Need backyard inspiration? Fourth Ward’s secret gardens are worth a visit.

Alex Cason, Melissa Oyler
·2 min read

Darling, fix me a cocktail and let’s go explore the gardens.

Feel free to utter those words to your significant other while reserving your tickets to this weekend’s Secret Gardens of Fourth Ward in the quaint uptown Charlotte neighborhood.

The annual event includes:

  • Self-guided, walkable garden tours of neighbors’ homes from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. Optional docent-led tours will be at 3:30 p.m. both days.

  • Tours of the gardens at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 7th and Tryon streets, including a performance by the Charlotte Choir School in the sanctuary from 1-1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

  • Food and beverage tastings at each home.

Tickets:

  • Day-specific tickets are $30 per person and are good for either Saturday or Sunday.

  • Weekend Flex tickets are $40 per person and allow the buyer to choose which day to attend (Saturday or Sunday).

When you arrive, head to the corner of West 9th and North Poplar streets, where you will trade your tickets for tour guidebooks at the Tour Ticket Booth.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the gardens you’ll visit on the Fourth Ward tour:

The Lee Garden

Location: 316 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of Southern Distilling Co.

LOOK FOR: This home’s hard space, fire pit and outdoor cooking area was inspired by Charleston courtyards and Key West porches.

The McKeithen Garden (aka The Berryhill House, 1884)

Location: 324 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of Aperol Spritz

LOOK FOR: The wrought iron fence, from the Garden District of New Orleans, was made in 1856.

The Wyant Garden

Location: 340 Settlers Ln, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka

LOOK FOR: A drunk driver destroyed the rear courtyard wall of this home, allowing its owners to creatively reimagine the space.

The Williamson Garden

Location: 303 Settlers Ln, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of El Jimador Tequila

LOOK FOR: This home’s garden entry is via a secret pedestrian alleyway. Let’s find it!

The Turner Garden (aka The Lyles-Sims House, 1867)

Location: 523 N Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of Town Brewing Co.

Live Music by Leisure McCorkle

Sunday Only: Fresh seafood paella tastings by Chef Edwin Cruz/Edwin’s Organix

LOOK FOR: A shared tennis court and a large backyard with a beer garden vibe.

The Causby-Cernohorsky Garden

Location: 400 N Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Tastings courtesy of Broken Shed Vodka

LOOK FOR: This home was moved from the Brooklyn neighborhood in Second Ward, and its garden features a skyline view, outdoor dining space, waterfall with koi pond and more.

You can also explore:

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Location: 115 W 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Fourth Ward Park

Location: W 7th St & N Poplar St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemeteries

Location: 700 W 6th St, Charlotte, NC 28202