The Queen City: A Day in Charlotte, NC

For anyone looking to take a day or weekend trip to Charlotte, NC, there are a few places that I would recommend trying. Some of these places I found through other blogs and some were from recommendations shared with me from friends! This was my first time in Charlotte, so there is still a lot that I don't know about the area and a there are a lot of places I have not been to--but you gotta start somewhere!

Vapiano Charlotte

This is what carb loading looks like! This place we found when driving down Tryon street, looking for places to eat. Here you can get pasta, pizza, salads and more. This place is modern with a cafeteria-style way to order. We grabbed a menu and found a seat before walking up to the counter to order. Dining here for lunch was pretty busy with a lunch rush, so I think that dinner is the best time to eat here! With a lot of good entrees to choose from and large serving sizes, I highly recommend trying this place and hope to go back here soon to try another dish (and fill up on even more pasta).

Amelie's Bakery--Uptown

As soon as you walk in, you see this place is very Mary Poppins- esk! Amelie's lived up to all expectations. This french bakery and cafe has specialty coffee drinks, wine, beer and the best looking pastries.  For coffee, I got the Cafe Capuchon, which was a really good European style Cappuccino. We also ordered a few pastries--once you see all the pastries displayed behind the glass, you'll know why we had such a hard time deciding what to try! For pastries, we ordered the Layered Torte (on the left with layers of chocolate and caramel), apple tart, and one of their many flavored macarons!

 "Practically Perfect in Every Way"

They taste as good as they look 😍

                                                   

This place is full of different seating areas that offer plenty of room to dine as well as funky decor displayed around every corner

    

Confetti Hearts Wall

This mural is located behind Jeni's ice-cream, across from the "SOUTHEND" sign at 1930 Camden Road! If you're not careful, it can be something you quickly pass by and overlook. The area around it also has different restaurants, a coffee shop and other  places to try! A few hours could definitely be spent in this area.

SouthPark Shopping

Here, you can find a lot of high end stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade, Nordstrom, etc. This is a good place to go to that offers shopping out side of the typical department stores. This would also be a good place to go to if it's raining and you are looking to stay indoors for a while!
Maggiano's is also an Italian restaurant that is  in this area, near Starbucks, if you're looking to stay nearby to eat!

Other places to try...

***If anyone has tried these before, let me know what you think! I'm also open to more recommendations.

7th Street Public Market: place to shop, eat, drink all in one place

Not Just Coffee: coffee, food and more

Crave Dessert Bar: cheesecake, cupcakes, cocktails and more

Smelly Cat Coffee: Located in NODA district, Phoebe Buffay would be proud

Suffolk Punch: Culinary cafe, coffee bar, taphouse, brewery

Fox Croft Wine Co: Wine and small plate options

The Asbury: modern dinner hotspot located at the Dunhill Hotel 

South 21: casual family drive-in...fast food alternative

204 North Kitchen and Cocktails: located in uptown, the name says it all

5 Church: On the corner of 5th and Church street, prime weekend dinner spot

Maggianos: I have heard NOTHING but good things about this Italian restaurant

U.S National White Water Center: This place has everything... from excursions, dinner spots, festivals, concerts, paddle boarding...you name it