Axios Charlotte

July 09, 2024
Hello, Tuesday. It's Ashley, who would've loved a treehouse village as a kid. More on that below.
⛈ Weather: High 94°. Isolated evening thunderstorms.
🎂 Happy birthday to Axios Charlotte member Brian Castleberry!
Today's Smart Brevity™️ count is 843 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: 🌳 New Whitewater Center activity for kids
Wildwoods is the latest addition to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The more than two-acre activity area opens today.
Why it matters: Many of the Whitewater Center's other activity areas include age or weight restrictions for safety, which has limited its offerings for younger visitors. Wildwoods is open to all ages.
What to expect: The treehouse village is made up of multiple treehouses, some of which are multi-story. They're connected by floating hammocks and swinging bridges. A slide extends down from one of them.
- Kids can climb on the rocks at the boulder garden and the low-rope challenge course.
- Wildwoods also has a half-mile balance bike trail (a bike without pedals aimed at kids roughly 1- to 4-years-old). A balance bike and helmet are included in the entry fee. These are the only two pieces of gear you'll need in Wildwoods, which is a self-guided experience.
- You can also grab snacks and drinks, or sit on a rocking chair by the cabin or under the shaded pavilion.
2. 🍽 Farewell, Harper's
Cherished SouthPark restaurant Harper's is closing its doors later this month.
Why it matters: It's another Charlotte institution soon to be lost. A bank will take its place, CharlotteFive reported.
What they're saying: "We wish we could say this is our decision, but it simply is not," Tom Sasser, owner of Burke Hospitality Group, said in a press release.
What's next: "We are working on a new location for a new iteration of Harper's, and hope we will be able to share more information soon," said Sasser.
- Harper's last day on Fairview Road is July 20.
Thought bubble, via Axios' Michael Graff: Harper's served regulars from local politicians to former Charlotte Hornets like Muggsy Bogues. It's also been a special occasion restaurant for the middle class. They've all sat in the soft booths or at tables pushed together, ordering from servers they've known for years, sharing a memorable meal for about $20 to $30 a person. Now, it'll be a bank.
3. 🌮 A new taco spot in Plaza Midwood
El Malo takes inspiration from traditional Tijuana-style taco shops like the ones you see in San Diego and other parts of Southern California, owner Andre Lomeli tells Axios.
Why it matters: Lomeli has a history of bringing Southern California food to Charlotte. His other restaurant, Taqueria Mal Pan in SouthPark, has some of the best burritos in North Carolina, according to Yelp. Its California burrito is a San Diego staple.
Dig in: El Malo's menu consists of tacos like al pastor and Tijuana-style birria ones, to name a few, plus quesadillas, burritos, nachos and California fries.
- On its drink menu, you'll find bottled Mexican sodas, agua fresca, margaritas and Mexican beers.
Stop by: 1308 The Plaza
- Open 11am-10pm daily.
What's next: Later this month, El Malo will open a speakeasy-style bar called Hermanita (Spanish for "little sister").
4. ✈️ Temporary changes at CLT
Some American Airlines ticket counters at Charlotte Douglas International Airport will temporarily close July 9-21 and others will be relocated outside of departures.
Why it matters: American Airlines accounts for 90% of all daily flights at CLT. Plus this is CLT's busiest summer ever, airport officials say, and it's happening during major construction on the terminal lobby.
What to expect: American Airlines ticket counters between Checkpoints C-E will temporarily relocate for construction of CLT's terminal lobby expansion, which includes new ticket counters.
- Four ticket counters and four kiosks will be located outside door two on the departure level.
- There will be more signs to help direct passengers, plus additional airport and American Airlines staff in the lobby and curbside.
New jobs to check out
💼 See who's hiring around the city.
- Digital Content Coordinator at Arts+.
- Assistant Manager, Sports Soccer Brand Marketing at Lowe's Companies, Inc.
- STEM Education Specialist at Sullenberger Aviation Museum.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Post a job.
5. ⛺️ Summer camp pop-up bar at Optimist Hall
Cocktail bar Billy Sunday at Optimist Hall has turned into a summer camp-themed pop-up bar through July 31.
- Expect themed cocktails, shotskis and snacks from Ava Pizzeria.
Stop by: 1115 N Brevard St.
- Open Monday-Thursday 5-10pm, Friday 4pm-midnight, Saturday noon-midnight and Sunday noon-10pm.
🌀 The loop (we're keeping you in it)
News you can use from our partners.
- ⚽🍺ICYMI, Charlotte will host two soccer matches during the prestigious Copa América tournament this week. If you're going, be sure to stop by Michelob ULTRA's activation outside the stadium. Get the deets.
6. Speed reads: New Matthews grocery store
🛒 Matthews town leaders discussed plans for a new grocer at Matthews Gateway. No tenant is confirmed, but the rendering looks suspiciously like a store known for its everything but the bagel seasoning and chaotic parking lots. (X)
🎰 The total bet in North Carolina between June 1-30 was $398.3 million. (WRAL)
🚘 Charlotte Area Transit System is designing a 500-space Hambright park-and-ride in Huntersville. A virtual meeting is planned for 6pm tonight on the project. (CATS)
🩺 A nurse is being credited for saving a man's life at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. While waiting to board, she noticed he was having a heart attack nearby. She quickly jumped into action. (WBTV)
7. 🎶 1 hello to go: Meet Opera Carolina's new leader
Shanté Williams' love affair with opera began during her time at Ohio State University, where her adviser suggested she listen to it to help her study.
Why it matters: Williams, a venture capitalist, is the first person of color and the first woman to lead Opera Carolina.
Driving the news: Williams assumed the role of general director on July 1. She succeeds James Meena, who remains with the organization as artistic director.
🐉 I don't want to spoil the latest episode of "House of the Dragon" for those who aren't caught up, but did they have to kill that character?!
Thanks to Laura Barrero for editing and Lucia Maher for copy editing this newsletter.
Sign up for Axios Charlotte











