My 36-hour food and drink schedule for friends coming into Charlotte for the weekend

And because I’m an obnoxiously food-centric person, this is my guide to showing your visitor the Queen City through food.

Friday night: Fahrenheit

Hit them with some city views and possibly some lobster tacos. Definitely a Moscow Mule. Bonus: you might see someone famous. (Made eye contact with Lebron James a few weeks ago at the bar, pretty sure we’re best friends now).

Saturday morning: Peculiar Rabbit

Order the chicken & waffles, cure your hangover, and show them a bit of Plaza Midwood. Service can be a bit slow, but at least that gives you time for more mimosas.

Saturday lunch: Ten Park Lanes & Suarez Bakery

Most out-of-towners are surprised that we hang out at a bowling alley. I definitely was when I first moved here.

Order the fried pickles and build your own Stacked Jar. Give them a little tour of Montford, then head on over to Park Road Shopping Center.

Run, do not walk, to Suarez Bakery.

Pro tip: Order the Fleur de Sel Brownie and some Cannoli.

Saturday afternoon/night: Sycamore Brewing

Take a walk on the rail trail, walk off those baked goods, then stop at Sycamore for a beer or three. If the Gyro Twins food truck is there, order the spanikopita and fries (they taste just like McDonald’s and I am so ok with that).

This gives you a more casual transition into the evening instead of having to leave again for another sit down meal. Drink, eat, listen to music, and figure out your game plan for the night.

Sunday morning: Tupelo Honey Cafe

Their brunch is killer and has something for everyone — not to mention some banging brunch cocktails. I ordered the Fried Chicken Salad, because then I could say I ate a salad for lunch…

Bonus spots: 

Coffee: I always choose Amelie’s for new visitors. The decor alone is enough to pique your guests interests, and it’s a great excuse to sneak in a macaron. Take a spin around NoDa and show them all the creativity Charlotte has to offer.

Weekday visitors: My favorite weekday lunch spot to take a friend is 7th Street Market. Let your visitor wander and take it all in, and then insist on Orrman’s Cheese Shop for a grilled cheese with smoked mozzarella, prosciutto and roasted red peppers on rosemary focaccia. Take a Not Just Coffee vanilla sugar latte to go.

My last tip: Go to the gym on Monday.