Charlotte is a better city than Raleigh — and has the best bakery. Proof: Southern Living.
Take that, Raleigh.
Any day we get to say that is a good day. And on this day, we in Charlotte present to you proof, via Southern Living. The publication that knows the South has released its “The South’s Best 2023” guide.
Included in the guide:
- The South’s Best Cities 2023: Charlotte swoops in at No. 11. Sorry Raleigh, you’re way behind at No. 12. Better luck next year.
- The best bakery in North Carolina: That would be Charlotte-based Amelie’s French Bakery & Café. Not Raleigh-based anything.
Why Charlotte is the best
When ranking its cities, Southern Living touted Charlotte’s food scene (Shoutout to Leah & Louise, which has also been named to best restaurant lists by Esquire and the New York Times), and the city’s parks, concerts and museums.
We guess Raleigh has some nice things, too — the magazine mentioned restaurants Brewery Bhavana, Poole’s Diner, Boulted Bread and Gallo Pelón. Those are good, just not quite No. 11 good, apparently.
In case you’re wondering, Charleston, South Carolina, got the No. 1 spot this year. We suppose it’s pretty great, too.
Don’t miss the full list — all jokes aside, it’s a bookmarkable roundup of Southern cities for your spring and summer travel plans.
Why Amelie’s is the best
“The macaron selection has reached rainbow proportions, and those croissants can still invade your dreams,” Charlotte Observer alum Kathleen Purvis says about Amelie’s French Bakery & Café.
Purvis also shouted out the soups and sandwiches at the bakery known for its French, artistic vibes. Its tarts, cakes, blondies and, of course, the famous salted caramel brownie also make her list of reasons why Amelie’s is the best bakery in North Carolina.
My personal favorite: A build-your-own breakfast sandwich with egg and cheddar on a croissant, the Spinach Asparagus Leek soup and basically anything on the coffee or dessert menus.
What else is the best in North Carolina?
Southern Living also shouted out the following:
- Blowing Rock — as the perfect mountain town escape;
- Highland Brewing — as the best brewery in North Carolina.
