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#C5Checklist: 5 things you should do this week – Nov. 14-Nov.18

By Katie Toussaint

(1) Spend some time alone.

If you were at Friday or Saturday’s performance of Charlotte Storytellers’ show SOLO, you walked a few blocks uptown listening to “Alone Path,” a five-minute segment sharing different experiences of being alone, and the fear of being lonely. You were prompted to ponder your own experience of being alone. Are you a worse version of yourself? A weirder version? Are you liberated? Are you lonely?

Get out your phone, put on some earbuds, pick a walking path anywhere in the city on your next break, and listen to this segment at CharlotteStorytellers.com as you stroll.

(2) Get tickets.

Everyone needs something to look forward to. Get tickets for the Nov. 17 screening of “The Hip-Hop Fellow,” the 2014 documentary that follows the 2012-15 tenure of 9th Wonder as a Fellow at Du Bois Institute at Harvard University. Here, he taught and explored hip-hop’s role in academia. Mark Anthony Neal, Duke University Professor of African & African American Studies and English, will also be part of the program. Cost: $20 for general public, $15 for Gantt Center members/students. The program is 6-11 p.m. at The Underground at the AvidXchange Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St.

Tickets are now available for the Nov. 19 Beer Quest, which features 30 breweries and about 70 local, regional and national beers. VIP admission ($90) is noon-5 p.m. and general admission ($50 in advance) is 1-5 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. Oh — and if you’re a designated driver along for the fun (and dealing with your buzzed friends), your ticket is $15.

The Vintage Charlotte Winter Market is popping up for the fifth annual Winter Market Nov. 20, with more than 60 vintage and handmade vendors from the region onsite so you can shop locally for the holidays. Get your fill of refreshments from The Daily Press CLT, King of Pops Charlotte, Hart’s Soda Shop, Bleu Barn Bistro and New Wrap Order. Get $7 early bird entry at 10 a.m. or $2 general admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Fillmore Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St. (Peruse more upcoming markets here.)

(3) Follow your tastebuds.

Expand your wine palate at the monthly Vin Master MegaTasting in South End, which goes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 17. Try 25-30 wines and enjoy special discounts — maybe even take home a bottle from the wine wall (I love the Patience Merlot). $15 per person. Vin Master, 2000 South Blvd., #610.

Or maybe you want something smokier. Barbeque & Badges is Nov. 16 at City Barbeque. The event gives you the chance to (a) eat barbeque and (b) informally socialize and discuss issues with local police officers. Bonus: This event is distraction-free, with devices turned off. Be there from 6-8 p.m. at City Barbeque in Ballantyne, 11212 Providence Road W.

(4) Give your time.

The two-week#GivingTuesdayCLT campaign led by SHARE Charlotte is Nov. 15-29. Nov. 29 is the fifth annual #GivingTuesday, observed by participating organizations around the world. Attend the campaign Kickoff Party at Unknown Brewing Co. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. A $10 donation gets you a custom beer tasting and access to vendors. Or get specific and check out these volunteer options.

You can also give monetary gifts to the nonprofit of your choice. Here’s how it all works.

(5)  Plan your Thanksgiving laziness.

As food writer Kathleen Purvis puts it, “There’s no shame in letting someone else do the cooking on Thanksgiving. I hear from people every year who’ve made it a family tradition.” So consider making a reservation at a restaurant on her list of Charlotte establishments serving Thanksgiving meals.

And be thankful.

Photos: Katie Toussaint, Michael Solender

This story was originally published November 13, 2016 at 8:01 PM with the headline "#C5Checklist: 5 things you should do this week – Nov. 14-Nov.18."

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