Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013 - (Page 96)

local knowledge For a day trip out of the city, what can you recommend in the way of mansions, gardens and historical monuments? The Biltmore Estate offers an expansive Italian garden in one of the nation’s most beautiful estates. Located just outside of Asheville, off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Biltmore offers a glimpse into high society of yesteryear. It is strongly recommended that you take advantage of the Butler’s Tour, as it gives the listener an idea of who the Vanderbilt family was. We also recommend a visit to Childress Vineyards, where NASCAR team owner Richard Childress presents his award-winning Carolina wines. Another vineyard to visit is Shelton Vineyards, which is the largest familyowned winery in North Carolina. Where can we witness the historical Charlotte? I have a real “Gone with the Wind” picture in my head and wonder if the city can satisfy it. Unfortunately, Charlotte does not have an expansive “onestop shop” historic district like Savannah and Charleston; that does not mean you will not find some fantastic locations where history occurred. A favorite area of mine would be Settlers’ Cemetery and the Fourth Ward. Settlers’ Cemetery features tombstones dating as far back as 1776, while the Fourth Ward enjoys a thick tree canopy protecting lovely Victorian homes and gardens. Almost immediately after stepping foot into the area you will feel removed from the glass skyscraper, Uptown feel of modern Charlotte. Other noteworthy areas reflecting Charlotte’s “yesteryear” would be South End as well as Myers Park/Dilworth. South End features remnants of Charlotte’s industrial and cotton boom that have been eclectic restaurants, bars and shops. This area plays host to what really is the “New South.” Dilworth and Myers Park are residential neighborhoods that embody that “Old South” feel with stately oaks, front porches and detailed gardens. I’ve read a lot about the new Southern cooking and how Charlotte is a center for it. What is the difference between new and old Southern food, and where can I find the best of each? Traditional Southern cuisine is exactly what one would expect: fried chicken, shrimp and grits, black-eyed peas, okra, etc. You’ll find we’re actually starting to return to that, but with the twist of utilizing modern cooking techniques. Local restaurateurs have been focusing on local, 96 w w w. r i t z c a r lt o n . c o m sustainable, indigenous produce as well. Desserts are also popular here, and we are proud to offer an amazing variety of sweet treats at the hotel’s Bar Cocoa all-dessert dining experience — the only spot in Uptown that serves ice cream and gelato! What are the must-visit museums? The Levine Center for the Arts is a full cultural destination in itself and includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, the John S. and James L. Knight Theater, and the Mint Museum Uptown. I’ve heard about at least a half-dozen theme parks for kids in and around Charlotte. Which are the best? Carowinds is the largest theme park in the area. Offering 13 coasters and a themed water park, it really has the most to offer. Since Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. acquired the property in 2007, five rides have been added to the collection. An extremely popular and well-regarded destination is the amazing US National Whitewater Center, offering an array of recreational fun suitable for many ages and fitness levels. Can you sketch out a great shopping day, focusing as much as possible on stores unique to Charlotte? The Myers Park Mile is a must. Nestled in the beautiful neighborhood of Myers Park, you’ll find boutiques offering everything from estate jewelry and antique furniture to fine art. Of course, there are some excellent fashion boutiques as well, and upscale malls such as SouthPark are popular. For easy access to the Uptown hotel district, there’s plenty of walking-distance shopping, much of it accessible via a network of all-weather covered skyways. This makes shopping immensely convenient for those in the bustling heart of the city. I believe there is a big craft beer scene in Charlotte. Are there breweries I can visit? Absolutely! Several breweries offer tours as well as restaurants. The more established Olde Mecklenburg Brewery offers tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Heist Brewery’s restaurant features an excellent selection of house-made breads prepared in a wood-fired grill. The building, constructed in 1903, really sets an intimate ambience as you dine among the brew kettles. http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013
Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With ... Barcelona
Design
Shopping
Beauty
Gifts
Jewelry
Watches
Behind the Scenes
Family
Local Knowledge
Outdoors
As It Was
Culinary
Let Us Stay With You
Heritage

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013