21 things to do, see, and eat in Dilworth

Our Dilworth guide is proudly presented by Wyndham Capital Mortgage. From historic homes to picturesque parks, Dilworth is one of Charlotte’s most charming neighborhoods. If you’re looking to call Dilworth home, let Wyndham help you out with the homebuying process and help you beat out the competition with their automated pre-approvals.

One of the most desirable neighborhoods in Charlotte, Dilworth is just outside Uptown, but significantly quieter and cuter than its South End neighbor.

Many businesses and restaurants operate out of old homes, adding to the charm of Dilworth’s East Boulevard. The neighborhood was built as the first streetcar “suburb” to Charlotte’s center city, and much of the old architecture has been preserved over time.

Dilworth has plenty of new, too. It’s also home to three adjacent shopping centers along Park Road, home to favorites such as Not Just Coffee, Comet Grill, Fran’s Filling Station, and Inizio Pizza.

Stats:

• Average home price: $565,578. A new build or a recently remodeled home can easily cross the $1 million mark.
• Boundaries of neighborhood: Dilworth starts just east of South Boulevard until the edge of Freedom Park. It continues north to Morehead Street and south to Ideal Way.

Here are the best things to do, see, and eat in Dilworth:

(1) Don’t skip dessert at 300 East

The culinary duo of co-owner and chef Ashley Bivens Boyd and pastry chef Laney Jahkel-Parrish is a good one. The 34-year-old restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sunday.

(2) Buy a gift for a loved one (or yourself) at Paper Skyscraper

Baby shower, holiday, birthday, housewarming, et. al. — this is the place to go for gifts. Or treat yourself to a book and a pair of witty socks from the 30-year-old Charlotte staple. Bonus: Paper Skyscraper has $5 masks for sale, too.

(3) Sit outside and listen to live music at Comet Grill

With live music every night, Comet Grill is a favorite for neighborhood locals as well as those exploring. Order a classic burger and a beer.

(4) Stroll through Latta Park

Talk a walk through historic Latta Park and admire the beautiful homes, play on the playground, and sit out with a picnic. Bring the kids for the splash pad in the summer or branch off on one of the trails.

(5) Try the mac and cheese at Kid Cashew

Sit on the patio and order the five-cheese mac and cheese served in a mini cast iron pan. If it’s a hot one, go with the frozé as your drink (or drinks).

(6) Realign yourself at Be Yoga

Sign up for their popular slow flow class — available over Zoom during the coronavirus pandemic. Or meet the Be Yoga teachers at McGill Rose Garden (in Optimist Park) for an outdoor yoga class. New students can get a 10-class pass for $79 or a two month pass for $119. Check their class calender for daily yoga.

(7) Pick up a healthy smoothie from Berrybrook Farm Natural Foods

Stop by Berrybrook for sandwich for lunch or a smoothie or juice for an afternoon snack. My fav is the Green Ivy smoothie.

[Related Agenda guide: 19 Charlotte spots to try if you want healthy options]

(8) Eat food from around the world

From the quiet neighborhood of Dilworth, you can try cuisine from India, Thailand, Italy, Greece, and more. Here are our favorites:

• Thai Taste – Order Pad Thai, former Panthers’ linebacker Luke Kuechly’s order.
• Copper – Start off a meal with the chili cauliflower florets at this date-night-approved restaurant.
• Fiamma – This restaurant is fancy without losing the home-style Italian grandma vibes.

(9) Cure your hangover at Hydrate Medical

Went out with friends last night? Want to boost immunity? Try an IV hydration drip from Hydrate. The hangover drip is the most popular option (we see you South Enders). Make an appointment online.

[Related Agenda guide: Hydrate Medical: A solution for your worst hangovers]

(10) Sit under the string lights at Fern

Everything on Fern’s menu is vegetarian, and much of it is vegan-friendly, too. Find a seat on the outdoor patio, which occasionally offers live music.

(11) Order a charcuterie board at Dilworth Tasting Room

On Tuesdays, go to Dilworth Tasting Room for “Flight Night” — three 2-ounce pours of wine and a small charcuterie plate for $20 (white wine) or $25 (red wine).

(12) Relax with a one-hour massage from Zen Massage Charlotte

Visit the bright orange house for a one-hour Swedish massage for $50. Calm and relaxing, Zen has a great atmosphere for you to treat yourself.

(13) Help out a neighbor in need

Volunteer to bring a meal or to host an activity for the kids at The Relatives, a youth-crisis center, where kids ages 7-17 can stay in a safe space if they are homeless, running away from home, or in transition under the care of the Department of Social Services. You can also donate or visit their needs list to see what you can give.

(14) Grab a sandwich from The Mayobird

Try one of Mayobird’s 16 versions of chicken salad — our favorite is the harvest chicken salad.

(15) Fuel up at Not Just Coffee

Get some work done with cold brew from Not Just Coffee, and then treat yourself to a cocktail once the work is done. During the coronavirus pandemic, pick up a half-gallon jug of NJC’s iced latte or cold brew (pre-order here).

[Related Agenda guide: 18 best coffee shops to fuel up for your work day]

(16) Order a seasonal pie at Inizio Pizza

Serving traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, Inizio delivers one of Charlotte’s best Margherita pizzas — plus more outside-the-box options such as its Pistacchio white pizza and a seasonal Limone e Capra pizza (with lemon slices and fig jam).

[Related Agenda guide: The best pizza in Charlotte]

(17) Catch the big game at Ed’s Tavern

OK, maybe not right now thanks to Covid, but Ed’s Tavern has a detailed schedule available online for its TVs so you don’t miss your favorite team play. The neighborhood bar also has trivia nights and daily drink specials.

(18) Buy your next art piece from Lark & Key

Owners Sandy Snead and Duy Huynh are operating the gallery and shop on an appointment-only basis during the coronavirus pandemic. Stop in to find a new piece of art, ceramics, or jewelry for home.

(19) Celebrate Margarita Monday (or Taco Tuesday) at Bakersfield

Try one of 100 types of tequilas at Bakersfield or go for a classic margarita.

(20) Try artisan olive oils at Pour Olive

Stop in to try the more than 40 artisan olive oils and balsamic vinegars imported from Italy. Pour Olive also sells dried pasta, sauces, and fudge made with its balsamic. My favorite oil and vinegar pairing is the chipotle olive oil with the peach white balsamic — a little spicy and sweet.

(21) Order the Buffalo wings from Lebowski’s

Known for its Buffalo wings, Lebowski’s is a Charlotte favorite, especially for Northern transplants. If it’s football season, expect the Bills game to be on.

[Related Agenda guide: The 7 best wing spots in Charlotte]

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