This week I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a gem show — and although it’s my first time here, the city has already surprised me in the best ways.
From the start, I felt something I didn’t expect: balance.
Charlotte is modern but green, organized but warm.
The infrastructure is impressive, the streets are clean, and the overall vibe is calm — in the best sense.
I’m staying at the Hyatt House Hotel in Uptown, and it’s been a great choice.
The room is spacious, the lobby is open and inviting, and the view from my window reminds me that I’m in a new city — but one that feels welcoming.
The rate was also reasonable, which makes it even better.
For dinner, I visited Aria Tuscan Grill, a beautiful Italian restaurant inside a hotel.
The service was impeccable, the pasta delicious, and the atmosphere unexpectedly elegant.
It felt like a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
We also visited SouthPark Mall, where you can find everything from H&M to Apple — a full shopping experience in a clean, quiet setting.
Another highlight was the 7th Street Public Market — a non-profit food space with a mix of local and international flavors.
I had some incredible Italian food and wine there, and loved the energy of the place: lively but grounded, curated but real.
At the gem show, many visitors told us it was their first time ever attending one — and honestly, we were more than happy to be part of that memory for them.
Between it all, I found stillness at Romare Bearden Park, just off Tryon Street.
A public park with skyline views, music in the background, and people just existing — no rush, no pressure.
A place where the city breathes.
Charlotte has already shifted something in me.
Not dramatically. Quietly.
And maybe that’s exactly what I needed.
