For a deep dive into Charlotte’s history, visit “Charlotte’s Got A Lot—The History of Charlotte” at https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/articles/history/the-history-of-charlotte.
Weather
Charlotte’s first week of June typically brings warm, humid days with highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F and lows in the mid-60s°F, along with a fair chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Food & Drink
Near Hilton Charlotte University Place, you’ll find casual, lively spots with patios and sports bars. Uptown Charlotte offers more upscale dining, rooftop views, and cocktail-focused venues.
In the Hotel:
● University Café – Starbucks coffee and light to-go breakfast and lunch offerings
● Edgewater Bar & Grille – Casual American dining inside the Hilton with lake views. https://www.edgewaterbarandgrille.com/
Near Hilton Charlotte University Place
● Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Ribs – BBQ, seafood, and beer with a lively patio. https://boardwalkbillys.com/
● Golden Owl Tavern – Modern tavern fare and cocktails near the university area. https://www.goldenowltavern.com/
● Flying Saucer Draught Emporium – Huge beer selection (200+ brews) and hearty pub food. https://www.beerknurd.com/charlotte-flying-saucer/
● Picasso’s Sports Café – Pizza, wings, karaoke, and game nights. https://picassosportscafe.com/
● CAVA – Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and salads. https://cava.com/
● The Goal Sports Bar – Casual sports bar with pool tables, wings, and burgers. https://thegoalsportsbar.com/
● NC Tavern – Relaxed bar & grill serving American fare. https://nctavernbar.com/
Uptown Charlotte
● Aura Rooftop – Skyline views, creative cocktails, chic atmosphere. https://aurarooftop.com/
● The Public House – Casual bar with hearty food and drinks. https://thepublichouseclt.com/
● The Cellar at Duckworth’s – Speakeasy-style cocktails and eclectic American fare. https://www.thecellaratduckworths.com/
● Fahrenheit – Sleek 21st-floor restaurant with panoramic views. https://fahrenheitrestaurants.com/
● The Conspiracy – Intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks. https://www.conspiracyclt.com/
● Angeline’s – Modern Italian with contemporary dishes and craft beers. https://angelinescharlotte.com/
● Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen Uptown – Upscale Southern-inspired menu with rustic charm. https://roosterskitchen.com/
● Valhalla Pub & Eatery – Cozy pub with rotating craft brews and upscale pub grub. https://www.valhallapub.com/
Getting Around
There are several convenient transportation options to get from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Hilton Charlotte University Place:
● Bus/Light Rail: Take the Route 5 Airport Sprinter bus from CLT to the Uptown Transit Center, then transfer to the LYNX Blue Line light rail northbound to JW Clay Blvd Station, which is a short walk to the Hilton. Total travel time is about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs $5. Click here for more information: https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Home
● Taxi: The fastest option, taking about 20–25 minutes for the 15-mile trip, with fares typically between $30–$40.
● Town Car/Shuttle: A more comfortable option, taking about 20–25 minutes and costing $75–$110 depending on provider. Shuttle services can be booked in advance. See options here: https://www.shuttlefare.com/charlotte_douglas_airport_shuttle_clt
● Uber or Lyft: Ride-sharing services are widely available at CLT, with an average trip duration of 20–25 minutes and a cost around $37.
To travel by Amtrak:
● Charlotte’s Amtrak Station (1914 N. Tryon St.) is located about 8 miles from Hilton Charlotte University Place. A taxi or rideshare from the station to the hotel typically takes 15–20 minutes and costs $20–$30. For schedules and ticketing, visit: https://www.amtrak.com.
To travel between Hilton Charlotte University Place and Uptown Charlotte:
● Light Rail: Walk about 10 minutes to JW Clay Blvd Station and board the LYNX Blue Line heading south. The ride into Uptown takes about 25–30 minutes and costs $2.20 one way. More details here: https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Ride/Rail/Rail-Routes-and-Schedules
● Taxi or Rideshare: Driving distance is about 12 miles, taking 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Costs range from $25–$35.
If you are coming in early or staying after the symposium to see the sites, the best way to get around Charlotte is either renting a car or using ride share. Public transportation is available and reliable along the light rail corridor, but service outside of that area is less frequent than in larger cities. For trip planning, visit: https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Home
Places to Go & Things to Do
Charlotte offers a rich blend of art, design, and cultural history that resonates with CSA’s mission to explore dress and material culture. Beyond its reputation as a financial hub, the Queen City is home to museums, collections, and neighborhoods that illuminate the intersections of fashion, craft, and Southern identity. Whether you’re interested in textiles, decorative arts, or the broader cultural context in which clothing and costume are situated, Charlotte has much to offer.
Museums and Collections
● Mint Museum Uptown & Mint Museum Randolph – The Mint’s dual campuses house one of the nation’s leading collections of fashion, costume, and decorative arts, including textiles, ceramics, and design. https://mintmuseum.org/
● Bechtler Museum of Modern Art – Focused on mid-20th-century modernism, the Bechtler offers context for design and aesthetics that shaped dress and visual culture. https://bechtler.org/
● Levine Museum of the New South – Exhibits on post-Civil War Southern life, including material culture and the social histories that inform clothing and identity. https://www.museumofthenewsouth.org/
● Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture – Showcases African-American art, design, and cultural expression, with relevance to dress, adornment, and performance. https://ganttcenter.org/
Historic Sites
● Historic Rosedale – A preserved 19th-century plantation house with gardens, offering insight into antebellum domestic life and the clothing associated with it. https://historicrosedale.org/
● Charlotte Museum of History – Includes the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, providing a glimpse into colonial life and material culture. https://charlottemuseum.org/
Neighborhoods & Cultural Districts
● NoDa (North Davidson Arts District) – A vibrant arts neighborhood with galleries, murals, and performance spaces, reflecting contemporary creative culture.
● South End – Known for design studios, craft breweries, and art walks, this district highlights Charlotte’s modern creative economy.
For more information on Charlotte’s cultural attractions, visit Charlotte’s official tourism site: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/things-to-do
