Hello Thursday.
I finally rode the streetcar. As with all things new, I’m late to the party, about two months to be exact. If you’re burned out on streetcar debates, I’m pleased to report I don’t have strong opinions on the matter. Will I be a power user of it? Unlikely. Does my personal disinterest in it make it entirely worthless? Hardly.
I’ve heard the debates on each side about how much money we wasted and how this will transform our transportation infrastructure and think everybody’s at least a little bit right and a little bit wrong. But the way I see it, the streetcar is kind of like a tattoo. It’s not for everyone but it’s a done deal and it’s not coming off easily so we might as well learn to live – or better yet thrive – with it. Plus, have you smelled it? It smells incredible in there. How has no one discussed this pressing matter of air freshness?
VITALS
Today’s Weather: 84. A few clouds. 10% chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: 12. Number of Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the Charlotte area. They accept donations but will also come to your kitchen and remove your cabinets for you.
Today’s Job: Business Development Specialist at Extended Stay America. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Jeremy Lin. The Hornets guard needs a shout-out after not being recognized when he showed up to the arena for the first time.
ORIGINALS
10 ways to prepare yourself for Charlotte Oktoberfest [Perkins]
Oktoberfest is like a marathon and if you’re going to successfully sample all 350 beers (strongly not recommended), you need to be properly dressed, mentally prepared and adequately hydrated.
I wanted to hate Bar Method but I can’t. [Levans]
All signs pointed to me probably hating Bar Method. It’s precise, regimented and way more controlled than I’ll ever be. Still, in all my freewheeling messiness, I found respect for this popular boutique fitness craze.
6 more ideas for a new Food Truck Friday location [Dunn]
You all had so many suggestions for a new home for Food Truck Friday, Andrew revisited the conversation with a new list of locations, some of which are outside South End. I think Music Factory with its ample parking is a good choice and I’m pro anything in Plaza Midwood (but the parking would be a hot mess).
A guide to Charlotte museums and educational sites [Levans]
From modern art to history to NASCAR, there’s a little something for everyone in Charlotte’s museum scene. Take a look at 14 places to visit, a list of free museum days and tips on how to save money on admission.
How the Charlotte Symphony plans to shake its stodgy image [Dunn]
Charlotte Symphony opened its doors last night for a free performance and $2 beers in an attempt to convince a casual, young professional audience that they’re welcome in this setting. Will the Symphony convert these cargo shorts-wearing newcomers into regular ticket holders or continue to produce more approachable events like this?
Now Open: Level Office launches Uptown coworking building with 56 private offices, 50% leased (29 photos) [Williams]
The building, located on W. 4th Street near the baseball stadium, won’t officially open until October 1st, but they’ve already leased half the offices. Private offices start at $349/month and if you drink at least two free lattes a day from their fancy Top Brewer, by my calculation you will break even.
Jury duty ain’t that bad. A day at the Mecklenburg Courthouse. [Olivares]
I’m fascinated by the whole trial by jury system and haven’t heard anyone discuss a summons in detail since my dad was called like 20 years ago. (He didn’t get selected because I was friends with the prosecutor’s daughter.) Alexandra has a straightforward look at what to expect if you get summoned. Don’t spend your $12 stipend all in one place.
The region’s best children’s book writers and illustrators are coming to Charlotte [Morrell]
Want to be the next J.K. Rowling? Join other “kidlit” writers, illustrators and agents to review and critique your work. Today is the last day to register for this year’s event, but if you miss it you’ve got a whole year to write the next Harry Potter.
Look what these two chefs came up with at a NoDa pop-up dinner [Smith]
I’m so mad I didn’t go to this. Vanessa went a five-course vegan pop-up dinner hosted by Chef Sawn Harrison and Brian “Chef Cat” Williams. The whiskey maple-glazed potato plank looks fantastic.
TALKING POINTS
Rush Espresso Ballantyne closed this week for construction [Facebook]. They’re just moving 40 yards down the street to a new location and will reopen Friday at 6 a.m.
Bojangles’ is expanding its Charlotte reach [Peralta/Observer]. New restaurants are opening in Monroe and Concord this month. The Monroe location will be giving away free sausage biscuits and iced tea tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Edison Nation partners with Amazon to find entrepreneurs with innovative products [CBJ/Burns]. The Amazon Invention Tour will take place in Atlanta September 25 – 26.
Charlotte’s largest pet adoption event ever is this weekend [Humane Society]. The Humane Society of Charlotte has partnered with area shelters and rescue organizations to find homes for hundreds of dogs and cats in just one weekend. The event will take place at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo September 18 – 20.
Chef Jay Pierce is leaving RockSalt [Wile/Charlotte Magazine]. He took a job at The Marshall Free House in Greensboro to spend more time with his family. His last day here in Charlotte is Sunday. Be sure to drop in and wish him well. Great guy.
All CMPD patrol officers will now be wearing body cameras [Sumlin/Observer]. CMPD purchased about 1,400 cameras and 1,200 have been issued to officers. The body cameras will replace patrol-car dashcams, which are being phased out.
I think I’m quadruple booked on events tonight. Are you going to the Art Strokes Out Cancer event or the Jazz Lab Short Session? Check out our Planner for more things to do all weekend. (And if you’re going to WeLoveCLT, don’t forget it’s at a new location at Industry Coworking.)
– Katie
