Charlotte, NC in 72 Hours

Ever since my sister moved to Charlotte, NC, I vowed to visit her every year—and so far, I’ve kept my promise!

My most recent trip to the Queen City was just last weekend, and her birthday gave me the perfect excuse. We did a fair amount of sightseeing and eating out, but also carved out plenty of family time. Still, with a bit of knowledge under my belt, I managed to curate my favorite activities into a 3-day itinerary!

Ready? Let’s go...

Day 1:

Start your day in Monroe, a small town just outside of Charlotte. Its main street may be modest, but it’s packed with charm. One standout was Sorella, my new favorite coffee spot in the area. It’s a minimalist space with delicate details and fantastic drinks—I loved the iced lavender latte with coconut foam.

We wandered around and discovered So Much More to the Story, a self-described “bookery.” I’d never heard the term before, but it’s apparently a bookstore-meets-concept-shop. Their selection felt thoughtful and curated, but I especially loved their Kindle and book accessories—unique and nothing like what you'd find on Amazon (believe me, I’ve tried!).

Despite the rain, we made it to Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria for lunch. Its vibrant colors and groovy aesthetic were a nice contrast to the grey weather. This casual spot (with locations in SouthPark and Plaza Midwood) serves dishes “from Cuba to Perú” that are truly worth writing home about. I highly recommend the Lomo Saltado and Arroz Chaufa.

When the rain lightened up, we strolled through the hip South End neighborhood, snapping pics at the heart wall and checking out cute shops like Paddywax. In need of a pick-me-up, we headed to Sycamore. It was my second visit and just as fun—always buzzing with energy, music blaring, and packed with locals. The blueberry spritz was exactly what I needed: fun and refreshing.

Dinner took us to my new favorite Charlotte spot: Kindred. The ambiance was effortlessly chic—bistro tables, low lighting, rotating menu, a total dream. And the food. The food! We ordered duck fat potato fries to start, I had the squid ink conchiglie for my main, made with georgia royal red shrimp, and what drew me in - sea urchin butter. For dessert: a Meyer lemon sorbetto topped with olive oil and sea salt. I’ve been obsessed with lemon and lavender lately, and I swear I got my fix on this trip.

We weren’t ready to call it a night just yet, so we ended up at Merchant & Trade, a rooftop bar overlooking the city at the Kimptown Hotel in Uptown. Elevated vibe, great cocktails, and solid music. We even sat outside despite the rain—and had an awesome time!

Day 2:

Our second day was more laid-back, in honor of my dear sister’s birthday.

The highlight? Brunch at Supperland, a renovated church in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The $65 prix fixe brunch is bottomless and absolutely worth it. It features several stations—think eggs Benedict, frittatas, tea sandwiches, and desserts—plus passed appetizers like shrimp, oysters, and cinnamon rolls. My favorites? The shrimp skewers, breakfast potatoes, crabcake eggs Benedict, and the pimento cheese tea sandwich.

Post-brunch, you’ll need one of two things: a coffee or a drink.

For coffee, head to Salted Lemon in South End. It’s a hip café/co-working space/mini market with an aesthetic vibe and top-tier coffee—chef’s kiss.

If you’re craving a drink instead, you can’t go wrong with RH Rooftop at The Gallery at Phillips Place. Order a glass of wine and a burrata, and bask under the chandeliers.

Day 3:

Monday meant telework and virtual meetings—but we were still determined to make the most of our final day.

We got an early start with a walk through the Dilworth neighborhood, then made our way to Stable Hand, a cozy neighborhood café with specialty drinks. I couldn’t resist another lavender latte—this one had lemon peel for an extra tangy twist.

For lunch, we went to Flower Child, a healthy eatery I so wish would return to DC! They offer so many great options—I chose the shrimp with parmesan broccoli and their take on Mexican street corn.

Our last dinner stop was Barcelona Wine Bar, one of my favorite places anywhere. The vibe is effortlessly cool, and the tapas are heavenly. We ordered the truffle bikini, gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, croquetas, and steak—perfection.

But if you’re looking to mix it up, I also recommend Yunta, a Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) spot with amazing sushi and ceviche.

Charlotte may still be a hidden gem, but it truly has so much to offer—especially when you experience it through the lens of love, family, and intentional discovery.

More than anything, these annual trips have become a cherished tradition—one that allows me to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate life’s small but beautiful moments.

Hope you enjoy these tips!