How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with personal finance guru Bernadette Joy
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Bernadette Joy. Photo: Courtesy of Bernadette Joy
Your tour guide: personal finance expert Bernadette Joy.
- Bernadette just released her first book, "Crush Your Money Goals."
- It's a great read if your bank account feels like it's crying from all your holiday spending.
Here's Bernadette's ideal (and budget-friendly!) weekend itinerary for entertaining out-of-town friends or family in Charlotte.
Friday Night: Sweet treats and lots of laughs
I'd welcome our guests with a cookie box from Honeybear Bakeshop ($20).
- These are hands-down the best cookies in town, and are always a hit.
My friends from up north always request fried chicken when they visit, and The Eagle in South End never disappoints.
- With great happy hour deals and a family meal option ($24/person), it's perfect for group dining.
Then we'd head to the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte for their Friday Night Game Night ($10/person).
- As someone who has taken stand-up comedy, improv and acting classes there, I love sharing this affordable, laughter-filled creative outlet with my friends.
Saturday: A smorgasbord of eats and an adrenaline rush
We'd start the day with brunch at Optimist Hall.
- We'd share dishes from multiple vendors for a cultural food adventure.
- We'd sample the chicken tikka roll sandwiches and mango lassi from Botiwalla ($26), a burger and fries from Harriet's Hamburgers ($12), assorted empanadas from Felix's Handmade Empanadas ($40), and a sausage pizza from Ava's Pizza ($25).
Carowinds feels like a nostalgic treat.
- We'd head there for some afternoon fun.
- Guest passes for groups of four or more are just $25 per person.
For dinner, we'd share a giant pizza from Benny Pennello's and wings from Chex Grill.
- Then we'd head over to Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden, where we'd spend the night playing board games.
- Rosie's bonfires are a cozy bonus.
Sunday: A self-care session
We'd make use of leftovers from the weekend's feast, repurposing them into a creative spread that saves money and time.
Then we'd unwind with a slow-flow yoga class at Khali Yoga Studio, where my membership perks include free guest passes.
- Outdoor patio classes are especially rejuvenating.
- It's the perfect way to send our guests off after a great weekend.