As part of Season 03 of CulturallyOurs which showcases Lifestyle and People, we are thrilled to share letters from locals all around the world as they take us along a virtual journey of their city, village or hometown. This is a way for us to get to know one another on a personal level without any ‘must see‘ lists or ‘Top 10‘ activities. Getting a local’s point of view is a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the lives of the people of a place, city or country.

Today we travel to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Charlsey Childers, a Charlotte native born and raised and a woman’s empowerment expert, takes us along her city in our local’s point of view series.From Charlsey,

As I made breakfast this morning, I stared out the kitchen window mesmerized by the array of colors: bright green grass that extended as far as my eye could see, a bright blue sky that extended for miles in every direction, and a fluffy white clouds that looked like an artists work of art.

Then after a 45 minute drive into the heart of the city, I was captivated again. The skyscrapers looked exceptionally beautiful as the sun reflected off the windows. But that wasn’t what caught my attention; it was the array of diversity found in the people that caught my attention. The sight was just as beautiful as the morning’s glow. The streets were filled with people of all different colors, sizes, and backgrounds. Just at one light, I saw an African American male who was dressed in dress slacks and a button down shirt. He appeared to be walking towards one of the banks. Several middle-aged Causcasion women and an older Asian male were also dressed professionally. A young Caucasion woman was dressed in a t-shirt and yoga pants and had her dog by her side. And an interracial couple was holding hands and laughing. When they were allowed to cross, they all walked across and went their separate ways. 

That is exactly the type of diversity you’ll find in Charlotte North Carolina – in the people, in the seasons, and even in the different areas of the city. Charlotte is a true melting pot of a city. In fact, I am one of two people out of 875,000 who were actually born here (I hope you sense my sarcasm while getting the point I’m trying to make). Its culture is made up of a heaping spoonful of Southern hospitality and a dash of worldly culture. The streets are illuminated with its natural beauty and garnished with its metropolitan splendor. The people are a nice blend of innovative chefs, talented artists, fierce athletes, and mission-minded professionals. And the food is equal parts traditional, exquisite, and dynamic.  

It’s fair to say that every season is experienced here. Springs are rich in greenery and blue skies, Falls are cool and colorful, Winters are very low in snow, and Summers are bright and sunny. Many Northerners have come here to escape the cold, and many Floridians have come here to escape the heat. Charlotte is nestled 9 hours south of New York, New York and 9 hours north of West Palm Beach, Florida. It’s also 3 hours from the North Carolina mountains and 3 hours from the Carolina beaches. 

A unique quality about Charlotte is that there’s a little something for everyone. It is made up of smaller districts, and each district has its own unique feel to it. So if you were to visit, I would recommend knowing which area of Charlotte you’d like to explore or have an idea of what attraction you’d like to experience. Here are a few that you might want to visit the next time you are in town.

The best way to get a flavor the city is to spend the day exploring Uptown. Here you can spend the morning exploring museums ranging from the NASCAR Museum to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Culture, eat a picnic lunch in a small park, admire the skyscraper’s in a Horse & Carriage Tour before heading to a Knight’s baseball game, and then spend the evening indulging in the vibrant nightlife. If you take a 10 minute drive away from Uptown, you will find the art and entertainment district called NoDa, which is dedicated to promoting the arts and small businesses. Here you will find the home of Craft beer, live music, handmade gifts, and a plethora of talented artists. Then 30 minutes from NoDa, you will find an affluent area called Ballantyne, which is known for its class and posh lifestyle. A perfect day in Ballantyne may consist of a round of golf at one of the prestigious golf courses, a two hour deep stone massage at the resort, shopping at one of the chic boutiques or jewelry stores, and enjoying a romantic dinner for two at one of the fine dining restaurants. And Charlotte has every kind of cuisine imaginable. This speaks to the cultural diversity that is such a big part of the city. From small eateries to fancy restaurants there is something for every pallet. These are just a few of the districts. You can also spend a day boating on the lake, rafting at the National Whitewater Center, hiking at Crowders Mountain, and drinking wine in a treehouse at Treehouse Vineyards. There’s so much to do and so much to say about a city that’s sprinkled with a little bit of everything.

Charlotte isn’t just a one of a kind city; it’s one of every kind. We all have a unique story and background. We were all created for a purpose and to do something amazing with our lives. Whatever that looks like for you, Charlotte is a city that will welcome you with open arms and an environment that will inspire you to prosper if you embrace it. I hope you’ll experience it soon.Thank you Charlsey for taking us along for a virtual visit around Charlotte North Carolina. We loved getting to know this town that is so full of art and culture. Those murals and Charlotte’s street art demand an in-person visit sometime soon for sure.

What about you? Are you ready to put Charlotte on your must-visit-list?

{Words by Charlsey Childers; Website: Always Her ; Instagram: @charlsey_childers }

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