How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with pro soccer player Vicky Bruce
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Vicky Bruce. Photo: Courtesy of Miguel Sanchez-Nunez/Carolina Ascent FC
Your tour guide: Vicky Bruce, Carolina Ascent defender and co-captain.
- The new local women's professional soccer team next plays Dallas Trinity FC on Nov. 23 at American Legion Memorial Stadium at 7pm.
- More info on tickets here.
One activity every Charlottean should experience: The Whitewater Center
- It's unlike anything you've ever seen.
- I always make a whole day of it.
- I love rock climbing over the water.
Here's Vicky's itinerary for a perfect Charlotte weekend while hosting out-of-town friends or family members.
Friday: Crunkleton and a brewery
We'd go to The Crunkleton for dinner.
- I went there for the first time recently and was blown away.
- I had an amazing steak, one of the best I've ever had.
- We finished with these beignets covered in cold brew icing.
- It was legitimately like heaven in your mouth.
After that, we'd grab drinks at Sycamore.
- I love the vibe both inside and outside.
- It works well if it's just a couple of people, or if you have a big group.
- It's a great place to enjoy the night and see where it takes you.
Saturday: Pancake flights and a park stroll
For breakfast, we'd go to Snooze.
I love the pancake flights, which change seasonally.
- Last time I was there, I had pumpkin pecan pie, cinnamon roll, and strawberry shortcake.
After that, we'd grab coffee at Summit Coffee.
- That's a place that feels like home because it originated in Davidson, where I went to college for two years.
- I can't wait to try the pumpkin cheesecake cold foam.
From there, we'd head to Freedom Park.
- I usually don't have much time off on weekends, but when I do, I love to take my dog there to enjoy the sights.
After, we'd go to Salted Melon for lunch.
- They have amazing truffle fries.
- I've heard they have a great espresso martini, so I definitely want to try that.
Next, we'd walk around South End.
- Two of my favorite stores to browse are Glory Days Apparel and Girl Tribe.
- Then we'd head to HopFly Brewing, since they have Carolina Ascent beer.
At night, my visitors would go to one of my games, of course.
- They have food trucks onsite, but if they wanted a quick bite elsewhere, I'd send them to Hawthorne's Pizza, which is right near the stadium.
- I had the four-cheese pepperoni last time I was there and it was to die for.
After the game, I'd take them to Workman's Friend.
- I played in the UK and my dad is British, so I love the vibe there. It's such a cool little pub.
- They have this purple potato gnocchi that I always get.
- That'd be a good post-game snack.
Sunday: Contrast therapy and empanadas
We'd have to recover after our weekend, so I'd take them to Plunge House.
They have ice baths, hot baths, a sauna, and a vitamin C shower.
- I'd do a contrast bath, have a nice shower, and feel good to go.
After we're refreshed, we'd go to Giddy Goat.
- I love their breakfast empanadas, and we'd obviously grab coffee, too.
From there, we'd do some shopping in Plaza Midwood.
- I love Lunchbox Records, so we'd go there so my guests could get a souvenir to remember their time in Charlotte.
Editor's note: We've corrected the photo caption to credit Miguel Sanchez-Nunez of Carolina Ascent FC.