Dig into Black food traditions and dine with top chefs.
For many mass , Charlotte is the South ’s hidden stone . While it is household to major summercater teams , museum , drift , and Fortune 500 companies , the Queen City still maintains a low - town good luck charm . In improver to the grow list of activities and landmarks in North Carolina ’s capital , it is also the situation of theBayHaven Food & Wine Festival , a four - day event dedicate to mordant food tradition and dish from the diaspora .
The married man - and - wife brace behind 3rd & Fernwood , three - prison term James Beard Award constitute chef Gregory Collier and Subrina Collier , protrude the festival in 2021 to highlight pitch-black culinary experts and those new to the hospitality industry . From October 3–6 this class , attendant can enjoy food and drink from restaurateurs , chef , and bartenders from across the nation , while learning how to promote diversity through economic empowerment and community ontogenesis .
Over the course of the fete , there will be a fish fry , a pit - cooked feast , live music , food and cocktail tastings , and a multi - course dinner with cocktail pairings inspired by medicine and the arts . Throughout the yr , Charlotte has become a truthful melting mickle , drawing folks from around the world to this beacon of Southern Hospitality so the festival is a great point of departure to see what else the Queen City has to offer , too .
Photo courtesy of the BayHaven Food and Wine Festival
Drive time:
3 hour and 45 minutes from Atlanta
Things to Do Beyond BayHaven
TheNASCAR Hall of Fameis always a democratic tourist name and address in Charlotte . If you ’re in the mood for some history , you’re able to maneuver toMint Museum , which has the distinction of being North Carolina ’s first art museum and contains one of the largest collections in the full Southeast . The Bechtleris also a go - to museum for prowess enthusiasts ; you may find works from legendary artists like Warhol and Picasso alongside some of today ’s best modern-day pieces .
Thrill seekers have plenty to do in Charlotte as well . With 14 roller coaster , 15 other ride , and an over - the - top Halloween solemnisation , Carowinds Amusement Parkis the situation to be . Charlotte is also home to theNational Whitewater Center , a promised land of out-of-door adventures centered on the Catawba River and Long Creek . dangerous undertaking goes beyond the rapids as the 1,300 - acre space is filled with cypher liner , careen climbing , forget me drug courses , and more than 40 Swedish mile of single - track track for bicycle .
For night life , head to Uptown forAvidXchange Music Factory , an entertainment hub with nightclubs , bars , an outdoor amphitheater ; and The Fillmore Charlotte , modeled after the fabled San Francisco venue of the same name .
Where to Eat and Drink
Morning : For a quick breakfast treat before hit the road , seize the far-famed donuts frommilkbread .
A Meaty Dinner : The Colliers ’ own3rd & Fernwoodfeatures modern , seasonal , meaty takes on Southern classic . Supperlandis a notable steakhouse set in a fix mid - century church — and another hook of the place is the chance to charge up to the speakeasy bar .
Breweries : Charlotte also has a strong craft beer scene ; agree outBurialorBirdsong , among so many others .
Photo courtesy of the BayHaven Food and Wine Festival
Where to Stay in Charlotte
The majority of Charlotte ’s lodging options are established mountain chain like theJW MarriottorRitz Carlton . But if you ’re look for something a little different , check out theGrand Bohemianfrom Marriott ’s John Hancock collection , where vibrant colors and art hatch every wall . For something decidedly local , smaller properties like the swankyIvey ’s Hotelor historicDuke Mansionpair a bed & breakfast feel with upscale accommodations .
Flickr/RB Photo