Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
outer-space speedway, 12 miles northeast of town. For the ultimate thrill/near-death ex-
perience, ride shotgun at up to 160 miles per hour in a real stock car with the
Richard
Petty Driving Experience
(
800-237-3889;
www.drivepetty.com
; rides from $59)
.
Sleeping & Eating
Many uptown hotels cater to business travelers, so rates are often lower on weekends.
Cheaper chains cluster off I-85 and I-77. Uptown eating and drinking options cater to the
preppy banker set; you'll see more tattoos at the laid-back pubs and bistros of NoDa.
Duke Mansion
B&B$$$
( 704-714-4400;
www.dukemansion.com
;
400 Hermitage Rd; r $99-219, ste $279; )
Tucked away in an oak-shaded residential neighborhood, this stately white-columned inn
was the residence of 19th-century tobacco millionaire James B Duke and still retains the
quiet, discreet feel of a posh private home. Most rooms have high ceilings and their own
screened-in sleeping porches.
Hyatt House
HOTEL$$$
( 704-373-9700;
www.charlottecentercity.house.hyatt.com
; 435 E Trade St; r from $239;
)
Formerly the Hotel Sierra, this chic hotel has a space-agey lime-and-charcoal col-
or scheme and a gleaming lobby. Parking is $22 per night.
Price's Chicken Coop
SOUTHERN$
(
www.priceschickencoop.com
; 1614 Camden Rd; mains $2-11; 10am-6pm Tue-Sat)
A Charlotte
institution, scruffy Price's regularly makes 'Best Fried Chicken in America' lists. Line up
to order your 'dark quarter' or 'white half' from the army of white-jacketed cooks, then
take your bounty outside - there's no seating. Cash only.
Mac's Speed Shop
SOUTHERN$$$
( 704-522-6227;
www.macspeedshop.com
; 2511 South Blvd; mains $8-16; 11am-midnight
Sun-Tue, 11am-2am Wed-Sat)
Rev it up for Mac's Speed Shop, a BBQ joint in an old service
station that also dishes out local brews and live music. Sit inside or outside on the patio,
where you might see a fine array of motorcycles.
Soul Gastrolounge Tapas
SUSHI$$$
( 704-348-1848;
www.souldgastrolounge.com
; 1500 Central Ave; mains $5-18; 5pm-2am
Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm & 5pm-2am Sun)
In Plaza Midtown, this sultry speakeasy serves a glob-
