Reasons to Love The Charlotte Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in operations and the sixth in passenger traffic in the world. With its airy corridors, high-end shopping, international eats, and local art pieces there is something to discover in every concourse. Still under renovations and enhancements, here are just some of the reasons that it has become a “destination to discover in its own right”.
1. The Food
Forget the days of grab and go sandwiches and a bottle of water. The Charlotte airport takes “airport food” to a whole new level. From globally inspired menus to local eats (including craft beer) you can find something that fits your taste.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- 1897 Market- Located in the atrium this restaurant, market, and bar offers a little bit of everything.
- Salsarita’s- Located in the atrium, known for fast casual Mexican grill born in Charlotte.
- Rhino Market- Located in Concourse A and is known for having the best breakfast burrito around.
- NoDa Brewing- Located in Concourse A, serving local craft beer like Hop, Drop, n’Roll as well as flatbreads and sandwiches.
- Bojangles- Located in Concourse B and offering Cajun fried chicken with the amazing Bo sauce. If you are from Charlotte, you know this is one of our favorite fast food restaurants.
- Big Daddy’s Burger Bar- Located in Concourse C the name says it all. Known as a local favorite, the Bistro burger is my favorite with a side of tater tots.
- Wicked Weed Brewing- Located in the plaza, grab a local beer from this Asheville favorite.
- Captain Jack’s Tavern- Located in Concourse E, this restaurant and brewery is a concept from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte. It features seasonal and rotating brews like the famous Captain Jack.
- Whiskey River- Located in Concourse E, this spot is founded by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr and has a great selection of favorite bar food in a fun atmosphere.
2. The Shopping
From stores with souvenirs and snacks to high-end specialty stores, you can find almost anything at the Charlotte airport. Here are a few of my favorites:
- TripAdvisor store- Located in Concourse A, you can grab a book from the “read and return” shelf where you can buy it, read it, and then return it for a 50% refund!
- Queen City News and Gifts- Located in the atrium, this is a great stop for souvenirs, snacks, or just about anything you may have forgotten for your trip.
- The Scoreboard- Located in Concourse C this store offers everything you need to support your favorite Carolina teams on gameday.
- Kiehl’s- Located on Concourse D/E you can pick up naturally inspired skincare products from serums to lotions.
- Pandora- Located on Concourse D/E offering fun jewelry for yourself or pick up a gift for someone special.
Texture of Time in Flight
Journey 1
Journey 2
3. The Local Art
If you have time, you can even create your own art tour. Here are some of my favorites:
- “Texture of Time in Flight” by Jonathan Grauel- Located at Gate A4 this piece shows patterns and energy that represent travel using shapes and designs from Charlotte’s past.
- “Journey 1” by Raed Al-Rawi- located at gate B4 this piece symbolizes the “dream-like freedom” as we travel on our journeys. This one includes the North Carolina mountains.
- “Journey 2”by Raed Al-Rawi- located at gate B3 this continues from “Journey 1” but depicts the beaches.
- “Queens of Catawba” by Nico Amortegui-located at gate B7 the women in this piece remind us of the rich history of the Charlotte area and also notes the cultural heart beat that thrives here.
- “We are all on the same plane” by Nico Amortegui- Located at gate B10 this mermaid greets visitors and locals with open arms making all travelers feel at home in Charlotte.
What would an art walk in Charlotte be without a selfie station? Don’t worry. Located on Concourse A/B connector check out the “Greetings from Charlotte” postcard.
Queens of Catawba
We are all on the Same Plane
Greetings from Charlotte
4. And there's more...
XpressSpa- Located in the D/E connector, treat yourself to a manicure or shoulder massage!
Minute Suites- Suites available complete with a daybed/trundle and complimentary DirecTV, Netflix, and Wifi. Also included is a mini bar and snacks.
So, whether you are flying in, flying, out, or dealing with a delayed flight there are plenty of things to keep you busy. No matter what concourse you’re in, you can experience the royal treatment in the “Queen City” Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Check out a full directory and map here:
Check out these other blogs about exploring Charlotte:
