Saturday mornings in Charlotte are characterized by sparsely populated streets and a calm that quickly disappears as the day progresses.  If you are an early riser mornings are the time to get your exercise.  Finding a place to get in a good walk or run is easy since every neighborhood in Charlotte has a park.  After getting in your morning stroll you have several options to choose from.  Charlotte's core is surrounded by historic neighborhoods that were built around the street car that once existed in the city.  Each of these neighborhoods has their own personality.   Center City is the cite of Charlotte's earliest urban history.  South End is the first industrial area and is now a thriving entertainment spot.  From the center of town you can take the south bound light rail 3 stops to the East/West blvd station.  If you enjoy a more formal brunch, Pewter Rose may be your speed.  They have been rated as one of the top five brunch locations in the country.  If you are looking for something a little less formal stop off at Laurel or Common markets for a southern style breakfast.  Afterwards, take the sidewalk the runs parallel to the light rail south one block to the Atherton Mill Local Grower market.  You can enjoy local specialties, purchase homemade salsas, pickles, cinnamon rolls, or purchase farm fresh vegetables.  If you just want to people watch, wear your sun glasses, sit on one of the many benches surrounding the market, and listen to the live music. The market stays open until 2pm, chances are you won't stay the entire time, which will give you plenty of time to shop at one of the many art galleries in the area.  By this time your feet are probably starting to hurt and you are probably wanting a nap...However, resist temptation and head back towards town on the light rail to the Levine Cultural Center.  The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Mint Museum, Knight Theatre, and the Harvey Gantt center make up the Levine Cultural Center.  Spend time in each of these museums.  Once you have seen enough art it will be time for happy hour. 

Dandelion Market is one of my favorite new hangouts.  They have an incredible selections of beer and wine.  If you are thrilled with the environment you can stay for dinner.  If you are looking for a change of scenery there is a fantastic upscale restaurant in Center City. 

The McNinch House is in a class of its own.  It is a 5-star 4-diamond restaurant located in a historic Victorian era home on the corner of 8th and Church street.  Three presidents visited Mr. McNinch when he was mayor of Charlotte.  In addition George Vanderbilt visited before he built Biltmore House.  Anyway, this restaurant deserves every star and diamond.  Saturdays are very busy so plan on getting a reservation as early as possible. 

For those individuals who want to chillax, try Merts Heart & Soul restaurant.  They serve low country food.  Fried chicken...fried catfish...greens...cornbread....cornbread...cornbread...yes, they are famous for their cornbread.  If you take one of our tours this is a stop on the tour.

After dinner, if you can still move around, Charlotte has a great nightlife.  For the 30 and under crowd, uptown Charlotte is your oyster.  Head to Cosmos, the Forum, or the Epicenter for hours of fun.  If you are part of the over 30 crowd, check-out a show at the Blumenthal or head to Blue for some jazz.  Of course if you are looking for a club scene hop back on the light rail and get off at the Bland Street station.  Walk less than a block to the corner of Camden and Tryon to either Dharma or Apostraphe lounges.  You might get lucky and find that Amos' is having a great concert. 

Once your evening has concluded you will sleep very well and wake up the next day wanting to taste a little bit more of Charlotte.