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🍓 U-pick season
Get ready to fill your basket at Carrigan Farms. | Photo via Carrigan Farms
There’s something satisfying about picking your own strawberries, and now is the time to do it. Late-April through June is prime time for strawberry picking in the Carolinas, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Here are nine places around Charlotte to fill those buckets. Pro tip: Not all farms open at the same time, so double-check their social media pages.
From art + décor mounting (hello, magazine-worthy gallery wall) to a home deep clean (goodbye, dust bunnies), easily check everything off your spring refresh list with Taskrabbit.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools could end its middle college program. The proposal would reduce the number of magnet themes from 16 to six and expand early colleges. CMS will propose the change to the school board on Tuesday, April 28. (WSOC)
Biz
Google will take over a nearly 800,000-sqft building in Rowan County, just north of Charlotte. The company did not release its plans for the space. The real estate move comes months after the giant announced a data center in nearby Caldwell County. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
Welcome to Charlotte. The Panthers made their pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. I’ll be welcoming the Panthers’ newest player later today at Bank of America Stadium. Keep a close eye on Instagram.
Announced
Mark your calendar. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will launch Meck Sounds, its annual summer concert series, starting on Thursday, May 21. The monthly concerts are free to attend.
Civic
Have questions about public transportation or the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA)? Reserve your chair for this public policy meeting with David Howard, the MPTA Board Chair, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Shop
Tomorrow, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day. Plan your shopping route using this guide. Psst... Don’t forget that most of these stores are also taking part in the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl, which ends Friday, April 30.
Development
The former Alpine Ski Center in Dilworth could transform into a mixed-use development. The ownership group behind 1501 East Blvd. filed with the City of Charlotte to demolish the building and create a new one, with restaurant and office space. Construction could wrap by 2027. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Finance
If your budget feels tighter than it used to, it might be time to rethink a few everyday expenses. Read this list of 19 money-saving strategies and create a little breathing room in your budget.*
Event Spotlight
Explore handcrafted pottery created by some of the best artists in North Carolina.
Photo via Thrown Together Potters
Looking for a unique piece of decor? Try visiting the Thrown Together Potters Spring Sale, happening tomorrow, April 25, in NoDa. This is your chance to meet with local potters and learn about their handcrafted pieces. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended.
Can’t make it in person? The sale will move online on Saturday, May 2.
The Buy
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. Shop some of our favorite unique gifts for the occasion at five different price points.
💖 Under 10: These mini vase fridge magnets spell out “mom” + include decorative blooms that can last a lifetime.
💖 Under $25: This magnolia bloom candle features hand-crafted petals and leaves + doubles as a decorative accent.
💖 Under $50: Let them know how much they mean to you with this embroidered mom of the year baseball hat.
💖 Under $75: Never let their coffee or tea go cold thanks to this sleek mug warmer with real-time temperature control.
💖 Under $100: Spark laughter with this charming thou shall not try me needlepoint pillow.
I got a sneak peek at Grey’s Diner, the new concept in the former Mattie’s Diner space by Chef Sam Diminich. The menu was all about comfort food, using local ingredients. Truthfully, I can’t pick a favorite dinner item; however, that burger is something I can eat all the time. Maybe it was the spices or the caramelized onions — it was almost like a year-round Thanksgiving.
We ordered the Grey’s burger, short rib and eggs, Salisbury steak, and eggplant parmesan sandwich.
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