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.

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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A ballet dancer on stage with a snowy background.

Arts

Get to know the performers in Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker

The annual ballet at Belk Theater has provided holiday magic for decades.

November 22, 2024

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A giant inflated Turkey with a purple robe being pulled by a green tractor.

Events

Novant Thanksgiving Eve Parade will draw thousands to Uptown

The annual event showcases Charlotte-area businesses, organizations, and communities during a mile-long parade route along Tryon Street.

November 22, 2024

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A collage photo with Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews on guitar, and Benson Boone.

Events

Headliners announced for 2025 Lovin’ Life Music Festival

Gwen Stefani, Dave Matthews Band, and Benson Boone will take the stage during the three-day festival taking over Uptown May 2-5, 2025.

November 21, 2024

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A row of two-story homes with in front yards.

Development

Housing affordability improving across Charlotte

The Childress Klein Center for Real Estate released the 2024 State of Housing in Charlotte amid a major development milestone being reached at Eastland Yards.

November 20, 2024

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A truck driving through a tunnel of lights with dangling lit snowflakes and three Christmas trees.

Events

Speedway Christmas races into Concord for the holiday season

The annual event at Charlotte Motor Speedway brings millions of lights and holiday cheer to people of all ages around the Charlotte area.

November 20, 2024

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An aerial view of Truist Field in the early evening with people getting on an ice rink.

Events

Uptown to “get lit” for 5th annual Light the Knights Festival

The festive event will bring an outdoor ice rink, snow tubing hill, holiday light display, shopping, and more to Truist Field.

November 18, 2024

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A group of people standing and smiling in front of a large silver art piece outside next to a green banner that reads "For the love of Charlotte."

Education

UNC Charlotte reaches midpoint of $500 million fundraising campaign

“For the Love of Charlotte” is the university’s largest campaign ever + will build a pipeline for young professionals into the Queen City.

November 18, 2024

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An outdoor ice rink in the middle of a baseball field with red fireworks going up.

Sports

Tickets on sale for Uptown’s upcoming collegiate outdoor hockey games

Three of the four scheduled games will take place Nov. 21-23 when six university teams shred the ice at Truist Field.

November 14, 2024

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The exterior of The Dunhill Hotel in daylight.

Tourism and Hospitality

Historic hotel celebrates 95 years in Uptown

The Dunhill Hotel is hosting several events to celebrate its historic standing among a growing landscape.

November 12, 2024

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Charlotte, NC

City

Spend a day riding the Light Rail

Tired of getting stuck in traffic? Charlotte’s light rail lines provide an easy method of public transportation across the city.

November 8, 2024

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A field full of Christmas lights and a giant lit Christmas Tree.

Play

Winter events to enjoy in Charlotte

Make the most of the holiday season with this list of the best local events and activities happening this winter.

November 8, 2024

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A wintry background with snowflakes that reads "CLTtoday's 2024 Gift Guide."

Culture

CLTtoday’s 2024 holiday gift guide: 90+ gifts for everyone on your list

Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.

November 8, 2024

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Sarah Leonhardt

A packed Bank of America stadium with the Uptown skyline in the background.

Sports

Two Duke’s Mayo Classic matchups announced

West Virginia and Virginia will face off in two upcoming Duke’s Mayo Classic games at Bank of America Stadium.

November 6, 2024

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