NoDa

Blog 15 …

      Nothing is more inspiring than injecting new life to an old, almost forgotten, and dilapidated part of a rural town. It draws back the young, the tourists and out-of-towner folks like me to step in and back to times long gone by. It proves that old and new could co-exist and bring closer any social, economic and historical gaps created by leaving, passing and coming.

    Two miles from urban cityscape of Charlotte’s modern Uptown celebrates the old and new passages of North Davidson … NoDa for short, which recently has felt and seen sharing new and teeming energy in the Charlotte, NC. Once an old neighborhood and historic arts district founded with early 1900’s factories, NoDa lately saw an influx of entrepreneurs moving into the area, and building new galleries, shops, restaurants and music centers for new families freshly populating and reviving a vibrant life it enjoyed in the past decades. I was certainly pulled by descriptions of this place in a magazine, so I convinced Mickey to check out with me a few of its told favorite spots.

   Ruby’s Gift and Pura Vida novelty shops definitely pleased my eyes and curiosity as soon as I stepped into their inviting doors and window showcases.  I was not only fascinated by selections on display and for sale from local artists, but I was also awed by global practical gifts, and day-to-day items that easily could accent any boring corners I may have at home.  Cabo Fish Taco Restaurant was a sure hungry stomach pleaser.  Its take on fresh cilantro sauce over grilled fish wrapped in soft taco won my palate, and the recipe, Beer-Battered Shrimp Tacos which Mickey ordered, were just scrumptious! 

         I was surely happy to have taken the day trip.  I found a new spot which afforded me the sheer appreciation of a local place of interest.  I hope to go back again soon and find the perfect time to step into its neighborhood theatre for an entertaining stage musical or a dramatic performance!