I have collectively lived in Charlotte for 3+ years, here are some of my favorites -

Coffee / Breakfast

Haraz: This is a Yemen inspired coffee shop with a unique menu. Coffee is pretty good, but the real star here is their pastries! So delicious. Located in Plaza Midwood.
Giddy Goat: Coffee shop, but I would go here just for the empanadas! Great outdoor space to enjoy. Located in Plaza Midwood.
Vicente Coffee Shop: Good coffee and amazing pastries in South End!
Not Just Coffee: They have multiple locations, but I specifically enjoyed their Atherton Mills location in South End. Grab a coffee and walk around and explore all the shops! Free people, Anthropologie, Lululemon, & more.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails: Cute spot for a nice sitdown brunch in South End!

Breweries / Drinks

Sycamore: Can’t go wrong with their cool new space: a taproom, beer garden, food truck, and coffee. Located in the heart of South End.
Monday Night Brewing: If the weather is good, this is a fun place to be! Located in South End.
Elsewhere Cocktail Bar: Really cozy spot under the water tower in South End. Love to grab a quick drink here before or after dinner!
Canopy Cocktails & Garden: Cocktail bar, but with a large outdoor area that I love to sit in! Located in South End.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Love the LoSo location, huge biergarten to sit outside and enjoy some nice weather.
Bar a Vin: My favorite wine bar in the city, located in NODA, which is a cool neighborhood to checkout. You have to get the bread & butter, it is a requirement!
The Cotton Room: Speakeasy vibes in Uptown. Located in the French Quarter which has some other relaxed restaurants and pubs.
Nuvole Rooftop: I love a rooftop - I think Nuvole has the best views of the Queen City. Located in Uptown.

Dinner

Supperland: Housed in a restored old church, Supperland combines a unique atmosphere with dishes that are perfect for sharing. One of my favorites! Located in Plaza Midwood.
Stagioni: The BEST pizza I have ever had. Dark & cozy in there, perfect for a date night. Located in Eastover.
Yunta: Peruvian food - highly suggest the lo mein. It is hard to get a reservation, so definitely plan in advance! Located in South End.
Yamazaru: My go-to for sushi in CLT, for take out or dining in. Love to sit on their patio! Located in South End.

Activities

Rail Trail: Nice trail through South End, it is a great way to walk past all the restaurants, shops, etc. that the area has to offer.
Sporting Event: Whether it is NFL, NBA, or MLS: Charlotte has options.
White Water Center: This is a little outside of the city, but I do love it here. Cool activities like kayaking, trails, and of course white water rafting on the manmade course!
There is also always new weekend events going on, I suggest @AxiosCharlotte on instagram for all the happenings!

Charlotte, NC

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico