Governor's Square - Charlotte, NC

Governor’s Square commands part of the larger Quail Hollow neighborhood in south Charlotte. Like the rest of Charlotte, it was originally settled in 1755 by Thomas Spratt and his family. The neighborhood of Governor’s Square remains residential; however, Quail Hollow conists of both residential and retail areas. Quail Hollow also houses the Quail Hollow Club, home to the Quail Hollow PGA championship PGA Tournament.

While no museums reside within Governor’s Square, with a short 10-minute drive, you discover the Charlotte Fine Art Gallery. This gallery houses award-winning art from the entire country. Simply gaze at the marvelous pieces of extraordinary work, or if you find one you absolutely love, purchase it to take home with you.

If dancing sounds more your style, head over to the Piper Glen Ballroom, located about 11 minutes from Governor’s Square. Get personal attention and a custom learning program with one of their many classes.

Most restaurants in Governor’s Square sit in the northeast section of the neighborhood, and there are several chains, such as Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. However, with its small size, housing only 45 seats, Barrington’s Restaurant makes you feel as if you’re having a cozy dinner party with your closest friends. Dine on pan-seared flounder or rabbit pot pie as you sip a glass of Kistler Chardonnay. Don’t forget to save room for sticky toffee cake for dessert.

For some American cuisine, head over to Red Rocks Café, Bar and Bakery, which sits just outside the neighborhood. This upscale restaurant serves a large assortment of foods. Enjoy the Lowrance’s blackened seafood salad, or something heartier such as the Brad Lambert’s NY strip steak.

As an upscale neighborhood, Governor’s Square has clusters of great places to visit when the sun goes down. Stop by Treehouse Whiskey & Fork to catch up with your friends as you enjoy top shelf whiskey and creative, specialty cocktails. If you enjoy hookah, you have to try Barreled at the Lift Speakeasy Bar and Hookah Lounge. As you marvel at the 1920s décor and atmosphere, sip a cocktail and enjoy flavorful hookah.

Two major highways touch the neighborhood: Carmel Road and Fairview Road. They make it easy to reach other parts of the city. Most residents of Governor’s Square travel via their own car, and most business provide their own free public parking. City bus stops reside within the city, but most sit along Carmel Road. Therefore, while traveling from Governor’s Square to other parts of the city via bus remains simple, traveling within Governor’s Square via bus does not.

Like most suburban neighborhoods, hailing a cab proves difficult as few, if any, cabs roam the streets looking for fares. If you need a cab, it is best to call the company and request a pick up. Luckily, like the rest of Charlotte, Governor’s Square has Uber as an alternative to taking a cab.

Few residents choose to walk or bike to get around the neighborhood because businesses are located too far away. The neighborhood houses few bike lanes, making it somewhat dangerous for bicyclists on the road. However, Valencia-Terrance provides a bike-friendly road that cuts through the center of the neighborhood.

Carmel Road Neighborhood Park, located just outside the Governor’s Square neighborhood, provides great fun for families and kids with no fee for access. This park spans an impressive 10 acres and houses 2 multi-purpose fields, a softball field, a basketball court, 2 tennis courts, a picnic area and a playground. Whether you want an exciting packed Saturday with your family or access to great outdoor exercise, Carmel Road neighborhood Park meets your needs.

Overall, the cost of living averages higher than the rest of Charlotte and North Carolina. In fact, the cost of living reaches about 14.9 percent higher than the Charlotte Average. Housing costs act as the main cause for this large gap, with rents significantly higher than the rest of Charlotte at a median of $910.51. The cost of many other amenities, such as groceries, average about the same as the rest of Charlotte. So, for example, you still pay about $3 for a pint at the local bar.

If you prefer traveling the city via the city bus, expect the pay about $2.20 for a local bus ticket or $6.60 for a one day pass with unlimited uses. If you travel to work or school via the bus, a monthly pass saves you money and costs about $88. On the other hand, if you drive, expect to pay about the same as the national average for gas, at just 1 percent higher than the national norm.

One trendy store called F.L.A.M.E. sits just outside the neighborhood near Colony Road. This shop provides shoppers personalized style based on their body type and personality as well as needs (career, special occasion, etc.).

Many upscale shops reside near Phillips Place Court, located just outside Governor’s Square neighborhood. Shop for great clothing at boutiques such as K-La and Orvis Retail Store. For bigger selections, try the Southpark Mall. You can find several great chain stores here, such as Dillard’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom.

As for grocery stores, the three closes include Harris Teeter on Morrison Boulevard, The Fresh Market on Providence Road and Earth Fare on Governor Morrison Street. Both The Fresh Market and Earth Fare particularly focus on bringing you the best in fresh foods.