A Perfect Day: Charlotte in One Day

9 AM: Cronuts for Breakfast

I always get excited when I'm scheduled to fly to Charlotte. With just under a million residents, the city feels smaller and less anonymous than many other U.S. metropolises. People here are relaxed and friendly, and the streets aren't nearly as hectic as those in New York or Los Angeles. In the mornings, I often stroll from the crew hotel to my favorite café, Coco and the Director, in the city center. It's a student favorite and offers freshly made sandwiches and wraps. The highlight? The cronuts – a delicious hybrid of croissant and donut.

10 AM: Southern Charm in Fourth Ward

Charlotte's history comes alive in the Fourth Ward Historic District. The neighborhood is known for its colorful old wooden houses and has that classic Southern charm. Right in the middle of it all is Fourth Ward Park – a green oasis with mature maple trees and fountains. I often end up chatting with dog owners there, who love telling me all about their pups. I really value how open and welcoming people are in Charlotte. I always feel like I belong here from the moment I arrive.

11:30 AM: Shopping in Downtown

Just a few blocks from the park lies South Tryon Street – a bustling strip of high-rises, shops, and malls. Like much of Charlotte, it's full of students from the University of North Carolina. But it's not just students moving here – young people in general are drawn to Charlotte. Rents are still relatively affordable, there's a lively cultural scene, and the nightlife is colorful and diverse. A New Yorker recently told me she moved here for all these reasons – and because of the beautiful natural surroundings. Lake Norman, for example, with its classic Southern mansions, is just a 30-minute drive from downtown. And the Smoky Mountains are only about three and a half hours away.

12:30 PM: A Taste of the World at Optimist Hall

For lunch, I love sampling dishes from around the world at the food stalls in Optimist Hall. Housed in a former textile mill, the food hall offers everything from sushi and tapas to Ethiopian specialties. I especially like the building's industrial chic and its spacious courtyard with big lawn where you can sit and eat. After lunch, I often browse the small concept stores located in the same building. The Merchant sells vintage-style tableware and home décor, while Archer is my go-to for souvenirs like notebooks, postcards, and fridge magnets.

2 PM: Aviation History at the Sullenberger Museum

As a plane enthusiast, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is a must for me. It's named after heroic pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger, who famously landed a plane safely on the Hudson River in 2009. The museum houses more than 40 iconic aircraft from the early days of aviation – including a replica of the plane used by the Wright brothers in 1903 for the world's first powered flight, which took place right here in North Carolina.

4 PM: NASCAR Thrills

The first race of America's top motorsport league was held in Charlotte in June 1949. You can learn all about the history of this iconic American sport at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The museum features a range of race cars and even lets you test your driving skills in a racing simulator.

7 PM: BBQ Done Right

I usually don't eat meat, but I make an exception in Charlotte – the food is just too good. At Mac’s Speed Shop, I always go for the local specialty: brisket. This slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful. The restaurant is a popular biker hangout, and most guests wash down their meals with a cold beer. Dinner plans might have to be rescheduled, though, if the Charlotte Hornets have a home game. You can usually score cheap last-minute tickets for the local NBA team's games at the Spectrum Center.

9 PM: Watch the City Light Up

The rooftop bar Fahrenheit Charlotte, perched on the 21st floor of a high-rise, is the place to be at sunset. As night falls, the city skyline begins to sparkle – a breathtaking view and the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing in Charlotte.

About

Fabian Smolka has been with Lufthansa since 2014. He started his career at the check-in counter and has been working as a flight attendant since 2017, flying all over the world – especially to North America and Canada. What he loves most about his job: above the clouds, the sun is always shining – no matter what the weather's like at his home base in Munich or at his destination.