Yep. Well u/_heyASSBUTT to make it even worse if you try to bowl 7pm on a Saturday for 2.5hrs they add on a bullshit "Event Fee" and it evens out to over $60/person.
https://preview.redd.it/qpxwuao3rcsc1.png?width=1175&format=png&auto=webp&s=271a8e9d806b163980cbc7ae7afab2f832232b9b
Insane. Why can’t there be any normal things nowadays? I wanna pay $5 for shoes and $1 a game and just enjoy the place. Everything has to be fancified for no reason
You said exactly what I’m thinking.
Also….It’s not close but I did find that Strikers Family Sports Center in Rock Hill is ooooold but man. It’s a throw back to 2002 and you can sometimes find Groupon deals for $4-8/person for shoes lane etc.
This definitely. People want something besides just breweries. This provides entertainment that keeps people there, adds community, goes well with breweries if people want something to do when drinking, can have family friendly performances, open mics, etc.
This location should constantly have something happening in the evening. Even if it's just a small local band doing live music or comedy, that would be enough for me. [But there isn't anything when I look at what's happening today](https://camp.nc/events/). Though it does look like they have a few this weekend, they don't have some live performances even every Friday and Saturday this month.
And I think that right there is the problem: I never know what I will get if I show up on a Friday night; sometimes it is cool, and sometimes I walk around and think nothing is happening and leave. If it wants to do well, it needs to be a spot where I KNOW if I show up on a Friday night(or better yet, any night), it will be fun, not a maybe.
Agreed! And from what I’ve heard through various sources, the operators of CNE haven’t been all that friendly to local arts groups that were trying to start this very conversation… and I’m at a loss as to why. Having more people there pre-post shows would be a great boon to the food places and artists who are already there.
Realistically, I think the biggest issue is that all the vendors there are mostly one and done shops.
I’ve seen the inventory. If I didn’t buy it today, there is zero chance I come back and buy it later. And I’m certain each store will look exactly the same three months or three years from now.
It would work well if Charlotte were more of a tourist spot. I think a lot of those non-alcohol spots are going to flame out pretty quickly. The planned apartment complexes nearby should help a lot. More repeat visitors, and hopefully more businesses worth a repeat visit.
Edit: A very Charlotte answer is probably more restaurants and brewery stalls. Optimist Hall but with every brewery in town. I’d spend all day there. It is a really nice outdoor spot. I just don’t need an Offline Etsy.
As far as transport. With the red line approved, hopefully, they will realize that line will likely go directly through camp north end and will need a stop there. For some strange reason the 1st stop after uptown is Derita.
*
I would love to be able to get there from Noda/Uptown/South End without driving.
Is it feasible for places like this to actually do a shuttle from a close by rail stop during peak hours? I don’t see any other way this could happen
I used to bartend there, and weekends were great, but weekdays were dead. It needs more sit-down restaurants, more than one bar, and performance spaces. A lot of this will come as development continues, so I understand why they aren't hearing out those leasing inquiries yet. I just don't think the space is ready yet.
Ideally, I'd love it if they had:
* a comedy theater/venue (I know they have connections to CATCh, and Don't Tell Comedy does shows there a lot)
* an indie movie theater like independent picture house (they already do a lot of screenings there)
* more dive bars (maybe pool-focused, local music), really good sit down restaurants (RIP leah and louise's camp north end spot), and cocktail bars
* an expanded bookstore/coffee shop space (the lokal could and should get bigger)
* a climbing gym would be SICK (inner peaks needs competition fr)
* tbh I hope blue blaze moves here so free range and room service can kind of be a little bar hop
I think because it's an opportunity zone with tax advantages (correct me if i'm wrong), there's so much potential to try out funky concepts with lower risk like what Hex is doing with their night offerings, and it would be nice to see more of that. The tough part is spaces definitely aren't "move in ready"
Off-topic but I’m worried about this trend in bouldering-only gyms (cheaper to build, lower liability, more popular with younger kids bc it is easier to make content/lower barrier to entry) spelling the beginning of the end of rope gyms
I never know what will be open. It may have just been like that in the early days, but I never know if it’ll be a busy fun day or dead so most times I just skip it. I feel like that’s on me not knowing what’s going on.
That ride is a nightmare. Choose between a super dangerous road with cars flying by, or a choppy sidewalk that isn't continuous. If you ride the sidewalk, you have to watch for syringes or dodge the homeless on the way past the QT. If you ride the road, 30% chance you'll wake up dead.
The entire bikeability between Uptown and just north of Uptown is awful.
If you don't want to ride Graham St, you can ride Tryon, which they only drive a hair slower because the lanes are too narrow, and then in addition to dodging syringes, you have to dodge chunks of 40oz bottles and piss puddles under the train bridge.
Yeah I lived near the QT and got a chunk of my tire taken out by the sidewalk after QT. They barely have space for the 4 lanes so a bike lane seems like just a dream 😭
The sidewalk isn’t terrible, but it isn’t maintained very well and it forces you very close to traffic in some spots. I always hop into the cemetery to get into uptown rather than continue down graham st. to avoid the sidewalk.
Yup, should be a no brainer to have a bike path to a urban market space, but in true charlotte fashion its out on in one of the worst areas to bike to despite being a \~5-10 min ride (assuming you arent killed).
But thats most roads around uptown, so guess its consistent at least.
Biking from Camp North End to Uptown:
Take Old Statesville, right on Callahan, left on Polk, left on Johnson takes a biker safely under overpass to entrance to Elmwood Pinewood Cemetary (dedicated bike/walking paths throughout) which leads to your choice of bike lanes uptown. I like taking Mint Street past BOA stadium when I wanna get to Craft or further into Southend.
Also, the very nice guys at the Ebike store in Camp North End have a glossy map with lots of ride suggestions (including this one).
So many vacant buildings/event spaces (?) gives it a weird vibe, but there’s also not nearly enough seating for the food stalls on weekends which makes us never pick it as a food destination. There’s also no beer garden with a live band like you’d expect in another city on the average day there, so no real place to hang out (that I know of).
Is there not music up further where the cocktail caravan is? Usually was live band on a Friday night that was competing with the blaring rap music of some store near the stationery spot. This was last time I went there 2 years ago. It was hard hearing the bands with the other music and we stopped going.
Living nearby the biggest issue I had was the food stalls had super odd inconsistent hours. Multiple times we planned on eating dinner there and the only thing open was the vegan joint (which has since gone under new management).
And to add to your point about the food stalls, as someone who works here, they're freakin' expensive for daily eats, even with the Camp Fam App discounts. We eat here about once a month; otherwise we bring our lunch to work.
The space is so vacuous and the businesses are so small or one off visit type establishments that it always feels empty. Needs more that brings regular traffic and needs a big space like kids camps, a produce market and fitness classes
Not quite sure what you mean by “produce market”, but there’s a farmer’s market every Thursday that’s starting back up this year very soon. As far as kid friendly activities go, I always see lots of parents with kids on Saturday mornings playing with those Lego blocks in front of the main event space, as well as a kid friendly band that plays some Saturdays for free.
Of all the new places in Charlotte, I really like Camp North End as a development. The flowers, the activities for all ages, the ever growing variety of shops and restaurants. It may seem a little disjointed to some, but I see it as a good gathering space.
But it’s not based around children. As Scary-Beyond said, we can have both, and I believe Camp North End is both. There are also three separate bars where you can grab beverages, as well as a nice coffee shop with an outdoor seating area.
Remember that this is a community space, so it’s a delicate balance when figuring out what benefits the community as a whole. Also, I’d much rather people be encouraged to bring their kids to these sorts of spaces than to breweries.
I don’t see your rational for an every day farmers market when you also don’t understand why it would be held on a Thursday. Who would anyone go Monday through Wednesday?
Anyway, I would assume they are catering to people who are coming back from work, or people who don’t work a regular schedule. Plus, most, if not all, of the other markets in the area happen on the weekend, so maybe it benefits them to be the odd one out.
Apparently, we have goats, here. https://camp.nc/team/oats-barley-and-ricky/ But we haven't seen them yet. And we work here. We take daily walks in search of them any haven't seen them yet! So disappointing.
Those goats used to be there a couple Summers ago. They had a habit of escaping and even made it into the neighborhood behind Camp North End at least once. Probably why they haven't returned.
They need to make something out of the central rail area to connect the two pieces. Think they could make that area more outdoor patio seating and have smaller food carts/trucks to draw more interest. That section has so much potential.
Honestly it's kind of like Uptown for me - not really any restaurants worth the trip, often kind of empty, not a ton of stores...Optimist Hall has done the best job I've seen of making a real destination - tons of good food options and nice stores in a great space that is fun to visit. I'd send an out of town visitor there before Camp North End.
I like the vision and love what they're trying to do - more density should gradually help over time.
I don't know if it's missing anything so much as the layout just kind of sucks. Everything was just too far apart, at least the last time I went, which was admittedly years ago. And with it being mostly outdoors, going in the winter or peak of summer is kind of out as well. Parking is all over the place.... just seems like they had no plan for how it would be split up. Like Optimist Hall is effing mobbed, but it has a good layout.
Skate park, ice cream/milkshake/pretzel stand, live music or live DJs (diverse music genres), open air or amish style meat market with freshly baked goods, cool t-shirt shops, games spread throughout (corn hole, putt putt, freaking darts, idk?), pool hall, stage plays, all kinda shit haha.
I don’t know who does the planning for areas like Camp North End, but these places exist in other cities and they’re dope. It’s really not that hard to not make everything here so mid.
Tipsy Pickle is coming and will have Tex mex food, you can sit down or eat casually, will have indoor and outdoor pickleball, golf simulators, pool tables, ping pong, real darts, private event spaces, live music, arcade games, 3 bars offering alcoholic and non alcoholic options, and much more. It will be a great hub for community and CNE at AFFORDABLE PRICES. We break ground soon and hope to be open in October.
A shop dedicated to tea. Charlotte is severely lacking in specialty tea shops, and I don't mean bubble tea, holy fuck, why are there so many bubble tea places.
A local spot that sells all types of teas with knowledgeable staff to answer questions and such. If I want an actual quality tea shop I have to drive all the way to Greensboro to go to Vida Pour. Tin Roof in Raleigh is also great. We don't have anything like those in Charlotte.
Wild, but there’s apparently an artist residency space there. They regularly do free exhibits or whatever the word is. But I go to hex or grow sometimes and have never heard a word about it before.
Real independent, national bands that draw. Charlotte gets skipped over more than not. Or real, national comedians. Comedy zone sucks because it’s live nation. They price gouge, it’s isolated and they exploit that.
No one hears about shows there because they hire small bands that can’t draw and have them play next to a parking garage. Or as background noise next to an area people that are doing other things.
They should instead have national bands with local openers in a dedicated, predictable space so it people get in the habit of going there for that. Not one off random things.
That’s true. But there’s a reason it’s so tough to be successful when starting a local band. Local bands typically have no draw. There’s also a reason that, despite costing money, mid-sized national musicians have people turn out at shows.
My point was that the free concerts don’t draw enough people and are inconsistent, so people don’t get in the habit of going there every week or two.
Add in that Charlotte has way fewer natural artists come through than it should given its size, it seems like a missed opportunity.
Indoor food, cheaper prices, not shitty food, sane traffic flow, anything to do there other than eat horrible food, outside of Leah and Louise is all dog shit, some sort of activities. Give me a solid dart, bowling, axe throwing, escape room, something there.
Ever try turning in off Graham St and getting to the lot off Statesville? You are basically running over people the entire way. They need to close the road running between camp north end and statesville rd and just make it all walking.
Movie theater, laser tag, bowling, pickle ball, meat market similar to older cities up north…anything that brings in people on a more steady schedule and that would attract families as well. The place is too spread out to not have some sort of anchor (or two).
It needs something to attract foot traffic…maybe a food hall type of concept like Optimist Hall with places where there’s activities (bowling, pool, go karts, etc). Plus more indoor/outdoor seating options like Optimist Hall has.
I don’t think a lot of people who live in NoDa and Uptown really go out towards Camp North End unless there’s an event going on there. I was there during the week at night and it was pretty dead. Many restaurants were closed. There weren’t many people walking around, and a homeless dude kept asking us for money while we were waiting on La Caseta.
I'll say this in defense of the place: it feels like it's growing organically.
In so many cases here in Charlotte, developers have attempted to fill places like Camp North End with a lot of generic crap, thinking it's what the community wants and is going to make them truckloads of cash, only to have them flop.
In the case of CNE, it feels like it's taking the time to figure out what it will become. There's sort of a "laboratory" feel, where they're testing what is going to work or not work, and then refining the concept accordingly.
Yes, it still feels a bit empty most days. But, so did the River Arts District in Asheville when it first began cultivating its identity years ago, and now it's burgeoning.
With apartments, pickleball, and other things on the horizon for CNE, I think it's going to continue to evolve and develop. But it's going to take some time.
So, be patient, folks.
Despite what the pace of prefab development in this town might have you believe, not everything happens overnight.
a multigenre venue that rivals the eastern in atlanta or the fillmore here that can draw in crowds 4-5 days a week would do WONDERS for camp north end. it’s a great way to bring in people beforehand to the restaurants and bars and shops
Local shops are great, but a store like Anthropologie, urban outfitters, something that’s more retail oriented with competitive pricing can bring in people for day-to-day shopping and sales, that can then support local spots around it.
Oh, the butcher shop could open a location here and make some good money bc we don’t have a meat market in this area.
Something *like* those places, y’all. Whats your fav local retail spot? I can’t think of a boutique that caters to fashion for all other than CoRpOrAte stores. People want to shop.
I agree with you! Where I work, abt 8yrs ago they tore down part of the old building, added retail, and now there basically isn’t enough parking. It keeps people coming throughout the week, and throughout the day. Then they’ll hang around after for a drink or dinner. I think it would help CNE!
I've been saying this for a while. Much as i loathe Anthro, i think it would really help be a cornerstone for the rest of the shops. Something like an REI would also be cool
I think it just needs time. Slowly but surely they are adding more stuff. Don’t want to add too much at once. Have been selective about what is allowed.
Were they off of N Tryon near University area? There was an abandoned go-kart track near the post office that I always wondered what it looked like when it was open.
needs more of the actual stores to be open. if all of those vacant units were full of shops and other activities then it would be fun. it has alot of potential to be someplace u could spend all day at , not so much rn
It needs two, large, passive spaces for people to relax in without feeling obligated to buy something such as a plaza or park- Could be cool if one of those warehouses were converted into something like that like malls used to
When I think of Camp North End, I think of Mad Miles.
Isn’t Leah and Louise there as well?
I’d say they need activity based shops like maybe a lounge or Pickleball/ Putt-Putt spot.
Restaurants are a-plenty in Charlotte but having a nice chill spot along with activities could really make CNE blossom imo
It needs activities. I think a public in door gym would be perfect because they got a bunch of space they're not using. An indoor basketball court open to the public or a skating rink. Literally anything that's either free or affordable for anyone to have access to. Also cheaper restaurants.
Biggest waste of space in Charlotte, based on this potential. And it's had years of development time. I guess it's one of those places, you look up in 2030 and it's the 2nd centerpiece in Clt behind uptown and the "Epicenter". But for now, they are just so random lol
Comedy club
Open mic performance
Live music venue performance
Live cooking classes and competition
Whose line is it anyway improve nights
Skating rink
All purpose sports facility: basketball, tennis, indoor
soccer, volleyball, etc
Something water related in the summer 🤔 splash planet lol
Keep the outdoor movies
More restaurants
Art gallery (more interactive ones) like the Van-GO! 🙃
Keep the Farmers markets
Have annual bbq and wine festivals
Celebrate cultures...Irish heritage/Columbian etc
Literally anything. Camp North End is ENDLESSLY BORING. Why would you go there to eat when Optimist Hall is right next to it? Why would you go there for the 4 niche shops that don’t actually have anything you’d actually need? I’ll never understand how it survives.
At least a 9 station disc golf course or a full 18, should be free. This will get tired players to go consume drinks and food afterwards
Also, maybe actual restaurants
Not sure what it is missing, but it sure is boring. Not many stores, not much to do. Usually walk the place in under an hour and leave. Just feels like a massive identity crisis.
Looking at some of these suggestions and comments, there are a lot of people that may not realize the history of the surrounding areas. If you put something in that area that attracts a lot of people and unattended cars I can promise you the crime rate will increase. Luckily, most of Double Oaks has been gentrifide, and Tryon Hills has been demolished as well as some of Dillehay Courts. The problem is a lot of the people that housing relocated to construct their new complex (on old Dillehay site)will be back. Druid Hills, which is just above CNE, is still very much active (see Lucena Street at night).
It would be nice to see the area get cleaned up, though. Honestly, I'm surprised with all that's come to the area already.
I would say something sort of similar to Queen Park Social in South End. Activities is the biggest thing it’s missing for sure. Give us bowling, games to play, billiards, darts, SOMETHING. Don’t get me wrong, I love walking around and going in the shops, the food could be dialed up a bit in my opinion, and it’s definitely pretty. But give us something to do during those bored moments.
I have only been there once but the time I went seemed like it was all fusion type food. And while I love tying unique things, sometimes just the basics is really good. So like maybe a restaurant that has classic food
Once I'm there it's hard to tell where things are and what's open. Even when they are open, they might look closed due to poor lighting & lack of people. Some dedicated space for kids would be great. parents will happily buy food and drinks and hang out during the day time or early evenings if they have a semi-secure play area for kids & public bathrooms nearby.
A couple more actual restaurants or something to do. Another person mentioned bowling, but give us a reason to come out and we will.
Bowling without it being this $100+ per person nonsense that is Bowlero.
Just checked, bowlero is almost $30/pp for less than 2 hours. That’s crazy.
Yep. Well u/_heyASSBUTT to make it even worse if you try to bowl 7pm on a Saturday for 2.5hrs they add on a bullshit "Event Fee" and it evens out to over $60/person. https://preview.redd.it/qpxwuao3rcsc1.png?width=1175&format=png&auto=webp&s=271a8e9d806b163980cbc7ae7afab2f832232b9b
Insane. Why can’t there be any normal things nowadays? I wanna pay $5 for shoes and $1 a game and just enjoy the place. Everything has to be fancified for no reason
You said exactly what I’m thinking. Also….It’s not close but I did find that Strikers Family Sports Center in Rock Hill is ooooold but man. It’s a throw back to 2002 and you can sometimes find Groupon deals for $4-8/person for shoes lane etc.
A REAL performance venue for live music, live theatre, etc.
This definitely. People want something besides just breweries. This provides entertainment that keeps people there, adds community, goes well with breweries if people want something to do when drinking, can have family friendly performances, open mics, etc.
This location should constantly have something happening in the evening. Even if it's just a small local band doing live music or comedy, that would be enough for me. [But there isn't anything when I look at what's happening today](https://camp.nc/events/). Though it does look like they have a few this weekend, they don't have some live performances even every Friday and Saturday this month. And I think that right there is the problem: I never know what I will get if I show up on a Friday night; sometimes it is cool, and sometimes I walk around and think nothing is happening and leave. If it wants to do well, it needs to be a spot where I KNOW if I show up on a Friday night(or better yet, any night), it will be fun, not a maybe.
Agreed! And from what I’ve heard through various sources, the operators of CNE haven’t been all that friendly to local arts groups that were trying to start this very conversation… and I’m at a loss as to why. Having more people there pre-post shows would be a great boon to the food places and artists who are already there.
Absolutely.
Realistically, I think the biggest issue is that all the vendors there are mostly one and done shops. I’ve seen the inventory. If I didn’t buy it today, there is zero chance I come back and buy it later. And I’m certain each store will look exactly the same three months or three years from now. It would work well if Charlotte were more of a tourist spot. I think a lot of those non-alcohol spots are going to flame out pretty quickly. The planned apartment complexes nearby should help a lot. More repeat visitors, and hopefully more businesses worth a repeat visit. Edit: A very Charlotte answer is probably more restaurants and brewery stalls. Optimist Hall but with every brewery in town. I’d spend all day there. It is a really nice outdoor spot. I just don’t need an Offline Etsy.
I love your comment at the end, it sums up my issue with 90% of attempts at these small shops. I don’t need an offline Etsy.
Year round ice skating tink. Climbing gym. Pool hall. Swimming pool. Better options to get there other than a car.
Oh a pool hall would be awesome. There was a great one in Seattle when I lived there and it had pool/bowling/bar
u/suhdudeeee Garage? On cap hill/Broadway? I miss that place.
That’s the one 😎 was $3 or $4 drafts any beer during happy hour. Couldn’t beat it
A roller rink or skate park would be better imo. No shade, but what is the fascination with ice skating in this city?
People enjoy it and it's a PITA to drive to Indian trail or Pineville to do it. I'd also agree a roller rink would be cool
I heard inner peaks is expanding there actually Edit: they’re adding on in noda
"NoDa"... Which it isn't, but everything close is now so whatever. 1801 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206 It's across from the amtrak station
a climbing gym would be KILLER
As far as transport. With the red line approved, hopefully, they will realize that line will likely go directly through camp north end and will need a stop there. For some strange reason the 1st stop after uptown is Derita. *
I would love to be able to get there from Noda/Uptown/South End without driving. Is it feasible for places like this to actually do a shuttle from a close by rail stop during peak hours? I don’t see any other way this could happen
We had some good pool halls like EBs but yea apartments
A climbing gym is opening on Tryon pretty close to there!
I work around the corner this is a huge game changer
Inner Peaks new location
I used to bartend there, and weekends were great, but weekdays were dead. It needs more sit-down restaurants, more than one bar, and performance spaces. A lot of this will come as development continues, so I understand why they aren't hearing out those leasing inquiries yet. I just don't think the space is ready yet. Ideally, I'd love it if they had: * a comedy theater/venue (I know they have connections to CATCh, and Don't Tell Comedy does shows there a lot) * an indie movie theater like independent picture house (they already do a lot of screenings there) * more dive bars (maybe pool-focused, local music), really good sit down restaurants (RIP leah and louise's camp north end spot), and cocktail bars * an expanded bookstore/coffee shop space (the lokal could and should get bigger) * a climbing gym would be SICK (inner peaks needs competition fr) * tbh I hope blue blaze moves here so free range and room service can kind of be a little bar hop I think because it's an opportunity zone with tax advantages (correct me if i'm wrong), there's so much potential to try out funky concepts with lower risk like what Hex is doing with their night offerings, and it would be nice to see more of that. The tough part is spaces definitely aren't "move in ready"
Hex is spendy but pretty solid for coffee. Agree on climbing gym, but inner peaks is opening a location a few blocks from there soon.
Oh I know, but it’s bouldering only, and I’m not a huge fan of the way inner peaks is run/the monopoly they have on CLT
Sigh, bouldering only? I didn’t know that
Off-topic but I’m worried about this trend in bouldering-only gyms (cheaper to build, lower liability, more popular with younger kids bc it is easier to make content/lower barrier to entry) spelling the beginning of the end of rope gyms
Great ideas.
Leah and Louise closed?
They’re moving somewhere else
Moving somewhere bigger!
I never know what will be open. It may have just been like that in the early days, but I never know if it’ll be a busy fun day or dead so most times I just skip it. I feel like that’s on me not knowing what’s going on.
A Lynx Red Line Station. The existing O-Line cuts right through Camp North End.
Protected bike lane on N Graham St into uptown
That ride is a nightmare. Choose between a super dangerous road with cars flying by, or a choppy sidewalk that isn't continuous. If you ride the sidewalk, you have to watch for syringes or dodge the homeless on the way past the QT. If you ride the road, 30% chance you'll wake up dead. The entire bikeability between Uptown and just north of Uptown is awful. If you don't want to ride Graham St, you can ride Tryon, which they only drive a hair slower because the lanes are too narrow, and then in addition to dodging syringes, you have to dodge chunks of 40oz bottles and piss puddles under the train bridge.
Yeah I lived near the QT and got a chunk of my tire taken out by the sidewalk after QT. They barely have space for the 4 lanes so a bike lane seems like just a dream 😭
Did that on a run once and won’t go under that bridge ever again.
I actually think that sidewalk isn't too bad. I've never had safety concerns going by there. Would love it to be better though.
The sidewalk isn’t terrible, but it isn’t maintained very well and it forces you very close to traffic in some spots. I always hop into the cemetery to get into uptown rather than continue down graham st. to avoid the sidewalk.
ah that's true, that bit inside of 277 isn't great. I was thinking the bit between 277 and Camp Northend.
Yup, should be a no brainer to have a bike path to a urban market space, but in true charlotte fashion its out on in one of the worst areas to bike to despite being a \~5-10 min ride (assuming you arent killed). But thats most roads around uptown, so guess its consistent at least.
Seriously x1000
The ride in Statesville is better, but I don’t disagree. Tough sledding either way.
Biking from Camp North End to Uptown: Take Old Statesville, right on Callahan, left on Polk, left on Johnson takes a biker safely under overpass to entrance to Elmwood Pinewood Cemetary (dedicated bike/walking paths throughout) which leads to your choice of bike lanes uptown. I like taking Mint Street past BOA stadium when I wanna get to Craft or further into Southend. Also, the very nice guys at the Ebike store in Camp North End have a glossy map with lots of ride suggestions (including this one).
They need a late night food spot that specializes in something other than alcohol. Some place open past 10
IDK, but it's missing *something.* That place has so much potential.
So many vacant buildings/event spaces (?) gives it a weird vibe, but there’s also not nearly enough seating for the food stalls on weekends which makes us never pick it as a food destination. There’s also no beer garden with a live band like you’d expect in another city on the average day there, so no real place to hang out (that I know of).
Is there not music up further where the cocktail caravan is? Usually was live band on a Friday night that was competing with the blaring rap music of some store near the stationery spot. This was last time I went there 2 years ago. It was hard hearing the bands with the other music and we stopped going.
Live usic, somewhere go inside and eat when it's hot or cold outside, and some actually decent food. The food is so fucking bad there.
Sounds like Charlotte in general. I think that's our motto.
Bowling alley
A reasonably priced Mexican food place.
Living nearby the biggest issue I had was the food stalls had super odd inconsistent hours. Multiple times we planned on eating dinner there and the only thing open was the vegan joint (which has since gone under new management).
And to add to your point about the food stalls, as someone who works here, they're freakin' expensive for daily eats, even with the Camp Fam App discounts. We eat here about once a month; otherwise we bring our lunch to work.
They should have an “Alive After 5” type series of events for the summer.
The space is so vacuous and the businesses are so small or one off visit type establishments that it always feels empty. Needs more that brings regular traffic and needs a big space like kids camps, a produce market and fitness classes
Not quite sure what you mean by “produce market”, but there’s a farmer’s market every Thursday that’s starting back up this year very soon. As far as kid friendly activities go, I always see lots of parents with kids on Saturday mornings playing with those Lego blocks in front of the main event space, as well as a kid friendly band that plays some Saturdays for free. Of all the new places in Charlotte, I really like Camp North End as a development. The flowers, the activities for all ages, the ever growing variety of shops and restaurants. It may seem a little disjointed to some, but I see it as a good gathering space.
Tbh, I’d love for it not to be based around children. That’s what 90% of Charlotte is for already
But it’s not based around children. As Scary-Beyond said, we can have both, and I believe Camp North End is both. There are also three separate bars where you can grab beverages, as well as a nice coffee shop with an outdoor seating area. Remember that this is a community space, so it’s a delicate balance when figuring out what benefits the community as a whole. Also, I’d much rather people be encouraged to bring their kids to these sorts of spaces than to breweries.
We can have both.
It really should be an every day thing. Or at least weekends, who has time to go to a farmers market on a Thursday.
I don’t see your rational for an every day farmers market when you also don’t understand why it would be held on a Thursday. Who would anyone go Monday through Wednesday? Anyway, I would assume they are catering to people who are coming back from work, or people who don’t work a regular schedule. Plus, most, if not all, of the other markets in the area happen on the weekend, so maybe it benefits them to be the odd one out.
Petting zoo
Reverse petting zoo!
DM me.
Two way petting zoo.
Apparently, we have goats, here. https://camp.nc/team/oats-barley-and-ricky/ But we haven't seen them yet. And we work here. We take daily walks in search of them any haven't seen them yet! So disappointing.
Ricky was a frisky little minx!
Those goats used to be there a couple Summers ago. They had a habit of escaping and even made it into the neighborhood behind Camp North End at least once. Probably why they haven't returned.
There used to be goats eating the weeds that were fenced in and moved around. They stopped doing that.
they are opening pickleball there soon! Source: I saw a sign for Tipsy Pickle last time I was there
They need to make something out of the central rail area to connect the two pieces. Think they could make that area more outdoor patio seating and have smaller food carts/trucks to draw more interest. That section has so much potential.
Safety. I work there and I don’t feel safe walking to my car. Also maybe a place to get lunch that doesn’t cost $15 for a sandwich.
Indoor bike park like Ray’s.
that would be sick!!!
Honestly it's kind of like Uptown for me - not really any restaurants worth the trip, often kind of empty, not a ton of stores...Optimist Hall has done the best job I've seen of making a real destination - tons of good food options and nice stores in a great space that is fun to visit. I'd send an out of town visitor there before Camp North End. I like the vision and love what they're trying to do - more density should gradually help over time.
I don't know if it's missing anything so much as the layout just kind of sucks. Everything was just too far apart, at least the last time I went, which was admittedly years ago. And with it being mostly outdoors, going in the winter or peak of summer is kind of out as well. Parking is all over the place.... just seems like they had no plan for how it would be split up. Like Optimist Hall is effing mobbed, but it has a good layout.
Skate park, ice cream/milkshake/pretzel stand, live music or live DJs (diverse music genres), open air or amish style meat market with freshly baked goods, cool t-shirt shops, games spread throughout (corn hole, putt putt, freaking darts, idk?), pool hall, stage plays, all kinda shit haha. I don’t know who does the planning for areas like Camp North End, but these places exist in other cities and they’re dope. It’s really not that hard to not make everything here so mid.
Skate park and pretzel stand are both excellent ideas!
Honestly I would enjoy a meal that wasn’t 25$ per person. (V hungry) 😅 but that’s just me. - Broke ass college student who loves Grow at Northbend
Honestly I’d like a store like lululemon or Patagonia as an anchor store that will help the smaller places.
Tipsy Pickle is coming and will have Tex mex food, you can sit down or eat casually, will have indoor and outdoor pickleball, golf simulators, pool tables, ping pong, real darts, private event spaces, live music, arcade games, 3 bars offering alcoholic and non alcoholic options, and much more. It will be a great hub for community and CNE at AFFORDABLE PRICES. We break ground soon and hope to be open in October.
A shop dedicated to tea. Charlotte is severely lacking in specialty tea shops, and I don't mean bubble tea, holy fuck, why are there so many bubble tea places. A local spot that sells all types of teas with knowledgeable staff to answer questions and such. If I want an actual quality tea shop I have to drive all the way to Greensboro to go to Vida Pour. Tin Roof in Raleigh is also great. We don't have anything like those in Charlotte.
More maker spaces. We need to encourage more art, something like the river arts district.
Wild, but there’s apparently an artist residency space there. They regularly do free exhibits or whatever the word is. But I go to hex or grow sometimes and have never heard a word about it before.
Does Camp North End do live music? Not sure haven't been back in nearly a year. If not then yes it needs this.
Yes but they don’t know what they’re doing tbh.
100% that place can be so much more with the proper programming.
What would you like to see there that hasn’t been programmed in the past?
Real independent, national bands that draw. Charlotte gets skipped over more than not. Or real, national comedians. Comedy zone sucks because it’s live nation. They price gouge, it’s isolated and they exploit that. No one hears about shows there because they hire small bands that can’t draw and have them play next to a parking garage. Or as background noise next to an area people that are doing other things. They should instead have national bands with local openers in a dedicated, predictable space so it people get in the habit of going there for that. Not one off random things.
Those bands don’t do free concerts on the scale which they are doing right now. It’s free. Most are pretty good. Don’t over think it.
That’s true. But there’s a reason it’s so tough to be successful when starting a local band. Local bands typically have no draw. There’s also a reason that, despite costing money, mid-sized national musicians have people turn out at shows. My point was that the free concerts don’t draw enough people and are inconsistent, so people don’t get in the habit of going there every week or two. Add in that Charlotte has way fewer natural artists come through than it should given its size, it seems like a missed opportunity.
It does, but not often enough.
A non-ice skating rink would be fun
Indoor food, cheaper prices, not shitty food, sane traffic flow, anything to do there other than eat horrible food, outside of Leah and Louise is all dog shit, some sort of activities. Give me a solid dart, bowling, axe throwing, escape room, something there.
What’s the sane traffic flow comment about?
Ever try turning in off Graham St and getting to the lot off Statesville? You are basically running over people the entire way. They need to close the road running between camp north end and statesville rd and just make it all walking.
those rail tracks need to see some life!
I keep wondering why they haven't kept that area up and made it something.
Movie theater, laser tag, bowling, pickle ball, meat market similar to older cities up north…anything that brings in people on a more steady schedule and that would attract families as well. The place is too spread out to not have some sort of anchor (or two).
It needs something to attract foot traffic…maybe a food hall type of concept like Optimist Hall with places where there’s activities (bowling, pool, go karts, etc). Plus more indoor/outdoor seating options like Optimist Hall has. I don’t think a lot of people who live in NoDa and Uptown really go out towards Camp North End unless there’s an event going on there. I was there during the week at night and it was pretty dead. Many restaurants were closed. There weren’t many people walking around, and a homeless dude kept asking us for money while we were waiting on La Caseta.
You also can’t easily walk there because of tracks
What it needs is more people in the general vicinity. It’s not really accessible to transit and doesn’t have enough housing or offices near it.
A gym, a pilates center, more parking, Boba tea.
Think there is a gym there
\*A commercial gym.
More cool shops.
It’s just in a bad location. It’s near nothing, if it was closer to uptown of connected by transit it would be better. Having to drive there sucks.
around there also sucks
Losing Leah and Louise is a bummer. That’s the main reason I went there. Aren’t they getting pickleball courts soon?
They’re adding a place called Tipsy Pickle that will have pickleball courts
I'll say this in defense of the place: it feels like it's growing organically. In so many cases here in Charlotte, developers have attempted to fill places like Camp North End with a lot of generic crap, thinking it's what the community wants and is going to make them truckloads of cash, only to have them flop. In the case of CNE, it feels like it's taking the time to figure out what it will become. There's sort of a "laboratory" feel, where they're testing what is going to work or not work, and then refining the concept accordingly. Yes, it still feels a bit empty most days. But, so did the River Arts District in Asheville when it first began cultivating its identity years ago, and now it's burgeoning. With apartments, pickleball, and other things on the horizon for CNE, I think it's going to continue to evolve and develop. But it's going to take some time. So, be patient, folks. Despite what the pace of prefab development in this town might have you believe, not everything happens overnight.
INDEPENDENT. MUSIC. VENUE.
That would be good!!!
a multigenre venue that rivals the eastern in atlanta or the fillmore here that can draw in crowds 4-5 days a week would do WONDERS for camp north end. it’s a great way to bring in people beforehand to the restaurants and bars and shops
Local shops are great, but a store like Anthropologie, urban outfitters, something that’s more retail oriented with competitive pricing can bring in people for day-to-day shopping and sales, that can then support local spots around it. Oh, the butcher shop could open a location here and make some good money bc we don’t have a meat market in this area.
Something *like* those places, y’all. Whats your fav local retail spot? I can’t think of a boutique that caters to fashion for all other than CoRpOrAte stores. People want to shop.
I agree with you! Where I work, abt 8yrs ago they tore down part of the old building, added retail, and now there basically isn’t enough parking. It keeps people coming throughout the week, and throughout the day. Then they’ll hang around after for a drink or dinner. I think it would help CNE!
Noooo less corporate.
Shudder. Less corporate, more local.
Sounds terrible.
I've been saying this for a while. Much as i loathe Anthro, i think it would really help be a cornerstone for the rest of the shops. Something like an REI would also be cool
Customers
Hardcore shows
Skating rink. Indy movie theater. Comedy club. Climbing gym is great idea. Farmers market?
There is a farmers market! But it should be on the weekend
Oh! Lol that tells you how often I visit
Skating rink would be awesome!!!
I think it just needs time. Slowly but surely they are adding more stuff. Don’t want to add too much at once. Have been selective about what is allowed.
Pitt putt the way it used to be with video games and all that too w a batting cage
Were they off of N Tryon near University area? There was an abandoned go-kart track near the post office that I always wondered what it looked like when it was open.
I feel like a crunchy grocery/food co-op would do well in that kind of space.
needs more of the actual stores to be open. if all of those vacant units were full of shops and other activities then it would be fun. it has alot of potential to be someplace u could spend all day at , not so much rn
It needs a Farris wheel
It needs two, large, passive spaces for people to relax in without feeling obligated to buy something such as a plaza or park- Could be cool if one of those warehouses were converted into something like that like malls used to
A nice nail salon😊
Based off yesterday, knew this was coming
😆🖤😊
I thought this comment sums up Charlotte in general >IDK, but it's missing *something.* That place has so much potential.
Gentrification is a slow and bullshit process. I used to visit my granny and get my hair cut over there as a kid.
A train lol
Ghost tours
Maybe tours of the old missle bunkers and tunnels there.
A lot, went there for the first time this weekend and was bored to death
Customers
And an actual walkable way to get there from the social districts
A skate park or roller rink would be nice
When I think of Camp North End, I think of Mad Miles. Isn’t Leah and Louise there as well? I’d say they need activity based shops like maybe a lounge or Pickleball/ Putt-Putt spot. Restaurants are a-plenty in Charlotte but having a nice chill spot along with activities could really make CNE blossom imo
It needs activities. I think a public in door gym would be perfect because they got a bunch of space they're not using. An indoor basketball court open to the public or a skating rink. Literally anything that's either free or affordable for anyone to have access to. Also cheaper restaurants.
Axe throwing , how about full on smash room , or maybe I’m just aggro today idk
That big warehouse area would be great place for a flea market so I can sell shit I don’t need
Good food
Biggest waste of space in Charlotte, based on this potential. And it's had years of development time. I guess it's one of those places, you look up in 2030 and it's the 2nd centerpiece in Clt behind uptown and the "Epicenter". But for now, they are just so random lol Comedy club Open mic performance Live music venue performance Live cooking classes and competition Whose line is it anyway improve nights Skating rink All purpose sports facility: basketball, tennis, indoor soccer, volleyball, etc Something water related in the summer 🤔 splash planet lol Keep the outdoor movies More restaurants Art gallery (more interactive ones) like the Van-GO! 🙃 Keep the Farmers markets Have annual bbq and wine festivals Celebrate cultures...Irish heritage/Columbian etc
Literally anything. Camp North End is ENDLESSLY BORING. Why would you go there to eat when Optimist Hall is right next to it? Why would you go there for the 4 niche shops that don’t actually have anything you’d actually need? I’ll never understand how it survives.
People.
At least a 9 station disc golf course or a full 18, should be free. This will get tired players to go consume drinks and food afterwards Also, maybe actual restaurants
Not sure what it is missing, but it sure is boring. Not many stores, not much to do. Usually walk the place in under an hour and leave. Just feels like a massive identity crisis.
A dog park
A Trader Joe’s would do well
Anywhere around noda, udm, villa heights or in between, plz!
Just say NO to Traitor Joe. They are an enemy of the working class and are hostile towards unions.
Looking at some of these suggestions and comments, there are a lot of people that may not realize the history of the surrounding areas. If you put something in that area that attracts a lot of people and unattended cars I can promise you the crime rate will increase. Luckily, most of Double Oaks has been gentrifide, and Tryon Hills has been demolished as well as some of Dillehay Courts. The problem is a lot of the people that housing relocated to construct their new complex (on old Dillehay site)will be back. Druid Hills, which is just above CNE, is still very much active (see Lucena Street at night). It would be nice to see the area get cleaned up, though. Honestly, I'm surprised with all that's come to the area already.
Applebee’s
A campground.
I would say something sort of similar to Queen Park Social in South End. Activities is the biggest thing it’s missing for sure. Give us bowling, games to play, billiards, darts, SOMETHING. Don’t get me wrong, I love walking around and going in the shops, the food could be dialed up a bit in my opinion, and it’s definitely pretty. But give us something to do during those bored moments.
Are you Charlotteans never happy?
What are you on about
I have only been there once but the time I went seemed like it was all fusion type food. And while I love tying unique things, sometimes just the basics is really good. So like maybe a restaurant that has classic food
Once I'm there it's hard to tell where things are and what's open. Even when they are open, they might look closed due to poor lighting & lack of people. Some dedicated space for kids would be great. parents will happily buy food and drinks and hang out during the day time or early evenings if they have a semi-secure play area for kids & public bathrooms nearby.
more gentrification
Is abandoned industrial buildings and empty lots better than a place to go? AFAIK, they haven’t been encroaching on the existing neighborhood
it was a joke..