The 'fisticated life is closer than you think

79. Yuppie it up on a date night at Whole Foods.

Start off with a visit to the wine bar at the back, where, along with whatever cabernet or pinot you fancy, you can order a cheese plate. The best part: The "bartenders" don't accept tips. When the heavy drunk munchies start creeping in, turn around and bask in gourmet-food paradise. Also worth the money if you've got it: the cooking classes. 6610 Fairview Road. 980-213-2400. www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

80. Dance like everyone's watching but no one cares at the Latin American Festival.

The cultural epicenter of SouthPark is undoubtedly Symphony Park. Signature events include the Orchestra Summer Pop series every June, which features the local symphony, and the annual Latin American Festival. Drawing nearly 20,000 visitors at its 23rd annual showing last year, the festival is a colorful display of the Latin cultures that have found a home in Charlotte. Ailen Arreaza, regular CL columnist and wife of festival co-organizer Tony Arreaza, had this tip for properly experiencing the Latin American Festival: "My favorite thing to do at the festival is to get a giant chicharron, a couple of Colombian empanadas, a beer, and sit on the lawn in front of the stage to watch the live music » Continue

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