Pause your hike to take in the view at South Mountains State Park. | Photo via NC State Parks
As the leaves change and we enter the holiday season, many Charlotteans traditionally hit the road for long weekends or day trips to the mountains. While Western North Carolina and Virginia are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, many of these towns are ready for visitors. Here’s a chance to enjoy the fall scenery while supporting these mountain communities.
South Mountains State Park
Drive time: ~1 hour 20 minutes from Uptown
Hikers can enjoy the views from the Clear Creek and Jacob Fork access trails. Keep in mind: The High Shoals Falls Loop trail, including the waterfall viewing point, is closed for debris removal.
If you’re looking for a hike and waterfall views, visit Otter Falls just west of Blowing Rock.
What fall event in Charlotte are you most looking forward to?
A. Getting scared at Scarrigan Farms or SCarowinds B. Pumpkin picking from the patch at Truist Field C. Seeing the Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall D. Other
Sol Delish will open its new location at The Shoppes at University Place this Saturday, Sept. 27. The popular soul food restaurant serves salmon, chicken, and brunch — get ready to try the collard green dip. Their location along North Tryon Street will switch to take-out only.
Edu
Honeywell is investing $10 million in UNC Charlotte for STEM education and workforce development. The funds will help buy new equipment and technology + cover 48 scholarships, senior capstone projects, faculty endowments, and research funding. UNC Charlotte also plans to rename Burson Hall to the Honeywell Innovation Hub by 2027. (WCNC)
Development
Construction on Centre South is set to start in early 2026. The project along South Caldwell and South Boulevard will boast 329 apartments, 66 affordable units, and office space + retail. Move-ins are expected in 2028. (Axios Charlotte)
Biz
The Truist Championship unveiled its corporate hospitality options for its upcoming championship. The options include climate-controlled suites at various holes at Quail Hollow, drink deliveries, and more. The tournament will tee off on May 6, 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
The Panthers have a win under their belts — can they keep that energy up all season? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
The holidays are coming. The Bowl at Ballantyne will transform into an ice rink for the first time starting Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Plus, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular will return to Ballantyne’s Backyard starting Thanksgiving weekend through Monday, Dec. 30.
Shop
CAMP, a kids’ retailer with crafts and immersive activities, is opening at SouthPark on Friday, Sept. 26. The 3,000-sqft store will feature a “Gabby’s Dollhouse” experience, books, and toys. A grand opening party is planned for Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 — tickets are going fast.
Read
Arthur Sze has been appointed the 25th US poet laureate by the Library of Congress. He will start in the fall, which is also the perfect time of year to read a poetry collection, classic novel, or romantasy tale in Charlotte’s great outdoors. (The Guardian)
Feeling fall? Us, too — that’s why we’re shopping HSN’s fall finds like this autumn tray decor set. New customers can save $15 with code WELCOME25.*
Home
Better insulation means lower bills... and we’ll take all the cost savings we can right now.This retailer is offering a buy two, get two free special on new windows — helping you keep extreme temps out, costs low, and curb appeal high. See disclaimers for important consumer information.*
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💕 What you’re “unfortunately” loving
The Queen City is about to be the backdrop for a new television show. | Photo via Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
ICYMI, there’s a new trend making the rounds on social media — and it’s all about guilty pleasures. People are confessing the little things they “unfortunately do love.” So we asked what you were loving, and here’s what you said:
Splurging on...
“shoes.” — Jamie C.
“attending Carolina Panthers games.” — Tyler P.
“the newest bowl from YAFO.” — Angela D.
“cocktails on Sneak’s patio.” — Nikki W.
Competing like a pro...
“poker night with my friends.” — Tyler P.
“music bingo at Vaulted Oak Brewing.” — Nikki W.
Reserving a table for date night...
“Oku.” — Tyler P.
“Fahrenheit.” — Nikki W., Angela D., and Jamie C.
Satisfying my sweet tooth at...
“Golden Cow Creamery.” — Jamie C.
“Cherry Lemon Sundrop.” — Tyler P.
“Villani’s.” — Nikki W.
Snapping too many photos of...
“LaMelo Ball’s garage.” — Tyler P.
“the Charlotte skyline.” — Nikki W.
Smiling too hard when...
“the Panthers win.” — Nikki W., Tyler P., and Cat G.
Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences — think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away. New deals boasting up to 70% local experiences drop daily.
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.
Over the weekend, I was lucky to be invited to Le Diner en Blanc, a large-scale party where hundreds of Charlotteans brought out their best white attire and packed American Legion Memorial Stadium — the location wasn’t disclosed until the day of the event. There was live music, aerial performances, and so many unique outfits. I highly recommend registering for next year’s event — check out my experience.
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