When the then Charlotte Colesium opened in 1955, it was the largest, unsupported steel dome in the world.  At just over 9,000 seats, it is eclipsed by today’s modern arenas.  Today, the Colesium has been renamed to the Cricket arena (although there is talk that the Victory Junction Gang Camp may have purchased the naming rights) and is the home of indoor NASCAR-style racing. 

The neighborhoods in South Charlotte are some of the most charming in the entire region.  The streets are lined with tall, old growth trees, the homes range in style from Georgian to Craftsman and even a few Mediteranian.  On a Fall Sunday, a drive down Colony, Providence or Selwyn is a great way to admire the leaves and escape for a few hours.  Among the many treasures this area holds is the Park Road Shopping Center, which was Charlotte’s first big shopping center.  In the Park Road Shopping Center today, you’ll find the old mixed with the new, yet one of the greatest treasures is the Park Terrace 6. 

Instead of heading for the 20 screen superplex, plan a date to catch a flick in this wonderfully dated theatre.  Opened in 1964, the theatre was revolutionary with its rocking chair seating and large, glass enclosed lobby.  They just don’t design buildings with this kind of character.  Today, the threatre’s lobby is as it stood way back then, but the theatres have been modernized (yes, the movies are shown in color). 

So the next time you want dinner and a movie, grab a slice at Fuel Pizza or wings from  Quaker Steak and then walk over to the Park Terrace Cinema 6.  I’ll see you there.