College hoops
by acemj
North Carolina is college basketball country. Above all other sports, this area is fanatical about its roundball. The heart of this fanaticism is up the road a few hours in the Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill), but Charlotte also has a good local college team, my alma mater, UNCC. They play their home games at Halton Arena located on campus in north Charlotte.
When referring to the academic institution, it's UNCC, but when referring to the athletic teams, they're referred to as simply, "Charlotte."
Sir Edmund Halley's
by acemj
Sir Ed's is a neighborhood pub (British fare). I listed it in my restaurant section as well because the food is great, but it's also a great place to come and just have a drink or two. If you're looking for a good hangout and not the college kids party traps, then check this place out. They usually have about 8 beers on tap. casual
Cuban cuisine
by acemj about A Taste of Havana
I'm no expert on Cuban cuisine, but I like the food here. However, I have a local friend who is Cuban and he says that this place is not the most authentic. Nevertheless, I'll recommend it because it's good and it's cheaper than the more authentic Cuban place called Siboney that I also recommend in another tip. Cuban style pulled pork and flan for dessert. Also try the seafood dishes and the very smooth black bean soup. The last time I was here, I was with VTer b1bob and I had the roast pork, which was very good.
Great Neighborhood Feel
by acemj about Eddies Place
This place is decidely non-conformist. It's privately owned and well run and the food is affordable, tasty and always comes in generous portions. They also have satellite television and can tune in sports action from around the world. The bar takes center stage at night and you'll usually run into a friendly crowd. Breakfasts are great and they're always willing to make something up on request. The sandwiches are also a highlight.
Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade
by etfromnc
The Carolinas' Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition since 1947, is one of the largest get-togethers of Carolinians that takes place during the year. It boasts participation from both Carolinas and touches approximately half a million people from the 22-county metro area. In 2008, TravelMuse.com named the Carolinas’ Thanksgiving Day Parade as the fourth largest Thanksgiving Parade in the United States.
As a young Boy Scout, I marched in this parade a few times, as a senior in high school, I took a photograph which was used as the cover of the Carolinas' Carousel program book the following year, and while in college, my best friend, my brother, and I followed the Santa Claus float (traditionally the last thing in the parade) on my beautiful new blue Honda Dream 300 motorcycle. Yes, three people on a motorcycle. As you can see, this parade has long been a poignant part of my Thanksgiving celebrations.
You can see the skyscrapers in the distance
Aerial view of San Francisco
Ernie's at the Arboretum
Hillary extracts a Guinness from the tap
