Charlotte Weekend

Several weekends ago I had this amazing romantic weekend planned in New Orleans to surprise my boyfriend. Well, then a hurricane came. All the flights were canceled out of Charleston. But I refused to give up. Our second flight was out of Charlotte and wasn't cancelled (yet) so we drove to Charlotte while I was on the phone with American Airlines customer service for two hours. By the time we had made it to Charlotte our flight was cancelled. And the two flights the next morning that would have actually gotten us to our plan in NOLA on time were also cancelled. So we decided to make the best of a disappointing situation and spend the weekend in Charlotte. 

To add insult to injury, the first hotel that we found had just had a fire and had no power and we couldn't check in. Which turned out to be a blessing because we found a nicer hotel anyway. Butt by the time we finally got to the hotel we were exhausted and starving because we had never eaten dinner in our rush to make the flight. 

The hotel directed us to the Red-eye Diner. It was on the first floor of our hotel and was open 24-hours. The place was super cute and the food was really good. 

We stayed in the Aloft Hotel in the Epicentre. It was a great place to stay because we were in the middle of downtown and had the ability to walk everywhere. We never even had to move the car the entire weekend. 

Saturday morning we had brunch at the Haymaker. I just googled restaurants and look at pictures and menus. And we were not disappointed. I had amazing french toast with a super yummy coffee cocktail. 

We watched around downtown for a little bit before deciding to go check out the Mint Museum. 

Chihuly fixtures in the lobby of the museum. 

I think this was the first time I got to see this Andy Warhol in person. 

The Museum had all sorts of art installations that included furniture, pottery, textiles, jewelry and all sorts of other really interesting things. 

The lobby front window. 

More downtown views. 

Afternoon stop at Aura Rooftop. We got there about 3:30 and they didn't officially open until 4:00, but they were super nice and let us in early. It was a really neat little spot. 

Saturday night we ate dinner at the Mico Restaurant in the Grand Bohemian, It was a beautiful restaurant and the food was absolutely incredible. I'm still having dreams about it. I had the lamb gnocchi with a Madame Mariposa. And then we split the Iguazú Falls for dessert. 

Sunday morning we had brunch at Fahrenheit. This place the most absolutely breathtaking views. They had an amazing porch, and the whole side of the dining room was all windows. Food was just as yummy as the atmosphere. I had the chicken and waffles (I'm embarrassed to say it was the first time I've had chicken and waffles) and the Orange Cream Dream. I didn't want to stop eating. After eating we took our drinks outside and relaxed on the porch and enjoyed the view. 

After brunch we headed to the outlets to do some shopping before heading home. Even though it wasn't a planned trip we had a wonderful time, and were able to find some great places to eat even on short notice. It was the first time I had spent the weekend exploring Charlotte, and I would definitely love to go back! 

 

Charleston Coffee Tour: West Ashley

Brukes Coffee and Craft Ice Cream

1664 Old Town Road

 I've driven past this place probably hundreds of times, but this was the first time that I had actually been inside. Come to find out, this super cute spot is owned by the same person that owns the strings store that I've always used and referred my students to over the years. It is so creative with all the instruments hanging on the walls. Nothing like a latte with a side of violin. Also, I'm not a huge brownie person, but it was a Friday morning so I thought, eh what the heck, and got the brownie. It was amazing!!!! I also got a Hazelnut White Mocha. I would give them a 9 for atmosphere and a 10 for coffee flavor. 

Grounded Coffee Lounge

1757 Savannah Highway Suite A

This coffee spot is definitely a hidden gem. It was not the coffee place I set out to try that day, but it was fabulous. The atmosphere is a little sparse and industrial because during the afternoon and evening it is a vape lounge, but the coffee and the pastries are fabulous. I got a Vanilla Pumpkin Pie Dirty Chai and I was reminded how much I like a good dirty chai. I also had to get a scone because all their pastries are from Saffron's! I'd give them a 7 for atmosphere and a 10 for flavor. 

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters

27 Magnolia Road

I have actually seen this cute coffee place for years and I always said that I wanted to try it, but I would always forget about it when I was looking for coffee West Ashley. Their patio is super cute and like a little secret garden. The ambiance outside is way better than inside in my opinion. I got a Caramel Vanilla Latte which was great. I'd give them a 10 overall for atmosphere because of the patio, and a 7.5 for flavor. 

WildFlour Pastry

1750 Savannah Highway 

This was another place that I have passed for forever and always meant to try and never had. So I was glad that I a reason to make sure that I tried it. I will warn you that they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. I found that out the hard way when I tried to go on a Monday. But, if you happen to make that mistake, Grounded is right across the street so you can hop over there and won't be disappointed. That's what I did. You walk into this place and it smells like you're stepping inside a cake. It was the most heavenly smell. They have all sorts of prepared pastries, and then they have a whole menu that you can special order. They also have a little market section with different prepared foods to buy. I got a Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Latte and a like of iced pumpkin loaf. Oh. My. Stars. That pumpkin loaf was the most amazing thing I may have ever tasted. I'm pretty sure that I mmmmm-ed with every single bite. I was sad when it ended. The coffee was fantastic as well. I'd give it a 8.75 for atmosphere and a 9 for coffee flavor. The pastries get like 1000. 

Second State Coffee 

1630 Ashley Hall Road

I had no idea that there was a Second State West Ashley. I discovered it doing research for my Charleston Coffee Tour. It's on this little side street right off of Sam Rittenberg. You could drive by it and never know that it was there. I actually liked this one a lot better than I like the one in Mt. Pleasant. I like the pastries better and I like the coffee better. And I liked the atmosphere better too. I got a Vanilla Dirty Chai Latte and a Chocolate Ricotta muffin. Their Chai is super yummy and that muffin. That muffin. It was the best chocolate muffin I have ever had. Can we please get these in the Mt. Pleasant store?? I would give them an 8 for atmosphere and a 9.5 for flavor. 

Nosh Cafe and Wine Bar

466 Savannah Highway 

I definitely thought that this was one of those weird little cafes that are inside gyms sometimes, but I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is very chic and inviting, and they have coffee, wine and smoothies. They also have a menu of different hipsters toasts and some other healthy breakfast options. I was disappointed that they didn't have any kind of pastries. The coffee was good, but wasn't as sweet as I would have liked it to be. But I guess that makes sense since it's attached to a gym. I would definitely go and sit and enjoy coffee with friends there. I give them a 10 for atmosphere and a 6.5 for flavor.