The Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward Tour returns to Uptown Charlotte on May 16 and 17, running from noon to 4 p.m. each day. If you have not been, the format is worth understanding: a self-guided walk through Charlotte's oldest historic district, with private courtyards, Victorian front porches, and outdoor living spaces open along the route — plus complimentary food, wine, and cocktail tastings from more than a dozen restaurants.
The ticket price — $35 for a single day, $45 for a flex pass — covers everything. No separate charges for tastings. No separate tickets for the music. Everything along the route is included.
What's on the route this year
Spaghett, the Italian restaurant from James Beard nominee Chef Sam Hart that opened last summer in the Historic Morrison House, joins the tour for the first time with complimentary tastings on Saturday only — Executive Chef Kendall Moore and mixologist Amanda Britton are running the kitchen. The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury hold an open house with Sticky Biscuits and a bourbon cocktail. And from 1 to 4 p.m. each day, docent-led tours of Historic Settlers Cemetery, Charlotte's oldest (founded 1768), are included.
The full tasting lineup: Arbol Eatery, The Asbury, Assorted Table Wine, Beverly's Gourmet Foods, Doc Porter's Distillery, Don Q Rum, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, the Dunhill Hotel, Indigo Tea & Coffee, The Daily, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Pizzeria Sapienza, It's Poppin' Gourmet Kettle Korn, Republic National Distributing, and Spaghett (Saturday only).
Live music runs all day both days: Prevox Trio, Isaac & Adele, The Porchlights, and Leisure McCorkle.
Getting there from Ballantyne
The ticket booth is at the corner of West 9th and North Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. The drive is straightforward via I-77 North. The 9th Street light rail stop is 0.3 miles from the booth if you prefer to park at a Blue Line station and ride in. Limited on-street parking is available within Fourth Ward but fills quickly.
A staycation giveaway — one night at the Dunhill Hotel, a $50 Asbury dining certificate, and complimentary parking — requires ticket purchase by noon on Friday, May 8. Winner by random drawing.
The tour is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. Leave dogs at home. Children who cannot be carried need their own ticket.
Presented by Friends of Fourth Ward. Full details, the complete vendor list, and photos at Fourth Ward Charlotte. Tickets at Eventbrite.