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Slices of Life

 

Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we'll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers' markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We'll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it's like to live rather than to sightsee.

 

Beachin' Island

Address: Cornelius, NC 28031

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Cruise Lake Norman north past Midtown Sundries, and steer to the right. You can't miss the rockin' party that comes together every Saturday with sometimes 100+ boats floating in the area. In attendance are DJs, heavy sound systems, beautiful people, skimpy swimsuits, and even food-carrying water taxis to take care of...

Booty Loop

Address: Queens Rd W at Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC

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Some say it's the attractive backsides of the runners/walkers who cruise this 3-mile route that inspired its "cheeky" nickname. Others insist the term pays homage to the old Southern money firmly ensconced in the beautiful Myers Park neighborhood. Either way, this circuit is the place to be seen taking a jog in...

Center City Alive After Five

Address: 301 S Tryon St, Wachovia Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28202

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Join the suits and trendsetters at Charlotte's largest outdoor happy hour – and is it ever large! Beer is on tap, wine is uncorked, and live music ranges from Journey tribute bands to Michael Jackson covers. The party continues after-hours at nearby bars as trails of people dance down to College Street. It may get hot...

Fuel Pizza Café

Address: 214 N Tryon St, Hearst Tower, Charlotte, NC 28202

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Late at night on weekends, the line to get into Fuel starts at around 1:30am. By 2:15am, it's out the door and around the street corner, populated by sweaty, wide-eyed bar-hoppers and club kids with the munchies. With pizzas like Oregano Chicken and The Mean Green and ever-so-tasty Garlic Knots, Fuel is the place to...

Furniture Factory Outlet World

Address: 8315 Lancaster Hwy, Waxhaw, NC 28173

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This oddly unique outlet store turns out a mix of incredible deals sourced from Hickory, NC, the nearby furniture capital. The inventory changes dramatically each week, and you'll undoubtedly miss out if you don't have a way to get what you want home – you can bet it'll be gone by the next day. Furniture Factory...

McMullen & Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway

Address: 8314 Pineville-Matthews Rd, across from McMullen Creek Marketplace, Charlotte, NC 28226

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Nothing is as invigorating on a Saturday or Sunday morning as waking up with the other active Charlotteans who regularly head to this outdoor playground. Families, couples, and singles, pooches often in tow, enjoy the greenway's four miles of trails and its picnic areas, which are mixed in with boardwalks and wetland...

NoDa Gallery Crawl

Address: N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

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On the first and third Friday of each month, the revitalized NoDa neighborhood hosts a free, "come as you please" gallery crawl along its two or three blocks. Supporting the action is a cute coffee shop aptly named Smelly Cat (who's seen Friends?), a fish taco café, a dog bar, vintage shops, and several other...

Old Hickory House Restaurant

Address: 6538 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28213

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Carolina BBQ. For the uninitiated, it's smoky pulled pork, slow-roasted over a wood fire, and it's nothing short of divine. At Old Hickory, they serve it Western NC-style, which means it comes with a tangy, tomato-based sauce. Try the half-and-half plate, which features thick chunks and shredded tendrils of succulent...

South 21

Address: 3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Forget places like McDonald's and Captain D's. If you want fast food in Charlotte, get curb service from a drive-in where they've been serving real food since 1955. Known for the two-patty Super Boy Burger, a golden-crisp Fish-O-Burger, and the most sinful milkshakes you'll ever experience, South 21 is a true local...

Ultimate Tailgate Party

Address: 515 W 4th St, outside Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC 28202

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In Charlotte, it doesn't hurt to throw on a Jake Delhomme jersey and paint your face black and blue on home game Sundays. For 14 years, Panthers games and tailgating parties have become as much a part of Charlotte's culture as barbecue. If you're not planning to host from your own vehicle, check out "The Ultimate...

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