Every year, this second weekend of February can play on a lot of emotions. The Super Bowl is over. Your team may or may not have come out victorious. Either way, you’re (possibly) grieving the loss of football for another several months. Likewise, this time of year, we’re posed with the task of balancing our feelings towards the Metro Charlotte, Carolina weather. Up and down, warm, cold; 74 degrees on Tuesday and 27 on Saturday. You attempt to stay positive and happy, anticipating the beautiful spring days, but then a cold front sweeps through. It’s enough to make the most joyful person roll their eyes a little. AND THEN, there’s the big “V-DAY” on the horizon. Is ANYONE stressing yet? Restaurant reservations are filling up. Chocolate heart boxes and flowers are flying off racks. And jewelry and card stores are vying for every ounce of your attention and your wallet. Don’t you LOVE this coming weekend? Well, let us be your weekend “destresser” and your emotions masseuse with a short list of Things To Do This Weekend. Check out some of these fun and flavorful, entertaining, educational, and worry-free events happening in the area.
Whether it’s South Uptown, Historic South End, or Plaza Midwood, there is a delightful and delectable food tour ready to satisfy your cravings this weekend. Sample and sip your way through Uptown Charlotte’s best representations of the local South through its ingredients, cuisine, & farmers. Experience a variety of establishments to enjoy fellowship over great food and beverages. If you prefer fried pickles and local craft beer, it’s definitely available. If you favor on the side of chef-driven cooking, pull up a chair and enjoy. These FEAST TOURS are fantastic for a fun, early Valentine’s Day experience, or just a fun night out with friends. feastfoodtours.com
Maybe you’ve been waiting for that ideal opportunity to load up on goodies for your young child(ren). You survived the Christmas rush of making sure that they got their holiday ‘wants’, but maybe there are some NEEDS that you’d like to take care of. Well, The Park Expo & Conference Center is the place for you this Saturday. It’s Charlotte’s LARGEST most ORGANIZED Children’s Consignment Sale. It’s 80,000 square feet, more than 100,000 items, over 13, 000 books, ½ mile of clothing racks, and more toys than you can imagine. It’s a shopping frenzy you just can’t miss! Become a consignor yourself and sell what the kids no longer need or simply come shop for the best deals around! And, the highlight of the day, IT’S FREE. ttbkidz.com
What about the “ANTI” Valentine’s Day Party? Wait, WHAT??? If you are single, in a relationship, just got out of one, or just want to have a good time, then the “Love Stinks, Lets Drink” event at Blackfinn may be your ‘cup of tea” (or something stronger). It’s a fun way to protest Valentines Day, at the same time enjoying awesome décor, delicious cocktail specials, and games throughout the bar. So, don’t be down about this day of puffery and googly-eyed mayhem. Go the opposite direction and live it up with your favorite “ANTI” buds. blackfinnameripub.com
Sometimes it’s alright to just stop, take a deep breath, and be entertained. Not very often can you be entertained, AND be experience a bit of history at the same time. I know that I’ll never here the name “Sully” and not be moved. The terms “Miracle” and “Hudson” will forever be synonymous. Friday night is your chance to enjoy an unforgettable viewing of the feature film,“Sully”. Experience the Miracle on the Hudson, Flight 1549, while seated under the wings of the actual Airbus A320. You’ll also be treated by a very special guest speaker and passenger from Flight 1549. Ticket includes: Admission to the Museum, Sully Screening, and Light Refreshments. carolinasaviation.org
If you’re in the Fort Mill area, and want to unwind with a bit of local flavor, why not take in the eloquent and quaint ambiance of the Grapevine Wine Shop and Wine Bar. A distinctive mix of wines and specialty beers with value, their multi-purpose space is home to both a retail shop where you may purchase wines, beer, accessories and cigars as well as an on-premise bar area where you may enjoy wine, beer, artisan cheese and desserts in the company of your friends and neighbors. It’s certainly a gem to become familiar with. grapevine.wine
I heard a wise man once say, “if it’s FREE it’s for ME”. If you’re a parent and you you’re constantly longing to do things with your kids, but the price is always a factor, then the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s next Family Day will tickle your fancy. Admission is free for kids and $8 for adults. Besides the free and discounted admission, there will be free hands-on art activities throughout the museum for families to enjoy. You can create your own modern art-themed handmade Valentine’s Day cards, or explore the abstract art of Italian artist Italo Valenti by constructing a torn paper collage. Guided gallery tours are also available at 1 and 3 p.m. Get your creative and educational juices flowing on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. bechtler.org
Finally, if it’s laughs and comedic relief you’re needing, then there’s no better male/female Valentine’s Day treat than the presentation of “Men are from Mars Women are from Venus”. This off-Broadway comedy features a one-man show mixing theater and stand-up comedy, leaning on vignettes about dating and marriage. Before V-Day, it’s a delicious evening of entertainment! carolinatix.org
There are always a considerable amount of family and friend events happening in your own ‘backyard’. Some, you just have to show up for to partake in the festivities. Football will return, Valentine’s Day will turn out fine, and the weather is looking EXTREMELY favorable with a lot of sunshine! Get out and LIVE it to the fullest.