The museum’s new campus will boast floors of gallery space, events, and a cafe. | Rendering by Pickard Chilton
Picture yourself visiting a museum surrounded by the bustle of South End and skyline views. That’s exactly what you’ll get when Levine Museum of the New South opens at its new permanent location along South Boulevard.
The museum has been closed since May 2025, after leaving its temporary Uptown space inside the Three Wells Fargo building. Before that, it operated for more than a decade on South Tryon Street.
Once inside the museum, guests will be able to explore several floors filled with exhibitions, events, and more.
Renderings by Pickard Chilton
Focused on the history of Charlotte and the broader South, the museum purchased the 0.57-acre Grace Covenant Church property at the corner of South and East boulevards. The larger 10,000-sqft site will include exhibition galleries, event space, and a cafe + gift shop.
If you have Carolina Water Service, your bill could rise as soon as March 1. The company filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission to temporarily raise water rates from $13.78 to $15.16 per 1,000 gallons. Regulators are expected to make a final decision in late March or early April. (The Charlotte Observer)
Wellness
A third case of measles has been confirmed by the Mecklenburg County Public Health. The person is isolating and recovering at home. A public exposure notice is in effect for people who attended events at Sardis Presbyterian School on Saturday, Jan. 17. (WCNC)
Transit
Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) unveiled a plan to overhaul its fare collection system. Changes include tap-to-pay technology and electronic validators. The agency is holding information sessions, and, if the CATS board approves the recommendations, implementation could begin after 2027. (WCNC)
Plan Ahead
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 7 — that’s when you can get a free professional photograph with your friends, significant other, or pet in front of the Confetti Hearts mural in South End. Don’t forget to say cheese.
Development
Northwood Ravin is planning to add two apartment complexes near The Pearl. The Charlotte-based company is in the pre-development phase + would have parking, a rooftop pool, and a bar. The other complex will be near Trader Joe’s, and have 283 units and rooftop amenities — it’s expected to open in 2027. (The Charlotte Observer)
Real Estate
The Queen City ranked third among Zillow’s most buyer-friendly housing markets for 2026. Zillow focused on mortgage payments, cooling home value growth now, and forecasted appreciation. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
NASCAR’s Roval race at Charlotte Motor Speedway may be coming to an end. The annual fall circuit race could change to the speedway’s oval track. NASCAR has not publicly confirmed the potential changes. (WBTV)
Number
53.6 million. That’s how many travelers passed through Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2025, making it the second busiest year on record. If you’re traveling soon, plan your route through CLT using this guide.
Sports
Rookie standout Kon Knueppel earned a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge and could be awarded Rookie of the Year. Go beyond the locker room for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
Some nights you have the energy to cook. Other nights, you have the energy to… stare at the fridge and negotiate with it.Forkful meals arrive fully prepared, use grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and are 100% seed oil-free. Get 50% off your first box with code CMD50.*
You may spot traditional lion dances during local Lunar New Year celebrations. | Photo via Rachel Sutherland Communications
Welcome to the Year of the Horse. The Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, and there are several events to attend, observe, and celebrate around the Queen City.
Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Fair | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 1-5 p.m. | Mecklenburg Hall | Free | Bring the family for an afternoon of hands-on activities, crafts, and culture.
Tết Festival | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.| Liberty Hall at Park Expo | $15+ | Experience live performances, lion dances, and a crowning of Miss and Mister Vietnam of the Carolinas.
Mint 2 Move Cultural Dance Night | Friday, Feb. 13 | 7-11 p.m. | Mint Museum Uptown | $15 | Watch dragon dance performances in collaboration with the Manera Foundation + live music, dancing, and art.
Did we miss your favorite event? Let us know and we’ll submit it to our calendar.
The Buy
Super Bowl LX kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 8. Whether you’re catching the game at your favorite sports bar or hosting a watch party at home, we’ve rounded up a few must-haves for every kind of big-game watcher:
I’m still looking for your favorite romantic restaurant in the Queen City. Let me know by submitting here or just hit reply to this newsletter! I’d love to share your favorites with our readers.