Trope Bookshop will open its doors on March 1. | Photo via Trope Bookshop
Since 2023, Trope Bookshop has been roaming Charlotte as the Queen City’s first romance-only mobile bookstore, thanks to the “Green Girl.” But there’s a new release coming soon: a storefront opening in Plaza Midwood on March 1.
We spoke with owner Katie Mitchell about the inspo behind opening a major hub for romance lovers.
Q:What inspired you to open the bookshop? A: I was obsessed with “Harry Potter,” I loved “Twilight,” “Hunger Games,” then “50 Shades of Grey” and didn’t pick up a book for 10 years.
I fell back in love with [reading] and found The Ripped Bodice. I called one of my girlfriends and was like, ‘you know what? I feel like we could do this.’
Then, Trope opened in October 2023.
Don’t worry book lovers, the Green Girl will still make the rounds across the city.
Photo via Trope Bookshop
Q:Why a green, mobile bookshop? A: I found a bus where all good searches start — Facebook Marketplace. I saw her and was like, “this is my girl!”
As far as why she’s green... I mean, why not?
The storefront opens March 1 at 1516 Lyon Ct. in Plaza Midwood. We’ll be there.
Growing Together: Couch to 5k Program | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont | $60 | It’s the last day to register for this nine-week exercise course ending with the Bloom 5K on March 29.
Greater Charlotte Home + Landscape Show | 12-7 p.m. | Cabarrus Convention Center, Concord | $9 | Meet home improvement pros to make your dream home become reality.
Sober Bus: Sober at 6:00 | 6 p.m. | Funny Bus Comedy Tour Charlotte | $35 | Comedian Roxanne McDonald shares hilarious tales and talks sobriety + sip mocktails during the tour at Super Abari.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Yoga + Mimosas | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Copper Dwelling & Design Mercantile, Rock Hill, SC | $27+ | Start your morning with a stretch, breath work, and mimosas.
Roaring 1920s Afternoon Tea | 1 p.m. | The Ballantyne Hotel | $70+ | Don your best 1920’s attire for a festive tea time + bubbly.
Laser Show: Metallica | 6-6:45 p.m. | Schiele Museum of Natural History, Gastonia | $8 | “Enter Sandman” will sound a lot different when paired with high-tech lasers and projections in the Schiele’s planetarium.
Jim Avett & Friends | 7:30 p.m. | Davis Theatre, Concord | $35 | Before the Avett Brothers, there was Jim Avett — listen to the songs and stories from the Concord native.
Sunday, Jan. 26
School of Rock Charlotte | 3 p.m. | The Visulite Theatre | $15 | Students will perform classics from Queen, Van Halen, even Taylor Swift.
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There’s a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant coming to South End. Mazi, the latest concept by the team behind Chief’s, Folia, and The Goodyear House, is expected to open in February. The restaurant at 1300 South Blvd. will offer mezze, small plates, wines, and fine spirits.
Watch
Speaking of restaurants... remember this major move of the Leeper Wyatt building? The beams supporting the structure are now being removed to install an accessible entrance at the upcoming restaurant Leluia Hall. The restaurant is expected to open next month.
Arts
The Mint Museum announced its newest special exhibition: “ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK.” Expect to marvel at a mix of new and rarely seen pictures by the iconic photographer. The exhibition opens April 27 and runs through Aug. 31 + tickets are $10 on top of general admission ($15). (WCNC)
Transit
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) unveiled its funding plans for future improvements to rails, roads, and bus systems, including the Red Line rail. Project estimates range from $85 million to nearly $4.8 billion. Public feedback will be sought before a June meeting with the Metropolitan Transit Commission. (WCNC)
Development
Childress Klein will move forward to redevelop the Esplanade at SouthPark. The 16-acre site will be transformed from two office buildings to a regional activity center, boasting 675 multifamily units and 277,000 sqft of office space. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Community
More than 300 homes will be moving across county lines. The North Carolina Geodetic Survey (NCGS) determined to shift the boundary line between Lincoln and Catawba counties by 500 feet. Two information sessions will be held to discuss the changes. (WCNC)
Ranked
Levine Museum of the New South ranked as the best museum in North Carolina, according to this list by Conde Nast. The museum boasts a number of permanent exhibits in the heart of Uptown.
Feel Good
The town of Cornelius is getting a new Humpty Dumpty sculpture, and it’s all thanks to a resident-led fundraiser. The statue of the nursery rhyme character stood in front of Cornelius Elementary School, but went missing in 2023. Now, the town is partnering with an NC-based artist to replace “Humpty” by April. (Queen City News)
Sports
Mark Williams’ scored a career-high 38 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. Does that number showcase his potential? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
Skip expensive airline tickets + opt for a fun and affordable family road trip instead. With Outdoorsy, you can rent an RV for as little as $47 per night. Learn more.*
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Biz
💍 Put a ring on it
The Ruth by Beau Monde’s accent wall will make an excellent backdrop for any occasion. | Photo by Amy Galimore
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I just want to say thank you to Katie for letting me tell the story of Trope Bookshop and for inviting me to that awesome book club meeting. Keep an eye on our Instagram for a snippet of the Iron Flame vibes at Resident Culture.
