If you are looking for a Saturday outing that trades the usual south Charlotte circuit for something different, the Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward Tour returns to Uptown Charlotte on May 16 and 17. The tour runs noon to 4 p.m. each day through Charlotte's oldest historic district — a self-guided walk through private gardens, Victorian courtyards, and outdoor living spaces with complimentary food, wine, and cocktail tastings included in the ticket.
Day-specific tickets are $35. A Weekend Flex option at $45 lets you choose your day closer to the event — useful if weather or weekend plans are still taking shape.
The dining lineup
More than a dozen restaurants and vendors offer complimentary tastings along the route, including Arbol Eatery, The Asbury, Pizzeria Sapienza, Doc Porter's Distillery, and the Dunhill Hotel. New this year: Spaghett, the Italian concept from James Beard nominee Chef Sam Hart, joins on Saturday only with tastings by Executive Chef Kendall Moore and mixologist Amanda Britton.
The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury host an open house with Sticky Biscuits and a bourbon cocktail. Docent-led tours of Historic Settlers Cemetery — Charlotte's oldest, dating to 1768 — run from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Live music throughout from Prevox Trio, Isaac & Adele, The Porchlights, and Leisure McCorkle.
Getting there
The ticket booth is at West 9th and North Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. The drive from the Waxhaw and Marvin area runs via I-485 and I-77 North. The 9th Street light rail stop is 0.3 miles from the booth if you prefer to park and ride. On-street parking is free within Fourth Ward but limited.
For families: the tour is walkable but runs on Fourth Ward's brick-paved sidewalks. Strollers may not work on narrow garden walkways. Children who cannot be carried need a ticket. Leave dogs at home.
The giveaway
A staycation package from the Dunhill Hotel — one night in a Vintage Queen Room, a $50 Asbury dining certificate, and complimentary parking — goes to one ticket buyer chosen by random drawing. Purchase by noon on Friday, May 8 to enter.
The tour is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.
Presented by Friends of Fourth Ward. Full details and the complete vendor guide at Fourth Ward Charlotte. Tickets at Eventbrite.