Charlotte's Essential Fall Weekend Plans
Fall is totally worth celebrating and we’ve already crafted your weekend itinerary. Check and mate!!!! Lots of eating, drinking and enjoying the crisp vibes of fall. These spots are hand-selected for being locally-owned, cozy and absolutely freaking delicious!!
Coffee + Pastry: Littl Madeleine
Address: 11318 N Community House Rd.
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
IG: @littlmade
Vibe: Start your day off at this locally-owned ORGANIC coffee shop and bakery. It’s tucked away in a shopping center in Ballantyne and is totally serving up some of the most quality pasties in Charlotte. Bonus: Plenty of Gluten Free Items!
Must Order: Iced Cloud Pumpkin Latte, Organic Matcha Latte, Pumpkin Cookie, Pumpkin Mochi Pie (GF) Basque Cheesecake (GF)
Brunch: The Lights Cafe
Address: 16631 Lancaster Hwy. #107
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
IG: @thelights.cafe
Vibe: Stop by this cozy cafe for a delicious locally-sourced fall brunch! This is where I take my friends and family. Perfect for a hot ginger tea, coffee with house-made nut milk and a fresh pressed juice. The perfect way to start or end a weekend.
Must Order: Gluten Free Waffle is the highlight of my life! The Lights Acai Bowl, Avocado Toast, Steak & Eggs!
Brunch Spot #2: Local Loaf
Address: 800 E. 35th St
Neighborhood: NoDa
IG: @localloafnoda
Vibe: Nestled in the heart of NoDa, this is a neighborhood staple. The food is comforting, delicious and feels like a home cooked meal. You’ll definitely feel part of the family when you dine here.
Must Order: Chicken & The Egg, Baked Apple Grain, Biscuits & Gravy, Their Signature Big Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Lunch: Mano Bella SouthPark
Address: 721 Gov Morrison St. Suite
Neighborhood: SouthPark
IG: @manobella_southpark
Vibe: This authentic Italian bistro feels like you’ve been transported directly to Italy. They do not mess around when it comes to ingredients! High quality, traditional and chef-owned & operated. This is the perfect spot to spend a fall lunch with friends, date with bae, or even a solo lunch with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
Must Order: Fried Calamari (Best in Town), Pumpkin Ravioli, Butternut Squash Soup, Bread Service, Tiramisu
Sweet Treat: Golden Cow Creamery
Address & Neighborhood:
- Uptown: 601 South Tryon St
- South End: 170 West Summit Ave
- SouthPark: 720 Governor Morrison St
IG: @goldencowcreamery
Vibe: Pop over next door from Mano Bella to Golden Cow where they serve up scratch-made real ingredient ice cream done the right way! Locally owned and truly some of the best ice cream you’ll ever taste.
Must Order: Fall Flavors Rotate Daily. I love the Pumpkin Brownie, Salted Oreo, Strawberry made with Real Strawberries, Pumpkin Cheesecake & they always have at least one Gluten Free/Vegan Option!
Day Activity: Veronét Vineyards
Address: 1549 Ike Brookes Drive, Kings Mountain, NC
IG: @veronet.vineyards
Vibe: This magical locally-owned winery just decorated for fall and it is the PERFECT day trip. Think aesthetic charcuterie boards, gorgeous views and fall drinks!
Must Order: Apple Spiced Sangria, Cider Mimosa, Charcuterie Board and WINE!
Day Activity #2: The Union Exchange
Address: 2022 New Town Rd. Monroe, NC
IG: @theunionexchange
Vibe: Union Exchange is a 54-acre family run farm venue with a market, food truck, live music, a walking trail and fishing! They are now officially open for their pumpkin patch season! Follow their IG for more events and farm updates.
Drinks & Laughs: OpenTap
Address: 5010 Carmel Center Drive
Neighborhood: Carmel
IG: @opentapclt
Vibe: OpenTap is an open pour concept with over 60 rotating taps highlighting some of the best beers in Charlotte! They offer live music, events/happenings every day of the week and an incredible atmosphere that feels like a relaxed, cozy log cabin.
