According to forum posts, for a taste of local Charlotte cuisine, King's Kitchen offers southern dishes and is conveniently located across from Marriott City Center. Another recommended option is Mert's Heart & Soul, which serves southern comfort food.

Some travelers have highlighted Charlotte's barbecue scene, recommending places such as Noble Smoke, which is known for its smoked pastrami on Fridays. For seafood, despite Charlotte being inland, options like Sea Level in uptown offer a good selection.

Travelers have called out Optimist Hall for a variety of dining options in a food hall setting, suitable for different tastes and preferences. For family-friendly dining with a view, Fahrenheit Charlotte offers a rooftop experience that accommodates children.

For a unique dining experience, The Melting Pot offers interactive fondue dining, which has been suggested for special occasions like family celebrations.

According to forum posts, layover times at CLT airport that are less than an hour are often considered tight and risky by some travelers. For example, a 55-minute layover for flights between Atlanta, Charlotte, and Hartford, and a 42-minute layover for the reverse route have been discussed with concerns about their sufficiency.

Travelers have called out that while the legal minimum for changes at CLT is 45 minutes, a more comfortable window would be at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours. This additional time provides a cushion in case of any delays in the arriving flights.

Some users report successfully making connections even during shorter layovers, such as 30 minutes, especially if the flights are all within the same terminal area. CLT's layout with all concourses connected to a central lobby aids in making quick transfers between gates. However, the stress associated with such short layovers is notable among travelers.

Some travelers have suggested staying near the airport due to the availability of hotels such as the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, which are noted for their proximity and shuttle services to the airport. This allows for easy transit back to the airport after the layover.

For those looking for a bit of nightlife during their overnight layover, the South End area is recommended by forum users. It offers various dining and entertainment options and is accessible by a short Uber ride from the airport area. The area is known for its breweries and restaurants, which stay open late.

According to forum posts, Uptown Charlotte is a good place to explore if you arrive early enough. Attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South can provide some cultural insight and entertainment. Additionally, the Fourth Ward offers a historic atmosphere with older buildings and a quaint setting.

Some travelers recommended the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport, highlighting its free shuttle service and full-service restaurant. This hotel is well-rated and offers amenities like a workout room and a traditional complimentary breakfast. Travelers have also mentioned the Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport and Aloft Airport as relatively new and clean options in safe areas, with friendly staff and convenient shuttle services.

The Hilton on Yorkmont Road, previously a Renaissance Suites, is noted for its quiet location and in-house restaurant, providing a peaceful stay with airport shuttle services. The hotel is situated in a remote area surrounded by office buildings, which contributes to the quieter environment.

For a newer hotel option with amenities like a bar and restaurant, travelers have suggested the Aloft CLT Airport hotel and nearby Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott. These hotels are described as relatively new and are located near dining options like Starbucks, Panera, and a sports bar and grill, enhancing convenience for travelers.

Some travelers recommend taking I-85 if heading to the central or eastern parts of Charlotte due to its speed, while I-77 is suggested for the northern or western sides. For a scenic route from Charlottesville, VA, the combination of US-29 past Lynchburg and Danville into Greensboro, NC, then down I-85 into Charlotte is advised as it is usually the quickest and shortest distance.

To avoid traffic congestion in Charlotte, using the I-485 around the west side of the city is recommended, especially when traveling northbound on I-77 on a Saturday afternoon. Despite some congestion on I-77 near the southern end of I-485, this route generally helps in circumventing the more heavily trafficked areas.

For those looking to bypass Charlotte altogether, especially during heavy traffic times, alternate routes like driving further around I-485 or using the express lanes (which are now construction-free and involve a modest toll) are suggested. These options provide relief from the typical congestion experienced within the city.