Wild Hope Farm in Chester, SC uses tunnel farming to protect crops from rain, frost, and pests. | Photo by CLTtoday
How often do you wonder where food on your plate comes from?
Agriculture is a $100+ billion industry in North Carolina — including vegetables, cotton, poultry, and livestock.
“There’s a really small percentage [of the population] providing one of the primary needs of human life on the planet,” shared Aaron Newton, Carolinas Program Manager for The Conservation Fund.
“This is a lifestyle, it’s a profession, and there’s a community of people that love it. And you feel the love,” said Tim Belk, the former CEO of Charlotte-based Belk department store and current owner of Wild Hope Farm.
City Editor Jack, here. I recently toured Wild Hope Farm, where crops are raised and harvested for the Uptown Farmer’s Market. While gazing at the rows of leeks, kale, and Swiss chard, I learned how critical and precarious farmland around Charlotte has become.
Campfire Tales: It’s Turkey Time | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Free Range Brewing | $15 | Grab a drink and gather with fellow storytellers for a live theatrical performance.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé | 7-8:15 p.m. + 9-10:15 p.m. | The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing | $40+ | Experience music under the veil of candlelight for a show all the single ladies + everybody else will enjoy.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Party | 6:30-8 p.m. | Kitchen Tune-Up Charlotte | $25+ | Get creative and have fun decorating Thanksgiving-themed cookies.
Music Under the Stars: Metallica | 5:30-10:30 p.m. | Schiele Museum of Natural History, Gastonia | $30 | Hear the iconic music of Metallica under the immersive dome of the planetarium.
2024 College Hockey Outdoor Classic| 6-10 p.m. | Truist Field | $25+ | See the UNC Charlotte 49ers Ice Hockey Club host the Appalachian State Mountaineers in this icy match-up.
David Cross | 7 p.m. | Knight Theatre | $77+ | Spend the night laughing during the comedian’s live adults-only standup.
Brahms’ A German Requiem | 7 p.m. | Belk Theatre | 7:30 p.m. | $22+ | Get ready for a powerhouse evening of music performed by the Charlotte Symphony + Charlotte Master Chorale.
Charlotte transportation leaders met last night to discuss the future of express lanes on I-77 south of Uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) voted to approve the lanes last month. Public meetings on the project will happen next year. (WCNC)
Traffic
NCDOT is closing a section of Gilead Road near I-77 this weekend to complete the new diverging diamond interchange. A no-left-turn restriction goes into effect at the intersection of US 21 and Gilead Road tomorrow night. Gilead at I-77 will be closed Friday night before the interchange opens Monday, Nov. 25.
Development
Luxury apartment complex Enclave Radius Dilworth welcomed the first phase of tenants. The building at 515 Royal Court boasts 274-units with one- and two-bedroom options + monthly rent starting at $1,534. The building is slated to be complete by the end of January. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Health
Cabarrus County will break ground this morning on The Stephen M. Morris Behavioral Health Center — a 59,300-sqft health facility. State representatives secured a $32.5 million state grant for construction. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at 1000 Progress Pl., Concord. (WSOC)
Opening
Eggroll Company will host its grand opening at Camp North End this Saturday, Nov. 23. The NC-based food stall will welcome guests Wednesday through Saturday with operating hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. + Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Community
WCNC Charlotte is hosting a Magical Toy Drive Donation on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside Belk at Carolina Place. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to ensure a child has a gift this holiday season. (WCNC)
Ranked
Charlotte ranked as the No. 9 best place to retire, according to US News & World Report. The study criteria included happiness of local residents, housing affordability, and tax rates. Not to mention, there’s plenty of activities around the Queen City.
Feel Good
Levine Children’s Hospital provided lifesaving treatment for 3-year-old cancer patient, James Mylton. Levine is one of 20 facilities nationwide offering experimental care for children fighting neuroblastoma. Thanks to the trial, James has no evidence of disease in his body. (WCNC)
Sports
UNC Charlotte fired head football coach Biff Poggi, who held a 6-16 record with the 49ers. Assistant coach Tim Brewster is now the team’s interim head coach for Charlotte’s two remaining games. (WCNC)
Listen
Quarterback Bryce Young will lead the Panthers in Sunday’s home game vs. the Chiefs. Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Cause
‘Tis the season for giving back. One unique way to help our community is by donating blood. One Blood will park its Big Red Bus at select breweries on Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24. Donors will receive a free pint of beer, a $20 gift card, and merch.*
Wellness
No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Category
Seasonal
🎁 Holiday gifting class is in session
Including the best headphones and a dorm-friendly basketball hoop. | Graphic by 6AM City
From classroom-approved water bottles to great campus attire, shop the best holiday gifts for students.
Local pick: Mindfulness Coloring Book | $9.95 | A fun and stress-relieving pocket-size coloring book.
Stanley Quencher | $45.00 | The internet-famous water bottle, available in cute colors like Matcha Cream.
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
I’d like to give a huge thank you to Wild Hope Farm for their hospitality and helping me bring you today’s story. Farming is part of our region’s identity and I look forward to seeing Deep Roots CPS Farm thrive in its next chapter.
