Carolina Cruise Charters has only been open for one year and has already been featured on two reality TV shows, Axios' Alexis Clinton writes.

Driving the news: Most recently, the local boat company was featured on episode four, season five of Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.”

• Before that, "Jersey Shore"'s The Situation, DJ Pauly D and Vinny spent days on the water on one of the company's boats. The episode featuring Carolina Cruise Charters aired on season six of the show.

Why it matters: National recognition from TV shows helps boost our cool factor. But more importantly, it shows everyone else what we already know: Charlotte’s the place to be.

Zoom out: “Farmer Wants a Wife”, a reality show starring Gastonia farmer Ryan Black, is currently airing on FOX.

• Guenther Steiner, Formula 1 driver and Lake Norman resident, is a prominent feature in Netflix’s latest season of its docuseries “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.“
• Last summer, Netflix’s “The Ultimatum” and “Love is Blind“ were casting in the Charlotte area.

Context: Captain Matt Ryan launched the boat company in March 2022.

• You can ride anywhere for two to eight hours on the boat daily from 9am-10pm.
• Rides can be scheduled over the phone or online.

Full story: Lake Norman boat company featured in Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and MTV’s “Jersey Shore”

Around 18% of the land in Charlotte's center city is taken up by parking, according to Parking Reform Network.

Why it matters: City leaders are trying to undo the auto-centric urban planning decisions of the 20th century.

• But they have to balance a vision for a walkable future with the reality that more than three-quarters of residents commute to work by car only.

By the numbers: Uptown Charlotte is in the middle of the pack when it comes to its share of parking.

• Other cities like Houston and Detroit had more than a quarter of their downtowns taken up by parking, while in more transit-friendly cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C., it was 4% and 3%, respectively.

The big picture: Government leaders disagree on whether there's enough parking, and when it should be required.

• Axios' Alex Sands previously reported on the debate over whether to end parking minimums altogether.

💼 Check out who’s hiring in Charlotte.

1. New Construction Site Supervisor at Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region.
2. Registered Nurse I – Atrium Health Carolina Rehabilitation at Atrium Health.
3. Director or Recruitment and Retention at Northwood Ravin
4. Customer Success Coordinator at POS Nation.
5. Accounts Payable Specialist at Middleton Meyers.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Want to make friends? Try going to a dinner party.

What's happening: A new weekly meal-centered event called DishCourse throws small, themed dinner parties at popular restaurants around Charlotte to make it easier for participants to meet people, Axios contributor Lauren Corriher writes.

Why it matters: Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

• Inevitably, these new arrivals are looking to make friends.

Details: Heather Siblik, who founded DishCourse in February, serves as each dinner's facilitator.

• She says that DishCourse is also designed for those experiencing life changes, like getting divorced or becoming a parent, and are looking for people who can relate.

How it works: The parties take place at hotspots like CO, Town Brewing Company, Barcelona, Bistro La Bon and Haberdish.

• Dinner themes include New To Charlotte, Starting Over, Club 40+, Must Love Dogs and Women In Business, among others.
• Ticket prices for the dinners range from $35-$65, depending on the restaurant and whether you're planning to eat, drink or do both.

What's next: Check DishCourse's website for upcoming dinner party dates.

Full story: A new intimate themed dinner party series aims to help Charlotteans make friends

📣 Cheer on Davidson College professor and chairperson of the Theatre Department Mark Sutch on "Jeopardy!" today. (Davidson College)

A driver has been arrested with a DUI after hitting a CATS bus on Sunday. (WBTV)

⚽️ Charlotte is one of 14 cities that will host the 2023 Gold Cup for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Associated Football, or Concacaf. (Charlotte FC)

• Nearly 60,000 people attended last time Charlotte hosted the event.

🍻 Resident Culture Brewing Co. is releasing a hard seltzer line called "Yard Ripper" this Saturday, April 15. The 12-oz. cans will be lime, grapefruit and peach flavors, made with real fruit. (Axios)

🍳 Starting May 13, Supperland is adding a brunch buffet to its menu for $65 per person. (Axios)

A recent analysis from Bank of America found that for many small firms, rising costs are outweighing consumer tailwinds and squeezing profits.

Get the insights from Bank of America Institute’s Small Business Checkpoint, which leverages the bank’s proprietary data to provide perspectives.

Lydia's Prom Closet in Huntersville is giving away gently used and donated prom dresses, shoes and accessories, WBTV's Erica Lunsford reports.

Flashback: Founders Aileen Hinojosa and Tammy Morris started the prom closet back in 2010 with just six dresses.

Why it matters: The cost of prom can add up for many families.

Details: Lydia’s Prom Closet is open every Saturday at First Baptist Church on Old Statesville Road from 9am-12pm until May 6.

• Hinojosa and Morris are also looking for people to donate and volunteer, Lunsford reports.

News you can use from our partners.

• In the digital age, students need to learn about safe and innovative technology use. That’s why Charlotte Country Day focuses on intentional technology and was the first area school to be Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified.
• Spring is in full swing, and so are seasonal allergies. The doctors at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates can help you out with allergy testing and treatment. Book an appointment.
• Tax planning services can help you avoid surprises, save time and maximize deductions when you file. Get started with the tax advisors at Fisher, P.A.

The Carrigan Farms strawberry patch opens for pick-your-own strawberries Friday.

Details: The farm provides the container and you pick the berries — $20 for a four-quart basket and $7 for one quart.

• Picking season is expected to last through May 25.
• Pre-picked strawberries are also available every morning until they sell out.
• Carrigan Farms is cash only.

Visit: Find it at 1145 Oak Ridge Farm Highway in Mooresville.

• Open 9am-6pm during picking season but check their website for availability before you go.

📅 Find things to do on our Event Board.

• Charlotte SHOUT! at Uptown Charlotte now through Sunday: Charlotte SHOUT!, transforms Uptown into a creative playground for art, food, music, and ideas. SHOUT! celebrates our community's innovative spirit with exceptionally curated programming from around the corner and around the world. Free.
• Flamenco Night at El Puro Cuban Restaurant tomorrow: Don't miss this live performance by Vadim & Karish, and flamenco dancer Marina. Enjoy a phenomenal dinner show with great music, classic cocktails and special menu items curated by our chefs. Free.
• Science on the Rocks at Discovery Place on Friday: Uptown’s biggest social event is back, and you’re invited to join them monthly when Discovery Place Science stays open after hours for adults only. Grab a cocktail, encounter an animal, see a science show and get hands-on in our labs along with 1,000 of your closest friends. $22.
• Mecklenburg County Career Fair at Valerie C. Woodard Center on April 21: County representatives will meet with interested candidates and discuss current openings. Formal interviews will not be held. Laptops available for those who wish to apply for jobs online. Business attire suggested. Please bring a resume. Free.
• La traviata at Belk Theater on April 20, 22, and 23: Verdi's La traviata inspired classic movies Pretty Woman, Moulin Rouge, and Camille. Experience the musical masterpiece featuring the most romantic music of all time! Buy tickets and more at OperaCarolina.org. Prices vary.
• Moody’s Technology Career Fair at The RailYard South End on May 2: Join Moody's as they host a Career Fair at their technology hub in Charlotte. You will have the opportunity to meet their technology leaders and learn how they are disrupting the integrated risk assessment space with cutting-edge technology. Free.
• Wake Forest Executive Education Certificate in Leadership in Winston-Salem this Spring: Advance your career trajectory by earning a Certificate in Leadership with Wake Forest Executive Education. Begin your leadership journey this spring by registering for one day short courses in Leading Effective Change, Enterprise Leadership, and Leading People Who Are Different From You. $800.

Want more things to do? Check out our Event Board.

Hosting? Purchase an Event Listing.