Exploring Our New American Neighborhood in Charlotte! | NORTH CAROLINA Series!

The night we arrived in Charlotte we decided to explore our neighbourhood and go for an excellent dinner at Barcelona Wine Bar!
#Charlotte #NorthCarolina #Brits
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[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

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[@faiththomas1749]

Joel and Lia you have to try mustard based bbq while you’re in North Carolina it’s mouthwatering have collard greens and hot water cornbread

[@pennylane36]

Porta potty or honey bucket

[@victorwaddell6530]

@@faiththomas1749 Mustard based BBQ sauce is from South Carolina , but Charlotte is just over the border anyway . I'm a South Carolina boy , but I lived in southern Charlotte for a couple of years . Halfway through my Junior year at South Mecklenburg High School we moved back to Spartanburg County S.C. I graduated Boiling Springs H.S. in 1984 .

[@victorwaddell6530]

When you're in a Carolina town and see a water tower over an old red brick building know that the site was a former cotton mill . The textile industry in the Carolinas was destroyed in the 1990s . Many mills were shut down and people lost their livelyhoods . In recent years many old mills have been converted to other uses such as restaurants , pubs , and apartment buildings . It's better to give a new life to such structures than tear them down and replace them with ugly modern crap . Many older people in my family worked as ' Lint Heads ' in the Carolina textile industry . The old buildings they worked in are now largely Apartments for trendy young people . And that makes me Happy .

[@genniepettit9675]

Port-a-potty

[@INTPMann1957]

The common name for a temporary toilet is a Port-a-Potty, which I believe is a brand name for a particular manufacturer that everyone has adopted in common parlance, like "Kleenex" for facial tissue, "Xerox" for photocopiers, and "Coke" for cola sodas.

[@SpideyScott72]

In a few southern states they'll use Coke as a generic label but for the most part not really

[@neilis2405]

My dad and most of his construction coworkers typically call them "porta-lets", though the general populace (including myself) does tend to call them "porta-potties".

[@lisaburnette6850]

Or port-a-John .... only with Just Joel and Literally Lia would there be this conversation lol

[@marshsundeen]

They can also be callet Port-o-let.

[@marshsundeen]

@@SpideyScott72 Charlotte is a Pepsi town. There used to be a Pepsi plant near where they are staying. It is now a fancy apartment building.

[@LadyTressa]

Always walk against the traffic.....and they are called port-a-potty :D

[@chapelgrovefilms]

Or Port-a-Johns. Either works.

[@pacmanc8103]

@@chapelgrovefilms or Sani-can.

[@robertcuminale1212]

Johnny On The Spot

[@davidcosta2244]

Also called Port a John too, just saying.

[@Blend-24]

We always just called them “sh!tters”

[@svetlanatiramisu1620]

The comment about the dogs and bumping into one another and fall in love sent me flying laughing...such fun!

[@jeanettes2170]

Lol they almost got their meet cute on camera.

[@catgirl6803]

Thank you for exploring a local spot. That is what America is about. The small, private businesses do way better than any of the chains.

[@jt28206]

Barcelona is a nationwide chain lol

[@catgirl6803]

@@jt28206 no they’re not. They’re only in 10 states. I’ve never heard of it. They’re not in my state. Still better than the low end chains they usually go to like fast food and Denny’s.

[@jt28206]

@@catgirl6803 yeah that’d be a nationwide chain lol. It’s great they went there. It’s just not local.

[@catgirl6803]

@@jt28206 last time I checked there were 50 states. I would consider it a regional chain, not a National chain.

[@jt28206]

@@catgirl6803 technically in the industry it’s considered a national chain if it’s in 10 or more states and they have locations planned in an additional 2. But still not the point lol. This is just not a local nor small business.

[@berlin1926]

Charlotte is amazing. North Carolina is filled with cool cities: Asheville, Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Wilmington. And incredible world-renowned natural locations like Great Smoky, Blue Ridge, and Black Mountains, Outer Banks, and Grand Strand. Definitely America's biggest secret.

[@chriscrossinthrulife6415]

You guys were staying in the SouthEnd area of Charlotte, which isn't really a suburb, but a typical neighborhood in many midsize cities in the US. I lived in that area when I was in Charlotte. Its a great area. The Rail Trail is great for running and biking and runs along the Lynx Light Rail.

[@laurenashby83]

I was going to say the same thing. 🙂

[@simonsmith1848]

That's a nice area. You were right about where Nebels' Night Market is. Walk a bit further past Flower Child and check out Charlotte Beer Garden on Tryon!!

[@kevindodson1046]

That neighborhood looked like Wilmore. It looked like they then walked to South End.

[@ckroustalis8244]

Από που είναι η καταγωγή σας δεσποινίς η των γονειων σου; Για μια ελληνιδα κάνεις χαζαμάρες!

[@auchlowtrus9300]

The sweet smell is from a pastry factory on the southeast corner of S Tryon and West Blvd. It's a South End smell :)

[@QuincyDisneyVegan]

Actually you're close! They walked by Pepperbox Donuts (at the intersection of West Worthington & Camden) which is hidden in the complex situated near Jeni's Ice Cream and Hawkers. I'm a former Postmates and Uber eats driver and I'm been thru there many times

[@auchlowtrus9300]

@@QuincyDisneyVegan Nice man, I've done Postmates and UE for many years too :) the Carolina Foods factory is across the street over their left shoulder behind the building on W Worthington, you could chuck a rock at it. It's also a factory vs a shop. I lived in Wilmore for 10 years and the smell carries all the way down to where they are staying on Merriman, which is probably a quarter mile away. Not to say Pepperbox doesn't make sweet smells too. Hey maybe it's both. They're a lot closer to Carolina Foods there.

[@marshsundeen]

There is a Krispy Kreme doughnut place and a Dunkin Doughnuts near by.

[@auchlowtrus9300]

@@marshsundeen they're within a few hundred feet of the Carolina Foods Honey Bun factory in that part of the video (it's over their left shoulder - it backs up to the rear of the building you see). Krispy Kreme is blocks away and Dunkin has the donuts shipped in. The sweet smell is Carolina Foods, I stand by my assertion! lol

[@Joncotter324]

The suburbs are the towns surrounding the city. This is a neighborhood in the city seeing that downtown Charlotte was only a mile or two away. The burbs are 10-20 to 30 miles away from a downtown.

[@pacmanc8103]

You are correct that it is unlikely that they are staying in a suburb of Charlotte, given the proximity of downtown. However, I think suburbs are defined as built up areas outside the legal city limits of a particular city.

[@gacaptain]

They're used to England. Where in most towns other than London the city itself will only cover a very few square miles so the suburbs start very close to the city center.

[@marshsundeen]

@@pacmanc8103 I live in Charlotte. We have an Uptown (rather than a downtown), 1 mile north of where they were staying. It is the South End/Wilmore/Dilworth neighborhoods.

[@EricaGamet]

Technically, you should walk on the left if there are no sidewalks... basically you walk against traffic so you're less likely to be hit (because you can see the oncoming traffic). If you're traffic (such as on a bike), ride on the right.

[@rickycoker5830]

mmm...ive been told to walk with the traffic on the right...must investigate this

[@fdblade1529]

@@rickycoker5830 Always against the traffic when walking unless on a sidewalk.

[@chapelgrovefilms]

@@rickycoker5830 - Erica is right. Walk against traffic, bike with traffic.

[@jillkoop5682]

$90 for dinner in, basically, a bar....yikes! I think that's expensive. I guess I don't get out much anymore!🥴

[@emanymton713]

It depends on how much food you order especially in a Tapas bar…

[@dianegilchrist677]

Hello everyone. happy Easter.🐣

[@chnalvr]

Charlotte has some very cool districts! So does Austin, Denver and Seattle, just to name a few.

[@kevinexline5392]

Welcome to the neighborhood. I’ve lived here in Charlotte my whole life and love it.

[@neitan6891]

I’m so glad you were able to experience a neighborhood like this! This is definitely much more representative of most Americans lives than many of the other places you’ve been. It just seems like such a lovely, typical residential area :)

[@Montweezy]

I live in Charlotte... Love it here!

[@milwaukeeroadjim9253]

I like Ice Mountain bottled water. Comes from springs in Michigan. Most bottled water is tap water that has been filtered to death.

[@Montweezy]

In Charlotte its called the light rail system for transportation...

[@jamesyourse6611]

I went to college in Charlotte. In the 70’s.GENTRIFICATION is what happened to the old neighborhoods

[@mokeecomputer5751]

Born in NJ, lived in North Carolina for four years while at University. It's one of the fastest growing states by population and I loved living there. Thinking of retiring near where you were. If you're a bit outside the cities, it's great.

[@KNK2116]

I used to live in Charlotte about a year ago. I love it there, so I’m surprised people said that it’s only a place you fly in & out of lol

[@berlin1926]

Please tell us you are going to visit Uptown (4th Ward), Elizabeth, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood, Camp North End, Optimist Hall, and NODA at least!!!

[@toddventure]

You are literally a couple miles from where we live.🙂 Welcome to Charlotte!! Be happy to show you around. 😊 Take care

[@paulthomas4991]

Too late, they left Charlotte 12 days ago.

[@toddventure]

@@paulthomas4991 🙁

[@MrSnackosaurus]

It's PORTA-POTTY !

[@louisstennes3]

You guys find happiness and joy and laughter in everything thing you do, even if it's the most trivial of things. I admire you for that and I have learned to not sweat the small stuff and truly enjoy life and everything and everybody around you even when things go south (like that Greyhound bus ride in Texas which I laughed my butt off.) The world can learn a lot from you guys! THANKS!!

[@SlowSS01]

You started the video within 10 minutes walking distance of my aunts home. I’ve been watching your channel for over a year so it’s cool to see you in my home state.

[@yreshetn]

Love your videos but I thought it was too much filming in the convenience store and too little in 'Barcelona'. Convenience stores are all the same everywhere.

[@user-xm5le5ok2r]

Charlotte is a nice city!

[@SMichelle626]

We can’t wait to go to the UK (mainly England) and I’m terrified to drive in your country so I don’t feel so bad about you being scared of driving in the US!!!

[@Shadowfax-1980]

You don’t really need a car when you’re there. The train network is pretty extensive and taxis are pretty common even in less dense areas.

[@geraldbyrne2146]

It's not as bad as you would think. On my first trip, I rented a car at Manchester Airport and drove all around England for 8 days (over 700 miles total). I started out on the M6 southbound towards Birmingham and within 15 minutes or so was totally used to driving on the left side. Get an automatic transmission if you can, it's a big help. The freedom to see many of the small towns and countryside in England at your convenience makes driving there worthwhile. Cheers!

[@AggroQM2]

When I was in the navy in the 1980’s, my ship visited Bunburry, Australia. I was a navigator, and I had to experience driving on the other side of the road. It was so fun to be able to drive on the side of the road. It’s not that difficult if you have a sense of direction.

[@melanielattanzi9388]

I love how Lia always assures Joel that he can do it, drive in Charlotte in the US or navigate.🌟

[@Exnewmex21]

Hello loves welcome to NC. You're not far from me. I'm in Mount Holly. Hope you enjoy your holiday.😊

[@marydavis5234]

I have family in NC, I live in Mount Holly Vermont.

[@orielwiggins2225]

Love the Barcelona wine bar chain. So fun and great food and drinks. So glad you had such a good time and great weather.

[@incogneter]

The people who were judging you for going to Charlotte have no idea. I visited Charlotte twice last year and fell in love with the city. It's clean, affordable, friendly, and has so much greenery!

[@shalonsmith3653]

That’s because there’s nothing exciting about it. Its tourist numbers speak to that.

[@Wiley_Coyote]

It's a great city, although other than a few other enclaves (Asheville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill), the other NC communities generally don't really live up to it.

[@shalonsmith3653]

@@Wiley_Coyote I agree it’s a great city for younger professionals and families. I’m not saying it’s a terrible city but it’s just a typical nice American city.

[@ofclshn]

@@shalonsmith3653 25 million people visit Charlotte every year.

[@shalonsmith3653]

@@ofclshn Yeah mostly people visiting within the state or from other states. Not because they want to take a vacation there. No one is coming to Charlotte to stay for a week or two like they do Miami NY LA etc because there isn’t enough things to do to keep people busy. Charlotte is good for a weekend getaway that’s about it.

[@natterbat]

Come to Greenville, SC. Only about an hour and half away and one of the best small towns in America.

[@organoffire]

You guys were literally down the street from my building. So crazy! Looking forward to the Charlotte and Asheville vids! Thanks for visiting my city..

[@michaeltims1827]

Myers Park is probably the nicest area in Charlotte, and one of best in the US . Even if it proves to be impractical for your purposes it does show that well designed neighborhoods do exist in the US.

[@robertcuminale1212]

Myers Park was the first suburb outside of Charlotte. The Duke Company opened a trolley car service into and out of the city for commuters. Duke also owned the power company and was the biggest producer of tobacco and cigarettes. Myers was Dukes son in law. It had covenants restricting who you could sell to, No Blacks.

[@Jack_Stafford]

Oi, I know it may seem boring, but just like in your own hometowns, you know there are great diners, shops, unique local attractions that are not what everyone else covers. LOVE it! PLEASE more "normal" American and Candian cities. You'll be rewarded with hidden gems! St Louis, Kansas City, Little Rock, Albuquerque , Quebec City, Branson!

[@pacmanc8103]

Come on - still making idiotic statements that any one place is more ‘normal’ than anywhere else? Give it up - New York, Boston, Chicago, LA, SF, Seattle and Miami will always attract more international (and domestic) visitors because they have much more to offer. Little Rock?! 😂

[@cabdolla]

@@pacmanc8103 just outside of Little Rock is some of the best art collection from the Sam Walton family. You just proved his point 🤡

[@pacmanc8103]

@@cabdolla Hah - that will take about 30 minutes to see, and then what?😛 Thats like saying you gotta travel to San Simeon, California, because the Hearst Castle is there.

[@cabdolla]

@@pacmanc8103 I don’t travel with children so I can’t relate to needing something to do every two seconds to keep you entertained. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@weavvek]

I am a retired Charlotte police officer. I used to work that neighborhood. Definitely a neighborhood that is in transition.

[@MaduroMan]

You visited my city and didn’t stop by to say HEY. 😳😞 Glad you had fun.

[@clararourk]

Love love love that y’all visited Charlotte! I went to Uni there and really enjoyed the city! Also I can’t believe that I didn’t get the time to try to meet y’all. 😔

[@yanisrihandayani]

Enjoying watch your video, both of you very compact, nice sharing

[@Jack_Stafford]

Suburban American addresses are SO easy, when you hear it. First two numbers, your street. Next two numbers, your house. Even numbers on the north. Odd numbers on the south. So, if an address is "1701", you know it is the first house on 17th street, on the south side. 1890, on 18th, near the end of the block, on the north. Usually 4-6 numbers between house numbers to avoid confusion, and allow for new buildings. So, 1802, 1808, 1814, are all next door neighbours, on the same North side of the street , with even numbers, spaced out to allow elbow room for growth. Across the street, 1805, 1811, 1817 South side, with odd numbers. No way to confuse what side of street, and numbers different enough to make mail delivery easy. Very logical. It makes it very easy when looking for an address, right off the bat, if you know it's an odd number, you can eliminate one entire side of the street. If the first part of their address is 17, you know to go down 17th street. So once you have the street, block, and side of street, it's only a matter of looking for the house number, the last digits in the address. Rather like a phone number with area code, exchange, and number. Narrows it down very easily. I couldn't do UK addresses... #10 Downing ... is that near 10th Street and Downing? LOL! America had the benefit of creating the system from scratch, and once you know it, you will wonder why everyone doesn't do it! See you at Studio 54! (Conveniently located near 54th Street! See how easy?)

[@pacmanc8103]

Why do you state things as fact, when they aren’t? In my city, even number addresses are on the south sides and east sides of streets. Odd numbers are assigned to addresses on the north and west sides. 1701 17th Street means that the address is in the 17th block from a starting point (usually a major point in the locality). It happens to be the first address on the north side of the street - thus, the numbers 1701. The street just happens to be named 17th Street. An example 1701 Oak Street would be easier to explain because there’s no confusion cause by a numbered street name in addition to a numbered address. In one respect, you are accurate - addresses in cities and their suburbs are typically logical. However, they don’t all assign addresses like you wrote - in fact, I’d venture the vast majority do not.

[@Jammin1288]

I live in the US and my city numbering system is just like the UK. Even on one side, odd on the other, normally numbers don’t go higher than 3 digits.

[@KathySRW]

Its so nice that you chose someplace that's not normally a tourist destination & gave yourself the experience of a resident.

[@1776SOL]

Joel & Lia, Your Airbnb was well within the Charlotte city limits as was Barcelona. That's the recently yuppie gentrified "South End" neighborhood of Charlotte, appx 1.5 miles from the historic center of the city, Trade & Tryon Streets, not the suburbs. Although I understand how you can easily make that mistake, I've joked for years that Charlotte isn't so much a "City" as it is 300 square miles of suburbs with a dozen tall buildings in the center. My wife & I are from Philly & SouthNJ but lived just outside Charlotte from 2007-2020, it was so hard visually to consider Charlotte a city coming from Philly. Charlotte is a beautiful city with a significant amount of history despite looking like a "new" city.

[@ofclshn]

A dozen tall buildings in the center? Charlotte’s skyline is 2x the size of Philadelphia’s.

[@mastiffmom2592]

Walking is seen as a good thing. If anything people envy you. I’m in Tennessee which borders N. Carolina. We spend time in Asheville. Pretty part of the Country.

[@berlin1926]

Asheville is one the best small cities in North America - it's funky, cultural, great food, a zillion breweries, French Broad River, Biltmore Estate + Smoky and Black Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Incredible.

[@jt28206]

Just for FYI, South End is not a suburb. It's an extension of downtown and considered a submarket. In fact, it's one of the fastest growing submarkets in the nation. It is definitely a safe area and definitely the most trendy in Charlotte

[@brookehaywood847]

Much love from a 20 yr Charlotte native!! 🤗🤗

[@lydiaedwards8100]

Wild garlic grows in North Carolina and other parts of the east coast of the country.

[@RichardinNC1]

Glad you enjoyed Charlotte. The South End neighborhood is a great area revitalizing old mills and factories into apartments, trendy businesses and bars. Also the surrounding neighborhoods are replacing all the old small homes with new larger ones.

[@robertcuminale1212]

It's called gentrification and is destroying all the homes of Blacks who have lived there for generations.

[@trippyerinsd]

What a cute walk around that neighborhood. The restaurant looks amazing. So do the downtown colors. Love it! 🥂

[@trippyerinsd]

Ps. Love a sangria walk 🥰

[@heathertye7492]

I’m so glad you like Charlotte! That’s where I live.

[@EFCONNECT]

The reason for the doughnut smell @4:11 is because you were right near the Carolina Foods Inc factory where they make doughnuts, Honey Buns, and pies for various brands.

[@thisyaboy1182]

HEY CHECK OUT HILTON HEAD ISLAND IN SOUTH CAROLINA

[@ICSmith]

You came at the wrong time. Wait til June, when it's warmer. 10 at night, on a Saturday, you'll find us out of hibernation lol

[@hdsxoxo]

“Port-a-potty” 😂 I live in Raleigh and we have a Barcelona there too! It’s so good!

[@jlbroom79]

FYI Charlotte is the Queen City named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg

[@rudyguerrero8001]

Best Joel & Lia since the Wendy's fiasco in Austin-10 out of 10!

[@lisahumphries3898]

Next time you guys are in Virginia, checkout the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, VA. Jamestown was the first city established by Europeans and people role play and dress historically like that era.

[@mastiffmom2592]

Williamsburg is a great experience!

[@berlin1926]

Williamsburg wasn't the first city established in the US by Europeans. Not by a long shot. It was the first British city established, however.

[@dtwolfe63]

My favorite water is called Ice Mountain which is 100% Natural Spring Water from Michigan.

[@toob1979]

People who say, "There's nothing in Charlotte," have probably lived there for years, if not all their lives. We tend to become blind to what's in our own backyards over time.

[@berlin1926]

Or, they've never visited. No one I know who lives in Charlotte ever says there's "nothing in Charlotte" - we only visit once a year if we are lucky but the energy of this rapidly changing city is nothing short of amazing.

[@lahippiecatolica]

Girl! You can tell you're feeling it after dinner, lol. That sangria gotcha 😅 Glad y'all liked Charlotte. Y'all shoulda gone up the mountain to Boone! It's lovely there.

[@jerrysapinski7745]

I live in America and been all over US and what I like about your channel is you take me into the neighbor hoods so thanks I watched your video on mean comments and I had to stop and go to the bathroom because l laughed so hard I didn't want to have an accident so I am going to get a bottle of wine and watch it again Also Minnesota put out a statement saying they may have to file bankruptcy because your not invited back and l am not sure but the stock in wine and alcohol is going down. Thanks for your videos like l said l am retired and this keeps me going. So good Health and Happiness to you and your Family and Friends.

[@elaineturcotte1043]

Charlotte is beautiful at night.

[@bethanyjoy75]

DEFINITELY go to Alexander Michaels if you can!! Best place in Charlotte.

[@MakeBLeaf]

My excitement though seeing you guys visit where I live! Hope you had fun!!

[@robertakline9785]

🤣🤣😂I'm dying-what side of the road do we walk on? Sweetie, walk on the side that you don't get run over! Love you guys!

[@Jack_Stafford]

SOOO glad you guys got to experience a more real , typical American experience. This is how most Americans live, in suburbs, not in urban city centres. Vegas, LA and Orlando are great, but not representative of real America at all. And no, in suburbs, if people are seen walking, they aren't looked down on, it's just assumed they are walking for exercise. :) Being on foot isn't taboo at all. People walk dogs, walk to their neighbour's house, etc. I know it seems weird without sidewalks, but as you saw, so little traffic, it's okay for people to walk, ride bikes, even children playing games in the middle of the streets. I know suburbs don't seem as convenient or buzzy as inner cities, but also hope you've discovered the different charm, vibe, and to be honest, most inner cities in America are NOT nice or safe. It's not like the UK or Europe, where life is centred around downtowns. And you both DID seem so relaxed! And hope that the slightly slower paces in the suburbs (and the South) agreed with you! I find this more interesting than yet another big, rusty East Coast city, once you've been in a couple, they really are very similar. Exception, Washington DC! I know that will happen someday, the British gave America SO MUCH, like the Smithsonian Museums, so fun. Still very glad that you visited a real city without stereotypical tourist stuff. Every midsize city has things that should be explored, I think you found that in Nashville also, so much more rewarding than known things like "Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty", etc. Those are great, but LOVE you guys seeking out less known things!

[@catgirl6803]

Speak for yourself. I'm in downtown Baltimore and absolutely love it. Been here for 10 years and never leaving. I never have issues with safety. And actually when I did lived in the suburbs my car was vandalized and my house was burglarized, but never had anything like that happen here. We all watch out for each other and get to know each other unlike suburbs where people don't even know there neighbors or want to see their neighbors' houses. And yes, Baltimore has high crime but it's all drug/gang related. So unless you're here for drugs, guns, or hookers, you're fine. Bought a wonderful house here and I have a great community of neighbors. Can walk to go anywhere. We have real food here and not chains. The suburbs are where people go to die of boredom.

[@catgirl6803]

@@lucyladora23 🌻 that’s where I go to take a break and relax. Anything but the suburbs! 🤣

[@pacmanc8103]

Interesting opinion. Some of us have a different life experience and enjoy urban living. A close-in urban neighborhood with tree-lined streets with grocery stores, bakeries, fruit markets, banks, and other services within a 5-10 minute walk. Streetcars. I have found that most people who visit from abroad do want to experience urban/city life, in large part because it is where life is centered. I’m not sure how you assign what is ‘real’ or ‘typical’ - I’d just say I think it’s all real. Downtown areas of great cities like New York and Chicago to small towns in rural America - it’s all real. There is simply no need for statements like “most inner cities in America are not nice or safe” - it’s BS, number 1, and provocative number 2. Predictable though.

[@1776SOL]

Very true statement... Although where they were staying & walking was well within the Charlotte city limits (1.5mi from historic center of the city), Charlotte isn't a typical big city it's 300sq miles of suburbs with a dozen tall buildings in the center. Which is why I was able to tolerate it even love it as a community where my wife & I lived from 2007-2020. We're originally from the Philly area, while I was born in Philly I grewup in rural southern NJ. I love the history, culture, food, & ppl of Philly, I LOATHE city life. When I'm in big cities this mild-mannered country boy can hold his own with street smarts but I hate everything about city life. I hate the traffic, parking meters, highway robbery parking lots/garages, crowds, using public transportation, taking cabs, taking Uber/Lyft (I'm very independent, self-sufficient person, I want to go where I want when I want). Charlotte being essentially a giant suburb as I said really didn't have too many areas that annoyed the hell out of me like Philly, NYC, DC, Chicago, Atlanta. Charlotte, like Charleston, Savannah, Greenville, Knoxville, Richmond are all charming smaller cities where city neighbors are more like small towns than just another section of stacked & packed city.

[@mrlookin4mr]

I've always found suburban living the best. You're nearby the city, so you can go there whenever you want for the fun, culture etc. but you don't have as much of a problem with gangs and such.

[@melissabill1640]

Do you ever try tap water in your air bnb? In cities and suburbs the water is public and well treated to meet drinking water standards. It is probably more pure than many bottled waters. I wish people knew this because it costs hundreds of millions to build the water treatment plants.

[@lisahumphries3898]

However, when drinking water in a foreign country, a foreigner can still sometimes get “digestive issues” because their digestive system is not used to the harmless, local bacterias etc. as are the local people. The only country I’ve drank from the tap (other than USA) is Spain. No issue at all, thank goodness.

[@pacmanc8103]

The city water leading to the house does meet water purity standards (except in Flint and a few other places), but within individual buildings, the pipes can be a health issue. Plus, even though water can meet drinking standards, it doesn’t always taste good. Haven’t you ever been to a city where the water tastes like sulfur or alkaline? Safe to drink,but would I? No.

[@Tabfort]

Now that I’ve seen the neighborhood I can understand why y’all were discussing the roach problems in the livestreams from the trip. The Airbnb was probably an old remodel in an old neighborhood, and if this is correct who knows what kind of condition it got to before the remodel. It’s very hard to get rid of roaches once they’re established.

[@pacmanc8103]

Awkward!😂

[@lusciousmayweather8385]

I guarantee you that Airbnb probably was an Old Trap House. I'm from Los Angeles But Grew up in Charlotte During my teen years. I know exactly where they're at & that Neighborhood has Come a long Way. In The Mid 1990's & 2000"s They definitely wouldn't be walking that Neighborhood like That without hearing Sirens & Gunshots. That neighborhood is going through a major change as you can tell by The Corner Store "Stop & Go" That's Been there for Decade across the Street from All those New Fancy Buildings.

[@Tabfort]

@@pacmanc8103 if you’ve not seen their past livestreams form this trip, they ran into some roach issues…😂

[@pacmanc8103]

@@Tabfort I don’t think my area of the country has roaches. I’ve never seen one in my city.🤞

[@marshsundeen]

Wilmore neighborhood has had a lot of remodeling and has become an expensive neighborhood.

[@BrandiDawnn3]

Omg! I wish I would have known y’all were here!!!! I love y’all!!!!

[@mjg3272]

If I may pick a nit for a moment, that residential neighborhood was likely "suburban" back in the 20's & 30's, but in recent decades is part of central Charlotte. The true suburbs today are probably a few miles farther out.

[@pacmanc8103]

And to nit-pick even more, a suburb is built area (often a smaller municipality) outside the legal limits of a city. It isn’t a measurement of distance.😉

[@mjg3272]

@ Philip C, correct. Although, with the sometimes aggressive annexation policies of some American cities (especially in sunbelt states), you have examples of green & leafy neighborhoods of roomy detached homes on relatively big lots - miles from the central city and essentially enclaves within forests & farms, that nevertheless have legally been brought within a city's official limits. People, quite understandably, continue to consider those communities surburban.

[@saratemp790]

To those two London dwellers, that is a suburb.

[@pacmanc8103]

@@mjg3272 Obviously unincorporated areas. Unincorporated areas with green and leafy neighborhoods are rather unusual, even in the sunbelt - I’ve, frankly can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen sidewalks In unincorporated areas. Those are typically part of city development requirements, not county.

[@pacmanc8103]

@@saratemp790 To be clear, they aren’t London dwellers, but rather from London’s suburbs.😉

[@KennyWhite115]

the kettle popcorners are really good actually.

[@seandesmond5560]

Enjoyed the vlog Joel and Lia!!! Charlotte looks nice!!!

[@hydrosodas]

Welcome to Charlotte!

[@kregmaffews]

Welcome to our state! Cheers from rught up the road in Winston 😁

[@youtmeme]

essentia water is the best!! distilled gets rid of physical contaminants, but ionized also gets rid of the chemical contaminants. bc the water is by reverse osmosis, which is a labor intensive procedure! but the water is clean and the best!!👍👍🤙🤞🤞✌

[@RandomJane104]

It's a nice, clean city. I've been in Charlotte since 1999.

[@millardsmith4033]

Port a potty! Love! I like you both, accents I love. We’ll meet someday and celebrate!! I’ll have to find Barcelona…

[@992001jeffr]

Porta-Potty Comfort Castle Johnny on the spot

[@Trapper50cal]

You guys should attend a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game...it's the playoffs and they're really good. Playoff NHL hockey is bananas.

[@SouthernArtist77]

I’m with you Lia, I’m sick of sterile minimalistic houses, I say bring me some William Morris wallpapers and I’ll be happy for a long time.

[@pammatthews9743]

Granddaughter was hoping to paint my house white, I like my colors

[@gsprings43]

ha,,,,,i used to go in that store everyday when i worked for a construction company in a new building right up the street in 2018

[@lizdestefano4905]

I used to live an hour away from Charlotte but my family's is still back In that area, welcome to the Queen City! I now live in Omaha NE! Love you guys! I've been watching you guys for years almost 5! Wished I still lived in Charlotte, I would of love to say HI!! How did you guys like goings through the airport! It's not as bad as Orlando or Huston which are bad and always packed but Charlotte's airport has a bad drop off and pick up lane area, horrible! When I went back to visiting my family in October it was Horrible, almost saw some almost accidents and people didnt care if you almost ran over either get out of way or else attitude I hope they fix it when I come back down in May

[@mrs_elsewhere2111]

Another fun one; keep them coming! I hope you enjoyed North Carolina (my home) as much as I enjoyed living in England! Driving on the left was terrifying at first, and I loved the efficiency of the roundabouts, but the three and four lane roundabouts were also terrifying! Safe travels!

[@SouthernArtist77]

That looks a bit like my neighborhood, I love it.

[@lisaburnette6850]

Lol suburbs... no where near the suburbs,.. the food is Charlotte is really good.. a mix of old and new...

[@waynefoolxify]

Love y'all's channel and I loved this vid from my home state of NC! Hope y'all had a great time in the Charlotte area, and if you ever make it back to the Tar Heel State check out the Raleigh area and the coast, lots of fun to be had there!

[@gabbyhunter1631]

Love this video..... it's where I went to college. Go visit Latta Plantation Park (you have to drive lol). Enjoy your time in the QC (Queen City)

[@mikewilley732]

Always walk towards oncoming traffic so you can see them never walk when your back is to on coming traffic...

[@danhall9197]

Joel you’re an honorary American now. Men here don’t ask for directions, nor do we care how we walk down the street. As long as you get there! Welcome home, Joel and Lia!

[@chapelgrovefilms]

I lived most of my life in Charlotte. Walkers aren't considered in a bad way. They're considered to be health conscious. Bicyclists, on the other hand, are considered to be driving hazards.

[@1776SOL]

Charlotte cyclists always screaming share the road whilst blatantly ignoring road rules. 🛑🚦 mean nothing to a Charlotte cyclist, let alone hand signals. Apparently I'm supposed to know they were turning & which way telepathically.

[@chapelgrovefilms]

@@1776SOL - To be fair, that's cyclists pretty much everywhere. Motorists too, as far as not signaling.

[@dbclass2969]

@@1776SOL the main difference is that a bike will never kill a driver but a car can easily kill bikers and pedestrians

[@latnscorpio1]

Love this vlog… and we call them “Port-a-Potty’s” lol

[@Montweezy]

Or Port a-Johns lol

[@latnscorpio1]

@@Montweezy Port-a-johns?? Im a san diego native…ive never heard the word “port-a-john” used 💀😂

[@Montweezy]

@@latnscorpio1 guess it must be a southern thing... I've heard a lot of people call them that... I've lived here for over 40+ years

[@latnscorpio1]

@@Montweezy oh ok…yeah its def a southern thing……we dont say that on the west coast lol

[@pacmanc8103]

@@latnscorpio1 But we do say “Sani Can” in the West.

[@D.C.1989]

Joel if a 15 year old can drive it, you can certainly do it. Lia is cracking me up

[@eximusic]

Nice craftsman homes, era 1910.

[@gsprings43]

i live in charlotte,,,,what they smelled was a company called carolina foods,,,that makes honey buns doughnuts ,that's close by

[@sithcat7025]

White is the most popular kitchen cabinet color in the US.

[@lizhumble9953]

I grew up in Charlotte. You keep saying you are in the suburbs, but you are actually in Charlotte proper. East Blvd and Spruce (you showed the street signs) and all that is actually Charlotte. All of this looks so different from when I was there, the train and all of that was not there at that time. I was going to say when you smelled donuts it is maybe the Jack’s cookie plant, but apparently that closed so maybe you were smelling the ghost of the cookie plant. On a warm day all around downtown you could smell the goodness of the cookie plant. I hope you have a good time in the city.

[@briankelly85]

Lia, i love the color white also. i think it is very elegant and zen. please research John Lennon and Yoko Ono apartment at the Dakota in NYC. the entire apartment is all white. you will love it.

[@Plastikdoom]

Well, with you guys down south, gotta try some good bbq, like local places. In NC, I recommend some great pulled pork sandwiches, and try it also with the coleslaw on it, and eastern Carolina vinegar sauce. And some Texas Pete.