With international vacations on the backburner and interstate travel also iffy, that Eiffel Tower selfie and NYC skyline shot will have to wait. Why not explore your own backyard and stay close to home until it’s definitely, fully, 100% safe to travel again? The Queen City and surrounding areas are exploding with beautiful spots from Fort Mill and Lake Norman that are begging for your next Insta-masterpiece.
There are several pieces around town that go beyond a cute addition to your feed and demand more attention and care. While Instagram’s core purpose is social, for some of us, social interactions today offer opportunities to speak on topics we might have found awkward or even off-limits in the past. For example, using art with commentary on the Black Lives Matter movement is a great way to start necessary but neglected conversations around racism in our community and beyond.
No matter how you use your instagram, please enjoy our round up of favorite Charlotte Instagram spots for Summer 2020 and tag us in your photos to be featured on Scoop’s platform. We love when you bring Scoop along!
- @scoopcharlotte
- #scoopCLT
- #scoopcharlotte
Black Lives Matter Mural
While I strongly suggest you visit the Black Lives Matter mural on North Tryon Street as a way to mark this important time, I urge you to do so not simply as an observer or to snap a photo but with reflection on how you can be actively anti-racist. Sign a petition, donate, commit to having open, honest conversations around the topic. One way to show your support for this moment in history is with this shirt proudly featuring the CLT BLM mural; all proceeds will be donated to A Place for Hope, Project Bail Out, and Campaign Zero. Check out the talent behind each letter below:
- B – @dammit_wesley (check out his piece “Strange Fruit” near Fox & Hound and Spirit Square in Uptown too)
- L – @dakotahaiyanna (go enjoy a cup of coffee with her mural at Stable Hand Coffee)
- A – part_t1m3 and @shin.tytsumaki
- C – @artbyabel (also the guy behind the mural on the MIC building at 229 S. Brevard next to my favorite building in uptown, the old Grace AME Zion Church)
- K – @2gzandcountin
- L – @owl.clt and @arko.clt (also have a door at Camp North End, Old Pineville Road across from Victory Brewing, Pure Intentions Coffee on N. Tryon Street, and 7th and North Tryon)
- I – @tragiczack and @thekylemosher (also behind “Dream On” and the “XO Wall” at Optimist Park)
- V – @fk.creative and @lovoniaparks
- E – @kumiii
- S – @marcus_kiser and @jason_woodberry (look for more from them coming soon in Westend)
- M – @gardenofjourney (also has pieces at East Town Market, Salon 1226, and McCrorey Family’s YMCA basketball court)
- A – @matthewclayburn
- T – @frankie.zombie_
- T – @chdwckart
- E – @jagolactus_
- R – @darcialamari (check out the artist’s piece at 1430 South Mint Street as well as in the mural corridor at 933 Louise Avenue/Catawba Brewing)
Beyond this mural, there are also poignant pieces at Camp North End, Beattie’s Ford Road, etc. that bring BLM to the forefront.
COVID-related art
Stay Safe by @clt.cheeks
Pure’ll Gold by @daflemingo
Both of these artists have simple reminders for us during the pandemic: look out for each other, stay safe, and wash your dang hands.
Cool Globes in Uptown
While the coolness of this installation along North Tryon Street is inarguable, their aim to literally cool off our planet is even cooler. Each globe is sponsored by a different group joining to combat climate change. Find the story behind each on the plaque at the globe’s base and see more at their IG @coolglobes.
Greenway stairs at The Metropolitan
This piece by Nick Napoletano (@napoletanoart) is all about perspective. It’s a different piece depending on your vantage point. His Equality piece on the side of the Hal Marshal is a staple on my running routes and always makes me smile.
Mural at Berrybrook Natural Foods in Dilworth
The sparkly QC skyline and a moon-y mountain scene in one. Sign me UP!
Magic Carpet Murals on The Rail Trail
Fun fact: the artists invited the community out to help paint these puppies. They’re now an iconic feature of the Rail Trail with multiple versions along the path.
Pillars of Dreams at the Valerie C. Woodard Center
The History of Noda Mosaic by Ruth Ava Lyons at Novel NoDa
South End’s Confetti Hearts by Evelyn Henson
Evelyn Henson uses her art “As a way to inteact with people in their everyday and provide visual reminders of what’s important.” According to Henson, The Confetti Hearts Wall is meant to remind us that “the small actions we take are often like a piece of confetti: alone they feel insignificant, but together they add up to something big, bright, and beautiful.” How can you not love that? Check out her Confetti Stripes wall in NoDa (near Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) too!
Sunflowers at Draper Wildlife Management Center
The Draper Wildlife Center is open 7 days per week from dawn to dusk and sunflowers should be poppin’ until mid/late July. Remember to keep your distance from other visitors to the field!
The US National Whitewater Center
The USNWC and it’s many activities offer guests so many options for making memories.
Parks
Find those off the beaten path and best for social distancing here and other popular parks here.
Romare Bearden Park
Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill
Rooftops
RH Design Gallery SouthPark
The revamped Restoration Hardware brings a stunning year-round rooftop restaurant to SouthPark’s Phillips Place offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fahrenheit
The Queen’s Crown – CLT’s Skyline
Camp North End
It just feels cool. I don’t know how better to describe this historic industrial site formerly responsible for turning out both Model-T Fords as well as Army missiles. There is art in every nook and cranny plus amazing food, retail, and activities. Bring your walking shoes to explore.
The Firebird at The Bechtler
Daily Yoga Series Returns to USNWC
Roll out your mat at the USNWC’s South Ridge Pavilion as daily yoga classes resume through September. The class is free, but don’t forget the $6 per vehicle parking fee. Holy enchanted forest vibes.
UNCC Botanical Gardens
10 acres of gardens open to the public including leashed dogs. The UNCC Botanical Gardens offers the largest diversity of plants in one location in Charlotte.
NC Vineyards
Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, NC is the perfect day trip. Plenty of other vineyards to explore too if you need a change of pace from brewery hopping and think you’re ready to graduate to the big girl’s leagues: winery hopping. Just make sure your DD situation is sorted out.
Lake Norman
Take in the beauty of Lake Norman then refuel on one of these LKN area patios.
Go for a walk under our famous canopy
Charlotte is known for our big, beautiful trees– give them a little Insta-love.
Hit the mountains
Hiking, waterfalls, and tubing inspo can be found at these links.
