South End

When you first set foot in the vibrant South End neighborhood, you’ll quickly see the possibilities are endless. Countless culinary experiences that showcase both local and worldly flavors. Homegrown breweries and coffee shops galore. Art galleries, public art and murals on every corner. Diverse retail experiences from local boutiques to top national retailers.

Since the mid-1800s, this dynamic district on the edge of Uptown has been a place of possibility and hope, of expression and risk-taking. With a rich history in gold, textiles, transit and tech, it’s a place where ideas come to life and people come together.

It was home to the nation’s first gold rush, which partially inspired the construction the city’s first railroad, leading trains through South End in 1852. It’s the area’s first industrial park opening its doors in 1892. And it’s everything in between.

South End is home to savvy and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, brewers, designers, artists, chefs, dog lovers and even butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. This is a place where you’re invited and welcome to be anything you want to be, and everyone celebrates others doing the same.

South End’s history is spotted with firsts—and not just for the neighborhood but for the region and city. People rushed to the Queen City throughout the early nineteenth century looking for gold and although few were lucky, they brought an entrepreneurial spirit of hope and resilience that can still be found on the streets today.

It’s a place where old meets new, and new meets old. And the future is bright: more people are playing, living and working here than ever before. Charlotte has always been a city of opportunity and innovation, and South End has been at the center of entrepreneurship from the very beginning.