From Charlotte...

Charlotte: Lots of great steps towards mixed-use development, a deliberate appreciation for public space, especially in the downtown. Yet, it seemed to miss something. The density of the city is really low - just looking at the boundaries and what is planned for future construction, city limits are wide and people are few. Cars -- of course -- are still king.


Arial of Charlotte, from UNCC

I kept asking the hotel for recommendations of interesting neighborhoods to walk around. We New Yorkers have a warped sense of what it means to "walk around" compared to the rest of the country (or vice versa). When we want to walk around, we also mean that there should be something interesting to look at and experience when we're walking. In other cities, it just means that it's easy and pleasant to walk around. On Sunday, we whiled away a few hours at a brewery in the South End, and finally had to ask where everyone was. It was empty - and we thought we were comfortably post-church time. But Mac's Speedshop was hopping by 6 PM Sunday night!

Emily took a couple great photos. And you'll find everything that you really know about the trip (why, what) from Corey.


From Emily's flickr