🌞 Weekend Trip | Charlotte NC 🐝 Itinerary + Food Guide

Escaped rainy NYC for sunny Charlotte—and my mood was instantly cured! ☀️ Here’s a mix of my random wanderings + must-try Southern eats (plus some fun detours!): 🏀 NBA Hornets vs. Nuggets Game First NBA game ever—what an electric vibe! ⚡️ Head to the bar area for a unique viewing angle.Pro Tip: Check venue rules first—no bags larger than a small wallet allowed! ❗️ The Hornets’ home has no bag check, so I had to empty my bag and hide it in the bushes (thanks to the kind staff’s tip). It was still there after 2+ hours—phew! 😅 🎨 Mint Museum Such a fantastic art museum—so many Xiaohongshu raves for a reason! 🖼️ Free entry with a BOA card. Student tickets available with school ID—total steal! 🍗 Haberdish (3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205) Xiaohongshu’s favorite Southern spot—lives up to the hype! Crispy, juicy fried chicken 🐔, classic Southern flavors. Expect lines during peak hours—worth the wait! 🐱 Mac Tabby Cat Cafe (3204 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205) Found this gem near Haberdish—heaven for cat lovers! 🐾 Separate areas for coffee and cat cuddles (clean and cozy!). The surrounding arts district is former factory space—filled with vintage shops and cafes 🛍️. So fun to wander! 🍕 Gravity Sourdough Pizza (1824 Statesville Ave Ste. 101, Charlotte, NC 28206) Discovered this spot in another factory-turned-district! Tried the Tommy Boy Pizza—sweet flavor profile, super unique 🍬. The neighborhood is packed with cute boutiques—perfect for post-pizza exploring. 🍔 Coastal Kitchen & Bar (222 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC 28202) Inside the Hilton—non-guests welcome! 🎉 Must-order: Cowboy Burger—crunchy fried chicken skin on top adds so much flavor 🤤. 🍗 Tupelo Honey (101 S Tryon St Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28280) Super popular fried chicken spot! Book ahead for weekends—otherwise, grab a bar seat if you’re lucky. Got half a fried chicken + a fried shrimp sandwich—crispy, savory, and so satisfying 🦐. 🧀 The Absury (235 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202) Tiny spot with amazing service! Cheese lovers, don’t miss the FARRO RISOTTO—creamy, cheesy, and extremely filling 🥄. #WinterTravel #WeekendGetaway #StudyAbroadTravel #CharlotteNC #SouthernFood #CatCafe #NBAGame #FoodieAdventures