Let’s talk all things Queen City! We spent 4 days in beautiful Charlotte, NC for a wedding we attended last weekend. The weather was perfect, the people there were delightful, and the food was delicious. As always, we tried to jam as much as we possibly could into the short time we were there and we had a blast! Charlotte is both charming and modern, with many unique pockets and neighborhoods to explore.
WHERE TO STAY:
We stayed in Uptown, which interestingly is where downtown Charlotte is located (named for its geographic positioning). Uptown is modern, packed with sky scrapers and the most hustle and bustle in Charlotte. The streets are lined with restaurants, hotels, and plenty to see and do.
The Charlotte Westin: We stayed at the Westin in Uptown for our entire trip. The hotel is upscale, modern, and conveniently located, offering beautiful views of downtown Charlotte. Request a corner room on one of the top floors for the best view.
The Charlotte Omni: Like, the Westin the Omni is conveniently located in Uptown. The Omni is modern and luxurious and a great place to stay if you want to be downtown!
The Dunhill Hotel: If you’re looking for a more boutique hotel experience, this is your place! The Dunhill offers both sophisticated accommodations and southern hospitality in a historic setting. All rooms feature a writing desk, lavish bedding, and elegant marble bathrooms. The Dunhill is home to Asbury Restaurant a modern southern restaurant with amazing food and cocktails. Try their sticky biscuits, deviled eggs, or fried chicken sammy.
WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, & BE MERRY:
Not Just Coffee: Rise and shine! Get your caffeine fix at Not Just Coffee, which has 5 locations and rules the caffeine scene in Charlotte. They have delicious lattes and even more beautiful latte art. If you are a fan of matcha lattes, try one here. We came here multiple times on our trip!
Amelie’s French Bakery: We came to this darling 24 hour bakery twice on our trip and even brought a box of treats back to Chicago. They’re known for their salted caramel brownie, but everything is out of this world. Try the macarons, twice baked chocolate almond croissant, and a salted caramel brownie. Their soups and fresh sandwiches are amazing too! There are four locations in Charlotte.
Tupelo Honey: This is the perfect spot to come for brunch or dinner. Scratch made southern food and delicious cocktails. Sit outside and order their fried green tomatoes with goat cheese grits to start and wash them down with a Lavender & Honeysuckle-lemondrop or Tupelo Honey Margarita.
Price’s Chicken Coop: No frills. Cash only. Old school. Fried Chicken. YES!!
7th Street Public Market: 7th Street Public Market is a bustling urban food destination in the heart of Charlotte’s Center City. If you’ve got a little taste for everything, this is your spot. Try a grilled cheese from Orrman’s Cheese Shop as you sip on a glass of wine at Assorted Table. Or carbo load at Pure Pizza or Hazlenut’s Creperie. There is also a Not Just Coffee location here if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
Vivace: $30 2 course Italian bottom-less mimosa and bloody Mary brunch. See you there.
The Midnight Diner: If you’re looking for a late night snack, you’ve come to the right place. GET THEIR FRIED CHICKEN AND WAFFLES. Their fried chicken is amazing. People also rave about their shrimp and grits. Equally good people watching.
The Asbury: A darling modern southern restaurant with creative food and amazing cocktails. Try their sticky biscuits, deviled eggs, or fried chicken sammy.
Midwood Smokehouse: If you’re looking for good BBQ in Charlotte this is it. Locals rave about this place! Split one of their combo platters so you can try all the goodness they have to offer. Burnt ends and brisket are where it’s at.
Essex Bar & Bistro: $4 blood Mary/mimosa bar!! We came here for lunch and sat outside on their patio. Essex is located conveniently in Uptown and is the perfect spot to stop for lunch or happy hour.
Punch Room: 19th-century inspired speakeasy with creative craft cocktails and specialty punches with an emphasis on small-batch spirits and local fruits, herbs and vegetables. Located in the Ritz Carlton.
Luna’s Living Kitchen: Organic raw plant based food in the most darling setting. Sit on their patio and eat all the amazingness they create from raw plants.
Fahrenheit: Rooftop restaurant on the 21st floor of the Hyatt hotel. Come for a drink or dinner with an impressive view of downtown Charlotte.
That’s a wrap!! Add theQueen City to your list!!
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