Why Charlotte Is the Perfect College City
Author Ava Morgan ’28 is a Marketing & Advertising major and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.
Choosing where to go to college is about more than selecting a campus; it’s about finding a city that supports your academic goals, career aspirations and life outside the classroom. At Johnson & Wales University, students live and learn in the heart of the “Queen City” of Charlotte, North Carolina. With Charlotte being one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the professional opportunities are endless. Whether you’re gaining work experience, grabbing coffee before class or exploring the city, Charlotte offers an experience that extends far beyond campus.
A City Built for Career Opportunities
Charlotte is one of the nation’s fastest growing business centers, making it the perfect place for students to gain real world experience before they graduate. Students have landed internships at hotels, hospitals and major food companies like Compass Group. The professional sports landscape in Charlotte makes it a big hub for sports, entertainment and event management.
Learning Through Community Connections
Charlotte provides more than you think for students. There are countless opportunities to connect with the local community. Through JWU Serves, students can volunteer with local non-profit organizations and community partners throughout their school time. Many academic courses incorporate real world service projects into the coursework. Some current volunteer opportunities include Charlotte Rescue Mission, Crisis Assistance Ministry and Hospitality House of Charlotte. No matter what it is, students gain hands on experience well also making an impact.
Study Breaks Are Never Far Away
If you’re looking for a spot to relax, Roots Café, owned by JWU alumnus Craig Barbour ’08, is a local coffee shop offering a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for studying or simply enjoying a calming cup of coffee. It’s also a great example of the strong alumni network Charlotte students can take advantage of for mentorship and career connections after graduation.
Romare Bearden Park is just walking distance from JWU and a great place to go unwind. This lovely park features statues and a big waterfall, with many benches to rest and enjoy the view and picnic tables for outdoor meals.
Do Something New with Friends Every Weekend
Charlotte has no shortage of places to spend an evening. Birdsong Brewing Co., co-founded by JWU alum Tara Goulet ’06, has become a popular gathering spot thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, spacious outdoor patio and live music. Students looking to unwind can also visit Foo Bar, an arcade located just five minutes from campus that features classic arcade games and a casual atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something to do during the day and a little more interactive, the Museum of Illusions invites visitors to explore an extraordinary collection of perspective changing rooms, mind bending installations and optical illusion. This memorable spot for group outings provides the background for some great photos!
Date Nights Are Perfect
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply just looking for a fun night out, Charlotte offers plenty of spots perfect for date nights.
Enjoy an evening of stand-up at the Comedy Zone, where talented comedians perform throughout the year. If you want something more activity-based, Queen’s Park Social, an 18,000-square-foot warehouse with drinks, is a great spot for bowling and games for a casual night out.
If you’re looking for something quieter, the McGill Rose Garden, with its charming mix of nature and history, is always the perfect place to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
So Many Iconic Spots for Visitors
Don’t miss the U.S. National Whitewater rafting center, which is home to the biggest manmade whitewater river; the center offers outdoor activities all year long. In addition to whitewater rafting there are ziplines, rope courses, mountain biking trails, courses designed for children, flatwater paddling, rock climbing, deep water free solo climb and in the winter months, there’s even ice skating.
If your family craves a cultural experience, three of Charlotte’s museums are must-sees: the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum Uptown and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture. General admission for the three museums varies from $6 to $15 depending on age.
Plenty of Places to Stay
When planning a place to stay in Charlotte, there’s no shortage of extraordinary hotels. Whether you’re visiting for an open house, family weekend or graduation, Charlotte’s growing hospitality industry makes it easy to find accommodations.
Twenty years ago, Charlotte barely had any hotels, now there is over 300, including the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Charlotte, The Westin and many more. As Charlotte has developed into a big destination for business and tourism, JWU graduates have helped shape the region’s hospitality landscape.
Best Budget-Friendly Hangouts
There's lots for students to do without having to spend too much money, and the Market at 7th Street a must. It’s a nonprofit food hall serving as an incubator for local small businesses — many of them owned and operated by JWU alums!
Charlotte recently welcomed a new addition to its landscape: the Thomas Dambo Giant Troll in River District in West Charlotte. Standing approximately seven feet tall and constructed from reclaimed wood, the free attraction has quickly become one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Adventure Awaits Just Outside the City
Looking for a change of scenery? Good thing Charlotte is within easy distance of some great destinations for weekend adventures.
Just outside of the city is Carowinds Amusement. It spans the North Carolina-South Carolina border, making it the only amusement park where you can stand in two states. They have record-breaking rollercoasters, including Fury 325 which is one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. The Carolina Harbour Waterpark, which recently opened inside the amusement park, is perfect for the summer months.
If you love the outdoors, Lake Norman State Park is less than an hour from campus. You can rent canoes, pedal boats, kayaks and paddle boards. There are also plenty of quiet fishing spots to hit on the lake, as well as campgrounds and fire pits, making it an excellent destination for day trip or weekend getaway.
The City Becomes an Extension of the Classroom
Charlotte's growing culinary scene gives JWU students the opportunity to see what life after graduation can look like. Throughout the city, many restaurants are owned or operated by JWU alumni, providing students with opportunities to build professional connections within the industry.
Within walking distance of campus, Aria Tuscan, led by executive chef Alexander Piatt ’10, serves classic Italian cuisine in Uptown Charlotte. For students interested in culinary arts and hospitality, restaurants like Aria showcase how JWU graduates are helping shape Charlotte food scene.
Another place to enjoy is Chapter Six, where Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served. The bold dishes show off the flavors of the coasts and fields of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France and Italy.
If you’re looking for something with a little finer dining, head over to McNinch House. Enjoy a four-course or five-course meal in this unique 1892 Queen Anne-style home prepared by executive chef and JWU alum Matthew Shepard '13.
Big-League Sports Create Big Opportunities
One of the best things about attending JWU in Charlotte is having major professional sports teams nearby.
Students can take the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar from JWU to Bank of America Stadium. Board at the JWU stop on West Trade Street to either Mint Street or Brooklyn Village, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Then from that drop-off it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Bank of America Stadium.
Soccer fans can cheer on Charlotte FC, whose season runs from late February through October; the team regularly offers discounted student tickets. Football fans can catch the Carolina Panthers, whose games are played from August through late January.
Basketball season brings the Charlotte Hornets to the Spectrum Center, running from late October through April, while baseball fans can enjoy the Charlotte Knights MiLB team season, which begins in late March and runs through September. The Charlotte Knights also regularly offer discounted student tickets.
Hockey fans don’t forget to support the Charlotte Checkers who play in the American Hockey League (AHL). The Checkers play at Bojangles Coliseum, only about a 10-minute drive from JWU. They have discounted student tickets available for students on College Nights.
If you’re into racing, check out the Charlotte Motor Speedway which offers world-class NASCAR racing on its iconic road course and hosts daily behind-the-scenes van tours, or explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Having so many major sports in the city is amazing for students who want to gain hands-on experience with Charlottes professional sports organizations through internships and event management opportunities, turning the city’s sports scene into an extension of the classroom.