Guests often enter through the patio door at Duke Mansion. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger
Along a tree-lined curve in Charlotte’s historic Myers Park, a stately white-columned mansion rises with timeless elegance. Built in 1915, the Colonial Revival home reached its iconic scale of 32,000-square-foot just four years later, when industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke — a North Carolina native — tripled its size, giving him a practical base to oversee his hydroelectric operations in the South and a residence to introduce his daughter, Doris, to life in the South. Today, under the stewardship of The Lynnwood Foundation and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Duke Mansion welcomes guests as a nonprofit bed and breakfast. Guests can stroll across the black-and-white marble floors Duke once walked, rest in one of 20 luxurious guest rooms, or enjoy four and a half acres of meticulously maintained grounds and gardens. Every corner offers a reminder of the legacies — personal, architectural, and philanthropic — that continue to shape, and inspire, the Queen City.
“We want you to feel like this is your home,” says Peter Blair, president and CEO of The Lynnwood Foundation. “Spring is a fantastic time to visit.”
And the proof is just beyond the mansion’s doors. Myers Park is Charlotte’s picture-perfect neighborhood: wide streets shaded by century-old oaks, historic homes with sprawling lawns, and gardens waiting to be explored. Need a plan? Begin here.
See spring azaleas in bloom at the Mary D.B.T. Semans Gardens. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
“Stepping back in time” takes on a whole new meaning when your visit includes Duke Mansion, the historic estate once owned by James B. Duke. To truly experience this oasis in the spring, start outdoors, where the Mary D.B.T. Semans Gardens, inspired by the philanthropist’s love of nature, bloom across 4.5 acres. “The gardens are in full splendor, certainly in the spring,” Blair says. “We have some of the oldest trees in Mecklenburg County as well as some of the largest.” Meander along the winding paths, plop down on a shaded bench, and see what catches your eye first. Or, opt for the picnic experience to see the gardens in a way that truly feels your own. Spread out a blanket in a quiet nook, savor a chef-curated meal, and watch pollinators flit among the blooms.
Installed by James B. Duke in 1919, the black- and-white marble floors are a signature feature of Duke Mansion’s Grand Foyer. photograph by Lauren Martinez Olinger
Once you’ve wandered enough to work up a little more curiosity, step inside to see the sumptuous spaces that have wowed generations. “It is one of the finest examples of Colonial Revival architecture in the city,” Blair says. “You’ll find period details in just about every room.” For those seeking the pinnacle of elegance, the Dowd Suite offers a king-sized bed, charming sleeping porch, and stunning garden and courtyard views.
The gardens are open for all to enjoy during daylight hours on most days, but for those staying overnight, breakfast in the mansion offers a cozy, indulgent start to the day. “The Bananas Foster French Toast is out of this world.” Blair says. Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea, then lace up your walking shoes and set off to discover the historic charm and scenic beauty of Myers Park.
Once the property of Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson, Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary is home to birds and beautiful blooms. Photography courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
With colorful flowers, shaded walkways, and feathered visitors at every turn, Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary is a perfect follow-up. Created by Elizabeth and Edwin O. “Eddie” Clarkson in 1927, the gardens were planned with both beauty and birds in mind. Wander through formal garden beds, herb plots, and woodlands, pause at birdbaths, and enjoy the brick paths and walls that evolved over decades, brick by brick.
For the kiddos, the Student Environmental Education and Discovery (SEED) Wildlife & Children’s Garden provides hands-on fun with outdoor activity centers, a larger-than-life bird’s nest, and observation holes to active bee hives. Educational programs include the Growing Garden Gurus on April 11, where children and their families can roll up their sleeves and experience the joys of gardening, vermiculture, and wildlife-friendly habitats together.
Nearby, the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden offers a glimpse into the life of Charlotte’s internationally celebrated horticulturist and garden writer. Her world-renowned garden design, occupying just over a third of an acre, served as a “living laboratory” where Lawrence tested more than 2,000 plants to see what thrived in the Middle South. Today, the garden continues to inspire visitors with an array of heirloom and rare woody plants, perennials, and bulbs — and a sense of quiet discovery that feels timeless.
Springtime brings the Gardeners’ Garden Tour, hosted on the last Saturday and Sunday of April, where attendees can explore the private gardens alongside open visitation at Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary, SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden, and the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden. On Saturday, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee will sell bagels, muffins, cookies, and specialty lattes in the Main Garden — perfect fuel before exploring the blooming paths, hidden corners, and feathered residents that make Wing Haven a springtime treasure. “There’s a couple of times of year that are optimal here in terms of the quantity of plants blooming,” says Michael Sheek, garden curator. “April is definitely one of those months.”
In the mood for more green space, fresh air, and adventure? Freedom Park is just the place to stretch your legs. The 98-acre park between Myers Park and Dilworth has a seven-acre lake where ducks glide lazily across the water, winding trails perfect for walking, running, or biking, and open lawns ideal for picnics or tossing a frisbee with friends. Playgrounds keep kids entertained, sports fields and courts host everything from soccer to volleyball, and quiet corners offer spots to relax, read, or simply watch the clouds drift by.
When you’re ready for a meal, Myers Park makes it easy to swap sightseeing for savoring.
Since 1928, Reid’s Fine Foods has been a constant in a city that has changed around it. Arthur Reid opened the first shop on Morehead Street, followed by the iconic Providence Road location in 1931. When current owner Tom Coker reopened the establishment in Myers Park in 2011, he honored its legacy while expanding thoughtfully to new locations across Charlotte.
Whether you dine in at the full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating or grab quick takeout from the butcher and prepared foods case, Reid’s has something for every appetite. Browse superior meats, regional provisions, locally grown produce, and freshly prepared meals. Mornings feature breakfast sandwiches, bagels, protein bowls, and chicken biscuits; lunch brings salads, wraps, and sandwiches; and dinner offers everything from casual favorites to heartier entrées, making it easy to fuel up no matter the hour.
Just a minutes from Reid’s, Salted Melon Market & Eatery is the newest chapter in the Coker’s family culinary story. Co-owned by Tom and his son, Thomas, the healthy fast-casual café and gourmet market opened in 2022 and now has a Myers Park location. Feast on all-day breakfast, vibrant salads, hearty bowls, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, and expertly brewed coffee and espresso. “There are a lot of great places in Charlotte,” Tom says. “We think we’ve got two of them.”
Hungry for something unforgettable? Rada restaurant delivers with Executive Chef Callan Buckles’s rotating menu that keeps diners coming back. Owner Eloy Roy, raised in a family of restaurateurs, brought his culinary roots from Miami to Charlotte, opening Rada in January 2025. Within months of opening, the restaurant earned a spot on the Michelin Guide, marking its arrival as one of the region’s standout dining destinations. “Charlotte has been a blessing for us,” says Roy.
Mint green walls and minimalist décor provide a calm backdrop for the lively energy of diners sampling small plates, savoring inventive flavors, and discovering why Rada has become one of Charlotte’s most talked-about contemporary restaurants. Guests may find beef carpaccio, deliciously fresh clams, and other seasonal creations meant for tasting and sharing.
Tommy and Debbie George opened Pasta & Provisions in 1992, bringing Charlotte families Italian food that is approachable, generous, and made by hand. “We now have second-generation customers shopping with us,” Tommy says, “Our son Dylan, who was three when we opened the business, is now general manager and running the show.”
Pasta & Provisions makes its pasta fresh daily using Italian durum wheat flour, offering 14 flavors in a variety of specialty shapes, along with more than 15 kinds of homemade ravioli and gnocchi. The focaccia is baked each morning, golden and fragrant, perfect on its own or alongside a meal. Meanwhile, the deli carries a carefully curated selection of imported meats and cheeses, including 24- and 30-month-aged prosciutto. “The business has far exceeded my expectations,” Tommy says. “I just wanted to open up a little mom-and-pop pasta shop to provide for our family and to offer something unique to my hometown.” That, he has done.
Word to the wise: first-time visitors get a complimentary three-fourths-pound bag of fresh pasta, enough to feed two and win over your taste buds.
Let your imagination roam at the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts & Civic Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte, a 63,000-square-foot dynamic arts destination and host to more than 500 events annually. “[The Gambrell Center] is home to two acoustically sublime listening rooms featuring performances by emerging and iconic artists and authors,” says Laura Kratt, executive director, Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts & Civic Engagement, Queens University of Charlotte. “Visual art galleries and rotating exhibits can be found throughout the building, and April is a busy time when we showcase our campus programs as they present their end of term concerts.”
As the season continues, Friends of the Library Spring Books & Coffee brings Virginia Evans, bestselling novelist of The Correspondent, on April 17 to share the inspiration and stories behind her book. Copies of the fiction novel, debuted by the North Carolina author in 2025, will be available for purchase and autographing. Afterward, stick around to hear what’s new and notable in the book world. “Following the author presentation, Sally Brewster of Park Road Books, one of Charlotte’s most beloved independent bookstores, will present her favorite new releases for spring and summer,” says Cindy Nicholson, administrative services coordinator and Friends of the Library liaison at Everett Library, Queens University of Charlotte. Note: Reservations are offered first to Friends of the Library members and their guests, with non-members able to reserve seats online for a fee starting mid-March.
Spring also means action on the field. Cheer on the Women’s Tennis team on April 2, plus many more games and events listed on the Queens athletics calendar. Whether you’re exploring galleries, attending a recital, or cheering for the Royals, spring at Queens invites you to see, hear, and experience it all.
From leisurely strolls to culinary discoveries, Myers Park rewards those who take the time to explore. There’s something for everyone: hidden gardens, tempting restaurants, and events that quietly energize the streets. What will you discover first? Plan your visit and enjoy the moments that make visitors repeat their trips.
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