Public Art of Charlotte

 Here is some of the public art to appreciate in Charlotte, NC.

My favorite was at The Green. 

This is a park with a literary themes.

The children are climbing all over the book. So fun and unique!

There are plenty of murals.

Sculptures are throughout.

These sentiments are on the steps of the Mint Museum.

This one below resonates with me.

Many of the sculptures are gigantic!

Since we were only here for a day/night I am sure we missed many other pieces of art. There is always next time to find more!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Riverbanks

Some photos from recent visits to the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens and zoo.

Even on overcast days, it is filled with beauty.

The tropical plants are at their largest around September and October. Most species like the banana plants die back to the ground in winter.

These cheerful yellow flowers command attention.

Below is Angel's Trumpet. I usually forget to take a photo of the plant label so I know what they are but I remembered with this marvelous one!

A 360 view of part of the gardens in September. Jim and I often have the gardens to ourselves when we stop by on weekday mornings (I probably shouldn't share that secret).

I have chronicled the drama of the white rhinos in the past. Nothing has changed so I don't think we will see a baby here in the future. These are the 2 ladies who get along. 

Giraffes are just amazing!

The baboons are usually just scratching themselves or cleaning insects off each other. However we witnessed one in deep thought! 

A super tiny Carolina Anole. We saw tons of babies this year and not many full grown. It must have been a difficult year for these little guys!

A papaya tree.

The bog garden in early fall.

Here is the bog garden in December.

Camellias are now in full bloom for the winter months. This ginko tree was still hanging on to its fall foliage at the beginning of December. It is such a beautiful canvas for the blooms.

Before leaf clean up!

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Charlotte Rail Trail

The Charlotte Rail Trail is a walking trail running along the rail system in Charlotte, NC.

Along the way are restaurants, breweries, housing and more.

There are walkways on both sides of the train tracks.

It is an enjoyable way for locals to get exercise, walk their dog or simply go to work.

While we got around on foot while in Charlotte, tourists can purchase a day pass to hop on and hop off the LYNX Blue Line train.

This train travels 9.3 miles with 26 stops from the South End, through uptown and all the way up to the NoDa neighborhood. NoDo is the artsy section with more breweries so we will be taking the train next time to check it out!

These photos are taken from the South End where we stayed.

There are quirky things along the way.

One can also find unique spots to sit along the way and people watch or enjoy lunch.

In the near future there are plans to build a pedestrian bridge to the uptown section of the city. Currently one has to walk the sidewalks of a main road that goes over the interstate.

Overall it is an enjoyable way to absorb the vibe of this city.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val