Neighborhood Focus #1: Dilworth

Dilworth, today's historic lesson

Today after yoga at yoga oasis (my new Bikram haven), Buck and I found ourselves strolling the streets of a gorgeous neighborhood with tree-lined streets and gigantic houses. There were “Historic Dilworth Community” signs everywhere, which peaked my interest along with some of the real estate that I took pictures of below:

    

Me and Buck strolling Dilworth

I was floored by the elegance of this community and so immediately I got home and did a little research.  Dilworth began in 1891 as Charlotte's first suburb, the oldest streetcar suburb, which is now scattered with renovated bungalows, elegant mansions, leafy streets and old churches. The neighborhood has a huge collection of Victorian residences and Colonial Revival style houses, and is now one of the most prestigious areas in Charlotte, with many restaurants and shops close-by. 

1601 Dilworth Rd, selling for $1.5 million

Besides the amazing houses (which I wish I could afford), there were also some swanky community spots, churches, parks, etc. A beautiful building was the Covenant Presbyterian Church, which I found out later was built in the early 1950s. There is an internal medievel courtyard and the church has a Gothic Revival spire that can be seen for miles, which I run by often.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

I also fell in love with Latta Park, below, which is really the centerpiece of the area. It is a long wooded glen with  flower beds and a small area of swings and picnic shelters...though its mostly woods. The park's shape was apparently designed by Olmsted (who I just read about in Devil in the White City) and the plans emphasize quiet enjoyment of nature.

I'm sure I will find other cute neighborhoods, but so far, this is my fave (maybe because it is the only one i have explored and MAYBE it is because Emily White, a previous coworker told me it was the perfect equivalent to Pacific Heights and the West Village...ummm orgasm?).  It might have to do with the fact that I also found a great bikram studio in the district, AND a manicurist that serves free wine/beer while you get your nails done. I'm just sayin'...Charlotte does it right in some aspects.... (See below)

Polished Nail Salon. New obsession.

And lastly, speaking of obsessions, though this has nothing to do with history or dilworth, please admire how cute my coworker's son is!!! he came and visited the desk and just asked his dad if he could 'push buttons'. I fell in love. Jacob, when it's legal, will you be mine??

Jacob, left, and Brian (right) Brown

Tata for now! 

~Lexinator~