Cars, comics and caring in Charlotte

My first trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, was for the Type A Parent Conference. Previously held in Asheville, this year’s conference was at the Hilton City Center. The hotel had a unique design, partially on a hill where you could walk in on the second floor on one side and on the first floor on another. The building was attached to the Wells Fargo Center, where guests can use the YMCA for exercise and swimming.

Nearby, the convention center was host to the Heroes Convention, so I saw super heroes and not-so-super heroes around every corner.  A couple of blocks away, look out for the checkered crosswalk, a sure sign that you are close to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Alas, I didn’t have time to visit on this trip. However, I did have time to eat at some great places:

Carolina Ale House: Lots of great local and craft brews. The fish tacos were excellent and the fries were just right.

Kings Kitchen Now this place has a real story behind it. From the website:

We’re a not for profit restaurant serving up southern cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients from right here in our community. And the proceeds go back to the community, helping to feed those in need. So, come on in. Because when you dine, the whole community thrives.

I had to go native and try the fried chicken platter. Down home cooking and for a great cause, the food was plentiful and full of flavor.

Mez When you have something called “Illegal bread” on the menu, of course you have to try it. And it did not disappoint. So good that it should be illegal. I also had the margarita flat bread, which the ripe tomatoes topped off the full taste. The flat bread is so large that you could definitely share with more than one person.

The only thing I noticed that was lacking from the uptown Charlotte area was a lack of retail – no interesting little shops to duck in and check out. However, the restaurants were plentiful and if I came back with my kids, we’d check out the museums that were nearby.