Five-Star Trails: Charlotte. Joshua Kinser

      BRONZE STATUES OF CHILDREN PLAYING IN A FOUNTAIN ADD A TOUCH OF PLAYFULNESS TO CHARLOTTE’S CITY CENTER.

      Overview

      This route explores the heart of Downtown and Uptown Charlotte, taking you past some of the most visited attractions that really capture the spirit and character of the city. Nestled among impressive examples of urban development and towering buildings are historic sites, art displays, and entertainment venues. The loop route begins at the Visitor Info Center, Center City location (other branches are at the airport and at the Levine Museum of the New South, not near this route), where you can pick up a free illustrated city map. From there you’ll meander some dozen blocks and cross through a wonderful park as you loop back to the Visitor Info Center. This trail is a treat for children old enough to walk 3 miles, as there are lots of interesting sites and adventures for them along this route. In fact, you should spend a few minutes at the Visitor Info Center to decide on any attractions that may capture your attention along the way—and plan your time accordingly.

      Route Details

      Start at the Visitor Info Center (noted by a circular red sign with a white lowercase i for “information”) on South Tryon Street between West Third Street and West Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK Jr.) Boulevard. Follow Tryon north toward Third Street. On the way to Third Street, look to your right at the artfully crafted bronze statues of children playing and splashing in the fountain waters.

      Continue north on Tryon and pass Ruth’s Chris Steak House on your left. Trolleys run along Tryon Street, so feel free to hop aboard if you’d like a lift to a particular location along the Tryon Street route of this walk. Continue on Tryon and cross Fourth Street, passing the decorative and architecturally interesting Tryon Plaza on your right and First Citizens Bank Plaza on your left, where you are likely to see locals playing cards and chess games around the tables in front of the waterfall on the side of the building.

      Continue to the Trade Street junction, where South Tryon becomes North Tryon and West Trade becomes East Trade. This is the official center of the city. The large and impressive statues on each corner here represent Charlotte’s commerce, transportation, industry, and future. Also, the first courthouse was built at this confluence and, according to some historians, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was read here, in 1775, during the American Revolution. With that declaration, the area’s colonists announced their desire to separate from England—prior to the 1776 Declaration of Independence.

      Cross Trade Street and continue north on Tryon. A Starbucks will be on your left, which will appeal to you if you are interested in stopping for a coffee. Cross East Fifth Street, walking toward The Capital Grille, the Wooden Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, and the historic Dunhill Hotel on your left. On the corner of Sixth and Tryon is the Discovery Place, a hands-on science museum for kids. It is very well done, with a really neat rainforest exhibit, aquarium, and, best of all, an IMAX theater. But if you want to save that for another time and continue the walk, turn right (southeast) onto East Sixth Street, where you’ll see the large Charlotte Mecklenburg Library on your left, and walk one block to North College Street, where Fuel Pizza sits on the corner. To your left you have a sharp view of Transamerica Square’s gold dome peeking through the trees.

      At College Street, turn right (southwest). In a few strides, you’ll see The Trade Center on your left. The complex encompasses a variety of shops and restaurants that cater to the business-class workers in this area. Of note is Mert’s Heart and Soul restaurant, in case you’re pining for some of Mert’s fried green tomatoes or, as his menu declares, his Famous Salmon Cakes to sustain you on your foray.

      Cross East Fifth Street, with the impressive dome of the Time Warner Cable Arena visible to the left. The arena hosts various music concerts and performance acts, is home to the National Basketball Association’s Charlotte