Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City

Discover the Heart of Charlotte with a Self-Guided Audio Tour

For those interested in exploring Uptown Charlotte, this self-guided audio tour offers a flexible way to uncover the city’s history and key landmarks. Priced at just $14.99 per person and lasting around 2 to 2.5 hours, the tour allows you to explore at your own pace, making it a great option for those who prefer independence over group guided visits. Hosted by Phil Biedron, an actor and tour guide, it combines engaging storytelling with practical navigation, all accessible via the VoiceMap app.

This tour starts opposite Thomas Polk Park and concludes at Romare Bearden Park, giving a comprehensive look at Charlotte’s most notable sites. While some reviews mention occasional audio issues and navigation sensitivities, many appreciate the value for money and the opportunity to see hidden corners of the city without the pressure of a fixed schedule.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience in Uptown Charlotte lasting about 2 hours
• Price of $14.99 per person includes lifetime access to the tour
• Highlights include Old Settlers Cemetery, the Mint Museum, and Romare Bearden Park
• Narrated by Phil Biedron, blending history with local stories
• Offline maps and audio are included, but smartphone and headphones are needed
• Some users note audio clarity issues and navigation sensitivities, so ear buds are recommended

Starting Point: Thomas Polk Park and the First Steps into Charlotte’s History

The tour begins at Coco and the Director, located at 100 W Trade St. From this point, you’ll hear about the history of Charlotte and get a visual introduction to Thomas Polk Park, setting the scene for your exploration. This initial segment introduces the city’s past, framing your journey through its streets and landmarks.

Walking from the start, the tour passes by the First Presbyterian Church, recognized as Charlotte’s oldest surviving structure. It offers a glimpse into early architecture and the city’s religious roots, enriching your understanding of Uptown’s historical fabric.

Visiting the Old Settlers Cemetery: Graves of Revolutionary War Heroes

A key stop is the Old Settlers Cemetery, home to graves of American Revolutionary War heroes and ancestors of US Presidents. The site offers insight into Charlotte’s early settlers and their stories. Visitors appreciate the historical significance, although the narration sometimes struggles with audio clarity, so listening with earbuds enhances the experience.

This cemetery is a quiet space that connects you to the city’s foundational moments, making it a meaningful highlight for history enthusiasts. The tour’s narration provides background but be prepared for occasional technical hiccups.

The Dunhill Hotel and Local Legend of Ghosts

Passing by the Dunhill Hotel, the tour shares the story of a dozen businessmen who leapt to their deaths in the building’s past. Local folklore suggests the hotel remains haunted by these figures, adding a spooky twist to your walk. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to find and offers a glimpse into Charlotte’s hospitality history.

Though the ghost stories are more legend than fact, they contribute to the tour’s lively storytelling style. Visitors note that the narration can sometimes be rapid, so listening with headphones is advisable.

St Peter’s Episcopal Church and Its Architectural Significance

Next, the St Peter’s Episcopal Church stands out as a historic religious site. The narration discusses its role in Charlotte’s spiritual life and architectural development. Its placement along the route provides a peaceful moment amid the city’s hustle, with plenty of opportunities to admire its craftsmanship.

This stop exemplifies how the tour highlights both well-known and lesser-known historic buildings, making it a balanced walk through Uptown’s architectural evolution.

The Small Theatre in the Former First Baptist Church

The tour takes you to a small theatre housed in the former First Baptist Church, blending Charlotte’s religious history with its performing arts scene. While details are brief, the site offers insight into adaptive reuse of historic buildings, adding a cultural layer to your exploration.

The narration shares stories about this transformation, making it a notable stop for those interested in architectural reuse and local arts.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library and Its Future

Passing the Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library, the tour notes its closure for construction starting October 29th, 2021. While the library building is currently inaccessible, the narration explains its significance as the city’s main literary hub. It has served as a cornerstone for education and community engagement in Charlotte.

Many appreciate hearing about the library’s role, even from outside, and the tour provides context for the city’s ongoing development.

The Green: Literary Park and Film Connection

The Green, Charlotte’s literary-themed park, is more than just a park. Part of The Hunger Games movie was filmed here, making it a fun stop for film buffs and literature lovers alike. The park’s design invites relaxation and reflection, with benches nearby for rest and observation.

This stop combines natural beauty with pop culture, offering a well-rounded view of Charlotte’s modern cultural scene.

The City’s Oldest Catholic Church and Mint Museum

Continuing along the route, the oldest Catholic church in Charlotte, established in 1851, highlights the city’s religious diversity. It remained the only Catholic church in the city for almost a century, emphasizing its historical importance.

Nearby, the Mint Museum and the original Branch Mint provide insights into Charlotte’s industrial and artistic history. The building’s architecture and the story of the mint’s relocation are covered in the narration, enriching your understanding of the city’s economic development.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Latta Arcade

Next, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is discussed as a hub of modern artistic expression. The tour shares details about the building’s design and its mission to promote contemporary art.

The Latta Arcade is another highlight, offering a glimpse into Charlotte’s shopping history. The arcade’s architecture and its role in local commerce make it a charming stop, with interesting stories about its preservation and evolution.

End at Romare Bearden Park: Celebrating Charlotte’s Culture

The tour concludes at Romare Bearden Park, named after the renowned artist. Here, the narration celebrates Charlotte’s cultural diversity and artistic spirit. Visitors can relax at the park’s fountain or enjoy the city skyline views, making it a fitting end to your exploration.

The park’s central location makes it a convenient place to continue your visit or return to accommodations nearby.

Practicalities and Accessibility

This self-guided tour is accessible via the VoiceMap app on Android and iOS. It offers lifetime access with offline maps, audio, and geodata, so no internet connection is needed during the walk. Starting point is Coco and the Director at 100 W Trade St, and the tour ends at Romare Bearden Park at 300 S Church St.

Participants will need smartphones and headphones to enjoy the narration fully. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those using service animals. However, some reviews mention audio issues and sensitivity of the app to your location, so using ear buds is recommended for the best experience.

Limitations and User Experience

While many find the tour informative and engaging, some reviews highlight audio bugs and occasional difficulty following directions. A few users experienced trouble downloading or activating the app, but customer support is available to assist.

The tour is non-refundable, and technical problems can affect the experience if not addressed promptly. Nevertheless, many users enjoy the value and flexibility, appreciating the chance to learn Charlotte’s history at their own pace.

Final Thoughts on the Uptown Charlotte Audio Tour

This self-guided tour offers an affordable, flexible way to explore Charlotte’s historic sites and cultural landmarks. Its detailed narration by Phil Biedron combines historical facts with local legends, providing a narrative richness that appeals to history buffs and casual explorers alike.

The route covers a variety of sites, from cemeteries and churches to art museums and parks, ensuring a well-rounded experience. While some technical issues have been noted, many users consider the price point and independent pace to be significant advantages.

Ultimately, this tour suits those who enjoy self-directed exploration, appreciate local stories, and are comfortable using a smartphone app. It’s particularly recommended for visitors eager to learn about Charlotte beyond the typical tourist spots, with the flexibility to linger at favorite sites or skip through less interesting ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the route is accessible for those with mobility considerations, but be aware of audio issues that might affect younger children or sensitive listeners.

What equipment do I need?
A smartphone with the VoiceMap app and headphones or earbuds are required to listen to the narration and navigate the route.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins outside Coco and the Director at 100 W Trade St and finishes at Romare Bearden Park at 300 S Church St.

How long does the tour take?
It lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each stop.

What attractions are included in the route?
Stops include Thomas Polk Park, First Presbyterian Church, Old Settlers Cemetery, Dunhill Hotel, St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Charlotte Mecklenburg Main Library, The Green, oldest Catholic Church, Mint Museum, Latta Arcade, and Romare Bearden Park.

Can I do this tour multiple times?
Yes, the lifetime access allows unlimited revisits, making it perfect for revisiting favorite sites or exploring at different times.

Is customer support available if I have technical issues?
Yes, support is available through the provider, and many users have reported positive assistance when facing app problems.

Is the tour environmentally friendly?
Being a walking tour that uses digital audio, it has minimal environmental impact compared to guided bus or car tours.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour does not include tickets to museums or attractions; these are paid separately if you choose to visit inside.

Would you recommend this tour?
For those comfortable with using smartphone apps and seeking a flexible way to discover Charlotte’s history, this tour offers good value and engaging stories, especially for independent explorers.