Maynard's 'Bachelorette' date captivated uptown Charlotte for entire night

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The date many of you saw Monday night on ABC's "The Bachelorette" may have been the worst kept secret in uptown Charlotte.

Channel 9 was there more than two months ago as crowds watched crews film the date and saw how much effort went into the date.

Each Monday night, all eyes are on Charlotte, and that is just how Emily Maynard told Channel 9 she wanted it.

"I'm so grateful 'The Bachelorette' decided to come to Charlotte," Maynard said.

Channel 9 cameras were invited to follow along on Monday night's date.  It all started on a windy March night with the couple scaling the side of the Mint Museum.

It took 13 minutes, from the ground to the top, and the couple had a little encouragement from the crowd below.

Maynard and her date then ate dinner on the Rooftop under the light of the Duke Energy building, which was lit up red in the couple's honor.

After the dinner, the couple strolled toward Trade and Tryon streets where country music singer Luke Bryan serenaded them.

"Welcome to your dance party, here on the streets of Charlotte," Bryan announced.

A dance that looked simple, once edited for TV, was performed in front of several cameras for the show and countless cellphone cameras.

The couple danced to each song twice.

"I had so much fun tonight," Maynard said after the date. She told Channel 9 she hopes these grand dates come with a dose of reality.

"I really feel like Charlotte gives the guys a good idea of what my everyday life is like," Maynard said.

And Maynard's decision to host the show in Charlotte made an impression, not just on her suitors, but on everyone involved, including Bryan.

"Anytime I've ever been in Charlotte, I've really enjoyed being here," Bryan said.

In all, the date lasted from 9:30 p.m. until about 1:30 a.m. and it shut down the middle of uptown for an entire night.

WSOC