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  • Hop in a DeLorean and explore retro Charlotte charm with ‘Back to the Future’

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    It’s been 40 years since a souped up DeLorean first stole our hearts.

    Since then, generations of movie fans have followed Marty McFly, his folks George and Lorraine, and inventor Doc Brown on their adventures “Back to the Future.”

    The film, which tells the story of a 1980s teen who accidentally hops in a time machine and zooms back to 1955, first premiered in summer 1985. It opened alongside titles like “The Goonies,” “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Rambo First Blood Part 2.”

    Back then, Charlotteans got an early preview at Park Terrace Theater before it went to wider distribution around the country a few days later. And it played at local movie houses that for longtime Charlotteans are only memories now, like Park 51 Cinema, Town Cinema 6 and Eastland Mall.

    The Charlotte Observer archives

    Now, 40 years later, a special anniversary edition of the timeless (yes!) Robert Zemeckis film will be back in theaters, including IMAX screens for the first time. The official release date is Oct. 31, but according to Fandango, you can catch it in local theaters beginning Oct. 30.

    If you’d like to try a little time travel yourself, October is also the perfect month to give it a go!

    Celebrate Back to the Future Day

    In the original film, Marty travels back in time on Oct. 26, 1985. And in “Back to the Future II” (released in 1989), he heads to the then future, arriving on Oct. 21, 2015. The latter date is now celebrated annually as Back to the Future Day.

    In honor of these many milestones, CharlotteFive has two fun “Back to the Future”-inspired itineraries for you to try: a 1950s and 1980s version.

    Choose your own adventure with recommendations for food, fun and after-dark inspirations. Many of the activities are family friendly, if you want to bring the kids along, too.

    It’s up to you whether you stick with one era, or mix and match between the decades — just like Marty does in the film.

    A wide shot of a “Back to the Future” exhibit at a convention or trade show, featuring a DeLorean time machine replica. The car has its gull-wing doors open and is parked on a patch of artificial turf in front of a large backdrop depicting the Hill Valley clock tower. A pink hoverboard leans against the car. To the left, a large banner advertises “DELOREAN RENTAL.COM” for various events. A yellow prop “OUTATIME” license plate case sits in front of the car, and a table to the right, draped in black, also features the rental company’s logo.
    Rental offers Back to the Future-styled time machine replicas for events around the country. Courtesy of Delorean Rental

    Need a time machine?

    You can rent one from Delorean Rental, LLC. Prices vary depending on length of rental and event location, but they typically go for $350-$450 per hour, according to owner/operator Jason Alspaugh.

    And if you want to dress for the occasion (think ‘50s style poodle skirts, saddle shoes and letter jackets or ‘80s-era neon, acid washed jeans and oversized graphic tees), check out these CharlotteFive recs for vintage clothes shops.

    Now, buckle up …

    A straight-on shot of a DeLorean time machine replica parked in front of the iconic red Wrigley Field marquee. The car’s gull-wing doors are open, revealing the interior and the time machine components on its exterior. The stadium sign reads “WRIGLEY FIELD HOME OF CHICAGO CUBS,” and the digital portion below it says, “PLEASE WELCOME DELOREAN RENTAL.”
    Delorean Rental offers Back to the Future-styled time machine replicas for events around the country. Jason Alspaugh Courtesy of Delorean Rental

    A swell day in the 1950s

    Classic food

    In “Back to the Future,” Marty steps into Lou’s Cafe, where he accidentally runs into his high-school aged dad and town bully, Biff Tannen. These Charlotte restaurants can offer a similar blast from the past.

    Location: 4121 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

    Location: 800 Rogers Lake Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28081

    For your own (hopefully bully-free) 1950s-style meal, check out Park Road Soda Shoppe for everything from biscuits and burgers to ice cream sodas and cherry pie. The restaurant first opened in 1999, but its original location is located at the Park Road Shopping Center, Charlotte’s first open-air shopping complex. When it opened in 1956, the shopping center was the largest of its kind between Washington, DC, and Atlanta.

    A wide shot of the interior of a classic 1950s-style diner. The foreground shows black vinyl booths and white-topped tables on a black and white checkered floor. A long red counter separates the dining area from the service area, which has white tiled walls and a large mirror reflecting the restaurant. Several patrons are seated at the counter and in the booths, and a red digital sign reading “ICE CREAM” (backwards) hangs in the back.
    Enjoy a retro 1950s dining experience at Park Road Soda Shoppe. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    Location: 104 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036

    In Davidson, The Soda Shop, located on Main Street near Davidson College, is a real blast from the past. The restaurant first opened in 1951. It’s got checkered floors, an old-fashioned soda counter and original booths. Vintage photos decorate the walls and the extensive menu covers breakfast, lunch and dinner classics, from eggs Benedict and patty melts to floats and ice cream sundaes.

    A high-angle, wide shot from the back of a retro-style diner called “The Soda Shop.” The restaurant features a black and white checkered floor, wooden booths along the left wall, and a long soda fountain counter in the center. A person in a red shirt, likely an employee, is working behind the counter, while a customer is seated at the counter near the front windows. The walls are decorated with framed photos and Halloween decorations, and a large chalkboard menu is visible on the back wall.
    Inside The Soda Shop in Davidson. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    Location: 3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

    For curbside service, check out South 21 Drive In on Independence Boulevard. It’s been in operation since 1955 and has been featured on two different Food Network series. The spot’s best known dish is the Super Boy, a double-burger with mustard, onions, lettuce and tomatoes. But you can find everything from BBQ and fried fish sandwiches to onion rings and cherry nut sundaes.

    A medium, eye-level shot of a smiling restaurant worker, wearing a red polo shirt, black fedora, and a black apron, walking and carrying a food tray. The tray holds a styrofoam cup, onion rings, and a sandwich. The worker is walking through an outdoor seating area with wooden picnic tables. In the background, three patrons are seated at another picnic table, and a large, blurred white billboard is visible beyond a parking lot.
    South 21 employees carry food trays out to benches and car windows. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    ‘50s-style fun and entertainment

    In “Back to the Future,” Lorraine and George McFly finally get together (and save future Marty) on the dance floor at Hill Valley High’s Enchantment Under the Sea dance.

    Check out these Charlotte spots if you’d like to get out there yourself and try some social dancing.

    Location: 189 N Trade St 2nd Floor, Matthews, NC 28105

    In downtown Matthews at Matthews Ballroom+Events, you can try group classes or private lessons in styles including ballroom, swing and Latin dance.

    Location: 501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28202

    Warbirds Over Monroe Hangar Dance with the Salisbury Swing Band

    Location: 3900 Paul J Helms Dr, Monroe, NC 28110

    If you want to focus exclusively on swing dance styles like Lindy Hop and Jitterbug (older dance styles that inspired ‘50s moves), check out Gottaswing Charlotte’s $5 Friday Swing Dances or Charlotte Swing Dance’s upcoming 1940s-era dance with a live band on Nov. 8 in a hangar at the Monroe Executive Airport in conjunction with the Warbirds Over Monroe air show.

    Location: 1700 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209

    Bowling was huge in the 1950s. According to Smithsonian magazine, at least 20,000 new lanes opened up around the country between 1945 and 1957 to meet the growing demand. In Charlotte, you can find one of the oldest surviving bowling lanes on Montford Drive. Originally opened as Park Lanes Bowling in 1960 and known by several other names since, it’s now Lucky Strike South Charlotte.

    A close-up, angled shot of a four-tiered black metal rack holding numerous colorful bowling balls. The balls are organized by color, with a top row of yellow and orange, a second of red and purple, a third of green, and a bottom row of orange. To the right, the bar area is visible, featuring grey barstools lined up at a counter with a red and white striped base.
    Bowling was all the rage across the U.S. during the 1950s. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    The action doesn’t stop after dark

    Charlotte used to be home to multiple drive-in movie theaters, including the Queen Drive-In and Viking and numerous movie spots that have since disappeared.

    Location: 314 McAdenville Rd, Belmont, NC 28012

    You can enjoy a retro film experience at Belmont Drive-In. First opened in 1946, it operated until 2014 and then reopened in 2023. The children of one of the previous owners now operate it. Films start right after sundown and admission is charged by the car. It’s a cash-only business, so keep that in mind both for entry and concessions purchases.

    A wide shot of a drive-in movie theater at dusk. On the far left, a large outdoor screen is illuminated, showing a movie to a crowd spread across a large grassy field. Many people are watching from blankets, lawn chairs, and parked cars. In the foreground, a small group sits on a blue and white blanket on the grass, while another child lies on a blanket to their left. The background is lined with dark trees under a cloudy, twilight sky.
    In this 2000 photo, movie goers watch the first of three movies starts at the Belmont Drive-in. DIEDRA LAIRD Charlotte Observer file

    Location: 230 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    You can also catch movies at the recently restored and reopened Carolina Theatre in Uptown Charlotte, including vintage classics, like the 1954 horror film “Creature from the Black Lagoon” on Oct. 28. The theater first opened in 1927.

    A high-angle, wide shot of the bustling, modern lobby of the Carolina theater, filled with a large crowd of people for an event. In the foreground, a large, illuminated marquee sign announces the “TV Series Premiere” of “Fork & Hammer.” The attendees are standing and socializing on a polished wooden floor, enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a city street at dusk.
    Attendees gather in the lobby of the Carolina Theatre. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

    Location: 2732 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208

    For a sweet end to your 1950s adventure, make a stop at Dairy Queen on Wilkinson Boulevard. The iconic shop, which originally opened in 1947, was recently sold to new owners. It continues to operate daily.

    A wide, eye-level shot of a retro-style Dairy Queen walk-up restaurant on a sunny day. The white building features a red-and-white striped awning over the service windows and a large vintage sign on the roof depicting a smiling mascot in a blue parka holding a soft-serve cone. A few customers are standing in line at the window under a clear, bright blue sky.
    The Dairy Queen in west Charlotte off Wilkinson Boulevard. Hannah Lang hlang@charlotteobserver.com

    A totally rad 1980s day

    Nostalgic food

    Location: 2111 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110

    Location: 812 NC-24, Albemarle, NC 28001

    Nothing says 1980s like pizza (even if it only comes to cinematic glory in “Back to the Future II” with dehydrated Pizza Hut pies). You can still find old-school classic Pizza Huts in the Charlotte area in Monroe and Albemarle, where the restaurants feature the distinctive red-tiered roof, vintage red checker tablecloths and red vinyl booths. Many other former Pizza Huts around the city have since been converted into other eateries.

    A wide shot of the interior of a retro-style Pizza Hut restaurant, featuring its classic red vinyl booths and tables with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Iconic Tiffany-style lamps with the “Pizza Hut” logo hang over the tables. Several patrons are seated and dining in the booths, including a woman in the foreground reading a menu.
    A Pizza Hut in Monroe is still decorated with its original aesthetic, offering a retro feel. Kayleigh Ruller CharlotteFive

    Location: 3640 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

    Another option for pizza aficionados is House of Pizza on Central Avenue, a family-run business which has been serving up Greek and Italian cuisine since 1979.

    A wide, eye-level shot of the exterior of a ‘House of Pizza’ restaurant. The one-story brick building has a reddish-brown roof and a fenced-in outdoor patio with empty tables and chairs. A large sign on the building and a prominent, white, circular, retro-style sign on a pole both display the restaurant’s name in red letters. The pole sign also has an arrow pointing to the entrance, advertising ‘HOT OVEN SUBMARINES.’ The scene is set under a partly cloudy sky with green trees in the background.
    House of Pizza on Central Avenue. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    ‘80s-style fun and entertainment

    The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments. According to CitySkateProject.com, the 1980s were a golden age for skateboarding, when board technology improved and the sport peaked in popularity. It was also the moment the first vertical skateparks were installed.

    Location: 5130 Parkway Plaza Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217

    In Charlotte, skaters today can practice their ollies, kickflips and other moves at Renaissance Park Skate Park. Another local destination, Grayson SkatePark at the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center has been undergoing improvements and is slated to reopen sometime this fall.

    A dynamic, low-angle shot of a young person in mid-air on a skateboard at a skate park. The skater, wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and full protective pads, has their arms outstretched for balance against a bright blue sky with dramatic clouds. Two skateboards rest in the foreground, and the concrete ramps and bowls of the park, along with other skaters, are visible in the background.
    Hunter Grimm attempts an aerial skateboard trick while jumping over two skateboards at Grayson SkatePark in 2015. T. Ortega Gaines Charlotte Observer file

    Location: 14500 E Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC 28079

    Location: 1151 Skating Rink Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054

    Taking the skating theme further, the 1980s were a moment when rollerskating rinks around the country were also among the most popular destinations for kids and teens. (I can vouch for this as an ‘80s kid. I remember attending many birthday parties and end-of-school celebrations at my hometown rink in Greeley, Colorado!) You can capture that same 1980s feeling when you visit one of the remaining Kate’s Skating Rinks locations in Indian Trail and Gastonia.

    A lively, wide shot of an indoor roller skating rink. In the foreground, a woman wearing a black outfit and roller skates poses for the camera, smiling with her hands on her head and hip. In the midground, a man in a black outfit roller skates on the polished wooden floor, smiling as he looks towards her. The background features a vibrant green wall, an arcade area with a green neon “GAMES” sign on the left, and a skate rental counter with a red neon “SKATES” sign for “Kate’s” on the right.
    Kate’s Skating Rink offers special events for families and adults at its two locations. Courtesy of Kate’s Skating Rinks

    In 1985, there were about five Kate’s rinks spread between Charlotte and Gastonia, according to Billy Thompson, grandson of the original owners, who now runs the business.

    For a retro feel, he recommends checking out the 18+ Friday evening Freestyle Shuffle Skate Night in Gastonia, where many old school roller skating tunes from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s get played. You can also take your “Back to the Future” experience a step further with the special Sip & SK8 event planned for Oct. 31, where there’s a prize for best dressed costume.

    A wide, bustling shot of a crowded indoor roller skating rink. Dozens of people are skating on the polished, reflective wooden floor under several large disco balls hanging from the ceiling. The background walls are painted a vibrant lime green, with signs for a “Game Room” and “Rental” counter visible. The photo captures the active, social atmosphere of the rink, with many skaters blurred in motion.
    You can relive the 1980s at Kate’s Skating Rink in Indian Trail or Gastonia. Courtesy of Kate’s Skating Rinks

    Location: 1015 Seigle Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

    Super Abari Game Bar in Belmont is totally tubular with arcade games including Donkey Kong, Burgertime, Centipede, Pac-Man and Frogger and retro-themed pinball machines like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s normally a 21+ establishment, but on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 p.m., it’s open to all ages (with an accompanying parent or guardian). This Halloween, the spot is also hosting Monster Bash 2025 for grown-ups with drink specials and a costume contest.

    A wide, angled shot looking down a long row of illuminated pinball machines in an arcade. The machine closest to the camera, “Cactus Canyon,” is brightly lit, showing its Western-themed backglass and a “CREDITS 0” display. The playfields of all the machines cast a warm glow. On the far left, a person with long, curly hair is visible, leaning over and playing one of the games.
    Super Abari Game Bar has 35 pinball machines, 55 arcade games, 12 beer taps and more at the new Belmont Charlotte location. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    After dark, there’s more to do

    Charlotte in the ‘80s is often described as a sleepy town, but there were at least a dozen discos/nightclubs in operation during that decade including popular spots like Pterodactyl, 13∙13 and Park Elevator.

    Location: 200 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    Now, you can find a 1980s vibe at the newly opened Retro Bar. The spot, decked out with neon lights, a disco ball, giant murals and video screens, plays music from the ‘80s-2000s. Between its two floors, you can find space to dance or just hang out with retro cocktails from the bar.

    A stylized, black-and-white pop art painting of a person with bright red lipstick about to lick a colorful, dripping lollipop.
    Modern, pop-art style artwork, like this piece, adorn the walls at Retro. The decor blends iconic imagery with a contemporary edge to fit the bar’s theme. Bradley Havens @haven_visuals

    Location: 3104 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205

    If a night at home is more your style, you can go totally ‘80s by renting a video from VisArt Video, Charlotte’s only nonprofit shop dedicated to video rentals. Compare that to 1985, when there were 18 video rental businesses listed in the Charlotte Yellow Pages. (Shout out to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room for tracking that info down!)

    A close-up shot of a row of new, shrink-wrapped VHS tapes on a shelf, with their spines facing out. The titles visible from left to right are: Remember the Titans, Steel Magnolias, Frequency, Twister, Lilies of the Field, Dirty Dancing, a Christmas special, and The Best of Red Skelton.
    You can find 1980s hit films like “Steel Magnolias” and “Dirty Dancing” among VisArt Video’s more than 65,000 films. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    VisArt has more than 65,000 VHS and DVDs in its collection and claims the title of the largest film inventory library on the East Coast. And, of course, it has the “Back to the Future” series as part of that archive. For just $5, you can get a lifetime membership that will grant you access to video rentals. Or you can opt for a sustaining membership that includes free coffee and unlimited rentals (two at a time). For October, it’s available for a $20/monthly recurring fee instead of the usual $25 rate. And if you don’t have a DVD player, you can rent one of those, too.

    A close-up shot of an embroidered patch featuring Gizmo, the Mogwai from Gremlins, wearing red and blue 3D glasses. The patch has a red and white circular background and is pinned by a small wooden peg to a dark, textured surface. It is surrounded by other pop culture patches and enamel pins, including a Demon Slayer (Rengoku) pin, several pixel-art character pins, and a pink circular patch to the right featuring Tom Nook from Animal Crossing with the text “Eat the rich.”
    In addition to its extensive video collection, you can find retro merch at VisArt Video. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    If you’d like to hang out around other retro film buffs, check out the VisArt Cafe with an outdoor patio (including a retro Ms. Pac-Man arcade game) or come for one of the many events hosted at the store. 1980s fans may want to check out a “Dungeons and Dragons” play event or the 1980s Horror Film class, exploring anti-capitalist themes in several films, offered Saturday afternoons during October.

    A wide-angle shot looking into the corner of a video store or large personal collection, featuring floor-to-ceiling black wire shelves packed with hundreds of DVDs. A white sign reading “CLASSIC HORROR” is visible, with box sets for films like “King Kong” and “White Zombie” on the shelf below. A white skull wearing sunglasses is perched on an upper shelf to the left.
    VisArt Video hosts numerous special events. In October, that includes a weekly class on ‘80s Horror Films. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    Location: Multiple

    For the perfect end to a 1980s day, stop by a TCBY. Although the brand didn’t come to Charlotte until 2010, TCBY launched its first shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1981, as people looked for healthy alternatives to ice cream. According to FrozenDessertSupplies.com, by 1984, there were more than 100 frozen yogurt chains running across the U.S.

    We’d love to see pics of your time travelling adventures! Send your photos back to the future to charlottefive@charlottefive.com.

    A side-profile shot of the LEGO “Back to the Future” Time Machine model, displayed on a dark shelf. The gray DeLorean build includes the long lightning rod hook attached to the back, arcing up and forward. In front of the car stand the LEGO minifigures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown, flanking a black display plaque with the movie’s logo and car details.
    You know it’s got to be a classic when LEGO turns a movie into a toy. The 1985 hit film, “Back to the Future,” returns to Charlotte theaters on Oct. 30 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Liz Rothaus Bertrand CharlotteFive

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Liz Rothaus Bertrand

    The Charlotte Observer

    Liz Rothaus Bertrand is an award-winning writer based in Charlotte, NC. She writes frequently about the arts, food, travel, education and social justice. You can find her on Instagram @tournesol74.

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    Liz Rothaus Bertrand

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