The non-alcoholic beverages at Restaurant Constance are made in-house to order from locally sourced fruit and vegetables. | Photo by Peter Taylor
Charlotte’s zero-proof scene is growing, and local bars + restaurants are proving you don’t need alcohol for a great drink. Here are some spots where you can grab a mocktail.
Sneak | Drink we love: Slinking to Sicily
This speakeasy-esque lounge in Elizabeth offers cocktails, mocktails, and small bites in a cozy setting.
Vaulted Oak Brewing | Drink we love: Diversify Your Bonds
Former bank, current taproom, all the vibes — need we say more?
Artisan’s Palate | Drink we love: Dougie Fresh and Free
Share plates with your friends, craft cocktails, and be surrounded by art collections in this eclectic and welcoming spot in NoDa.
Ever Andalo | Drink we love: Get Up To Get Down
This NoDa staple offers Italian-inspired food and drinks, plus a mouthwatering brunch on weekends.
Restaurant Constance | Drink we love: Time Will Tell
With a changing seasonal menu, Chef Sam Diminich promises you’ll find a new favorite every visit.
Charlotte City Council approved more than $500,000 to install four miles of fiber optic cables in East Charlotte, impacting traffic. The cables will stretch from Robinson Church to Harrisburg roads and allow CDOT to better manage congestion. The work is expected to finish by the end of the year. (WCNC)
Civic
Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington resigned yesterday to become commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Health. Dr. Washington joined Mecklenburg County in March 2020, and was promoted in 2021. Dr. Kimberly Scott, Assistant Health Director of the Population Health Division, will serve as interim director. (WCNC)
Education
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will host eight graduation ceremonies at Truliant Amphitheater June 11-13. The venue — formerly PNC Pavilion — seats 20,000 people and features covered seating and a lawn area. Here’s the list of schools hosting graduations there this summer. (WCNC)
Active
It’s time to raise the bar. Charlotte landed at No. 46 on WalletHub’s new list of the “Best and Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle” in 2026. For anyone aiming to build healthier habits this year, a locally owned gym is a solid place to start.
Today Is
National Coffee Break Day, a reminder to partake in one of the country’s favorite pastimes — stepping away from your desk to grab a cup of joe. Fortunately, the Queen City has no shortage of choice.
State
Did you know? When you file a state tax return, you can donate all or a portion of your refund to the NC Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. The money helps survey and monitoring efforts for animals like the bog turtle, Eastern hellbender, and Northern gray treefrog.
Travel
Train travel is in for 2026. Amtrak is offering its US Rail Pass for 50% off in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The $250 promotion runs through Tuesday, Jan. 20, and includes 10 rides to 500 destinations, valid over 30 days. If you’re planning a trip, check out our Amtrak guide.
Featured Deal
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*
The 24,000 row fundraiser can be competitive or non-competitive.
Photo via 24 Foundation
Get ready to row.Registration is open for the seventh annual Michelle’s Mighty Mission 24,000 Meter Row, where participants row a combined total of 24,000 meters per team to benefit cancer research and survivors.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sugar Creek Brewing Company. Bonus: There will be food, drinks, and a DJ.
The Buy
We sifted through thousands of Nordstrom Rack deals to bring you five you don’t want to miss. Add them to your cart before they’re gone.
🛍️ Score these rarely-on-sale UGG slippers that are marked down to under $100.
🛍️ Take up to $100 off this cozy longline cardigan with an attached scarf.
🛍️ Get over 50% off this buttery-soft bralette with zero wires, elastic, or seams.
🛍️ Stun in this versatile cowl neck satin blouse that’s on sale for under $30.
🛍️ Don’t miss these top-rated flare leggings that are over 70% off.
People are posting photos of themselves from 2016 all over social media in the latest nostalgic trend. Some of Charlotte’s old favorites, now-shuttered businesses, were still open at the time.
I thought I’d hop on the bandwagon. When I was a local news producer in Dayton, OH, the Harlem Globetrotters came on my show to promote their game. I got to balance a basketball with them — I’m a woman of many talents.
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