CHARLOTTE
Get down to business in the banking capital of the American South.
Drink Buy Crash Eat Pump Trim Ink Hang Plan
WHERE TO DRINK (AND CRUISE)
Sidelines (4544 South Blvd) Leather-friendly gay sports bar. link
The Woodshed Bar (3935 Queen City Dr) Proud to be Charlotte’s leather bar. Sign up for a membership at the door to enter. (A membership is required to enter North Carolina bars that don’t serve food.) link
WHERE TO BUY GEAR
American Army Navy Store (5326 E Independence Blvd) A great place to pick up boots, camo, and more. link
White Rabbit (920 Central Ave) You can find sexy apparel for men at this big gay store. link
WHERE TO CRASH (AND MAYBE FUCK)
AC Hotel Charlotte City Center (220 E Trade St) Gay-friendly place in Uptown Charlotte to get your Marriott points with modern rooms and a good fitness center. link
Charlotte Marriott City Center (100 W Trade St) Another gay-friendly place in Uptown Charlotte to get your Marriott points. link
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlotte I-85 Airport, NC (2541 Little Rock Rd) Leather-friendly budget hotel out by the airport. link
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Center (237 S Tryon St) Gay-friendly conveniently located spot to get your Marriott points. link
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte-Airport (2731 Little Rock Rd) Where to get your Hilton points out by the airport, close to the Woodshed. link
WHERE TO EAT (AND CRUISE)
Dish (1220 Thomas Ave) Gay-owned spot for real good Southern cooking. link
Lupie’s Cafe (2718 Monroe Rd) Very gay-friendly place serving burgers, basics, and Southern fare. link
Ruby Sunshine (332 W Bland St) Hugely popular for brunch. link
WHERE TO PUMP IRON (AND CRUISE)
Dowd YMCA (400 W Morehead St) Adults only. Look for fellow gay boys on the gym floor…or in the whirlpool or sauna. link
WHERE TO GET A BUZZ CUT AND BEARD TRIM
Rob Yow Master Hair Designer & Beardsmith (Matthews) If getting a buzz and a trim from a hot muscle bear is your thing. link
WHERE TO GET INKED
Canvas Tattoo & Art Gallery (3012 N Davidson St) Very gay-friendly and very highly regard tattoo shop. link
WHO TO HANG WITH
Masters And slaves Together: Charlotte, NC Local branch of the organization for those who live the lifestyle. link
The Tradesmen Charlotte’s Leather/Levi club. link
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
May
Trademark The Tradesmen’s annual leather run is 3 days of parties and fun in leather, including the North Carolina Leather Contest. (Click on the “leather run” link for details.) link
[Suggestions? Corrections? Contact me!]