Here at QC Exclusive, we bring you the best of the best that Charlotte has to offer. What you don’t get to see is how much fun we have doing it. This holiday season, we’re all feeling especially grateful. Not least of all, the whole QC gang is deeply thankful for each and every one of you. Our readers are what keep us going, and what keep us motivated and inspired every day to find—and share—even more gems in this beautiful city. Our staff and fall contributors took a moment to tell us just a few of the other things making us all feel thankful this season.
QC Exclusive Staff
BrettI’m thankful for the incredible staff and contributors in the QC Exclusive family. I am also thankful for the Rhino Market for fueling my beer belly!
JPI’m thankful for so many things in Charlotte. Off the top of my head, I’m thankful for Rob Rondelez’s Rhino Market, and in particular their Big Skinny. It’s delicious. Also thankful for Kabab-Je hummus, Ben Thanh’s Phở, and Le’s glorious sammies. Outside of food, I’m very grateful for the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase, the sunrises at Mountain Island Lake, and the park at The Mint Museum on Randolph Road will always be a special place to me.
CoreyI’m thankful for Charlotte’s open-mind, and for its willing self-deprecation. So many important people here are driven by this kind of collective vision of a better place to live. That humble-but-optimistic place…that’s where I want to live, where I want to grow. And I love our absurd road network. Seriously, Charlotte confuses the damn satellites. After a lot of frustration, I’ve resigned myself to love it. Builds character.
FernI’m thankful that Total Wine has continued to stock my favorite summer rosé wine well into November. I needed that!
StephenI’m thankful for our greenway system, Crowders Mountain, and (some would suggest I couldn’t live without) Papi Queso.
KatI am thankful for our amazing weather, high heels, my snooze button, Soul’s sushi, and the small town vibe mixed with big city attitude, and Southern hospitality.
SunnyI’m thankful for the overwhelmingly welcoming vibe of the people and this city (even to us northerners), and thankful for black coffee, copy-editing days, ten-minute midday office yoga breaks with the team and, last but not least, being able to live on Lake Norman.
Our Ever-so-grateful Fall Contributors
Margo
I’m thankful for the not-too-hot and not-too-cold weather; having the mountains so close; my beautiful historic neighborhood; my good friends and crazy co-workers; and Bang Bang Burger being a five-minute walk from my house.
Ashley
I’m thankful for the new home and good friends I’ve made in Charlotte since my recent move from Detroit. I also can’t get enough of Carolina barbecue—how have I lived without this all my life?—and the beautiful sunsets over Lake Norman.
Brianna
I’m thankful to have access to all the Charlotte museums and galleries and Rush Espresso Cafe and Wine Bar.
Eleanor
I am thankful for Legion Brewing off of Central Avenue, where I know I can always enjoy a delicious beer, unwind after a long day of work, and talk to Jordan the Bartender about everything (literally everything) under the sun.
Jordan
I’m thankful for the Charlotte skyline as the sun sets, Lexington-style BBQ, and never being far from the mountains or the beach.
Shelly
I’m thankful for the community engagement in Charlotte, the energy of the city and the awesome food trucks and culinary scene as a whole.
Leslie
I’m thankful for Hannahmax Baking’s Cookie Chips, stocked locally at Rhino Market & Deli. My diet can’t say the same.
