Strawberry picking season is upon us and there's several options within an hour of Uptown.

We've rounded up a few patches with strawberries that are ripe for the picking:

• Carrigan Farms in Mooresville
• Hall Family Farm in Lancaster, South Carolina
• The Ivy Place in Lancaster, South Carolina
• Lineberger's Farm in Dallas, North Carolina
• Patterson Farm in Mount Ulla, North Carolina
• Springs Farm in Fort Mill, South Carolina

Full guide

Today is National Independent Bookstore Day, a good reason to turn the page at a local shop.

Catch up quick: You can shop from a list of local stores as part of the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl which runs from now until April 30.

• This year's lineup includes 25 independent bookstores, so you won't run out of options for your next read.

What to expect: Several of the stores are celebrating the day with author signings, prizes, discounts and exclusive items. A few local stores include:

• 📚 Troubadour Booksellers in east Charlotte
• 💘 Trope Bookshop in Plaza Midwood
• 📖 Park Road Books in Park Road Shopping Center
• 🌳 Belmont Bookshop in Belmont
• 📚 Main Street Books in Davidson

Dig in: That's Novel Books in Camp North End has collaborated with Seemingly Overzealous' Camp North End location on a special ice cream flavor called Book Hangover. It's chocolate ice cream with chocolate cake and a chocolate swirl.

All of Charlotte's Independent bookstores

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Viva La Fiesta is a monthlong celebration showcasing Latin America at Carowinds.

What to expect: The festival features a mix of experiences highlighting the culture from food to performances.

• There will be a village of food booths serving traditional dishes, desserts and cocktails inspired by Latin American cuisine.
• You can stick around for the live music, dancing, games, crafts, street performers and more.

If you go: Viva La Fiesta will run from now through May 17 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14523 Carowinds Blvd.

• Tickets start at $29.

More weekend plans

One of NoDa's newest restaurants blends flavor and Black culture.

Zoom in: Kulture NoDa comes from the owner of the popular takeout-only spot Renaldo's Culinary Experience.

Dig in: Expect many of the same comfort food favorites from their takeout spot, from oxtail pizza to loaded seafood pastas.

• They also serve a list of egg rolls, pizzas, wings, handhelds and desserts.
• To drink, they have about 10 cocktails, beer and wine.

Stop by: Find Kulture at 3228 N Davidson St. It's open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm; and Sunday noon-10pm.

More new restaurants to try