Grab a table or booth to read and relax at Amelie’s French Bakery.
Photo via CLTtoday
According to new data from Google Trends, search interest in “cozy romance” and “cozy books” are at an all-time high, and searches for “fall romance books” have increased by more than 400%.
That gave us an idea. Grab your cozy, fall-themed read and head to some of the comfiest spots in Charlotte:
Taste your way through four barbecue villages featuring Texas, Traditional, New School, and Coastal styles. | Photos by Jonathan Boncek
Pack your appetite, Charlotte — it’s time to hit the road for all-you-can-eat barbecue + live music.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, head to Charleston’s Riverfront Park for the 5th annual Holy Smokes BBQ Festival. This event will feature 50+ of the nation’s top pitmasters and chefs serving up world-class barbecue (think: whole hog, pork, beef ribs, Texas-style brisket, Lowcountry seafood, and more).
Construction is underway on the new pedestrian bridge going up over I-277. The new bridge will link Uptown to South End, and have a new pedestrian and bicycle connection to Brooklyn Village Station. Lanes along John Belk Freeway near College Street are scheduled to be closed through February 2026. (WSOC)
Development
A four-story data center could be coming to Uptown. Austin, TX-based Digital Trade Street 2 plans to build a data center at 725 E. Trade St. and remove the existing parking lot, a two-story building, and a one-story building that are part of The Court Arcade. A construction date is TBA. (The Charlotte Observer)
Mansion Monday
It’s giving architectural creativity. This custom Foxcroft home boasts a dedicated wine room, an elevator, a saltwater pool, and five bedrooms. Did you see the exposed brick?
Opening
Prime Fish Cellar is expected to reopen “by late October or early November.” The shop in Providence Park closed for renovations over the summer and will reopen as a sushi, wine, and sake bar. (The Charlotte Observer)
Which will you order first: the caviar-topped poached egg poutine or bougie toast?
Photo via NiceDay
Try This
VINYL, South End’s music-inspired eatery and cocktail bar, launched new fall-inspired drinks and a new brunch menu, featuring “bougie toast” and a vegetable breakfast hash. Book your table.
Active
Dink up. Rock Hill is adding the flooring for pickleball courts at the new Bleachery Fieldhouse. Monthly or yearly membership will be available once the facility opens in December.
Closing
Old Town Public House in Cornelius announced it will close on Jan. 11, 2026. The closure comes as the southeast corner of Catawba Avenue and Meridian Street will be redeveloped for Mill’s Market, a mixed-use project with retail and apartments. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
The Woolly Worm Festival will return to Banner Elk on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19. The festival was canceled last year due to Hurricane Helene. Expect to see 100+ vendors, games, live entertainment, and the worms’ prediction for the winter forecast. (WCNC)
Quoted
“He’s so passionate, and the kids enjoy him every day in the classroom.” Lloyd Davis, a teacher at Ardrey Kell High School, is celebrating 60 years as an educator, impacting several generations of students. (WCNC)
Sports
The Hornets’ regular season will tip off on Wednesday, Oct. 22 — who will be on the starting line? Go beyond the court for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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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.
Speaking of being cozy... I’m living for the cooler temperatures in the mornings. When I saw “Wicked” at Blumenthal Arts last weekend, my wife bought me this jacket to rep the show, and I can’t take it off. I’m so ready for fall.
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