Maria Adnado

City Editor, CLTtoday

Maria is based in Charlotte, NC and is a graduate of the University of Dayton. Before joining 6AM City, she worked as a News Producer for 10 years and worked as a Digital Media Producer at Discovery Place in Charlotte. Outside of work, Maria enjoys traveling, reading, movies, going to concerts, trying new restaurants and breweries, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

CLTtoday_StrEATs cook off_JAN 2025

Festivals

Charlotte StrEATs returns to Uptown this spring

The annual event goes beyond Uptown, celebrating the Queen City’s culinary landscape with tastings, cook-offs, and a large festival.

January 21, 2025

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A rounded bar with vertical tiles in the center of a space under construction with a painted American flag in the background on a wall.

Small Business

Longtime restaurant and bar to return to Charlotte

After 30 years, Nickyo’s Rodeo is returning to the Queen City, serving as a South End hub for dancing, live music, and karaoke.

January 21, 2025

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A black and white newspaper clipping from The Charlotte News in 1985.

Weather

Remembering Charlotte’s coldest day on record

The Queen City’s coldest day on record was Jan. 21, 1985 when the city hit -5 degrees. That record temperature was hit two other times in the city’s history.

January 17, 2025

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An aerial view of a large home, garage, and greenery.

Real Estate

See inside Charlotte’s largest home sold in history

The $5.6 million home boasts waterfront views, a private theater, 9.5 bathrooms, and a short commute to Uptown.

January 17, 2025

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A crowd of people in a busy street lined with vendors.

Festivals

Charlotte Pride Festival to move to First Ward Park

The annual Pride weekend promises more space for vendors, artists, and activities.

January 15, 2025

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A black and white photo of Martin Luther King Jr. at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

History

When Martin Luther King Jr. visited Charlotte

The civil rights leader visited the Queen City several times and spoke at Johnson C. Smith University.

January 15, 2025

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A construction site for the upcoming River District.

Development

Home construction to begin at The River District

The first phase of the new development will have 260+ single-family homes in Charlotte’s west side.

January 13, 2025

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A row of county commissioners sitting behind a wooden bench.

Government

Mecklenburg County wants input on the 2026 budget

Here’s what you need to know as county commissioners determine the FY 2025-2026 budget.

January 13, 2025

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A stretch of road in Charlotte is covered in white dusting of snow.

Weather

What to know about the incoming winter storm

Read up on weather predictions, power outages + travel and safety tips as a winter storm approaches the Charlotte region.

January 9, 2025

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A women skiing down a mountain.

Travel and Outdoors

Where to ski, snowboard, and tube near Charlotte this winter

While the Queen City may not regularly see snow, we’re a short drive from spots to ski, snowboard, and tube this winter.

January 7, 2025

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A woman smiling over products laid out on a table during an open-air market.

Small Business

Five zero or low-waste shops to visit in the Queen City

Whether you’re looking to limit your carbon footprint, cut down on plastic usage and waste, or shop more sustainably, this list will help get you started on the right foot.

January 7, 2025

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Three colorful drinks garnished with smoked citrus on a wooden table.

Food

Local mocktails + non-alcoholic drinks in Charlotte

This list of sober sips may have you sipping mocktails all year long around the Queen City.

January 3, 2025

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A packed stadium with the orange glow of the sunset.

Sports

The Super Bowl Experience comes to the Queen City

Bank of America Stadium was chosen as one of 30 venues to host a nationwide FanFest ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

January 3, 2025

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A collage of three dogs and three cats.

City

Adopt a pet from these Charlotte area animal shelters

If you’re looking for a new furry friend, our area has shelters + rescues to help your family grow.

December 20, 2024

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A copper distilling mechanism surrounded by mini spirit samples.

Events

History and whiskey combine in unique tasting event

The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting its annual Twelfth Night event, celebrating the state’s history of distilling spirits.

December 20, 2024

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Charlotte skyline at sunset.

City

Tourism, events bring a record-breaking $1.1 billion to the Queen City

The data released by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority highlights Charlotte as a top tourism destination in the country.

December 18, 2024

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Spectrum Center and the Charlotte skyline lit up at night.

City

Charlotte’s 25 questions for 2025

For the new year, we’re asking readers to submit their top questions about the Queen City for us to answer.

December 16, 2024

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Two elevated mounds on grass turf in a large space made to be an indoor baseball training facility.

Small Business

New facility knocks indoor training out of the park

Players Athletic Club is welcoming athletes of all ages and skill levels to train + improve techniques year-round.

December 16, 2024

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People standing outside vendor tents in evening time.

Food

10 Holiday-themed markets and pop-ups around Charlotte

Get festive at these seasonal pop-up bars around town + cross those last-minute gifts off your list.

December 12, 2024

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An aerial rendering of a newly upgraded Concourse D at the airport.

Airports and Transportation

Charlotte Douglas to kick off Concourse D renovations in 2025

The upgraded concourse at the airport is expected to be finished by 2027.

December 10, 2024

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CLTtoday_Airbnb CLT interior_Oct 2024

Live

Unforgettable Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Charlotte

Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Charlotte and plan for your next adventure or staycation.

December 6, 2024

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An indoor arena with fans facing center court where a basketball game is beginning.

Sports

Annual Jumpman Invitational is a slam dunk for Uptown

The college basketball invitational will feature four returning teams, including the UNC Tar Heels.

December 6, 2024

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Two individuals sip glasses of wine.

Play

Date night ideas in Charlotte

Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in the Queen City.

December 5, 2024

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Emily Shea-Owen

living-room-fireplace-christmas-trees

City

“A Winston-Salem Christmas:" A holiday love story, as told by ChatGPT

We asked an artificial intelligence site to come up with a movie plot fit for the Hallmark Channel. The result is a love story with the backdrop of some of Winston-Salem’s most iconic spots.

December 5, 2024

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Cambridge Wrege

A purple-y lit fountain with holiday light displays in the background.

Events

Walk through a holiday-themed botanical wonderland

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is hosting its “Holidays at the Garden” through Sunday, Dec. 29.

December 5, 2024

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Several people skating around an outdoor ice rink in front of a renovated warehouse building.

City

“A Southern Christmas in Charlotte:" a holiday film, as told by ChatGPT

We asked ChatGPT to write a holiday, Hallmark Channel-inspired plot about Charlotte. It detailed a couple enjoying the holiday season in Uptown, packed with light displays and love.

December 4, 2024

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Charlotte skyline at sunset.

Volunteer

How to observe Giving Tuesday in Charlotte

From donating time to paying it forward, there’s no shortage of ways to lend a helping hand on this Giving Tuesday.

December 2, 2024

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Three people balancing on one leg with their bodies perpendicular to the ground.

Live

Find your zen at these yoga studios in Charlotte

Check out these 14 yoga studios around the Queen City, which offer beginner classes, hot yoga, memberships, and more.

December 2, 2024

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A brick building with the words "Reigning Doughnuts" on the exterior.

Small Business

Shopping small in the Queen City

Charlotte is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.

November 26, 2024

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A stream train adorned with Christmas lights next to a beautifully decorated village with lights.

Events

Tweetsie Christmas brings holidays to the High Country

The annual event kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29 and provides a festive start to the holiday season.

November 25, 2024

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