2019 Walks
Tour De Trees
When: Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What: Come and enjoy a casually guided bicycle ride through the Historic areas of Charlotte and learn about Champion and other unusual trees in the inner City.
Space is limited to fifteen people for the 1.5 - 2 hour tour. Must be 13 or older and accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required but no longer accepting reservations. This bike tour is full.
Where: Heartwood Tree Service, 4920 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217.
Accessibility: This is a cycling event in celebration of BIKE! Charlotte and City Walks. Please bring your own bike. Helmets are required.
Parking: Heartwood Tree Service, 4920 Old Pineville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 501 to Woodlawn and walk about 3 minutes to Heartwood Tree Service, 4920 Old Pineville Rd. See more at ridetransit.org.
Shifting Gears – Sustain Charlotte & CDOT Educational Workshop
When: Wednesday, May 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
What: CDOT staff will provide an update and an overview of the 5th/6th St. Cycle Track Project. Following the presentation small group tours will ride to the uptown rail trail and back via the cycle track. Upon return attendees will fill answer survey questions about their experience riding the early implementation phase of the 5th/6th St. Cycle Track.
Individuals are encouraged to ride/bring their personal bicycles, helmets, and lights for the guided tour. If you need a bike, B-Cycle Charlotte can provide one. Please contact amarcus5@uncc.edu to request a bike.
Where: Zeiss Building on Central Campus (1231 Elizabeth Avenue), room 1100, Central Piedmont Community College.
Accessibility: This is a cycling tour, however, interested participants are also welcome for the information session to learn about the Cycle Track project.
Parking: There will be free parking available for participants in the visitor decks on East 4th Street. Please park in Deck 3 for easy access to the Zeiss Building. Please find a map of CPCC facilities here.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, please take the CityLYNX Gold Line from CTC/Arena station to CPCC station.
Munching Tour #1: East Charlotte Sharon Amity Road
When: Thursday, May 2, 4 – 6 p.m.
What: In Charlotte, merchants from every part of the globe mingle in older suburban shopping plazas — what Charlotte Observer “Food From Home” columnist Tom Hanchett calls “salad bowl suburbs.” Join Hanchett to visit a Nepali grocery, enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, eat a Palestinian feast and finish with Syrian pastries — all in a single east Charlotte spot.
This walk is limited to 16 attendees, so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring $20 in cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: The tour starts and ends outside Nile Grocery, 3113 N. Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: This event is accessible to wheelchairs and all ages. Not all curbs have wheelchair cuts.
Parking: Available in the shopping center, 3113 N. Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, CATS Bus 17 from the Charlotte Transportation Center uptown travels through Plaza Midwood on Central and Commonwealth avenues. Get out at the Campbell Drive stop, a two-minute walk from 3113 N. Sharon Amity. See more at ridetransit.org.
History, Murals and Mills - A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #1
When: Saturday, May 4, 10:30 a.m.
What: Groups will explore the vibrant history of North Charlotte and NoDa with local tour guides. We will visit three textile mills, walk through two distinct and largely intact mill villages, view local art and several large murals, and hear about some of the colorful neighbors from NoDa.
Where: Tours will start and end at The Company Store, 3221 Yadkin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: Ours tours are roughly one mile in length along city streets. They are accessible for walkers, wheel chairs, and strollers.
Parking: There is a paid parking lot next to The Company Store, 3221 Yadkin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205. There is also ample free parking along 36th Street.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 501 to 36th St. Station and walk 4 minutes to The Company Store. The Company Store is also one block off the light rail stop for NoDa at 36th Street.
History, Murals and Mills - A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #2
When: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.
What: Groups will explore the vibrant history of North Charlotte and NoDa with local tour guides. We will visit three textile mills, walk through two distinct and largely intact mill villages, view local art and several large murals, and hear about some of the colorful neighbors from NoDa.
Where: Tours will start and end at The Company Store, 3221 Yadkin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: Ours tours are roughly one mile in length along city streets. They are accessible for walkers, wheel chairs, and strollers.
Parking: There is a paid parking lot next to The Company Store, 3221 Yadkin Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205. There is also ample free parking along 36th Street.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 501 to 36th St. Station and walk 4 minutes to The Company Store. The Company Store is also one block off the light rail stop for NoDa at 36th Street.
Charlotte Liberty Walk Through Uptown: The Revolutionary Period in Charlotte-Towne
When: Sunday, May 5, 12 p.m.
What: Uptown Charlotte saw plenty of action in the years before and during the Revolutionary War, including the 1780 Battle of Charlotte between local patriots and the forces of Lord Cornwallis, the British commander who spent 16 humiliating days in Charlotte during September 1780. Learn why the hornet’s nest is Charlotte’s symbol. (Hint: It involves an annoyed Cornwallis, after local militia pestered his men relentlessly.) Learn why May 20 is a significant date for Charlotte. Led by local historian and author Scott Syfert, this event will tell you about Charlotte’s Revolutionary history as you follow the Liberty Walk through uptown. This walk is co-sponsored with the Charlotte Museum of History and the May 20th Society.
Where: The group will meet in front of the Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC - uptown.
Accessibility: We will walk 1.5 miles so plan accordingly. Wheelchair accessible.
Parking: Garages, surface lots and metered on-street spaces (free on Sundays) are available near the Harvey B. Gantt Center.
Transit: Take the LYNX Blue Line to the Stonewall Street station. After exiting the train, walk one block northeast on Stonewall Street toward South Tryon. The Gantt Center is at Stonewall and South Tryon. Multiple CATS bus routes travel nearby. See ridetransit.org for more information.
Art in Transit: Blue Line Tour
When: Friday, May 10, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
What: Participants will experience 5 stations along the LYNX Blue Line learning about the art installations and artists featured at each stop. We'll stay at each station approximately 10 minutes until the next train comes. From 9th Street going north, we’ll stop at 36th Street, Old Concord Rd and UNC Charlotte. We’ll then cross the platform to head back south and stop at Parkwood station before returning to 9th Street.
If desired, the free "Art in "Transit" app may be downloaded via the app store or Google Play store prior to the tour.
Where: 9th Street Light Rail Station, 239 E 9th St., Charlotte, NC 28202.
Accessibility: The tour is open to all ages and is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and bikes. Please note: there are no bathrooms along the tour.
Parking: 7th Street Parking Garage, 270 E 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202. A fee may be required to park.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take the light rail to 9th Street Station or take the CATS bus 501 to 9th Street Station and walk about 1 minute to 9th St. Light Rail Station (239 E. 9th St.) See details at ridetransit.org.
Camp North End Walking Tour #1: A walk through Charlotte's Past, Present, and Future
When: Friday, May 10, 4 – 5 p.m.
What: Join the Camp North End team for a behind the scenes tour of the largest adaptive reuse project in the country! This 75-acre, historic industrial site, which once manufactured Model Ts and served as a US Army Quartermaster Depot during WWII and the Cold War, is now transforming into Charlotte’s hub for creativity and innovation. Meet at the foot of the water tower (1824 Statesville Ave.) to learn more about this ambitious project’s history and vision. After the hour-long walking tour, kick back with food, music, and Friday night fun in the Boileryard!
Where: Meet at the foot of the water tower, 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206, to learn more about this ambitious project’s history and vision. The tour will loop back around to end where it began.
Accessibility: This tour is open to all age groups. The walking route will encounter a handful of steps and inclines.
Parking: 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 21 to Statesville Ave. & Woodward Ave. and then walk 7 minutes to the water tower (1824 Statesville Ave). See more at ridetransit.org.
Camp North End Walking Tour #2: A walk through Charlotte's Past, Present, and Future
When: Friday, May 10, 5 – 6 p.m.
What: Join the Camp North End team for a behind the scenes tour of the largest adaptive reuse project in the country! This 75-acre, historic industrial site, which once manufactured Model Ts and served as a US Army Quartermaster Depot during WWII and the Cold War, is now transforming into Charlotte’s hub for creativity and innovation. Meet at the foot of the water tower (1824 Statesville Ave.) to learn more about this ambitious project’s history and vision. After the hour-long walking tour, kick back with food, music, and Friday night fun in the Boileryard!
Where: Meet at the foot of the water tower, 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206, to learn more about this ambitious project’s history and vision. The tour will loop back around to end where it began.
Accessibility: This tour is open to all age groups. The walking route will encounter a handful of steps and inclines.
Parking: 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 21 to Statesville Ave. & Woodward Ave. and then walk 7 minutes to the water tower (1824 Statesville Ave). See more at ridetransit.org.
Discovering Historic Wilmore
When: Friday, May 10, 6:30 – 7: 30 p.m.
What: Historic Wilmore, one of the 6 designated Historic Neighborhoods in Charlotte, has a long and storied past that is easy to miss if you only ever drive down Mint Street in a car. As we walk down this main street of Wilmore we will explore locations key to the development and history of our neighborhood. Some, like Wilmore Elementary, now sit empty looking for a new lease on life. Others, like Pasta & Provisions and YUME, have recently had new life brought into them through redevelopment and adaptive re-use of these historic buildings.
Where: We will meet at Wilmore Community Center (501 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203), corner of Mint St. and West Blvd. We will end outside YUME at the corner of Mint and Summit. Approximately a 0.4 mile walk.
Accessibility: The walk will be down a mostly flat sidewalk and is open to all who wish to join. Slight elevation gain of 30 feet over the 0.4 miles.
Parking: Wilmore Community Center, 501 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.
Transit: If you prefer to not to drive, take CATS bus 10, to West Blvd. & Mint St. and walk about 1 minute to Wilmore Community Center (501 West Blvd.) See more at ridetransit.org.
Treetops & Tombstones - Clt's Super Natural Arboretum
When: Saturday, May 11, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
What: Elmwood Cemetery in the heart of uptown Charlotte offers not only a fascinating glimpse into Charlotte’s past, with graves dating back to the 1800s, it’s also a certified arboretum. Erin Oliverio leads this walking tour where she’ll provide tips on how to identify trees and discuss the city’s meticulous stewardship of this center city gem.
Where: Elmwood Cemetery, 700 W 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202.
Accessibility: The leisurely tour will be no longer than 1 mile and is accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. It is also open to all ages. The ground may be uneven at times.
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Parking: Available along Elmwood Cemetery’s internal road network, 700 W 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 22 to Graham St. & 6th St. then walk about 4 minutes to Elmwood Cemetery (700 W. 6th St.). See details at ridetransit.org.
Camp North End to Brightwalk
When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.
What: Discover one of CLT’s hottest areas. Camp North End started life as a Henry Ford assembly plant for Model Ts and Model As and is now transforming into a bustling hub for art and innovation. Meet Matthew Lister of Gehl Architects, a visiting thought leader on human-centered design and public life. He’ll join community leader Adrienne Martinez of the adjacent neighborhood of Brightwalk, gaining national attention for its success in mixed-income housing.
Where: Please meet in the front parking lot at Camp North End, 1800 Statesville Ave, at the corner of Hercules Drive.
Accessibility: The tour will encounter a handful of stairs.
Parking: Parking is available in the Camp North End lot, 1824 Statesville Ave.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 21 to Statesville Ave. & Woodward Ave. and then walk about 7 minutes. See more at ridetransit.org.
Cherry Old & New
When: Saturday, May 11, 10:30 am – 11:30 a.m.
What: Enjoy a guided tour of Charlotte's historic Cherry neighborhood. This tour will offer highlights of the neighborhood’s interesting past. We’ll make a pit stop at one of the local restaurants to discuss urban development and Charlotte’s future.
Following the tour, we will have a reception at Hickory Tavern.
Where: Midtown Centre, 1300 Baxter St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
Accessibility: Accessible by wheelchair, bikes, and strollers.
Parking: Midtown Centre, 1300 Baxter St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 6 to Kings Dr. & Baxter St., then walk 2 minutes to 1300 Baxter St. See details at ridetransit.org.
Plaza Midwood “Stroll District”
When: Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
What: Plaza Midwood’s small-scale businesses create the perfect place to stroll and explore. Meet some long-time merchants and learn some history as Clifton Castelloe of Moxie Merchantile co-leads a walk with community historian Dr. Tom Hanchett.
This walk is limited to 25 attendees so registration is required to reserve your spot.
Where: Tour starts and ends outside Coaltranes Char & Grill, 1518 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages.
Parking: Parking is available in the city lot at 1251 Thomas Ave., adjacent to Coaltrane’s Char & Grill, or on-street parking nearby.
Transit: If you’d prefer not to drive, take CATS Bus 9 to Thomas Avenue. See more at ridetransit.org.
Eat Ayrsley
When: Saturday, May 11, 2 – 3 p.m.
What: We will walk and taste food from restaurants in Ayrsley, the downtown of Steele Creek. At the end there will be an option to continue the conversation with fellow walkers at Carolina Beer Temple.
This walk is limited to 20 attendees, so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring $20 in cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: Meet at the park in front of Piedmont Social House (2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273) at 1:45 p.m. to check in.
Accessibility: Open to all. Accessible sidewalks, a little hilly.
Parking: Free parking in the parking deck adjacent to Piedmont Social House, 2135 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 16 to Tryon St. & Bethany Brook Ln. then walk about 4 minutes to Piedmont Social. See more at ridetransit.org.
Dig In - Explore Charlotte's Gold History with The Gold District Walking Tour
When: Saturday, May 11, 2 -4 p.m.
What: Did you know that there was a Gold Rush in Carolina before there was a Gold Rush in California? Welcome to The Gold District of Charlotte, home to some of the most prolific gold mines in our region's gold history. Visit historic properties and get to know this vibrant neighborhood's eclectic collection of merchants, artists and restaurants. There will also be special appearances by some colorful, historical figures from our past.
Where: The tour will begin at the Neighborhood Mural, a colorful art installation near the corner of South Church St. and Lincoln St. Look for The Gold District tent.
Accessibility: The Gold District Walking Tour is appropriate for participants of all ages. Our path will be friendly to pedestrians, strollers, bikes, wheelchairs and scooters.
Parking: Free parking is available in the rear lot of the Historic Textile Supply Building, 1300 S Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28203.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take bus 10 to South Blvd. & Bland St. then walk about 11 minutes to 1300 Mint St. See details at ridetransit.org.
Munching Tour #2: South Boulevard
When: Saturday, May 11, 2 – 4 p.m.
What: Explore food from three continents in a single block of bustling South Boulevard. Begin with beef-lamb shawarma and a side of hummus (Jasmine Grill, Syria), then a refreshing chilled salad roll (Saigon Palace, Vietnam) and finally roast pork, plantains and creole crab stew (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.) Co-led by Charlotte Observer “Food from Home” columnist Tom Hanchett and members of Madison Park neighborhood.
This walk is limited to 16 attendees, so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring $25 in cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: The tour starts and ends at Jasmine Grill, 5033 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217.
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages. Not all curbs have wheelchair cuts.
Parking: The Jasmine Grill shopping center has a large lot, 5033 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217.
Transit: If you’d prefer not to drive, take the Lynx Blue Line to the Tyvola Station, and walk about a half a mile. Or take bus 12 and get out at Seneca Place and walk about 1 minute to the restaurant. Or take the Lynx Blue Line to Scaleybark Station or Tyvola Station, walk to South Boulevard and catch Bus 12 to Seneca Place. See more at ridetransit.org.
Stories in Stone - Our Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery
When: Sunday, May 12, 3:15 – 4:45 p.m.
What: Brian Yesowitch, the Hebrew Cemetery’s Hilbert Fuerstman Historical Chair, offers stories of notable Charlotteans who rest in Hebrew Cemetery, which dates to 1867. Discover civic leaders, best-selling author and civil rights activist Harry Golden and more.
Where: We will be meeting at the cemetery, 1801 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, NC 28206.
Accessibility: The walk will wind through the grassy cemetery, possibly difficult for people with mobility issues.
Parking: Come in through the cemetery gates at 1801 Statesville Ave., then bear left to find parking.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS Bus 21 along Statesville Avenue to the Woodward Avenue stop and walk about 1 minute, or Bus 26 to the Oaklawn Avenue-Spring Street stop, and walk about 4 minutes. See details at ridetransit.org.
Walk Tall: Wander Among the Trees of University City’s Green Heart, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
When: Monday, May 13, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
What: Join Landscape Architect and Horticultural Supervisor Ed Davis for a walking tour through the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The walk will start at the McMillan Greenhouse and head into the Van Landingham Glen – a woodland garden of thousands of native plants and rhododendron. We’ll follow winding paths below majestic trees, including a grove of bigleaf magnolia. The tour will continue to the Susie Harwood Garden through the Mellichamp Native Terrace and Asian Garden, and return to the greenhouse to tour its collection of carnivorous plants.
Where: McMillan Greenhouse, UNC Charlotte, 9090 Craver Road, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Accessibility: This walk is only accessible by foot. There is a steep gravel path to access the Gardens and Glen.
Parking: There are 5 free parking spots available adjacent to McMillan Greenhouse, in Lot 16A. If you park in those spots, you must sign in at the Greenhouse. If those spots are full, the closest visitor parking is in East Deck 1, and the cost for that parking is $5 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour.
Transit: To avoid driving and parking, you can take the Blue Line light rail to the UNC Charlotte campus station and walk about 10 minutes or at the station catch the Green Line on-campus shuttle and det off at the Facilities Management building or the Fretwell Building (near the East Visitor Deck). You may also take CATS Bus 11 from uptown or Bus 29 (between Eastland Mall area and UNC Charlotte. Get more information at ridetransit.org.
"Walk in My Shoes" at Urban Ministry Center
When: Monday, May 13, 2 - 4 p.m.
What: Walk in My Shoes is a walking-based class offered by Urban Ministry Center, geared toward helping community members gain a better understanding of homelessness. The indoor class portion takes up 15-20 minutes at the beginning and end of the walk, leaving nearly an hour and a half for walking. Small groups of participants are given the profile of someone who has just become homeless in Charlotte, including the circumstances that led to their homelessness, as well as a list of resources that are needed (food, shelter, job counseling, etc.) Small groups of walkers are each given a map of the surrounding area identifying the various nearby agencies that serve the homeless population. Groups then set out for approximately 90 minutes in search of the resources needed. The final 15-20 minutes of the activity is spent back in the classroom with dialogue about the experience of seeking homeless services and any take-aways that will stick with participants as they think about the challenges of homelessness in Charlotte.
Where: Urban Ministry Center, 945 N College St., Charlotte, NC 28206. We will meet in the large brick building to the left side of the parking lot.
Accessibility: The walk is accessible to everyone, and is recommended for adults and youth no younger than middle school.
Parking: On-site parking is available, but limited. If you're walking with a friend, please carpool. Space is limited.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 11 to Tryon St. & 13th St. and walk about 4 minutes to Urban Ministry Center. See details at ridetransit.org.
South End History Walking Tour #1: Rail and Reinvention
When: Tuesday May 14, 4 - 5 p.m.
What: On this walking tour of South End, visit historic landmarks and hear stories about the periods of innovation and reinvention that have marked this neighborhood through Charlotte’s history. This one-hour walking tour will cover Atherton Mill, Nebel Knitting Mill, the Charlotte + SC Railroad, and the Lance Factory. Transit and ADA-accessible.
Where: Meet at 6 p.m. at East-West Station on the light rail line. The walk will end about half a mile from the start location, at Lincoln's Haberdashery in the Lance Factory building.
Accessibility: This walk is accessible to everyone, including those traveling on wheels. It is also accessible by transit. Open to all.
Parking: Limited parking can be found on-street on Camden Road or in the surface parking lot at the corner of Camden and Worthington ($5).
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take the light rail line to East/West Station or take the CATS bus 501 to East/West Station. See details at ridetransit.org.
South End History Walking Tour #2: Rail and Reinvention
When: Tuesday May 14, 6 - 7 p.m.
What: On this walking tour of South End, visit historic landmarks and hear stories about the periods of innovation and reinvention that have marked this neighborhood through Charlotte’s history. This one-hour walking tour will cover Atherton Mill, Nebel Knitting Mill, the Charlotte + SC Railroad, and the Lance Factory. Transit and ADA-accessible.
Where: Meet at 6 p.m. at East-West Station on the light rail line. The walk will end about half a mile from the start location, at Lincoln's Haberdashery in the Lance Factory building.
Accessibility: This walk is accessible to everyone, including those traveling on wheels. It is also accessible by transit. Open to all.
Parking: Limited parking can be found on-street on Camden Road or in the surface parking lot at the corner of Camden and Worthington ($5).
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take the light rail line to East/West Station or take the CATS bus 501 to East/West Station. See details at ridetransit.org.
An Audible City Walk
When: Wednesday, May 15, 4 - 5 p.m.
What: Take a city walk on the Urban Section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway with an experienced travel trainer to learn what it's like to live with vision loss in Charlotte. Hear audible wayfinding information from an iPhone app called BlindSquare. If you feel especially adventurous, navigate the city without using your sense of sight. Pair up with another city walker and walk blindfolded to have the full experience. This walk will be led by Laura Park-Leach from Metrolina Association for the Blind. Join us for a complimentary snack and drink at the conclusion of the tour.
Where: Meet at Midtown Park, 805 S Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204. Please meet at the giant, silver ball near the Metropolitan Shopping Center and learn the secrets of this park. The park is bordered by Pearl Park Way and S. Kings Drive.
Accessibility: This tour is accessible and for all age groups.
Parking: Free parking is located at the Metropolitan Shopping Center deck.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 20 to Morehead St. & Kenilworth Ave. and walk about 7 minutes to Midtown Park. See details at ridetransit.org.
Charlotte's Belmont Neighborhood: Where do I go from here?
When: Thursday, May 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
What: Join us for a 90 minute walking tour of Charlotte's Belmont neighborhood (not the town of Belmont). Learn about the origins as a white mill village, the transition to an under-invested black neighborhood, and now another transition. Charlotte's tale of two cities as noted in the Leading on Opportunity report (https://www.leadingonopportunity.org/report/introduction) is playing out in the Belmont neighborhood. As housing prices soar, long-time homeowners are concerned about tax increases, and renters are losing their affordable rates. This begs the question – where do I go if I need to leave my home? See large new homes next to small mill homes, learn about mill village life and current redevelopment, and hear how the community association is working to navigate this change. This walk is co-sponsored with the Charlotte Museum of History (http://charlottemuseum.org/) and the Belmont Community Association (http://belmontcharlotte.org).
Where: Tour starts and ends at Metrographics Printing, 1003 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: This walk is about 1.5 miles and will occur mostly on sidewalks, some of which are narrow and uneven. Attendees using wheelchairs or walkers should consider their comfort level with navigating uneven pavement. All ages welcome (children must be supervised).
Parking: Parking available in the Metrographics Printing parking lot, 1003 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, CATS Bus 4 stops at Pegram Street and Belmont Avenue, two blocks from the meeting location. Or take the Lynx Blue Line to the Parkwood Station and walk about 23 minutes. See more at ridetransit.org.
KCB Great American Clean-up Volunteer Experience
When: Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
What: Join the Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) Committee, CMPD, Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation, neighborhood partners and community volunteers for this signature Great American Cleanup event. The day will include opportunity to explore Tom Hunter Park while conducting high priority maintenance and litter cleanup projects throughout the property.
Following the cleanup event, volunteers will be treated to a celebratory lunch.
Where: Tom Hunter Park, 919 Tom Hunter Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213.
Accessibility: The event is wheelchair, walker and bicycle accessible and open to all ages. Children under 16 who wish to participate in clean-up activities must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Parking: Tom Hunter Park, 919 Tom Hunter Rd. Charlotte, NC 28213.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 11 to Tryon St. & Tom Hunter Rd. then walk about 18 minutes to Tom Hunter Park. See more at ridetransit.org.
McCrorey Heights & JCSU Walking Tour
When: Saturday, May 18, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
What: Johnson C. Smith University’s campus is a Charlotte gem. Many professors lived nearby in upscale McCrorey Heights, whose “Mid-century Modern” houses also included key civil rights activists. Tour co-led by neighborhood residents Emiene Wright and Sean Langley with historian Tom Hanchett.
This walk is limited to 25 attendees so registration is required to reserve your spot.
Where: The walking tour starts and ends next to the bell tower outside First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28216.
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages. Sidewalks are narrow in some spots and not all curbs have wheelchair cuts.
Parking: Available in the lot at the First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28216.
Transit: If you’d prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 26 from the Charlotte Transportation Center uptown and get out at the Mulberry Avenue stop across the street from the church. See more at ridetransit.org.
A Small But Mighty Neighborhood that is Not Who You Think It Is!
When: Saturday, May 18, 10 -11:30 am
What: Join us for a tour of Commonwealth –Morningside neighborhood. This small but mighty neighborhood is often thought to be part of Plaza Midwood but has a vibrant history all its own. Learn about the heroic pilot who died crashing his plane to save the neighborhood. Find out why the neighborhood is a strange horseshoe shape and why it is so small. See the one of a kind fire station, find out why churches become restaurants. & why there is still a Penguin restaurant sign years after the restaurant has gone. We will find the parking lot where Billy Graham first felt the “call” and other interesting places. And we will visit some of the unique shops and merchants in the area and learn why they are here. Enjoy these stories and the many other special ways this neighborhood keeps its history & traditions while growing rapidly.
Following the tour, we will have a reception at Common Market.
Where: Meet at Veterans Park Shelter, 2136 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205. The walk will end at Common Market, 2007 Commonwealth Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: We will be walking on sidewalks so this will be accessible to all. All ages welcome.
Parking: Veterans Park parking lot, 2136 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus to Central Ave. & Iris Dr. then walk about 4 minutes to Veterans Park Shelter. See more at ridetransit.org.
RCLM Space For the Future
When: Saturday, May 18, 12 - 2 p.m.
What: Participants will begin the walk with a curated walk through of the RCLM 37 museum exhibition space. Led by RCLM 37 Creative Director, Janelle Dunlap will guide participants through this experimental space that visually to connect the history of the Beatties Ford Rd. Corridor through an afrofuturistic lens. The tour will then transition into a walking tour of the Johnson C. Smith Campus led by Historian Willie Griffin who will transition into a more traditional historic narrative of the RCLM 37 project. From there participants have the option of continuing the tour with a walk down to the Manifest Future Mural. Here, Janelle Dunlap will discuss not only her process for organizing the mural project but help participants interpret the vignettes in ways that are meaningful for them. The curated walk through of the Manifest Future Mural will conclude the walking tour.
Where: The meeting location is located at the James B. Duke Library on the campus of JCSU, 100 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216. The end location will be located at the Manifest Future Mural (1600 W. Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28216), approximately half a mile from the beginning location.
Accessibility: This walk is wheelchair, walker and bicycle accessible however steep heels and construction zones may make parts of the tour limited for people physical disabilities.
Parking: 1600 W. Trade Street at the old A&P parking lot or at Johnson C. Smith University, 100 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 7 to Beatties Ford Rd. & Dixon St. and then walk about 2 minutes to James B. Duke Library. See details at ridetransit.org.
Marching Through Camp Greene: From Farmers to Doughboys to Homesteaders to Community Builders
When: Saturday, May 18, 1 – 3 p.m.
What: This walk tells the story of the WWI Military Training Camp, the neighborhood that was built in its aftermath, the importance and role of the highways and railroads, the iconic eateries that Wilkinson Boulevard spawned, and more recent developments in the neighborhood -- including the changing faces of the area over time and the current pressures of displacement, as well as the organized efforts at neighborhood improvement and preservation. This walk will be led by Historian J. Michael Moore along with members of the Historic Camp Greene Neighborhood Association.
At the last stop, walk participants will be treated to dessert!
Where: Dowd House, 2216 Monument Street, Charlotte, NC 28208.
Accessibility: Walk is 1.5 miles. Is wheelchair & bicycle accessible and open to all ages.
Parking: Dowd House parking lot, 2216 Monument Street, Charlotte, NC 28208.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 5 to Wilkinson Blvd. & Remount Rd. and walk 3 minutes to Dowd House. See details at ridetransit.org.
Elmwood-Pinewood Cemetery
When: Saturday, May 18, 2 - 3:30 pm
What: Join the Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery Committee on a walk through the historic cemetery to learn about Charlotte's past civic pioneers, civil war history and civil rights leaders.
Where: At the main entrance to Elmwood Cemetery on 6th Street (700 W. 6th St. Charlotte, NC 28202).
Accessibility: Open to any and all.
Parking: Free parking is available in the cemetery.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 22 to Graham St. & 6th St., then walk 4 minutes to Elmwood Cemetery (700 W. 6th St.). See details at ridetransit.org.
Bi-lingual Munching Tour #Uno: Central Ave's Open Air Market
When: Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
What: Every weekend, entrepreneurs from around the world set up booths at the Open Air Market, once the site of Eastland Mall. We’ll wander, shop and munch with Latina cultural consultant Gina Esquivel and Charlotte Observer “Food From Home” columnist Tom Hanchett. In Spanish and English!
This walk is limited to 16 attendees, so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring $25 in cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: The tour starts and ends at Open Air Market, enter across Central Avenue from the Wells Fargo bank (bank address is 5648 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28212).
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages.
Parking: The Open Air Market has a large lot. Enter at Reddman Road, across Central Avenue from the Wells Fargo bank.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 9 to Central Ave. & Reddman Rd. and then walk 2 minutes to the Open Air Market. See details at ridetransit.org.
Independence Park in Elizabeth
When: Sunday, May 19, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
What: Begun in 1904, Independence was Charlotte’s first public park, a gem in the city’s crown of streetcar suburbs. Join photographer Nancy O. Albert and community historian Tom Hanchett on a ramble that will highlight the park’s history as well as its landscape today.
This walk is limited to 25 attendees so registration is required to reserve your spot.
Where: The walking tour starts and ends at the Independence Park parking lot, 1890 Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204.
Accessibility: This event is not wheelchair accessible.
Parking: Parking is available in the Independence Park parking lot, 1890 Park Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take bus 510 to Elizabeth Ave. and walk 4 minutes to Independence Park.
Bi-lingual Munching Tour #Dos: Central Ave
When: Tuesday, May 21, 4 – 6 p.m.
What: The best sandwich in Charlotte? Many local foodies believe it’s at the Sav/Way Supermarket lunch counter, where Spanish-born Rudy Montero makes his own chorizo sausage. Find out why Charlotte Observer food writer Kathleen Purvis raved about it. That’s just the start of our ramble, which includes Honduran snacks at Lempira and Mexican pastries at Manolo’s Bakery.
Co-hosted in Spanish and English by Latina cultural consultant Gina Esquivel and Charlotte Observer “Food From Home” columnist Tom Hanchett.
This walk is limited to 16 attendees so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring $20 in cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: Tour starts and ends outside Lempira Restaurant, 4439 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages. Not all curbs have wheelchair cuts.
Parking: Parking is available in the shopping center lot at 4439 Central Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205.
Transit: If you’d prefer not to drive, take CATS Bus 9 from the Charlotte Transportation Center uptown to Central Avenue and Progress Lane and walk about 300 feet. See more at ridetransit.org.
Rail Trail Walk (Spanish translation available)
When: Tuesday, May 21, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
What: A walking tour of the Rail Trail that includes a brief history of the Trail and the stories of the Trail's art/activity installations - it may be up to a mile long walk so wear your walking shoes! A Spanish translation will be available upon request during the tour.
Where: We will meet at the corner of Camden Rd. and W Tremont Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203 in front of the Ashton Apartments.
Accessibility: Open to all age groups and abilities - it will be about a mile long tour - the Trail is wheelchair/stroller/bike accessible.
Parking: On street parking is available throughout South End.
Transit: Take the Blue Line to East/West Station or take CATS bus 501 to East/West Station and walk 2 minutes to Camden Rd. & W Tremont Ave.
Optimist Park — Miracle on 19th Street
When: Wednesday, May 22, 6 – 7 p.m.
What: From a working class white neighborhood to the site of Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity Build to now transit oriented development, Optimist Park has changed over time. Learn about the roots of Habitat Charlotte, the biltz build in 1987 and how Habitat is working in the neighborhood now with the arrival of light rail.
Where: Chapel of Christ the King, 425 E. 17th St. Charlotte, NC 28206.
Accessibility: Open to all age groups. Best for walkers. Challenging for wheelchairs due to uneven and narrow sidewalks.
Parking: Street parking is available on 17th Street and N. Caldwell Streets.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 23 to Davidson St. & 16th St. and walk about 3 minutes to Chapel of Christ the King.
Dilworth 'Ghost History' Biking Tour
When: Saturday, May 25, 9:30 a.m.
What: Join Dilworth attorney Chris Hudson for an easy biking architectural tour of late-19th & early 20th century Dilworth homes, including the 300 block of E. Park Avenue with its two homes harboring active ghost habitations. One or more of the Park Ave. 'ghost house' residents will share a bit of history of their house. We will depart Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop at 9:30 AM, so plan to arrive by 9:15 with helmet and working bike lights (yes, daytime too). We will visit homes (w/brief curbside commentary by your guide) north of East Blvd. built in the Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and other styles and return to Pike's by 10:45.
If you need a bike, B-Cycle Charlotte can provide one. Please contact amarcus5@uncc.edu to request a bike.
Where: Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop, 1930 Camden Rd. Charlotte, NC 28203.
Accessibility: The ride/tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible. Suggested ages are from 9 and up, but all who can safely stay in a bike lane are welcome.
Parking: Street parking is generally available along Camden Road on both sides of the street.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take the light rail line to East/ West Station or take bus 501 to East/ West Station then walk 2 minutes to Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop.
Amplify the Signal City Walk: Blighted Boxes to Beautiful Beacons
When: Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
What: Join us for a walking tour of an unlikely transformation along South Boulevard. Charlotte artist Laurie Smithwick won a grant from the South End Creative Lab to transform a grey traffic signal cabinet into a colorful landmark and work of art. The next year, she received a second grant to apply the transformation to 8 more signal cabinet boxes at intersections all along South Boulevard, and she invited other local Charlotte artists to share in the opportunity for high visibility. More than 54 local artists submitted work for the opportunity.
Take a walk down South Boulevard with Laurie, City of Charlotte Neighborhood and Community Partnerships Manager Nicole Storey and South End Director Megan Liddle Gude to hear about this project and learn about the works of 9 local artists featured in on the signal box gallery. The signal box transformations are part of a series of new placemaking features available throughout the City, learn more about the process and additional opportunities at charlottenc.gov/placemaking.
Following the tour, we will have a reception at Lincoln’s Haberdashery.
Where: Meet at 10:00 am at Lincoln’s Haberdashery, 1300 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203. This location is close to both the Bland Street and Carson Street Rail Stations. The walk will end at New Bern Station, near Marsh Road and South Boulevard.
Accessibility: The tour is open to all ages and features a 1.5 mile walk or bike ride with opportunity to walk or cycle 1.5 miles back to the starting location, or ride the LYNX Blue Line (fee required). Wheelchair and bicycle accessible.
If you need a bike, B-Cycle Charlotte can provide one. Please contact amarcus5@uncc.edu to request a bike.
Parking: Available on-street along South Boulevard and Camden Road. The walk will end about 1.5 miles from the start location, but you will be able to take a train back to the start.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take the light rail line to Bland St. or Carson St. or take the bus 10 to South Blvd. & Bland St. and walk 1 minute to Lincoln’s Haberdashery.
Villa Heights Community Walk and Learn
When: Sunday, May 26, 1 p.m.
What: An opportunity to bond with neighbors and learn about the community and its history and the evolution of Villa Heights.
Where: Please meet at the picnic tables inside of Progress Park, 1301 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.
Accessibility: Open to all. Wheelchair, walker, scooter, and bicycle accessible.
Parking: Parking is available right in front of park access area along Umstead St.
Transit: If you prefer not to drive, take CATS bus 4 to Pegram St. & Parkwood Ave. and walk 2 minutes to Progress Park. See details at ridetransit.org.
East Charlotte Munch-In
When: Thursday, May 30, 4 - 6 p.m.
What: Stroll and sample authentic Chinese at Panda's Den, Greek food at Parkway House, Jamaican food at Ty's Wings & Tings (voted one of the 100 best Charlotte restaurants a couple years back), and dessert and coffee at BW Sweets, the recent regional winner of "Best Cupcakes". Most of the food sampled will be food not usually seen on the menu. The tour will include talks by the owners or managers. Grove Park neighborhood leader Mimi Davis will be your guide.
This walk is limited to 20 attendees so registration is required to reserve your spot. The walk is free but please bring about $25 cash to pay for food you’ll eat.
Where: Meet at Panda's Den, 5724 E. WT Harris Blvd (corner of Harris & Sharon Amity). The tour will end at 3126 Milton Rd, in the East Town Shopping Center.
Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to wheelchairs and all ages. Not all curbs have wheelchair cuts.
Parking: Parking is available in the Panda’s Den parking lot, 5724 E. WT Harris Blvd.
University City: the Past, Present and Future of a City within the City
When: Friday, May 31, 6 p.m.
What: Learn the vision of its founders, how it grew, and where momentum will take University City on this one-hour walk led by Tobe Holmes, planning and development director at University City Partners. Explore key redevelopment sites that will make University City a more walkable environment, and discuss the challenges and opportunities coming on the heels of the new Blue Line Extension. At the end there will be an option to continue the conversation with fellow walkers over a snack. Co-sponsored with University City Partners.
Where: Meet outside the Famous Toastery, 8933 J. M. Keynes Drive #2, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Accessibility: This event will potentially traverse active construction areas that may not be as suitable for wheelchairs, bicycles, people with infirmities or young children.
Parking: Parking is available at the Shoppes at University Place, 8929 J. M. Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Transit: If you’d prefer not to drive, take light rail to the JW Clay Station. See more at ridetransit.org.
