Axios Charlotte

February 28, 2026
👋 Hi Saturday! Alexis here to tell you how you can meet new people while you learn a new skill. More on that below.
⛅ Today's weather: Areas of fog then partly sunny, with a high of 65 and a low of 45.
🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Charlotte members Sara Pressly, Deborah Partington, Mary Ellen Ezarsky, Colleen Cook, Kehaulani Backes, and Hope Brown!
This newsletter has 792 words and is a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: 🤝 Fostering friendships in SouthPark
A third space that's helping women make friends will kick off next month in SouthPark.
Why it matters: Create Space is a social group that partners with SkillPop to provide consistent in-person time with a small group of people, designed to help foster friendships.
How it works: In the weekly cohort-based program, you'll explore creativity and learn new hobbies.
- Previous classes have included workshops like watercolor painting, embroidery, mahjong and sourdough bread baking.
- The cohort lasts 10 weeks with up to 15 people.
Driving the news: Two cohorts meet in the SouthPark area from March to May.
- Vol V is their daytime gathering that will meet on Tuesdays at 9:30am.
- Vol IV is the evening option that will be held on Mondays at 6:30pm.
If you go: Enrollment is open now, and it costs $475 to secure your spot.
2. 🛍️ Manifest Market returns this spring
A local vendor pop-up market will return next month.
What to expect: Manifest Market will kick of March 7 with a double market.
- Artisans In The Alley will take place at Fonta Flora Brewery (1115 N Brevard St.) and Backyard at Burial will take place at Burial Brewing Co. (1214 Thomas Ave.). Both events will run 12-5pm.
- Each event will have its own unique experiences and feature vendors like High Vibes Tattoo, live music, DIY craft stations and more.
More upcoming events include:
- March 8: Lattes & Locals Market at Night Cafe & Roastery
- March 20: Spring Solstice Art Showcase at Summit Coffee On The Plaza
- March 22: Lattes & Locals Market at Night Swim Cafe & Roastery
- March 28: Artisans In The Alley at Fonta Flora Brewery
What's next: Additional markets will continue in April, May and June.
Celebrating 5 years of Axios Local
🎈1 big thing: For five years, Axios has delivered smart, trustworthy local news to communities like yours — and we're just getting started.
Why it matters: Memberships sustain the journalism you rely on and help us keep delivering strong, independent reporting focused on what matters most.
Your newsletter helps you stay informed and connected. Help us power the next five years of Axios Charlotte by becoming a member today.
3. ✍️ Camp North End's newest tenant
Glitch, a queer-owned tattoo studio, opens in Camp North End this weekend.
Why it matters: The move from Steele Creek to a larger space at Camp North End allows Glitch to expand its services and host more community events.
Driving the news: The studio is hosting grand opening events to celebrate its move into a larger space, which will allow it to offer more services to clients.
- Today, the team will host a social hour with board games, video games and a meet-and-greet with the artists from 6–9pm.
- Tomorrow, starting at 11am, the studio will offer first-come, first-served flash tattoos all day.
Context: Award-winning tattoo artist Luke Kelly and co-owner Derek Wesley have quickly gained a following for their blackwork tattoos and pop culture–inspired designs.
What to expect: The new 11,100-square-foot space blends cyberpunk, pop culture, anime and gamer culture into one immersive experience.
- Inside, you'll find arcade machines and tabletop gaming areas. The studio also plans to host community events, such as board game nights and card tournaments.
Stop by: Glitch Tattoo is at 1701 N. Graham St. The studio is open by appointment only, Wednesday through Saturday, from 10am–5pm.
4. 🧑🌾 The Naked Farmer hype is real
A new health food spot in South End is generating buzz and lines out the door.
Catch up quick: Naked Farmer, a Florida-based, fast-casual restaurant, opened Feb. 7 in South End. It's been packed ever since.
The intrigue: The menu, consisting mostly of seasonal plates and salads, is seed-oil free and sources produce from local farms.
Dig in: We stopped by for lunch this week to see what the buzz is about.
We ordered three seasonal dishes:
🥩 Surf & Turf Plate: Steak, salmon, maple-glazed carrots, charred broccoli, brown rice with parsley, spicy miso aioli.
🍠 Southern Comfort Plate: Rosemary roasted chicken, farro, pecan kale Caesar, mac & cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, hot maple sriracha.
🥗 Seared Salmon Salad: Salmon, farm greens, crunchy veggies, avocado and spicy miso aioli.
- Prices range around $15-$30 per plate, depending on protein(s).
My thought bubble: This is going to be a serious competitor to other fast-casual health spots like Flower Child. The plates are well-balanced with lots of flavor, and the portions are generous.
- Most of all, I'm still thinking about the mac & cheese.
Stop by: 2725 South Blvd. Open daily 11am—9pm.
😎 I'm celebrating my bachelorette party with friends in Miami.
🚗 McKenzie appreciates that Naked Farmer has ample parking.
🛍️ Ashley will be looking for a rehearsal dinner outfit at the EDIT Sale next week.
👀 Laura, who edited this newsletter, hopes to spot "The Hunting Wives" actresses around town.
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