Our favorite underrated outdoor spots in Charlotte + what we love about them.
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How to enjoy the outdoors in Charlotte this spring
From popular outdoor spots to do-it-yourself picnics, here’s how to enjoy the spring weather in Charlotte.
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When we first asked our colleagues to send us their favorite underrated outdoor spots in Charlotte, many replied with something along the lines of: “Does my backyard count?”
The silver lining, apparently: We’ve all learned to embrace our individual properties over the past two years, apparently. A change of scenery (even from one’s perfect backyard) can do us all some good, however. Many on our team are finding underrated — maybe even secret — places in and around Charlotte to catch some fresh air.
Read on to find out some of the favorite outdoor spots that CharlotteFive and Charlotte Observer journalists visit when it’s time to get away from the deadlines and breath in some fresh air:
Evergreen Nature Preserve
Location: 1336 Norland Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Sheffield Park
Writer: Lauren Lindstrom
What I love: In east Charlotte, I love the Evergreen nature preserve. Not huge, but it’s 5 minutes from my apartment and you feel like you’re in the woods immediately. Great for a short walk when you want to get out of a “neighborhood” feeling.
Harris Teeter Myers Park Wine Bar
Location: 1015 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Writer: Philip Freeman
What I love: Who would have expected such a great bar at a grocery store? They have a great selection of beer and wine with good daily specials. The outdoor patio overlooks the infamous Queens/Queens/Providence/Providence intersection and provides plenty of great people watching from comfortable patio furniture.
Midwood Park
Location: 2100 Wilhelmina Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Writer: Devna Bose
What I love: During my occasional weekend dogsitting duties, Midwood Park is one of my favorite places to take temporary puppy-roommates. It’s nestled in the heart of east Charlotte, hidden in between several residential neighborhoods, and easy to miss — but on warm Charlotte afternoons, tucked in a hammock, it feels like the most peaceful place in the world.
Miguel’s
Location: 4252 Business Center Dr, Charlotte, NC 28214
Neighborhood: Pawtuckett
Writer: Melissa Oyler
What I love: Miguel’s patio is “outdoors” for redheads like me, who want to avoid sunburn as a side dish to the chips and queso. I also like that there are plenty of large windows, making this a COVID-safer alternative to indoor dining.
Porch swings near Captain Jack Plaza
Location: Little Sugar Creek Greenway: E. 7th Street to Morehead Street
Neighborhood: Midtown
Writer: Ebony L. Morman
What I love: The porch swings are the one reason I enjoy walking on the greenway. It’s the perfect place to rest and enjoy nature because it’s semi-private and often quiet. Bonus: It’s hardly ever overcrowded.
Robinson Rockhouse Ruins
Location: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2986 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 (Look for the Robinson Rockhouse trail that splits off the Sierra Trail)
Neighborhood: North Charlotte
Writer: Jodie Valade
What I love: All the trails at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve are my favorite for reconnecting to nature in any season, but the Robinson Rockhouse trail is fun because you feel like you’re an archaeologist. The trail ends with you stumbling upon the foundation outline of an old stone home built circa 1790. You can imagine what the whole structure might have looked like and what it might have been like to live back here in the woods during that time ... and hike back to your car in about 30 minutes.
Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden
Location: 940 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Belmont, near Optimist Park
Writer: Kristen Kornbluth
What I love: Rosie’s is an ideal spot for treating yourself, whether it’s with coffee while you work or with a nice bottle of wine for happy hour. In between sips, you can enjoy the variety of flowers and plants on the grounds. Beautiful and classy, it’s the perfect spot to spend a spring afternoon and evening — whether you’re alone or with a date.
South Mountains State Park
Location: 3001 S Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Neighborhood: Burke County, close to Connelly Springs, N.C.
Writer: Payton Guion
What I love: For many, the main attraction at this underrated state park is High Shoals Falls, which is just a short, though strenuous, hike from the parking lot. The falls are a sight, but take any of several trails deeper into the park for a bit of peace and quiet. I recently camped at the Fox Trails Campsite and found just the overnight escape I sought. With ample water and a fire ring with attached grill grate, we were practically glamping.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 6:00 AM.