Uptown Charlotte: A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of Queen City

Uptown Charlotte is the vibrant heart of the Queen City, brimming with stories that echo through its historic streets. Explore this captivating urban landscape on a self-guided audio tour that brings the past to life. Narrated by actor Phil Biedron, the immersive experience takes you on a journey through key landmarks like Old Settlers Cemetery and Romare Bearden Park, unearthing the city’s rich heritage. With the VoiceMap app, you’ll navigate with ease, enjoying lifetime access to the engaging content and offline maps. But the tour’s true power lies in the insights it offers, allowing you to uncover the very soul of Uptown Charlotte.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best City Tours In Charlotte.

Good To Know

1. The self-guided audio tour highlights Uptown Charlotte’s rich history, featuring narration by actor Phil Biedron and key landmarks like Old Settlers Cemetery and The Green.

2. The tour is accessible through the VoiceMap app, offering an engaging, offline experience with interactive maps and GPS tracking for easy navigation.

3. Notable locations on the tour include the main library showcasing architectural beauty, Beaux-Arts style buildings with unique historical stories, and Romare Bearden Park representing Charlotte’s vibrant present.

4. The tour offers a flexible, approximately two-hour experience with lifetime access to the audio content and maps, allowing users to explore at their own pace.

5. While the tour has received mixed reviews due to some app functionality issues, it provides informative historical insights and the ability to discover key locations in Uptown Charlotte.

Discovering Uptown Charlotte’s Vibrant History

Exploring the rich tapestry of Uptown Charlotte’s past, the self-guided audio tour transports visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s formative years.

Led by the engaging narration of actor and tour guide Phil Biedron, the tour offers a unique perspective on the landmarks that have shaped Uptown’s vibrant identity.

From the historic Old Settlers Cemetery to the picturesque Green, each stop along the way illuminates the city’s storied past.

Listeners will uncover the origins of the main library, gain insights into the role of the Bearden Park, and enjoy the dynamic evolution of this Queen City gem.

The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to explore at their own pace, creating a personalized experience that brings Uptown Charlotte’s history to life.

Navigating the Self-Guided Audio Tour

Navigating the self-guided audio tour is a seamless, user-friendly experience. The VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS, puts the tour at your fingertips.

Upon arrival at the starting point, simply launch the app, select the tour, and let the adventure begin.

1. The tour is accompanied by an engaging audio narration, guiding you through Uptown Charlotte’s highlights at your own pace.
2. Interactive maps and GPS tracking ensure you never lose your way, seamlessly leading you from one landmark to the next.
3. Offline accessibility means you can explore without worrying about data or signal, creating a truly immersive experience.

With these features, the Uptown Charlotte audio tour empowers you to discover the city’s rich history with ease and flexibility.

Key Locations Along the Tour

Strolling through Uptown Charlotte, the audio tour takes visitors on a captivating journey, unveiling the city’s rich history and landmarks.

The tour begins at the Old Settlers Cemetery, where you’ll learn about the area’s earliest inhabitants.

Next, you’ll explore The Green, a vibrant public space at the heart of the city.

The main library, a stunning architectural marvel, showcases the community’s commitment to education.

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems like the ornate Beaux-Arts style buildings that line the streets, each with its own unique story.

The tour culminates at the Romare Bearden Park, a hub of activity and a testament to Charlotte’s dynamic present.

The Tour Experience and Features

The Uptown Charlotte audio tour offers an engaging and immersive experience for visitors. Hosted by actor and tour guide Phil Biedron, the self-guided tour takes you on a journey through the city’s vibrant history, lasting approximately two hours.

Some key features of the tour include:

1. Lifetime access to the audio content, maps, and geodata, accessible through the VoiceMap app on your smartphone.

2. The flexibility to explore at your own pace, discovering landmarks like the Old Settlers Cemetery, The Green, and the main library.

3. The ability to enjoy the tour offline, making it convenient for visitors to navigate the city without relying on an internet connection.

Meeting and End Points

To begin the tour, you will meet at Coco and the Director, located at 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202. From there, the self-guided audio tour will lead explorers through the vibrant Uptown Charlotte area, culminating at Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202. The tour operates daily, 24/7, from July 30, 2020 to October 13, 2025, providing flexible scheduling for visitors.

Meeting Point	End Point
Coco and the Director, 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202	Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Duration	Tour Availability
Approximately 2 hours	24/7, July 30, 2020 – October 13, 2025
Tour Host	Tour Accessibility
Actor and guide Phil Biedron	Stroller accessible, not wheelchair accessible

Inclusions and Requirements

Equipped with a smart device and headphones, tour you will embark on the self-guided Uptown Charlotte audio journey.

While no transportation is provided, the tour is accessible for strollers, though not for wheelchairs. Plus, service animals are welcome, and infants can be carried along.

The tour experience includes:

1. Lifetime access to the audio tour in English, along with offline maps and location data.
2. Exploring key landmarks like the Old Settlers Cemetery, The Green, and the main library.
3. Hearing insights from the tour’s host, actor and guide Phil Biedron.

However, entrance fees to any attractions along the way aren’t covered.

Participants are encouraged to refer to the VoiceMap app for a seamless self-guided experience.

User Feedback and Experiences

Although the Uptown Charlotte audio tour has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 28 reviews, users have had a mixed experience.

Many appreciated the informative content and flexibility to explore at their own pace. However, some users faced frustrations with the tour’s app functionality and initial setup. Common issues included difficulties with app navigation and login.

Despite these technical challenges, the tour’s historical insights were widely praised, and users enjoyed the ability to discover key locations like the Old Settlers Cemetery and The Green.

Customer Support and Policies

The tour’s customer support and policies outline a few key considerations for users.

First, there are no refunds available for cancellations, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Secondly, users have reported some difficulties with the app’s navigation and login process, so it’s recommended to reach out to the support team if any problems arise.

Finally, the tour operators encourage users to contact them for assistance if needed, as they aim to provide a positive experience despite the occasional technological hiccup.

Things To Known

Can I Take the Tour at Any Time of Day?

Yes, the tour is available 24/7 and can be taken at any time of day. The tour operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, giving visitors the flexibility to explore Uptown Charlotte on their own schedule.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Tour?

No, you don’t need to make a reservation for the tour. The tour operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, so you can start the self-guided audio tour anytime that fits your schedule.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as infants can sit on laps during the tour. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so parents with strollers may need to consider that. The tour can be enjoyed by families with young children.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour doesn’t include any food or beverage options, and you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to grab a snack or drink during the self-guided exploration.

What if I Have Trouble With the Voicemap App During the Tour?

If you have trouble with the VoiceMap app during the tour, you should reach out to the tour provider’s customer support. They encourage users to contact them if any issues arise so they can assist you and ensure you have a seamless experience.

Sum Up

Uptown Charlotte’s self-guided audio tour offers an immersive experience that brings the city’s rich history to life. Narrated by Phil Biedron, the tour guides visitors through key landmarks, providing engaging insights into the Queen City’s past and present. With the VoiceMap app, explorers can navigate at their own pace, enjoying lifetime access to the content and offline maps for a convenient and informative journey through Charlotte’s vibrant heritage.