SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!

the Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward Tour 2024

May 18-19, 2024
12 Noon to 4 pm, each day

On May 18th and 19th, 2024, from Noon to 4 pm each day, the Friends of Fourth Ward will host the Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward, an urban garden and lifestyle tour in the heart of Center City Charlotte. From the micro to the magnificent, the tour showcases a mix of private gardens, courtyards, rooftop terraces, and unique outdoor living spaces that are rarely open to the public. This walkable, self-guided event allows tour-goers to explore these hidden oases while strolling the brick-paved sidewalks of this charming neighborhood in full bloom, complete with food and beverage tastings at gardens and restaurants along the way. In addition to the featured gardens, the tour will highlight public art, historic homes, and special points of interest along the tour route, effectively making all of Historic Fourth Ward – and the extraordinary quality of life it offers – part of the tour.

Secret Gardens includes admission to a variety of private and communal gardens, complete with food and cocktail tastings, as well as tours of the historic McNinch House Restaurant and Victorian home. McNinch House also will offer wine-by-the-glass for purchase.  

Additional Tour Attractions include:

Complimentary food and cocktail tastings (while they last) in gardens and restaurants along the tour route, and live music by Leisure McCorkle. Free golf cart rides from Ride Charlotte (first-come, first served; flag down empty carts for a lift) throughout the neighborhood during tour hours. Optional docent-led tours of Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery begin at 3:30 pm each day.

Hospitality and Tasting partners include:

The Asbury, Broken Shed Vodka, Herradura Tequila, Diplomatico Rum, The Botanist Gin, The Dunhill, Potts Chocolate, Queen City Grounds, Sea Level, Pizzeria Sapienza, It’s Poppin’ Gourmet Kettle Korn, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Tin Cup Mountain Whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 1800 Tequila, Be Refreshed Beverage Company (NA wine and mocktails), Spaghett (Sunday only) and more. Additional vendors will be announced soon, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

Secret Gardens STAYCATION GIVEAWAY with The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury! Our friends at The Dunhill Hotel and The Asbury have graciously donated a spectacular Staycation Package for one lucky winner! Purchase your Secret Gardens tour ticket by Noon on Friday, May 10th, and be entered to win the following:

• Two-night stay for Two in a luxurious Vintage Queen Room.
• $100 gift certificate for dining at The Asbury.
• Complimentary parking.
• BONUS: If your stay falls during an event at The Blumenthal, The Dunhill will comp 2 tickets for your use (based on availability)!

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Ticket Information

Day-specific tickets are $30 and are good for either Saturday or Sunday. Weekend Flex tickets are $40 per person and allow the buyer to choose which day to attend (Saturday or Sunday), or to divide the tour over the two days. Regardless of ticket type, you may only visit each tour stop or tasting once. The tour is walkable and self-guided. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fourth Ward events sell out fast, so buy yours early!

During tour hours, ticket holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks (required for touring) at the tour Ticket Booth at the corner of West 9th & North Poplar Streets in Fourth Ward. The Ticket Booth also will be the only location for same day ticket purchases, if tickets are still available.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase your ticket, please check the receipt attached to your confirmation email. (The body of the email can be confusing, but the attached receipt will more clearly show the correct date for your ticket.)

PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive paper tickets by mail. Please bring a printed or digital copy of your Eventbrite ticket or receipt with you to the Ticket Booth when you arrive.

Other Ticketing Guidelines

Children who cannot be carried require a ticket. (Due to the historic nature of the neighborhood, with often narrow walkways to reach private gardens, stroller use can be challenging.)

We absolutely love dogs, but please leave your furry friends at home. Many dogs and cats live with their humans in Fourth Ward, and they typically spend tour weekends watching from indoors. Out of respect for their stress levels, we ask that your canine family members stay home for these events.

History of Historic Fourth Ward

The Friends of Fourth Ward is comprised of Fourth Ward Foundation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit, and Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association.

Our Mission: To enhance the quality of life in Historic Fourth Ward through community connection, service, and promotion.

Our Vision: To be the finest urban neighborhood in the U.S., a place where we are proud to live, work, and play.

The historic Fourth Ward neighborhood artfully blends restored 100-plus-year-old Victorian homes, with luxury condominiums, urban apartments, parks and businesses. This collection of quaint and charming meets urban contemporary offers a residential experience that has made Fourth Ward a premier uptown community.

Approximately 30 city blocks, this stately neighborhood is bordered by the Tryon Street business and entertainment district, the historic Elmwood Cemetery, and lively Trade Street. It is anchored by the beautiful Fourth Ward Park. Wandering through narrow tree-lined streets, visitors delight in seeing the grand old Victorians with gingerbread millwork, charming front porches and courtyard gardens.

You can support the Fourth Ward Neighborhood by joining the Friends of Fourth Ward as an individual, family, condo/multi-family building, or local business.

Parking

Tour-goers are encouraged to use ride-sharing services or the light rail to access Center City. The 9th Street light rail stop is .3 miles (a seven-minute stroll) to our Ticket Booth at the corner of W. 9th & N. Poplar Streets, or you may choose the 7th Street stop if you would like to shop at The Market at 7th Street before or after the tour. Limited free on-street parking is available within Fourth Ward on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional center city parking information: http://www.charlottecentercity.org/transportation/parking/

Advertising & Sponsorship

Interested in advertising or sponsorship for the tour? Please email us at events@fourthwardclt.org

COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols

None at this time; the Friends of Fourth Ward follows federal, state and local guidance. Should conditions change, ticket holders will be notified via an Eventbrite email.

Questions?

Additional information, press kits, and group rates are available. Please contact us at events@fourthwardclt.org