Boston-based designer Mikyoung Kim was commissioned by the Charlotte Area Transit System…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/biz/charlotte-area-transportation-system-charlotte to provide an artwork for the LYNX station https://www.yelp.com/biz/uncc-lynx-station-charlotte at the University of North Carolina Charlotte https://www.yelp.com/biz/university-of-north-carolina-charlotte-charlotte. This artwork features a long-swirled sculpture that serves as seating, surrounded by greenery. The plaza faces the UNC Charlotte Student Union building and includes a crosswalk on Cameron Boulevard. I didn't see it because I was here during the daytime, but the lighting moves through the sculpture and through the bench elements that are perforated metal and cast a shadow on the plaza itself. [Review 16943 overall - 3265 in North Carolina - 459 of 2022.]

A photography gallery in Uptown, right next to the 7th Street LYNX Station. When I arrived, the…read moreplace was quite desolate. The security guard had me wait in the lobby while he went in to the gallery to turn the lights on. I got the impression that there wasn't a whole lot going on here. It's a good thing that it's free, because 30 minutes of looking at pictures wouldn't have been worth much. And even at 30 minutes, I was still moving pretty slow. When I visited, the exhibit was "Streetwise", a collection of pictures of America's troubled 60's. Capturing images of not just our troubled times, including Boston's "Combat Zone" and close-ups of the Black Panthers, there were also shots of just regular people and places. All in black and white, which gave it a feel of being very like a documentary. Pictures of the pictures are not permitted, but I took that as meaning not taking a picture of the individual pictures. Instead, my wide shot of the gallery doesn't give away the detail but helps you see what you're going to see there. I might come back for the next exhibit, but I think this is a "See it once" kind of thing.

I had never been to The Light Factory and saw there was a very interesting reception called A…read moreShared Elegy. I was so happy I made it out to see what it was all about since I live so close by. Great intimate space, the artist were so insightful and the crowd genuinely appreciated the artist panel and the photography. It was very well curated. Great space, seasoned artists. Well done.

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.

Such a great spot--especially the rooftop. It's beautiful up there and perfect for catching the…read moresunset. They've also got some fun games, which makes it a really nice, low-key date spot. My partner and I had a great time. The drinks were solid and the staff was super attentive throughout. Definitely one of those places you go for the vibe and end up staying longer than planned.

Great brewery vibes with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating. The beer selection is inclusive and…read morehas something for everyone's tastes. The bartenders were slammed but were well trained and moved fast. No food sold by the brewery, but they have a food truck schedule. It's also right by the light rail so you don't worry about parking.

As a mega plant Mama I LOVED it here!!! It was so unexpected and serene. There is a beautiful…read moreoutdoor garden you kind of just walk through and enjoy. It's very shaded some it's still enjoyable on a sunny day. There is so much to see and it's also a great place for some gorgeous photos!! I loved walking through and reading what tree was what. I also really loved their greenhouse that is just a short walk from the gardens. It's not the biggest greenhouse in Charlotte but the size doesn't even matter. It's beautifully set up and spaced out with gorgeous and rare plants. I mean I was really blown away by this entire place. I also loved that they have walking trails on the other side of the gardens. We didn't check those out but I plan to come back soon to go for a nice stroll. I loved it here, it was so peaceful and beautiful. Cannot wait to go back.

This college garden has a greenhouse, which is where the dedicated parking is. A small parking lot…read moreis designated mostly for people with handicap permits with a few spaces for visitors. Most of the people actually using this parking lot did not appear to fall into either category. The greenhouse is open during limited daytime hours, and across the street lie outdoor gardens. As with many such facilities, they appear to be constructed on uneven terrain that was not amenable to other uses, but they are quite impressive. Regional gardens and a mix of different materials for the path make for a dynamic experience. There is plenty to see, and while I suspect the greenhouse would add more value, the outdoor gardens were not a bad stop.

"Daughters" is a mural by street artist Nick Napoletano. It presents seven portraits of real women…read more This group of women is racially diverse and LGBTQ inclusive. Napoletano has murals all over South End, the Elizabeth and Midtown areas, Optimist Park, and NoDa. His realistic portraits are a hallmark of his style along with often highlighting social causes and celebrating beauty. I have reviewed a couple of them. Napoletano's realistic pictures along the side of this very visible building depict mankind. The plain background with restricted colors allows you to concentrate on the pictures' remarkable qualities. The modeling and shading of each face is precise and viewers can enjoy the many distinct hues of color displayed in each face. From the artist, "A marker of successful public art in my eyes is work that functions as a mirror, identifying a truth about the world we live in while paving the way for the future we want to create." The artwork is visible after you exit I-277 and turn towards NoDa on North Tryon. There is room to stop and admire it. [Review 507 of 2025 - 4109 in North Carolina - 24069 overall]

We've just stayed at this location for 3 days and at others in the chain and, as always, had an…read moreexcellent and restful stay. I don't know if it's luck in hiring or good management choices and training behind the superlative staff, but to each of them working the recent weekend (1/30 - 2/1). Unfailingly cheerful and professional despite the unusually severe winter storm that kept many of them from going home and ensured they were still working when virtually every other service shut down tight. Smiles, yes, but also witnessed them consistently going above and beyond to help out guests with snow-covered cars and other small requests. One example that may seem minor but is telling: one staffer, seeing me peek into a just-emptied scrambled-egg serving dish, whipped up a fresh batch and surprised us by delivering it to our table. This was 2 scant minutes before breakfast hours ended -- a time most hotels have already begun shutting down food stations, let alone gone out of their way to help out. Plus there's the usual stuff: clean rooms; all the basics covered in the room (large TV / microwave / mini fridge / full length mirror / extra pillows & blanket); end tables on BOTH sides of the bed; fast checkin / free WiFi & self parking. And a very competitive rate for the area. There was also the usual Drury breakfast spread nothing fancy but more comprehensive than most middle & up chains -- yes, make-it-yourself waffles! and staff-made-fresh pancakes and scrambled eggs! Plus creamy oatmeal, several bread types for toasting, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc. Just-popped popcirn offered in the evenings. Plus their "happy hour" snacks could replace dinner for you: steamed hot dogs & buns, Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies. A free cocktail or wine, also. This extra guest benefit came in incredibly helpful during the storm when many were stranded by the weather. Despite the storm, guests all appeared happy and relaxed, hanging out in the public areas, chatting and playing cards. We'll be back and continue to choose this chain when it's one of the options when we travel.

Grad weekend a stressful but fun time. Drury helped to make it a truly memorable time. The staff…read moreall the way to the GM were gracious and accommodating. The breakfast was good. But better yet was the service. I highly recommend this location. Convenient to the University. Thanks Drury for making this a memorable event.

Great course for the price! It's half outside and half inside. Not the most challenging but still…read morenot easy. The water features were off/broken.

Great value, great customer service. Course could use some updating but overall a great value for…read morethe cost.

Valet is cool. Love the bar. No food today due to loss of power in the kitchen. Beautiful clean…read moreproperty

Clean, modern and attentive staff. Restaurants are within walking distance…read more You can self park for $10 less in the garage just across the street. It was a reasonable $15/day. I did not eat in the restaurant.