After living in Charlotte for 6 months, here are 10 things I should have said “no” to more while starting out

(1) Don’t drive

Unlike most fast growing cities, Charlotte has managed to maintain beautiful paths and walkways.

Stroll along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, take in the street art in NoDa or use the Light Rail as your designated driver after an Uptown bar crawl.

(2) Don’t cook

With Taco Tuesdays, a bi-annual restaurant week and food trucks on every corner, it’s basically a sin to stay in.

(3) Don’t exercise

At least, not in the conventional sense.

In Charlotte, exercise is fun and usually followed by beer. There’s yoga and beer, running and beer, Crossfit and beer. You name it, we’ll add beer to it.

(4) Don’t do chains

Make sure you support local.

Sample the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, get your sweat on at Functional Fit or deck our your dwelling with antique treasures from Sleepy Poet.

(5) Don’t fly out of Charlotte-Douglas Airport.

There are so many amazing destinations you can fly to directly from Charlotte, but try to travel out of nearby Concord or Asheville airports.

Lines are shorter, flights are cheaper and you’ll be treated to amazing views as you take off.

(6) Don’t forget Fido

I have never lived anywhere more welcoming to our four-legged friends. Sign up for Bulldog Beauty Pageants, Doggy Yoga (DOGA) or just bring your pooch to whichever bar you’re heading to.

(7) Don’t do your research

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve accidentally wandered into some insanely cool activity, such as street fairs, hip hop dance classes or a charitable community programs.

There’s fun to be had around every corner so don’t waste time planning from your computer.

(8) Don’t stay silent

Charlotte is home to some pretty passionate people; it’s what makes it such a wonderful place to live. If you feel strongly about a cause, chances are there’s already a group of people who feel the same way.

Find them, join them and make a difference.

(9) Don’t break the bank

Having a great time in Charlotte is truly a case of no money, no problem. On any given day there’s plenty of free activities, from bike rides to gallery crawls to brewery tours to open mic nights to hiking trails.

Meet new people and have fun all without spending a penny.

[Agenda Story: 30 dates in Charlotte that will cost you approximately $0]

(10) Don’t wait

Last year I attended my first ballet class, published my first written piece and made firm friends with a stranger I met at a bar.

Charlotte is one of the most welcoming, least judgmental cities I’ve ever had the pleasure to live in, so if there’s something lingering on your bucket list, this is the place to take the plunge.