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.

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 beautiful mural takes up the entire wall of the Live Love Serve Foundation facing Old…read morePineville Road. A series of faces and patterns that don't quite line up with the porthole shaped windows but still provides a positive outlook on the foundation. They have also installed a sign that provides context. It reads in part, "'We exist to love and serve.' This was true in 1993 and is still true 25 years later. These simple words describe not what we do, but why we do it. 'We exist to Love and Serve our Clients, Associates and Community.' The 10'9" x 17'4" mural running along the Old Pineville Road side of our building is our way to inspire others to live a life focused on love. The inspiration for the mural came from the Wynwood community in Miami, Florida that embraces art in an effort to positively impact the community." It is worth a stop, especially if you're nearby for Brewers on Yancey. [Review 1116 of 2024 - 3614 in North Carolina - 22142 overall]

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.

Super fun! I was…read morelucky enough to win tickets to this event through a yelp promotion on IG. My boyfriend and I have been eating our way around. From sliders to Tito's drinks. Dessert galore! We are shockingly full considering they are (mostly) bite sized noms. There are heaters and fires outside. Such a fun touch having s'mores set up and ready to go! I love s'mores and mine cooked perfectly. Merchant and Trade has a killer Tito's drink. We loved the teeny avocado toast. My boyfriends favorite thing is the white bean bruschetta and we both loved the cherry cordial pie. Vibe was awesome. I've never been to this brewery before, but I'll definitely check it out another time. Highly recommend. Especially since it's for a fabulous cause!

Great chill, cool, & relax spot!read more

Located on the side of Romare Bearden Park closest to Mint Street, this welded stainless steel…read moresculpture soars 30 feet into the air like a wave. The artwork was unveiled on September 23, 2017. The caption reads, "Richard Hunt created 'Spiral Odyssey' as a tribute to his friend Romare Bearden (1911-1988). Bearden and Hunt were the first contemporary African American artists to have solo exhibitions at New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1971." "In 1963, Romare Bearden played a pivotal role in the founding of a collective of African American artists known as the 'Spiral Group' who actively participated in the Civil Rights movement. In the manner of the Archimedean spiral that advances by radiating outward to embrace all directions, the elegant spiral formed by Richard Hunt's sculpture symbolizes the widening influence of the Spiral Group. It also represents the circular nature of progress and the complexities of Bearden's multifaceted career, which even in its legacy continues to ascend." "The 'Odyssey', Homer's epic poem chronicling the hero's perilous voyage home, inspired Bearden as well as Hunt. A form resembling a ship's bow servs as the base of Hunt's sculpture. A journeying vessel, the ship alludes to forward momentum as well as the suffering experienced by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage. The sculpture's ascending height attests to a fortitude of character - strength, tenacity and liberty. Whimsical vignettes mimicking fish surfing in the ship's wake, and generative plant life inspired by the surrounding garden, signify resiliency and regeneration." Collection of Mecklenburg County, Commissioned in partnership with the Arts & Science Council and the Public Art Commission. Funding was generously provided by Mecklenburg County, Duke Energy Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Arts & Science Council. [Review 268 of 2024 - 3525 in North Carolina - 21303 overall.]

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.

Scam with the sale of Ignite Keto Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies. Constant deliveries and charges.read more

This was my first Ignite Charlotte event and it was a lot of fun. I recommend anyone interested in…read moresocial media, the arts, advertising etc. to check out Ignite Charlotte. A lot of great speakers - a lot of helpful information - a lot of networking. The folks at the neighborhood theatre were very friendly and accomadating as well.