I didn’t think I’d like Charlotte. Then I fell in love
I love Charlotte, I really do, but I’m going to start off with a big dose of honesty — I didn’t think I would actually like it here.
Why? Because I grew up in Monroe. If you don’t know where that is, you’re not alone. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Charlotte.
Like Charlotte, it’s growing. Unlike Charlotte, its main attraction is Target. Sorry, that sounded way too harsh. I love Target. Monroe is great. There, much better.
Before I left for college, I never really knew Charlotte. I thought I did, but my knowledge of this budding city was limited to Friday night trips to Amelie’s and Smelly Cat to sip on lattes with my friends.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend a few nights at Butter — gone but never forgotten thanks to Facebook memories unfortunately.
Back then we thought we were cool. Key word there is “thought.”
I was so ready to leave. Chapel Hill was calling my name and I was ready to start over. I was excited to meet a ton of new people and have a fresh start. My high school graduating class was small, and of that class, an even smaller handful went to UNC with me. I wanted a new place to call home. Somewhere far away. OK, maybe just 2.5 hours from Charlotte, but still.
Four years passed and I flipped my tassel. My parents rejoiced that I passed Econ and then the job hunt started.
Nope. I’m not applying to jobs in Charlotte. I’m going somewhere bigger and better.
I had preconceived notions about what I thought Charlotte was. For months I searched for my “dream job” somewhere else—anywhere but Charlotte. What I didn’t realize is that Charlotte is my dream place. It’s not boring. It’s far from it. And while I can’t promise I will stay here forever, it’s great right now.
Charlotte is a transplant city. I like to think I’m a halfway transplant in that I’ve always been close by, but now I’m seeing its beauty with a different eye. There’s always something going on and the people here are nothing short of amazing. They’re always willing to grab a cup of coffee (or beer, big surprise there), talk about anything and everything, to introduce you to their world and even accompany you to bingo.
(Sidenote: Yes, I said bingo. This won’t be the last time you see something about that.)
A photo posted by sheadley (@sheadley) on Jun 15, 2016 at 3:33pm PDT
If you’re still lost and trying to find your way in this city, don’t worry. I’m still finding my way, too.
While I’ve learned a lot since coming back to Charlotte, directions are not on that list. I still use my GPS quite a bit even though it hasn’t been updated since 2008. I drive through the forest a lot. I know one way to get somewhere, so if you need directions I’m not your girl.
One thing I do know is Charlotte is yours for the taking and you can find your place here. I work out of a coworking space and have met a lot of people through that — I lucked out on that one. But that’s not the only way to get involved. Put yourself out there! Go to a new restaurant and RSVP to every Facebook event sent your way. Go to events where you don’t know a soul. For me, those events included things like InstabeerupCLT, Charlotte SPJ meetings, Pitch Breakfast, Creative Mornings, Skillpop classes, etc. Just introduce yourself and above all, be “you.”
Yes, Charlotte has wonderful restaurants and bars and coffee shops with damn good macarons, but those things aren’t what make this city awesome. Remember: Charlotte is full of genuinely great people who love this place. You can be one of them.
This post is dedicated to everyone who has made me feel welcome in Charlotte and given me advice. The names are too long to list, but you know who you are. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Are you new too? Let’s be friends. Reach out to me on Twitter (@sarah_headley) or your preferred method of social media. I never say no to Fake Plastic Trees or a Jalapeno Pale Ale…or a PBR Tall Boy…or two.
A version of this story originally appeared on Sarah Headley’s blog.
This story was originally published August 25, 2016 at 12:30 AM with the headline "I didn’t think I’d like Charlotte. Then I fell in love."