After the drama of losing the Super Bowl and my Homeowner’s Association threatening to call the cops after a party last weekend, my week seemed to be a series of unfortunate events. But I managed to get my mojo back around hump day as I prepared for my first Instagram takeover of @weloveclt — an account dedicated to bringing people and places in Charlotte together.
Feeling unprepared after a hectic weekend, I considered waiting until I had a day off but according to the calendar signup, I wouldn’t be able to snag a spot until April. So, I sucked it up and decided to move forward.
While my anxiety got me up between 3 and 5 a.m., I was still excited to wake up bright and early to get started. It’s funny. I’ve been paid to party for over a year now and yet, I get anxious when it comes to having to chronicle my activities or make suggestions on the best places to go for Queen City newcomers.
Nevertheless, Friday morning started with business as usual. I went to work and gave good effort to get my to-do list checked off so the fun could begin sooner than later.
I managed to sneak away at lunch to go to a workshop on getting my finances in order, before rushing off to support the boyfriend who coaches high school basketball. And then it was time for some real fun.
For the past few months, getting a Charlotte tattoo has been on my bucket list. So I thought, why not do it on a day that I’m taking over one of the city’s fave social media accounts.
I popped over to NoDa, one of my favorite spots to get tatted, and looked for walk-in availability.
Unlike most of the shops I’ve visited in the area, Roman at Black Cloud Tattoo located on the The Plaza was welcoming and friendly.
I decided on adding the QC skyline to my body and he worked quickly to fit me in before his next appointment. (And once my tattoo heals I’ll let you know if I’ll be going back, but so far I’m impressed.)
After that, I honestly could’ve called it a night, but had to have a couple more pics on my takeover adventure.
I headed to Thomas Street Tavern for a couple drinks where I ended up having a hilarious chat with a few random people at the bar — Demond and his two friends, Chela and Bobby. While ordering my classic RBV, I found out one of them had been keeping up with my columns. Talk about a pat on the back after a rough weekend. They ended up treating me to a Tic-Tac shot before I hopped in an Uber to head to Ballantyne.
You’re probably wondering, what’s in Ballantyne, especially on a Friday night? And the answer is, Blue Olive Lounge, previously known as On the Roxx. An intimate spot for hookah and drink specials, the boyfriend and I have been there for a couple drinks quite a few times.
I was shocked, however, when I walked in this past Friday and it was popping! There was a bodyguard at the front door and nowhere to sit inside.
º0It wasn’t long before I found myself shaking a leg along to the music. If you’re bored in the city on Friday and are willing to make the hike to Ballantyne, you’ll find a good time at Blue Olive.
We tried to make a move to Bradshaw Social House — another Ballantyne spot, apparently known as a cougar hangout — but by the time we got in our Uber and sat down at the bar, we had time for one beer as the lights were turning on.
So, we headed home and I breathed a sigh mixed with satisfaction and relief as my takeover came to an end.
Saturday brought a day of laziness and it wasn’t until the boyfriend got up to shower that I realized I was going to have to actually get off the couch.
I finally decided we should head to The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood and it just so happened the stars aligned and all the friends I’d been chatting with were headed there too — that never happens!
And to make it even better, we snagged intimate and prime real estate seating right at the front and out of high traffic areas.
Even though it wasn’t our Valentine’s move, the spot is perfect for date night, after-work drinks and Q.C. nightlife fun all in one. Did I mention the food was amazing!?
Needless to say, after the downer that was last weekend, I must say, I got my buzz back!
Mobile
