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✈️ Travel trends taking off
You can’t help but smile when the skyline comes into focus while arriving at CLT. | Photo via @cltairport
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ spring break may not be until April, but we’re cooking up travel ideas to plan for.
Maximum adventure with minimum commitment: Panama City
Younger travelers are looking for 1-2 day getaways that offer a slew of exciting activities, and this beachside city delivers with fresh ocean air and brewery hopping just a four-hour flight away.
Get the California experience, without the pesky crowds.
Photo by SATXtoday team
National parks: Long Beach
Flying directly to LAX gets you to California, which is home to nine US National Parks, including Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Yosemite. Between day trips to the beach or road trips to parks, there’s something for everyone.
Waymo’s self-driving cars are coming to Charlotte. They’re not yet ready to hit the streets. The vehicles need to drive every Charlotte street three times with a driver, which should take about a year. (WCNC + The Charlotte Ledger)
Transit
Speaking of driving... If you’re caught holding your phone behind the wheel, you’ll be ticketed. The SC Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act went into effect in September 2025, but until now, only warnings have been issued. (WSOC)
Open
The Juice Pod, a New Jersey-based health foods eatery, is now open at The Line in South End. Expect to order smoothies, acai bowls, juices, coffees, and grab-and-go orders. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Coming Soon
Luxury furniture retailer Gabriella White Charlotte Outlet will open near Carolina Place Mall on Saturday, Feb. 28. The showroom will boast elevated indoor and outdoor collections, like dining tables, bedroom sets, and discontinued designs. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Development
The Huntersville Planning Board approved a $200 million mixed-use community along Sam Furr Road and NC 115. The Knox Crossing development would feature up to 486 apartments and townhomes, a grocery store, and retail. The Town Board is scheduled to vote on the project on Tuesday, March 17. (The Charlotte Observer)
Biz
Maersk is delaying its 520-job hiring cycle to 2027 through 2029. The move is part of an incentives agreement to make its Arrowpoint office its North American headquarters. Originally, positions were to be filled from 2026 to 2028. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Eat
Got lunch plans? Starting today, The Goodyear House will serve weekday lunch, with menu items like the chopped steak sammy, mushroom Reuben, and chicken schnitzel Caesar. The lunch menu will be available Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fun Fact
If you watched Team USA bobsledding during the 2026 Winter Olympics, then you saw bobsleds made in Mooresville. Hans deBot, owner of deBotech, Inc., has been building sleds since 2001. Don’t forget, the 2026 Winter Paralympics open Friday, March 6. (Queen City News)
If you’re reaching for fewer sodas or cocktails, Bruusta gives you a fizzy option on tap in your fridge: fresh, low-sugar kombucha, brewed at home with almost no effort. Join the flexible Brew Plan and get 50% off to start your wellness-minded beverage journey.*
Editor’s Pick
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at SouthPark Mall.
Photo via SouthPark Mall
SouthPark Mall unveiled, not one, but five stores preparing to open to shoppers soon.
TileBar | The Village at SouthPark | Tile showroom | Opens in April
Garage | Near dining pavilion | Young women’s clothing | Opens in June
IWC Schaffhausen, Panerai, and Jaeger-LeCoultre | Luxury wing | Swiss watches and boutique | Opens in June
Arhaus | The Village at SouthPark | Home furnishing brand with expanded showroom | Opens in July
Suitsupply | Luxury wing | European-inspired men’s fashion | Opens this year
Who’s ready to go shopping, Charlotte?
The Buy
Merit’s Signature Lip Blush, aka the lipstick we want to live every day in. This lightweight, sheer-matte formula applies with the comfort of a nourishing balm, leaving a soft, blurred wash of color that feels like nothing on the lips. Choose your favorite shade, from warm sheer nude Vendôme to brick red September.
One of my favorite nonstop travel destinations from CLT Douglas is Exuma. The Bahamian cays have crystal clear waters, where I’ve spotted quite a few sea turtles, sand dollars, and swimming pigs. I’ll be going there in a couple of weeks with my wife and family, and I could not be more excited. In fact, my in-laws are probably reading this newsletter from there now — see you soon!
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