Midwood Smokehouse’s pig wings fall off the bone. | Photo by CLTtoday
Prepare to sample some of Charlotte’s best barbecue. The Pig Pickin’, a Carolina BBQ Festival event, will serve hungry Charlotteans on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Mac’s Speedshop in South End.
Before the smokers run and the meat is marinated, I was invited to do a “dine around,” where I chatted with the participating pitmasters and sampled everything you get to try at the one-day event.
Midwood Smokehouse
The afternoon started at Midwood Smokehouse in Plaza Midwood, where Executive Pitmaster Matthew Barry gave a tour of the kitchen, smoker, and chatted with us about the upcoming Pig Pickin’, where he’ll be making hundreds of pig wings with different flavors — think: Cheerwine or Tex-Mex.
Sweet Lew’s uses North Carolina oysters for their Pig Pickin’ plate.
Photo by CLTtoday
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Our second stop was at Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Belmont, where Owner Lewis Donald brought out a platter of fried oysters with a hot honey drizzle.
Editor Maria, here. I can confidently say these were delicious, and I need several more platters for myself.
Florence Wine & Beer Garden is now open at Merino Mill in Mooresville. Diners can choose from Italian-inspired faves like lasagna, gnocchi, pappardelle pasta, sea bass, and salads. A grand opening is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
Announced
Truva Turkish Kitchen will open “sometime after Friday, Oct. 10" in the former Riccio’s Italian Restaurant spot in South Charlotte. The Ohio-based restaurant is known for shish kabobs, cabbage rolls, branzino, and steak. (The Charlotte Observer)
Family
Looking for a weekend activity the whole family will enjoy? The Charlotte Kid’s Festival returns tomorrow, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities, educational experiences, and performances. Psst... The festival has a new home this year at The Shoppes at University Place. Plan your visit.*
Eat
Starting this Sunday, Oct. 5, The Goodyear House is adding an all-you-can-eat buffet to its brunch offerings. Expect to find sausage balls, scrambled eggs, waffles, chicken bites, and more for $40 per person. Psst... kids 10 and under eat free.
Transit
Overnight lane closures will start Monday, Oct. 20 so crews can install bridge girders along I-85 near the W.T. Harris Boulevard and West Mallard Creek Church Road interchanges. The I-85 North Bridge project aims to link residential, retail, and more in University City. The closures will run through Friday, Oct. 24.
Development
Construction has begun on The Grove at Tega Cay, a $250 million mixed-use development. The Grove will be built in phases and will boast 150 homes and townhomes, 225 apartments, and retail space. A construction end date is TBA, but is expected to last five-to-10 years. (Charlotte Business Journal)
American Airlines launched direct flights to San Jose Mineta International Airport for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in California. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8. Memorize the airport before booking your ticket. (WBTV)
Sports
Will the Panthers bring a win this weekend against Miami? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder that early detection saves lives. Scheduling an annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take. Make an appointment.*
Biz
If you’re wondering how you’re going to find someone stellar to fill your job opening, we can help. With our Job Board, you can post your listing for free and score a new employee in your community. It’s quick and easy — try it.
Festival
Festival season is in full swing. Whether you’re into art, food, music, or all three, there’s a festival in Orange County, NC, for you. With something happening almost every weekend through November, planning a getaway has never been easier. See what’s in store.*
Read
Tired of the political drama? We get it. Cut through the noise and subscribe to The Tangle’s free newsletter for balanced, nonpartisan reporting on major political stories.*
Category
Wellness
👟 Let’s sweat
The Fitness Factory boasts more than 250 pieces of workout equipment. | Photos via The Fitness Factory
Did you know?The Fitness Factory along North Davidson Street in NoDa is a 42,000-sqft gym with more than 200 pieces of equipment. But it’s not just a longstanding gym that’s celebrating 25 years in the Queen City; it’s a place to build community.
“I wanted to create a space where people who are truly serious about fitness at any level could come and train hard, be respected, and feel like part of something real,” Owner Eileen Fagan told CLTtoday.
Since opening in 2000, Fagan has worked to grow the gym with hundreds of hand-picked equipment, perfect for power lifting, bodybuilding, cardio, and Olympic training. Fun fact: Guests will notice some college-themed equipment because Fagan buys the equipment from colleges.
In a city that’s ripe with boutique studios and national chains, The Fitness Factory aims to operate in a league of its own.
Your favorite Nordstrom fall fashion essential. Sometimes, just one great new piece can update what’s already in your closet from last year. We’re eyeing:
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.
Tomorrow, Oct. 4, if you visit Wooden Robot in South End, you’ll see a revamped “From Charlotte with Love” mural. It’s all to celebrate the brewery’s seventh anniversary. I can’t wait to see it soon!
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