I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now. I’ve begun collecting Charlotte event info and places that I enjoy spending my time. I hope you find a chance to try some of them out.
EVENTS
YAMs
There’s Mint after 5 every friday @ the Mint Craft & Design…supposed to be pretty fun. Alot of mid-20’s age and up. Benefits the Mint. It’s apart of the Young Affiliates of the Mint (or the YAMs…hahaha) They host events on a regular basis. I don’t think you have to be a member to attend them. But they have all kinds of events on a regular basis.
EVENING MUSE
Open mic night is Wedn. 8pm. Pretty cut & dry. I’ve never found the time to go…yet! My new roomate frequents it’s stage on a regular basis so I’m sure my attendance status will change soon. She’s pretty amazing really! She got a pic in the last Creative Loafing, she sings Vox, plays keys, & guitar and is a rockin’ illustrator. Go Bridgit!
GALLERY CRAWLS
South End Gallery Crawl on the 1st Fri of every month…NoDa’s is 1st & 3rd. NoDa’s is pretty awsome…fire throwers in front of Salvadore Deli, Great food choices (Cabo Fish Taco, Boudreuxs, what used to be Mellow Mushroom, and a couple other local dives). Evening Muse for live entertainment as well. The South End event is considerable smaller, less diverse but still a good time. Especailly if you’re into skating, Black Sheep Skate shop is awesome.
Every so often there’s a Plaza-Midwood Krawl…this isn’t on a regular basis but it’s SWEET! It’s much bigger and more diverse with a festival feel that includes shops, resturants, churches, and art galleries….
**CENTURY VINTAGE**
It’s not your typical venue but it has a little room in that back of the store that plays local bands and such. But specifically every Sat night they host a movie night…Reel to Reel style. They’re all 120mm or 80mm films. Usually artsy but some just classic. It’s alot of fun especially if you looking for something a little atypical
**BELMONT DRIVE IN**
This is one of my favs. I think it’s only open thus-sun but it’s great…esp with summer coming around. It’s $8 a CAR LOAD!! And it’s always a double feat. beginning at dusk. You can bring whatever drinks you want but they ask that you don’t bring food. Their consessions are what keep it open. Just classic american food, burgers, chili, that kind of stuff…but the movies are normal blockbusters. Usually the first is kid friendly and the second sometimes more adult rated.
POPS
Summer Pops @ Symphony Park (South Park). This is fun if you like sitting in the sun, picnicking, hanging with friends, &/or listening to classical music. It’s a great thing for family. But be warned…it takes a bit of planning. It gets extremely crowded and it’s necessary to come earlier in the day and claiming your space w/ a blanket or tarp. Otherwise you’ll be relocated to the parking lot outside of Dick’s sporting goods…not quite the same experience. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, playing cards, a book…it’s summer at it’s finest.
SHAKESPEARE @ THE GREEN
This is Uptown at The Green (which by the way if you havne’t checked this out, you should, it’s beautiful. They’re performing Romeo & Juliet and the best part? It’s FREE! Unfortunately parking isn’t. So come prepared with a bit of cash. Again bring blankets, lawn chairs, & food for maximum enjoyment.
- Wednesday, June 18, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
- Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
- Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
- Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
- Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
HEROES CONVENTION
There’s a comic convention coming to town on Friday…I don’t know who’s a fan of the illustrated arts but it’s geared mainly for the diehard fans. I’ve been to one in the past and though I’m not a comic freak I still really enjoyed myself. It’s another one of those random events that is fun to check out if you’re just wanting to get a glimpse of something different.
ROLLER DERBY
Yes folks, that’s right, the Derby is coming to town!! The Charlotte Roller Girls are based out of our lovely home town. The games aren’t a regular event but I hear they’re worth the wait. The next one is July 12 but it’s in Ashville. L So keep your eyes peeled for that.
**BALLANTYNE VILLAGE:**
This is one of the most pleasant surprises I found in Charlotte. It’s a cinema that showcases films that normally wouldn’t show in Charlotte. If there’s something obscure being released…this is prob where it’ll end up. (Here or the Manor…but as it only plays 2 films at one time, Ballantyne is usually better stocked). They also run series where they play classic films. They’re currently in their Summer Retro Series: Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, A Hard Day’s Night, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Goldfinger & Blazing Saddles, Dr. Strangelove, The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly, Blade Runner, Puple Rain, Some Like it Hot, & West Side Story!! I’m so excited about this series. If you love movies as much as I do, you won’t be able to resist the opportunity to see some of these classics on the big screen!
http://www.bvtheatre.com/#/retroseries/4522291483
EATS:
Ok, best Charlotte eats, in my opinion.
GO FOR THE GREASE:
Top pick for real southern comfort and diet breakers…
1. Penguin on Thomas St. (plaza-midwood)
2. Dish on Thomas St. (plaza-midwood)
3. Lupies on Monroe. (Grier Heights)
4. Fuel (dude, there’s like 7 locations…downtown corner of College & 6th, Central & Pecan, South & East, one in Rock Hill….no excuse not to check one out)
GREAT MISC PLACES:
5. Original Pancake House- AMAZING breakfast food anytime of the day!! (3 locations…South Blvd, Sharon Corners next to South Park, & Charlottetown next to the new Target near downtown
6. Phat Burrito- Camden Ave. (South End)
7. Cabo Fish Taco- N. Davidson (NoDa)
8. Zada Jane’s Corner Café- Great menu, nice patio, & shuffleboard…but is a bit pricey. Central Ave. (plaza-midwood)
9. Bricktop- This one’s for my mom. She swears by their guacamole. Across from South Park next to William Sonoma. Not cheap but worth that chunk of the pay check.
FANCY PANTS:
Hey, I work at a doc’s office. We get a lot of reps buying us dinner so I’ve seen the best of the best in charlotte. There are definite perks to having a Dr. for a stepfather. I’m skipping the obvious…Mortons, Maggiano’s, Capital Grille…
10. Upstream- Phillips Place. Owned by Harpers. It typically has great service and fabulous fresh made Sushi. But beware the Raspberry Mojito.
11. Ruth’s Chris Steak House- Fairview (South Park) Um…wow. Don’t bother if you’re a vegetarian. No point in spending that kind of money on a salad.
12. Providence Café- Perrin Place (Myers Park) This is a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s still pricey, it’s just where the financial district goes to unwind. The wine list is notable as well as their salads. Nice patio.
13. Blue-College St. (Downtown) I’ve gone here a couple times…everything edible is fabulous but the deserts are where it’s at. Great for people watching if you score one of the street-side tables
I had no intention of this becoming so long. Sorry for the novel, I hope this has inspired someone to get out there and experience some of the wonderful and fun events that our great city has to offer…
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