12 things I learned after moving to Charlotte 

(12) Bringing dogs to bars is a thing.

You probably think there’s nothing better than having an ice cold beer at the bar after a long week. False. There’s nothing better than having an ice cold beer with YOUR DOG at the bar after a long week. Thank you, Charlotte for making this possible.

(11) Wet Willie’s is a haven to your inner college student.

I may still be fairly new to town, and this may sound super touristy, but I love Wet Willie’s. It fulfills all of my college dreams and then some. There is nothing better on a hot summer day than to sip a cold Bob Marley and enjoy some music at The Fountain of the NC Music Factory.

(10) Sometimes, sand angels in February are appropriate.

After moving from the land of the forever winter, it’s the little things that count. Like playing volleyball at Renaissance Park…in shorts…in February. Snow angels, eat your heart out.

(9) There is always something happening. Always.

If you’re bored in Charlotte, it’s your own fault. You can always find something to do, from breweries, live music, 5K runs or bar crawls. I took part in the wonderful chaos that was Rich and Bennet’s St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl this year. I, and over 15,000 of my closest friends, got together, dressed in green, and I’m sure made fools of ourselves. Please enjoy this ridiculous picture to prove it.

(8) You can find true love (in any form).

True love (besides my loving boyfriend) came in the form of my first puppy. Charlotte has brought me my beloved and spoiled German Shepherd, Moose. He is my everything, and I like to remind him by smothering him with love and kisses. P.S. Moose likes to take selfies with the city skyline.

(7) Forecast: Sunshine.

Coming from Upstate NY where the forecast is often clouds, clouds and more clouds, sunshine is a luxury. Lucky for us, sunshine in Charlotte is the norm. I can tell you my Vitamin D levels love it, and needless to say, I’m becoming very spoiled. I mean, just check out this amazing view from Lake Wiley:

(6) You will go to breweries, love them and probably drink too much.

Charlotte is the land of breweries. It is slowly becoming the mecca of craft brews, and I don’t hate it — especially since I’m gluten-free and I can enjoy a great drink at most everywhere in town. Moose had a party foul at Lenny Boy recently. Who’s got the sharpie??

(5) You can buy wine at the grocery store.

This may not come as an exciting fact for many people, but coming from a state where you can only buy wine at a liquor store, this is an equivalent to finding a $100 bill in your jeans pocket. Every day. Forever. In my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined I could go to Target and buy wine. Like what?

(4) Football is everything.

There is no denying the Panthers are having the year of their lives. And there is nothing more exciting than to feel the energy Charlotte is exuding because of it. Whether you’re a Panthers fan or not, if you’re not rooting for the Panthers this year, don’t talk to me. #keeppounding

(3) Your dream of buying a house can actually come true.

In New York, I would have never imagined I would be able to buy a house. Moving to Charlotte made that dream achievable. Thanks to lower taxes, affordable housing and an awesome realtor, my boyfriend and I are now proud first time home-buyers.

(2) The skyline is breathtaking.

Just look at it. It’s the cutest little city skyline I’ve ever seen. And the exciting thing is, it’s only going to grow. Seeing this everyday makes me so happy and proud to live in Charlotte. Kudos to Greenville Park (aka my backyard) for letting me enjoy this view on the daily.

(1) Charlotte is home.

Charlotte is the first place I’ve really lived after college. Charlotte is where I made my first real move, my first real career change, found my first fur baby, moved in with my boyfriend, and bought my first house. I have planted some serious roots in Charlotte, and not just because I was forced to or because it seemed like the right thing. I did it because I wanted to. Because I believe in Charlotte and the amazing things it has shown me over the short time I’ve been here. I would love nothing more than to grow those roots and see the beauty that becomes of this wonderful opportunity. Thank you, Charlotte.