Charlotteans can always share their experience from this exit off of I-277. | Photo via Google Maps and @Exit3a_thegame
Whether you’re a new driver in Charlotte or a native, there’s one thing we can agree on: we grip our steering wheels a littletighter around I-277’s Exit 3A.
That’s why Charlotte-based developer Mike Ramirez is creating a game about the anxiety-inducing exit near Uptown.
“I know that people see it, it brings a smile to their face,” explained Ramirez. “That’s what I’m going for, but it’s cool to see.”
Ramirez’ hope for the game is to create an arcade cabinet, and have the game available at Super Abari, or at a local brewery. As for the timeline? Maybe expect to see a finished product by the end of the year.
What about a phone app? We asked and it’s not off the table. Happy driving, Charlotte.
Wine Not Wednesday | 12-10 p.m. | Amor Artis Brewing, Fort Mill, SC | $8+ | Sip specialty wines before taking the bottle home.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce | 6:45-8 p.m. | Great Aunt Stella Center | $39+ | You’ll feel “Drunk in Love” while being moved by Queen Bey’s hits on strings.
Thursday, Feb. 6
The Highlight Reel at L’Ostrica | 5 p.m. | L’Osterica | $95 | Savor a caviar amuse bouche before enjoying four courses of last year’s favorite dishes.
Curators’ Conversation | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | Free | Meet the curators behind the “Virginia Jaramillo, Principle of Equivalence” exhibition to learn about the artist’s legacy.
Brad Paisley | 7:30 p.m. | Coyote Joe’s | $36+ | Experience the “Little Moments” during this intimate performance from one of today’s biggest country singers.
Dog Adoption Event & Puppy Kissing Booth | 1-4 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom | Cost of purchase | Meet adoptable pups from Forgotten, Now Family while sipping on craft brews.
This morning, keep an eye on our Instagram + your inbox — we’ll be announcing the full lineup for the 2025 Lovin’ Life Music Fest. Can’t wait? Catch up on what we know so far.
Open
Wheatberry Bakeshop is now open in South End. The bakery at 1425 Winnifred St., Ste. 105 sells items like a tiramisu croissant buns, ham and pimento cheese croissants + cakes and cookies. They’re open Thursday-Saturday.
Transit
Where will the Red Line stop be in Davidson? You can help decide. The town is hosting an informational meeting tomorrow at The Hurt Hub (on Davidson College’s campus) at 6 p.m. The 25-mile commuter rail project is expected to connect north Mecklenburg County to Uptown. (Queen City News)
Development
New housing is coming to the Lake Norman area. Mooresville commissioners approved a plan for more than 200 townhomes along Shadowbrooke Lane + along Azalea Road in east Mooresville. The homes will range in price from $200,000-$500,000. A completion date is TBA. (The Charlotte Observer)
Traffic
An inbound and outbound lane of Providence Road near Vernon Drive will be shut down through Friday. Charlotte Water closed the lanes in Myers Park to repair + install a pipe and repave the surface. Additional lanes could be closed as the work goes on. (WBTV)
Sports
The Pop Warner Super Bowl is coming to Matthews in December. The event will also feature Cheer Nationals, Dance, and a flag football tournament. The events were previously held in Orlando. (WCNC)
Charlottean
Dr. Shanté Williams is making history as the first woman + first Black woman to lead Opera Carolina. Williams began the role as general director in July 2024 and aims to make Opera more accessible and representative of Charlotte’s community. (WCNC)
Listen
Buzz City acquired a 2029 second-round pick from OKC for a 2030 conditional pick. Is this a strong move? Go beyond the court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Your heart plays a central role in your health — but how often do you check in on it? Novant Health offers a quick five-minute heart health assessment to help you discover your risk for heart disease and take the first steps toward a healthier heart. Take the assessment.*
Wellness
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. Featuring a sleek, discreet German design, it ensures crystal-clear speech + sound with minimal background noise. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Shop
If your favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is watching the commercials, we’ve got just the thing for you: commercial bingo cards. Bonus: This is the perfect prize for the winner.*
Category
Community
📚 It’s book club, but make it competitive
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has 22 open branch locations across the county, with the Main branch under construction in Uptown. | Photo by CLTtoday
Is your book club the best in the Queen City? Put your bookmarks to the test.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation is kicking off its third annual Book Club Madness competition. The friendly game engages clubs from across the county, encouraging readers to join weekly activities, earn points, and win prizes (plus bragging rights).
Activities include:
Visiting library branches
Sharing favorite reads
Checking out physical copies or e-books
Engaging on social media
How do you win? Book clubs that score at least 100 points will be entered to win a free table for 10 at the annual Verse & Vino event. The top-scoring book clubs will also receive a special prize. Check out last year’s event.
Fun fact: Main Street Books, Park Road Books, Trope Bookshop, and Troubadour Booksellers are providing deluxe book club kits as prizes.
Registration is free + opens today. The competition turns the page Wednesday, March 5.
The Buy
The Buy
A great date night look to wear on Valentine’s Day. Shop five options, ordered from most casual to dressiest:
Speaking of book clubs, I had no idea there was so much hype about “Onyx Storm” until recently. I attended Trope Bookshop’s January book club meeting where 300+ people shared their love of “Iron Flame” and “Fourth Wing,” myself included, before the latest book by Rebecca Yarros was released. If you’re looking for a club, keep on eye on this newletter — I’ll be releasing a list of local clubs to join soon.
