Imagine Charlotte through the years — a lot has changed since the 1800s. | Screenshots via North Carolina Newspapers
While we certainly do not remember every 21st night of September, we decided to reminisce with some old Charlotte newspaper clippings dating as far back as 1883. Let’s see how much has changed in the Queen City. Daily Charlotte Observer, 1883 | “The Central Hotel” was known to be the largest hotel between Washington, DC, and Atlanta, GA — guests paid $2 to $3 per room. The hotel closed in the 1930s and was demolished in 1988.
The Central Hotel was one of Charlotte’s longest operating hotels (1849-1930s).
Photo via Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
The Charlotte News, 1913 | The ad reads, “Mrs. L. L. Gardner would be pleased to be honored with your visit to her Millinery Opening where you will find a choice selection of pattern hats and French creations.” While this store no longer operates on West Trade Street, you can stay fashionable by visiting Nouveau Chapeau in Plaza Midwood.
Water skiing is available for anyone feeling a bit more adventurous. | Photos provided by Olde English District
Whether you’re looking to soak up the last moments of summer or fully embrace fall, South Carolina’s Olde English District is the perfect place to make a splash.
Kayak, fish, float, or boat through scenic waterways or soak up the sun along the shore for a more laid-back vibe. Looking for your “Notebook” moment? There are plenty of cypress swamps to paddle through.
The best part? Your new favorite spot is just a short drive away.
Expect temporary road closures today in Kannapolis and Concord for the funeral procession of Officer Gabriel Stainback. The procession is expected to leave Hartsells Funeral Home in Concord at 11 a.m., and head to Bethel Baptist Church on Dale Earnhardt Boulevard. (WCNC)
Announced
Little Mama’s Italian will open a new location near 131 Main in Cornelius early next year. Diners can expect the same faves, like scratch-made pastas, fresh mozzarella, and brick oven pizzas, at its new restaurant along Bailey and Statesville roads.
Try This
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers are heading to the Atlantic League Pro Baseball Playoffs. The Peppers will play at home against the High Point Rockers tomorrow, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m — tickets start at $15.
Coming Soon
Flora, a New York-based restaurant, will open in South End in winter 2026. The restaurant will takeover Eagle Food & Beer Hall (which closes tomorrow) and serve steaks, chicken, burgers, brunch, and their signature “Flower Pot” dessert — yes, it comes in a flower pot.(Charlotte Business Journal)
Development
Centrum Realty & Development and Sorelle Capital are planning a boutique hotel in Dilworth. The 130-room hotel would be at Cleveland and East Worthington avenues, and boast ground-floor retail, parking, a top-floor lounge, and pool deck. A construction timeline remains TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Opening
La Bodeguita, the craft and wellness studio at Camp North End, is trading its Airstream for a bigger space. The studio will open on Saturday, Oct. 4, and offer lounge-style seating, a dedicated workshop area + workshops with local artists. We’re excited to check out their “Parallel Play Fridays,” where co-working meets creativity.
Sports
If Charlotte FC wins tomorrow against New York City FC in the Big Apple, it will mark the longest win streak in MLS history. Hear what head coach Dean Smith had to say about the match before heading to the official watch party at Moo and Brew in Matthews. (WCNC)
Listen
Speaking of sports... how will the Panthers fare this Sunday? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Concert
“Darling, you’ll look perfect” on Friday, Oct. 17. Ed Sheeran is bringing his “LOOP” tour to Bank of America Stadium. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 26. (WCNC)
Shop
The Publix Super Market at Arboretum on Providence Road opens tomorrow, Sept. 20 at 7 a.m. The store will employ 140 people, and comes after the chain opened in East Charlotte back in April.
Number
$450,000. That’s how much the Catwalk for Causes event raised for Charlotte-area charities. Some of Charlotte’s biggest sports names, like Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly, and Joey Logano, strut the catwalk alongside children whose lives were impacted by cancer, heart defects, or other illnesses.
Try This
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is asking you to share stories about Hurricane Helene during a listening day on Saturday, Sept. 20. Segments of the recording will be featured on WFDD from Sept. 29 through October 5.
Fun Fact
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Category
Arts
🎨 Exploding arts scene
Consider a day at the theater, checking out a new exhibit, or shopping in the park. | Photos via Festival in the Park + CLTtoday
Charlotte’s arts scene is buzzing, and there’s no shortage of ways to soak it all in. Whether you’re into indie films, gallery openings, or outdoor festivals, the city is serving up something for everyone.
For starters, the 61st Annual Festival in the Park is taking place Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21, at Freedom Park. The annual event brings hundreds of people to the park, lined with vendor tents, local artists, live music, and food trucks.
At The Mint Museum Randolph, two exhibits are opening through Jan. 4, 2026: “Central Impact: Skateboarding’s Art and Influence” + “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks.” Central Impact explores skateboarding through art, as decks become an artist’s canvas. “Future Now” shows a history of how sneakers and shoes have evolved through time. Both are open through Jan. 4, 2026. Cue the sneakers from “Back to the Future II” — spoiler alert: those shoes are on display.
A great way to get a sparkling clean toilet: Splash Foam Cleaner. Clean stains, toilet rings, and more without forceful scrubbing thanks to Splash Foam’s revolutionary cleaning formula. Just pour, let it foam, and flush. Bonus: It leaves your bathroom smelling clean.*
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.
Check out these shoes I found during a sneak peek of “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks” — they’re inspired by Takashi Murakami and Pharrell, and feature artwork that brings them joy, like Doritos, cupcakes, and art. How neat!
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