Charlotte's close-in communities offer eclectic pleasures

There's something about a summertime stroll through Myers Park that feels uniquely Charlotte: sunlight glinting through the leafy canopy overhead, crowds chattering on restaurant patios, bicycles cruising the famed Booty Loop.

Developed in 1911 as a "garden suburb" by landscape architect John Nolen, Myers Park emerged from a cotton farm. Today, it's known for some of the city's grandest homes, the brick or stone or stucco mansions that line Queens Road West and surrounding streets.

There's more to this neighborhood, though. A scant 10 minutes from uptown and SouthPark, it offers bungalows tucked along shady avenues, art galleries and boutiques and a thriving community of young professionals who occupy the condos and apartments scattered throughout.

When I moved here a few years ago from south Charlotte, that sense of community struck me first. And, of course, the sheer beauty of the place. Towering oaks line the sidewalks and arch over the streets, yards are lush and full of roses and hydrangeas. Even the new homes that sprung up on old lots during the real estate boom have a classic style you won't find in other neighborhoods.

There's also plenty of motivation to get outside and explore.

Check out Freedom Park, an urban oasis with a pond, tennis courts and plenty of beautiful green space. You'll find outdoor movies on summer evenings, plus special events such as Festival in the Park each fall. Or take a jog along the Booty Loop, the three-mile route that winds along some of Charlotte's loveliest streets and that is full of cyclists and runners.

One of my favorite things to do in Myers Park is wind down after a long work week. Restaurants and pubs offer everything from pizza to fine wine, with plenty of patios to take in the scenery. Selwyn Avenue Pub is a popular watering hole, or try Nolen Kitchen's brunch or happy hour. New additions include college-town favorite Mellow Mushroom and Reid's Fine Foods, the venerable Charlotte grocery that moved to Selwyn Avenue from uptown last year.

Indeed, there's more to Myers Park than its mansions.

Here are some of Charlotte's other significant urban neighborhoods:

Dilworth

Developed in the 1890s as Charlotte's first streetcar suburb, Dilworth is known for its renovated homes and charming shops and restaurants. A few minutes outside of uptown, it's a haven for both singles and families. Check out Ed's Tavern and Comet Grill for burgers and beer, or walk down Dilworth Road for a neighborhood tour and glimpses of uptown's skyline.

Along East Boulevard, the area's main drag, you'll find popular eateries such as Cantina 1511 and 300 East, funky shops like Paper Skyscraper and, every September, the Yiasou Greek Festival.

The artsy South End district lines one side of Dilworth - there you'll find shops and restaurants, fixtures such as Atherton Market for fresh local food, and the light rail, which provides easy access uptown and to south Charlotte. Newcomers should check out Dilworth's neighborhood association for information on events, from play groups to wine and cheese parties, and more.

Elizabeth

This neighborhood - the city's second-oldest streetcar suburb - became part of Charlotte in the early 1900s. Today, it boasts a strong sense of community, with events such as an annual Easter egg hunt, the Elizabeth 8K road race and the Halloween Pumpkin Wall, where neighbors carve and arrange hundreds of pumpkins on 40 feet of scaffolding.

There are old homes and oak-lined streets, plus Independence Park for ball games, sledding and watching fireworks. Shops and restaurants on Seventh Street and Elizabeth Avenue are a short walk away - try Jackalope Jack's for drinks with friends, Loft 1523 for a great view of uptown, or Carpe Diem for an upscale meal. Music clubs such as Visulite Theatre offer a range of acts.

NoDa (North Davidson)

NoDa was once a thriving textile community. After its last mill closed in the 1970s, the neighborhood was nearly forgotten - until young artists began moving there. Now, NoDa is a vibrant, historic arts district, full of galleries, live music venues and restaurants.

Join a gallery crawl on the first and third Fridays of the month, or dine at Cabo Fish Taco, a popular eatery that nearly always draws a crowd. Grab coffee and a pastry at Amelie's, the French bakery known for its funky decor and 24-7 schedule, enjoy craft beer at Growlers Pour House or catch a show at Evening Muse, a live-music venue, art gallery and café.

Plaza Midwood

Developed in the 1920s and originally called Chatham Estates, Plaza Midwood offers diverse architecture and rich history, from Charlotte Country Club - the city's oldest - to the VanLandingham Estate, a historic bed and breakfast that was once the home of one of the neighborhood's first and most prominent families.

Parts of the neighborhood began to decline a few decades ago, but Plaza Midwood has since become one of the city's hottest areas, with renovated homes, a thriving community garden, funky boutiques and restaurants such as Zada Jane's and local landmark The Penguin.

Others of note

CHERRY: Cherry is the city's oldest surviving historically black neighborhood and has seen a revival in recent years, due in part to the nearby Metropolitan development, with its luxury condos, Trader Joe's grocery store and high-end shops and restaurants. Bordering Myers Park, Cherry was developed from a cotton farm - and it continues to grow and evolve today.

EASTOVER: Built on two dairy farms southeast of uptown, today it's one of Charlotte's most scenic neighborhoods, with sprawling homes, lush green yards and landmarks such as the Mint Museum Randolph. The community has been home to some of Charlotte's most prominent residents over the years, from banker Hugh McColl Jr. to the late department store head John Belk.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS: Developed in 1913 for middle-income blacks, Washington Heights is located northwest of uptown. It's home to the historic Excelsior Club on Beatties Ford Road, a gathering place that has nurtured generations of black leaders since it opened in 1944.

WESLEY HEIGHTS: This small northwest-Charlotte community is a designated historic district, dating back to the 1920s. There are Dilworth-style bungalows, great views of the Charlotte skyline and close proximity to uptown's amenities.

WILMORE: Bordering the artsy South End district, Wilmore is often considered the city's next up-and-coming neighborhood. Homeowners have renovated many of the area's 1920s- and 1930s-style bungalows, and residents enjoy a short walk to the light rail and South End's shops and restaurants.