The Window Seat

May 3, 2021 - In days gone by, there wasn’t much about an airport experience that was unique. An airport in Albuquerque looked much the same as the airport in Charlotte. These days, however, airports around the world have adopted a passenger experience and culture that mirrors and highlights the uniqueness of the cities in which they are located.

Local products are sold in stores, restaurants you would find around town have set up shop in the airport and art and cultural activities feature local scenery and resident artists from across the creative spectrum, from musicians to painters to sculptors.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is no different. As soon as you arrive in Charlotte and get off your plane or arrive at the security check in, we want you to know you are in Charlotte and we want you to have the opportunity to experience the things that make the Queen City so special.

Art has graced the walls of CLT, and sculpture has adorned Airport property for many years. Queen Charlotte, for whom the city and the Airport is named, has stood watch over CLT for more than a decade. Local pianists have tickled the ivory on the Atrium piano and unique installations connecting life to the airport have been around a long time too. Before the pandemic, anyway.

Then In 2020, the CLT Local campaign was launched to showcase those businesses and products that are born in North and South Carolina. This includes retail products, businesses exclusive to the Carolinas and businesses/concepts that began in the Carolinas and have expanded regionally and or nationally.

CLT Local began as an initiative to support Airport businesses. The program took on new meaning as Airport businesses found themselves struggling during a drop in business tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. But it will forever be a CLT program that highlights the businesses, products and people that make the Carolinas unique and fun.

So next time you are in the Airport, look for the CLT Local seal, support a local business, grab a souvenir made in the Carolinas or pick up a snack or sweet treat baked right here in Charlotte.

Retail Products Locally Made

Adulah Grits

Big Spoon Roasters

Bruce Julian Heritage Foods

Butterfields

Carolina Kettle Company

Carolina Nut Company

Cloister Honey

Ella B. Candles

FaerryKiss Naturals

Local Brewery Swag

Mount Olive Pickle Co.

NYE Ice-cream

Old School Brand

Postre Caramels

Queen Charlotte Pimento Cheese

Roots and Branches Crackers

Sweet Girl Cookies

Tastebuds Popcorn    

Videri Chocolate

 

Retail Stores that Carry Local Products  

Charlotte News & Gifts

Charlotte's Landing

Charlotte Supply Company

News2You

On The Square Gift & News

Queen City News & Gifts

1897 Market

 

Dining/Drinking

1897 Market

Bad Daddy's Burger

Bojangles'

Broken Spoke Distillery

Brookwood Farms BBQ

Captain Jack’s Tavern – Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

CLT Tap Room

NoDa Brewing Company

Rhino Markey & Deli

Salsarita's Mexican

Temp Kiosk Bar

Uptown Mini Bar

Wicked Weed Brewery

Whisky River

Charlotte Craft Beer

Many restaurants, as well as brew pubs in the Airport, sell local craft beer. Be sure to ask your server or check the menu when you sit down to eat.

Birdsong Brewery

Broken Spoke

Catawba Brewing

Great Wagon Road Distillery

Noda Brewing Company

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB)

Sugar Creek Brewery

Sycamore Brewing

Triple C Brewing Company

Wicked Weed Brewing Pub