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Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte

Tesla has stationed Cybercabs in Charlotte.

News

Tesla <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" data-vars-content-id="cb999d05-368a-4913-b53d-29c90971729b" data-vars-headline="Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/tesla-earnings-ai-robotics-spending" target="_self">appears</a> to be laying the groundwork for robotaxi service in Charlotte, with Cybercabs stationed in a lot and a job posting for test operators.Why it matters: Charlotte could become a battleground for autonomous ride-hailing if Tesla and Waymo, which has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/17/waymo-driverless-cars-testing-mapping-launch" data-vars-content-id="cb999d05-368a-4913-b53d-29c90971729b" data-vars-headline="Tesla robotaxis land in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/17/waymo-driverless-cars-testing-mapping-launch" target="_self">testing</a> here for months, race to launch services.

Weekender: 25 things to do in Charlotte this weekend, including a hot dog bar crawl

This weekend's lineup has a little bit of everything, from Tame Impala and Panthers Fan Fest to local markets, drag shows and a city-wide hot dog bar crawl.

Things to Do

This weekend&#x27;s lineup has a little bit of everything, from Tame Impala and Panthers Fan Fest to local markets, drag shows and even a city-wide hot dog bar crawl.

Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $329K to $1.2M

New house listings including properties with standout extras, from an indoor sauna to a home theater.

Real Estate

This week&#x27;s hot homes come with plenty of extras, from a Windsor Park home with a four-person sauna to another property where the entertainment options don&#x27;t stop at the finished basement with a home theater.

New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek

Dear Charlotte, a garden-inspired restaurant, bar and event venue will open this fall at the forthcoming Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek.

Food and Drink

Dear Charlotte, a garden-inspired restaurant, bar and event venue, will open this fall in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steele Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2019/05/19/steele-creek-is-the-next-hot-neighborhood-in-charlotte-165689" data-vars-content-id="2a365987-e06e-4bed-b82d-368ca67f5ca5" data-vars-headline="New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2019/05/19/steele-creek-is-the-next-hot-neighborhood-in-charlotte-165689" target="_self">Steele Creek</a> at a forthcoming Hilton Garden Inn. Why it matters: Steele Creek, a growing area in southwest Charlotte, lacks the same amenities as popular neighborhoods closer to the city&#x27;s urban core. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dear Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dearcharlotteclt.com/" data-vars-content-id="2a365987-e06e-4bed-b82d-368ca67f5ca5" data-vars-headline="New restaurant, bar and event space coming to Steele Creek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dearcharlotteclt.com/" target="_blank">Dear Charlotte</a> will provide a gathering space for residents and visitors.

30+ best ways to make friends in Charlotte

We've rounded up over 30 groups and gatherings to help you grow your social circle in Charlotte.

Newcomers Guide

We&#x27;ve rounded up over 30 groups and gatherings to help you grow your social circle and community in Charlotte. Why it matters: The Charlotte region has a population of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1 million people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="39bc4f34-bd0e-4d22-bef8-5e74a03f3bfd" data-vars-headline="30+ best ways to make friends in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" target="_self">nearly 1 million people</a>, but making <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="friends in a new city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/05/19/i-hated-living-here-a-charlotte-native-learns-to-love-her-city-by-helping-others-find-friends-297661" data-vars-content-id="39bc4f34-bd0e-4d22-bef8-5e74a03f3bfd" data-vars-headline="30+ best ways to make friends in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/05/19/i-hated-living-here-a-charlotte-native-learns-to-love-her-city-by-helping-others-find-friends-297661" target="_self">friends in a new city</a> can be hard.

50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte

Whether it’s too hot, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.

Whether it’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="too hot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" data-vars-content-id="0bd07521-b01a-4015-afb7-fce72218acdb" data-vars-headline="50+ of the best indoor activities in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/20/charlotte-hottest-weekend-humidity-heat-wave-advisory" target="_self">too hot</a>, cold or rainy, this is the guide for you.Here&#x27;s a list of more than 50 things to do inside in Charlotte to escape the elements, listed in no particular order.

30+ best apartments in Charlotte, sorted by neighborhood

This guide will help you determine where you want to live in Charlotte.

From luxury high-rises to gated communities, this guide will help you determine where to live in Charlotte. Why it matters: Charlotte has been in the midst of one of the greatest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apartment expansions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/21/development-construction-apartments-housing-rent-prices-multifamily" data-vars-content-id="25270e68-3b0c-4da6-88c5-2e93f4b0151a" data-vars-headline="30+ best apartments in Charlotte, sorted by neighborhood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/21/development-construction-apartments-housing-rent-prices-multifamily" target="_self">apartment expansions</a> in the country, and there are plenty of places to choose from.

Spend a day in Kannapolis, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do

The former textile town is remaking itself around baseball, walkability and a revived main street.

Travel

Drive about 30 minutes northeast from Charlotte, or hop on the train for roughly 20 minutes, and you&#x27;ll land in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown Kannapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2017/08/28/sleepy-struggling-downtown-kannapolis-set-major-overhaul-101443" data-vars-content-id="f9ff471c-5040-46eb-a74a-c85dbb94a106" data-vars-headline="Spend a day in Kannapolis, North Carolina: Everything there is to see, eat, drink and do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2017/08/28/sleepy-struggling-downtown-kannapolis-set-major-overhaul-101443" target="_self">downtown Kannapolis</a>, a former textile town that&#x27;s remaking itself around baseball, walkability and a revived main street.Why it matters: Kannapolis&#x27; comeback didn&#x27;t happen by chance. After the textile industry collapsed and downtown emptied out, the city bought up much of it in a bold move to reshape the area.

30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now

All of these restaurants deliver what they say they'll deliver — in quality of food, service and ambiance.

Anonymous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide Inspectors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/02/michelin-guide-expands-south-carolinas-louisiana-tennessee-mississippi-alabama" data-vars-content-id="be7290a1-2ccd-4489-a7ee-fbda9fcb59ec" data-vars-headline="30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/02/michelin-guide-expands-south-carolinas-louisiana-tennessee-mississippi-alabama" target="_self">Michelin Guide Inspectors</a> have been touring restaurants across the Southern region over the last year. So have we — at least in Charlotte.Why it matters: Our annual Best Restaurants list celebrates Charlotte&#x27;s greatest dining establishments, from comforting hole-in-the-wall mainstays to trendy newcomers.<ul><li>Charlotte&#x27;s dining scene is ambitious. The city is still seeking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first James Beard award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/02/north-carolinas-2025-james-beard-award-finalists" data-vars-content-id="be7290a1-2ccd-4489-a7ee-fbda9fcb59ec" data-vars-headline="30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/02/north-carolinas-2025-james-beard-award-finalists" target="_self">first James Beard award</a> but is also now setting its sights on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Michelin star" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/09/michelin-guide-south-region-winners-ceremony" data-vars-content-id="be7290a1-2ccd-4489-a7ee-fbda9fcb59ec" data-vars-headline="30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/09/michelin-guide-south-region-winners-ceremony" target="_self">a Michelin star</a>.</li></ul>

Independent bookstores in Charlotte — and a few more within driving distance

Here's a guide to the bookstores around Charlotte and a few others just a drive away.

Since we first published this independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bookstore" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/01/charlotte-mobile-bookstore-mood-reader-books" data-vars-content-id="53356e39-e091-40f2-9a0d-231fc3f9f3ba" data-vars-headline="Independent bookstores in Charlotte — and a few more within driving distance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/01/charlotte-mobile-bookstore-mood-reader-books" target="_self">bookstore</a> guide in 2021, some spots on the original list have closed, while others have found new homes. There are also new stores to explore.Here&#x27;s a guide to the shelves around Charlotte and a few others just a drive away. Stores are listed in no particular order.

How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with NASCAR driver William Byron

Here's William Byron's itinerary for a perfect Charlotte weekend hosting out-of-town friends or family members.

Your tour guide: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="William Byron" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/williambyron/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="377990b7-4c0a-4d5d-bed1-ab33418a4e56" data-vars-headline="How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with NASCAR driver William Byron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/williambyron/?hl=en" target="_blank">William Byron</a>, Hendrick Motorsports <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/20/charlotte-s-daytona-winner" data-vars-content-id="377990b7-4c0a-4d5d-bed1-ab33418a4e56" data-vars-headline="How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with NASCAR driver William Byron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/20/charlotte-s-daytona-winner" target="_self">driver</a> of the No. 24 car, winner of the 2024 Daytona 500, and a Charlotte native. The 26-year-old Charlotte Country Day alum was featured in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netflix&#x27;s new docuseries " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/16/new-netflix-nascar-docuseries-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="377990b7-4c0a-4d5d-bed1-ab33418a4e56" data-vars-headline="How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with NASCAR driver William Byron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/16/new-netflix-nascar-docuseries-charlotte" target="_self">Netflix&#x27;s new docuseries </a>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NASCAR: Full Speed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81700869" data-vars-content-id="377990b7-4c0a-4d5d-bed1-ab33418a4e56" data-vars-headline="How to spend 48 hours in Charlotte with NASCAR driver William Byron" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81700869" target="_blank">NASCAR: Full Speed</a>,&quot; which follows the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series.

Axios Raleigh

Blowing Rock wins North Carolina's best mountain town, according to readers

Raleigh

A bracket that shows results from a June 25 survey of 1,095 Axios readers ranking North Carolina mountain towns. Blowing Rock won the title, beating Asheville 61% in the final. The widest margin was Ashevilleâs 84% first-round win over Burnsville; the closest was Brevardâs 51% win over Highlands.