If you start your day beneath a tunnel of willow oaks, you already understand the pull of Myers Park. The Booty Loop hums in the background as cyclists click in, runners settle into an easy pace, and neighbors trade a quick wave with coffee in hand. If you are eyeing a home nearby, you want to know what daily life really feels like on these streets. This guide walks you through the rhythms, the routes, and the conveniences that make the Booty Loop such a Charlotte staple. Let’s dive in.
What is the Booty Loop?
The Booty Loop is a well-known circuit that circles central Myers Park on public streets. The route generally follows Queens Road, Selwyn Avenue, Queens Road West, and Hopedale before closing the loop on Queens Road. Most locals call it about 3 miles, though measured distances vary slightly by start point and turns. For a detailed map or exact mileage, use a current route tool or the event organizer’s course when needed.
Who you see out there
You will find runners, walkers, and parents with strollers in the early morning and again after work. Small cycling groups clip along at a steady pace throughout the day. The loop’s consistent canopy and gentle grades make it a comfortable everyday route. Local running guides even list it among Charlotte’s signature short loops, which matches what you see on the ground.
Oak-lined character and neighborhood setting
Myers Park is a historic, tree-lined neighborhood with a strong sense of place and a classic street plan. Queens Road and Queens Road West are famous for their near-continuous willow oak canopy, which gives the Loop its signature look and feel. That canopy is a defining feature of the neighborhood and a frequent subject of local tree policy discussions. If you love architecture framed by mature trees, this is a lasting visual highlight.
Parks and greenways within minutes
Freedom Park weekends
Freedom Park sits right on the edge of Myers Park and Dilworth, and it is a go-to for families and weekend gatherings. The park offers wide lawns, sports fields, and a 7-acre lake, and it often buzzes with casual games and relaxed picnics. It is common to run a lap or two on the Loop, then cool down with a walk around the lake. The park’s size and central location make it a steady anchor for outdoor time.
Extend a run on the greenway
If you want more mileage without heavy traffic, connect to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The paved path links areas around Myers Park to Uptown and beyond, which makes it easy to add distance for a long run or a family bike ride. Many neighbors blend a Booty Loop lap with a greenway stretch for flexible workouts. It is a simple way to turn a short loop into a longer, scenic route.
A quiet pause at Wing Haven
For a different kind of green space, Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary offers cultivated paths, seasonal programming, and a calm, low-key atmosphere. It is a nice contrast to the energy of Freedom Park and the Loop. When you want a slower morning or a quiet afternoon, this pocket of nature fits the bill.
Daily conveniences and local hubs
Park Road Shopping Center
Park Road Shopping Center is the neighborhood’s classic open-air hub for errands and easy meals. You will find groceries, long-standing local staples like Blackhawk Hardware and Park Road Books, and a mix of restaurants with patio seating. Weekday mornings feel relaxed, while weekends bring a friendly brunch crowd. It is a practical, close-to-home stop that supports a walkable routine for many.
Selwyn and Kings Drive
Along Selwyn Avenue and Kings Drive, smaller cafés and restaurants serve quick breakfasts and after-work dinners. The atmosphere is neighborly, with steady foot traffic from nearby homes and the university. It is an easy place to grab a bite after a lap on the Loop. The scale and pace suit everyday Myers Park life.
Queens University’s everyday ripple
Queens University of Charlotte adds a modest pulse to the neighborhood. You will see students walking or biking, and campus events occasionally spill into nearby streets. During the 24 Hours of Booty, activity around campus ramps up even more. On regular days, the campus presence blends smoothly into the rhythm of the Loop.
Event days: 24 Hours of Booty
Each summer, the 24 Hours of Booty charity event turns the Loop into a closed, secured course for a day and night of riding and walking. Volunteers, spectators, and a lively base known as Bootyville gather near Queens University. The event supports cancer survivorship programs and shifts the neighborhood’s pace for the weekend. If you plan to participate or visit, check the organizer’s site for current dates and route details.
Safety on everyday laps
The Booty Loop is on public streets, so you share space with vehicles and cross intersections. Most people run, walk, and ride here daily without incident, yet situational awareness matters. Organized events like 24 Hours of Booty close the course to traffic, which creates a different experience from day-to-day use. If you are new to the route, start at a quieter time and learn the turns before you pick up the pace.
Mobility and commute snapshot
Walkability changes from block to block in Myers Park. Addresses close to Park Road or near condo clusters on Queens Road often see higher Walk Scores, while quieter residential streets are more car-oriented. If walkability is a priority for you, look up the Walk Score for a specific address to get a realistic snapshot. Transit service exists in pockets, and driving to Uptown is typically short, but exact times vary by location and time of day.
Considering a move near the Loop?
Living by the Booty Loop offers daily access to oak-shaded workouts and quick trips to parks, greenways, and local hubs. If you are evaluating homes here, pay attention to lot position, tree canopy, driveway access, and how the home’s layout supports your everyday routine. Older Myers Park homes can offer craftsmanship and character, while tasteful infill provides modern comfort. A candid assessment of condition and potential updates can help you decide where to invest for long-term value.
Our team brings a design-and-construction lens to every search and sale, from renovation strategy to new construction. For sellers, programs like Compass Concierge can support targeted pre-listing improvements and presentation. For buyers, we help you see past finishes and understand structure, systems, and layout so your choice fits your life by the Loop. If you are ready to explore Myers Park with a practical, value-focused plan, connect with Real Estate Layne.
FAQs
How long is the Booty Loop in Myers Park?
- Most locals call it about 3 miles, but actual mileage varies by start point and minor route choices, so check a current map if you need a precise number.
What is the route of the Booty Loop in Charlotte?
- The common circuit follows Queens Road to Selwyn Avenue, then Queens Road West and Hopedale before closing the loop on Queens Road, with small variations by user.
Is the Booty Loop safe for running and cycling?
- Many people use it daily; it runs on public streets with intersections, so stay alert and note that organized events may close the course to vehicle traffic.
How do I extend a Booty Loop run or ride?
- Connect to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway for added distance with fewer street crossings and a more continuous path.
What happens during the 24 Hours of Booty event?
- The route is closed to traffic, volunteers and spectators line the course near Queens University, and the area takes on a lively, charitable energy for the duration.
Where do locals run errands near the Booty Loop?
- Park Road Shopping Center is a convenient open-air hub for groceries, local shops, and dining, with additional cafés and eateries along Selwyn and Kings Drive.
Learn more about Myers Park’s history and boundaries.
See a popular overview of the Booty Loop used by runners.
Get current details about the 24 Hours of Booty event.
Read about Charlotte’s willow oak canopy and preservation efforts.
Explore Freedom Park, including its 7-acre lake.
Plan a longer route on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.
Check the tenant mix at Park Road Shopping Center.
See what is happening at Queens University of Charlotte.
