Charlotte's warm, southern location is a big draw.
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A bustling center for all things banking, Charlotte, North Carolina is growing into a cosmopolitan Mecca faster than Atlanta did ten years ago. Eco-chic restaurants are popping up all over the place and, with the debut of the city's first subway system in 2007, public transportation is finally available to ease congested traffic woes. Although Charlotte is not known for being pedestrian-friendly, a visit to this city means discovering first-hand how a busy metropolis can also be a quaint green town. Find out more about Charlotte's green projects by digging into TreeHugger's Charlotte archives.
- Take Public Transportation: The LYNX Light Rail System
Ridership is booming on Charolotte's subway, the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail, which is barely a year old. Conveniently timed to coincide with busses, the light rail services 15 stations between uptown Charlotte and I-485 at South Blvd for a mere $1.50 (regular-priced ticket). The Charlotte Area Transit System has already added more railcars and plans are now in the works to expand parking at stations. For savings, purchase a full-day unlimited ticket for only $4.50 or a seven-day unlimited ticket for $15.
- Stay at a Green Hotel: Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel
Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops. The hotel has an extensive recycling policy and the highly efficient laundry system has been revamped to use less water and detergent. In bathrooms, low-flow showerheads and toilets save water.
- Go Camping: Fort Mill Campground
Pinching pennies? Pitch a tent. Prices at nearby Fort Mill Campground, approximately 25 minutes outside the city, start at less than $35 a night. Lots feature basic cabins or tent space and it's easier to monitor your own waste and energy consumption. It's also easier to reconnect with nature. Do some fishing at Lake Wylie or just relax by the campfire.
- Dine at a Green Restaurant: Ratcliffe on the Green, Udipi Vegetarian Cuisine, or Berrybrook Farm Natural Food Store
For upscale dinning, head to Ratcliffe on the Green, where chef Mark Hibbs dishes up gourmet cuisine right off the farm. Local farmers like Grateful Growers, Underwood Family Farm, and Ashley Farms come together to provide the freshest cuisine in the area. Start off with the Four Season Farm chilled carrot and ginger bisque, followed by the Grateful Growers Farm bone in Heritage Breed pork chop with Fisher Farms au gratin potatoes and Cottle Nursery organic blueberry reduction.
Looking for meat-free goodness? South Indian restaurant Udipi Vegetarian Cuisine plates up sit-down vegetarian. Try the thali -- basically a sampling of the different curries, lentils, and vegetables -- and order a side of naan for dipping.
For more casual fare, grab a homemade sandwich and a fresh smoothie from the juice bar at Berrybrook Farm Natural Food Store, the oldest natural food shop in the area. - Scoop up Vintage Clothing: Thrift Store Carolina Value Village
Traveling is never complete without delving into the shopping scene and Charlotte is home to Carolina Value Village -- literally a thrift department store -- which takes thrift store shopping to an entirely new level. There's nothing more fulfilling than sifting through junk for that worthwhile gem.
- Go Eco Shopping: Coco Fleur, Poole Shop, and Black & Blue
Coco Fleur offers tons of stunning eco-lines for women like Eco-Centric, Sworn Virgins, and Boy Meets Girl. Accessorize with green savvy jewels from Love Heals Jewelry. For each Love Heals purchase, the company pledges to plant 10 trees. The store's staff also retails their own line of bamboo t-shirts.
Poole Shop flaunts basic tanks, linen dresses, and tees for women from lines including Organic by John Patrick and denim oasis Black & Blue carries Aristocrat jeans made from fabrics and dyes that are chemical free and 100 percent biodegradable, as well as other lines for both men and women. - Pamper your Pooch at Charlotte's First Holistic Pet Store: Pawtique
Pawtique, the city's first holistic pet boutique, carries loads of adorable eco-friendly treats for your little furry one. Items include eco-friendly doggie beds and biodegradable poop bags and the latest in raw food diet choices for your pup.
- Visit a Nature Preserve: The Carolina Raptor Center
Just north of Charlotte is the Carolina Raptor Center, home to nearly 11,000 rescued hawks, eagles, vultures, and owls. In fact, it's one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. Visitors can sign up for educational classes or just head for a wildlife-filled nature trail. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students, and children under four are free.
- Peruse a Farmers' Market: Center City Green Market and the Matthews Community Farmers' Market
Charlotte's farmers' market scene can't be missed. Center City Green Market at Seventh Street between College and Brevard streets runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekly events like cookie contests, the firemen's pancake breakfast, a pet pageant, and a seafood showcase attract visitors from all over. Get a first-hand look at the best produce, fresh cut flowers, dairy, and homemade gifts the area has to offer.
Browse local eats and learn to cook like a professional at the Matthews Community Farmers' Market on North Trade Street. Local chefs provide cooking demonstrations in rotation. To learn from the area's masters of cuisine, attend the Ask a Chef hour. Farmers are also on hand to answer questions about farming techniques and crop sustainability.
- Go White-Water Rafting: The U.S. National Whitewater Center
Seeking thrills? Head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, the world's largest re-circulating whitewater course, for some white water rafting. Encompassing over 300 acres along the Catawba River, the park also offers climbing and water tours. The white caps are even used to train Olympic athletes. Despite being artificial, the Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. Visitors can sign up for environmental educational opportunities including "Eco Caching," or hunts for specific plants, animals, or other elements in nature.
Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.
