Located a short bike ride from Uptown, Plaza Midwood is a thriving urban pocket of Charlotte that fuses the best of historic and modern. Tucked beneath a canopy of lush, mature trees, Plaza Midwood is peppered with homes — some historic, some not — that exude charm. It’s not unusual to see couples strolling hand-in-hand to grab ice cream at the historic Dairy Queen on Central Avenue, or moms and dads chatting on benches at Midwood Park as children scurry around the playground or perform spontaneous shows in the amphitheater.  Plaza Midwood is a strong, supportive community with its own unique, retro vibe. First developed in the 1920s, it has a history of innovation, says Phillip Gussmann, president of the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association. The first Harris Teeter was built there, the first Family Dollar and the first Fuel Pizza. The popular Midwood Smokehouse is now opening its second Charlotte location in Ballantyne. “I’m very proud to point out that the only chains in Midwood are Dairy Queen — a historic landmark — and Fuel Pizza, which was started here.”