Photo evidence of “The Tastier Peach State” | Photo via @macgregororchard
In honor of our inaugural Peach Week, we’re taking a look at a battle that pits one state against another: Georgia, “The Peach State” vs. South Carolina, “The Tastier Peach State,” which is the nickname Clemson’s official “peach expert” gave SC over a decade ago.
Let’s take a look, battle by battle, at why we think SC peaches come out on top in this so-called “Peach War.”
Mad Miles Run Club | 6:30-8 p.m. | You Vs Yourself | Free | Head to Camp North End to join a group of new and experienced runners.
Trivia Tuesday at Vaulted Oak Brewing | 7-9 p.m. | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Free+ | Compete for gift cards + pitchers of beer while showing off your trivia knowledge.
Wood and Epoxy Coasters | 12-3 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | $188 | This two-day class will make you a master at creating wood and epoxy coasters.
Wine on Wednesday | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free+ | Explore the museum’s art collection before sipping $5 pours in the shop.
El Puro’s Havana Affair Night | 6-10 p.m. | El Puro Cuban Restaurant | Free+ | Experience the flavors and flair of Cuba through craft cocktails, food, and live music.
Crossin The Line Comedy Show | 8-10 p.m. | Sip City Market & Bottle Shop | Free+ | Prepare to laugh as a group of comedians bring their best to this intimate venue.
Crossroads Cinema: “The Dark Knight” | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Ford Green | Free+ | Shop the stores at Camp North End before watching Batman face the Joker.
Here’s a sweet nugget to start your day. Cara’s Cookie Company, a family-run cookie catering business, will open at Camp North End this Saturday, July 19. They’ll offer half-pound cookies in a baker’s dozen, cookie push pops, edible cookie dough, and cookie decorating kits.
Today Is
The MLB All-Star Game. Charlotte may not have a team of our own, but according to this map, Mecklenburg County is an Atlanta Braves town. Check out the full rosters, featuring outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr., and tune in to FOX or ESPN 2 starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Active
A high-tech golf range could be coming to Uptown. RangeWorks may open a fully enclosed netted facility with 36 hitting bays near West Morehead Street and I-77. The City of Charlotte needs to approve the proposal + if approved, the facility could open in spring 2026. (WBTV)
Outdoors
Want to share your pool? Residential swimming pool rentals are now legal in Mecklenburg County. The law went into effect on July 1. Public Health released recommendations to keep swimmers safe.
Civic
Put those phones down. Starting Sept. 1, drivers in South Carolina will not be able to have their phones in their hands or laps. SCDOT will install signs along highways to notify drivers of the change. Law enforcement will issue warnings until February 2026 to give drivers time to adjust. (WCNC)
Development
Charlotte developer Mel Graham purchased an 81.6-acre site in Union County to potentially become high-end housing. Graham will work with Weddington officials to create a project plan, including addressing traffic along Rea Road. A timeline is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Cause
The Leon Levine Foundation will triple annual grants to $100 million by 2028. Over the next 40 years, the Charlotte-based foundation plans to invest its $2 billion endowment into causes across the Carolinas, focusing on healthcare, human services, education, and Jewish values. (The Charlotte Ledger)
Arts
The award-winning exhibit, “Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited,” returns to the Charlotte Museum of History today. It features an interactive presentation of how communities have given back through faith and social justice. The exhibit runs through Oct. 19 + is included in regular museum admission.
Try This
The secret is out. Starbucks launched a “secret menu” option on its app, including “Cookies on Top” and “Dragonfruit glow up.” The Seattle-based coffee chain also launched a contest for customers to submit their own customized drink. Who needs a secret menu when we’ve got so many local shops to sip from? (WCNC)
Speaking of baseball... WCNC’s Sports Director Nick Carboni spoke with Hough High School grad Tyler Baird about his three major goals for his baseball career — including the MLB Draft. See if he’s going pro. (WCNC)
Listen
Liam McNeeley is becoming a stand-out following the Hornets’ first two Summer League games. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Read
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Category
Read
📚 Chapter one: reading outside
Will you sit at a picnic table or lie in a hammock with your new book? | Photo by CLTtoday
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept drew in a million visitors in the past three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
While you’re debating where to place an outdoor library in the Queen City, consider building your book collection with novels from any of these Charlotte-area bookstores.
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