96. Kick ass in a gaming tournament at Save Point Video Games.
Any Charlotte gamer worth his or her salt knows this hidden gem PWNs the local market. Owner Wilder Hamm offers "knowledge without attitude" at this strip-mall shop packed to the gills with retro games and systems, arcade-style machines for 25 cents a play, and regular tourneys for those with a serious case of the TBTs. Prices are cut at or below market norms and Hamm's staff is more than willing to special order the rare game or accessory customers can't find during a visit. If your A-B-up-down-left-right's getting itchy, Save Point's most popular ongoing event is the monthly Super Smash Brothers tournament. 8640 University City Blvd. Suite A9. 704-548-0777. www.savepointvideogames.com.
97. Visit the Common Market of University — that is, The Wine Vault.
Not hidden, but a gem in its own right. Calling it the Common Market of UCity really doesn't do either place justice, but there are parallels — top-notch wine and beer selections (and great cheese); knowledgeable, friendly staff; and an ever-present owner happy to share recommendations. The best thing about the Vault, though, is its namesake — an under-explored basement cellar with ample yet intimate seating (plus private bins you can rent to store your own wine). The folks there also coordinate monthly dinners with area restaurants and have weekly wine tastings on Wednesday. Go on, get vaulted. 9009 J.M. Keynes Drive. 704-548-9463. www.headwino.com.
98. Be about that vegan/vegetarian life at ZiZi's Awesome Vegan 2 Go.
East-side veggies and vegans always rave about Bean, but ZiZi's on Tryon was the first place in town to sate the growing market for all things veg, GF and raw. It's mastered faux meat and with a fury: We're talkin' vegan chicken parm, Philly cheese steaks, even vegan General Tso's. Your best bet is to place orders a little ahead of time, though delivery service is also noteworthy. The menu rotates, so pay attention: When the fish and chips comes up, you'll know who to call. 7945 N. Tryon St., Suite 110. 704-595-9170. www.awesomevegan2go.com.
99. Get the last word in at The Last Word.
Uni is also host to Charlotte's only used bookstore with a buy-back policy. (That's right, THEY PAY YOU for used books. The exchange rate's more than reasonable and TLW offers both cash and store credit.) Besides books, the shop's packed with vinyl, DVDs, video games and VHS throwbacks. Bucket list best: Come in on a Friday to drop off your books, grab a free coffee and browse while the staff sifts through your collection. Or, if you're hungry, get lunch someplace nearby: TLW gives a 10 percent discount for neighbor receipts. BONUS x2. 230 East W.T. Harris Blvd. 704-966-9673. www.thelastwordcharlotte.com
100. Get lost on the greenway.
With the Mallard Creek, Clark's Creek, the Ruth B. Shaw trail and Toby Creek sections combined, the greenway's longest section has nigh 20 miles of getaway to explore. As seasonal foliage ramps up, you'll smell nothing but honeysuckle for large swaths of the journey. With multiple entry/exit points around UNC Charlotte's campus, Mallard Creek Church and Mallard Creek roads, this may be the best place in the city to come and forget that you live in one. Expert advice: Plan to make the Kirk Farm Fields trailhead your halfway point — it's got the only water fountain for miles.
101. See where back-porch country music is alive and well at Puckett's Farm Equipment.
We may be pushing the land boundaries on this one, but you haven't lived till you've hit up this little-known honky-tonk. Owner Greg Puckett, who sold farming equipment out back of the joint, now plays host at the Charlotte bar most likely to win Best Pompadour any night of the week. Regulars don rockabilly gear and drive in classic cars to hear bluegrass, country and more — but the weekend to go is the annual Cash Bash, a Pabst-sponsored dedication to the Man in Black. 2740 W. Sugar Creek Road. 704-597-8230. www.puckettsfarm.com.
