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James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner

Sam Diminich will reopen it as Grey's Diner, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Food and Drink

Mattie&#x27;s Diner on The Plaza, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/08/04/matties-diner-closing-the-plaza" target="_self">closed last summer</a>, will reopen this spring as Grey&#x27;s Diner. Why it matters: In buying Mattie&#x27;s, James Beard–nominated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chef Sam Diminich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/02/22/chef-sam-diminich-is-opening-a-restaurant-a-mile-from-where-he-used-to-be-homeless-285932" target="_self">chef Sam Diminich</a> and the team behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Your Farms Your Table Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" data-vars-content-id="130cf239-0fe2-4989-94ef-e65b6c9bcfb2" data-vars-headline="James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie&#x27;s Diner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/07/restaurant-constance-your-farm-your-table-hopeway-mental-health-facility-meals" target="_self">Your Farms Your Table Group</a> want to provide Michelin-level hospitality in a space where families, neighbors and regulars can grab a booth without a reservation.<ul><li>The approach aims to challenge the perception that farm-to-table dining is exclusive.</li></ul>

Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market

Events happening Feb. 20-22 include Jurassic Quest, a bridal show, Hornets game, food truck rodeo and indoor skating.

Things to Do

This weekend is filled with family-friendly activities from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jurassic Quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" data-vars-content-id="7354553f-52b9-4f01-b302-71c83bcd96cc" data-vars-headline="Weekender: 30 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including live music and a street market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/14/interactive-jurassic-quest-event-comes-to-concord-this-february" target="_self">Jurassic Quest</a> to a South End street market.

Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets

Ballantyne's event calendar is filling up for 2026, with returning festivals, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at The Bowl.

Neighborhoods

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ballantyne&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2021/03/10/guide-to-ballantyne-including-bowl" target="_self">Ballantyne&#x27;s</a> event calendar is filling up for 2026, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="returning festivals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/31/ballantyne-event-guide-2025" target="_self">returning festivals</a>, outdoor concerts and even more to experience at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" data-vars-content-id="dbc446dd-d3c0-4760-b827-793745e0f292" data-vars-headline="Ballantyne 2026 event guide: Festivals, concerts and markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thebowlnc.com/?utm_source=2060digital&amp;utm_medium=localseo&amp;utm_campaign=gbp" target="_blank">The Bowl</a>.Why it matters: As the area keeps growing, its mix of live music, buzzy dining spots and green space is turning this once-corporate corner of south Charlotte into one of the city&#x27;s go-to hangouts.

The evolution of Bank of America Stadium

From site selection in 1989 to what the stadium will look like in 2030, here's a timeline of Bank of America Stadium.

Sports

By 2030, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" data-vars-content-id="e78b5e93-6f6a-4540-af79-e5ade529995b" data-vars-headline="The evolution of Bank of America Stadium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/06/03/nfl-stadium-renovations-panthers-bank-of-america-tepper" target="_self">Bank of America Stadium</a> will have a fresh look. Why it matters: An $800 million renovation will transform the 30-year-old venue, which is among the oldest in the NFL. Tepper Sports &amp; Entertainment&#x27;s deal with the city also keeps its teams — the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC — here through 2045.

10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting

Not into hotel blocks? These Charlotte Airbnbs offer space, privacy and great neighborhoods.

Weddings

Charlotte&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leisure tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-tourism-growth-2025-visitors-hotel-events-impact" data-vars-content-id="94e4e505-7fac-4fde-9b0d-4109a3973c03" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/06/charlotte-tourism-growth-2025-visitors-hotel-events-impact" target="_self">leisure tourism</a> growth means more and more people are visiting the city. They may also be in town for any number of events, like a wedding or the Truist Championship.Why it matters: Not everyone wants to stay in a hotel block. My thought bubble: While my fiancé and I recommended several hotels for people to stay at for our wedding, most of our guests have opted for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airbnbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/10/airbnbs-in-charlotte-for-pga-championship-2025" data-vars-content-id="94e4e505-7fac-4fde-9b0d-4109a3973c03" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte Airbnbs to recommend when you have people visiting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/10/airbnbs-in-charlotte-for-pga-championship-2025" target="_self">Airbnbs</a>. Here are 10 Airbnbs in Charlotte to suggest the next time someone asks you where to stay but says they&#x27;d prefer not to stay in a hotel.

10 Charlotte wedding florists every couple should know

Some of the best local wedding florists for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arches — curated picks for every couple's vibe and budget.

Wedding flowers are a staple at nearly every celebration — from the ceremony bouquet to reception centerpieces. Why it matters: Those blooms can add a hefty price tag to your budget, whether you&#x27;re simply accenting your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wedding dress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/24/best-bridal-shops-in-charlotte-wedding-dresses" data-vars-content-id="fd99c80c-ebce-4137-b808-730bfe50ce1f" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte wedding florists every couple should know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/09/24/best-bridal-shops-in-charlotte-wedding-dresses" target="_self">wedding dress</a> or transforming your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wedding venue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/26/best-wedding-venues-in-charlotte-with-pricing-136133" data-vars-content-id="fd99c80c-ebce-4137-b808-730bfe50ce1f" data-vars-headline="10 Charlotte wedding florists every couple should know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/26/best-wedding-venues-in-charlotte-with-pricing-136133" target="_self">wedding venue</a> into a full garden display, so you&#x27;ll want to shop around.

Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Inside this Charlotte couple's $37K Marvel-themed wedding in Davidson

💍 98 guests. $37K budget. One Captain America shield guest book. Inside Amanda and Collin's Marvel-themed wedding in Davidson.

Charlotte couple Amanda and Collin Schuck aren&#x27;t just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newlyweds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/03/charlotte-couples-share-your-wedding-story" data-vars-content-id="54c504a9-4b7f-4556-8417-25102d58ce8b" data-vars-headline="Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Inside this Charlotte couple&#x27;s $37K Marvel-themed wedding in Davidson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/03/charlotte-couples-share-your-wedding-story" target="_self">newlyweds</a> — they&#x27;re Marvel superfans.Why it matters: When it came time to plan their wedding last summer in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Davidson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/29/best-things-to-do-in-davidson-nc-2-212019" data-vars-content-id="54c504a9-4b7f-4556-8417-25102d58ce8b" data-vars-headline="Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Inside this Charlotte couple&#x27;s $37K Marvel-themed wedding in Davidson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/29/best-things-to-do-in-davidson-nc-2-212019" target="_self">Davidson</a>, it was clear it needed to reflect the universe that brought them together.

How to get married at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte

Here's what to expect — and budget for — with a wedding at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. National Whitewater Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/11/13/whitewater-center-guide" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2023/11/13/whitewater-center-guide" target="_self">U.S. National Whitewater Center</a> is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive dog park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/28/whitewater-center-dog-park" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2024/03/28/whitewater-center-dog-park" target="_self">massive dog park</a>, huge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="treehouse village" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/09/whitewater-center-wildwoods-kids" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2024/07/09/whitewater-center-wildwoods-kids" target="_self">treehouse village</a> and tons of other outdoor activities. It also hosts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weddings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/26/best-wedding-venues-in-charlotte-with-pricing-136133" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2023/06/26/best-wedding-venues-in-charlotte-with-pricing-136133" target="_self">weddings</a>. Why it matters: The Whitewater Center is best known for its outdoor activities and its role as an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic training site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/07/31/evy-leibfarth-wins-bronze-paris-olympics" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2024/07/31/evy-leibfarth-wins-bronze-paris-olympics" target="_self">Olympic training site</a>, drawing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1.4 million people in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/01/21/whitewater-center-expansion" data-vars-content-id="72caf6b3-a030-4a26-9b6c-7957c5aa4d4a" data-vars-headline="How to get married at the Whitewater Center 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/2025/01/21/whitewater-center-expansion" target="_self">1.4 million people in 2024</a>. But it is also one of the city&#x27;s more relatively affordable wedding venues.

What 11 popular Charlotte wedding venues cost

A full breakdown of wedding venue costs in the Charlotte area to help you start planning your big day.

News

Locking down a venue is the first of many steps in wedding planning. Here’s a breakdown of venue costs in the Charlotte area to get you started.

Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Hurricane Helene changed everything except the "I do's"

Lauren and Stephen Dye planned a dream elopement in the N.C. mountains. Then Hurricane Helene hit.

Last September, Charlotteans Lauren and Stephen Dye set out for an adventurous elopement in North Carolina&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Ridge Mountains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/26/12-must-visit-mountain-towns-within-four-hours-of-charlotte-295463" data-vars-content-id="59d43af6-6ea0-40a9-8f80-fd19272fb07e" data-vars-headline="Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Hurricane Helene changed everything except the &quot;I do&#x27;s&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/05/26/12-must-visit-mountain-towns-within-four-hours-of-charlotte-295463" target="_self">Blue Ridge Mountains</a>. But a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="catastrophic hurricane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/03/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-recovery-photos" data-vars-content-id="59d43af6-6ea0-40a9-8f80-fd19272fb07e" data-vars-headline="Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Hurricane Helene changed everything except the &quot;I do&#x27;s&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/03/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-recovery-photos" target="_self">catastrophic hurricane</a> changed nearly all of their plans.Context: This is the latest edition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carolina Wedding Confessionals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/03/charlotte-couples-share-your-wedding-story" data-vars-content-id="59d43af6-6ea0-40a9-8f80-fd19272fb07e" data-vars-headline="Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Hurricane Helene changed everything except the &quot;I do&#x27;s&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/03/charlotte-couples-share-your-wedding-story" target="_self">Carolina Wedding Confessionals</a>, where we highlight the stories (and breakdown the budgets) behind weddings in the Carolinas.

Charlotte-founded bridal platform aims to simplify wedding planning

Engaged couples in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia can find local vendors for their wedding day through the new platform.

A new platform called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Our Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.matchourday.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiOy1BhDCARIsADGvQnCSHVmL5xUZhroiUvB8okV1u7oQBl25bO8PvB1_mqHxEMTD7wpHbNwaAvDUEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="dcf59cb6-b000-47fb-a986-6a1d1d8428bf" data-vars-headline="Charlotte-founded bridal platform aims to simplify wedding planning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.matchourday.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwiOy1BhDCARIsADGvQnCSHVmL5xUZhroiUvB8okV1u7oQBl25bO8PvB1_mqHxEMTD7wpHbNwaAvDUEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Our Day</a> connects engaged couples with wedding vendors in North Carolina and beyond through a streamlined request-for-service process.Why it matters: Wedding planning can be stressful. Our Day was designed to create a simpler process for couples to find vendors, compare prices and finalize other wedding-planning details.

Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Charlotte bride doesn’t let cancer diagnosis keep her from her big day

See inside Audrey and Nathan's intimate backyard wedding on Lake Norman.

Newlyweds Audrey and Nathan Handleton were all set to marry in front of nearly 200 guests at a nearby vineyard in May 2024. But in February, Audrey received a leukemia diagnosis that changed everything.Why it matters: The combination of ongoing treatments and mounting medical bills meant the couple&#x27;s original wedding plans were no longer within reach.

Diamonds Direct in SouthPark gets a sparkling new interior

Diamonds Direct opened their first location in SouthPark nearly 30 years ago. Now, their flagship showroom is getting an upgrade.

Get up to date: Diamonds Direct opened their first location in SouthPark nearly 30 years ago. Now, their flagship showroom is getting an upgrade.

Plan a "Love is Blind" wedding at this venue near Charlotte starting at $4,500

Netflix filmed the weddings of "Love is Blind" season six at Cedar Creek Ranch in Waxhaw, North Carolina.  View pricing for the upscale rustic wedding venue near south Charlotte.

&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love is Blind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/13/love-is-blind-filmed-charlotte-nc-premiere-netflix" data-vars-content-id="000e331a-ad53-4af8-b2a9-c453d5ccb379" data-vars-headline="Plan a &quot;Love is Blind&quot; wedding at this venue near Charlotte starting at $4,500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/13/love-is-blind-filmed-charlotte-nc-premiere-netflix" target="_self">Love is Blind</a>&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/18/love-is-blind-charlotte-cast-347892" data-vars-content-id="000e331a-ad53-4af8-b2a9-c453d5ccb379" data-vars-headline="Plan a &quot;Love is Blind&quot; wedding at this venue near Charlotte starting at $4,500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/18/love-is-blind-charlotte-cast-347892" target="_self">cast members</a> said &#x27;I do&#x27; at a Waxhaw venue called Cedar Creek Ranch, a short drive from south Charlotte.Why it matters: This is one of the many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte-area businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/21/charlotte-places-seen-on-netflixs-love-is-blind" data-vars-content-id="000e331a-ad53-4af8-b2a9-c453d5ccb379" data-vars-headline="Plan a &quot;Love is Blind&quot; wedding at this venue near Charlotte starting at $4,500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/02/21/charlotte-places-seen-on-netflixs-love-is-blind" target="_self">Charlotte-area businesses</a> we&#x27;ve seen featured on the popular reality show.