East Charlotte

East of Uptown, Charlotte is home to a wide collection of neighborhoods¡ªsome new and some established. All have a distinct "laid-back" atmosphere that hints of rural life; but they are without a doubt part of metro Charlotte.

To catch a look at how people in these parts lived some 200 years ago, visit the Charlotte Museum of History and the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, Mecklenburg's oldest surviving structure. Take in the 18th-century-style house, kitchen and springhouse and then visit the museum for permanent and touring exhibits. The wooded grounds are a lovely respite from city life. The site is also home to the world¡¯s largest ground-level bell, the 7-ton and seven-by-seven foot American Freedom Bell, which is nestled in a lovely setting on the property on Shamrock Drive.

East Charlotte is home to some of the city's most affordable housing, which makes it an especially good spot for first-time buyers and people who want value and good prices. The area also boasts several large apartment and town home communities.

Shopping

Central Avenue/Albemarle Road and East Independence Boulevard are two of Charlotte¡¯s busiest commercial districts, with loads of stores and the traffic to go along with them. Independence Boulevard is home to a sprawling collection of auto dealers, big-box stores and strip shopping centers. Charlotte-Mecklenburg is planning a transit system for the Southeast Corridor which will run along Independence Boulevard from Charlotte to Matthews.

Eastland Mall, which sits on Central Avenue between Sharon Amity and Albemarle roads, draws shoppers from around the region to its healthy assortment of national chain specialty stores, anchors and a food court. The 1.1-million-square-foot, double-decker center also is one of the ¡°coolest¡± places in town, thanks to the Ice House, an ice-skating rink in the center of the mall. Shoppers who want to take a break can watch from the balconies overhead or rent a pair of skates for a spin on the ice.

Diversity
A trend that's shaping East Charlotte is the influx of immigrants and new citizens who make their homes in this family-friendly area. Here's where you'll find the Hindu Center, the Islamic Center, the Chinese Baptist Church and a host of other facilities, as well as many ethnic groceries and specialty stores.

Perhaps because of this, East Charlotte also has developed an eclectic selection of restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, steakhouses, family restaurants and cafeterias.

Recreation
If you want to get outdoors, check out Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve on Rocky River Road. It features 727 acres of nature trails, recreational fields, a disc golf course, fishing ponds, picnic areas and an Environmental Center, with hands-on nature exhibits and a butterfly garden. Golfers will enjoy teeing off at a number of public and semi-private golf courses, including the Charles T. Myers course on Harrisburg Road.

Mint Hill
For a city that combines country atmosphere with city convenience, take a look at Mint Hill. It was incorporated in 1971, but the city traces its history back to Scotch-Irish settlers in the mid-1700s. The town's proximity to Union County and some well-executed plans requiring large home sites contribute to the cozy feel.

The intersection of N.C. 51 (Matthews-Mint Hill Road) and Lawyers Road is the town¡¯s center, with shopping areas and town offices. You¡¯ll also find a few manufacturing companies and business parks nearby.

For recreation, visit Mint Hill's 55-acre Fairview Park, which includes an asphalt track for walking, bicycling or in-line skating, a disc golf course, nature trail, playground, racquetball and tennis courts, ball fields and a full concession stand.

Folks who want more peace and quiet enjoy the meditation garden at St. Luke Catholic Church on Lawyers Road and the Mint Hill branch of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public library, a 12,000-square-foot facility that has a loyal following.