After my first post on some favorite Charlotte spots, I realized that I unknowingly neglected two gems that Scott and I absolutely love and would have a hard time living without in the Queen City. I’m sure after this post, some other favorite spots will pop back into my brain, but for now I thought I’d share the goods about these two lovely spots. If you’re not from Charlotte, feel free to comment about a favorite spot in your town for others to read about! Share the local love!
1. BlackHawk Hardware. Our one and only, the cream filling to my oreo, the I-can’t-belive-I-forgot-about-them-the-first-time – our beloved Blackhawk. Blackhawk may just seem like any other Ace Hardware store, but it’s so much more than that. Ask any Charlotte local, especially those that have their roots here, and they’ll rave about this little hardware store. Not only does it have everything you could possibly need for home renovations projects, but it also has a huge kitchen/entertaining section, as well as a bath/hardware section that hosts the best selection of hardware and shower curtains in town. No joke. The variety of product, as well as the cost, is the best we’ve found. Although the fresh popcorn when you enter is certainly a favorite of mine, the amazing staff at Blackhawk is our favorite part of this place. When you step into a big box hardware store, it’s difficult to find someone who actually knows what they’re talking about – but not here. Every single staff member can tell you exactly how to fertilize your plants or install a garbage disposal in your kitchen. One employee actually gave us a month-by-month list of what to do to keep our lawn fertilized and healthy all year. No joke. Handwritten too. If that doesn’t scream small town charm, I’m not quite sure what does.
2. Pasta & Provisions. Another absolute favorite spot of ours is Pasta and Provisions. This little pasta shop is tucked away off of Providence road, and we probably would have never known it was there if we hadn’t heard such rave reviews about it. They offer all kinds of homemade pastas, sauces, dips and spreads, as well as cannolis, grilled veggies and fresh meats and cheeses. It’s what I can only image a real Italian butcher shop might be, even though they were playing “Thriller” the last time we went there. Our favorite part about this place is their raviolis. They have at least 20 different options, and they’re the only place in town you can buy sweet potato or jalapeno raviolis. Oh, and they’re delicious. They typically have samples of their homemade spreads and fresh made breads for you to try, and I’ve fallen in love with every wonderful spread I’m taken more than my fair share of. Everything they serve, including the atmosphere, is just awesome. Can you tell I’m a fan?
The hubs is hijacking the laptop this week and heading down to Florida, where I’ll be meeting up with him for some quality time with the in-laws. That being said, I’ll be on a bit of a blog-hiatus until next week. Hope everyone has a great week and even better weekend!
Images yoinked from Blackhawk Hardware and Pasta & Provisions.
And free popcorn at Blackhawk!
I had heard about Blackhawk (although I haven’t had the pleasure of going there when I was in Charlotte.) But how could you hold out on me about Pasta & Provisions? For shame! At least now I know what to request on my next visit.
I never realized you’re in NC! We took a trip there a couple yrs ago and fell in love w/ Charlotte, Asheville & the Outer Banks. I alsoi drank my weight in sweet tea. Ha!
Those black urns @ Blackhawk are calling my name. Also calling my name–carb. What a fun pasta place!