CHARLOTTE

Go...

• COOL MOM BOUTIQUE read more ›
  (453 E 36th St. Tel. 704-577-5531)
  coolmomboutique.com
  If “dressing up” to you means throwing on a pair of jeans that don’t have holes in them, update your options with classy tops, dresses and jackets at this boutique. Many selections are just $60 to $90.
• PASTA & PROVISIONS read more ›
  (1528 Providence Rd. Tel. 704-364-2622)
  pastaprovisions.com
  In addition to the famous deli inside this Myers Park Italian grocery, there are aisles filled with jars and tins of gourmet antipasti, sauces and seasonings, plus fresh, pasta made on-site (14 varieties are cut-to-order).
• CHEZELLE read more ›
  (532 Governor Morrison St. Tel. 704-365-4680)
  This boutique specializes in name-brand fashions for well-heeled South Charlotte women. Outerwear, outfits and accessories come from designers like Mara Hoffman, Kristin Kahle and James Coviello.

• ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND CHARLOTTE GOES GREEN FESTIVAL read more ›
  (Uptown Charlotte. Tel. 803-802-1678)
  charlottestpatsday.com
  Over the last few years, attendance at this parade has tipped over the 50,000 mark, aided in part by the addition of a same-day, two-block festival on South Tryon Street. Admission to the festival, which features live Irish music and dancing, food and beverages, is free. March 13.
• NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS read more ›
  (At Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Tel. 800-455-3267)
  lowesmotorspeedway.com
  NASCAR may get more attention in Charlotte (the NASCAR Hall of Fame will open in May), but National Hot Rod Association racing is still a pretty big deal. Watch as the cars accelerate down the only four-lane, all-concrete drag strip in the world. March 25-28.
• HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTS + CULTURE read more ›
  (551 S Tryon St. Tel. 704-547-3700)
  aacc-charlotte.org
  This museum, which re-opened on the South Tryon cultural campus last fall, displays its collection in three major galleries. Look for works by famed painter and collage artist Romare Bearden, an NC native.

• MAMA RICOTTA’S read more ›
  (601 S Kings Dr. Tel. 704-343-0148)
  mamaricottasrestaurant.com
  If you want quality Italian food quickly, this is the best place to go. The restaurant has easy parking, plenty of seating and an attentive staff that will get you in and out as fast as you need them to. $$
• KAVKAZ read more ›
  (1542 Stallings Rd, Stallings. Tel. 704-821 6364)
  kavkazrestaurant.com
  The cuisine at this dining destination includes Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish, Russian and Armenian appetizers, soups, roast meats and spirits. $$
• THE LIBERTY read more ›
  (1812 South Blvd. Tel. 704-332-8830)
  thelibertycharlotte.com
  This gastropub opened last fall and quickly netted praise for its suds—20 craft beers are on tap—as well as its high-end fare. Standout entrées include Low Country shrimp and grits. $$

• COMMON HOUSE read more ›
  (1101 Central Ave. Tel. 704-332-1010)
  www.charlottecommonhouse.com
  This space serves as a music venue, restaurant and tavern for the Plaza Midwood area. Great beers (like Asheville’s Highland brews) are on tap, and the bar food (fried green tomatoes) is better than your average nachos and wings.
• CONNOLLY'S ON 5TH read more ›
  (115 E Fifth St. Tel. 704-358-9070)
  www.connollysirishpub.com
  Located in the business district, this two-story bar packs in Guinness-lovers on their way home from the workday grind. Office types give way to a younger crowd once night falls.

• TOWN CREEK INDIAN MOUND read more ›
  (78 miles east of Charlotte Mt. Gilead, NC. Tel. 910-439-6802)
  towncreek.nchistoricsites.org.
  Admission to this state historic site and active archaeological dig is free to the public. A burial hut, two temple structures and a stockade have been reconstructed from the findings.

This month...

Fun Fact!
Mystery writers Joyce and Jim Lavene set their Peggy Lee Garden series in Charlotte.