Be sure to visit the Mint Museum Uptown while you're out on a museum-hopping trip. (Photo courtesy of the Mint Museum.)
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Spend the day in Center City Charlotte and experience the city’s many treasures — from fine dining, upscale shopping, museum exhibitions and an exciting nightlife. Start early, and explore it all while leaving the car behind. 

Morning: Breakfast at the Ember Grille — The Ember Grille serves one of the best breakfast buffets in Charlotte. The daily bar has everything from biscuits and gravy to battered and fried waffles dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The menu also includes a la carte items such as Southern-style shrimp and grits with sausage, cheddar and grilled scallions. (601 S. College St.; 704-375-2600)

Afternoon: Museum hopping — On the corner of Stonewall and S. Tryon Street, you will find a cluster of museums — The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (551 S. Tryon St.; 704-547-3700), The Mint Museum (500 S. Tryon St.; 704-337-2000), and The Bechtler Museum (420 S. Tryon St.) — each with buildings just as aesthetically striking as the artistic treasures they house. Don’t forget The Light Factory, which is farther north on Tryon Street at Spirit Square. This non-profit arts center is the largest center for film and photography south of New York. 345 N. College St.; 704-333-9755).   

Lunch: Munching at Fujo — For noontime dining, we like Fujo. The Asian bistro offers many traditional Chinese favorites plus a full array of sushi rolls and many house specialties, from firecracker shrimp to peppercorn steak. (301 S. College St.; 704-954-0087) In the mood for something different? The friendly staff at the Visitor Center can provide a few suggestions and even menus to nearby hot spots. (330 S. Tryon St.; 704-331-2753) Or, rest your feet as you catch a free ride on the Gold Rush Trolley, which will take you up and down Trade Street, where you have your pick of restaurants serving everything from wings and things to gourmet pastas.

After lunch: Shop and relax — Indulge in a little retail therapy at Founders Hall. Inside, you will find books, clothing, gifts, flowers and more. We were particularly fond of the affordably priced, stylish selection of boots, sweaters, scarves and trendy accessories at Julie’s, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. (100 N. Tryon St.; 704-716-8649) Then, walk over to the Ritz Carlton for a spa experience you will not soon forget. The earth-friendly, full service spa uses all organic products. Treatments range from $60-$175. (201 E. Trade St.; 704-547-2244). 

Evening wind down: Aria — Step into Aria and have a seat at the intimate bar on the second floor. Hang out with uptown’s after-work crowd for $5 bar bites and drink specials. Or for a Hell’s Kitchen-type of experience, reserve a spot at the Chef’s Table, where you can sit behind the expo line and take in all the action. (100 N. Tryon St.; 704-376-8880). 

Getting to Uptown:
Leave the car behind, and take advantage of the free and convenient parking provided at any one of the seven park and ride lots along the LYNX Blue Line. Round trip tickets cost $3.50 and day passes are $5.25. For information on the nearest Park and Ride lots, route schedules or to plan a trip from anywhere in the city, visit www.ridetransit.org.

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