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From our team

We’re excited to announce that the CLTtoday Holiday Gift Guide will return this November. Want first dibs on a feature? Lock in your spot now + get 20% off with code EARLYBIRD20. Hurry — this offer ends Wednesday, Oct. 1.

City Guide

☕ Pour yourself a cup of ambition

The inside of a coffee shop showing a display case with various items, a counter where two people are working, and a chalk sign that reads "Death before Decaf." To the left, there is tiered "stadium seating" with several pillows lying around.
For richer or pour over, Charlotte’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. | Photo via @cocoandthedirector
National Coffee Day is coming up on Monday, Sept. 29. Thankfully, celebrating this holiday shouldn’t be too difficult, considering the Queen City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Charlotte.

Seasonal sips

Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden | For a sweet start to the day, try the gingersnap matcha or the maple cookie latte.

On-the-go joe

Burr & Berry Coffee | This drive-thru and walk-up coffee spot has a knack for specialty coffee, like its Snickers Mocha and Maui Macchiato.

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

Coco and the Director | This one’s for the sprawlers — the tiered “stadium seating” with floor pillows will suite your fancy, and the multiple outlets throughout the space will keep your tech charged up.
34 more coffee-centric cafes

Asked

At which coffee shop can you currently find the seasonal beverage, “Pecan’t Even!”?

A. Not Just Coffee
B. The Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters
C. Central Coffee Co.
D. Coffee Republic
Brew up an answer
Woodhouse Spa, South Park

Events

Thursday, Sept. 25

CLTivate Community Nonprofit + Volunteer Expo | 4-7 p.m. | Truist Field | Free

Wine Tasting | 4:30-7 p.m. | Roots Cafe | Free

Community Conversations: Teaching and Learning History | 6-7:30 p.m. | University City Regional Library

Moss Wall Workshop | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse | $52+

River Jam: Clay Johnson & The Hard Promises | Thursday, Sept. 25-Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7 p.m. | US National Whitewater Center | Free

Friday, Sept. 26

2025 Breakaway Music Festival | Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27 | 3-11 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $119+

¡CineViva! Series: Selena (1997) | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $16+

End of Summer Party | 7-9 p.m. | State of Confusion | Price of purchase

Saturday, Sept. 27

Touch-A-Truck | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Compost Central Disposal and Recycling Center | Free

Potters Market at the Mint | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph | $25

Sunday, Sept. 28

Taylor Swift Drag Brunch | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Divine Barrel Brewing | $15+

Music and Museum Concert Series | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $30
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash
Tosco Music

Wellness

Skincare that works, backed by science

Presented by Timeline
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Backed by research, this skincare restores skin vitality. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.

Enter: Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline, clinically proven to energize skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 15%.‡

See benefits in as little as 15 days and save 20% while supplies last.
Save 20%

News Notes

Coming Soon

Maryland-based convenience store chain Dash In is planning a $143 million expansion to the Carolinas, including 10 Charlotte-area locations. Two of the locations — one near I-85 in Concord and one on North Tryon Street’s University area — are set to begin construction in October and November, respectively. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Stat

While home sales are slowing down in many communities nationwide, one Charlotte neighborhood is breaking the status quo. Homes in the 28270 zip code sold 22% faster in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same time last year — and with properties like this, we can see why. (Charlotte Business Journal)
CLTtoday_Panther reads to student_Sept 2025

The Carolina Panthers recently read to students before their home opener.

Photo by Andrew Stein via Carolina Panthers

Feel Good

Before the Panthers’ home opener this past Sunday, the team, along with Top Cats and Sir Purr, visited students at Devonshire Elementary School. They celebrated the importance of reading and got outside to play. Watch their visit.

Listen

Speaking of the Panthers, is the team’s defense turning the corner? Is Ejiro Evero’s job now safe? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Sports

The sports news just keeps coming. The Charlotte Hornets have secured Judi Health — previously known as Capital Rx — as a multi-year sponsor. Beginning this season, the company will have a patch placed on the team’s game jerseys, and serve as the presenting partner for its annual City Edition uniform unveiling. (WCNC)

Eat

North Carolina’s own Lexington Barbecue landed on Southern Living’s ranking of the “Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South.” Located in — you guessed it — Lexington (less than one hour from Charlotte), the restaurant came in at No. 10 and was lauded for its Piedmont-style pork shoulder.

Jobs

Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, CLTtoday Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.

Edu

Discover your creative potential with Inward & Artward School of Creativity’s online classes this fall. Engage in courses like Creativity & Personal Mythology and Writers Accountability Groups to build resilience and sustain inspiration. Plus, apply for the 2026 hybrid Creative Facilitator Training for a unique learning journey. Enroll.*

Older Adults

Do you know about these senior discounts? Aside from basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*

Jobs of the Week

Money talks — today we’re focusing on finance-related roles.
See more jobs

Looking to hire? Post jobs online for free &
upgrade for newsletter promotion!

The Buy

A HEPA air purifier that’s 60% off for a limited time. We love that style is not compromised for function — it features a sleek exterior + eliminates 99.97% of air particles so you can have an odor and dust-free environment.
Shop more great home finds on HSN

Games

Games-Section Header-V2_Green.png
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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

I’ve been in my reading era this year — you’ll rarely find me out and about without my Kindle.

If you’re in the same boat, here’s a fun pro tip: You can use your Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card to download e-books and audiobooks directly to your digital devices, plus stream movies and music. If you prefer the feeling of a physical book in your hand, these locally owned shops have you covered.
Click Support below to help us out!
‡Mito-Biotic™ Skincare from Timeline disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.

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