Huffington Magazine Issue 11 | Page 79

FLICKR/WILLAMORE MEDIA (BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NEIGHBORHOOD THEATER); FLICKR/NOMADICENTREPRENEUR (BILL SPOON’S BARBECUE); TJ ANZULEWICZ (DOUBLE DOOR INN); THE JEWELL AGENCY (MAC’S SPEEDSHOP); FLICKR/DIONHINCHCLIFFE (MERT’S HEART AND SOUL); SHUTTERSTOCK (SELWYN PUB) Exit TRAVEL The Over-It Politico’s Guide to Ditching the DNC HUFFINGTON 08.26.12 Charlotte BY KATE AULETTA America’s second-largest banking city has blossomed into a metropolis known for its food (fried), music venues (hello, country!), and art (yes, that’s a Picasso). Democrats aren’t interested in just the highbrow, of course. Conventioners can get their fingers dirty at any number of fried food and BBQ joints around town, though Michelle Obama learned the hard way when announcing the DNC’s location that Charlotte isn’t exactly known for its BBQ. Not a fan of the 2,500-calorie lunch? Visitors can head to the NoDa arts district’s prominent music venues and galleries. Whether you’re itching for country music or just need a stiff drink, Charlotte’s sprawling nature makes it easy for donkeys to wander off from fellow convention-goers and take in the town. 77 277 SEWLYN PUB 2801 Selwyn Avenue For the preppy drunk Charlotte banker experience (just you wait), there’s no better place to drink Bud Lights in Croakies than Selwyn Pub in Myers Park. ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL NEWHOUSE 85