Cheers to the 'hood where everybody knows your name

Seven things to do in Plaza Midwood before you die.

By Jeff Hahne @jhahne

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JUSTIN DRISCOLL - 72. Strive to be ping-pong champion under the stars at Thomas Street Tavern.

Justin Driscoll
72. Strive to be ping-pong champion under the stars at Thomas Street Tavern.

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72. Strive to be ping-pong champion under the stars at Thomas Street Tavern.

Once voted one of the best neighborhood bars in the country by Esquire magazine, Thomas Street Tavern offers one of the area's coolest year-round patios. From the covered bar to the cornhole area, the fire pits to the outdoor ping-pong tables, this is where you want to be whenever it's not raining. 1218 Thomas Ave. 704-376-1622.

73. Party like a pirate at Snug Harbor.

Designed to give off the vibe of a pirate ship, Snug Harbor is the neighborhood's "something for everyone" location. Each night presents itself as a Best of, from Monday night hip-hop party Knocturnal, Country Tuesdays and a solid booking of national and regional bands and local showcases like the Snug 600 and the Me Myself and I Fest. It's also home to one of the area's longest-running weekly events, Shiprocked. Now in its seventh year, Shiprocked sums up the vibe of Snug with its broad appeal, thanks to its combination of musical variety, drag queens and burlesque. 1228 Gordon St. www.snugrock.com.

74. Become a fire-twirling god/goddess at The Happening.

Thursday nights are mesmerizing at The Happening (8 p.m. at Petra's Piano Bar), when the fire dancers come out to play. Hang around long enough and you're sure to pick up some blazing hot moves. If you're not feeling quite that adventurous, or you're very aware of your lack of hand/eye coordination, this free weekly gathering of Charlotte's artsy folk has safer bets, like painting (free supplies provided), hula hoops, drum circles and some of the best DJs in town to get down to. 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 704-332-6608. www.petraspianobar.com. (Erin Tracy-Blackwood)

75. Tackle the 1-pound Hemi burger at The Diamond.

You can get the Small Block (1/3 pound) or Big Block (two 1/3 pound patties) burgers, or your friends could sit around and chant "Man versus food!" when you order the Diamond's famous full-blown Hemi burger. A tower of three Angus patties totalling 1-pound topped with a stack of tomatoes, onions, lettuce and pickles. You better bring a bib — and a ravenous appetite. 1901 Commonwealth Ave. 704-375-8959. www.diamondcharlotte.com.

76. Defy gravity at Aerial CLT.

Yoga on a mat? Been there, done that. Why not do it in the air while hanging from aerial silks? Other classes are available at Aerial CLT, but doing yoga in the air is a whole new challenge for the body's balance. 2139 McClintock Road. 910-391-7871. www.aerialclt.com.

77. Have a Bloody Mary drinking contest at Fern's brunch.

Fern, Flavors from the Garden may have the most creative vegetarian fare in Charlotte, but when it's time to get your five veggie servings on a weekend day, nothing beats the classic combo of tomato juice, vodka and horseradish. Fern does the timeless Bloody Mary justice with its house-made mix and serves it up in a mason jar for the low, low price of $1 during brunch. For that price, why not take some friends, and see who can get the most lycopene and Vitamin C while still remaining upright? If things get too crucial and you need to soak up the alcohol, go with the vegan chicken & waffles. 1323 Central Ave. 704-377-1825. www.fernflavors.com. (Tracy-Blackwood)

78. Be a good neighbor: Attend the Gordon Street Block Party and stay for the fireworks.

What used to be a simple pig pickin' has turned into a larger shindig with plenty of performances and people. Held around the fourth of July each year, the day-long event has a backyard barbecue feeling and is capped off with a fireworks display off the roof of the Diamond. Sure, you could check out the fancy show done by the city, but this one's more intimate and you'll feel like you're surrounded by family and friends. 1218 Gordon St. www.facebook.com/pmpig.

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