Monroe (North Carolina)

Monroe is a small city in North Carolina. It is in Union County, on U.S. Highway 74. It has a close association with Charlotte, which is about 30 minutes away by car. Monroe's population is slightly under 27,000. It used to be populated mostly by White and African-Americans; however, the city's Hispanic population has spiked dramatically. == Get in == Though Monroe has a small airport and a Greyhound bus stop, the vast majority of visitors will arrive there by car. The primary artery through the city is US-74, though there are smaller roads connecting it to other nearby towns. == Get around == Cars are the only practical form of transportation in Monroe. There is no public transit. Biking or walking is possible in some areas -- especially in the Historic Downtown -- but not recommended for visitors limiting themselves to the businesses and shopping found along the 74 corridor. == See == Monroe maintains its historic downtown, though it has seen better days. The Union County Courthouse has an impressive bell tower, and is in a picturesque downtown district. The stores along Main St. bear the feeling of a 1940s town, and are reasonably well preserved. Also, the original Belk's Department Store can be found there. There is a movie theater near the Monroe Mall on Highway 74. == Do == Monroe is not a tourist center, and there is relatively little for a visitor to do there besides shop. The Monroe Mall and Union County Farmers' Market are probably your best bet aside from strolling through the downtown area. High-school football games are also an event of interest for those looking for exposure to Southern culture. == Buy == The historic downtown of the city has some shopping, and is worth visiting for a casual afternoon. Of particular interest are independently owned boutiques, antique stores, and day spas that populate the Historic Downtown. Monroe's other shopping district can be found along the US-74 corridor. The Monroe Mall offers some department store retail, and has a few interesting stores. Other bog box and chain retail stores can be found at Poplin Place. == Eat == The strip along US-74 has many chain restaurants. If you are looking for chain food, there is no need to plan ahead; just drive down 74 and look for what you want. For more personal dining, try exploring the historic downtown area. There are a few good cafes to be found there and on surrounding streets. Duke's Grill, 1114 Concord Ave, ☏ +1 704 283-4960. Country Grill, 4002 Concord Hwy, ☏ +1 704 289-6232. Primarily a food truck. Gus's Family Restaurant, 1627 Walkup Ave, ☏ +1 704 292-1155. Little Country Kitchen, 2526 Old Charlotte Hwy, ☏ +1 704 289-3030. Mr. G's, 427 Morgan Mill Rd, ☏ +1 704 291-9889. Oasis, 116 S Main St, ☏ +1 704 289-3633. "The best hot dogs in Monroe" Johnny Tomatoes, 5250 Old Charlotte Hwy, ☏ +1 704 238-9432. Pizzas and strombolis and things. Ron's Restaurant, 3621 Old Charlotte Hwy, ☏ +1 704 289-1620. Sandwich Shop, 100 N Secrest Ave, ☏ +1 704 283-5515. == Drink == The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine, 101 W Franklin St. Kind of an unusual establishment with a self-pour process. Tel: +1 980-269-8386. == Sleep == There are a variety of hotels along US-74 approaching Charlotte. Quality Inn, 2351 W Roosevelt Blvd, ☏ +1 704 283-9600. Best Western Inn, 2316 Hanover Dr, ☏ +1 704 283-4746. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Monroe, 2505 W Roosevelt Blvd, ☏ +1 704-774-1779. Indoor pool. == Go next == Almost all visitors will leave town via either US-74 or the Old Charlotte Highway (which, obviously, goes to Charlotte and becomes Monroe Rd. in Mecklenburg County). Driving west on US-74 will also bring you to Charlotte; heading east will eventually take you toward Wilmington and the coast. The next nearest town to the east is Wadesboro.