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🚗 Your city, your thoughts
Construction on the express lanes is not expected to start until after 2030. | Rendering via NCDOT
California-based developer Shea Homes will open Amara Run, a new Huntersville community, this Friday, April 18. The neighborhood boasts 82 single-family homes off Asbury Chapel Road. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Weather
Summer, is that you? WCNC’s meteorologists are forecasting near-record highs this week. Starting today through Saturday, we could experience temperatures approaching 90 degrees. (WCNC)
Sports
The Hornets are the ninth seed in the NBA Play-In Tournament — the team’s first postseason appearance since 2016. Buzz City faces the Miami Heat tonight at the Spectrum Center, with tickets starting at $42. Plus, the team is hosting a block party today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Disc Plaza to celebrate, with free coffee, giveaways, and live performances.
Announced
Speaking of sports... The Charlotte Checkers announced the schedule for their first-round Calder Cup Playoffs — their eighth time making the postseason. The best-of-three series will be played at Bojangles Coliseum starting Wednesday, April 22. Tickets start at $29.
The Station at LoSo in Lower South End (LoSo) is for sale. The development was built in 2023 and features two five-story office buildings, ground-floor retail, and is next to the Scaleybark light-rail station. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Outdoors
Strawberry picking at Carrigan Farms kicks off Friday, April 17. The farm offers U-pick and pre-picked containers, starting at $8. Bonus: the farm also has fresh asparagus available through early May.
Try This
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo launched a new “girl dinner” menu item. Savor this salad with baby spinach, sweet strawberries, crumbled feta, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette paired with fries and a spritz for $25. Girl dinner is available on Thursdays.
Number
$2,976. That’s the median annual property tax bill in Charlotte, which ranked No. 272 in the country. According to a study by SmartAsset, that figure represents ~2.3% of homeowners’ income — a lower percentage than in High Point, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro.
Travel
Spring comes alive in Jackson County at the Greening Up the Mountains Festival on April 25, 2026 in Downtown Sylva. Enjoy live music, a 5K, 150+ artisan vendors, and local food. Make it a weekend with hikes at Pinnacle Park and dining at Ilda or Innovation Brewing. Plan your trip.*
Active
Don’t get yourself in a pickle this National Pickleball Month without a place to play. Whether you’re new to the sport or chasing your next open play session, head to one (or all) of these Queen City spots.
Nordstrom’s end of season saleis on. Save up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like Sanctuary’s top-rated The Perfect T-Shirt. Hurry — the sale ends tomorrow, April 15.*
Event Spotlight
Charlotte Wine + Food Week will host the annual Collectors Gala & Live Auction on Friday, April 17.
Photo by Joshua David Bannen
I love supporting local organizations, and what better way to do so than to combine food and wine?
Tomorrow, April 15, marks the return of the 38th annual Charlotte Wine + Food Week. Every vintner dinner and auction during CW+FW benefits Charlotte-area charities, like Beds for Kids, Digi-Bridge, Families Forward Charlotte, and Wayfinders. The week of curated wine pairings ends with the Grand Tasting, happening this Saturday, April 18.
The Buy
This No. 1 best-selling jelly tote bag that we’re low-key obsessed with for spring and summer. The tip-proof design keeps your tote upright, but it still folds flat to pack or store. It’s also waterproof, easy to clean, and carry-on approved — hello, beach vacay bag. Grab your favorite color (we like iridescent) and let the compliments pour in.
I got in the passenger seat of a racing Corvette at Ten Tenths Motor Club this past weekend — ahead of the Heritage Invitational. My driver, Kendrick, ended up going over 125 miles per hour — what a rush! Mark your calendar for next year’s event, taking place April 15-17.
Don’t worry, I had a helmet and seat belt on while racing on the track.
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