So I have attended this lovely event (going on 3 years!) and it's a nice event. Unfortunately the…read moredate/time they always choose mostly coincides with some sort of downpour, cold weather, and just altogether nastiness outside. Fortunately enough, the weather does suck, but doesn't dampen the spirits (no pun intended) of some pretty cool local breweries. What is also showcased is the Gastonia Grizzy's Stadium. I have yet to make it to a ball game, but the stadium is a good size and they offer those famous "trash can nachos" which should complete any baseball fans experience. The nachos literally come on a flipped metal style trash can (clean of course!) with tons of meat, cheese, peppers, and toppings... it even comes with Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the edges as a dessert offering. Usually they have a mix of a live band, DJ music and even a Cornhole tournament. A nice little event not too far away from Charlotte. For just $25, you get to sample unlimited amounts of good brews. There are DD tickets for $5. This year I volunteered to be the DD - "always be responsible" but it was still a fun time none-the-less.

I've attended this beer fest for the third straight year now and I've had a pretty good time every…read moreyear. If you've been out to a beer fest before, you already know what it is all about- get a glass, walk around to different vendor tents, try their beer. Well I figure there is one big difference between this and other beer fests that I've had the pleasure of attending, and that's local talent. They have the most in-state breweries that I've seen yet, many of which have some damn good recipes. The selection of different beer types is fairly broad and there is a good ratio between vendors and participants. It is good to see an event staff plan, coordinate, and assume accurate quantities of beer. Ace job. If I have a dime for every time I paid to get in to one of these and the kegs were dry an hour or two in, I'd be pretty well-off. And sure, it may have occurred the first year I attended this, but they have always improved every year. Prices are modest at $25 drinking ticket, and $5 DD ticket. Has live music. Has pretzel necklaces for sale. Great event.

Located on the south side of the building that contains a beer bar, restaurant, post office and…read moremore, this large mural welcomes you to Cramerton, "Khaki Town USA." The mural features three service members including one who is obviously the pilot of the plane in the background. A nice diverse look at the military, I suppose. It includes an image of a crate of "Genuine Cramerton Army Cloth." The caption at the right reads, "The award which you are to receive today, however, is one that cannot be won by management alone. It is won by the whole-hearted efforts of all of the employees in a factory. It is won only by a plant whose workers know that they are taking an active part in the business of supplying our soldiers with the equipment that they need to crush our enemies. But I do know this - you will not let our fighting men down. You have produced and delivered the goods. You will continue to produce and deliver the goods. I am glad to present you this flag. Major General Edmund B. Gregory" Cramerton is named for Stuart Cramer, one of the most extraordinary industrialists and inventors that North Carolina has ever produced. In a span of 15 years, he either built or designed more than 150 mills and published a four-volume handbook on the subject. During that period, he also found time to obtain 60 patents; work with James "Buck" Duke to create North Carolina's first electric power company; operate Cramer Chair manufacturing; and develop the earliest version of air-conditioning to control humidity and improve air quality in the mills. He even coined the term "air-conditioning." Cramerton Mill (later sold to Burlington) was where the lightweight "khaki" uniform cloth was designed and invented. [Review 114 of 2025 - 4083 in North Carolina - 23681 overall]

Shiny and glittering out of the corner of my eye, this large piece of public art is placed near the…read morefront of the Valerie C Woodward Center facility that houses a number of Charlotte-Mecklenburg city/county offices. From the artist's website, "Pillars of Dreams... makes a soft landing in a field of quiet moments and curious interactions. Open columns drop down from the floating canopy into a field of seating, open paths for wandering, and unbounded spaces for self-assembly. More than an idiosyncratic space for individual discovery, Pillars of Dreams establishes a public agora for visitors and employees at this important community interface between local government and Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents." The caption points out that the artist is Marc Fornes and it is powder-coated aluminum with stainless-steel rivets making up some 3564 parts and 54,000 rivets. Step into and under the center of this public art for a moment. The artist has put openings into the aluminum skin that let some light in. It reflects off the pieces and makes for a pretty sight. Shadows, projected and reflected light in the space below are lovely. Check it out when you're in the area. [Review 13437 overall, 756 of 2020.]

This is a very unique and pretty art installation. I wasn't sure exactly where to go and Apple Maps…read morearen't that helpful what you want to do is go to the front of the building and then turn right. It is on the right side of the building easily accessible if you are coming from the front. Make sure to go close up and look from underneath to see the wide array of colors.

Amusement park observation towers like this are a dying breed. Why shouldn't non-thrill seekers be…read moreafforded an opportunity to see a park's skyline and peep out its surroundings stretching all the way to the horizon in every direction? (Even here I heard someone in line fretting about their fear of heights but being safely enclosed in glass with a sturdy floor beneath seemed to allay that anxiety enough for them to ride.) With Windseeker sadly non-functional for my 2026 Opening Day visit only Carolina Sky Tower could provide extended views from a mighty height atop Carowinds- and here I could actually pull my phone out to document the sights. It made me very nostalgic for Cedar Point's late great Space Spiral - even with its faithful recreation of a barely functioning cooling system and a slightly musty smell. I guess these old observation towers are just pre-equipped with that stuffy feel. I don't think I've been on one of these attractions since Space Spiral actually as I visited both Sea World Orlando and Six Flags Great America in the mid-2010s and both their observation towers were closed for maintenance. Well, the view this time didn't include Lake Erie and the coaster skyline wasn't quite as impressive but it was fun to peep Fury 325, the Artist Formerly Known as Intimidator and the fairly compact but soaring Charlotte skyline in the distance. The wait was very short, just one ride cycle, perhaps an indicator why these towers are an endangered species but I was glad for a mellow interlude between maniacal bursts of coaster madness here at Carowinds.

The go to "I need to take a break from the heat" ride…read more At 262ft tall it's no longer the biggest thing in Carowinds (looking at you Fury 325), but it still offers a great view of the park and its the only ride that does so at a relaxing pace. The rotating, air conditioned viewing deck holds about 30 people or so with one continuous bench seat all the way around. The ride is only a few minutes long but both the climb up and descent down are done at a slow relaxing pace. At it's peak you see the park from an angle you only get on this ride, and off in the distance you get a wonderful view of the Uptown Charlotte skyline. If the line isn't long and you want a bit of a rest, give the Sky Tower a spin.

PLEASE DON'T CLIMB ON PETE!…read more Charlotte has hosted its share of trolls over the years, but none quite like this one. None with feet that stretch a full 7 feet! Meet Big Pete with the Big Feet, a towering wooden figure who now watches over a stormwater catch basin in the heart of the River District's newest development. Unveiled in November 2025, Pete joins a growing family of Thomas Dambo trolls across North Carolina and around the world, including permanent installations in Raleigh's Dorothea Dix Park and High Point's creative corridor. Big Pete is part of Danish artist Thomas Dambo's worldwide series of giant trolls, each crafted from recycled and reclaimed wood. Pete's body is built entirely from scrap lumber, fallen branches, and salvaged materials, giving him a patchwork texture that feels both rustic and intentional. His posture is relaxed with one leg bent and one arm resting. His face carries a curious, slightly watchful expression. With wild wooden hair and a beard of tangled twigs, he looks like he might have just finished a hearty meal and settled in to observe the River District's transformation. There's a quiet wisdom to his gaze, as if he's seen many seasons and is waiting patiently for the next. Visiting Pete is easy and stroller friendly. The parking area leads to a stone and gravel path that winds gently toward his resting spot. You can climb the hill to get up close. His feet alone are longer than most benches. If you lean in, you'll catch the scent of freshly sawn wood. It's a sensory experience as much as a visual one, and the setting adds to the magic: trees rustling, birds overhead and the muffled roar of the airport not too far away. And here's Pete quietly keeping watch. If you're looking for whimsy, craftsmanship, and a touch of folklore in Charlotte's evolving landscape, Big Pete delivers. He's not just a sculpture--he's a story waiting to be discovered. It's worth noting that if Big Pete was wearing shoes, his seven foot long foot would be a US shoe size of around 252. [Review 1363 of 2025 - 4482 in North Carolina - 24915 overall]

Pete is another masterpiece by Thomas Dambo and we were so excited to visit him. He is definitely…read morethe largest of any sculptures I have seen by Dambo, with incredibly long legs and I imagine they were able to accomplish that only because he is laying down on the hill. His face is very well done with a coy confidence I think was intended. Unfortunately, my experience visiting him was very poor. There were hundreds of visitors and people were behaving terribly. I witnessed one little girl pull out one of his "hairs" and children were jumping and climbing all over him with absolutely zero respect. The parents were just as bad, either totally self absorbed and oblivious or encouraging to the behavior. There was even rock throwing. It was a horrible display. We didn't stay long. I hope the artist continues his valuable work and I hope Pete is able to endure despite all he is going through.

Though the bridge itself is simply a means of foregoing the need of an intersection on the west…read moreside of NoDa, the beautiful mural makes it stand out and a more memorable part of Charlotte's art flavor. Brainchild of local artist Will Puckett, this gorgeous mural tells a wonderful story of Mecklenburg history. There's a brilliant explanation of this at the listed website. Though you may not find yourself walking down North Davidson Street most days, take the time to walk by and take in this gorgeous story/work of art. It's quite remarkable and more memorable up front rather than from your car window.

Hooray for public art! This used to be one of the ugliest bridges in a city that prided itself on…read moreutilitarian industrial infrastructure. But a few NoDa artists have, with the help of many grants, painted the columns with the major contributors to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. For those of you who took history classes in the real world, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence probably isn't a familiar document. All true Charlotte citizens know that Mecklenburg declared independence from the British years before the Continental Congress. But then they lost the document and all proof of its existence so just take our word for it okay? This is especially convenient for southern gentlemen who are ferociously proud of the revolution but uncomfortable giving any credit to those damned Yankees. In the project's later stages the mural will extend beyond the bridge's columns to decorate the embankments on either side with images of the Mecklenburg Resolves, another document of unclear purpose and dubious existence. Basically, I'm saying that they could have picked some better subject matter. Like, something that actually happened. Or, if you are happy with imaginary events, why not choose something truly heroic like the day America beat back the Martian menace? But regardless, I think it is fitting that this bridge, spanning one of two routes into NoDa's arts district, be covered in an enormous, colorful mural.

Located at the main entrance to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, this Crown sculpture…read moreis the eye-catching front door to one of the busiest airports in the world. That said, Charlotte is busy because it's a connecting airport. The greater majority of the passengers being served here are coming from somewhere else and going somewhere else. There aren't a whole lot of originating passengers at CLT that are going to drive past this sculpture. Still, it's pretty darned neat. Installed in 2020, the points of the crown are sharp and slick. They speak to the sleek and polished updates - $2.5 billion - that have recently been spent on airport improvements including a redesigned arrivals pick up and departures drop off lanes with a lovely scooped roof, the new concourses in Terminal A and the construction of a new airport control tower that is the second tallest in the southeast (after ATL). So yeah, this crown for the city we call the Queen City is appropriate and worth checking out. There is a sidewalk but it's not really a space for pedestrians so use caution. [Review 1738 of 2024 - 3668 in North Carolina - 22761 overall]

Located on the side of Wooden Robot's The Chamber beer bar and quite close to the 36th Street LYNX…read morestation, this interesting mural is by artists Brett Toukatly and Mike Wirth. It depicts three rather humanized robots. Bright colors on a yellow background, I'm not quite sure what they're trying to tell me. As it's on the wall of the brewhouse, are they signaling for another round and fighting over whose turn it is? Stop in (and get a beer) and check it out. [Review 16948 overall - 3270 in North Carolina - 464 of 2022.]

Very good craft brews. Wine and cocktails available as well. Very friendly staff. Spotless…read moreinterior.