Traditional Southern atmosphere meets modern creativity in Plaza Midwood, now one of Charlotte’s favorite neighborhoods which has grown from a former streetcar suburb into a thriving neighborhood. The streets are dotted with old Victorian homes and Southern style churches and businesses renovated into modern spaces, like Supperland, which is possibly the city’s hottest restaurant. Every year, more and more restaurants are setting up shop in Plaza Midwood, like Calle Sol Cafe and Milkbread, and that’s not even mentioning the nightlife which ranges from the historic Thirsty Beaver to the new Burial Beer hailing from Asheville. Charlotte’s got a lot, but Plaza Midwood has some of the best. With that being said, here are 5 ways to explore Plaza Midwood’s unique and charming streets and shops.
1. Start your morning off right with a coffee
Or tea or whatever it is you enjoy in the morning. Point is, there’s no better way to start your day off exploring Plaza Midwood than by first checking out one of their multiple breakfast spots. Check out Snooze AM, A Denver-native that’s also found a place in Plaza Midwood and serves full breakfast platters (P.S. You can secure a spot on the waitlist online if you want to avoid waiting), or try out a newbie in the neighborhood: Milkbread. From the people you brought Kindred to the city, Milkbread serves fluffy doughnuts, crispy golden fried chicken, and healthier options like toasts and salads. Or, get in tune with the funkier, eclectic vibes of the neighborhood at Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe, just to name a few options. Once you’ve tackled breakfast, you’re ready to get out and explore.
2. Take a stroll through the neighborhood
A great family friendly park that’s over 6 acres, ensuring plenty of space to stroll. Their amenities include a playground, picnic area, outdoor amphitheater, tennis court, and community garden you can take advantage of if the weather permits. Another option for enjoying Plaza Midwood neighborhood is taking a stroll through Veteran’s Memorial Park, a great place to bring your dog or little ones. If you want to check out some of the more iconic sights to see in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, a walking tour could take you to see Harris-Teeter grocery store, established in 1936 or one of the most photographed Victorian Era houses in the Southeast at 1600 the Plaza.
3. Stop by for a quick lunch at one of these local spots
By now we figure you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite so if you’re looking for a quick lunch spot to hold you over, we’ve got a few spots you may want to check out. From newcomer Calle Sol that specializes in ceviche to Common Market, which also has a location in South End but who’s original spot was in Plaza Midwood. A great spot for breakfast as well as lunch, they’ve got more than a dozen different sandwiches to choose from as well as soup of the day and salads.
- Calle Sol
- Common Market
- Las Delicias Bakery
4. Do some local shopping and support small businesses
One of the most unique things about Plaza Midwood is its blend of vintage, historical, and modern. From eclectic homes to eclectic shops, there’s plenty of small, community-focused businesses that make Plaza Midwood unique and fun to explore. Moxie Mercantile is a woman-led, community-focused lifestyle boutique to Book buyers who has been selling used books since 1999 and is a staple of the neighborhood. Not only will you get to explore unique finds but you can support a local, small business at the same time.
5. Explore the nightlife at one of these fantastic bars, breweries, and restaurants
Before you explore the nightlife in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, we recommend having an early dinner first. One of the city’s best, Supperland, is located in Plaza Midwood. An old midcentury church that was renovated as a steakhouse-meets-potluck style restaurant, they’re doing elevated spin offs on Southern classics, have won many accolades, and deserves to be tried. Once you’re full from dinner, head over to grab a drink from one of the many bars in Plaza Midwood, from the Thirsty Beaver, one of Charlotte’s oldest, to Stroke, an adults only mini golf venue.