In ten days my husband and I are moving out of Plaza Midwood and out to the ‘burbs (Belmont to be exact). While I’m excited about the next chapter, I will definitely miss Midwood. It is the first real “home” I’ve had as an adult and I am proud to claim Midwood as my own. I grew up in a little town that was lovely, but had about as much character as a Super Target. The fact that Midwood has character in spades is definitely one of the reasons I love it. That and all the fantastic food.

When the reality of the fact that I was leaving Midwood set in, I decided that the occasion needed to be celebrated. I devised a plan to hit all of our favorite spots and have an #EpicMidwoodNight that actually spilled over into #EpicMidwoodSaturday. Read on to see where we went and what I am going to miss most about my favorite ‘hood.

Stop #1: Soul Gastrolounge

Soul is a real Midwood gem. It is known for its great cocktail menu and fantastic tapas. The decor is very cool, as is the clientele and the staff. We started the night off there in order beat the Friday night rush. I opted for the Capoeira Backflip cocktail, a concoction made of a bunch of spirits you won’t find at your average pub. Lebion Cachaca, Yellow Chartreuse, Madagascar Vanilla Cordial and Fig Bitters? Yes, Please.

Stop #2: The Diamond

The Diamond has a very interesting (and somewhat dramatic history). No matter your viewpoint on the Penguin vs. Pinky’s vs. Diamond issue, there is no denying that The Diamond does diner food right. Our table of 8 had a great sampling from the menu and everyone left ecstatic (and really full). My fave go-to is a Small Block burger with whatever they have on tap from local breweries.

Stop #3: The Thirsty Beaver

Speaking of interesting histories, the Thristy Beaver has been involved in some conflict of its own. This only added to its character (not that it was lacking in that department). This orange cinderblock building looks unassuming, but it is filled with cheap beer (our tab was $5), a fantastic jukebox, pool tables and really interesting regulars.

Stop #4: Nova’s Bakery

We had to cut our Friday night short due to weather (and due to the fact that I can’t hang like I used to), so we decided to pick up on Saturday morning and continue our farewell tour at Nova’s. Nova’s supplies bread to grocery stores and restaurants all around the Charlotte area. Don’t get me wrong, their bread is delicious (and an excellent gift to bring to as gift for your host), but my favorite thing to get there is the coffee. I also throw in a chocolate chip scone every now and then.

Stop #5: Charlotte Tattoo Company

Midwood is kind of a hot spot when it comes to getting inked. There are three tattoo parlors within walking distance of each other. While this kind of horrified my mother the first time she came to visit, I have always felt like it fit the neighborhood’s vibe. I decided that a true salute to Midwood kind of needed to include a tattoo in reverence of said vibe. Tom at CTC sat down and talked with me for a bit and came up with the perfect idea and sketch. Even though it was a little bit painful (ok really painful), it was worth it.

Stop #6: Sammy’s Deli

I have driven by Sammy’s almost every day since I moved to Midwood in 2010 and had never gone in. Well, that has been a mistake. Sammy’s gets how breakfast should be done on Saturday morning: quick, hot, tasty. There is a reason this place has a crowd on weekdays at 6 am.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend and I feel like a fitting end to our time in this little corner of Charlotte. If you ever want to get the Midwood experience, these places will give you just that. Tiffany and I are also taking suggestions on where another Epic Neighborhood Night should happen, so let us know if your ‘hood is worthy!

For some quick video highlights of the weekend checkout the post on Storehouse!