Get ready to spend Tuesdays at Optimist Hall with tacos in hand. | Rendering via Comal
Let’s taco ‘bout a new concept coming to Optimist Hall — Comal Taco Co., a fast casual Southwest-inspired taco spot, will open in the Optimist Park food hall early next month, taking over the Marina’s Tapas space.
“Comal is all about tradition. We’re paying homage to the great food of Mexico and the American Southwest,” Owner Shang Skipper exclusively told CLTtoday.
Hungry diners can expect a variety of tacos, salsa, queso, and cheese crisps. Plus, all of the tortillas and tortilla chips will be sourced from locally owned De La Vega Tortillas. The menu will also feature red sangria, fresh-made guacamole, nachos, and churros served with a rich dulce de leche sauce.
Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll let you know when an opening date is announced.
A mountain town aglow: Dillsboro’s Lights & Luminaries
Presented by Discover Jackson, NC
This festive mountain tradition filled with carolers, cocoa, and holiday cheer. | Photos provided by Discover Jackson County, NC
Experience the magic of the season at Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries, where 2,500 candles and twinkling white lights transform the mountain town into a holiday wonderland.
Enjoy live music, carolers, hot cider, cocoa, and even a visit from Santa during this beloved tradition on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13.
Plan your getaway and let Dillsboro light up your holiday spirit.
The recent geomagnetic activity brought a light show to nearby Indian Trail near Hemby Bridge.
Photo by Denise P.
Mailbag
Last week, we asked for photos of the Northern Lights seen in Charlotte. Reader Denise P. shared the lovely image above — what a stunner. If you have a photo you want to share with us, just reply to this email.
Coming Soon
Hi-Wire Brewing will open a new cider and mead bar inside its South End taproom by Thanksgiving. The new bar will pour a rotating selection of Noble Cider’s award-winning ciders and meads, all made in Asheville.
Community
Oro Ballantyne, the new luxury residential tower at The Bowl at Ballantyne, is complete and open for immediate move-ins. The 26-story apartment building boasts 356 studio- to three-bedroom units, townhomes, penthouses, a hidden speakeasy, and coworking spaces.
Open
Speaking of Ballantyne... Haraz Coffee House opens today at 8 a.m. near Libretto’s Pizza on John J. Delaney Drive. The Yemeni coffee shop serves fresh pastries, coffees, and matcha.
Biz
Charlotte Art League is now Queen City Art. The nonprofit unveiled its new name at a fundraiser over the weekend and plans to expand its member services, educational programs, and partnerships across the Charlotte area. (WCNC)
Cause
The Go Jen Go Foundation is hosting Operation Spread the Joy — a gift supply drive. The local nonprofit is asking for monetary donations or gift purchases, and care packages via their Amazon Wish List. Bonus: Help further by volunteering for their gift wrapping party.
Holiday
Registration is open for Saturdays on Stitt’s holiday turkey giveaway. Mecklenburg County, Nourish Up, and Food Lion will distribute 1,000 turkeys this Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center. Priority will be given to families receiving SNAP benefits.
Sports
Did you catch Bryce Young’s franchise record this weekend? Go beyond the field following the Carolina Panthers’ win in Atlanta with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for CLTtoday’s Best. Voting ends Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Eat
Taco Bell is selling a Baja Blast-flavored pie this Thanksgiving. The drink’s signature tropical lime flavor has been turned into a filling on a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. To each their own, but we prefer picking up seasonal desserts from Charlotte’s small businesses like Thoughtful Baking Co. (People)
The Word
Contribution: a gift or payment to a common fund or collection. Your contribution to our giving campaign supports more than Editor Maria and CLTtoday — it supports our colleagues in other cities, our account managers, and everyone who helps keep this newsletter coming to your inbox each morning. If you support our hardworking team, donate.
Finance
Investing in exotic and classic vehicles delivers results — a Lamborghini Countach sale just generated a 14% net return for MCQ Markets investors. Diversify for $20 a share.*
Editor’s Pick
Imagine these smiling faces floating through the city during a parade — too cute.
Photos by CLTtoday
A French bulldog float will make its way through New York City during this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. That got us thinking: What Charlotte-inspired animal floats could join the fun?
Editor Maria here: I’d love to see inflatable versions of my dogs (pictured above) flying through Manhattan.
It wouldn’t be CLT without our crown — maybe a giant one like the design on this shirt.
And of course, giant Bojangles biscuits are a must.
Did we miss any? Let us know (or send us festive photos of your pets, please).
The Buy
Benefit’s top-rated brow pen that’s on sale for a limited time. We love that it draws on three superfine lines in one stroke, resulting in fuller-looking brows in seconds. Bonus: Get $10 off your order of at least $20 with code HSN2025 by Sunday, Nov. 30.
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.
Optimist Hall has a special place in my heart — it’s where my wife and I had our first date! We split a pizza and ice cream on Leap Day 2020, and the rest is history. While Marina’s Tapas satisfies my craving for Spanish foods, I’m excited to try the new concept taking its place in a few weeks.
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