Latta Place operated as a museum for many years, giving Charlotteans a look into 19th century life in the Carolina backcountry. | Photo by CLTtoday
Mark your calendars. Mecklenburg County leaders will unveil new designs ahead of the 2026 reopening of the historic Latta Place on March 20.
The plantation site was once used for public education. In 2021, the site closed abruptly after controversy over a planned event that coincided with Juneteenth. That event was canceled and the county decided not to renew the site’s contract.
Since its closure, the county held several community-led discussions on Latta Place’s future. According to a press release, the new site will focus on truth, transparency, compassion, transformation, and unity.
Imagine these new features at the reimagined Latta Place.
Renderings by The Design Minds, Inc.
“We took our time to create a design and plan that reflects Latta Place’s full history with care and a deeper understanding of the strength and sacrifices of those who came before us,” said Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio.
Get a first look at the new designs during the meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the North County Regional Library + registration is required to attend.
Events
Events
Friday, Feb. 21
Tropical Forest Bathing | 4-6 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont | $55 | Be surrounded by nature in the tropical Conservatory during a two-hour course.
Charlotte Symphony: Havana Nights | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $20+ | The Latin rhythm of the Mambo Kings will have you dancing all night.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC | 1:30 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $18+ | Watch the Ascent climb to score a second win of the spring season.
Alton Brown Live: Last Bite | 7 p.m. | Belk Theatre | $38+ | The Food Network star and foodie will sing, share culinary hacks, and bring laughs to Uptown.
Nestled in Dilworth’s treelined streets, Enclave is walkable from neighborhood favorites like Wild Roots Coffee and the Charlotte Rail Trail. All studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments flaunt 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets + drawers, and premium wood blinds.
Future residents can also look forward to features like:
Shipley Donuts is now open in north Concord, marking the first NC location for the Texas-based doughnut chain. Donut lovers will find more than 60 varieties + bear claws, apple fritters, and coffee. Pro tip: The owners plan to offer a hot-glazed guarantee 5-11 a.m. daily. (The Charlotte Observer)
Closing
Queen City Craft and Gourmet is closing after six years serving burgers in Ballantyne. The restaurant shared a Facebook post, thanking customers and employees for wonderful memories. The last day to grab a bite is Sunday, Feb. 23.
Announced
Discovery Place Science is opening its reimagined “Living Planet Lab” tomorrow. Formerly known as “Explore More Life,” the renovated space explores Earth’s biodiversity and the importance of sustainability through new hands-on activities.
Cause
RideAbility, a therapeutic riding center in Clover, SC, is partnering with Saltwater Markets, a local restaurant, to raise funds to build a new arena. An oyster boil is happening at the farm tomorrow with a goal of raising $275,000. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
Speaking of boils... Mingle with neighbors and new friends at the Villa Heights’ Low Country Boil at Progress Park next month. The event is $5 per person + will be Saturday, March 22 at 3 p.m. at Progress Park. Payment is required before March 10.
Fun Fact
Get this. Charlotte’s back-to-back snow was the first time the city recorded measurable snowfall since December 2018. The last time the Queen City had measurable snowfall in February was in 2021. (WCNC)
Feel Good
More than 1,000 books were donated by Lake Norman high school students to benefit Books on the House (BOTH), a free mobile book collection nonprofit. The group distributes books promoting literacy accessibility for free. (Lake Norman Publications)
Sports
Will Charlotte regain the CIAA? The Queen City and Baltimore are the only two cities certain to bid for the annual basketball tournament which combines its men’s and women’s tournaments in one city. The conference is considering candidates through mid-April for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 events. Charlotte hasn’t hosted since 2020. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Listen
After a trade debacle, Mark Williams is officially back with the Hornets. Will he join the starting lineup? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Festival
Gather the book club crew and hit the road — Read Freely Fest is headed to Columbia from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30. Enjoy talks with bestselling authors, interactive panels, and the chance to meet fellow literature lovers at Richland Library’s main location. Plan your bookish escape.*
Community
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Category
Community
🥂 Let’s get social
Saleha Rana is the founder of Unboozy Charlotte and strives to provide a positive community for everyone. | Photo via Unboozy Charlotte
If you’re looking to make connections with new people without the influence of alcohol, this is for you. Unboozy Charlotte just launched in the Queen City, organizing meet-ups for people who want to build a more sober-friendly community.
“Unboozy Charlotte was created to bridge that gap and to create a community that prioritizes having fun and making real connections,” founder Saleha Rana told CLTtoday.
Since its creation in January, the group has held several meetups including a mocktail happy hour at Billy Sunday, a group dinner, and attended trivia at Lenny Boy Brewing. Rana plans to grow the social calendar with movie nights, mocktail classes, seasonal outings, group hikes, and day trips.
“Some folks might not be as comfortable socializing without drinking, so they might not think this is the place for them, but that’s exactly why we encourage you to join,” shared Rana.
Babbel’s expert-designed foreign language lessons, on sale for 60% off for President’s Day. Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons focus on real-world phrases, practical conversation skills, and cultural tips, so on your next trip abroad, you’ll do more than just point at menus.Shop the limited-time sale and make travel easier, more fun, and way more immersive.*
I must admit, I’m getting a little tired of the cold. When temperatures hit the 70s a couple weeks ago, it was nice to get outdoors. However, I’m looking on the bright side — check out this snowflake that landed on my arm yesterday! Nature is truly fascinating.
Answered
Answered
How often do you visit SouthPark Mall?
SouthPark has undergone a dramatic transformation over 55 years. | Photos via SouthPark Mall + WCNC
Can you believe SouthPark Mall has been a Charlotte destination for more than 50 years? Whether you visit the mall every few months, like 37% of voters, or every few weeks, like another 24%, we know there’s truly something for everyone... even for the 27% that shop online. We see you.
