On the Road

Charlotte

Eat and Drink in the Queen City

Charlotte, NC, skyline at sunset

As one of the top-growing cities in the United States, Charlotte, North Carolina, has much to offer. Two types of football leagues, baseball, basketball, all kinds of banks and breweries, food halls, mural art, outdoor recreational activities, and more. Longing for mountains, waterfalls, or beaches? Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a hub for all sorts of direct flights to other corners of the country. The Queen City’s culinary scene is growing thanks to the sister concepts of many seasoned restaurateurs. Ingenuity paired with creativity is at the helm of these thriving expansions popping up across the city. Check out the eateries mingling with shopping concepts and nonprofits based in the NoDa district, or sample flavors from around the world at Optimist Hall. This city has its share of craft breweries–seek out the world-class beer at Olde Mecklenburg, Charlotte’s oldest brewery. Looking for a more upscale setting? Peruse artists’ creations while sipping on a craft cocktail or tucking into a signature dish Artisan’s Palate, a restaurant-gallery hybrid.

explore charlotte heading-plus-icon

Guests enjoying Whiskey After Dark, a culinary event coming fall 2023 in Charleston
In the Field

11 Must-Visit Culinary Events this Fall

Whether you're road tripping or supporting your home culinary community, season your fall calendar with these delicious culinary events.

Whiskey After Dark 2023
In the Field

6 Chefs Bring Talent to Whiskey After Dark

Six chefs bring flavors and influence from all around the South and abroad to Whiskey After Dark in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Hand taking pizza at Glass House, one of the new restaurants in North Carolina
In the Field

New Restaurants in North Carolina

From boutique wine bars to modern diners and Greek mezze to Spanish pintxos, these 11 new restaurants in North Carolina are changing the game.

Recipes

local flavor

Key Ingredient

Catfish Stew over Rice

In a saucepan over medium heat, make a roux by melting butter and adding flour; cook, stirring often, until it’s the color of chocolate.

Drinks

SPF 100

Make the award-winning bar Billy Sunday's spicy SPF 100 cocktail recipe.

Recipes

Scallop Spaghetti

This dish shows off some cooking skills while allowing familiar and flavorful mouthfuls of pesto and lemon pasta to please all its tasters.

At the Table

Herbed Rice Stuffed Delicata Squash

Herbed rice stuffed delicata squash from chef Shai Fargian of YAFO Kitchen in Charlotte, North Carolina.

CITY GUIDES

nearby destinations

On the Road

Columbia

In Columbia, old stalwarts dish out gourmet plates while a new guard of eclectic [...]

On the Road

Asheville

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is [...]

On the Road

Raleigh

Raleigh has a lot more to offer besides great schools. As the capital of [...]