7 Must-Do Activities in Charlotte This Week

1. Mint Museum Uptown: “Art After Hours”
   Enjoy a peaceful evening exploring world-class art collections and special exhibitions. The Mint often hosts guided tours and creative workshops.
   Mint Museum Uptown Events
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2. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: Summer Blooms & Guided Garden Walks
Stroll through lush gardens, enjoy the summer flowers, and join a docent-led walk to learn about native plants and pollinators.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Events

3. McDowell Nature Center: Guided Nature Hike & Birdwatching
Explore Charlotte’s beautiful green spaces with a naturalist-led hike, perfect for spotting birds and learning about local wildlife.
McDowell Nature Center Events

4. Charlotte Ballet: Open Rehearsal or Studio Tour
Experience the artistry of dance up close with an open rehearsal or a behind-the-scenes studio tour.
Charlotte Ballet Events

5. Levine Museum of the New South: History & Culture Exhibits
Dive into Charlotte’s rich history and diverse culture with interactive exhibits and special programs.
Levine Museum Events

6. Pottery or Art Class at Clayworks
Get creative with a hands-on pottery or ceramics class—no experience needed, just a willingness to try something new.
Clayworks Classes

7. Walking Tour of Historic Fourth Ward
Join a guided walking tour through one of Charlotte’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its Victorian homes and gardens.
Historic Charlotte Tours

Serving the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina area and surrounding counties

Charlotte’s AI sector is rapidly expanding, driven by major investments from companies like Jabil Inc. Planning to create almost 1,200 jobs by 2030, these firms focus on manufacturing and engineering roles to power new AI data centers.

This growth cements Charlotte’s status as an emerging AI technology hub.

For those seeking to break into the field, entry-level positions such as AI Engineer I are accessible. The average salary for these roles in Charlotte is about $80,793, with starting salaries just below that mark. Candidates typically need skills in Python and knowledge of machine learning frameworks to be competitive.

Local employers like Siemens Digital Industries Software are offering opportunities for new talent to collaborate with experienced professionals and gain vital hands-on experience in designing AI solutions.

Charlotte’s thriving AI landscape offers a promising path for those ready to develop in-demand skills and launch rewarding tech careers.

North Carolina is preparing to launch mobile driver's licenses (MDLs) by July 2025, giving residents a digital option for official identification.

Governor Roy Cooper approved House Bill 199 on July 2, 2024, enabling the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to develop and roll out these digital licenses. The new MDLs, available via a secure smartphone app, will hold the same legal standing as traditional plastic licenses.

MDLs are designed for heightened security and everyday convenience. Residents will be able to use them for anything from traffic stops to age verification, while also controlling what personal details they share.

Enrollment in the MDL program is voluntary, with current physical licenses remaining an option. The NCDMV is now working on an implementation strategy covering sign-up procedures and robust security measures.

Locals can look forward to safer, more streamlined identification as North Carolina modernizes its DMV services.

CAREER CORNER: JOB HUNTING IN CHARLOTTE? HERE’S THE SCOOP

Job market’s heating up.

• Atrium Health Careers is hiring everything from admin to tech.
• Amelie’s French Bakery always needs friendly faces for their bakery crew.
• Techie? Red Ventures is calling.
  Update your résumé, refresh your LinkedIn, and go snag a gig that lets you brag about living in the Queen City.