I get it. After living in the same place for some time, it’s easy to become bound to lazy routines and familiar pastimes. But, with the beckoning of summer sun and so many fun, new developments always on the rise in Charlotte, I’d say it’s about time to update your Saturday schedule–and, lucky for you, your next five have already been planned for you. Whether you want to explore a new part of town or relearn your own area, here’s how to spend your next summer Saturday in Charlotte, by neighborhood.
Uptown
Start the morning with an upscale, farm-to-table brunch on the patio at Halcyon, located in the Mint Museum. Further appreciate the elevated taste of the Mint by wandering their permanent collections and latest exhibitions. Continue in your art escapades at The Bechtler and The Gantt Center, next door. Take a breath at The Green before making your way to Coco and the Director for a caffeine boost and to chill for a bit in one of their comfy nooks. Or, mosey over to Not Just Coffee at Packard Place and take your coffee to-go, sip and soak up some sun at Romare Bearden Park. Enjoy an early dinner at Chef William Dissen’s latest culinary concept, Haymaker, before catching the end of a Knights Game (or just peer from your table to check the score). Head for after-dinner drinks overlooking Romare Bearden at Ink N Ivy or Merchant & Trade.
Metropolitan Area + Greenway
Peruse the produce at Kings Drive Farmers Market before strolling down the greenway for brunch on the patio at Vivace; indulge in their Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar while enjoying the sun-basked views of the greenway. Then, scour the greenway for one of the many stray dockless bike-share bikes and ride the length of Greenway, up to North Davidson. Park your bikes outside of your late-afternoon pick-me-up destination of choice: sip on a craft beer and catch up with friends at Free Range Brewing Co., or post up with a book and a bite at Amelie’s. Afterward, hop back on the greenway and take it all the way to Park Road Shopping Center for dinner at Flour Shop, Rock Salt, or Dot Dot Dot (no matter your choice, you can’t go wrong).
South End
Wake up with a coffee from Not Just Coffee Atherton and browse the local meats and veggies at the Atherton Mill Farmers Market, open on saturdays and located just across the hall. Then, windowshop the rail trail as you make your way to Queen Park Social for some booze and bowling with friends. Enjoy a couple of games before walking (or bikeshare-ing) to the other end of the rail trail; stop at Futo Buta for an early dinner on the deck to slurp their refined ramen as you people-watch. End the day by bar-crawling between the abundance of breweries that ornament the South End, like Wooden Robot, Lenny Boy, Sycamore, Hyde, and Triple C.
Plaza Midwood
Enjoy brunch with a side of sun and shuffleboard on the patio at local-favorite, Zada Janes. Spend the afternoon discovering hidden gems and thrift-shop finds at all of the antiques and vintage stores that decorate the area. Adopt the unique and whimsical style of Boris & Natasha, dress up in quirky vintage wear at Stash Pad, admire City Supply Co Furniture, sift through Fifteen Ten Antiques, or shop secondhand clothes at Buffalo Exchange. Preface your dinner at Two Scoops Ice Cream, then continue to indulge at Plaza Midwood’s stand-out restaurant, Bistro La Bon, for small plates. Later, grab after-dinner drinks at Soul Gastrolounge or Snug Harbor.
NoDa
Start your saturday with a stretch at NoDa Yoga, then head to the hole-in-the-wall donut shop, Reigning Donuts, to #treatyourself. Devour your donut on the way to the NoDa Farmers Market where you can watch other people make better dietary choices, but feel no guilt– we did yoga this morning, remember? Window-shop along North Davidson street before grabbing a coffee or beer (whatever your vice) at Salud / Trade and Lore. Later, enjoy a late lunch or early dinner full of satisfying southern staples at Haberdish. Catch some live music or try your hand at the open mic at The Evening Muse before playing some late-night videogames at Abari Game Bar on your way home.