The 5 star review for this so-called "attraction" is dishonest and misleading. Do not believe it. Independence Boulevard was a road expansion project over the past decade which has displaced many of the merchants who once did business there. Many, if not most, of the storefronts are closed. DO NOT GO HERE EXPECTING TO FIND WHAT IS PROMISED IN THE 5 STAR REVIEW BELOW. There are a few brave merchants trying to make a living, including a second-tier cigar store and a Kosher food mart, among many entrepreneurs struggling to find a niche. Even the Burger King closed here.
Further out Independence Boulevard there is a large selection of new car dealerships, including many of the famous Rick Hendrick and Bruton Smith (of Nascar fame) dealerships. Those of us in Charlotte hope that this area will be redeveloped over the near future. Right now, however, there's little reason to drive Independence Boulevard unless you're commuting to/from Union County, or unless you have a specific destination, like a car dealership.

Maybe back in the 80s. Most of the strip malls are not very accessible these days and they are very trashy looking. I've been living in Charlotte since Feb 1990 and don't ever remember Independence ever being a place to visit unless you're shopping for a car or was in a wreck. Please avoid!

Independence Blvd is like any other street in America, probably not as good as most as it is lined with fast food restaurants, car dealerships, and strip malls that are partially empty and struggling for survival. It is also busy with traffic as it is a main way into Charlotte from southeast of the city, so it is always choked with traffic. It is the kind of area that you know has seen better days. I hope someday it is revitalized and it can be a place where people go to shop, but for now it is not really. There was an article in the local Charlotte paper recently saying how several large retailers have pulled out of the area. What is left is specialty stores. The Trip Advison reviewer who said it was the best street ever must have been kidding. They gave no reasons why they actually liked it and compared it to the yellow brick road? Believe me, they're kidding.

As a local Charlottean, this is not a tourist attraction or must see of Charlotte. Independence Blvd is literally a five mile freeway lined by strip malls and car dealerships. After five miles it turns into a 6 lane commuter route continued to be lined by strip malls and car dealerships. Don't waste your time unless there is a single specific store you want to go to. It's not walkable, scenic, or a place to kill an afternoon.