In October 2020 I took a much needed trip to Charlotte, NC. With a lot of careful planning, cleaning and sanitization, and pre-trip COVID tests, my two friends and I were able to successfully have a mini staycation.
Disclaimer: This post is not designed to force you to travel, suggest that you should feel comfortable traveling during a pandemic nor to brag. I just wanted to share my experience traveling ~safely~ during this time.
Lodging
Embassy Suites
Safety: We were able to check-in to the hotel using our cell phone for a contactless entry. The rooms were also cleaned and common items such as a remote control were sealed as proof they were sanitized. Also, masks were enforced to be worn all throughout the hotel. We brought additional cleaning supplies of course and re-sanitized everything for our own comfort.
Location: This place was about 5 miles from downtown Charlotte and in close proximity to a lot of restaurants. If you’re flying, this hotel is 7 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Food
In no particular order, here are a flew restaurants I HIGHLY recommend checking out in Charlotte, NC:
Snooze AM Eatery
Snooze Eatery 
Rummmosa 
Me:) 
Huevos Tostadas 
French toast, eggs, bacon
Food ordered: Huevos tostadas and OMG! French toast.
Other than the food, my favorite part of this restaurant was the extent the employees went to ensure the safety of all customers. The tables were over 15 feet apart and people weren’t allowed to gather inside the restaurant until it was time to be seated. And they made my bacon crispy how I like it? Can’t beat it!
Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine 
Fish St. Peter 
The Trifecta
Food ordered: Grilled Fish St. Peter (grilled fish served over a cheesy grit cake and served with shrimp skewer, finished with creole mustard hollandaise) and The Trifecta (Bayou shrimp Benedict and a fried chicken breast served over a buttermilk biscuit and topped with eggs and pork tasso creme sauce).
Honey, the biscuits. That’s all I have to say.
Lulu’s Seafood
Lulu’s Seafood 
Crab fries 
Fried fish & shrimp
Food ordered: Crab fries, cornbread, fried fish and shrimp with yams and collard greens.
This black-owned restaurant was so delicious and the customer service was good. The fish and shrimp were well-seasoned and smacked. To this day I still dream about those fries…so if you’re gonna get something, order them! Most people just ordered takeout, but there’s also an option to socially distance and sit outside to eat.
Pinky’s Western Grill
Food Network 
Pinky’s Western Grill 
Outside seating 
White Trash burger 
Fried pickles
Food ordered: White trash burger, fries, and fried pickles. The pictures didn’t do the food justice. I wasn’t even supposed to eat a beef patty, but I have no regrets.
Fun fact: This place was featured on the Food Network by Guy Fieri, which was how we discovered it.
Midnight Diner
Fried chicken, French toast, and Mac & cheese
Food ordered: Fried chicken wings with French toast and Mac & cheese.
If you talk to anyone from Charlotte, they’re going to tell you to visit this place. Honestly, I go every time I am in town. The chicken is fried and seasoned to perfection! Whatever you order, you won’t be disappointed.
Pepperbox Doughnuts
Donut Assortment 
Yum! 
Box of heaven
Food ordered: Strawberry, Cinnamon sugar, and Boston creme donut.
These were legit some of THE best donuts I have ever had. They were light, fluffy, airy and oh so yummy. Did I mention they were vegan?!
Activities
Note: We only wanted to participate in activities that would have minimal people and allow us to socially distance. Most of our time was spent inside of the hotel drinking wine and singing loudly to all of our favorite musicals.
UNC Charlotte’s Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for a quiet place to get some fresh air in nature, this is a good option. Since students weren’t really on campus when we visited, we had the whole garden to ourselves. It’s free to visit, but parking is a hassle.
Paddywax Candle Bar
This candle making bar is a great activity to do with a small group. You select your candle and scent and can even bring in your own bottle of wine. They limit the number of people who can be in the store, so be sure to make reservations at least a week in advance. Also, be sure to allot at least two hours after pouring your candle to pick it up unless you plan to go back the next business day. If not, you’ll have to pay $8 to ship your candle.
If you happen to check out any of these places, please comment and let me know! And if you think there’s a place that I should definitely visit, message me and put me on.
With love and light,
Kai
