Charlotte North Carolina Rail Trail Lights Return

I'm a suburb guy.  I grew up twenty miles outside the city of Houston, Texas.  No matter where I've lived as an adult from Greenville (SC), to Augusta, to Birmingham, to here in the Queen City, I've always lived around the same distance from the "downtown area."  It's the environment I'm most comfortable in.  Consequently, any visit to the city for work or pleasure has always felt like visiting a foreign country to me.  It's nice, but it's not my jam, how soon can I get back in the car and head back to the 'burbs.  Which leads to the last couple of weeks.

My wife and I's best friends are big on adventure.  Our "Sunday Fundays" are usually spontaneous and not to be missed.  We love exploring wineries and craft breweries.  Just when we think we've hit them all, another 20 pop up.  However, for the new year we came to a new exploration idea:  craft cocktails.  So, the past two weekends have found us in and around downtown Charlotte in places I've driven by hundreds of times and never paid attention to.   Last night found us atop the Tryon Park Hotel sitting around a fire pit and enjoying great drinks and spectacular views of Charlotte.  We really do have a beautiful city, and not to look around at it every now and again, is a sin.

A month ago, if you'd have put a headline in front of me that said, "Rail Trail Lights Return."  I would have simultaneously dismissed it with a verbal, "So what?" and scrolled down to the next headline on my phone.  Now, I want to check this out.  What is it?

According to its website:  Rail Trail Lights is coming back! From February 3-19, the Rail Trail will be lit with six interactive light installations, all created by local artists. The festival is part of the I Heart Rail Trail initiative, a partnership between the Charlotte Rail Trail, Charlotte Center City Partners, and U.S. Bank.

This video is from a couple of years ago.  Trust me, if you haven't taken in the beauty of our city, you're missing out.

Cheers! Did you know North Carolina is the home of America's first grape? North Carolina is also the only place in the world where every major type of grape is grown. Visit NC curated a list of 8 wine trails and vineyards to visit across the state. With nearly 200 wineries in North Carolina, enjoy a great sip throughout the state.

North Carolina wineries and vineyards will truly have you sipping great energy across the state. North Carolina offers intriguing wine experiences including vineyards with llamas, a treehouse, and the country's most visited winery. Lucky for you, I took Visit NC's list and brought it here just for you!

The Yadkin Valley area is one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast. While the valley is home to more than 40 vineyards and wineries, you can plan your trip by focusing on the dozen or so that stretch across the charming, neighboring towns of Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and Mount Airy.

Visit the Swan Creek Wine Trail and enjoy a good time! There are 4 vineyards all within 5 miles of each other. The wineries specialize in varietal wines and blends including a strawberry "shortcake" wine at Shadow Springs Vineyard.

Divine Llama Vineyards is home to the largest llama farm in the Southeast! Visit and pick your favorite vintage and take a short stroll to the llamas, who are perfect for photo ops and inducing laughs.

Visit the Southern Getaway Wine Trail and enjoy not only great wine, but some great barbecue. Located in the central region, the city has its own style of barbecue, the aptly named Lexington-style for you to enjoy. 

Head to the mountains and enjoy great sips with even better views! The Biltmore Winery is your chance to visit the largest private home in America and enjoy great wine. This winery is the country's most visited winery and one you will not forget.

Visiting Rose Hill? Head to Duplin Winery and enjoy wine from the largest wine production facility on the East Coast. Head to the local wine stores and get some of your favorites including: Carolina Red, Hatteras Red, Magnolia and Scuppernong labels. 

Spend the night at your favorite wineries and the fun never has to end. Banner Elk Winery and Villa is your chance to sip great labels and enjoy a night in the mountains. Or stay at the Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe near Charlotte and enjoy a unique wine filled experience.

Hard cider is truly the secret spot in everyone's heart. Head to Mills River and visit Bold Rock Hard Cider near Asheville and enjoy a taproom, tasting bar, and patio for a great time.