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🇮🇹 Tour Italy in CLT
The exterior of Stagioni gives off Italian villa vibes. | Photo by @chaphaus via Stagioni
Editor Maria, here. The 2026 Winter Olympics have got me itching for a slice of Milan without the price of airfare. With the help of some local businesses, you can make the Queen City feel like “la capitale morale” for just one day, no Duolingo needed.
Morning
Wake up and smell the caffe and cornetto (croissants). You’re going to want to start your day by fueling yourself — the Italian way. Grab a coffee, biscotti, or a lobster tail from Dolce & Amaro or Villani’s Bakery.
Winston-Salem offers romantic experiences for couples looking to get away. | Photos provided by Visit Winston-Salem
Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, Feb. 14. It’s not too late to book a romantic escape right here in NC: Winston-Salem’s lively downtown, historic accommodations, award-winning dining, and rich history create plenty of opportunities for unforgettable moments together.
We’ve got the planning started, so you can focus onfalling in love all over again.
Top date night picks
Discover hidden gems together at these local favorites, vetted by real Winston-Salem couples.
Have a cozy dinner for two at Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar Tuscani, or Sage & Salt
Sip locally-made wine at rolling vineyards in nearby Yadkin Valley
Explore Winston-Salem’s vibrant Downtown Arts District or catch a live show
Romantic stays
Founded in 1766, Winston-Salem has no shortage of timelessly elegant historic inns + hotels.
Graylyn Estate | USA Today’s No. 2 boutique hotel in America
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel | Iconic 1929 Art Deco skyscraper
Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain received electronic table games and slot machines before its late-March opening — the first phase beyond its temporary facility. Phase one includes 1,300 slots, live table games, and a restaurant. Phase two, opening in spring 2027, will add a hotel, 3,000 machines, restaurants, and a 24-hour cafe. (WCNC)
Real Estate
How would you like to live in a Victorian-era farmhouse? This Huntersville estate is on a 5-acre lot and dates back to the 1880s, boasting four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and an original wooden staircase. Did we mention it’s designated as a historic landmark?
Family
Slick City is now open in South Charlotte, welcoming children and families to slide and race through its indoor slide park. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for the family, here’s your sign.
Pets
Pet Wants Charlotte’s third location is now open at One South, the 40-story tower at the intersection of Trade and Tryon in Uptown. The locally-owned store offers a curated collection of food, wellness products, and chews.
Sports
Charlotte FC’s new primary kit is now available ahead of the 2026 MLS season. The Carolina Kit: Crowns Up pays homage to the club’s early days and uses crowns as a repeating pattern. Grab gear before The Crown’s home opener on Saturday, March 7 against Austin FC.
Development
Speaking of homes... Tri Pointe Homes will open sales this month for homes being developed on the former Charlotte Knights stadium site in Fort Mill, SC. The project, called Grahym at Southbridge, will have 45 townhomes starting in the mid $400,000s. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Biz
Kevin Hart likes to feel the burn. The actor and comedian signed on as Burn Boot Camp’s first executive partner, and plans to open a location in California. The Huntersville-based company is aiming to open across several states, including Florida, Texas, and New York. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Concert
Singer Demi Lovato canceled her tour stop in the Queen City for health reasons. Anyone who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for the April 8 concert will get a refund. (WCNC)
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Finance
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Fact or Fiction
Leading audiologists are calling this best-selling hearing device “nothing short of a miracle.” Fact. It’s powered by cutting-edge German engineering, making conversation effortless even in noisy places — no wonder 540,000+ customers love it. Learn about a 45-day no-risk trial.*
Wellness
Stop guessing what your routine is doing to your body and know.Hume Body Pod shows you fat and muscle tracking in under 90 seconds, so your effort has direction — not just discipline. Shop while the site’s 35% off sale lasts, and get an extra 20% off with code GOAL20.*
Community
Community
Swipe right on local journalism
Graphic by 6AM City
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I’m absolutely loving the little details on Charlotte FC’s new kit. From the crown spires on the sleeves to the Carolinas outline near the bottom hem, I know our team will look sharp on the field this season!
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