Hi friends! Today I have a fun post that I am so excited to share with you. This past weekend, my boyfriend and I went to Charlotte, NC for an anniversary trip (and so I could finally meet my coworkers in real life lol). We had the BEST time so I wanted to share what we did with all of you! I will also add in some places we didn’t try, but that were recommended to us. Keep reading to hear more about A Weekend in Charlotte, NC: The Ultimate Guide!
We had roughly 48 hours in Charlotte, and knew that we wanted to do as many fun things that we could! One of the reasons we chose to go to Charlotte was because it was a cheap road trip if you’re living in Atlanta (or the surrounding areas). It was an easy, 3.5 hour drive there and back! We didn’t even need to stop for gas. Now I know you’re ready to just get into it, so here is my Charlotte itinerary!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Friday
Dinner: Lang Van
We started our Charlotte, NC weekend trip on Friday afternoon! Neither of us wanted to use too much PTO, and I assume most people would start a two day road trip this way as well. I actually had planned dinner with my co-workers this evening, but I wanted to share a restaurant that was recommended to me for this portion of your trip! Lang Van has over 140 items and the owner recommends the banh xeo.
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Day 2: Saturday
Photoshoot: Be Kind – Heart Mural
As a blogger, I wanted to spend some time getting some pictures for “the ‘gram“! The one location I KNEW I wanted to shoot at was this lovely heart mural. My friend, Tomi (@goodtomicha), has a blog post highlighting the 10 Instagrammable Places to Shoot in Charlotte that I definitely referenced for locations and addresses of colorful murals. I was soo in love with these shot that Deeana, from Deeana Kourtney Photography, helped me grab!
Breakfast: Not Just Coffee
Whenever I visit a new place, I love to try a local coffee shop (or one that locals love to frequent that isn’t Starbucks haha). Not Just Coffee was THAT coffee place! They have a few CLT locations, and this one at Atherton Mill was so century modern. I loved it! The aesthetic and the coffee were great (and there’s a flower shop there. My lovely boyfriend, Jasim, got me a bouquet while there).
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Activity: Atherton Mill
Since you’re already at Atherton Mill getting coffee, you might as well hang around for a bit! This is such a chic little area of shops (that is actually RIGHT near the heart mural wall) and I wish we had had more time to spend here! There’s a Lululemon, a Madewell, an Anthropologie, a boutique called Boem (it looks so cute) and so much more. If you want a nice place to just explore and shop, this is for you!
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Lunch: Restoration Hardware (RH)
If you are spending a weekend in Charlotte, you NEED to check out Restoration Hardware. It’s a combination furniture/home decor store and rooftop restaurant. It’s made entirely with glass walls and a glass ceiling and also has an outdoor section as well! The concept is that everything in the restaurant is available for purchase in your own home. But y’all, the FOOD!!! I got a lobster roll and it was the best thing I have ever tasted.
It’s also not ridiculously expensive either! If you’ve ever eaten out in Atlanta, the prices are pretty comparable to that. Just remember, reservations book out a couple months in advance. If you are planning your trip a while ahead of time, be sure to secure this first!
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Activity: Van Gogh Exhibit
The Van Gogh Exhibit was 100% worth it and Jasim and I had the most amazing time! It is very much an immersive exhibit and felt very intimate even though there were a lot of people. Every does have to wear masks so it felt really safe as well. They also have exhibits based on Van Gogh’s work outside the immersive experience. If you want to do something unique while visiting, you will not be disappointed!
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Dinner: Noble Smoke
On Saturday night we were just so tired from a long day that we got food at the hotel, but if we hand’t I would’ve 100% wanted to try out Noble Smoke! I love trying barbecue in random places around the south. This place also looks like it has AMAZING brussels spouts which is a vegetable I have recently become obsessed with. Any smoked or salty/sweet version has my heart!
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Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast: Amélie’s French Bakery & Cafe
On Sunday I went and grabbed Starbucks to surprise Jasim with coffee (and food) in bed, but I would’ve LOVED to try out Amélie’s French
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Activity: PlantHouse
I ended up getting gas on Saturday and happened to come across Plant House! I absolutely adore plants and knew I wanted to stop by on Sunday before we left. What I didn’t know is that you can BUILD YOUR OWN TERRARIUMS! They have literally everything you could need. You pay for the container (we got the most expensive and it was only $55). Then you get 3-6 plants to choose from, any rocks/soil needed, and any additives too! I highly recommend. This was so fun!
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Lunch: Optimist Hall
One of the reasons I traveled to North Carolina was to visit my coworkers in real life for the first time! On Sunday I was able to meet up with a few of them and we met up at Optimist Hall. This is a food hall similar to Ponce City Market in Atlanta with dozens of unique vendors! I got bao buns that were delish and a raspberry croissant that was oozing a sweet filling.
This location has an outdoor space in the front, as well as an outdoor courtyard in the center! It’s the perfect place to take the kids, or your pets, for a lovely afternoon with friends. Not to mention there is an Archer Paper Goods (my fav shop for stationary and knick knacks) and a Pet Wants shop with goodies for your fur children! I would 100% love to go back and try more foods.
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I hope you all enjoyed this post! My Weekend In Charlotte, NC was so much fun. I loved getting to spend time with my boyfriend as well as some of the best coworkers I’ve ever had! Charlotte is full of great food, and unique places to see. PLUS they have some gorgeous murals too!
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