Odd-couple pairings feel just right

Seven things to do in South End before you die

By Ana McKenzie

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MERT JONES - 84. Twist your muscles into new, awkward positions — then reward yourself with beer.

Mert Jones
84. Twist your muscles into new, awkward positions — then reward yourself with beer.

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84. Twist your muscles into new, awkward positions — then reward yourself with beer.

South End is the yoga-and-a-beer capital of Charlotte. On Tuesdays, Olde Mecklenburg Brewery hosts free Yoga on Tap classes, while Dharma Lounge does a donation-based power yoga class (at least until the club closes in May). Every second Wednesday of the month, Oak Room partners with Arrichion Hot Yoga for a free class, and on Thursdays, Triple C Brewing does $5 yoga. Meditate (and sip) on that.

85. Try an exotic beer you've never tasted before at Common Market.

If you're looking to knock back a PBR, do so on your couch. If you're looking for a unique experience in hops or barley, this the place for you. Common Market's expansive coolers offer a variety of beers from around the world in all shapes, sizes and ABVs. The best part: you don't have to wait to try it. Have them open it at the register and grab a table inside, out back or on the expanded front patio — or just browse around and admire the odd foods and gifts. The deli's worth stopping in, too. 1515 S. Tryon St. 704-332-7782. www.commonmarketisgood.com. (Jeff Hahne)

86. Save the Earth and ride a bike.

Ride bikes along the rail trail, the path that follows the light rail. Your own bike isn't necessary — park your car and rent a bike from one of the many share stations along the trail. LYNX Blue Line along South Boulevard, www.charmeck.org.

87. Learn to embrace surprising couplings — like country line-dancing at Marigny.

Every Wednesday, the LGBT dance club Marigny hosts Boots & Barrels, a night of country music topped off with free line-dancing lessons. The evening is in partnership with Southern Country Charlotte, a nonprofit working "to promote country and western music and dance while supporting local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events and charities in the greater Charlotte community." Finally, a reason to bust out those red cowboy boots. 1440 S. Tryon St. Suite 110. 704-910-4444. www.marignycharlotte.com. (Kimberly Lawson)

88. Step up your underwear game at Brief.

Dudes, whether you're a boxers, briefs or banana hammock kind of guy, looking for support, enhancement or downplay, you'll find options galore at Brief. It's OK to be a little vain. You never know who's going to get a peek at your panties. 1426 S. Tryon St. 704-376-6612. www.shopbrief.com. (Lawson)

89. Show respect for those who came before you.

It seems like a new apartment building pops up every day in South End. So when code enforcement officers found what they believe to be an 1800s-era slave cemetery in March, historians jumped on the opportunity to preserve a piece of Charlotte's history. The unmarked stones — five rectangular blocks in the ground — are at the corner of Youngblood Street and Remount Road.

90. Completely redo your home, no matter how much it costs.

With more than 70 home furnishing and repair stores all within a few blocks of each other, you'll find all that you need to fix a leaky roof or remodel a guest bedroom. Local tip: Score deals at the unmarked furniture stores around Triple C Brewing. (Yes, the seemingly empty warehouses.)

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