Charlotte Liberty Walk...

Charlotte is a very unique city.

I imagined that there would be a whole slew of historical information and sites to tour.

But as it turns out -

they are quite hard to find.

The city (or at least the area we are in) is entrenched with banks and business man.

Not a whole lot of touring is done in these parts.

I've had to do some digging to figure this place out.

But slowly and surely I am discovering the gems in Charlotte.

I heard about the Liberty Walk from several friends and decided to give it a try.

Annie and I met up with James for a quick hug 

and then headed on our way.

We followed a little map that led us to markers along the ground.

As I was walking, hundreds of people passed during their lunch hour.

They all looked at me like I was a nut, staring at the ground.

Two men eventually stopped and insisted on taking our picture.

They commented that they rarely see anyone doing this walk.

Again, this place is unique.

How is it that few people are interested enough to walk around Uptown

and learn about the rich history of the South?

Needless to say, I am determined to get out and prove that there is a lot to learn about this place.

First stop was the site of Queen's College, which was established in 1771 

and was the first public school in the South.

We (you know, cause Annie was soaking it all in as well) learned about the British Encampment,

 where the soldiers set up shop in 1780 and a small American group helped protect their courthouse and stall British troops until they later retreated to South Carolina.

One of the stops was Independence Square - a popular lunch spot where there is always entertainment. 

In 1775 the people of Mecklenburg County became the first political entity  in the American colonies to declare themselves free from the motherland. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed in a courthouse, which stood where the square now resides. This declaration was the first of many to come and preceded the US Declaration by an entire year.

We also stopped by this old historic church. 

It was built in 1815 as a non-denominational meeting house known as the Town Church. 

They say this church has always stood "for Christ in the Heart of Charlotte."

It is a stunning church. Annie needed a little "lunch break" so we stopped on the grounds  and watched some little kiddos run around. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of my little bean in front of these stunning old doors. Clearly, she was amused. One day she will thank me.

Then we walked around Church Street and the Old Settlers Cemetery.

It was getting late into the day but I'd love to spend more time in that cemetery.

It seems to have quite the history -  including the grave of Thomas Polk, the founder of Charlotte.

This just gives you a little glimpse of the walk.

But I must admit, 

I was pleasantly surprised by all the history.

Along the way I saw several museums that I am dying to check out.

Including The Mint - a craft museum that is supposed to be amazing.

Sounds right up my alley.

This week we are going to do the more modern Charlotte walk.

It includes the Nascar Hall of Fame (classy) and lots of other fun stops.

I feel like I am finally hitting my stride in this city.

Maybe it was the humidity that got me down.

I am certain this gorgeous fall season is making me a little twitter pated with this place.

But slowly and surely the Queen City is winning me over.