Spring is here, and the warmer weather is just one part of its allure.
In addition to sunnier days and flowers in bloom, spring is commonly known as the season for “newness.” Things like spring cleaning, new projects and outdoor events are happening all around.
The QCity team shared what we’re most excited to experience this season. From the Charlotte Fair to “just being outside,” here are some of our plans for spring:
Glenn Burkins, Publisher
Free Newsletter
Stay informed with news and events that impact Charlotte’s Black communities.
Charleston, S.C., is one of my favorite weekend destinations. Now with the International African American Museum set to open there on June 27 (not quite spring, but close enough), I’ll have one more reason to visit.
The $120 million project has been underway for more than 20 years and will tell the story of the Middle Passage – the cruel sea journey that brought millions of enslaved Africans to the so-called New World.
The museum is located on the site of what was once Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston Harbor. Countless enslaved people once disembarked there.
In a New York Times interview, Tonya M. Matthews, the museum’s president and chief executive, said history weighs on the museum, where staff will be trained to accommodate viewers reacting to the history of enslavement depicted at the center.
After so many years actively ignoring its ties to slavery, Charleston is learning to embrace this ugly chapter in its history. I can hardly wait to see this latest example.
Tamia Dixon, Marketing Coordinator
This season, I can’t wait to visit Carowinds, go to a few Knight games, and drop by the Carolina BBQ Festival at Camp North End.
Amanda Harry, Reporter – Black-owned Business, West End
I’m looking forward to the South End Wine and Hops Fest and the Charlotte Wine and Food Festival this spring. My favorite part about these festivals is trying different wines and foods and meeting all the Black vendors. The live music is a plus too. Nothing beats listening to a good cover band while sipping Pinot Griot and chowing down on good food.
Jalon Hill, Reporter – Education, Sports
I’m looking forward to checking out the Charlotte Fair. As a kid, I always loved attending the fair to enjoy the rides and food. I couldn’t go last year, so I will check it out this spring when it returns.
Madeline Holly-Carothers, Editor
I’m excited to be outside! I love going to new restaurants and exploring the city through food. This spring, I’ve already planned a few sunny weekends — brunch and mimosas with my mom at Stir, a Saturday lunch with my boo at Roy’s NoDa, and a girls’ day out somewhere in South End. Cheers to spring and all the outings I’ll have!
Bethany Lane, Revenue Strategist
I love the outdoors, so I can’t wait to take my son Chester — a two-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback — to hike Crowders Mountain. We’ve done Crowders’ Mountain before and loved it, so I’m looking forward to it.
Daija Peeler, Reporter – Arts & Culture, Faith
In addition to journalism, I also love photography. I’m most excited to do a photo shoot at Camp North End when the weather is nice this season. I love the variety of spaces, and the different colors present there. It’s also a cool place to hang out when it’s warmer, so I’ll probably do that too.