Add a photo of the Fairy Ring to your Instagram. | Photo by Marcello Aquino
Here’s some news that will brighten up your next stroll — through Sunday, Feb. 23, the South End portion of the Rail Trail will be illuminated with never-before-seen light installations.
Keep an eye out for nine original art displays lining the trail from Atherton to the Bland Street Light Rail Station, coming to life after sunset every night.
Fun fact: This is the sixth year the lights have illuminated the Rail Trail.
“Each installation honors the deep wisdom woven into natural designs; the way patterns, structures, and resilience in nature guide and inspire us, shaping everything from textile traditions to technological breakthroughs,” said Charlotte artist Meredith Connelly who created Golden Threads, an immersive art walk featuring nine installations that explore and celebrate the beauty of nature.
The Rail Trail Lights are free and open for anyone in need of a family-friendly outing, date night idea, or a fresh Insta-pic.
Asked
Asked
Where did your love story take place?
Speaking of date night ideas... this is your chance to share how you and your partner met and fell in love in the Queen City.
Chilly Plunge and Chili Cook Off | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lake Norman YMCA, Cornelius | $45 | Experience both hot and cold by taking a chilly plunge in Lake Norman before savoring delicious homemade chili.
Raptor Baby Shower | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville | $0+ | Honor the work of local conservationists and get an up-close look at native birds of prey.
Queen City Brewers Festival| 1-4 p.m. | Innovation Barn | $75 | Join the celebrationbringing the Charlotte region’s craft beer producers together.
The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show | 8 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $29+ | You’ll have no trouble “Stayin’ Alive” during this immersive tribute performance.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Mid-Atlantic Boat Show | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Charlotte Convention Center | $9+ | Visit the biggest boat showcase in the Carolinas on its final day touring 400+ boats before summer arrives.
NoDa Run Club| 12 p.m. | North End Taproom | Free | Earn those Super Bowl party snacks with a long run while making new friends before a free drink.
Super Bowl Watch Party | 6-10 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing | Cost of purchase | Catch the big game with plenty of drinks at one of Charlotte’s most popular breweries.
Monday, Feb. 10
Special Exhibit: Corrie Ten Boom| 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Billy Graham Library | Free |Tournever-before-seen memorabilia celebrating the life of the Holocaust survivor and acclaimed author of “The Hiding Place.”
Charlotte is one of the major US cities where it’s easiest to buy a home, according to a recent ranking by Badeloft. The study looked into average house prices, monthly net salaries, basic living costs, and disposable income. Stay updated on more local real estate news.
Eat
The people love a good meal deal — or at the very least, Chili’s “3 for Me” value deal. The chain restaurant saw a 20% increase in traffic last quarter. But you don’t have to go to a chain to get a deal around here; check out these local lunch deals that’ll cost you $15 or less. (Restaurant Dive)
Read
Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” — the third book of the “Empyrean” series — recently became the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. Pick up a copy for yourself at one of these local bookstores. (The New York Times)
Speaking of Charlotte sports... the Hornets sent Mark Williams to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and picks. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
Eat
🍕 Get a slice of this
King of Fire is a family-owned, mobile brick-oven pizza food truck. Siler Chapman, the owner, is a four-time world pizza champion. | Photo via King of Fire
Tomorrow is National Pizza Day, Charlotte. Good news: the Queen City’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 15+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Local legends
Bird Pizzeria, 510 E. 15th St. Forbesrecognized this beloved pizza spot as one of the best new restaurants in Charlotte. Savor delicious toppings and an airy crust. Husband and wife duo Kerrel and Nkem Thompson opened Bird in 2021.
Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, 4516 Nations Crossing Rd.
After nearly three decades, the Zepsa family reopened the Charlotte staple to bring authentic New York-style pizza, salads, and sandwiches to hungry diners.
The Pizza Peel, 1600 Central Ave. + 4422 Colwick Rd.
High-quality pizza is served with an unpretentious atmosphere. The “Peel” prides itself on a crunchy yet soft crust prepared with the best ingredients — olive oil, molasses, wheat + white flour.
Women’s walking sneakers from NORTIV 8. Designed for daily wear, these sneakers have a non-slip rubber sole, a shock-absorbing midsole, and breathable mesh fabric on top.
Have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend, Queen City. I’ll be spending Sunday night watching the big game with my close friends. If you’re still looking for plans, many Charlotte restaurants are hosting watch parties and offering some delicious dining deals. Let’s see if Kansas City can score a three-peat!
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