A travel and food review of Charlotte, NC
Although my sabbatical is technically over, I still embrace the sabbatical mindset – maintaining balance, living freely, and enjoying the thrills of life whenever possible. That includes finding time to get away and partake in a little R&R. One way, I like to do this is by going on a trip. I love experiencing a new place, devouring great food, and making incredible memories.
Charlotte, North Carolina, has been on my bucket list of places to visit for quite some time, so I was excited to have a weekend stay in the Queen City. Luckily, I patronized most of the places on my itinerary, but there were a few places and sites that I did not visit during this trip – don’t worry, I’m already planning another trip to Charlotte. That’s how much I enjoyed myself!
Food
Let’s start with a star! I am still daydreaming about the food at Uptown Yolk. It was that delicious. Here's my Google review of the restaurant:
My experience at Uptown Yolk was truly exceptional. The décor and atmosphere were bright and colorful, perfectly matching the restaurant's energy. The staff was very courteous, and the service time was very reasonable. All of this is only second to the food, which is the star of this establishment. Every dish was absolutely delicious! The standouts were the breakfast potatoes, the chicken and waffles, the sweet potato waffles, and the breakfast sandwiches. My partner and I enjoyed our brunch so much that we placed a to-go order the following morning to pick up before leaving Charlotte. If you live in the area, do yourself a favor and head here now. If you plan to visit Charlotte, please add Uptown Yolk to your itinerary.

Based on other reviews, reservations are encouraged for this establishment. I made a reservation before coming to Charlotte and did not experience any issues. My party was seated immediately. For my take-out order, I waited slightly over the scheduled time the food was supposed to be ready. That said, it was the Sunday brunch crowd, and they were busy. I’m excited to revisit Uptown Yolk and eat those TN potatoes!
Cajun Queen had lots of rave reviews but fell short for me. I love New Orleans cuisine and thankfully have eaten amazing food from the state, so the food at Cajun Queen did not deliver on its promise of authentic bayou flavors. The étouffée was spicy, as expected, but none of the other flavors were shining through the dish. The fried oysters were good. The décor was okay. I didn’t sit on the rooftop patio, but many reviews say it's beautiful.

Amélie’s is a French bakery and café with several locations in Charlotte. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend visiting them. Some locations are open as late as midnight, so when those cravings hit you can certainly get your fix. That is exactly what happened to me. Amelie’s wasn't even on my initial list, but my companion and I were looking for something sweet and luckily found a gem. The pecan tart and cinnamon roll were delicious! A must-try when in Charlotte.
Merchant and Trade is a rooftop bar with amazing views of Uptown Charlotte. The cocktails were well crafted, and the atmosphere was lively. Since I patronized here on a Friday night, it was challenging to find seating on the patio area where you could view the skyline. The parking can also be a hassle. There is street and garage parking nearby. The hotel where the bar is located also offers valet parking.
Camp North End offers more than just eateries. This expansive campus is filled with beautiful landscaping and pathways lined with many shops – including a plant nursery, record store, and bookstore. This 76-acre hub has many photography-worthy backdrops due to its many murals and unique architectural design. As far as food goes, there is no shortage of options. A few places I visited were Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream (a dairy, egg, and gluten-free ice cream), Saru(ramen), and Halal Street Food.

Activities
I’m a lover of the arts, and Charlotte certainly does not disappoint in this area. The city is home to the Levine Center of the Arts in Uptown Charlotte. This art haven includes the Harvey B. Gantt Center, as well as other museums, such as Mint Museum Uptown (next up in this article). The Gantt Center offered beautifully and thoughtfully curated exhibits that showcased experienced and new artists. The exhibits appear to change every few months, which means you will always experience something new when visiting this cultural center.

This five-story museum offers a diverse collection of contemporary art, textured crafts, and American artwork. What is great about visiting Mint Museum is that admission here gives you access to both the Uptown and Randolph locations for 48 hours, which is a great deal for a $15 adult ticket.
Coincidently, my trip coincided with the Taste of Charlotte Food Festival, which I was completely unaware of. I stumbled upon this festival while touring the museums. There were many samples, food options, and live performances. I thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected yet fun encounter.
Final Thoughts
My weekend getaway to Charlotte was such a royal experience. I could write more about my stay in the Queen City, but this blog would never end. Maybe I should write a part two? Until we meet again, Charlotte. I will cherish the memories.

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