Has spring officially sprung? You'd think so with the 80-degree weather we've experienced this week in the Queen City. But something deep down tells me that the cool nights of winter haven't given up just yet. Especially when I'm scrolling through my timeline and see my N.Y. friends posting pics of snow still coming down, while my weather app warns of a rapid drop in temperatures coming over the weekend. Nevertheless, the excitement of the upcoming summer is hard for me to contain.

Each year I set out to explore new nightlife venues or local adventures, a summertime bucket list if you will. But you know how that goes. Just like New Year's resolutions, they rarely get done. Before I know it, I look up and the summer nights are getting shorter and not even half the items on my summer bucket list are complete.

And while this year and summer I've committed to actually doing things like finding something to do that doesn't involve day drinking or putting my muscles (no need to LOL) to work on the rock climbing wall at the USNWC, I found a much more manageable summer bucket list for #summer2018.

As I walked my familiar route Uptown, I happened to notice new signage right before the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets: Eddie V's. Covered by fencing and signs of construction, I thought to myself, "Yeah, that's new. I wonder if it's open yet." A sucker for good seafood, my mouth started watering thinking about twin lobster tails and lots of butter. That's when the idea came to me. Instead of setting lofty goals that requires me making a commitment to social interaction, I'm going to eat my way through the Queen City this summer.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to keep you looped in on the latest additions to the nightlife scene. But I'm also going to convince the boyfriend to plan regular date night adventures we haven't been on yet. (It won't be that hard to convince him, he loves great food too!)

Here's a preliminary list of places I'm putting on my list:

Kindred: My boyfriend has suggested a couple different times that we spend a day in Davidson. Just a short 40-minute ride from the center of the city (don't even try during rush hour, though), Davidson provides Charlotteans a great option for a day trip. In addition to the fact that it's a small town with a charming disposition, Davidson is also home to Kindred. I've heard excellent things about the menu options at this chef-driven restaurant. I can't wait to try the ravioli but my adventurous heart keeps eyeing the Squid Ink Conchiglie – eek!

Haberdish: We've been saying for months that we were going to go to Haberdish. It's right next door to our Crepe Cellar in NoDa, the first date night spot we ventured to. However, every time we say we're going to set aside a day during the week, something comes up. Known for serving Southern staples like fried chicken, okra and biscuits, I'm interested to find out whether or not Haberdish can hold its own when compared to Mert's or Price's or, dare I say, the Shell gas station. I would be doing them a disservice if I didn't at least try their fried chicken, but I also need to see what's going on with the cast iron NC trout.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood Restaurant: Like I said earlier, I have a ridiculous affinity for seafood. To the point where I'm often extremely critical of popular (read: expensive) seafood spots in the Charlotte area. However, I'm willing to give anything a try. Twin lobster tails and lobster bisque? Sign me up. Take a look at the menu for yourself and tell me seafood lovers won't get excited. Also check the prices ... this is a situation where you might want to split the check.

Zeppelin: Let's be real. Date night always goes right when you combine small plates with handcrafted cocktails. And to my understanding, that's what awaits me at Zeppelin. My boyfriend told me about it first, but we haven't stopped in yet. I took a look at their Instagram and um, yes, I can't wait to give this intimate spot a try. What's going to be on my plate? Well, we usually end up doing quite a few small plates, which fills us up. But I also want to give that dry aged crispy duck a try.

Let's be honest, great food and strong drinks will always facilitate a great nightlife experience in the Queen City. Before you settle for a fast food pregame, grab your hottie and hit a restaurant you've never tried. Want to get in on my bucket list? Follow me on Instagram at @omgclt_ or shoot me an email at backtalk@clclt.com!