My official “you should move to Charlotte” weekend itinerary

I have a close college friend who recently made the all-too-familiar move from Charlotte to D.C., after one fabulous year in Charlotte. She pinky promised she would move back someday.

I take pinky promises very seriously.

Now that she has a significant other who has never even been to Charlotte, it’s my personal mission to make him fall in love with the city, too, so that they can live happily ever after.

So here it is, my personal “you should move to Charlotte and be my neighbor” weekend itinerary for when they visit.

Friday

Note: Grab your Amélie’s French Bakery goodies ahead of time and casually leave them out on the counter so that they won’t have to wait in line to experience a twice-baked almond croissant. Other necessities on deck: Pure Intentions Coffee in the a.m. and Great Wagon Road Distilling Company spirits for nightcaps.

Drinks at The Punch Room 
Tour guide quote: “Welcome to the South! Meet Bob.”

Dinner at Nan & Byron’s
Tour guide quote: “Bring us the poppers.”

Late night in Montford
Tour guide quote: “If you guys want to make out, that’s fine.”

Saturday

(Feeling aggressive) Hike/climb/get sporty at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Tour guide quote: “We’re home to all kinds of champions. And a zip line!”

(Feeling less aggressive) 7th Street Public Market for lazy breakfasting
Tour guide quote: “It’s kind of like a farmers market + food court hybrid. But cooler.”
*No matter where you live, maneuver it so that you come Uptown via light rail. Or casually drive through Fourth Ward and name-drop your Homeland actor sightings.

Afternoon at Wooden Robot Brewery
Tour guide quote: “You can’t walk like a block in South End without finding another cool spot to drink beer.”

Low-key dinner at Sabor Latin Street Grill
Tour guide quote: “You can totally handle nachos and three tacos.”

Catch a show at The Fillmore Charlotte, Uptown Amphitheatre or The Evening Muse, etc.
Tour guide quote: “There’s at least one good show like every night. And all the big acts come here.”

Sunday

Brunch at Vivace
Tour guide quote: “Greenway!”

Afternoon snacks at Earl’s Grocery
Tour guide quote: “I will accept anything on the premises as my hostess gift.”

Drive to the airport
Tour guide quote: “Look how easy it is to get to the airport. So close, no traffic*! Have you ever seen long-term parking that cheap? Go to Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar while you wait.”

*mostly

(Note: This content was co-created with CRVA.)