Charlotte Celebrates Six Years of Thriving Local Journalism

Celebrating Six Years of Unforgettable Moments in Charlotte

Can you believe it? Charlotte is celebrating a big milestone—six years of dedicated local journalism! That’s right! Back in late 2018, two passionate individuals took a leap into the unknown and launched an alternative weekly publication. Fast forward to today, and it turns out this dream is still alive and kicking, thriving amidst the hustle and bustle of Queen City life!

Reflecting on a Journey Filled with Highs and Lows

Ryan Pitkin, editor-in-chief, has shared that in those early days, there were doubts galore. There was no crystal ball to predict if they could survive beyond the next six months. However, thanks to the community’s support and an insatiable appetite for good, local news, they are now here, not just surviving but thriving. Pitkin has noted that Charlotte is indeed a vibrant city full of stories waiting to be told, and it seems the population agrees!

This past year hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. Charlotte weathered some significant challenges, like the heart-wrenching tragedy involving the loss of four brave police officers and U.S. Marshals in April. We also experienced the wrath of Hurricane Helene, which caused devastation across the western North Carolina mountains, affecting countless lives and businesses. And let’s not forget the tense political climate as the nation stared down the second Trump administration.

Honoring the Best in the Nest

But don’t let these gloomy moments overshadow the fantastic happenings in Charlotte! Each year, the publication rolls out its coveted Best in the Nest issue. This special edition celebrates everything that made the past year a memorable one in our beloved city. Months of effort go into curating this issue, and Ryan admits to burning the midnight oil to ensure it becomes the best yet.

This year’s Best in the Nest isn’t just about throwing awards around; it’s about community spirit! The publication aims to shine a spotlight on businesses, venues, and individuals who are making waves in the world of culture, art, and food. The editorial team emphasizes that their “best” takes are subjective, and there’s a wealth of talent in each corner of the city waiting to be explored.

A Guide to the City’s Hidden Gems

The hope with the Best in the Nest issue is that while diving into the features of the best spots, readers will stumble upon even more unsung heroes in the Charlotte community. After all, it’s not just about finding the winners; it’s about all the fantastic things happening right under our noses!

Ryan couldn’t let this milestone pass without giving a shout-out. He expressed immense gratitude towards his business partner, Justin LaFrancois, and the dedicated team of contributors. Together, they’ve worked tirelessly to not only release the comprehensive Best in the Nest issue but also keep the spirit of local journalism alive and thriving.

Looking Ahead

As we usher in 2025, Ryan and the team are excited for what lies ahead. They are stoked about continuing their mission to bring you the good, the bad, and the utterly fascinating stories from Charlotte. Their belief is firm—there’s a growing interest in authentic local journalism, and they are here to lead the charge!

Here’s to a sensational 2025, Charlotte! May it be filled with more community building, celebration of creativity, and unwavering support for local voices. Cheers to many more years of storytelling!