The summer scene
July 28, 2023
![](https://southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes1_food-truck_0823.jpg)
photographs by Richard Israel
Even when it’s sticky-hot humid, Charlotteans love to find an excuse for a summertime outing — even if it’s a short-lived one. We sent photographer Richard Israel out with one mission: Show us summer in the Queen City. He confirmed a few things we already suspected: Ice cream makes it better. So does a big, shady tree (thankfully, we have a few around here).
![](https://i0.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes2_Jenis-icecream_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes3_little-girl-with-icecream_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
Two scoops of relief: When it’s a daily serving of hot and humid with thunderstorms on the side, folks flock to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream at Park Road Shopping Center for some cool refreshment.
![](https://i1.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes12_sitting-with-umbrella_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes11_picnic-at-park_0823-823x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes10_fourth-of-july-celebration_0823-780x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes7_Symphony-Park_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes4_Charlotte-Symphony-Orchestra_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
Strike up the band: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra warms up at Symphony Park. Somehow, it’s easier to forget how hot it is when there’s live music, friends and family. Symphony Park gives neighbors a place to hear the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on a perfect summer evening.
![](https://i2.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes9_biking-at-Freedom-Park_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes8_people-dancing_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes6_tree-at-Freedom-Park_0823.jpg?ssl=1)
Made for shade: Did you know that standing in the shade can feel 10-15-degrees cooler than standing in the sun? It’s easy to get active at Freedom Park, then cool down under an old oak tree. Or simply pack a picnic and hang out with family and friends.
![Sycamore Brewing in South End during the summer in Charlotte.](https://southparkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sp_summer-scenes5_Sycamore-Brewing_0823-839x1024.jpg)
Shiny and new: Sycamore Brewing, second row, glistens in the sun along the Rail Trail in South End.