Last weekend I had the opportunity to hop a plane and let my hair down with my little sistacousingirlfriend in the Queen’s City. I was super excited for this trip because as many times as I’ve been to and thru Charlotte, I’d never REALLY spent much time in the city itself.

We tasted the city, viewed all kinds of sights and I got up close and personal with the Rail Trail which is FABULOUS! (City trail nerd alert 🚨)

I was also stunned to run across this beautiful mural along the trail. I would LOVE to see murals like this featuring local artists and storytellers from Little Rock throughout our trails system.

And speaking of public art, it didn’t stop there at all.

Did I mention that the food was tremendous?

The true highlight of the whole trip (apart from much needed sistacousingirlfriend time) was the Snarky Puppy concert. I love live music and I have wanted to see this band for years. They did not disappoint.

Charlotte, you did not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next time I can come back and kick it just a little bit more.

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.