How to spend a perfect day in Dilworth

I’ve lived in Dilworth for close to five years and adore its fusion of hip culinary destinations and quirky, family-oriented neighborhood vibes.

We kicked off our “How to spend a perfect day” series in 2017 with a perfect day in NoDa. This occasional series will serve as a user’s guide to different parts of the city, telling you what you should do, see, eat and drink in Charlotte’s most interesting neighborhoods.

Sure, we have our Dilworth neighborhood guide. But let’s dig deeper into Dilworth with this itinerary I’ve pulled together for you.

How to spend a perfect day in Dilworth:

Early morning

(1) Start the day with coffee from the new, fifth location of Not Just Coffee (2230 Park Road). This is the only Not Just Coffee location that serves alcohol, but it’s still early, so go for a fancy cappuccino. Add vanilla sugar if you’re really aiming to treat yourself beyond the latte art.

Breakfast

(2) If you’re not sticking around at Not Just Coffee for avocado toast or savory porridge, your next stop should be The Mayobird, where breakfast is served all day. Sure, their specialty is chicken salad, but their Frittata Cup (kale and goat cheese crustless quiche) is just what you need to feel warm and cozy. Add a seasonal waffle or the Skillet (sausage, spinach, mushroom and onion quiche) for something heartier.

Pro tip: By eating at The Mayobird, you’re actually doing good, since the restaurant provides funding to Behailu Academy, which offers arts-based youth development programming.

Late morning/Early afternoon

(3) Take a stroll through Freedom Park (1900 East Blvd). Enjoy a lap around the 7-acre lake on the park property, which is technically between Dilworth and Myers Park. Then settle onto a bench (or a picnic blanket) with a book if the weather’s nice, or grab a tennis court for a laid-back match if you’re feeling sporty.

(4) Would you rather get your Zen mindset on? Slip into a heated class at Yoga One’s second location (2230 Park Road) for an hour of inspiring flow and emphasis on breath.

Pro tip: Grab a juice from Green Brothers Juice Company in the same building (2230 Park Road, Unit 103) to cool down after yoga. Get a juice flight if you’re not sure what you’re craving.

Lunch

(5) It’s time for something spicy, so swing open the door at Thai Taste (324 East Blvd.) for a steamy curry or Pad Thai, with one-to-five-star spice (five being the hottest). Take a gander at the Luke Kuechly shrine when you pay your bill at the back counter.

Pro tip: You can purchase a container of their peanut sauce (divine!) to take home.

Afternoon

(6) Take some time to browse Paper Skyscraper (300 East Blvd.) next door while you digest. This place is my go-to gift shop in town, with local art, cocktail-lovers’ gadgets, scarves and jewelry, best-selling books, journals, quirky cards and more.

Pro tip: Snag a single-wrapped chocolate at the checkout counter for a treat-yourself moment.

(7) As for your afternoon hangout, slip into ROOTs Cafe (2135 Southend Drive) around the corner. In this cozy little nook, you can order wine, beer or coffee, depending on your mood. Tap into the wifi to get some work done or forget that your computer exists and crack open that book you picked up at Paper Skyscraper.

Pro tip: Grab a bag of Enderly Coffee beans or a bottle of wine from the retail section if you need some provisions for later.

Dinner

(8) Kid Cashew (1608 East Blvd.) is a must. Whether you’re out for a date or gathering with friends, this classy space is known for its cocktails (particularly the Goat’s Breast Milk), wine selection and scrumptious small plates. On warm nights, you’ll likely catch live music on the patio.

Pro tip: Split the trio of homemade spreads (spicy feta, tzatziki and hummus with pita) and a side of Brussels sprouts, then order your own entree.

Late night

While Dilworth isn’t known for its wild night life or music offerings, it does have a solid cocktail scene.

(9) Start with The Summit Room (1531 East Blvd.), just up the street from Kid Cashew. Grab a chair at the bar, or, better yet in the summer, grab an outdoor rocking chair overlooking East Boulevard.

Pro tip: Seven of their specialty cocktails are named after the seven summits, so your order should honor the namesake. Try the Mount Everest: Firefly, Grey Goose L’Orange, lemon sour, cranberry splash and muddled mint.

(10) Your next stop is Dilworth Tasting Room (300 E. Tremont Ave.), where Larry Suggs (formerly of The Punch Room and SouthBound) has revamped the cocktail menu.

Pro tip: This New-York-style wine bar was meant to become “the neighborhood wine bar and café,” so ease into your evening with a glass from the European-influenced wine list as well.

Closing time

(11) Time to wind down your low-key night at a local favorite, Ed’s Tavern (2200 Park Road). Established in 1935, this unassuming and warmly crowded bar is ideal for a cold beer (or water, at this point) and a heated game of checkers.

Pro tip: If you’re feel snack-ish, the late-night menu features fried pickles, buffalo chicken dip and more.

Sounds like a perfect day in Dilworth to me.

This story was originally published January 4, 2018 at 12:00 AM.