All Hail the Queen (City)

Charlotte reigns supreme as a destination worthy of your next weekend escape. 

Charlotte’s got a lot indeed. Whether you’re making the 2.5-hour jaunt to NC’s largest city to cheer on one of its pro sports teams, chase a thrill at the NASCAR Hall of Fame or U.S. National Whitewater Center, or check out the vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, the Queen City is ready to roll out the royal treatment. 

From shopping for designer duds in SouthPark to brewery-hopping along the Rail Trail in South End to soaking in panoramic views on a rooftop patio Uptown (one of CLT’s many quirks is its downtown is called Uptown—just go with it), there’s truly an area—and an activity—to satisfy every type of traveler in the sprawling metropolis. No matter which adventure you choose, you’re sure to be charmed by the city’s dazzling crown jewels and delightful Southern hospitality. Go off, queen!

DO

Want a culture fix? Head to Uptown’s Levine Center for the Arts to experience both the museums’ wide array of permanent art collections and innovative rotating exhibits. Don’t miss The Firebird (nicknamed “Disco Chicken” by locals), an over-17-foot-tall mirrored sculpture that greets visitors outside of the Bechtler. It’s one of the city’s most iconic—and ’Grammable—spots. mintmuseum.org; bechtler.org

Enjoy some friendly competition in the Lower South End via this trendy pickleball hangout. It’s kind of a big *dill* thanks to indoor and outdoor courts anchored by craft cocktail bars (Queen City Spritz, anyone?), specialty coffee and tasty bites like Neapolitan-style ’za. The vibes are immaculate, and the Friday night Paddle Battles have become a fan-fave event. Go ahead, get your pickle on. rallypickleball.com

Eat, sip and shop your way through this bustling textile mill-turned-food hall just north of Uptown with 20+ food stalls, a canine-friendly central courtyard and much more. Foodie faves include Indian street grill Botiwalla; Harriet’s Hamburgers; and Marina’s Tapas, which is set to open this fall. Trust us, you won’t leave hungry. optimisthall.com

EAT 

Executive chef/founder Sam Hart’s Wesley Heights restaurant pushes the boundaries of traditional fine dining with themed tasting menus paired with art and music for an immersive, multisensory experience. (Past menus have featured everything from drive-thru classics to Jay-Z.) Hart was named a James Beard finalist in 2023, but his ultimate goal is lifting up rising stars in the industry. Yes, chef! counterclt.com

The Elizabeth mainstay’s executive chef/owner Andres Kaifer and GM/partner Alex Bridges hit it off while working at Vidrio—and the duo has since transformed the eatery into the place for creative, elevated fare in a nonpretentious environment since taking it over in 2022. Everything on the fresh, seasonal menu is designed to share, but the handmade pasta and burrata are must-orders. customshopfood.com

Peruvian and Japanese cuisines merge at this South End staple with a sleek interior and some of the best ceviche around. DJs spinning house music on weekends provide a clubby vibe, perfect for pairing with one of the colorful cocktails starring pisco, the national spirit of Peru. Opt for the pisco sour flight to experience the bev to the fullest. yuntanikkei.com

DRINK 

This small-but-mighty cocktail bar—a favorite among Charlotte bartenders—serves up some of the best tipples in town. Tucked within the hip NoDa neighborhood, Idlewild’s cocktails are based on guests’ preferences, meaning there’s no menu—just an invitation to engage in intimate conversation to find out what strikes your fancy. Bespoke bevvies? We’ll cheers to that. idlewildbar.com

Don’t let the line outside the buzzy South End spot deter you—it’s worth the wait. Espresso martinis flow freely inside the sexy, Gatsby-esque cocktail lounge, which is adorned with flickering candles, rows of books and tufted leather chairs. But the real attraction is Canopy’s patio garden, which never fails to draw an, ahem, spirited crowd. canopycocktails.com

Now a four-in-one concept, the 21,000-square-foot, two-story combined taproom, beer garden, Airstream food truck and cafe in South End is a bona fide destination. Come for the award-winning brews like Mountain Candy IPA and Southern Girl blonde ale; stay for the lively atmosphere and impressive space (for primo city views, head to the kiddo- and pup-friendly rooftop beer garden). sycamorebrew.com

STAY

This elegant resort known for its sophisticated dining and high-end spa lies just south of Uptown—plus it’s within walking distance of The Bowl, Ballantyne’s brand-new dining/shopping/entertainment destination; and The Amp Ballantyne, an outdoor amphitheater that’s poised to become the Charlotte’s hottest new concert venue. theballantynehotel.com

The title of Charlotte’s only historic boutique hotel belongs to this circa-1929 gem boasting indulgent packages and a central Uptown location near the likes of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. With a blend of Old World charm and modern amenities, it’s a unique option in a city overrun with chain-branded hotels. Nostalgia at its finest, indeed. dunhillhotel.com

NC’s only The Ritz-Carlton is an oasis in the heart of Uptown, offering sumptuous accommodations, spectacular views and a swanky spa (see: the pink Himalayan salt room and indoor pool with poolside dining). Don’t leave without a rendezvous in the speakeasy-esque The Punch Room and a visit to Bar Cocoa, a chic dessert bar that will make any chocolate lover swoon. ritzcarlton.com