US News World & Report ranked Charlotte the No. 1 place to live in North Carolina. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve been keeping up with our newsletter, it’s no surprise 2024 was a packed year for the Queen City — with lots more heading our way for 2025.
But before the ACC Championship or Lovin’ Life Music Fest kick off, we’re taking a look back at what some national outlets said about the city we call home.
Southern Living “The South’s Best Cities 2024” | Ranked No. 12 There’s never been a better time to visit North Carolina’s largest city. It’s a glowing destination for the arts + you’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to dining options, from authentic Carolina barbecue to upscale global-inspired eats.
U.S. News & World Report “Best Places to Live in the US” | Ranked No. 5 Although its economy and rapid development make Charlotte a thoroughly 21st century metro area, Southern charm is still very much alive, and making friends with neighbors isn’t the daunting task it can be in other large cities.
Historic Landmarks Commission | 6 p.m. | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center | Free | Hear from county leaders as they discuss the preservation of sites around the area.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
MAC 101: Guerrilla Screen Printing Classes | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | MacFly Fresh Printing Co. | $157 | Learn the art of screen printing your own shirts in this guided course with the pros.
January History Club | 7-8 p.m. | Rowan Museum, Salisbury | Cost of purchase | Hear guest speaker, Mark Wineka, discuss his new book in an intimate setting.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Free Wednesday Evenings | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Grab a bite at nearby Mariposa before perusing this extensive art collection.
Celebrate Taco Tuesday tomorrow. Que Fresa Taqueria + Bar is hosting a grand opening of its second location in Uptown. The restaurant at Duke Energy Plaza will seat 54 people and offer counter services + a full-service bar.
Closing
After one year in business, The Pauline Tea Bar & Apothecary is closing at the end of February. The tea lounge at 1017 Beatties Ford Rd. offers loose-leaf teas, pastries, and sandwiches. The owner cited rising rent costs and low traffic for the upcoming closure. (The Charlotte Observer)
Mansion Monday
Waterfront property alert: A 7,500-sqft home just sold for $6.8 million in Cornelius. Check out the floor-to-ceiling windows, pool with lake views, and luxury kitchen + six-bedrooms with tons of natural light.
Biz
Giovanna, a restaurant with a modern take on Italian fare in South End, is up for sale. Chef Richard Cranmer says the restaurant at 531 Dewitt Ln. had yet to break even during its eight months of service. The restaurant will stay open until a buyer is found. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Community
Personal student and teacher data — like names, dates of birth, and test scores — in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools may have been leaked as part of a data breach impacting PowerSchool, NC’s mandated student information system. CMS is working with state education officials in the investigation. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
The popular Chick-fil-A in South End is closed temporarily for renovations. The 16-week remodel is scheduled to be completed sometime in May, but the chicken chain did not state what renovations were being made. (WBTV)
Watch
Charlotte realtor Tiffany Sears, CEO and Broker in Charge of The Sears Group, will soon be featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters.” The episode will air on HGTV this Friday, Jan. 17 at 10:30 p.m. (The Charlotte Observer)
Sports
Will the Panthers pounce on New York Jets’ WR Garrett Wilson? Go beyond the clipboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
These cannabis gummies keep selling out — just one can get you feeling right within five minutes. Get 20% off your order.*†
Category
Eat
🍽️ A feast fit for a queen
Will you be ordering the salmon or steak for Queen’s Feast? | Photo via Hensley Fontana Public Relations
Now is the perfect time to explore Charlotte’s dining scene by taking part in Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week — running from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 26.
What is Restaurant Week?
For 10 days in January and July, more than 100 of the best restaurants in counties across the Charlotte area offer three courses at dinner for a special prix fixe price, ranging from $30 to $50 per person.
How do I participate?
It’s simpler than you may think. No passes, tickets, or restaurant coupons are required. Just head to a participating restaurant after booking your reservation + voilà, you’re taking part in the Charlotte Restaurant Week menu.
Participating restaurants
There’s a full list of participating restaurants, but this City Editor is letting you know about local spots taking part in Queen’s Feast for the first time.
This zip up hoodie sweater that strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. It boasts a chic cable knit pattern to effortlessly elevate any cozy winter outfit.
It felt surreal seeing snow fall in my backyard for the first time in three years this past weekend. Snowfall can be so quiet and peaceful. I took so much enjoyment seeing the birds and squirrels swarm my bird feeder during the storm.
Answered
Answered
How much time do Charlotte drivers lose sitting in traffic?
On Wednesday, we reported Charlotte ranked the No. 20 highest metro in the US for congested traffic. It turns out Queen City drivers spend 41 hours sitting in traffic and 38% of voters got it right. Hope you have a great playlist.
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