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Your Ultimate Guide to Charlotte

Live

Charlotte joins the MICHELIN map with a Star for Counter, a Bib Gourmand, a special award, and a slate of Recommended eateries.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in the Queen City.
Explore these dog-friendly places in Charlotte — from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night with your four-legged friends.
Everybody loves lunch, but not always the prices. Not to worry, Charlotte offers plenty of wallet-friendly lunch deals from sandwiches to flavors from all over the globe.

Work

On the rocks, neat, dirty, frozen, or zero proof — we’re spilling the Long Island iced tea on the best spots to grab a drink after work in Charlotte.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
There are ample opportunities to volunteer and give back to the Queen City community year-round.
How much does it cost to live in the Queen City compared to other cities and the US national average? Let’s crunch some numbers.

Play

Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Make the most of summer with Charlotte’s lineup of festivals, including national acts, local acts, fine arts, craft beer, longbow competitions, and celebrations of art in the Queen City.
Playing pickleball in Charlotte is easy when you stop by one of these local indoor and outdoor courts, including Mecklenburg County courts and more.
The Charlotte region has hosted television programs and movie productions from blockbusters to Academy Award-winning films.

CLTtoday's Best

Your votes are in. Congratulations to all of the CLTtoday’s Best 2025 nominees. We’re excited to announce our roundup of local winners who truly shine and make Charlotte a better place to live. From high-level dining experiences and accommodations to places to hang with your friends — here are your top choices in each of our categories.
Check out our other guides
Show some love to your fave businesses in Charlotte.
Want dinner with a gorgeous lake view? We have that. Want a place to drink by the pool? We have that. Want to marvel at Uptown’s lights over dessert? We have that, too.
Enjoy a slice of the Queen City’s must-try pizza shops
To help make your trip through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide covering everything from terminals and parking to details on the airport’s 180+ nonstop routes worldwide.
Check out these hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Charlotte for outdoor adventures.
Charlotte boasts an array of outdoor dining options. Savor your favorite dishes while enjoying great weather at the best patios and rooftops around town.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking for community, the Charlotte running culture is full sprint ahead, offering running clubs and seasonal races year-round.
The Charlotte area is prepared to beat the heat: pools, parks, and splash pads are welcoming guests all summer long.
Whether you’re a native Charlottean or visiting from outside the Queen City, this guide will help you navigate the three-day festival, find parking, and everything in-between.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Charlotte serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.