Culture

Looking back on two years of CLTtoday

We’re celebrating two years of CLTtoday by reflecting on our favorite articles from over the years.

March 16, 2026 • 
Maria Adnado
An image of the Charlotte skyline with green and white party hats on the skyscrapers and green and white balloons in the air + a giant two-tiered birthday cake in the center.

CLTtoday is so happy to celebrate two years of positive news in the Queen City.

Graphic by 6AM City

Bring out the cake because it’s our birthday. This week marks two years of CLTtoday, and we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite moments since our founding in 2024. Here’s a look back on some special articles.

Thanks to CLTtoday, we’ve spent some serious time exploring the 704, including the growth of the River District, Eastland Yards, and the updates planned for Bank of America Stadium + Symphony Park in SouthPark.

Feeling hungry? Over the past year, we celebrated 100+ new restaurants and our MICHELIN Guide debut.

We’ve also sat down with some seriously cool people shaping Charlotte, including Guy Gaster, Director of the NC Film Office, Plot Twist owner Nikki Velazquez, and sports icons like Dell Curry and Luke Kuechly.

Thanks for welcoming us into your inbox every day — we couldn’t do it without you. If you want to give us a birthday gift, consider sending this newsletter to a friend.

More from CLTtoday
Racehorses and their jockeys race around the first turn of Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby.
Events
The Queen City celebrates the Kentucky Derby
Charlotte is getting ready to watch the Kentucky Derby in style.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Jack VanderToll
A white basket filled with strawberries in front of a strawberry field.
Travel and Outdoors
It’s a berry good time to go strawberry picking
Farms across the Charlotte region are welcoming guests for the strawberry season to pick fresh fruit.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A lake with a visible mud bank and a heron standing in the middle.
City
Charlotte enters voluntary water restrictions as drought continues
Here’s what the drought means for your lawn, your wallet, and what comes next.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Lewis Donald in a gray T-shirt talking animatedly.
Food
A conversation with “Top Chef” guest Lewis Donald
We sat down with the barbecue expert to ask about his experiences on “Top Chef,” and to ask his expert opinion on Charlotte’s food scene.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
An exterior photo of an outdoor covered ampitheater.
Business
Live Nation unveils new green space, dining options at Truliant Amphitheater
What to expect at two of Charlotte’s outdoor venues ahead of concert season.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
An exterior photo of Blumenthal's Belk Theater in Uptown, with a skyscraper in the background.
Events
Broadway’s biggest hits coming to Blumenthal Arts
From the return of “Phantom of the Opera” to Broadway newcomers like “Death Becomes Her,” theater lovers will experience a showstopping season in Uptown.
April 21, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A rendering of a long bar with a gold-framed portrait hanging above.
Small Business
Coffee and cocktail bar to open in Plaza Midwood
Plot Twist aims to be the “cool older sister” behind Trope Bookshop, offering all-day coffees, cocktails, and a hangout space in the community.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
An empty baseball field with a scoreboard lit up with the American flag and the Charlotte skyline in the background.
Events
Charlotte’s Stars and Stripes to take over Truist Field for July Fourth
The July Fourth display will bring the Knights and the Charlotte Symphony together to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States and feature the annual WBT Sky Show.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two records being held in front of a counter and Hardy Boys Records wall.
Music
Where to celebrate Record Store Day in Charlotte
This is your chance to score new records or longtime favorite albums at local stores participating in the music lovers’ holiday.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
A man posing with records splayed on top of boxes inside of a U-haul.
Small Business
Local record store obtains Voice of America’s vinyl collection
Rare vinyl from a historic broadcast archive is now spinning in Matthews, satisfying music lovers and just in time for Record Store Day.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado