Like many New Yorkers who swore they’d never leave, I, too, fell victim to The Great Migration South. One minute I was speed-walking through crowded sidewalks and justifying my overpriced smoothie (Casey, you could have just made this at home….), the next I was sipping sweet tea on a sunny patio overlooking a peaceful park. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first—could Charlotte really give me the same energy, the same buzz, the same vibe as NYC? Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. And that’s exactly why I love it.

Charlotte is a city where wellness isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. People actually slow down here. They move with intention, they make eye contact (gasp), and they balance green juice with a good cocktail. As someone who thrives on routine but also loves a little spontaneity, I’ve built a day that blends the best of both worlds. Here’s how I spend a perfect wellness-filled day in my new Southern home.

8:00 AM – Coffee & Connection at Undercurrent

Mornings in Charlotte feel different—less frantic, more thoughtful. Instead of speed-walking to a corner bodega for a drip coffee, I head to Undercurrent Coffee in Plaza Midwood, where I can sit outside and take in the southern air instead of breathing in whatever’s coming from the subway grate. Their matcha is smooth, their vibes are immaculate, and it’s the perfect place to journal, people-watch, and remind myself why moving south was actually a genius idea.

9:30 AM – Flowing at FlowCorps Pilates 

Matching set? Check. Matching socks? If you know me, then never. Glass water bottle? Cute but don’t drop it (again). During the pandemic, I was a big fan of at-home pilates and I swore I would never return to a studio – that was until I was introduced to FlowCorps. This class is incredible – your legs are trembling, your core is on fire and the energy is unmatched. Plus, the playlist is ALWAYS on point! This is a must-visit while in Charlotte. Your abs & a** will thank you later!

11:00 AM – Post-Workout Recovery at Sauna Culture 

In New York, wellness recovery meant an overpriced infrared sauna squeezed into a tiny wellness studio. In Charlotte? Sauna Culture has multiple cold plunges, an authentic Finnish sauna and a community that will have you leaving feeling rejuvenated – physically & spiritually. A quick cold plunge wakes me up (because let’s be real, that pilates class nearly took me out), and I leave feeling like I can conquer the world—or at least the rest of my to-do list.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Kid Cashew

Plant-based eating in Charlotte is next-level, and Kid Cashew is no exception. They have a whole second menu dedicated to creative & delicious vegan options – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate businesses who put thought into this instead of just offering another garden salad with balsamic dressing (hard pass). Some of their standout offerings are their “caesar” salad with avocado and artichokes, butterless brussel sprouts and their wood-fire portobello gyro.

2:00 PM – Creative Work Session at Not Just Coffee

I used to think I could only be productive with the constant hustle of New York around me. Turns out, I do some of my best work in a cozy, sunlit café like Not Just Coffee in Atherton Mill. I settle in with my laptop and an herbal tea (I want another coffee but if I drink it after noon, ill never sleep) working on my wellness blog and mapping out branding strategies for upcoming projects. The best part? I don’t have to fight anyone for a seat. 

5:00 PM – Sunset Walk at Freedom Park

The biggest flex Charlotte has over NYC? Space. Instead of dodging tourists in Central Park, I get to walk the trails at Freedom Park, soaking in the golden hour light and breathing in the southern air (fun fact – it stays brighter here later than NY, even on December 21st). I listen to a podcast (probably The Toast or Skinny Confidential Him & Her) and let my mind wander.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Drinks at Idlewild

Here’s the thing about wellness—it’s all about balance. So, while I love my morning coffee and green juice, I also love a night out at a restaurant with a romantic, sultry vibe. Idlewild is my go-to spot for both. The drinks are thoughtful (even the mocktails are 10/10), the crowd is cool but not pretentious, and it’s the perfect place to wrap up the day with good company and deep conversation.

10:00 PM – Wind Down & Reflect

Back home, ginger tea in hand & Hu Chocolate in the other, I reflect on how much my routine—and my mindset—has shifted since leaving New York. Charlotte has taught me that wellness doesn’t have to be go-go-go all the time. It can be intentional, balanced, and, most importantly, fun.

So, to my fellow New Yorkers still on the fence about making the move: Come on down. The coffee is great, the rent won’t make you cry, and there’s a whole city waiting to help you slow down, breathe, and maybe—just maybe—put down the hustle for a bit.