Charlotte-The Daily Flow: North Carolina: Charlotte: Fourth Ward Square

Elizabeth is not the only haunted area in Charlotte NC...not to be outdone, the Historic Fourth Ward will be offering Haunted Carriage Rides both October 30 and 31...

Expect to be spooked while trotting through Fourth Ward and a few other exceptional haunts during the evening hours from 6:00-11:00.

Beware of the stranger sitting next to you, as stories of paranormal activity, public executions, the uptown morgue and ghost hunter tales are delivered to your frightened mind.

The horror begins at Charlotte's center square...Trade and Tryon.

This is no shabby tour, it includes several of Charlotte's oldest, grandest, haunted homes along with a few historical sites, including Old Fire Station #4 (now a fire museum), Alexander Michael's (now a restaurant)  and old St. Peter's Hospital (now condominiums), plus the deadliest tree, Charlotte's hanging tree at Settler's Lane and the Old Carolina Theater.

You'll learn the history on those that (as rumors have it) haven't  left Charlotte in a very, very,  long time: folks like Firefighter Pruitt L. Black, unfortunate patients that died at St Peter's (and where they may be residing today), the old bootlegger on 7th and Poplar, and as your good fortune may have it, you'll also be passing by the Overcash house.

The spirit that lingers here is believed to be that of a woman whose life ended on a wicked fall down the steps. One broken neck later, you may still be able to see her face in the window.

What's a haunted carriage ride without viewing the 'hanging tree' at Settler's Lane? This is where an estimated 28 executions took place. Not a place where you'll feel comfortable hanging around after dark.

And, last but not least, a visit to the Old Carolina Theater.  The balcony is home to a bevy of ghosts. There are also a few old hands that are rather loud ghosts, preferring to busy themselves backstage.

To find out more details click here.

For the Little Ones...

A SPooktacular Halloween Parade, Saturday, October 31st

This is a great little neighborhood treat, don't trick yourself out of it!  

It's the Fourth Ward Halloween Parade! If you don't have a child, dress up your dog, and if you don't have either...just come on out and enjoy the great costumes and parade!

Prizes for the best child and dog costume will be awarded!!

5:15PM- Gather at the corner of Sixth & Poplar near the fountain of Fourth Ward Park.
5:30PM- Parade through Fourth Ward Park to the foutain at Eighth & Pine where we will award prizes for best costume.
5:45PM- Trick or Treat... be sure to catch the Inflatable Moonwalk at the end of 9th street.

What are Wards?
The center city of Charlotte's residential districts are divided  into four of them. The division begins at "The Square", which is at the intersection of  Trade and Tryon Streets. To further break this down, 4th Ward is Northwest, 3rd Ward is Southwest, 2nd Ward is Southeast, and 1st Ward is Northeast.

The Queen City has many jewels, and Fourth Ward is one of them. It is a Charlotte favorite, steeped in history. Prior to visiting the Fourth Ward, you may want to stop by the tourist information office at the 300 block of South Tryon. Ask for a map, which includes a self-guided tour.

The fourth ward, especially on Ninth Street, shows off some of the grandest in Charlotte's old architecture.
It's a visual delight to view Charlotte homes for sale in the Fourth Ward. These homes have the distinction of being set in the heart of uptown, and have continued to be one of the most charming spots in the city.

With it's street lamps, and  cozy old fashioned front porches, this area is sure to have you swooning!  Granted, it is a little off the beaten path and a bit tricky to find parking, but definitely worth the effort. Find a parking spot, and get out and walk the area-it's not too large of a district and with your handy map, you are ready to go!

If you are interested in eating where the "locals" (and those in the know) go for a food and ale,  make sure to stop by Alexander Michael's (sometimes called Al Mike's ). This is a great little spot tucked away in the historical neighborhood of the Fourth Ward. It's located at the corner of Ninth and  Pine.

This is a classic quaint pub of yesteryear that'll make you want to slip your shoes off and pretend that you live in the neighborhood!  Dark paneling, candle light, and great crab soup...and fried pickles and an excellent beer selection!   As a sidenote, Alexander Michael's is rumored to be haunted. The original site (circa 1891) was the neighborhood grocery store.

Continue your tour...The Charleston-style row houses beckon you back to the late 1800's. The backdrop for the neighborhood includes Fourth Ward Park, and Settlers Cemetary-Charlotte's first graveyard. Settler's Cemetery is one street over from the center of uptown. The Old Settlers Cemetery has some of the most renowned names in Charlotte's history buried there...its inhabitants dating back to 1776!

Make  sure not to bypass Fourth Ward Park. It's a lovely three acre park with an abundance of old shade trees. It is complete with walking trails, benches, water fountains and a few playground units. Elmwood Cemetery, the historic green spot separating Fourth Ward from Third Ward  is popular with joggers. (larger than Settlers and considered to be in the Third Ward).  It offers a pretty good stretch of land to run through. Looking upwards, past this great park, is the ever-rising skyline of Charlotte.  Bright, new and shiny.

Here, Charlotte's new buildings continue to reach for the skies...all except in the Fourth Ward. Where comfort is still found under the shade trees and on top of the green grass.