Santos, Rebecca A Md

Charlotte's Festival in the Park takes place every September in Freedom Park and offers locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the spirit of the city in a variety of ways. There's live music, great food, and a large selection of arts and crafts created by local artisans that truly capture the spirit of the area. There are also several displays of art from local, regional and even nationally recognized talents. Just be prepared for a long walk into the park, as parking spaces are at a premium and often the only one you'll find is relatively far away - just look at the walk as a chance to enjoy the scenery and bond with fellow festival-goers.

The McColl Center for Visual Art invites you to come in and actually interact with the artists as they create. Far from a stuffy atmosphere, the McColl Center makes an effort to be both educational and accessible. There staff and artists make it a point to always be aware of various community issues and needs, both in their individual work and the mission of the venue itself. Art lovers are invited to walk around and visit the artists-in-residence as they work on their latest creations.

Searching for the best place to watch the big game? Then Charlotte's Hickory Tavern is your answer. This is where you will find an incredible menu of items that will satisfy any appetite. Wash down your meal with one of the many beers that are available. The Hickory Tavern is not only the preferred game day location of the Carolina Panthers, it also has won the distinction of being voted the runner-up in ESPN's poll of the "Best Sports Bars in North America." That honor sure says a lot!