Plus, a change in Uptown traffic.
 
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87º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. | Sunset 8:36 p.m.
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Over-look this way 👀

The Overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport opens Friday
A military jet parked next to a a building under construction at a public area.
At the new overlook, guests can get up-close to a retired military fighter jet, an F-4 Phantom II. | Photo by CLTtoday
Two years and several construction projects have led to this moment: The overlook at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is now open to the public.

“This is quite an improvement over the [previous] overlook,” Stuart Hair, Director of Community Engagement, said while laughing.

The permanent, 600,000-sqft area features something for all ages including: interactive displays, a retired military fighter jet, the “Aviators” playground, a memorial to US Air Flight 1016, food truck spaces, restrooms, and unparalleled views of aircraft departing and arriving at CLT.

CLTtoday_Airport overlook playground_June 2024

There are two aviation-themed playgrounds ready to keep young aviators moving + captivating views of aircraft arriving at CLT.

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Photo by CLTtoday

“We worked diligently to create a place that people of all ages will enjoy,” said Jack Christine, CLT’s Chief Infrastructure Officer. “This space showcases many displays and features that will educate, inspire, and create lasting memories.”

The $8 million overlook is part of Destination CLT, a $4 billion capital investment to enhance the airport and its amenities. The North End-Around Taxiway phase of the project encompassed the relocation of the overlook, along with upgrades to Runway 18C/36C.

The new overlook is more than a viewing area — it’s a destination made to teach and inspire young aviators.

“Giving the opportunity for kids to see the airplanes while they’re out here having fun, that’s a good thing for us to do,” said Christine. “It’s inspiring, for some of them to say, ‘Hey, you know, I could do that.’ We’re excited to have that opportunity here.”

An American Airlines plane starting to land on the runway.

Watch planes land on the runways surrounding the overlook at Charlotte Douglas.

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Photo by CLTtoday

This is the airport’s fifth dedicated overlook since 1937. The most recent location closed on Oct. 3, 2022. “We knew from the very beginning that having a community amenity like the overlook was going to be important to the airport, to us, and the community.” said Christine.

Enough delays. The airport overlook is located at 5130 Airport Overlook Dr. It’s open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free. It’s the latest airport attraction to open following the Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
Asked

What’s your favorite amenity at Charlotte Douglas International Airport?
A. The overlook has always been my favorite
B. Sullenberger Aviation Museum — I love history
C. Rocking chairs inside the airport — so comfy
D. Dining options in the food court
E. Other
Take flight ✈️
 
Events
Friday, June 7
  • Interviewing in Today’s World Workshop | Friday, June 7 | 2-3 p.m. | The Nest, 1774 Statesville Ave., Charlotte | Free | Practice your interviewing skills during this free workshop by North End Community Coalition.
  • Mint Hill Cruise In | Friday, June 7 | 5-9 p.m. | Mint Hill Festival Shopping Center, 6908 Matthews Mint Hill Rd., Mint Hill | Free | Marvel at classic hot rods and wheels lining the streets in this monthly spectacle.
Saturday, June 8
  • Rusty Wallace Racing Experience | Saturday, June 8 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S., Concord | $89+ | Drive a real race car in the fastest stock car experience at the speedway.
  • Paddle and Pancakes | Saturday, June 8 | 8:30-10 a.m. | Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Dr., Fort Mill | $36+ | Spend the morning in a kayak before enjoying breakfast at the Greenway Gateway Canteen.
  • Charlotte Sustainability Summit | Saturday, June 8 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Dubois Center at UNCC Center City, 320 E. 9th St., Charlotte | $20-$30 | Listen to experts + discuss ways to advance sustainability in Charlotte.
  • Burial Brewing Pride Kickoff Brunch | Saturday, June 8 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Burial Beer Co. Charlotte Taproom, 1214 Thomas Ave., Charlotte | $5 | Kick off Pride Month + delight in a brunch hosted by Onya Nerves.
Sunday, June 9
  • DIY Summer Signs | Sunday, June 9 | 12-2 p.m. | Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe | $50 | Create signs to welcome guests + celebrate the summer days.
  • Sonidos Latinos: Latin Sounds | Sunday, June 9 | 8:15 p.m. | Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte | Experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin music performed by the Charlotte Symphony.
Monday, June 10
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Eat

Meet your new dinner date: Purple Carrot plant-based meals
A green caraf and glass, plate of vegetarian noodles, and plate of limes on a green table.
Purple Carrot’s nutritious meals are loaded with flavor. | Photo by Purple Carrot
Introducing your secret weapon against boring, tasteless meals: Purple Carrot.

Purple Carrot offers chef-prepared, fully plant-based meals that are ready to eat in under two minutes. Prefer to cook yourself? Opt for meal kits or shop plant-based grocery items from a fully stocked “plantry.”

This spring, Purple Carrot is ushering in the warm weather with vibrant, seasonal meals like Roasted Red Pepper Farro Bowls with chickpeas and mint (yum).
Pick your Purple Carrot plan
News Notes
Biz
  • Charlotte-based Nucor Corp. is expanding. The steel giant is buying a Wisconsin door manufacturer for $565 million to help expand its business focus. The acquisition includes two facilities + 300 employees. (The Charlotte Observer)
Development
  • A federal judge ruled Novant Health can purchase two hospitals in Iredell County. The FTC argued the acquisition would give Novant too much control of the health care market. Novant will now add Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Davis Regional Medical Center into its network.
Traffic
  • A portion of South Tryon Street is closed this weekend due to the return of Taste of Charlotte. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the food festival. The roads are expected to reopen Sunday night. (WSOC)
Legacy
  • The longtime co-founder of The Charlotte Post has died. Robert Johnson joined the paper as a columnist and later worked as a circulation manager and ad sales rep. He was 84. (WCNC)
Edu
  • A Charlotte nonprofit is giving students a college experience while in high school. Queen City Scholars sends students to Delaware State University for the summer to live on campus, take classes, and ease the transition to college. Since the program launched in 2020, it has had 21 participants. (WCNC)
Opening
  • Luxury retailer Balenciaga is opening soon at SouthPark mall. The store will be in the former Lacoste and Tommy John storefronts near Belk. An exact opening date is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Feel Good
  • Disney and ESPN are donating a mobile movie theater to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. The mobile theater will allow patients and families to watch films through complimentary access to Disney+. (WCNC)
Try This
  • Tickets are on sale for North Carolina’s Land of Oz. The Beech Mountain park is based on the film “Wizard of Oz.” This year’s tours will celebrate the film’s 85th anniversary. (WCNC)
Sports
  • It’s a wrap for OTAs. The Panthers face a mandatory minicamp before summer break and training camp. Hear what head coach Dave Canales expects on the field for the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Home
    • See your dream kitchen come to life with Lowe’s. From Saturday, June 8 to Wednesday, June 12, head to Lowe’s of Central Charlotte for complimentary kitchen design sessions. Experience immersive 3D visualization with Apple Vision Pro, explore real-world materials, and share your perfect design instantly. Book a design appointment.*
    Holiday
     
    Try This

    You free this weekend?
    Two dancers posed on center stage with dancers moving in the background.

    Dancers Rees Launer and Anna Mains captivate the audience during the Charlotte Ballet’s 2023 performance of “The Nutcracker.”

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    Photo by Taylor Jones via Charlotte Ballet

    It’s no secret, Charlotte’s got a lot. This weekend, we’re looking forward to two events sure to catch your eye.
    • Eleven dancers with the Charlotte Ballet will become choreographers in “Flip,” the ballet’s final program of the season. It allows dancers to take the lead, instruct their peers, and coordinate new performances not otherwise seen on stage. Tickets are still available for the shows tonight and Saturday.
    • Discovery Place Science is hosting its first-ever, one-night-only Speakeasy. The adults-only themed event combines science and the history of cocktails of the past. There are general admission + VIP tickets on sale now.
    City Editor Maria spoke to both Discovery Place and the Charlotte Ballet to prepare you for an “event-ful” weekend ahead.
    The Buy

    The Buy 6.07.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    The clear bag you need to go hands-free at any concerts, games, or events this summer (it’s stadium-approved).
    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado

    Today’s edition by:
    Maria
    From the editor
    This weekend, I’ll be moderating a discussion on how to preserve wildlife in your backyard during this weekend’s Sustainability Summit. I hope you’ll join me in hearing experts discuss steps we can take to keep the Queen City thriving.
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