Latest news with #AxiosCharlotte
Axios
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
1 big thing: 🛥️ Let's go boating
Welcome to Tuesday. It's Katie. 🚘Axios Charlotte members are the driving force behind our newsroom. Join them today. ⛈️ Weather: Low 90s with scattered thunderstorms. 🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Charlotte member Elizabeth Baker. Situational awareness: Today marks 10 years since a white supremacist murdered nine Black parishioners at a Bible study at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, the oldest Black congregation in the South. Alexis Clinton It's boat season, and local companies recommend you book in advance if you want to spend time on the water this summer. Why it matters: Charlotte may be landlocked, but that doesn't mean a day on the water is out of reach — whether it's a pool, lake or river. We've rounded up a few boat rental companies offering ways for you to keep cool and entertained this summer. Tiki Time Boat Rentals — A company with a tiki-themed boat cruising on Lake Norman with room for 19 passengers. The hourly tiki boat ride starts at $200 and comes with a Bluetooth speaker, grill, seated bar, bathroom, karaoke, water mat, paddleboards and a cooler. Black Boat Club — This company, which operates on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, sells out every weekend. Reservations are typically needed a month in advance. The operator has a tritoon, pontoon and sports boats. Tega Cay Marina — Rent a 10-passenger pontoon on Lake Wylie starting at $425, including the first full tank of gas. 2. Black Boat Weekend on Lake Norman Alexis Clinton While we're on the topic of boating: More than 100 boats will be on Lake Norman for Black Boat Weekend on Saturday, July 19. Why it matters: The organized boat party is almost sold out but there are still a few ways to experience some of the festivities during the three-day event. Context: Entrepreneur Charisme Dhanani was inspired to start Black Boat Weekend after seeing large boat parties in Florida and Chicago. This year will be the first year at Lake Norman. Dhanani hopes to make it an annual event here. "We're throwing a full-on floating party and this event is open to everyone," Dhanani tells Axios. Details: Black Boat Weekend has a list of scheduled events from July 18-20. Festivities will kick off on Friday with a free meet-and-greet day party at Medusa Lounge in NoDa from 3-9pm. Saturday is the main event with boats and DJs on Lake Norman from 11am-7pm. An after-party at Explicit Bistro and Lounge will be held from 9pm-2am. Tickets are $20-40. On Sunday there will be a brunch at RSVP South End from 1-8pm. It's free to attend and food is available for an additional price. If you go: Bring your own boat and pay a $125 tie-up fee for full access to all water activities at the party. A full weekend VIP ticke t is $2,850 for 10 people. 3. 🍌 The Bananas' Uptown boost Ashley Mahoney Charlotte went bananas earlier this month when a wacky baseball team packed out Bank of America Stadium two nights in a row. The Savannah Bananas drew 148,000 people in Charlotte, a team record. Why it matters: Mecklenburg County hotels were near record capacity when the Bananas came to Charlotte, which is a win for Charlotte's visitor economy, according to Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) CEO Steve Bagwell. Zoom in: While post-pandemic business travel was slow to recover, leisure travel in Uptown has boomed in recent years, bolstering center city's recovery. Major events like the 2023 Beyoncé concert have drawn thousands of visitors Uptown, where they patronize hotels, restaurants and bars. By the numbers: Mecklenburg County hotels had 81.5% occupancy for Friday, June 6, and 90% for Saturday, June 7, according to the CRVA. The average hotel rate was $146.17 for June 6 and $159.03 for June 7. Go deeper 4. A Duke Energy bill and other speed reads 💡 A major energy bill being debated by the Republican-led General Assembly would eliminate an interim goal that mandates Duke Energy reach a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, while keeping in place a longer-term goal of being carbon neutral in 2050. (Axios) 💪 The Club, a new fitness-meets-co-working space in South End, will open its second floor on Saturday, June 21. In addition to the fitness rooms that opened earlier this year, The Club will soon offer a co-working space with 30 seats and a full-service coffee bar featuring drinks from Pertinacious Coffee Co., according to a press release. 🍔 Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes — a Texas-based fast-casual restaurant known for its hand-cut fries, ice cream shakes and burgers — will open in Uptown at 210 E Trade St. on June 30, a representative confirmed to Axios. 🛍️ CAMP, an immersive store with kid-friendly activities and toys, will open soon at SouthPark mall. (Instagram) 5. 🚲 Welcome to the Jungle Jungle Cycle + Strength Studio is now open in west Charlotte's Lower Tuck Development. Why it matters: The locally owned studio is the newest project by local fitness entrepreneur Liv Morgan, who owns the Dilworth cycling studio, SkyCycle. What to expect: Two types of fitness classes — Power Synthesis and cycling. Each is a rhythm-based workout, taught in a low-light room with energizing music. Power Synthesis is a heated mat workout that combines Pilates movements with strength exercises. It holds about 20 people. Mats and equipment are provided. The cycling class holds up to 32 people and often features themed playlists, like "Rihanna vs. Rufus" and "Tate McRae and Ellie Goulding." 6. 🥵 Steamy summer nights Summer nights have gotten 1.7 degrees warmer in Charlotte over the last five decades, according to a new report from Climate Central, a research and communications group. Average summer nighttime temperatures increased between 1970-2024 in 96% of 241 locations analyzed. Why it matters: Higher overnight temperatures can have health consequences for vulnerable groups, as well as increase demand for air conditioning, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick writes. Between the lines: Charlotte experienced its warmest April on record, dating back to 1878, according to the National Weather Service.
Axios
30-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
In photos: Axios Charlotte's May 2025 small business spotlight
More than 100 people gathered on the 33rd floor of Bank of America Tower to hear from local small business owners for an Axios Charlotte event. Why it matters: We're in your inbox every morning, but you can't replicate an in-person connection. We heard from: 🎂 Manolo's Bakery founder Manolo Betancur 💰 Bank of America business banking executive Carolina Ko 🤝 We also connected with many of you who also own small businesses. What's next: Dive into Charlotte's real estate market with us Thursday, June 5, at Room Service Camp North End. Your first drink is on our friends at True Homes. The fun starts at 5:30pm.
Axios
16-05-2025
- Axios
A weekend guide to North Carolina's Crystal Coast
North Carolina's Crystal Coast is well within road trip range for most North Carolinians, sitting just under three hours from Raleigh and five from Charlotte. Why it matters: Beach season is upon us. Use this guide to the Crystal Coast to plan your next getaway. Context: The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of coastline, also known as the Southern Outer Banks. It's home to laid-back, serene beaches like Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, and seaside towns like Beaufort and Morehead City. I recently took a trip there and put together this guide to help you plan where to stay, what to eat and which excursions to take. Pro tip: If you're looking for a more tailored guide, scroll to the bottom of this story. I've created itineraries for different types of trips: girls' trips, family vacation, foodie-focused and wellness reset. Of note: I visited the Crystal Coast as part of a press trip on behalf of Axios Charlotte. While most activities and meals were pre-arranged, all opinions in this guide are entirely my own. Where to eat The obvious choice is seafood, but you may be surprised by how much range the Crystal Coast food scene has. Coffee + Breakfast/Brunch The Banks Grill: Find gooey cinnamon rolls, hearty breakfast plates, and a "local's menu" filled with go-to orders from regulars in this Morehead City breakfast staple tucked in a shopping center. Noontide Coffee + Kitchen: Choose from a menu of fruit smoothies, giant iced coffees and made-to-order breakfast sandwiches in a chic, coastal space. Order at the counter and sit inside or take it to go for pre-beach fuel. The Trading Post: A classic Southern eatery in Emerald Isle with a menu full of comfort foods — think chocolate chip pancakes, shrimp and grits and big mugs of hot coffee the staff keeps filled to the brim. Stop by: 8302 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle (If the weather allows, request outdoor seating). Sugarloaf Island Deli and Yellowfin Pub: A lively indoor/outdoor restaurant on the Morehead City waterfront that's an easy choice for a filling lunch or a round of cold beers after a day on the water. Dinner Amos Mosquito's: Seafood is the name of the game at this eclectic, family-friendly Atlantic Beach spot, with starters like warm, cheesy lobster-crab dip, fried fish platters, a sushi menu and boat drinks for days. Bahia Beach House & Surf Bar: With a modern coastal aesthetic, Bahia in Atlantic Beach feels like something you'd see in Malibu, California. Expect a menu of Baja-inspired small plates and cocktails — think ahi tuna nachos, spicy shrimp tacos, blood orange margs and frosé. City Kitchen: If you're after an unforgettable steak dinner, City Kitchen, located above Town Creek Marina in Beaufort, will deliver. Don't leave without ordering the sticky toffee pudding. If desserts aren't your thing, stop by their outdoor tiki bar instead. Pro tip: Find more of my favorite Crystal Coast eats at the bottom of this guide. Things to do Sure, a beach trip can be a chance to unplug, and the Crystal Coast offers plenty of opportunities to do just that. But if you'd rather stay booked and busy, these six experiences, hosted by local businesses, are a must-add to your itinerary. Take a paddleboard yoga class with Emerald Isle Paddle Tours What to expect: A 45-minute, all-levels yoga flow taught on a stand-up paddleboard on the marshes of Bogue Sound. Go all out with the poses, and don't be afraid to fall in the water — it's part of the fun. If you go: Lessons are $50 per person and meet by the dock at 6800 Emerald Dr., Emerald Isle. Shuck oysters and pop champagne on a boating excursion to Seashore Oyster Company's shellfish farm What to expect: You'll reach the family-run shellfish farm by boat, where the farm's owners will pull oysters straight from the water and teach you how to shuck them. Then, enjoy your bounty paired with lemon, hot sauce, crackers and champagne. If you go: Tours depart from 229 Willet Drive in Beaufort. Email [email protected] to inquire about booking. Take in golden hour aboard a Tiki Boat with Cruisin' Tikis Beaufort What to expect: A two-hour, BYOB sunset cruise for up to six passengers. You can book individual seats or reserve the whole boat for your group. If you go: It makes for a convenient post-dinner outing after City Kitchen, since it departs steps away on the Town Creek Water Marina. Tickets are $85 per person. Spot dolphins and wild horses on a boat tour with Crystal Coast Eco Tours What to expect: Led by a marine biologist, you'll embark on a tour of the Crystal Coast's barrier islands, including a view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. If you're lucky, you might spot bottlenose dolphins and the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. If you go: Half-day tours start at $450. Debrief over lunch at Sugarloaf Deli and Yellowfin Pub afterwards, located just a short walk from where the boat picks up and drops off at the Morehead City Gulf Docks. Go hiking, swimming or biking at Fort Macon State Park What to expect: This historic state park, located on a restored pre-Civil War fort on the Bogue Banks, is a nature lover's dream, with hiking trails, a picnic area and a lifeguard-protected swimming section. Stop by: 2303 E Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Shop and stroll along downtown Beaufort What to expect: Beaufort feels like it's straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel because it is. "A Walk to Remember" takes place in this charming seaside town. Yes, and: Beaufort's full of maritime history. Blackbeard's ship, "Queen Anne's Revenge," sank just off the coast, and you can see artifacts from the wreck at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in downtown. Where to stay From massive beach houses near the water to cozy inns, here are a couple of lodging ideas to consider. If you're looking for: Ocean access and lots of space, consider a rental home with Emerald Isle Realty, like Pointe of View in Atlantic Beach. My thought bubble: I stayed here along with six others during my trip. Each person had their own room, bathroom and balcony. With so much space, it almost felt like having the house to yourself, unless you make use of the kitchen for a dinner party or get together in the theatre room for a movie night. Specs: 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, four floors. Notable features: Swimming pool and hot tub, game room, theatre room, gourmet kitchen, outdoor shower, walkway to the beach with a covered gazebo. The vibe: A coastal boutique hotel meets contemporary bed and breakfast along Beaufort's historic waterfront district. Expect quintessential Southern hospitality, curated meals and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. My thought bubble: While I didn't stay at The Inn on Turner, I was able to meet co-owner Kim Bell, who hosted us for brunch. She and co-owner Jonathan Haas make all of the meals in-house using locally-sourced ingredients. And every night, the two host a happy hour for guests in the garden. Specs: Four suites total (two with king beds; two with queen). Notable features/amenities: "Field to fork" breakfasts, evening social hour, king and queen suites and a chef's table experience. Stop by: 217 Turner St. Choose your own adventure Whether you're seeking a wellness-centric retreat or a fun family getaway, here are must-do recommendations based on your trip's focus. For a wellness reset: Start your day with a peaceful beach walk and watch the sunrise. Grab an iced latte or smoothie from Noontide Coffee + Kitchen. Sign up for a paddleboard yoga class with Emerald Isle Paddle Tours. If dry land is more your thing, opt for a hike and picnic at Fort Macon State Park. For a girls' trip: Order all the small plates and sip on margs at Bahia. Cruise into golden hour with Cruisin' Tikis Beaufort. Got a go-to playlist? You can play it over the speaker. Enjoy oysters and champagne on a boat with Seashore Oyster Company. Staying at Pointe of View? Have a cozy movie night in the theatre room. For the foodie: Here are four of the best things I ate there. "Mad Dar's Sandwich" at The Banks Grill. This fried hot honey chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and pickles is found on the locals' menu. Ahi tuna nachos from Bahia. They're served with crunchy wonton chips instead of tortilla chips. The "Smooth Sailing" smoothie from Noontide, made with mango, banana, pineapple and blue spirulina. Add protein powder for extra satiety. Steak and scallops from City Kitchen. I ordered that evening's special, but you can't go wrong trying any of the surf and turf options. For the family vacation: Grab breakfast at The Trading Post. Have dinner at Amos' Mosquitos. Enjoy a beach day on Atlantic Beach (be sure to collect seashells — they're unreal). Go dolphin spotting with Crystal Coast Eco Tours.
Axios
14-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Trader Joe's plans to open in Matthews
Trader Joe's plans to open a fourth Charlotte-area store in Matthews. Why it matters: Cause people go nuts for Trader Joe's. Just try to move your cart around the midtown store on a Sunday, and you'll understand. What they're saying: A Trader Joe's spokesperson confirmed to Axios Charlotte that it does plan to open a store in Matthews but could not yet share a location or timeline. However, signs point to the Matthews Gateway development off East John Street as the location. Driving the news: Monday night, the Matthews town board considered approving some architectural changes for the development, where "we still expect to be a Trader Joe's," planning staff said. Last July, the board reviewed designs for a grocery store resembling a Trader Joe's. The submission included renderings for a building that used the grocer's unique font but only spelled "Grocery Store." Zoom out: Trader Joe's joins a list of other local, highly anticipated grocery store announcements, from Wegmans' first Charlotte location (opening late 2026) to Sprouts in NoDa (August).
