25 things worth your money in Charlotte

Alex Sands

1. A bike — Biking in Charlotte is the most fun way to get around. You feel like a little kid. Plus, it's good exercise, good for the environment and good for your wallet.
2. Autobell's $28.99 full-service wash — 'Cause when I do opt to use my car, I hate when it's coated in my Pyrenees' hair.
3. An Independent Picture House movie ticket — See everything from the newest Christopher Nolan release to a David Lynch screening. And you'll feel good about supporting the local arts.
4. 2 mix-and-match tacos and the avocado pasta salad from Cabo Fish Taco — A couple can eat a tasty meal here for well under $50. And bonus: If you're on the patio, North Davidson Street is the best people (and vehicular) watching in Charlotte.
5. $10 door entry to Petra's Hazy Sunday — One of the only covers I'm not annoyed about paying. Whoever said people don't dance in Charlotte never went to Petra's.

Melissa Oyler

1. Physical therapy, even when you're not acutely injured — Hear me out: I started physical therapy for my TMJ, but it's turned into so much more. My PT (Process Physical Therapy in NoDa) even helps me work on my weightlifting form! It's totally worth the money and time, when you find the right one.
2. Coffee from a local coffee shop — I can make really good coffee at home — I even have a fancy espresso machine. But there's something about the experience at a neighborhood café that makes it worth the price of my latte, every time.
3. Light rail, bus or Amtrak tickets — Transit rocks. It's basically a personal driver that frees you up to read, work, scroll or rest. I choose transit over driving whenever I can.
4. Running shoes from a local running store — Don't just grab the cutest pair. An expert at a local running store can watch you run, measure your stride and pronation, and help you find shoes that actually work for your feet.
5. A chew-proof dog bed — Ask Charlie, my wild child, why this one is worth every penny.

Ashley Mahoney

1. A Whitewater Center annual pass — It pays for itself by the third use.
2. A massage — Whether it's a Mood House membership or a trip to another local spot, you'll leave feeling refreshed.
3. Charlotte Marathon registration — Sure, it involves months of training, but if you ever want to see a city come together, run through the streets as the sun comes up on a chilly November morning.
4. Tickets to a show — Whether it's local theater or a touring Broadway show, it's a great date with friends or your significant other.
5. A credit card with airport lounge access — Nothing makes me move faster through an airport than the promise of a free snack before a flight. I want to make the most of my annual fee.

McKenzie Rankin

1. A YMCA membership — Get access to Y locations across Charlotte, from the Dowd's rooftop views to chiller branches when you want to escape the crowds. With the Dowd as your primary branch, memberships start at $69/month.
2. A "Biggie" from Pertinacious Coffee — Coffee just tastes better in a 20-ounce cup. I don't make the rules. Pertinacious in South End will make any drink a Biggie for $1 extra.
3. An evening on the Substrate patio — Spritzes, a bottle of wine with friends, maybe a pizza brought over from Bird. Whatever the tab, I'll pay it because the hours spent gabbing at this Optimist Park wine bar are priceless.
4. A cold plunge and sauna session — My factory reset. Sunday Hot Springs, Sauna House and Sauna Culture are favorites. Depending where you go, sessions typically run $40-$80.
5. Tomahawk Tuesday at The Crunkleton — Every Tuesday, its 42-ounce tomahawk ribeye is half off. It's market price — last time I paid $85. Add mac and cheese, Brussels, street corn and fries, and split it among four to five people.

Alexis Clinton

1. NASCAR ride-along — For all the drivers speeding down I-77, I think we need to redirect some of that need for speed to a more controlled area like a racetrack. You won't have to worry about any of those red light cameras so you can literally put your pedal to the metal without having to worry about that $75 fine.
2. Boat ride along Lake Norman — Just rent a boat. A cruise along the water could be the breath of fresh air you're looking for, whether you want to feel like you're on a getaway or take in views of some of the area's best homes.
3. Serving the Culture — If there's one thing I might love more than music then it would be food and this experience pairs both of them together. The multi-course dinner paired with a cocktail tasting is such a fun way to learn about some of the city's best chefs and mixologists while you're also learning about artists.
4. A morning at HEX — It checks all my boxes: great coffee, good food and plenty of seating. I'll start with a vanilla latte and tamago sandwich, then stick around for lunch or a glass of wine before strolling Camp North End.
5. Any item on Seemingly Overzealous' menu — This one's for all my lactose-intolerant and dairy-allergy-prone people like me who still want to enjoy a dessert run with friends. And, as a bonus, it might save you from needing the Dootycall app afterward.