Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Queen City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Charlotte — and don’t forget to bookmark it.
December openings
Comal Taco Co., Optimist Hall | Tacos
The new eatery serves Southwest and Mexican-inspired bites like tacos, fresh guacamole, nachos, churros, and its signature cheese crisp — an open-faced crispy quesadilla.
Opening this month:Laurel Park, 4201 Congress St., Ste. 190 | American
This new eatery will serve upscale small plates, pastas, and pastries, along with wine and cocktails. In 2026, they’ll introduce an outdoor bar with fireside seating.
Consider ordering a pisco sour and loin bonbons at Panko.
Photo by AV Olivieri Photography/Creativa Soul Lab via NiceDay
November openings
Panko, 730 E. 36th St. | Peruvian Nikkei
Savor fresh ceviche, grilled octopus, sushi, Brazilian churrasco, and Argentinian steaks — we’re excited to try the Barranquino tenderloin.
Two Scoops Creamery, 3123 N. Davidson St., Ste. 102 | Ice cream
The Charlotte-born ice cream shop expanded into the former PopBar space, serving its iconic handmade flavors like the cookie monster and banana delight.
Thursday
The festivities begin with a Cool Jazz Concert at HART Theatre — the perfect warm-up for a chilly weekend.
Friday
Downtown Waynesville transforms into an Ice Block Party, complete with frosty sculptures lining the streets, festive vibes, and late-night shopping from local bizzes.
Saturday
The main event arrives: the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley, featuring live ice carving, ice games, glowing light features, and local vendors (tickets are under $8 for a limited time, BTW).
Plus, lace up your running shoes for Clyde’s spirited Frosty 5K.
Sunday
Wrap up your weekend with mountain-town exploring, scenic views, and one last dose of winter wonder.
Frontier Airlines is adding a nonstop flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Cancun, Mexico. The flight will take off starting March 6, and fly three times per week — on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. (The Charlotte Observer)
Announced
Lovin’ Life Music Fest announced its taking “a short pause” in 2026, citing circumstances outside of organizers’ control. This year’s music festival in Uptown drew major headliners like Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani, Pitbull, and Benson Boone. We reached out to organizers and will keep you posted on next steps.
Transit
The Blue Line and Gold Line will pause for maintenance this Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14. The shutdown is expected to happen in phases, with the rail lines reopening on Monday, Dec. 15.
Plan Ahead
On your mark. Registration is open for the annual Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K taking place Jan. 1 at UNC Charlotte. Runners of all ages and skill levels will run through campus and the Toby Creek Greenway before celebrating with an award ceremony and post-race party.
Award
Charlotte Museum of History has become the second Smithsonian Affiliate in Charlotte, after the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum will gain access to the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibitions, artifact loans, research, and educational materials. Here’s a snapshot of what the museum is about.
Active
The 2026 Winter Olympics begin in just 60 days. Soon, athletes from across the globe will head to the picturesque slopes of Northern Italy to compete for the highest accolades in Alpine athletics. Here in Charlotte, a visit to Chutes at Crowder’s Mountain will help get you in the spirit of the Games.
Number
$45. That’s the fee you’ll owe at TSA checkpoints starting in February if you show up without a REAL ID and still want to fly. Save yourself the cash (and the hassle) by securing your REAL ID ahead of travel time.
Number
27,400+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Sports
Despite dishing out a season-high 14 assists, LaMelo Ball is facing some shooting struggles on the court. What does this mean for the rest of the season? Go beyond the hardwood for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Editor’s Pick
🏡 Mansion Monday
Could you call this Myers Park house your new home?
Photo via Ben Bowen at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
It’s Mansion Monday, and we’re taking a look at the top three, most-clicked listings from our November newsletters.
With five bedrooms, a large kitchen, over an acre of private land, an outdoor shower, a pool, and a personal gym, this Foxcroft Hills home offers quite the retreat.
This Myers Park beauty spans 5,701 sqft and has custom features like five bedrooms with en suite baths in each room, a chef’s kitchen, and a glass elevator.
This home in Montibello is close to Carmel Country Club and has an oversized spa-like bathroom, an infrared sauna, and a full guest suite. Did we mention the walk-in closets?
Asked
Do you have the best decorated home in Mecklenburg County?
We’d love to see your decorations — send us a pic by submitting below (or reply to this email) with a picture, and be sure to include your neighborhood, first name + last initial.
I think it’s about time I hit the slopes. I’ve never skied or snowboarded and there are so many places to do just that near Charlotte. Any tips for this newbie? I’m all ears.
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