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.

This was my first time visiting Daniel Stowe Conservancy after their rebranding and it was a great…read moreexperience! It's been at least 5 years since I last visited and I was impressed by the extensive trail network. The children's garden, Lost Hollow, was delightful even for adults! The castle playground was a big hit! You can get a solid walk/hike on the trails and they are well-maintained. Even in the winter, the gardens are nice and relaxing. The orchid conservatory is warm, vibrant, and thriving year-round! I was impressed with the size of their tropical plants - very impressive. It was a nice respite on a chilly December day. We were hoping to grab food at the cafe, but options were limited. Perhaps there are more food options during busier times. Overall, this is a great Charlotte-area day trip and a great place to take out-of-town visitors.

What a beautiful venue! Went to jazz show and was able to check out their Christmas lights in the…read moregarden afterwards. It was absolutely stunning and the gets you right into the Christmas spirit. The jazz music was amazing as well. They have a cafe you can get coffee, wine or beer and grab and go snacks to enjoy during the show.

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]

Mr. Joe Haick has not printed a job for me that we contracted for almost a year and a half ago. He…read morehas promised with every excuse that he would print my panels but never followed up on his promises. I even offered to pay him more for the printing than the money I paid which he asked for. He defrauded me of my panels worth $500.00, which I had custom made here in FL and sent to him. Due to the distance, as Cat Studios is no longer in Palm Beach County, FL, where I live, and he moved to NC, it doesn't pay me to pursue a legal procedure. At this point I just wanted my panels returned, unprinted. This is a clear fraudulent case and that is why I have contacted the local Police, and Better Business Bureau in Charlotte. With all his promises in all of our documented emails, this has been a most traumatic experience for me doing business with Cat Studios and Joe Haick.

From the owner: Welcome to CAT Studios Inc., a company dedicated over the last 16 years to creating and applying…read morenew technologies and media tools to revolutionize the world of Commercial and Fine art. Our Creative Services: Interior & Exterior Murals and Wall Treatments: CAT Studios can custom design and paint murals to your specifications. Our murals are created in either oil or water-based paints and reflect each client's personal tastes and environment. We pride ourselves in design and executions, and thanks to our newly patented painting process and experienced artisans we can now deliver beautiful hand painted murals at a faction of the cost and time usually required to have produced. Custom murals starting as low as $10 a square foot. Specialty Services: CAT Studios offers a large selection of artistic services and products never before available. We can affordably produce beautiful custom painted and themed tabletops, acoustical tiles, window treatments, ceiling tiles, wooden dance floors, stockade fences, construction barriers, awnings, and even sisal carpeting. New applications and products are constantly being added. If you have a idea for a new application please let us know. Custom Painted Signage: CAT Studios has the capabilities of printing on a wide variety of traditional sign substrates using durable, long lasting paints. Print Services: CAT Studios Inc also offers full service fine art giclee printing, photo enlargements, and large format printing services.

Queen City! A true name that describes Charlotte so flawlessly!…read more The city of Charlotte ended up being the many cities that I fell in LOVE with! Honestly, the murals alone around the City is enough to grab my attention. How did I possibly think I was going to make my way around the City in less than 2 days? There are SO many talented people that have such a wonderful imagination and remarkable creativity, this is truly what gives Charlotte such a wonderful name. During my recent road trip with my best friend, we decided to check out Charlotte, North Carolina to finally mark it off our bucket list of states. It was such an experience to be able to check out the many murals around the City. You can find a list of them here: https://www.charlottefive.com/talking-walls-mural-festival/ But my all-time favorite murals were: Tip Top Market by artist Scott Nurkin; based in Chapel Hill: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-of-charlotte-charlotte-2?select=egQvGbO0dwm4ESykVLJnTA AND The Charlotte Mural: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/city-of-charlotte-charlotte-2?select=76fMe6n6k0183d3wyFL3Mg Location: 2902 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 The hotel we stayed in: Comfort Inn Executive Park--Not bad to say the least. The location was decent and the bed was HEAVEN! The Bars to check out: * The Punch Room * The Cotton Room * The Crunkleton * Infused Late Night Eats? For the win? Midnight Diner! It's open 24 hours/7 days a week and is the SPOT for after the bars and clubs end! I truly enjoyed my meal and people watching while I was here. A day in Queen City: 1. Take a picture in front of the Metamorphosis-Giant Head- David Černý, the Czech sculptor of this interesting piece. 2. Stop at the Midtown Park to take a picture in front of the Chicago Bean 3. Breakfast: 7th Street Public Market 4. Visit The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and culture 5. Check out Ninety's Ice Cream for the Milkshake 6. Lunch: Price's Chicken Coop I have a sayin' that I don't usually go back to the same City more than once unless I really, REALLY like it, and well, Charlotte is a City that I can do over and over and over again! I'll definitely be back sooner than later! (Smiles)

Worse city ever. Unadvertised tolls that cost me 60 dollars for 30 minutes of use. Not…read moretransparent. I will NEVER visit this city again. They are thieves

Almost passed right by it -- it looks like an unsuspecting alleyway but fear not! The murals were…read moreBEAUTIFUL and I so appreciate when cities make an effort to incorporate more art into its streets

Great to walk through and read about the installations! Beautiful and free street art. Awesome…read morephoto opportunities and lots of hidden treasures. :)

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library district offers a number of very nice regional and special…read morelibrary settings: the South Park Regional, South County Regional, and the library collaboration with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte ... ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Seventh Street downtown to name just three. Each has specialties that make them individuals. The ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center collaboration between the library district and the Children's Theatre is a hands down wonder. While some libraries specialize in library things (games and toys) to engage kids and others specialize in library materials (books and puzzles), ImaginOn has it all ... including plays and story times. The library itself is free to enter, multi-story, newish, clean and easy to get to, with available parking that is free for 90 minutes with a stamped ticket. This facility absolutely had everything to stimulate kids of all ages ... probably 2 to 12 being the sweet spot. Do make a point of finding your way here for a visit someday ... you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended.

Great place for children. Lots of books and activities and it's all free…read more Very clean and spacious.

It has taken a while to figure out what this artwork is named and now I know so I can share. This…read moreis "Stem" and it is by artist John Grade. Grade was born in 1970 and works in Seattle. According to his bio, "Kinetics, impermanence and chance are often central to the work." This large sculpture stands in Marsh Park in Pineville https://www.yelp.com/biz/marsh-park-pineville?hrid=hyiA3qTqzfDLTksPCbSdHQ. The park has a paved trail, bridges and boardwalks that allow an overlook of the marshes. There are some seating areas nearby and parking. While this artwork screams out to be climbed on, it is absolutely not for climbing. "Derived from a magnified cross-section of the rhizome [plant stem] of a common sedge indigenous to Marsh Park, Stem is sited along a walking path at the edge of a reclaimed wetland. Purpleheart hardwood was chosen for the sculpture for its durability as well as for its heavy weight. The site floods periodically, temporarily submerging the lower portion of the sculpture under water." [Review 19694 overall - 3425 in North Carolina - 666 of 2023.]

What a gem of a brewery in South End! Huge space with lots of outdoor space! Like 12 beers and…read moreplenty to choose from light to IPA. I enjoy a delicious hazy IPA--hazy pitch. No food but you can bring your own food.

My sister and I came here for an event: Cirque Du Fehr. This place is a big open space, perfect for…read morea variety of events. The whole place was decorated with a Halloween theme, and the dancers were placed in the middle of the establishment with plenty of seats surrounding the "stage". Although they offer free parking, parking is scarce. TIP: DO NOT PARK AT THE APARTMENT COMPLEX BECAUSE THE TOWER MAKES ROUNDS OFTEN. There is plenty of street parking and paying in their app is easy, just scan the QR code. Loads of wine and draft cider alongside non-alcoholic options. Outside food is welcome, just no outside drinks. TIP: Benny Ferrovia's pizzeria is right next door! Brewery also offers rental options for any event. All the staff was friendly and encouraged tasting beverages.