Shopping is Good in Plaza Midwood

Charlotte's Plaza Midwood neighborhood dates back to the early 1900’s when it was founded as a street car suburb offering residents easy access to downtown. A renaissance period beginning in the mid 1990’s helped the area grow while preserving its original charm. A wide variety of merchants have opened artful storefronts showcasing the unique facades of the original structures. These eclectic and funky retail stores house a wealth of unique gifts, furniture, home décor items, clothing and accessories you just won’t find at the mall.

The 1500 block of Central Avenue between Thomas and Pecan Avenues, the main corridor, is simply a home decorator’s dream. Fifteen Ten Antiques deals in everything from furniture and vintage chandeliers to dishware and glasses. Operating more like a department store, this antique store regularly marks down items in order stock fresh merchandise and display new pieces. Century Vintage carries mid-century clothing, accessories and art within its 3,200 square-foot store. Century is playfully arranged in neat vignettes and houses The Patchwerk Playhaus, a cozy performance space covered from floor to ceiling in patchwork vintage fabrics, is filled with vintage sofas and chairs, all for sale. The Patchwerk Playhaus shows independent and foreign films and hosts the occasional live music performance. Owner Allyson Speaks serves up popcorn made with her stir crazy popcorn machine.

Over on Thomas Avenue, City Supply Company carries a wide range of unique textiles, modern furniture, home décor items, candles, and quirky gifty items. Duck into Hong Kong Vintage and Buffalo Exchange to find the perfect ensemble for fall; a funky top, a nice pair of faded jeans and some killer boots.

Plaza Midwood has a diverse selection of places to eat. Nova’s Bakery offers a great cup of Joe and freshly baked pastries. Walk into John’s Country Kitchen, operating since 1977, and you'll find a true Southern diner full of locals, ordering up everything from delicious hot cakes to brains and eggs. If organ meats trigger your gag reflex, hop on over to Zada Jane’s where the menu playfully pits the vegetarians and meat eaters against one another. Be sure to try a homemade biscuit or the very popular Bunny Rancheros, one of many signature dishes. Fuel Pizza. a pizza joint housed in an old tire shop, and a legendary Dairy Queen round out the block. Don't miss the made-from-scratch chicken and dumplings and housemade pies at Dish! located on Thomas Ave. Just a few blocks over on Commonwealth is Diamond Restaurant, a Charlotte landmark. Established in the 1920's and recently updated, the vibe is still vintage and the food is outrageously good. Right across the street Ecol-licious hawks environmentally friendly, locally made goods such as household products, toys and fun accessories as well as yummy vegan treats.

The Plaza Midwood area is also home to the eclectic clothing purveyor Boris & Natasha. This boutique offers a cool assortment of fashion foward clothing and accessories you won't find anywhere else. Common Market always has a reliably great selection of wine, beer and delicious sandwiches, using local veggies whenever possible. Common Market also has a cozy back patio where friendly neighborhood folks like to hang out. Book Buyers, the neighborhood book store, has one of the largest collections of used books in town.

Before you head back to the house, take a jaunt down the side streets of one Charlotte’s most novel neighborhoods. These early ranch-style homes, bungalows and Victorian houses have been beautifully restored and offer some serious inspiration for anyone considering a home remodel.