You can reach the Spectrum Center via the Charlotte Area Transit System’s 501 Light (Lynx Blue Line). | Photo by Mark Clifton via Wikimedia Commons
City Editor Maria, here. I did something many Charlotteans, new residents, and visitors should try — ride the Charlotte Area Transit System Light Rail across town.
🚊 Riding the Light Rail
The LYNX Blue Line takes travelers from University City (UNC Charlotte) to Matthews (I-485/South Boulevard) — about 20 miles.
I started at the southernmost stop to see how long it would take to get to NoDa/Optimist Park (or the Parkwood Station).
After waiting about 10 minutes, the train was off, stopping every two-to-three minutes at stations in LoSo, South End, Uptown, and NoDa.
The LYNX Blue Line provides a near-360° view of Uptown.
Photo by CLTtoday
After eight stops, I got off at the East/West Boulevard station, walked to Hawker’s for lunch, and plannedthe route to NoDa. Total travel time before lunch: ~20 minutes. Continuing to NoDa, ~30 minutes.
The return trip to I-485/South Boulevard took ~34 minutes. Yes, I used a stopwatch.
💵 Cost
Riding the light rail is cost-effective, offering affordable fares compared to driving or parking. Most stations have a ticket vending machine accepting cash + credit cards.
Mellow Mondays + Mindful Movement | 6-8 p.m. | Sip City Market & Bottle Shop | $12 | Sip plant-infused seltzers before stretching into a state of relaxation.
Dumpling making with Chef Rocky | 7-9 p.m. | Alongside Brewing Co. | $55 | Learn the techniques to make savory pork gyoza and creamy crab rangoons.
The Carole King & James Taylor Story | 7:30 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $40+ | Sing along as you follow the careers of award-winning artists, Carole King and James Taylor.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Center City Crossing Ribbon Cutting | 12-2 p.m. | 147 W. Main Ave., Gastonia | Free | Join the Gaston Chamber at this new luxury apartments’ grand opening.
Tipsy Tuesday Terrarium Workshop | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse, Huntersville | $33+ | Grab a drink and create your own air-plant terrarium.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Ornament & Tree Decorating Party | 5 p.m. | The Chamber by Wooden Robot - NoDa | Cost of purchase | Create your own ornament while supporting Youth Villages — a nonprofit providing mental health services to at-risk youth.
A Toast to 95 Years | 5-7 p.m. | The Dunhill Hotel | Free | Enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine toast and live music celebrating the historic hotel’s 95th anniversary.
Innovation Barn’s Fall Festival | 5:30-8 p.m. | Envision Charlotte | $35+ | Celebrate sustainability and the autumn season while supporting local growers.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday, and help honor our military personnel by attending a Veterans Day Ceremony in Fort Mill.
Development
A new entertainment district will keep South End buzzing. The Anthem District will make up nine buildings between Remount Road and Dunavant Street packed with restaurants and retail shops. The district is expected to open in the next two years. (WCNC)
Closed
Pharr Mill Brewing Co. closed its two locations in Harrisburg and Concord. The brewery’s social media accounts and websites were mostly scrubbed. The owners have not provided a reason for the closure. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Community
About Our Father’s Business (AOFB) unveiled HOPE — three, custom-built mobile laundry and shower trailers. The mobile trailers will provide services to underserved communities in the Charlotte area. The trailers will be deployed to WNC this week to assist relief efforts.
Biz
The world’s largest lithium miner is laying off hundreds of employees. Charlotte-based Albemarle Corporation says layoffs would represent ~15% of its non-manufacturing workforce. The announcement comes following third quarter results. (WCNC)
Number
419. That’s how many calls the City of Charlotte received regarding fallen trees following Hurricane Helene. The city’s arborist says that amount shouldn’t impact the tree canopy if trees are replaced immediately. (WSOC)
Travel
Flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport? This is your sign to try the Crown Diner. The new dining option on Concourse A is now open, serving Southern comfort food with a charming twist.
Feel Good
Congratulations to Bo the bloodhound —Gastonia Police Department’s K-9 was crowned America’s “Hero Dog.” Bo won Law Enforcement Hero Dog of the Year last month. Watch the announcement. (WCNC)
Listen
Keep pounding. The Panthers fought hard in Munich, winning 20-17 against the NY Giants. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Sports
Charlotte FC did not advance to Round 2 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Saturday’s game ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to penalty kicks. Orlando City SC scored four; the crown scored one. Charlotte FC closes the 2024 season with 14 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses. (WCNC)
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Want to lead sales efforts for new products, identify and secure partnerships, and grow existing client relationships, all with a lucrative compensation plan? Apply now.
Health
This innovative device is changing the game of hearing aids. Its dual-processing systems separate speech from background noise, ensuring you never miss a beat. (Bonus: They’re rechargeable, comfortable, nearly invisible, and app-controlled.) Claim your free consultation.*
Category
Plan Ahead
🎄 It’s beginning to look a lot like...
Speedway Christmas boasts a dazzling 4-mile drive-through light show + Christmas Village and outdoor tubing hill. | Photo via Charlotte Motor Speedway
Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Charlotte. From light displays to festive parties, this guide features 30+ winter events happening between November and February.
🎄 Light displays + holiday markets
Southern Christmas Show | Thursday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | The Park Expo and Conference Center | $10-$20 | Shop from 400+ holiday vendors in the country’s largest holiday show.
Speedway Christmas | Friday, Nov. 22- Sunday, Jan. 5 | 6-10 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway | $35-$45 per vehicle | Cruise the speedway marveling at 5+ million lights on display + shop the market or slide down the 250-ft tubing hill.
⛸️ Outdoor ice rinks + activities
Camp North Pole | Friday, Nov. 22–Sunday, Jan. 5 | Camp North End | $10-$15 per person | Go ice skating at this outdoor rink before shopping the Mistletoe Market on select Saturdays.
Your favorite Nordstrom item on sale, since the store’s limited-time fall sale ends tonight. We’re seeing: discounts on cashmere sweaters, leather loafers, and crisp white fashion sneakers.
I sincerely can’t wait for the holiday season. This guide with 30+ events across the city makes me wish I had more time to do it all. If you have a favorite event or if I missed something, let me know.
Wellness
Answered
How many pounds of salt fill the salt cave?
The salt cave inside Salt + Souls boasts several thousand pounds of salt. | Photo by CLTtoday
Last week, we shared Charlotte’s first salt cave is preparing to open in Plaza Midwood. Without giving you the answer, we wanted to see if you could guess how many pounds of salt are in the cave.
43% guessed correctly — 12,500 pounds of salt. The weight comes from 5,000 pounds worth of boulders, 4,000 pounds of bricks, and 3,500 pounds of loose salt.
