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City Guide
💕 Win their heart
Charlotte offers a delicious range of fine dining for date night. | Photo by Wonho Lee
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, Feb. 14, and it’s not too late to plan the perfect date. From sporting events to live shows and a savory dinner, here are some ways to spoil your special someone.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Make a reservation to savor a delicious steak dinner seasoned with an elegant atmosphere from Queen City restaurants like Steak 48 in SouthPark, or try places like L’Ostrica or Counter- that offer multi-course servings.
The US National Whitewater Center has ropes courses that incorporate traverses on suspension bridges.
Get an all-access pass to the US National Whitewater Center for all-day adventures like kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, and hiking on the 50-mile trail system.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
If you’re feeling competitive, race against time at Beat the Bomb or grab a ball and paddle to play pickleball at one of several courts across the Queen City.
Pacific Life Insurance Co. is expanding in Charlotte. The Fortune 500 company signed a lease for a full floor at 128 South Tryon in Uptown. The expansion is in addition to the company’s leasing of space at Queensbridge Collective, creating more than 300 jobs. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Edu
Home of the wolves. District leaders in York chose White Hill Middle as the name for its new school, which is set to open in 2027. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for March 18 at 11 a.m. (WCNC)
Civic
This week, the Fort Mill Town Council approved the purchase of ~50 acres off River Crossing Drive to build recreational facilities, trails, and parks. A construction timeline is TBA. (WCNC)
Announced
The International Military Sports Council has invited 142 nations to the Queen City for the 2027 Military World Games. The games are considered the largest military sporting event in the world, and the 2027 events will be the first time they’re held in the US.
Community
Time is running out for teens between 13 and 18 to register for The 704 Way, a youth advisory board supported by the City of Charlotte, My Brother’s Keeper, and CMRignite. The group is meant to give teens a way to help shape their neighborhood. The deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15. (Queen City News)
Sports
Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. for the 2026 ACC Baseball Championship. Starting on May 19, 16 institutions within the Atlantic Coast Conference will compete at Truist Field for the conference tournament championship. The tournament ends May 24.
Ranked
Does Charlotte have the best beer scene in the country? The Queen City made the top 20 on USA Today’s Best Beer Cities list for 2026, and still has the chance to make the top 10 — voting ends Monday, Feb. 23.
Feel Good
Gastonia-based nonprofit Least of These Carolinas was awarded a $200,000-grant through Chick-fil-A’s True Inspiration Awards program. The funds will help the organization support children in the foster care system across the Carolinas.
Regional
Next week, we’re excited to launch BizBrief, a new local, weekly business-focused newsletter from our teammates over at GVLtoday. We’ll keep readers up-to-date on all the latest developments, trends, and opportunities + pro tips and insights from Greenville’s top movers and shakers. And if you’d like to see something similar for CLT, let us know.
Travel
Looking for the most convenient parking option at CLT Airport?Reserve your spot with the CLT Airport app or online for the best rates and locations. It’s the easiest way to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Learn more.*
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Category
Try This
🐕 Must love dogs
Let your dog be your best wingman. | Photo via Frolly
Looking for love?Frolly, a free Charlotte-based dating app launched last fall, lets your pup be the ultimate matchmaker. Founder Cindy Himmel credits her daughter for the inspiration behind the app, connecting users through their shared love of dogs.
“My daughter was dating someone. After a few dates, she told me ‘he wasn’t that into dogs,’ and that was my aha moment,” Himmel told CLTtoday.
Similar to other dating apps, users create a profile and bio, and indicate if they’re a dog owner or dog lover. The app then uses AI to match people based on preferences and compatibility. Just swipe left or right.
The free app is open to people 18 and older, and you don’t have to be a dog owner to join. Himmel said there are future plans for a monthly fee, with profits benefiting Forgotten Now Family Rescue.
In the name of self-care, treat yourself to a little early Valentine’s Day gift. We think you’ll love these five picks, ordered by price.
💸 Under $15: This viral collagen face mask hydrates, evens skin tone, and improves elasticity.
💸 Under $30: A top-rated plush robe that makes every day feel like a spa day.
💸 Under $50: Moroccanoil’s hydrating hair mask leaves hair feeling noticeably softer + hydrated.
💸 Under $75: This pair of freshwater pearl earrings are perfect for every occasion.
💸 Under $150: A cozy cardigan by Barefoot Dreams that’s crafted from the brand’s famously soft yarn.
If you’re looking for a few activities for Galentine’s Day, I’ve got just the thing:
Flirtini Flight | Nuvole 22 | Friday, Feb. 13 | 4 p.m. | $26 | Sip a flight of four martinis with your gals.
Galentine’s Girl Dinner | The Goodyear House | Thursday, Feb. 12 | 4 p.m. | $15+ | Level up your girl dinner with a shaken fry bag, wings, and prosecco.
Galentine’s Day Party | Blinder’s Sports Lounge | Friday, Feb. 13 | 8:30 p.m. | Free+ | Grab your crew and join the karaoke party while sipping cute cocktails.
Galentine’s Night | Vaulted Oak Brewing | Friday, Feb. 13 | 7 p.m. | Sip prosecco, graze from cheese boards, and enjoy quality company with the gals.
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