Minimum: 12 attendees (no children please)

Chimney Rock Park / Lake Lure Tour

On the first part of this spectacular tour we visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. It’s more than just a walk in the woods or an awe-inspiring view. It’s an unforgettable experience with one of North America’s truly great natural wonders. After your hike sit and relax under a covered pavilion and enjoy a hearty lunch before departing for Lake Lure. On the second part of this tour you will cruise along local attractions and landmarks used in the filming of “Dirty Dancing” and discover the beauty and charm of Lake Lure on a covered pontoon. Listen to the legends of the lake and learn about the natural and cultural history of Hickory Nut Gorge, home to Lake Lure, North Carolina. After the tour enjoy some leisure time at one of Lake Lure’s beaches or Marinas.

Tour includes: Luxury mini bus transportation, tour escort, bottled water, lunch, admission fee into Chimney Rock Park and a narrated guided boat tour of Lake Lure. Gratuities for the driver and your escort are not included in the price.

 Cost: $119.95 per person  

Tour Time: 10 hours Minimum: 23 attendees

Be whisked off from Charlotte, NC and taken to Yadkin Valley Wine Country, NC. Stop

1) Laurel Gray Vineyards  for a vineyard tour and tasting Stop

2) Shadow Springs Vineyards for a tasting (followed by Lunch outside, weather permitting) Stop

3) Shiloh General Store (Amish owned old time store) shop till you drop but they only accept CASH! Stop

4) Dobbins Creek Vineyards for a tasting and some time on their front porch rocking chairs Each group will be led by an expert tour guide that will be able to answer any participant questions. These expert guides will give a complete  overview of the art of wine-making and fill guests will stimulating information. Throughout the day guests will be able to participate in the tasting different wines made by each unique vineyard.

Tour includes:  luxury transportation, escort, expert wine tour guides at each vineyard,  lunch, 22 tastings and 3 free wine glasses and a behind the scenes vineyard tour. (Vineyards are subject to change)

 Tour Cost: $119.00 per person (no children please)

Tour time: 8 hours Minimum: 23 attendees

You are about to visit one of America’s most interesting southern cities rich in history and full of incredible accomplishments. As the largest city in the Carolinas, Charlotte offers everything you’d expect from a city with the friendliness of a small town. Sports, museums, nightlife, food, action and the arts, from visual to performing, offers even the most demanding visitor that perfect element of satisfaction. Charlotte is a one-of-kind city that seems to have it all. Uptown’s Historical, “Old South” including the Historic 4th Ward, Uptowns “New South” Sights Include: The 60-Story Bank of America Headquarters currently stands as Charlotte’s tallest building. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is an Uptown center for the performing arts. The Levine Ave of the Arts (Charlotte’s key cultural destinations, comprised of Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, John S. and James L. Knight Theater and Mint Museum Uptown), 7th St. Public Market, The South End, Dilworth, Time Warner Arena, home of the new Charlotte Hornets & Bank of America Stadium home of the Carolina Panthers.

Tour includes: luxury shuttle bus, tour guide and bottled water

Tour time: 45 minutes Minimum: 12 attendees

Take a day trip to fabulous Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, just 3.5 hours outside Charlotte.

Tour includes: luxury transportation, escort, $25.00 back in casino cash & unlimited bottled water. Tour time: 14 hours (7:00 am to 9:00 pm) Minimum # of attendees: 57 attendees.

*Cost: $38.00 per person (add a box breakfast for just $12.00) (no children please)

(Prices are also available for groups of 30, 23 or 12.) 

Tour includes: All Sport access pass, transportation, lunch voucher and escort.

Tour Time: 6 hours Minimum: 12 attendees (**waiver of liability is required in advance)

Birds of a Feather Tour The Carolina’s has unique bird venues that are interesting for the entire family. We will visit the Carolina Raptor Center that has over 25 species of raptor in a zoo like setting. Then we will travel to the Birdbrain Ostrich Ranch , Ostrich are raised for a healthy source of red meat here. You will discover memorabilia from 1900 Ostrich farms, visit the birds, and feed them their dinosaur food.

Tour includes: Escort, transportation and admissions

Tour Time: 5 hours Minimum: 12 attendees 

• Carolina Raptor Center just opened “The Owl Forest – a Nature Notebook” combining nature observation with art expression.
• Their veterinarian, Dr. Dave Scott, is an internationally known avian surgeon, presenting new surgical techniques to colleagues at conferences all over the world.
• Carolina Raptor Center’s resident bald eagles, Savannah and Derek, sit on eggs and hatch chicks every January. Watch on our EagleCam.

Built in 1800, Latta Place was owned by James Latta, an immigrant from Northern Ireland. A successful traveling merchant through 1820, Mr. Latta then retired and turned his property into a cotton plantation consisting of 742 acres and 34 enslaved people. After Mr. Latta’s death in 1837, his wife Jane sold the property to David Harry. In 1853, William Sample purchased the property, which was owned by the Sample family until 1922. Crescent Land and Timber, a subsidiary of Duke Power, then purchased the property because of its proximity to the Catawba River, and rented the home out to tenant farmers, until the house was abandoned in the 1950s. In the 1970s, a group of citizens recognized the structural and historical significance of Latta Place and formed a private non-profit entity, Latta Place, Inc., to save and restore the property. With much diligence, and due in large part to the efforts of Jean Boggs, Latta Place, Inc. secured $110,000 from Mecklenburg County to restore the home, and opened it to the public in the mid 1970s. At that point Latta Place, Inc. donated the house and land to Mecklenburg County and recommended that the adjacent property be purchased by the county to form what is now Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Today, Historic Latta Plantation is still operated by Latta Place, Inc. In addition to daily tours, Latta offers 35 special events each year, five themed summer day camps, homeschool programs, workshops, educational field trips, and daily tours year-round. The 12,000 school children that visit the site annually are able to participate in unique interactive historical programming, visit rare and endangered breeds of historic livestock, see the process of growing short-staple cotton first hand, visit our honeybee exhibit, and much more!

Tour includes: Luxury transportation, escort, admission to both the Carolina Raptor Center  and the Latta Plantation, self guided tour of the Latta House, box lunch and bottled water

Tour Time: 5 hours Minimum: 30 attendees Cost: $73.00 per person. 

Tour includes: A dmission, escort and guide on premise.

Tour Time: 3 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, boarding pass and lunch

Tour Time: 4 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, admission, audio self guided tour and a box lunch on board your bus. Wine tasting is available on site at an additional cost.

Tour Time: 10 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, tour, home-made tea sandwiches & dessert, hot tea and lecture.

Tour Time: 3 hours Minimum: 30 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, combo pass admission (includes single-day Zoo general admission and FUN tickets which may be used at any zoo attractions.)

Tour Time: 8 hours Minimum: 12 attendees ** Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at additional cost – please notify us of your needs when you register for the tour.

Tour includes: Guide and transportation

Tour includes: Escort, admission, and transportation.

Tour includes: Transportation and escort.

Tour Time: up to 5 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation and escort. (Donations are welcome!)

Tour includes: transportation and escort.

Tour Time: 5 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Tour includes: Escort and admission.

Tour time: 4 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Black History and Art Tour Experience Charlotte through its art and its history. We will travel through uptown and discover Black heritage in the acts of courageous people who built this city. We will visit the Harvey B Gantt African American Cultural Center , named for Harvey B Gantt, the Charlotte architect and community leader to see the John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American art. Next we will travel to the Levine Museum of the New South where you will learn about Southern history and see its centerpiece exhibit: Cotton fields to Skyscrapers”. The museum includes artifacts, images, video, music, oral histories, and more. Finally we will walk through Spirit Square before the tour concludes.

Tour includes: Transportation, tour guide, guided museum tours and admissions fees

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Carowinds Fun Excursion A visit to Charlotte’s most exciting theme and waterpark. The park features over 50 rides, shows and attractions, including 13 world-class roller coasters. Planet Snoopy is a big hit with the children, and Boomerang Bay is a 20 acre waterpark that will have 4 new attractions in 2014. Carowinds is a cool way to spend the day!

Tour includes: transportation, admission, and lunch.

Tour Time: 8 hours Minimum: 12 attendees

Start Your Engines – Charlotte Speedway Tour The “Over the Wall Experience” offers fans a close-up look at areas that are off-limits on race days. You will see the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Garage, navigate through two infield race tracks, make your way down Pit Road and take a picture in Victory Circle. Learn the history of Charlotte Motor Speedway while enjoying a comfortable van ride around the Superspeedway where you will feel the full-tilt force of the 24-degree banking. Plus, visit zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte on this exciting tour! Remember, this tour is designed for the hard-core NASCAR fan. This intimate group tour also includes: a walking tour through The Speedway Club and a visit to one of our 113 suites, Performance Racing Network (PRN) studios, and experience the breathtaking view of Charlotte Motor Speedway from the top of the Ford Grandstand. Later you will cruise down pit road and experience first-hand the feel of the 24 degree banking. Tour the Media Center and take a walk down memory lane as you view timeless photos of CMS history. This tour is limited to fans 10 years of age or older . *Before or after your tour at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the luxurious Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, admission and tour guide on premise.

Tour includes: Escort, food and sweet tea.

Tour Time: 3 hours Maximum: 25 attendees

Tour includes: Transportation, escort, guided tour & admission

Main Attractions:

• Lofty altitude gives guests the exhilarating sense of being above the surrounding mountains
• Beautiful mountain scenery
• Mile High Swinging Bridge
• Environmental Habitats for native wildlife
• Black Bears, River Otters, Cougars, Deer and Bald Eagles
• Nature Museum
• excellent exhibits about the natural history of the region
• theater that shows nature movies made on the Mountain
• restaurant and gift shop
• South’s best alpine hiking trails
• More than 12 miles of regularly maintained trails ranging in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges

Tour includes: Transportation, admission, escort, guided tour and a $10.00 lunch voucher for Mildred’s Grill.

Tour includes: Transportation, tour guide, escorted all-in-one admission ticket to the Old Salem Museum & Gardens, admission to the African American Heritage Tour at the museum with a guided tour of St. Philips Heritage Center and box lunch. WOW!

Tour includes: Escort, box seat tickets, $2.00 bonus value tokens, and a whole lot of fun!!

Tour includes: Escort, admission, entrance to the High Octane Theater, 1 simulator ride and lunch at the Pit Stop Café.

The Charlotte Special Events Group, drawn from a variety of industries, including hospitality, event management, travel, radio and communications.

More About Us

Connect with Us

Address: The Charlotte Special Events Group 141 kingsway drive Mooresville NC 28115 Phone: +1 704-765-5104

Email: [email protected]

Our Newsletter

Unlock Uptown’s Secret Spots

From hidden-away spots to beloved businesses with a cult following, Uptown Charlotte is bursting with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you work or live in Uptown or only visit a few times a year, don’t miss these lesser-known experiences during your next outing in the city. Or better yet, make a special trip to visit a spot or two. We promise—you won’t regret it

EAT Do a quick drive down Uptown’s main streets and you’ll find dozens of enticing eateries beckoning you to enjoy a meal. But if you go a little deeper into Uptown or explore offerings on the edge of the district, you may happen upon one of these under-the-radar local favorites. 

Alexander Michael’s, Poplar Tapas Wines & Spirits and McNinch House Restaurant are all located in beautiful, tucked away historic homes in Fourth Ward, serving up fantastic fare and rich stories of Charlotte’s history. Head to Alexander Michael’s for a laid-back neighborhood tavern experience in what used to be the Crowell-Berryhill Store. Poplar, located in the Queen Anne-style Morrison House, features a Peruvian-inspired small plates menu. And the purple-painted McNinch House Restaurant is the epitome of luxurious fine dining. 

If you haven’t already, you’ll probably pass by these easy-to-miss eateries at some point while you’re in Uptown. Located under the Two Wells Fargo building in the College Street Shops, Johnny Burrito is known for its big California-style burritos and Mexican food (Tuesday and Friday are tamale days). Little Village Grill features an American-Greek menu with pitas (the lamb and beef gyro is a must), subs, burgers, sandwiches and salads. The no-frills local fast-food spot has two street-front retail locations: 710 W. Trade St. near Johnson & Wales University and 901 E. Fourth St. behind the large hand sculpture art piece. Off of Graham Street, Sub One Hoagie House and Freshwaters are located in a small strip mall. Sub One has been serving delicious hot hoagies in Charlotte for nearly 30 years. A few doors down, Freshwaters opened in 2015 featuring Southern and New-Orleans-style cuisine and live jazz on Friday nights.

Also on Graham Street, Crave Dessert Bar is a nightlife lounge and bar specializing in savory appetizers, decadent desserts and craft cocktails. The hip spot is located in the Old Charlotte Cotton Mills development, the first cotton mill built in the city in 1880. Green’s Lunch near Truist Field in Third Ward is the oldest restaurant in Uptown. It’s been grilling breakfast and lunch favorites, including world-famous hot dogs with secret homemade chili, since 1926. A newer addition to the scene, Community Matters Cafe opened near Bank of America Stadium in 2019. An extension of the Charlotte Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that supports the homeless and those battling addictions, the cafe is a full-service restaurant and coffee shop that provides life skills training for employees while supporting the organization’s programs. Speaking of coffee, don’t miss Waterbean Coffee off Tryon Street—it’s the only drive-thru coffee spot in Uptown.

SHOP In the early 1900s, Tryon Street was the area’s most popular retail row with stores like Belk Bros., Efird’s Department Store and Ivey’s Department Store bringing people from all over the region to shop. Over time, department stores started moving to suburban malls. While large retailers aren’t as prevalent in Uptown today, local shops and boutiques still call the area home. But where are they?

Various retail shops are sprinkled throughout Uptown, but three retail-centric spots are hidden away underneath Uptown’s towering skyscrapers: The Market at 7th Street, Latta Arcade/Brevard Court and Overstreet Mall.

The Market at 7th Street opened in 2011 as North Carolina’s first food hall, featuring culinary vendors and retail shops. The nonprofit operates as a small business incubator that helps entrepreneurs grow while providing local products to residents and visitors. Retail shops include the Charlotte-centric gift boutique CLT Find and zero-waste beauty refill store Good Earth Essentials. While new vendors pop up often, the market’s current food and beverage stalls include Assorted Table Wine Shoppe, Geno D's Pizza, It’s Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Corn, Momo Station, Not Just Coffee, Orrman’s Cheese Shop, Rico’s Acai, SC Cafe, and Viva Raw.

Latta Arcade opened in 1915 and is one of Uptown’s only historic retail landmarks still in operation. The two-level property features retail shops, offices, restaurants and bars with a pedestrian walkway through the middle that leads out to Brevard Court, a light-covered exterior courtyard. Commonly called the French Quarter (the name of one of the courtyard’s anchor restaurants), Brevard Court also features a variety of shops and culinary options with outdoor seating. Potbelly and Chipotle flank the unassuming Latta Arcade entrance on Tryon Street, but once you walk inside, you will be transported back in time. Current occupants include Arcade Men’s Room, Technicuts, Cell Phone Repair (CPR), Pie in the Sky Pizza, Phil’s Deli, Ohana Poke, Queen City Bites & Crafts, Belfast Mill, Clover Joe’s, Nefelie’s, Valhalla and more.

Overstreet Mall is a secret network of connected pathways inside towers in Uptown that house retail shops and restaurants. As you walk down the interior pathway, you will stumble upon gift shops like The Beehive Gifts, clothing and accessory boutiques like Ivy & Leo, and jewelry stores like Brownlee Jewelers. Other tenants include New Creations Salon, City Barbers, McAlister’s Deli, Chick-fil-A, Which Wich and more.

PLAY When you think of activities in Uptown Charlotte, major attractions may come to mind like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Mint Museum, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Bank of America Stadium or Spectrum Center, but other somewhat secret spots offer entertaining experiences you didn’t even know you were missing.

If you enter Uptown Charlotte on North Tryon Street, the corner of your eye may catch the large photos of acrobats dangling from fabric ropes on the front windows of a stone-covered building. As you take a second glance, you’ll see the name AerialCLT on the door. Drop in for a beginner-friendly fitness class, where you will learn how to fly on an aerial silk fabric, trapeze and lyra hoop—no pull-ups required. 

Just next door with a similar stone-covered facade, the McColl Center for Art + Innovation is housed in a more than 90-year-old former church turned art gallery that now operates an artist-in-residence program with more than 30,000 square feet of studio and exhibit space. Also located in a former church, Spirit Square is home to two small theaters—McGlohon Theater and Duke Energy Theater—as well as classrooms, studios and gallery space. The Square at Spirit Square is a light-covered outdoor patio that hosts free concerts and moving showings during warm weather months.

Enjoy a night on the town at a speak-easy style bar like The Cotton Room or The Cellar at Duckworth’s. Each have a prohibition-era vibe with expertly crafted cocktails. Or head to Middle C Jazz, a local live jazz club featuring national, regional and local jazz artists, plus delicious small plates and libations.  

Uncover more hidden spots and secret experiences on a free self-guided tour through Uptown or take a guided tour with Charlotte NC Tours, C-Charlotte Tours, Queen City Rides or the Funny Bus City Comedy Tour. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and tell us your favorite under-the-radar spots in Uptown.