2 years ago today, I moved to the Queen City! I grew up in Greensboro NC, went to college in Erie PA, and moved back to Greensboro after graduation. I spent a few months at home and then moved about 80 miles south, to the city I am so happy to call my home! Last year, I reflected on my first year here, as it was also my first year out on my own. So this year, I thought I would share 10 things I love about living in Charlotte!
1. Always Something To Do
I feel like there is always something to do in Charlotte, especially in the warmer months. From festivals (this photo was before the Breakaway Music Festival last year), games for the football, basketball, and baseball teams, events at bars and restaurants, holiday bar crawls, shopping events, and so much more!
2. Weather
This isn't exactly unique to Charlotte, it's more a reason why I enjoy living in the south. We have warm weather for most of the year, starting in late March and typically going through the end of October. After living in Erie PA for college, it was cold (and very snowy) for most of the school year. So I learned to really appreciate the weather down here. The city also shuts down for the smallest amount of snow, which is why I chose to feature the above photo. During college, I never once had class cancelled for weather, even if there was 3 feet of snow on the ground. But since I have moved back, I have gotten to leave work early or stay home for the slightest bit of snow!
3. Restaurants and Coffeeshops
It seems like there is a new restaurant opening every week in Charlotte. It is so fun to try new places with friends and family. Some of my favorites are Aix-en-Provence, Yafo Mediterranean Street Food, Cantina 1511, Cafe Monte, Ink N Ivy, and Ruru's Tacos and Tequila! There are also some great coffeeshops to spend some time like Amelie's French Bakery (pictured above), Parliament Espresso, and Central Coffee Co.!
4. Breweries and Bars
A lot of my weekends this past spring and summer have been spent at Charlotte breweries. There are many to choose from (apparently in 2017 there were 43), and new ones opening all the time. They are mostly located closely together, so it is a lot fun to hop around to a few throughout the day. Beer has never been my drink of choice. But most breweries have cider, wine, and some even have cocktails! As for bars, there are great options in almost every neighborhood. Want a rooftop bar? Head uptown. Want to pretend you're still in college? Go to Montford. Whether you want to sample craft beers, enjoy fancy cocktails, watch a Panther's game, have an unlimited rosé tasting (pictured above), or just dance all night, there's a bar for you!
5. Shopping
I don't think it will be a surprise that this fashion blogger loves to shop. Between some great malls like SouthPark and Charlotte Premium Outlets, boutiques like Bevello, Ivy and Leo, and Vestique, and shopping events like the Girl Tribe pop-up, there's a lot to see (and buy) in Charlotte!
6. Fitness Community
I recently reflected on the Charlotte fitness community on Instagram, but it is easily one of my favorite parts about living here. Working out as a whole has brought so much positivity to my life. And in Charlotte, there are so many studios to try out that offer some amazing workouts, and SweatNet Charlotte that brings all of fitness addicts together!
7. Carolina Panthers
Although I have always lived in Panthers territory, I had never really followed the NFL until I moved here. The Panthers bring a lot of fun to the city. Even if you can't make it to the stadium, bars and breweries have watch parties, and you see Panthers gear all over the city on Sundays.
8. Art Scene
As with most larger cities, there are many opportunities to see some amazing art in Charlotte. My favorites are Charlotte Ballet, the Mint Museum of Art, the Broadway series at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the Summer Pops in the Park series by the Charlotte Symphony!
9. Proximity to Carolina Beaches and Mountains
Just like the weather, this isn't really unique to Charlotte. But in the Carolinas, you are a short drive away from both the beach and the mountains! Just in 2018 I have have taken trips to Blowing Rock NC, Asheville NC, Carolina Beach NC, and Pawley's Island SC!
10. Charlotte Pride
There is a sense of pride that is really present in Charlotte. I think that might be because a lot of population is not originally from Charlotte (except for my boyfriend, hey TJ!). But it is always fun to see the skyline and CLT (the airport code) all over hats, shirts, even the sides of buildings!
Thanks for reading!
1. Always Something To Do
I feel like there is always something to do in Charlotte, especially in the warmer months. From festivals (this photo was before the Breakaway Music Festival last year), games for the football, basketball, and baseball teams, events at bars and restaurants, holiday bar crawls, shopping events, and so much more!
2. Weather
This isn't exactly unique to Charlotte, it's more a reason why I enjoy living in the south. We have warm weather for most of the year, starting in late March and typically going through the end of October. After living in Erie PA for college, it was cold (and very snowy) for most of the school year. So I learned to really appreciate the weather down here. The city also shuts down for the smallest amount of snow, which is why I chose to feature the above photo. During college, I never once had class cancelled for weather, even if there was 3 feet of snow on the ground. But since I have moved back, I have gotten to leave work early or stay home for the slightest bit of snow!
It seems like there is a new restaurant opening every week in Charlotte. It is so fun to try new places with friends and family. Some of my favorites are Aix-en-Provence, Yafo Mediterranean Street Food, Cantina 1511, Cafe Monte, Ink N Ivy, and Ruru's Tacos and Tequila! There are also some great coffeeshops to spend some time like Amelie's French Bakery (pictured above), Parliament Espresso, and Central Coffee Co.!
A lot of my weekends this past spring and summer have been spent at Charlotte breweries. There are many to choose from (apparently in 2017 there were 43), and new ones opening all the time. They are mostly located closely together, so it is a lot fun to hop around to a few throughout the day. Beer has never been my drink of choice. But most breweries have cider, wine, and some even have cocktails! As for bars, there are great options in almost every neighborhood. Want a rooftop bar? Head uptown. Want to pretend you're still in college? Go to Montford. Whether you want to sample craft beers, enjoy fancy cocktails, watch a Panther's game, have an unlimited rosé tasting (pictured above), or just dance all night, there's a bar for you!
I don't think it will be a surprise that this fashion blogger loves to shop. Between some great malls like SouthPark and Charlotte Premium Outlets, boutiques like Bevello, Ivy and Leo, and Vestique, and shopping events like the Girl Tribe pop-up, there's a lot to see (and buy) in Charlotte!
I recently reflected on the Charlotte fitness community on Instagram, but it is easily one of my favorite parts about living here. Working out as a whole has brought so much positivity to my life. And in Charlotte, there are so many studios to try out that offer some amazing workouts, and SweatNet Charlotte that brings all of fitness addicts together!
7. Carolina Panthers
Although I have always lived in Panthers territory, I had never really followed the NFL until I moved here. The Panthers bring a lot of fun to the city. Even if you can't make it to the stadium, bars and breweries have watch parties, and you see Panthers gear all over the city on Sundays.
8. Art Scene
As with most larger cities, there are many opportunities to see some amazing art in Charlotte. My favorites are Charlotte Ballet, the Mint Museum of Art, the Broadway series at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the Summer Pops in the Park series by the Charlotte Symphony!
9. Proximity to Carolina Beaches and Mountains
Just like the weather, this isn't really unique to Charlotte. But in the Carolinas, you are a short drive away from both the beach and the mountains! Just in 2018 I have have taken trips to Blowing Rock NC, Asheville NC, Carolina Beach NC, and Pawley's Island SC!
10. Charlotte Pride
There is a sense of pride that is really present in Charlotte. I think that might be because a lot of population is not originally from Charlotte (except for my boyfriend, hey TJ!). But it is always fun to see the skyline and CLT (the airport code) all over hats, shirts, even the sides of buildings!
Thanks for reading!