67. Have a cheap beer with Homeland's Brody and Carrie. Sort of.
Every neighborhood has its own dive bar, even Northlake. Have a beer and shoot a game of pool at T's Fat Parrot. It's a member's only club of sorts that you can check out as a guest. Amenities include cornhole, darts and the locals. It also made a brief cameo appearance in Homeland. Don't let that scene fool you — the folks here are not nearly as rough. 5416 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road. 704-394-7002.
68. Go back in time at Streetside Classics.
In the market for a new set of wheels? Instead of buying something right off the line, check out the classic cars — perhaps a 1956 Chevy, a 1980 Pontiac or a 1939 Ford? — at Streetside Classics. Sure, a modern ride may get better gas mileage, but there's nothing like getting behind the wheel of a classic car, hearing the muscle behind the engine and paying respect to the time and sweat someone put into restoring one of these beauties. 5400 West W.T. Harris Blvd. 866-542-8392. www.streetsideclassics.com.
69. Taste your own death in East Coast Wings' Insanity Challenge.
Think you have a stomach of steel? Are your lips missing an intense burning sensation? Want to see your name on the "Wall of Flame"? You know it's going to get serious when you are issued a pair of surgical gloves and made to sign a waiver — all for one chicken wing with a punch of over 2 million Scoville units (a habañero pepper is 150,000). Take the Insanity Wing Challenge at East Coast Wings, if you dare. 9711 Northlake Centre Pkwy. 704-494-4174. www.eastcoastwings.com.
70. Pay respect to an old friend by visiting H&M at Northlake, which used to be the location for book retailer Borders.
It's only recently that H&M madness has descended upon Charlotte. Head to Northlake Mall and see what all the fuss is about. You can also have a moment of silence for Borders, which formerly occupied that space near the food court. 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. 855-466-7467.
71. Go treasure hunting at the International Collectibles and Antiques Roadshow.
Once a month, the International Collectibles and Antiques Roadshow is held at the Metrolina Expo, offering antique collectors and shoppers the chance to look through home décor, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, vintage items and more. Or save up for the Spring Spectacular and Fall Extravaganza Shows. Who knows what treasure awaits? 7100 Statesville Road. 704-596-4650. www.metrolinatradeshowexpo.com.
