Steak 48 in SouthPark was voted one of the most romantic restaurants in the US. | Photo via Steak 48
Hey, Queen City. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Whether you’ve already met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that will leave you with a heart full of memories.
Impress your date with a visit to this secret speakeasy. Backstage Lounge is self-described as a “modern take on a traditional concept with an intimate, romantically elevated vibe.”
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.”
Riverbend Preserve: A Collaborative Effort | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Revelry - North End | $55+ | Connect and learn what’s to come for the long-planned Lincoln County development project.
Bonjour. A French Normandy-style mansion located in South Park is on the market. Amenities include a pool and spa, a wine cellar, a fitness studio, a home theater, a pond and seven fireplaces + a gated enclave.
Eat
Here’s a slice of good news: Dilworth is getting a new pizza joint. Pizzeria Sapienza Dilworth is opening its doors at 2212 Park Rd. starting tomorrow, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. Guests will savor New York-style slices, plus pasta, wings, and strombolis.
Development
The City of Charlotte is moving forward with a multi-phased redevelopment project at the site of a former Duke Energy Corp. office in Uptown. Atlanta investment firm Animal is planning to build a high-rise multifamily tower with a tentative groundbreaking by the end of 2025. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Opening
Heist Brewery plans to reopen its NoDa location this spring after closing in July 2024 due to a fire. The brewery says partial power has been restored to the dining room + most equipment has been salvaged and delivered. An exact opening date remains TBA. (WCNC)
Announced
Swing batta batta. Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, is hosting two college baseball match ups this spring. Tickets are now available to see UNC vs. USC on Tuesday, March 25 or ECU vs. UNC Charlotte Friday, April 11.
Kids
Parents opinions are divided on proposed legislation restricting NC students’ cellphone use during school. Senate Bill 55 would prohibit students using their phones during class or face confiscation or disciplinary action. Senate Bill 55 has yet to pass through the Senate. (WCNC)
Edu
Welcome to the new age. UNC Charlotte officially launched the Charlotte AI Institute, aiming to advance artificial intelligence research and education in the Carolinas. The university plans to coordinate internal funding, host networking events, convene experts for projects, and advocate for external funding. (WCNC)
Biz
Honeywell announced it will split into three independent companies. The Charlotte-based conglomerate will retain the company’s automation division. The split is meant to provide better focus on the company’s respective entities. (WCNC)
Job
Walmart plans to lay off 150 Charlotte-based employees, effective June 13 + close its Charlotte office. The company will relocate corporate employees to Arkansas and California, affecting 267 people. (WCNC)
Cause
Switchyards selected 50 Charlotte nonprofits to receive free memberships. The world’s first neighborhood work club aims to support local nonprofits and recognize members for their work.
Sports
Former Carolina Panther linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. were not chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Kuechly will be an automatic finalist for the class of 2026 since he made the top seven modern-era finalists. (WCNC)
Listen
What is the state of the Panthers’ offense ahead of the 2025 free agency period?Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Watch
Speaking of the Panthers... you ready for an epic reunion? Former QB Cam Newton recently welcomed former head coach Ron Rivera, Greg Olsen, and Johnathan Stewart onto his podcast “4th and 1 with Cam Newton” for a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. Check it out.
Get ready to see a full-bodied display of dinosaurs like Triceratops. | Photo via The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Cue the “Jurassic Park” theme song. Explorers and prehistoric history lovers will soon travel back in time during the 24th annual Fossil Fair happening at The Schiele Museum of Natural History on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The Schiele will have dinosaurs on display, previewing the Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs under construction. The prehistoric collection will be the largest dinosaur exhibit in the Carolinas, with 4,200 sqft of full-bodied specimens like T-rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Apatosaurus.
Treasures await anyone interested in mining for their own gemstones in a specially constructed dig site, with experts on hand to identify any specimens found.
“On the surface, fossils may seem cold and lifeless, but they are invitations to explore the amazing history of life on Earth,” said Nathan Chapman, Museum Program Specialist and Fossil Fair coordinator.
Ready to go back in time? The one-day-only event runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. + tickets are $18 per person.
The Buy
The Buy
High-quality jewelry from Mejuri. Whether you prefer the elegance of pearls, the classic beauty of gold, or the brilliance of diamonds — all of Mejuri’s collections are crafted with responsibly sourced materials that are as beautiful as they are durable. Psst — they’re the perfect self-gift for Valentine’s Day. Shop now.
Catch the game last night? We had a successful Super Bowl party, packed with chili and tacos. Speaking of food, my award for favorite Super Bowl commercial goes to Uber Eats with Matthew McConaughey. Is football a conspiracy to make us all hungry? I’ll be pondering that for a very long time.
