Charlotte/NoDa

NoDa is an arts district in Charlotte. Its name is a blend of "NOrth DAvidson", after the district's main street. It began as a mill village that operated almost independently of Charlotte, and became a haven of poverty and vice in the middle of the 20th century. Since the late 1980s, it has been redeveloped as a home of the arts, as well as one of Charlotte's best-preserved historic districts.

Get in

Most visitors will arrive in NoDa by means of car or bus. From Uptown, take North Davidson St outbound. Generally the district is considered to run along N Davidson between 30th and 36th. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates buses in the city. The #3 and #23 routes travel through NoDa, stopping along North Davidson and 36th Streets. Fares are $2.20 each way (as of Dec 2022), with 50% discounts for seniors, children and people with disabilities.

The Blue Line Light Rail serves 3 stations in the NoDa neighborhood. From Uptown take the train to University (north-bound) and the NoDa stops include Parkwood, 25th, and 36th street stations. The 36th station is the closest to the Arts District and most of the restaurants, shops, and venues.

See

NoDa is recognized as Charlotte's primary arts district. There are numerous art and craft galleries to be found in the district.

Do

  • 🌍 The Evening Muse, 3227 N Davidson St, ☏ +1 704-376-3737. W Th 6PM-midnight, F Sa 6PM-until. A combination of music venue, cafe, and art gallery, the Evening Muse is not to be missed. Occupying the key corner at Davidson and 36th St., it is one of the best-reputed establishments in the area. A very strong schedule of performances and exhibitions keeps it active throughout the week. OSM directions target=_blank 
  • 🌍 Neighborhood Theater, 511 E 36th St, ☏ +1 704-358-9298. The heart and soul of NoDa, this was once a burlesque theater but has been converted to an intimate venue with comfortable seating. A wide variety of acts play here, from hard rock to acoustic jazz. OSM directions target=_blank 

Buy

By and large, Noda's stores are hip and artsy, making for a great casual shopping scene.

Also, the first and third Friday of each month is reserved for a district-wide gallery crawl (which really has the atmosphere of a pub crawl). Local establishments usually coordinate their events to coincide with these larger crowds.

Eat

  • 🌍 Boudreaux's, 501 E 36th St, ☏ +1 704-331-9898. Cajun cuisine in a jazzy atmosphere. A very solid beer menu and excellent entrees make Boudreaux's a standout citywide. Also features live music on a regular basis. OSM directions target=_blank 
  • 🌍 Cabo Fish Taco, 3201 N Davidson St, ☏ +1 704-332-8868. California-style take on coastal Baja fare. Fun and affordable, representing a cuisine that gets little exposure elsewhere in Charlotte. OSM directions target=_blank 
  • 🌍 Amelie's French Bakery, 2424 N. Davidson St., ☏ +1 704-376-1781. Amelie's is a little too far from the center to NoDa to reach by foot, but is a popular hangout due to the unlimited free Wi-Fi and the fact it is open 24 hours a day. OSM directions target=_blank 

Drink

  • 🌍 Dog Bar, 3307 N Davidson St, ☏ +1 704-370-3595. The only place in Charlotte where your pet and your nightlife come together. It's exactly what it sounds like: a bar that is friendly to canine "guests". Pet membership costs $10, and the scene is regulated to allow for safety and civility (no kids allowed, for instance). But where else can you have a Corona with your Chihuahua? OSM directions target=_blank 
  • 🌍 The Smelly Cat, 514 E 36th St, ☏ +1 704-374-9656. One of the city's better coffeehouses and a great perch for people-watching. Open till midnight on weekends to accommodate the after-concert crowds, but also early enough to be a good hangover-busting option. OSM directions target=_blank 
  • 🌍 Sanctuary, 507 E 36th St (Right next door to Boudreaux), ☏ +1 704-331-9797. OSM directions target=_blank (updated Dec 2021)

NoDa is also home to a few of the Charlotte area breweries.

Sleep

There are no hotels of significance in this district. The nearest hotels of significance are about a mile away off Independence Blvd. Also, visitors staying Uptown are only a few minutes' drive away and generally have no problem locating NoDa.

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