Hello friends and followers!
I seem to be having a hard time kicking my butt into gear writing about my local discoveries and adventures – so to ease my laziness and guilt I have decided to compile a list of WHAT and WHERE I’ve been loving this season.
TEQUILA
If you know me, you know my love runs deep for this fiery shot of heaven. But I have NEVER had tequila like this before. It is called Clase Azul Reposado Tequila. You know it’s fancy because the liquor itself comes in a beautiful porcelain container, with a working silver bell on top!
Disclaimer: One shot was 30 grand slams (i.e. dollars). Granted that was the up-charged restaurant price, but 750ML of this stuff can range from $100 to $140 depending on the seller.
But, oh man. This gently chilled shot (stirred not shaken) was the smoothest, sweetest tequila I’ve ever tasted. It melted in my mouth. Pricey? Yes. Definitely worth the experience? Double yes. Clase Azul actual manufactures a wide variety of high-end tequilas. On the off chance you have a few thousand dollars laying around – you can get some high quality goods!
KARAOKE
I love some good ol’ Karaoke. Thankfully, Charlotte has a good few dives.
Honorable mention: NODA 101. This karaoke bar has a slightly more eclectic crowd effectively representing the demographic in the heart of NODA. The location is ideal as it is a perfect stop after a day of brewery hopping or a night listening to some tunes at the Neighborhood Theatre. Plus, the drink prices are fair and they are LGBTQ+ friendly.
Winner: Jeff’s Bucket Shop. Jeff’s is an underground dive karaoke bar that is 30% bar and 70% dance floor. It is wonderful. They have an expansive song selection, the regulars that show up to sing are great, and the drinks are tasty – especially the specials! But, what really gets me is the welcoming atmosphere. I have taken out-of-state friends, my parents, and a date or two and it has always been a good time!
Please note: It gets really packed on weekends so be sure to show up earlier if you want to sing (without having to nudge the karaoke master with some cash). Everyone goes here to sing and dance – doesn’t matter if you have talent or lack-there-of, you are welcome! Plus a $1 membership fee gets you access for the entire year. You can’t beat that cover price! Fun fact: My go to songs are ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse or ‘That don’t impress me much’ by Shania Twain.
SOUP
The go-to place: Jason’s Deli. Two things to know about this place – they have the best broccoli cheddar soup I have ever tasted (comes in a hefty bowl portion for about $5) and they have unlimited, free soft-serve ice cream for customers.
And if that wasn’t enough, they have free assorted mini muffins and garlic bread for snacking and dipping. Their sandwiches are also great! But I am a soup woman at heart. Ideal for those autumnal afternoons or when you are famished and need a snack ASAP.
DANCING
Now, as a washed up collegiate ballroom dancer, I’m always looking for social dances to go to. My favorite are those put on via Gottaswing Charlotte. Most of these swing dances are $5 and include a one hour lesson beforehand! Much like the karaoke bar I frequent, I enjoy these swing dances because of how welcoming everyone is. Even if it’s your first time out dancing, there is a place for you. Every month, there are also dances with live bands for a $10 cover. Some dances are even held at special venues! The last Gottaswing Charlotte dance I went to was at The Mint Museum in Uptown (and it was FREE).
If you are a Charlotte local, I would check out their dance schedule here and subscribe to their email listing for special events/lessons.
HOODED BLANKETS
As and island-girl-turned-California-girl, the cold weather is not my friend. To be fair, I didn’t actually experience my first winter until I moved to Georgia for college when I was 18. Anyways, it’s safe to say I am a pansy when it comes to winter. Yet, ALAS I have been SAVED. My beautiful aunt back in California sent me this unicorn, hooded blanket and I have been loving it. She said she got mine at Sam’s Club but I see a few different sellers online.
What’s great about this specific blanket is that it has a front clasp and holes for your arms – effectively making it more of a fuzzy, super-soft poncho with a hood. Plus you get to be a unicorn, so there’s that.
BOOKING TRIPS
Long overdue and still in the U S of A, but in less than a month I will be headed to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit my dear friend and fellow California-girl, Kristen.
I am excited to visit Arkansas’s capital and spend some time along the river. Fun fact: Arkansas is the only state that produces diamonds!
See y’all then 🙂
