Plus, NoDa's new coffee spot.
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🍽️ ¿Tienes hambre?

A wooden table with a black to-go container with meatballs, another with calamari, and potatoes.
Diners can’t go wrong with Spanish meatballs, or albóndigas, from Marina’s Tapas. | Photo via Black Wednesday
Imagine eating your way through Spain. Sound fun? What if that’s possible without having to leave Charlotte? Marina’s Tapas is taking over their neighboring bar Substrate to serve tapas and a curated Spanish wine list.

“Both me and Alex — my business partner — love Substrate and we had been several times and they don’t serve any food,” Chef Andres Kaifer, owner of Marina’s Tapas and Customshop, explained to CLTtoday. “They’re like a stone’s throw away from Optimist Hall, so it just kind of made sense to do something with them.”
An Instagram post of an "Aperitivo" takeover event.

Will you be wining and dining on Friday, Feb. 21?

Images via CLTtoday and Black Wednesday

Spanish food celebrates family and community — something this takeover will bring to the literal table at Optimist Park, which is the first of its kind for Marina’s since opening its food counter at Optimist Hall in December.

Mark your calendar. The one day takeover will be Friday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Kaifer's flavors from home

Events

Monday, Feb. 17

Sushi Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Armored Cow Brewing Co. | $60 | Craft the perfect sushi roll during this hands-on class with craft brews.

Intro to Knitting: Knitting the Drama Vest | 7-9 p.m. | Thrift Pony | $150 | Join this four-week intro course to create your own knitted vest.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Billy Graham: Celebrating 75 Years of Gospel Ministry | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Billy Graham Library | Free | Peruse the museum to learn about the activist and evangelist’s impact on the Queen City.

An Unusually Lovely Open Mic | 7-9 p.m. | Divine Barrel Brewing | Cost of purchase | Perform or be inspired by a showcase of up-and-coming spoken word artists.

Modern Moxie & Sarah Shook & the Disarmers | 8 p.m. | Neighborhood Theatre | $23+ | Catch this intimate show featuring the Disarmers + Modern Moxie performing before their set at Lovin’ Life Music Fest.

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Wednesday Night Live: Su Casa Afro-fusion Dance Party | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free with cash bar | Dance the night away during this party at the museum.

Novels & Needles Meet-Up | 5:30-7 p.m. | That’s Novel Books | Free | Bring your yarn and knitting needles to spend time crafting with others.

Judy Collins | 7:30 p.m. | Booth Playhouse | $62+ | The folk legend will take the stage to perform original songs from her decades in music.
Make it a fun week
Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Mansion Monday

Live out your modern and luxurious dreams in this Myers Park home — known as “The Icon.” See inside the 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom mansion with a grand entryway, spa-like bath with heated floors, indoor pickleball court, infinity pool + a sauna and steam room.

Drink

Waterbean Coffee is now open in NoDa. The coffee shop can be found 423 E. 36th St., marking its 18th location, serving pour over, French press, and five different espresso options. Can’t get enough java? Check out our guide to shops across the Queen City.

Concert

It’s the New Americana. Halsey is bringing her “For My Last Trick” tour to PNC Pavilion on Wednesday, May 28. The tour comes on the heels of her latest album, “The Great Impersonator.” Ticket presales begin Wednesday, Feb. 19 + open to the general public Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. (WCNC)

Number

$92,612. That’s how much Charlotteans need to earn to live comfortably in the Queen City, according to a study by Go Banking Rates. The study defined a comfortable lifestyle as covering basic expenses while having enough money for leisure, savings, and investment opportunities. (WCNC)

Development

The City of Salisbury and UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative are working to redevelop the former Kesler Mill. The 13-acre site at 423 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. is being targeted for 147 units of mixed-income housing. Proposals are due Friday, April 11. (Charlotte Business Journal)

History

The daughter of a “Friendship 9" civil rights icon is sharing her father’s legacy with the community. Jennifer Massey is the daughter of Rev. W. T. “Dub” Massey, one of the men who pioneered the “Jail, No Bail” movement in the 1960s. Massey is now a school counselor in Rock Hill, sharing her passion and inspiration to serve others. (WBTV)

State

The maximum speed limit could increase across North Carolina. Lawmakers filed a bill calling to raise the maximum from 70 to 75 mph. The proposed increase would apply to roadways part of the Interstate Highway System and toll roads. The Committee on Transportation is reviewing the bill. (WCNC)

Try This

“Where’s my truck...?” The original yellow 1984 Jeep J-10 Honcho pickup truck used in the blockbuster “Twister” is flying into Charlotte Motor Speedway for the AutoFair. The event will host other famous replicas like James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder and the DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” The AutoFair runs April 3-5 + tickets are on sale now.

Watch

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car was back on the track, qualifying for the Daytona 500 during last week’s Duels race. Watch his reaction to JR Motorsports’ debut in the NASCAR Cup Series. Ultimately, during last night’s big race, driver Justin Allgaier finished ninth with William Byron claiming the win for the second year in a row.

Sports

The Hornets and Lakers are going to a mock trial after the failed Mark Williams trade. Will the decision get reversed? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Health

Ever wondered about your family’s heart history? Novant Health is here to help with simple steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease — because protecting your heart should be easy, not overwhelming. Learn more.*

Number

$0. That’s how much it costs to post your first job listing on our community job board. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain — you’ll discover talented local candidates. Try it now.

Try This

🏕️ Woodsy views or city views?

The front of a large white mansion with pillars. The home is pictured in front of a blue sky with a few clouds.
The Duke Mansion also serves as a beautiful event venue. | Photo via @dukemansion
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Charlottean feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Queen City experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.

We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase our city’s energetic spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.

Hideaways with history

The Dunhill Hotel | Uptown
Originally opened as the Mayfair Manor apartment hotel in 1929, this place now serves as a 60-room boutique hotel and is the only historic boutique hotel in the city.

Here’s the theme

Treehouse on a Farm | Concord
Consider driving ~30 minutes outside of the Queen City for a stay on a 2-acre estate with a pool, hot tub, hammocks, and outdoor shower.

Luxe lodging

The Ballantyne Charlotte | Ballantyne
Stay at this luxury hotel for a restful staycation full of experiences like afternoon tea, spa or salon days, and pool lounging.
10+ options

Asked

Do you prefer a “do nothing” vacation or a “do something” vacation?


A. Do nothing - I want to relax.
B. Do something — Bring on the adventure.
Plan your getaway

The Buy

A really good pickleball paddle. It’s crafted with carbon fiber, making it highly durable and lightweight. Bonus: Level up your style on the court with these punny pickleball socks.
More worth The Buy
6AM City In-house

The Wrap

A headshot of City Editor Maria with a green circular background and her name on the right.
Ya’ll, I’m excited to say the Carolina Ascent has kicked off the spring half of their inaugural season. The team was nearly unbeatable in the fall and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the matches ahead.

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