Segment 2, March 9th 2024

ENCORE CONVERSATION

The SouthPark area is known as the second largest business district in Charlotte behind Uptown.  At the turn of the century if was part of a 3,000-acre farm owned by former North Carolina governor Cameron Morrison.   Since then it has become a shopping and entertainment destination, office & residential area & the home of the SouthPark Mall  It is also the home to our Carolina Outdoor sponsor, The local outdoor outfitter, where the outdoors is always in fashion, Jesse Brown’s.

Bill Bartee, Host of the Carolina Outdoors, spoke recently to Drew Thrasher.  Thrasher is the Hike Guide, resident within the SouthPark District & a Board member of SouthPark Area Neighborhood Association (SPAN).  He’s been a guest on the program as one of the founders of the popular Urban Hike that is held in Charlotte each year.

THINGS WE LEARN:

• Points of interest & significant places, past and present
  
• One hundred years ago there were a lot of farms and not a lot of cars.
  
• Eastern Airlines was a major employer in this area
  
• The Loop is partially complete & when complete will circumnavigate the SouthPark area.
  
• There is an upcoming hike of The Loop: March 11th, 2024, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., starting at Jesse Brown’s.
  
• Only needed items are comfortable shoes & a water
  
• The Hikes are Free
  
• From The Loop, you can access Park Road Park, The Greenway system, South Carolina, Uptown/Downtown, & More
  
• The goal is to improve & promote different forms of mobility like pedestrian, bike, & others.
  

The program is sponsored by Jesse Brown’s.  Home of Mountain Khaki pants & the fly shop of Charlotte.