Travel Journal: Charlotte
Hi, hello, happy new year, it’s been a whole hot minute since my last post! I’ve already had an absolutely cracking start to my day by spilling coffee all over my clean white T-shirt. Absolutely fantastic. Get in the bin.
I was just about to head outside and throw myself in the skip when Selena Gomez’s Who Says came on shuffle. Bit of a classic and certified mood booster. So just like that, my day was back on track. But enough with that waffle and morning mess, I’m actually going to talk about my trip to Charlotte, so without further ado…
Ta-da! Charlotte:
Tops | Madewell & Brandy Melville
Sunglasses | Urban Outfitters
Trousers | Maison Scotch
Trainers | Veja
I like this place a lot and we had a grand old time! Firstly, we brunched, and we brunched soOo good.
The Little Spoon Eatery is a fabulous little spot. Very trendy with a great selection of tasty treats that’ll leave you with a happy tum. It doesn’t break the bank either which is bonus. So check it out if you’re in the area!
I mean, just look at it. Mm-mm.
Next up was Freedom Park, because why waste a sunny day indoors. It was so lush and green, with a big ol’ lake, cycling routes, picnic spots and its own amphitheatre. Fancy. There were also cute dogs EVERYWHERE. Total bonus. I was emotionally overwhelmed in the best way possible. And if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, there was also an allergies festival going on. Free food, free merch and some rather interesting live music. HEY-OH sign me up!
Cole then drove us around the city centre and gave us the low-down of where things were and what was what. It’s a great space! Not too big, not too small, but there’s plenty to do. They even had a pumpkin carving competition popping off at BB&T Ballpark whilst we were there. Not that we went that is… we opted out of spending $25 to stare at fruit to go shopping and buy food we could actually eat, because, well, priorities.
We went to SouthPark Mall to have a browse and I’ll tell you now, this is quite a fancy schmancy place… as far as shopping centres go anyway. With a Tiffany & Co., Armani, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Burberry, I really enjoyed pretending that I had the money to spend on an £2000 coat. I mean, we all do it. Picking up that item you like, checking the label and giving it an approving nod as if to tell the shop assistants that you’re actually considering the purchase. Absolutely not.
Maybe one day, in another life.
We drove out of central to an area called Plaza Midwood and had a little mooch before grabbing some tapas. Midwood Guitar Studio, Buffalo Exchange and Black Sheep are all worth a mention and a look in! We also went into a place called Social Status which I loved. I think it’s actually a men’s clothing store, but what does that really count for? NADA. So ladies and gents, give it a sneaky peak and treat yourself.
A few purchases later, we were ready for tapas and headed to the Soul Gastrolounge. It is so fab, so chic and the food is equally as delightful. With a wide variety of clean food to choose from, I settled on sashimi, mini tuna steak tacos and a Greek style wrap. YUM. I wish I took some snaps, but fitting in with that whole ‘trendy fusion restaurant’ vibe, the dimmed lights were not doing the food justice… so be sure to check out the photos on their website!
Just one teeny, tiny thing I might mention if you do choose to wine and dine here – ignore the Debby Downer host (if she is still there) as the rest of the staff are super cool and friendly. Beats me why you’d put a female Ron Swanson front of house, so just forget the fun sponge and enjoy the fab food and atmosphere.
After filling up on all things good, we went to the City Lights Rooftop bar for cocktails with a view, and what a view.
It was the perfect way to end the day, so cheers to that.
I hope you’ve all had a fantastic start to 2018 and are as excited as I am about this year! I’ve got lots of plans and crazy stuff lined up, so once again, watch this space!
Peace + Love
The Atomic Blonde
xoxo
Ph. {Soul Gastrolounge 001.} {Social Status 001.}
The Atomic Blonde
