In what part of town are you staying?

I am not sure, we have not made a hotel reservation. We are only in town one night , than driving to Asheville. We will have a car and do not have a problem with driving a small distance for the right restaurant, because we will have plenty of extra time that evening.

We would also appreciate your input on a hotel. We would like something nice, but we do not need anything extra such as golf, tennis, pool, spas or hotel restaurants.

I know this is vague, but we are open to any suggestions.

Thanks

I assume you are flying in- I would recommend Renaissance Suites on Yorkmount Rd near the airport. From there you could hit Tyvola Rd and go over to Southpark where there are oodles of restaurants. Southpark is an upscale shopping/dining/residence location.Of course, there are some hotels in the Southpark area too - Hyatt, Marriott, Hampton Inn....The Renaissance would be in a less congested area for you to leave from when you are ready, and it's in the direction you are headed.

There are many types of eateries there...but a lot of chains as well such as Ruths Chris, McCormick & Schmick, etc... but - there is also Harper's, Village Tavern, and many others.

Your comments have been very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to give your advice. Yes, we are flying in and have the afternoon and night to stay and play. Then we are driving to Asheville to the Biltmore for a special event. We have never been in this area and we are looking forward to the visit. We have visited the Raleigh Durham area and visited the furniture showrooms. You have a beautiful part of the country!!

I suggest the Hampton Inn at Southpark. Beautiful hotel and in the middle of many restaurant choices, shopping and activities. Stayed there several times and it is lovely. There is everything from Palm, Changs, Cheesecake Factory to Harpers. The best choice and location for a night---- or 2 nights!!!

dinnerguest - I'm sure wherever you stay , if in the SouthPark area, there will be a copy of SouthPark or Charlotte Magazine in your room- there will be lots of restaurants in that. Hampton Inn at Phillips Place is a good choice for the budget conscious and it is a good location. If you stay in a hotel such as Marriott or Hyatt, they probably have a concierge - they can make good suggestions as well. SouthPark Mall anchors the area - it's an upscale mall with Rodeo Drive type stores. I have to say, I couldn't buy a lot of what is in the stores ( LOL) but it's fun to look! Have a great trip.

Thanks to those that have replied to my message. Advise from someone that gives a personnal recommendation is more valuable than something I would have discovered in a guide book. It is a nice experience to deal with someone that knows the area and is willing to take the time to help. THANK YOU

We really like Village Tavern and PF Changs (chain) over in that area. Great place to stay, and play!

A great local restaurant you may want to try is the Cajun Queen on 7th Street. Casual place,great food, music, service! I've never had a bad meal there-try the Cajun Fried Oysters, yummy! Save room for dessert. Enjoy your visit!

If you are looking for a small, local restaurant in the Southpark area, I would definitely try Barrington's. Great food and service with the main course between $17-30. You will need a reservation since it seats up to 45 people. Check out their offering at www.barringtonsrestaurant.com and see if the menu appeals to you. We have been there 5 times and really enjoyed it every time. It is highly rated with Zagat's.

If you are looking for a great steak place, Del Frisco's in Southpark is excellent. It is a chain and more expensive than Barrington's (similar to a Ruth's Chris where you order the meat, veggies, salad separately.) Also has a great wine list.

Either one will be memorable!

Enjoy your time in Charlotte.