If you're a transplant, you've probably asked someone at least one of these questions.
Part of my job covering newcomers for the Observer, on my Charlotte.com blog and in weekly WCNC-TV reports is fielding readers' questions about this community. Some write me within days of moving here; others may have lived here since the 1970s, but they still have questions about why some things are the way they are.
Have more questions? Get in touch.
• Why do the roads change names so much?
Charlotte started as a hamlet centered on its courthouse square, surrounded by small farming communities. Later, a ring of "streetcar suburbs" sprung up around the center city, following electric streetcar lines, and the growth spread outward. There was no grid system. What started as unconnected two-lane farming roads gradually became major suburban connectors. Many were originally named after the churches they ran past -- which is why there are so many roads named Sharon in the southeastern part of the city, for Sharon Presbyterian Church. Bottom line: Watch street signs carefully, don't panic when things change names, and confirm all Mapquest or Google Maps directions with a local.
• Why are there so many bad drivers here?
Men's Health Magazine recently gave Charlotte an "F" rating for bad drivers. My theory is that it's a combination of roads that haven't kept up with our rapid growth; confusing streets filled with newcomers who aren't sure where they're going; and a city filled with transplants who grew up with different, and at times clashing, driving styles. It doesn't help that we have a disproportionate number of wannabe-NASCAR-drivers here.
• Why does it seem as though every other person I meet here is from Buffalo?
It's not your imagination -- there is in fact a pipeline of people who have moved to this region from upstate New York. Change-of-address data from the IRS shows Mecklenburg is the top destination county outside New York for people moving from Buffalo and surrounding areas. The reasons include better weather, a better economy -- and a pool of friends and relatives who've already arrived.
• Where's the best place to find New York-style pizza?
Turns out that because we've got so many New Yorkers here, pizza parlors are proliferating. Nearly 200 readers voted. The winners:
1. Tony's Pizza in Hickory, Mooresville, Huntersville and Ballantyne, www.tonyspizza.org; 2. Brooklyn South in Cornelius, Brooklyn Boys in Mooresville and Brooklyn Pizza Parlor in Charlotte (same ownership); 3. Luigi's Pizza, tucked behind the Wal-Mart at Interstate 485 and South Tryon; 4. Big Guys Pizza near Mint Hill; and 5. Carmella's Pizza in south Charlotte. For a complete list of 45 recommended places with addresses, click on the February 2007 archives on the New Around Town blog.
• Where else is good to eat around here?
Personally, I like sending new arrivals to the Penguin (1921 Commonwealth Ave.), famous for its fried dill pickles and burgers. But don't take my word for it -- our resident expert is restaurant writer Helen Schwab. Find her dining guide on page 28 and see her recommendations every Friday in the E&T section of the paper. Or send specific questions to her Q&A at www.charlotte.com/blogs.
• I've got friends/family coming in to visit. What should we do while they're in town?
First, I'd recommend the U.S. National Whitewater Center. It's just minutes from uptown Charlotte and convenient via Interstate 485, and it's free to go inside. Of course it's fun to book a rafting trip through its artificial whitewater channels or head up the climbing wall, but if you're not that adventurous, you could also just take a stroll on the walking trails and maybe stop for a snack in its restaurant, The Eddy. www.usnwc.org; 704-391-3900.
Another great spot to stop by is Lowe's Motor Speedway. Even if you're not NASCAR fans, you'll want to be familiar with this area's strong tradition in the sport. If there isn't an event going on, you can go in and wander around the stands, and the gift shop and speedway club are open to visitors (call for hours). There are also daily tours that take you on laps around the track. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
• What's the best way to meet people?
Depending on your age and interests, my answer usually runs along these lines: Find a cause you like and volunteer for it. Or, you could join a social club or cultural group (find some recommendations on pp. 106-107). Work out at the YMCA (www.ymcacharlotte.org) or the Levine Jewish Community Center (www.charlottejcc.org) -- both are extremely welcoming to newcomers. Or try a house of worship. They represent a wide range of beliefs and are generally social centers.
• A lot of the entertainment options around here are expensive. What can we do that's affordable?
From April through October, you can generally find a free outdoor concert somewhere at a shopping center plaza or town square around the region. During the summer months, institutions ranging from the Public Library to the parks system show free movies regularly. Most museums and cultural attractions have free admission at least one day per week. And we're home to many outdoor and cultural festivals with free admission. Keep your eye on the Friday E&T section for other options.
