In case you missed it, Avelo Airlines announced it will fly to seven additional locations out of LAL, starting this fall. To help you prepare for takeoff, we're starting a new series covering the must-dos for each of these destinations.

For our first stop, we're heading to Concord, NC/Charlotte, NC, and we're bringing in the big guns for recommendations: City Editors Jack + Maria from CLTtoday.

✈️ Fast facts

Flying into: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) in Concord, NC — around 30 minutes from Charlotte
Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Est. cost: $46+
Est. population of Charlotte: 897,720
Avg. high in October: 72º

Bank of America Stadium is home the NFL's Carolina Panthers. | Photo by CLTtoday

🗺️ Things to do

Sports fans will feel right at home in Charlotte. Racing lovers can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame's new exhibit, while football fans can catch a Carolina Panthers game at Bank of America Stadium. Pro tip: the Panthers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 1.

There's an equal amount of exciting activities for the non-sports enthusiasts. Charlotte is packed with loads of landmarks to visit and vistas to explore so you can choose your own adventure. For the best views, Maria recommends hiking to Lake Julia in DuPont State Recreational Forest while Jack prefers Crowder's Mountain.

If you're wanting to wait until after the holidays to make your trip, check out Charlotte SHOUT!, a major arts + culture festival, or the Cheerwine Festival that celebrates North Carolina's signature beverage — both happen annually in the spring.

Steak 48's new menu list includes Shells + Cheese — boursin cheese + velveeta, and garlic bread crumbs. | Photo by CLTtoday

🍽️ Where to eat

When it comes to places to eat, Charlotte has a whole host of options for every palate. Jack's go-to place is Calle Sol, a Cuban-Latin American fusion eatery featuring dishes like croquetas and vaca frita.

If you're looking for a fancier night out, Maria recommends Peppervine — particularly the yeast rolls that "truly melt in your mouth."

Plaza Midwood is rich with colorful murals, an assortment of dining options, and businesses proud to call the neighborhood "home." | Photo by CLTtoday

🏨 Where to stay

Charming NoDa cottage
Arts + culture aficionados will relish staying in this spot in the city's arts district (Maria's personal favorite) that's just a five-minute walk to restaurants and the light rail.

Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark
If you're hoping to shop 'til you drop, Jack recommends staying in this district home to stores like Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Did we mention the hotel is right across the street from them?

The Ballantyne
Treat yourself to a luxurious vacation at this 4-star hotel with a spa, dining, and afternoon tea on site.

Historic Plaza Midwood bungalow
Known for its many unique restaurants + drink spots, this neighborhood is one of the most sought-after to stay in when visiting Charlotte — it's also the home to Jack's food recommendation, Calle Sol.

💡 Reader pro tips + recs

"Book rental cars before your departure, as there's limited availability at USA." — Anonymous Reader

"Steak 48 is a top restaurant, Rally’s a place for pickleball, food and drinks, Old Mecklenburg Brewery for a brewpub, and Pins Mechanical for games and drinks." — Reader Dave C.

"Visit the NASCAR Race shops, NHRA Dragstrip, and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stay in the Concord/Kannapolis area and visit the Dale Earnhardt Statue in downtown Kannapolis and take in a baseball game." — Reader Jo. L

Already thinking about your next trip? We've also got guides to Avelo's other destinations out of LAL, with more on the way.