Coming to Charlotte for the first time

[Kentucky Panther]

Good morning, Panthers fans. I’ve been reading this board for quite a few years now. Hardly ever posted anything. Just a little background info on myself. 

Im from and live in Kentucky. I have been a diehard fan of this franchise since I was 10 years old. The only Panthers game I’ve ever got to see was 13 or 14 years ago in Cincinnati, which is about an hour and a half from where I live. 

Fast forward to today and I’m taking my brother and his fiancé to BOA Stadium for the Jags on October 6th. My first home game in 16 years as a fan, I cannot be more excited. Just wanted to see what fun bars or things to do there are close to downtown. I’ll be in the city from early afternoon Saturday until Monday morning. Any and all suggestions would be great!! Thanks fellas. 

[CBDellinger]

Roaring riot tailgate.  If I was from out of town that’s where I’d go.  

[Dex]

Riot Tailgate, Epicenter, BOA tour if possible and Bojangles.

[blackcat]

2 hours ago, Dex said:

Riot Tailgate, Epicenter, BOA tour if possible and Bojangles.

Bojangles is a must.  May result in ass-blows, but a must.  

[Arroz con Panther]

Where are you staying?

[LinvilleGorge]

12 minutes ago, blackcat said:

Bojangles is a must.  May result in ass-blows, but a must.  

This is true of most of the best foods. You just gotta man up and do what you gotta do and deal with the consequences of the deliciousness.

[mc52beast]

I live about 6 hours away in Chesapeake Va, never been to a game yet. Hopefully this is the season

[Obeg]

Pretty sure they have Bojangles in KY. But I agree - if never been - do so. 

 

[jfra78]

6 hours ago, blackcat said:

Bojangles is a must.  May result in ass-blows, but a must.  

fug bojangles, go to krispy kreme

[CBDellinger]

if it’s fried chicken one is after then there is nothing that compares to the shell station at east and south blvd.  Absolutely magical.  

[Lumps]

10 hours ago, Kentucky Panther said:

Good morning, Panthers fans. I’ve been reading this board for quite a few years now. Hardly ever posted anything. Just a little background info on myself. 

Im from and live in Kentucky. I have been a diehard fan of this franchise since I was 10 years old. The only Panthers game I’ve ever got to see was 13 or 14 years ago in Cincinnati, which is about an hour and a half from where I live. 

Fast forward to today and I’m taking my brother and his fiancé to BOA Stadium for the Jags on October 6th. My first home game in 16 years as a fan, I cannot be more excited. Just wanted to see what fun bars or things to do there are close to downtown. I’ll be in the city from early afternoon Saturday until Monday morning. Any and all suggestions would be great!! Thanks fellas. 

Not much has changed in 16 years in Charlotte besides more traffic, more construction and more condos and business buildings.

As someone who used to work closely with health inspectors and had a behind the scenes look at many bojangles, I’d highly recommend NOT going there. It’s a miracle they’re still in operation. 

It’s a business city so it terms of entertainment and things to do it’s severely lacking compared to other cities but compared to Kentucky there may be a lot more to do (besides bourbon tours and horses), I lived in Lexington for a while myself.

I’d suggest Romare Bearden Park which is near the knights stadium, which is nice as well to catch a game. There is a Mellow Mushroom right by that area that is cheap and very good. White water center is really fun as well and definitely worth checking out if you like outdoors stuff (hiking, rafting, kayak, canoe) or just walk around in an outdoor park and enjoy beer and free live shows at night and is very affordable. Cherokee Casino is pretty much on your way here and is worth stopping at if you leave early. Crowders mountain is a nice hike for incredible views. Lake Norman is good for boating and the lake. Epi center is good for movies, bowling and a little night life in one.

If you like nightlife I’d suggest Thomas street, south end near all American and Slate, and all along 5th street downtown is where the nightlife is. Capital Grille is my favorite restaurant downtown but it’s very expensive. I do love the sushi in Charlotte. Pieces sushi is my favorite but Ru Sans and Seoul are good as well. Down in south Charlotte there is a Teds Montana grill, I think they’re only in NC and GA and they have an excellent menu. Their bison prime rib is hands down the best prime rib you’ll ever have. Not much else in that area though.

If I were you and want to impress I’d go to Fahrenheit. It’s a restaurant on top of a hotel right downtown and has amazing views of Charlotte you won’t forget to enjoy while you eat. It’s also pretty expensive. It’s walking distance from Epi center.

The best pool hall in my experience in the Charlotte area is Rack em in Matthews. Tons of full size tables and huge bar. Not much else to do in the area though. Not a fan of golf, but Top Golf down south Tryon southwest of the city is very fun.

There is always Carowinds which I must say has gotten much better in the last 15 years, and the newer Fury rollercoaster is a must (coming from someone who’s been to all major theme parks in America).

For shopping, I suggest South Park mall, which is a little higher end, but has good places to eat nearby like the Cowfish. Otherwise I’d go to concord mills mall, very large, great movie theatre and a very large Dave and busters that has food, games, bowling, pool, something for everyone.

There may be a concert or show PNC pavilion usually has something going on, though it’s not near anything else. The Fillmore, comedy club and Charlotte metro credit union are downtown and might have a show going on. They’re near nightlife as well like Label. Also near VBGB, a nice garden bar with volleyball. All are walking distance to one another. That area is north downtown but very close to center city.

I’d call in advance for reservations as a lot of these places are busy and some require reservations.

Hope I have you some ideas.

[electro's horse]

stay in asheville instead and just drive in for the game and spend the night in charlotte

[musicman]

What's your favorite music? I'll see if your song/band can be played while you're there. No joke!

[Lumps]

9 minutes ago, electro's horse said:

stay in asheville instead and just drive in for the game and spend the night in charlotte

Asheville can be done in 24 hours. The Biltmore estate is worth checking out. Ashville’s weather is great and views are too and the beer selection is top notch as well. The orange peel may host a good band time to time.

Other than that (and great outdoor camping sites) there is little to do. It’s a very small liberal/touristy City that appeals to younger crowds but overrated and extremely overpriced in my opinion, but to each their own.